BA|47

cut and paste

2010-07-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

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.

If you're still reading this, I love you.

2008-06-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

No Age Episode of Juan's Basement

2008-04-22T12:23:00.001-07:00

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

Pitchfork.tv Arrives on the Web

2008-04-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

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.

SXSW Wrap Up

2008-03-24T16:23:00.003-07:00

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:

"Under Construction"

2008-03-24T16:23:00.001-07:00

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...'

Recap: SXSW 3.12.08

2008-03-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Recap: SXSW Tuesday 3.11.08

2008-03-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

Another SXSW was upon us, and although it was only Tuesday, it didn't mean there wasn't some great parties.

My night began watching Portugal. The Man play outside at Emo's. I have to admit, these guys were far from being at the top of my list of bands to see this year, but it proved to be a good enough way to kick of the festivities.

Shortly after visiting Emo's, I got a tip that I should visit Red Eyed Fly where Austin's own psychedelic rock group Lions was about to take the stage. These guys rocked everyone on the back porch, and I apologize for not having better photos to show off here, but the lighting was bad. And sometimes even those who report have to stand back, enjoy a cold Lone Star, and enjoy themselves. So, give me a break.

And last, but certainly not least, I returned to Emo's to catch Austin trio White Denim. There's been a lot of buzz surrounding these guys lately, and it's easy to see why.

SXSW Events for Tuesday, 3.11.08

2008-03-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

By tomorrow evening, SXSW's music events will be in full swing. So here are three of tomorrow's events that get BA|47's underhanded stamp of approval:

City on Fire/Little Radio Present: Art Disaster @ Beauty Bar
7 p.m. - 2 a.m.
FREE - RSVP HERE

Sixth Street Showdown @ Emo's
5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
FREE

Todd P Presents @ Ms. Bea's
FREE - More Info

Team Robespierre 9:30 pm
Telepathe 9 pm
Juiceboxxx 8:30 pm
Soiled Mattress and the Springs 8 pm
Ninjasonik 7:30 pm
Best Fwends 7 pm
Video Hippos 6:30 pm
Paper Rad 6 pm

Videos: Justice @ Stubb's, Austin, TX 03.03.08

2008-03-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

Photos: Justice @ Stubb's, Austin, TX, 03.03.08

2008-03-04T15:00:00.001-08:00

SXSW Preview Extravaganza

2008-02-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

----------------------

Vice Saves Texas
@ The Longbranch Inn

The Cops
Fucked Up
More TBA

----------------------

Urban Outfitters Party
@ Urban Outfitters
(2406 Guadalupe)
(FREE)

Port O'Brien (noon)
Le Loup (1pm)
Bodies of Water (2pm)
Two Gallants (3pm)
MGMT (4pm)

----------------------

Lamar Pedestrian Bridge
(after 2 a.m.)

Fucked Up
No Age
Brutal Knights

----------------------

Saturday, March 15

Okay Mountain Presents Asthmatic Kitty and Friends
@ Okay Mountain Gallery
(1312 E. Cesar Chavez, Ste. B at Navasota)

Grampall Jookabox (2pm)
Smoke Detector (2:45pm)
Son Lux (3:15pm)
Cryptacize (4pm)
{{{Sunset}}} (4:45pm)

----------------------

Todd P/Free Agency/Silent Barn Showcase
@ Mowhawk
(912 Red River St)

Outside Stage:

Matt and Kim
High Places
Abe Vigoda
Ponytail
Pig Out
Team Robespierre

Inside Stage:

Dan Deacon
Ecstatic Sunshine
These are Powers
Best Friends Forever
Woods
Foreign Islands

----------------------

8bitpeoples Showcase
@ Molotov Lounge
719 W. 6th St

Anamanaguchi
Aonami
Bit Shifter
Mark DeNardo & Graffiti Monsters
Bud Melvin
Nullsleep
Tristan Perich
Receptors
Tree Wave

----------------------

Graveface Records Showcase
@ Thirsty Nickel

Dreamend
Laura Gibson
Kid Dakota
Experimental Aircraft
Power Pill Fist

----------------------

Urban Outfitters Party
@ Urban Outfitters
(2406 Guadalupe)
(FREE)

Sian Alice Group (noon)
Blood on the Wall (1pm)
Plants and Animals (3pm)

----------------------

S.A.F. Records + Mushpot Records Party
@ 219 West
(219 W. 4th St.)
(Doors @ 11:30 a.m.)
(FREE)

Please Quiet Ourselves (noon)
Laromlab (12:45pm)
Sholi (1:30pm)
Junius (2:15pm)
Die! Die! Die! (3pm)
The Slits (3:45pm)

----------------------

Strategies of Beauty v 2.0
@ Chain Drive
(504 Willow St.)
(FREE)

Daniel Francis Doyle
Jetscreamer
The Zanzibar Snails
Benko
Shiny Around the Edges
Headdress

----------------------

Sunday, March 16

Panache Day Party
@ Beerland

An Albatross
The Apes
Finally Punk
Best Fwends
When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth
Mika Miko
The Mae Shi
The Show is the Rainbow
CPC Gangbangs
Monotonix

----------------------

Radar Recordings SXSW Finale Party
@ Red 7
(Two Stages)
(FREE)

Stage One:

Russian Circles
Coliseum
Tera Melos
Maps & Atlases
Caspian
Battlefields
Lymbyc System
The Coma Recovery
The Grasshopper Lies Heavy

Stage Two:

Constants
Genghis Tron
Consider The Source
Junius
Look Mexico
Seneca
Vitals
This Will Destroy You
Adai

----------------------

I advise you to get plenty of rest before making the trip to Austin this year.

See you out there.

Black Mountain, Bon Iver Do All Songs Considered

2008-02-19T16:08:00.000-08:00

Jagjaguwar's Black Mountain and Bon Iver are set for their live performance from the Rock and Roll Hotel. The show will be featured on npr.org.

Listen in tonight around 9 p.m. ET.

New Music Video: Justice - Phantom II

2008-02-15T09:52:00.001-08:00

French duo Justice has released their latest music video for the song Phantom II.

Both Phantom I and II are among my favorite tracks off the album, and the new music video is quite a shift from that of their mega debut of D.A.N.C.E.

The video features dance moves of the elderly (better than my own), a birthday cake, and a sort of glam Felix the Cat clock, and well, I won't try to explain any more. Watch and talk amongst yourselves:

The wait is almost over.

2008-02-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

Music fans worldwide are beginning to catch a whiff of what's to come next month during SXSW, and it smells divine -- minus the stench of fermented sweat, deodorant, Natural American Spirit cigarettes, Red Bull and cheap booze.

Last year was my first chance to visit the musical mecca during the festival, and as it came to an end, I began my countdown to March 12, 2008. Much like that feeling you get when you begin seeing Christmas decorations being sold in October, my plans for SXSW began just as soon as the ringing in my ears had subsided.

This year's SXSW already holds the promise of several veteran musical favorites as well as a multitude of new and emerging artists.

The problem this year is the same as every year: how to make the most of your time in Austin, and be able to see as many bands as you can possibly see. So, in the weeks leading up to the festival, I will be doing my best to organize information about artists and showcases that are worth your time.

Of course, during the festival, I will be schlepping across downtown Austin with my trusty bag of all the tools necessary to bring the best of SXSW to you.

Disclaimer: in my equation, sleep is a luxury for this year's event, and knowing where you'll sleep each night is just downright pretentious. So, get rested, get hydrated, and be ready to raise your alcohol tolerance, because SXSW is just around the corner.

Preview: Man Man - Top Drawer (MP3)

2008-02-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

Proving that they've only just begun to tap into their creativity reserves, Man Man released a track off of their upcoming album, Rabbit Habits, today.

The much-anticipated upcoming album from Man Man, Rabbit Habits, isn't due until April 8, but the boys are already demanding early attention, and they deserve it.

The band is also scheduled to perform at the ATP vs. Pitchfork Festival which will take place May 9 - May 11.

Man Man - Top Drawer
Related Video: Daytripping With Man Man

Isaac Brock: New Modest Mouse EP Under Way

2008-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

Isaac Brock and his Modest band mates show no signs of slowing down after their 2007 release We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. The band is scheduled to begin its mega tour with R.E.M. and The National in May, and in the current issue of Rolling Stone, Brock hinted at a new EP being in progress.

"My big priority is to finish up this Modest Mouse EP," Brock said. Rolling Stone reports the EP will highlight "repolished outtakes from Modest Mouse's last two discs," including "The Whale Song," "Satellite Skin," and another collaboration with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who first collided with Modest Mouse while playing horns for the album Good News for People Who Love Bad News.

Modest Mouse tour dates w/ The National and R.E.M.:

05-23 Vancouver, British Columbia - Deer Lake Park
05-29 Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
05-31 Berkeley, CA - The Greek Theatre
06-03 Denver, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
06-06 Chicago, IL - United Center
06-08 Toronto, Ontario - Molson Amphitheatre
06-10 Raleigh, North Carolina - Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
06-11 Washington, DC - Merriweather Post Pavilion
06-13 Boston, MA - Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
06-14 Long Island, NY - Jones Beach Theater
06-18 Philadelphia, PA - Mann Center for the Performing Arts
06-19 New York, NY - TBA
06-21 Atlanta, GA - Lakewood Amphitheatre

Rachel Ray Invites Battles to play SxSW Showcase

2008-01-31T15:55:00.000-08:00

In one of the more "WTF?" moments in music history, it appears that the rumors are true. Food Network star and syndicated television host Rachel Ray has asked Battles to join her at Austin's SxSW for a showcase they're calling "FEEDBACK Showcase...a feast of hot bands and tasty foods."

Unfortunately, Battles won't be participating in the SXSW festivities this year, but in a somewhat even more surprising move, Rachel Ray has invited Canadian Lo-Fi group Holy Fuck to join her as well.

Pitchfork reports that the party will take place on Saturday, March 15 from 12pm to 6 pm possibly at Beauty Bar.

Being the skeptic that I am, I'm anticipating an early April Fool's declaration on the media, but until then, look forward to hearing a great performance over a meal that hopefully takes longer than 30 minutes to create.

See a copy of the Watch Entertainment press release here.

Zooey Deschanel + M. Ward = She & Him

2008-01-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

Much has already been mentioned about the anticipated collaboration of actress/vocalist Zooey Deschanel teaming up with Portland troubadour M. Ward to form She & Him.

With reports on every segment of the blogosphere as well as the more notable music news outlets including a darling photo gracing the cover of the upcoming edition of Under the Radar Magazine, the duo is set to release Volume I of their documented alliance on March 18 on Merge Records.

Ward and Deschanel even have tour dates already posted, albeit there's only two of them so far (March 2 @ Noise Pop, San Francisco and March 14 @ SxSW, Austin, TX), but it's quality not quantity of tour dates that will make this twosome's live performance a knockdown sell-out at any venue in the country.

Many are naming this among the most anticipated albums of 2008, and you won't find me being the first to disagree. Critics may say that it's a shameless mix up of star power to replace ingenuity, but they are most assuredly wrong.

From what we've heard so far on Myspace and YouTube there seems to be enough quality to match the hype. At the very least, the pairing should be a much better decision than Deschanel's to co-star in Failure to Launch, but I digress...

Last week, Pitchfork reported the track listing for Volume I:

01 Sentimental Heart
02 Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
03 This Is Not a Test
04 Change Is Hard
05 I Thought I Saw Your Face Today
06 Take It Back
07 I Was Made for You
08 You Really Got a Hold on Me (Miracles cover)
09 Black Hole
10 Got Me
11 I Should Have Known Better (Beatles cover)

This is a developing story, so check back for updates.

...Music Video? - Now That My TV Has Wings I'll Never Be Lonely (Unsigned, 2007)

2008-01-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

Tuscon, Arizona's ...Music Video?, a.k.a. Paul Jenkins, has a few tricks up his sleeves. He's one of those special artists that have the ability to envision noise as being a part of the overall concept which he blends seamlessly into his music which sounds like a fusion of electronic glitches, symphonic bliss, and boyish wonder.

Having made a name for himself in the Arizona scene by earning the award for "best electronic act" at the Tuscon Weekly Tammies three consecutive years (2005-2007), Jenkins released his most recent LP, Now That My TV Has Wings I'll Never Be Lonely, in October 2007.

The album begins with "Ellipsis," a 40 second track that seems to highlight a rising action rather than an introduction as it bleeds into "Tonight," the second song on the album where listeners hear Jenkins' longing lyrics delivered with subtlety and minimal moments of anguish.

By the first stanza of the third track, "Another Random Tragedy," allusions to Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips are instantly formed. Musically, ...Music Video often resembles M83 or an up tempo Radiohead. Throughout the album, Jenkins' voice ranges from airy whimpering to confident shouting while never overpowering the busy well-produced instrumentation.

On his Myspace page, Jenkins jokes that he "is convinced that ...mv? could become the next big thing if he could only get one of his songs featured in Zach Braff's next movie." However, such drastic measures may not be necessary.

...Music Video has shared the stage with Dan Deacon, Enon, Dat Politics, and Small Sins just to name a few. This March, Jenkins is scheduled to play four performances during SxSW in Austin, TX.

...Music Video? on Myspace
...Music Video? Web site
Video: "You're Not In Love"

Arcade Fire's Win Butler Joins Obama Express

2008-01-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

If you show moderate attention to national news and politics, you probably have a good picture of the current status of the race to The Whitehouse. The GOP front runner is constantly fluctuating with each passing primary as each candidate continues to place the proverbial "kick me" sign on one another's backsides, and on the Democratic side only two names seem to remain: Senators Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton.

Obama has had the luxury of being propelled by a mass of celebrities from virtually every social circle in the country. Of course, there's Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Rob Reiner, Will Smith, Common, Ben Affleck, and Charles Barkley, just to name a few, although if you ask me, Sir Charles Barkley's backing may be one that Obama should avoid.

The Junior Senator from Illinois has amassed so many celebrity supporters that the web site draftobama.org has dedicated a page to listing each one along with quotes from each celebrity about their feelings of endearment toward Senator Obama, and today Arcade Fire's Win Butler can be added to the list.

Butler, who was far from reluctant to express political and social ideas on his most recent album Neon Bible, recently took time to express his feelings about the current political climate on his blog (aka Win's Scrapbook) located on the band's web site. He also went out of his way to colorfully explain reasons why he won't be backing Senator Hilary Clinton.

Butler writes:
"I am watching Hillary Clinton in her victory speech in New Hampshire...they just threw a bunch of college kids behind her, and had her talk about student loans, and had her daughter come out for a long awkward hug...does anyone actually buy it?"
Read More...

Wherever you stand on political issues, this race is proving to be a heated one, and if you listen to the info-taining 24-hour news outlets, you may believe it's the first one our country has witnessed in the past century. Nevertheless, if you want my opinion, I think it's beneficial for our country, and namely those of my generation of young voters to be exposed to such a wild race and thus forced to make informed opinions about the issues that we care about most. It's the least we should ask for from our democracy.

Review: Johnathan Rice - Further North (Reprise Records, 2007)

2008-01-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

There are a few things that instantly make singer-songwriter Johnathan Rice my arch nemesis by definition: he can play guitar and sing simultaneously, he's a handsome, talented actor, he has a full head of hair, and most importantly, he's dating Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley, who so happens to be my future wife in my delusional world where I spend every morning cooking her breakfast while she sings me sultry love songs. So, when I picked up his latest album Further North, I was quickly looking for ways to bring Mr. Rice down a notch or two, but would I be successful in my mission?

Further North begins with the sound of a tripping Polaroid camera followed by steady percussion and a wailing pedal steel on 'We're All Stuck Out in the Desert,' the first single off of the album. The song tells its story through a stream-of-consciousness which conjures up snapshot images of road trips through the American Southwest while hinting at the dangers of suburbanization, corruption and the conflicts between industrialized society and nature--themes which also arise throughout the album on various tracks such as 'Further North,' and 'The Ballad of King Coyote.' The video for the single features Wynona Rider, porn star Faye Runnaway, and members of Rilo Kiley.

Although Rice has a strong message in his lyrics, he seems to know his limitations as a songwriter. This is no more evident than on the title track 'Further North.' Rice sings: But you don't wanna hear 'bout that from me, I know, I know my place and God knows I don't belong singing a worthless freedom song. It's all a waste of time.

Jenny Lewis, Rice's better half, appears frequently on the album playing keyboard and also lending her voice on a few tracks. The most obvious instance of Lewis' presence on the album is the infectiously lonesome-pop breakup song 'End of the Affair,' in which Rice and Lewis harmonize and trade arguments in an enjoyable pattern of call-and-response.

There are several strong moments throughout the album that become more contagious with each listen. 'The Middle of the Road' is a nostalgic bittersweet love song in which Rice seems to channel a modern Bob Dylan or David Bazan of Pedro the Lion by using various stimulating metaphors to describe the history of a relationship.

Rice follows in the tradition of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan singing Americana anthems of love, and the inequalities of life with an accessible, more youthful folkloric approach. Further North reveals Rice as a perceptive songwriter with a sly sense of humor that many listeners will find refreshingly easy to relate to.

Try as I may, I can't name Rice 'Enemy Number 1' in my mind just yet--not as long as he's making songs like those found on Further North, but he's still a home wrecker in my world of fantasy.

Related:

Watch While You Wait

2008-01-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, and I'm going to assume that you are, you're anxiously anticipating some new music fresh out of the year 2008.

In times like these I often find myself wishing that I had a special remote that could control the universe so that I could speed the process of time, but then I recall the lessons learned from the blockbuster comedy Click. Thank you Adam Sandler, without your film I could have destroyed the universe by now with the sole purpose in mind of being able to hear new music.

Well, while you try to find ways to pass the time, you should watch these videos from artists Xiu Xiu and Vampire Weekend, both have albums set to be released January 29, 2008.

Both videos are bound to hold your ever-wandering attention for at least five minutes.

Sidenote: Xiu Xiu's album is available in streaming audio format on their Myspace.

Video: Vampire Weekend - 'A-Punk'

Video: Xiu Xiu - 'I do what i want, when I want'

M.I.A. discusses album, tour issues, cultural divide, roots

2008-01-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

British/Sri Lankan vocalist M.I.A. recently sat down with World Cafe's David Dye to discuss the process of creating Kala, her 2007 hit release. Read more and listen...

Set list:

Hussel
Bamboo Banga
Paper Planes

Beirut: KEXP Interview and Performance

2008-01-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

On October 3, 2007, Zach Condon and fellow band mates crowded into Engine Studios in Chicago, IL for interviews and a live in-studio performance. The session was recently released on January 3, 2008.
Read more and hear the performance...

Set list:

Nantes
A Sunday Smile
Cocek
Forks and Knives (La Fete)
Cherbourg
The Penalty

2007 in Summation

2007-12-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

I can recall being on Christmas break last year around this time when I started to put together the best albums of 2006, and although there were many releases by several great bands, I just wasn't all that impressed with the quality of most of them. Well, this too has passed.

At risk of sounding trite, 2007 was a great year for new music. This year saw sound releases by veteran favorites as well as new arrivals by artists whose innovation were beyond noteworthy. Of course there were several disappointments, but like any great sports team, sometimes bands and artists go through a period of rebuilding and redefinition which are as worthy of documentation as are their great successes. So without further ado, here are what I, as just one man, view to be the best albums of 2007.

Oh, and I also feel compelled to say the following:
This list is not in any particular order or ranking, although I must say that the first three albums listed are either the top three of 2007 or very close to it. My apologies to those of you who will find this loose unranked system to be unnerving.

Animal Collective
– Strawberry Jam

Noah Lennox (Panda Bear) experienced a great year if we’re judging on creativity alone. Both Lennox’s solo album Person Pitch as well as Animal Collective’s Strawberry Jam found their ways to the top of the great music list in 2007.

It’s hard to characterize an album like Strawberry Jam. I remember when the station I was working for in the fall first started playing ‘Peacebone,’ the leadoff track of the album. I would hear from people who praised it and people who had to take their headphones off each time it came into rotation.

The title of the album is a great depiction of the sounds that resonate from each track: sticky, thick, fluid, crunchy, bitter, tangy, sweet and loaded with sugary sounds that rush straight to the head. If Strawberry Jams was a painting, it would look similar to a Jackson Pollock piece but with more texture and maybe a little bit of blood. The key elements of the album are folk infused with noise and intelligent psychedelic waning. The sounds coming from this album are so dense and yet so minimal in composure that it’s downright impossible to resist.

Watch the music video for 'Fireworks.'

M.I.A.

- Kala

In 2006, Maya Arulpragasam, aka M.I.A., traveled through a number of countries (Japan, India, The U.S. and Trinidad just to name a few) while creating her 2007 release. The album fuses hip hop with reggae and tribal noise to create something worthy of critic acclaim.

With songs such as 'Paper Planes' and '20 dollar,' M.I.A. creates an innovative contagious rhythmic sound while never shying away from scattered political messages throughout her music. Not only was she the mastermind behind the music, Arulpragasam also co-produced the album and provided the artwork and photography as well.

Kala and Arular, M.I.A.'s first full length album have been well received in many social circles, even the pop scene. If this is the future or pop music, then count me in.

M.I.A. - Paper Planes

Panda Bear
-Person Pitch

As already stated, Noah Lennox (Panda Bear) helped to create two masterful albums in 2007.

In his third album release, Person Pitch, Lennox shows off his production skills matched with his echoing vocals and amazing loop progression. It's hard to listen to Lennox's voice and not wonder what Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys would think if he heard this album. It's very possible he may feel regretful for not continuing his trade, but Lennox means no disrespect to the traditional sunny sounds that The Beach Boys pioneered. Instead, Panda Bear has created a sound that transcends many traditional genres, and still maintains his own style.

Person Pitch is an introspective album, and therefore is not one that can be understood by listening to it at a party or by hearing 30 second samples. It demands several things from its listeners: time, patience, effort, a creative mind and a good set of headphones.

Panda Bear - Bros

Dan Deacon
- Spiderman of the Rings

Baltimore native Dan Deacon just wants to have fun.

He has released a number of albums and worked with several projects, but his latest 'Spiderman of the Rings' is his most fun and most focused work to date. Deacon makes this absolutely clear beginning with 'Woody Woodpecker,' the leadoff track on the album begins with a demented jack-in-the-box melody and quickly transforms into several layers of Woody Woodpecker laughter, synth notes and electronic ear-bleeding drums. By track two, 'Crystal Cat,' listeners should be well out of their seats and driven into hysterical bliss as they try to follow the scattered notes and out of control drum lines.

Some songs come off as overwhelming as each layer is slapped onto each other, but if listeners have the patience and the nerve to make it through the entire album, they should ultimately feel rewarded.

Dan Deacon - Crystal Cat

Marnie Stern
- In Advance of the Broken Arm

Early this year, Marnie Stern released her debut album, In Advance of the Broken Arm. When I first listened to the album, I was prepping myself before going to her performance at a local venue. The first thing that struck me about what I heard was the face melting guitar riffs and the unconventional percussion.

When I found out that the legendary Zach Hill (of Hella) was playing drums for Stern's trio, I have to admit that I was anticipating watching him play than anyone else that night. As the band took the stage and began to play, I lost focus of Hill's drums and was quickly entranced by the rhythm of Stern's guitar as I watched her fingers sprint up and down the fret with precision.

In person, Marnie Stern is a jovial and entertaining performer who brings new meaning to the phrase "blonde bombshell." On the album, she is the voice and fingers behind an electrifying whirlwind of noise and a refreshing addition to new music in 2007.

Marnie Stern - Every Single Line Means Something
Music Video for 'Every Single Line Means Something'

Radiohead
- In Rainbows

Radiohead's newest album In Rainbows probably received more pre-release press than any album this year. That's because Thom Yorke and his band made the decision to produce and distribute the album on their own while releasing the album at a price which was left to the discretion of each buyer; in other words, listeners could essentially pay nothing for a full digital download of the new album if they felt so inclined.

In 2003, lead vocalist Thom Yorke told TIME "I like the people at our record company," in reference to the band's former label EMI, "but the time is at hand when you have to ask why anyone needs one. And, yes, it probably would give us some perverse pleasure to say 'F___ you' to this decaying business model." In a sense, that's what Radiohead has done, and with a great reception from fans and critics alike, but only time will tell if the band's experimental business model will succeed economically.

The album is more closely related to their third album OK Computer, and if one needed more proof of this, the band included the first studio recorded version of their song Nude which debuted during the OK Computer era while the band was on tour. Musically, In Rainbows represents a culmination and catharsis of the ideas of alienation and the organic delivery displayed throughout past releases by the group.

Radiohead on Myspace

Arcade Fire
- Neon Bible

Faced with the enormous task of answering the mass hysteria caused by their debut album Funeral, Canadian group Arcade Fire took no precautions in tossing their newest album in the faces of those who said they were one album wonders.

The question isn't what Neon Bible is about, the better question is 'what isn't Neon Bible about?' The album gushes with mental imagery likened to a futuristic Orwellian society, when in reality it is a documentation of modern society with graphic detail. In 'Black Mirror,' the first track on the album, co-founder Win Butler speaks the lines "I know when the time is coming. All the words will lose their meaning," and the song ends with repetition of the song's title, black mirror, which is a type of mirror used by landscape artists to see things the way they really are. The album dives head first into religious and political struggles, death, the afterlife, fear, televangelism and war. While arguably not as much of an easy listen as its predecessor, Neon Bible earns its stripes for being bold, honest and picturesque through a landscape of instrumentation and sound.

Blogotheque music video: Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Les Savy Fav
- Let's Stay Friends

When fans witness their favorite bands go on a hiatus, they tend to assume that this means the band is breaking up. In 2005, Les Savy Fav went on hiatus, and fans everywhere groaned at the thought of not hearing the band's abrasive post-punk sound again. This year the band returned with their most approachable, and their best album to date.

Music video: Les Savy Fav - Patty Lee

Modest Mouse
- We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

Over the years, fans of the Issaquah, WA band have seen roster changes as well as several reinventions of the band's sound. If one was to retrace the steps taken by Modest Mouse from their days at Up Records with the minimalistic sounds of their album Sad Sappy Sucker (which was recorded around 1995, but wasn't ever released until 2001) to the music being made by the group under their current label, Epic records, it's astonishing to see how far Isaac Brock and his band mates have come.

We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank was the first chance listeners got to hear whether or not the acquisition of former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr was a good decision and not one critic raised their hand in disapproval. Many long-time fans saw their previous album Good News for People Who Love Bad News to be overproduced and undershot, with some exceptions. We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank brought a more mature mouse sound, and the band continued to graduate their sound on tour, playing to sold-out audiences across the globe. There are still moments of pure pop on their newest release, but the album seems to have more traces of the common themes held by the band in their early stages with Brock's cackling on songs like 'People as Places' and 'March into the Sea' which instantly bring to mind the band's Moon and Antarctica days. Then there's songs like 'Spitting Venom' which begins with a steady acoustic guitar as Brock sings the lines "you were talking soda pop, you talk it quite a lot, the opinions that I do not give and the opinions I ain't got," which is instantly reminiscent of their song 'White Lies Yellow Teeth' which appeared much earlier in the band's history around the time of their release Everywhere and His Nasty Parlor Tricks. The Album is full of examples of the band mixing their roots with new production and instrumentation while pleasing both new and veteran fans alike without fail.

Dinosaur Jr.
- Beyond

After disbanding and reappearing, Dinosaur Jr. returned with their latest album, Beyond, this year. The album really encompasses what the band has been doing for so many years. It has a nostalgic feel to it, because transformation has never been a goal for the band, and since they have such a faithful following, there's nothing wrong with sticking to the basics.

Of Montreal
- Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?

Kevin Barnes' music has gone through several transformations, but has remained as a songwriter who bares his open heart to his listeners. In their latest concept album, Of Montreal show listeners a twisted bubblegum glam sound that revolves around references to prescription antidepressants, fashion, sex and pop culture.

Of Montreal - A Sentence of Sorts in Kongsvinger

Okkervil River
- The Stage Names

Two years after their first release, Austin natives Okkervil River continue to gain increasing acclamation. With their latest release, the band confronts the issues of stardom and fandom by shining light on the disconnect between the two. Lead singer Will Sheff's subtle, sometimes whimpering, voice leaks over each track with ease. With each new album, Okkervil River has been able to achieve a fresh sound while not making drastic stylistic or roster changes.

Beirut
- The Flying Club Cup

Along with the album, Beirut launched their website www.theflyingclubcup.com where videos created for each track of the album (minus the 20 sec intro track) by The Take Away Shows and La Blogotheque. The videos are enjoyable on their own, and they are an impressive companion to the album.

Battles
- Mirrored

Battles found themselves in the spotlight of 2007 when the band finally found its rhythm by maturing its approach to the group's very distinct percussion-driven sound. Many noticeable changes heard on their newest release can be attributed to the band's effort to add more electronic sounds and technology which all come together on the album to form an appealing sound that separates Battles from the endless array math rock artists.

Spoon
- Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Spoon came through this year with a very creative release. Although long-time fans of the group will still embrace the band's adherence to their indie-rock-pop sound, the band will no doubt earn the group new fans as well. Spoon stayed consistent to their roots, yet still created something that sounds fresh and not overcooked.

Justice
- †
Justice made 2007 the year of the D.A.N.C.E. Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, chief collaborators of the duo create a fuzzy synth symphony of samples full of hisses, sparks and fades. Cross is an outrageously enjoyable album for solo or group dance parties from start to finish.

Music Video: Justice - D.A.N.C.E

Marla Hansen
- Wedding Day

Listeners may recognize Marla Hansen for playing her viola while accompanying Sufjan Stevens' repertoire. During the past year, Hansen joined the roster at Standard Recording, a record label based in Indianapolis.

Hansen released her first solo EP in September of this year. Guests on the album include Rob Moose and Sufjan Stevens. Wedding Day is a very quiet, unassuming album. As a whole, it's no album of the year, but it shows promise of better things to come. Keep an eye out for Marla Hansen in years to come.

Blogotheque video of 'New Zealand.'

Sunset Rubdown
- Random Spirit Lover

We Are Wolves
- Total Magique

The National
- Boxer

The Black Lips
- Good Bad Not Evil

Deerhoof
- Friend Opportunity

Other memorable albums from 2007:

Pinback
- Autumn of the Seraphs

Broken Social Scene Presents
-Kevin Drew 'Spirit if...'

Electrelane
- No Shouts No Calls

Music Video: Electrelane - 'To The East'

The Avett Brothers
-Emotionalism

Ola Podrida
- Self Titled

Ola Podrida on Myspace

The Octopus Project
- Hello, Avalanche

"The ticket is a record, baby!"; 'Veni Vidi Vici' Music Video

2007-12-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Atlanta's psych rockers The Black Lips have released a new single, but unless you live near Atlanta or plan on being at Whirlyball Atlanta in Roswell, Ga on January 19, you will probably never own it.

The new single appears on a compilation which is only available at Criminal Records in Atlanta, and the 7" just so happens to be the ticket to getting into their show with fellow Georgia bands Gentleman Jesse and His Men, The Baby Shakes, and Coffin Bound.

For more information on The Black Lips, go to Pitchfork Media, where you can also hear the Diplo remix of their song "Veni Vidi Vici."

In related news, The Black Lips just finished their music video for 'Veni Vidi Vici.'
Check it out:

"w00t" named Merriam-Webster's word of 2007

2007-12-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

The online, and more specifically the gaming community, has its own subculture. This subculture for the most part uses the common languages that we use in the "real world," with the exception of what is called 1337 (or leet) speak. This language is a hybrid of numbers and letters that gamers use to communicate and sound "kewl" (I know, kewl was SO 1997).

So, when it came time for Merriam-Webster to choose their word of the year, they chose to give this 1337-speak some recognition by announcing that "w00t" (that's w-zero-zero-t) would be the word of 2007.

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary Online, the word "w00t" can be defined as follows:

1. w00t (interjection)

expressing joy (it could be after a triumph, or for no reason at all); similar in use to the word "yay" w00t! I won the contest!

Merriam-Webster also said that the word is derived from an acronym meaning "We Owned the Other Team!"

Now, you may laugh and think this is one more piece of evidence linking our society to the pits of hell, or you may see it for what it really is. This is yet another way in which our society is embracing the subculture of online and media phenomenons as a part of its own.

The word "facebook" was the runner-up for 2007's word of the year. The language used by "computer geeks" (which is quickly becoming a term that could describe almost everyone in our society) has even spawned its own dictionary which can be seen on NetLingo.com, which is sort of an Urban Dictionary for nerds. Even words such as "blog" and "podcast" have been inducted into the Associated Press Stylebook as legitimate words.

Back in 2006, Merriam-Webster's adopted word of the year was "truthiness," a word which my spellcheck function has no recollection of, and was no doubt sparked by the Colbert craze of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report. This of course provides more evidence that the internet and media have formed a subculture which is steadily blurring the lines of legitimacy.

Merriam-Webster Online's word of the year receives its award by a voting process among its users. It's worth noting that according to Merriam-Webster Online, the selected word is not officially a part of the regular Merriam-Webster dictionary yet, "but its inclusion in our online Open Dictionary, along with the top honors it's now been awarded—might just improve its chances."

So, don't expect to see the word "w00t" on the front page of the New York Times anytime soon, but don't be afraid to embrace it and shout it when you pwn your opponent with your monster skillz either.

W00t!

New track from Beach House's "Devotion"

2007-12-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Beach House's new album Devotion is set to be released in February, 2008.

Fortunately, Grizzly Bear, whose recent album found its way to many critics' best of 2007 lists, has posted a track from the upcoming album on its blog.

Listen:

Beach House - Gila

Wilco to play "complete" series in Chicago

2007-12-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

Wilco recently announced a five show series at Chicago's Rivera Theatre to begin their tour in February.

Front man Jeff Tweedy said that the five performances will attempt to journey through the complete anthology of the band's work.

It's an interesting idea, and one that will surely see sold-out crowds in the band's hometown, but I'm skeptical as to whether or not they will be able to complete their lofty mission.

For more information, see Pitchfork Media.

Beirut Flying Club Cup Videos

2007-12-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

This post is late--very late, but please don't pass judgment on me as I have been trying to graduate all semester and my blogging responsibilities have fallen behind.

Zach Condon may be young and look even younger, but he's been honing his trade since at least the age of 15. This year, Condon, front man of the folk group Beirut, released The Flying Club Cup as a follow-up album to Lon Gisland.

Along with the release of the new album, Beirut launched a website dedicated to streaming videos for each track off of the new album. Videos were filmed by La Blogotheque and The Take Away Shows.

Each video was shot live, so there is no lip syncing, just pure wonderful noise. They are worth viewing (and reviewing). A dvd of the videos is also available for purchase on the website.

The Flying Club Cup

Something to look forward to

2007-12-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Sometime in between graduation and the end of the year, I will be posting my list of the most noteworthy albums to hit the racks in 2007 and maybe even some albums to watch for in 2008.

It's a lengthy list, so bring your reading glasses.

While we're on the subject. I'm curious as to what some of your favorite albums were this year.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Celebrates 25th Anniversary

2007-12-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Wait, so he's really not white?

All jokes and speculation about his more recent personal decisions aside, Michael Jackson made some of the best pop music of all time.

He truly was the king of pop...until Justin Timberlake captured the throne by modernizing Jackson's style and sound.

My First Podcast

2007-11-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

After 8 hours in the basement studio of the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech, I have completed what was for me a stressful yet fruitful experiment.

I came to my professor a few weeks ago and made the case for the need of podcasts within our department since there is an undeniable trend toward that format for news and information. My podcast proposal was loosely based on one of my favorite nationally syndicated radio shows, This American Life.

I don't have much of an introduction for this so I will just sit back and allow you to listen. Feedback is appreciated and encouraged as always.

P.S. I know that I need a lot of work on my "conversational tone," but it's a work in progress, as is my life.

This Red Raider Life, Episode: Dorm Life

If you are new to the idea of podcasting, take the following steps to listen:

right click the link
click "copy link location"
open iTunes
click "advanced"
click "open stream"
paste the link location into the form
click OK, and wait for the podcast to load

Songs in this episode (listed in order of appearance):

El Ten Eleven - My Only Swerving
Man Man - Feathers
Modest Mouse - Paper Thin Walls
Tapes 'n Tapes - Crazy Eights
The Octopus Project - The Adjustor
Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose - Treat Her Like a Lady
Fats Domino - Ain't that a Shame
James Brown - That's Life

Flaming Lips Announce New Year's Eve Plans

2007-11-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wayne Coyne and his psychedelic pals have enjoyed one hell of a year.

They played monster widely-acclaimed shows at Bonnaroo and Diversafest, had an alley named after them in Oklahoma City, released the DVD of their zoo performance, threw possibly the greatest Halloween bash of all time and now to end the year, The Flaming Lips have announced their New Year's Eve bash will be held in Oklahoma City.

Playing in support of the New Year's Eve bash will be Norman, Oklahoma's own Stardeath and White Dwarfs who also opened for the band at Diversafest, and the lead singer, Dennis Coyne also happens to be the nephew of Wayne Coyne.

I challenge anyone to think of a better way to celebrate the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008.

Flaming Lips on Myspace.

The New Amsterdams - At the Foot of My Rival (Elmar/Curb Appeal, 2007)

2007-11-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Its been only one year since Lawrence, Kansas' The New Amsterdams released their fifth album, Story Like a Scar, and now they've come up with something that is more than a simple sixth release.

On September, 25, 2007, the group, fronted by Matthew Pryor (formerly of The Get Up Kids), have released what many are calling their best work to date.

At the Foot of My Rival is the first album to be released on their own label in collaboration with Curb Appeal Records, Elmar, named after Pryor's son, Elliott Marshall.

The album maintains many of the same themes which date back to the days of The Get Up Kids, but with an alt-country twist as the band uses more acoustic guitars, clicking drum rhythms, soft harmonies, and even harmonicas.

Back in the day, die-hard fans of The Get Up Kids were confused, even angry, at the new level of songwriting Pryor was trying to achieve. Its possible that Pryor may have foreseen the oncoming mass marketing of the "emo" scene he had helped to pioneer, and he quickly turned away in disgust. But it took some time before he mastered his new songwriting skills. That being said,"emo" in the days of The Get Up Kids meant something completely different than it does today, as the term now bears the negative stigma almost equal to that of boy bands in the late 90s, only more self-destructive and with a false perception of rebelliousness.

While Pryor no longer uses the distortion pedals he once clung to, his new sound is more mature and refined with the added quality of his introspective songwriting talent and conversational tone. At the Foot of My Rival has qualities that people of all ages can grow to respect and love because of its musical composition and lingering lyrics. The album proves that Pryor knows what he's doing, no longer how many years it takes, and even when his fans may disagree. Proof that passion trumps popularity any way you cut it.

More information:

The New Amsterdams on Myspace

Justice "plays" Jimmy Kimmel Show

2007-10-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this late last night, but I think it's a re-run from an October 10 show, either way, I love watching Justice "play" their music.

It's a strange world, but I'm not complaining.

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (video)

Californication Season Finale (Caution: somewhat of a spoiler)

2007-10-29T19:59:00.001-07:00

If you haven't been paying attention to the new trio of programs on the Showtime network, perhaps now would be a good time to call a friend who gets it and ask them to use their Tivo.

This season, Showtime had the great idea of deciding to air their new Californication immediately after new episodes of their hit show Weeds. During this, Californication saw increased viewership and was able to hold onto 90% of it's lead-in audience tuning in after Weeds. Which, might I add, is the way that I got into watching the show as well.

This Season, viewers got their first look at Hank Moody (David Duchovny), a successful self-loathing writer who is trying to make sense of his life in the dramady, Californication. Hank goes in-and-out of one-night stands, and has no problems in luring the opposite sex, but the one he wants is the one who got away, Karen(Natascha McElhone) his ex wife and mother of his daughter. As it appears, the death of Hank and Karen's relationship was due to Hank's insatiable cynicism and other traits commonly held by novelists.

Throughout the first season, we watched as Hank wrote a book, try to prove himself to Karen and to his daughter, helped his agent try to land one of his "clients," and had sex with a fan of his novels, who actually turned out to be the daughter of Karen's new fiance, as the plot thickens.

Each episode revealed new schemes, but all of them revolve around Hank's desire to make amends with Karen to try to stop her from marrying a man who is clearly wrong for her. They clearly share a love/hate relationship as in one episode, Karen and Hank sleep together, which reminds Hank of his mistakes and the important things he stands to lose. His daughter, Becca, is a mature unconventional best friend to Hank who listens to Eagles of Death

Metal and wears vintage metal t-shirts. To quote the showtime bio, "unlike her mother, Becca understands her father and truly accepts him for who he is. The women come and go, but Hank's heart truly belongs to his daughter."

I cannot go into enough plot details in order to give you the full picture during the first season, but that being said, this show is real, and it is great. I went into watching Californication with remembrances of past season finales from other Showtime shows. Take for example Weeds, in which every episode leaves viewers with questions which may or may not be answered in the following episode, or throughout the entire season at all.

So, with that as a prologue, I was wary of how the season finale of Californication would unfold. During the episode, Becca, who is now living with Hank, has her first period while the two of them after getting dressed for Karen's wedding. Fisticuffs ensue in the corner store as Hank fights a woman and her husband over a box of tampons for his daughter, after which the woman's husband says something that is very summarizing of Hank's feelings for Karen, "I'm sorry, it's just when it comes to the woman that I love, I don't think, I just act."

Enter the pre-wedding scene as Hank enters the room where Karen is standing in her wedding gown and says to him that things weren't suppose to be this way, the things that have happened weren't supposed to happen. To which he tells her "All of those things, they happened, what happens next is up to you." To which Karen says there is no way she could cancel the wedding on the wedding day. So, this left viewers thinking, well then, nothing to see here, just another sad story that ends tragically. But wait.

After the wedding, details of which I will refrain from discussing, Karen and Hank dance together and are interrupted by Karen's new husband, and Hank takes his daughter and continues to exit the wedding.

As Hank and Becca close the doors of his randown Porsche and start the ignition, Karen comes running from behind in her wedding gown yelling for Hank to wait. Karen jumps in the back of the Porsche and says "I'm sorry, just drive!" and the three of them drive off as the season ends...on a good, if not great note.

So, the question on most viewers' minds is undoubtedly "now what?!"

Showtime has decided to renew Californication for a second season. "The decision was made shortly after the series premiered to critical and public success," according to TV Squad.

What will the future hold for Hank, Karen and Becca? That's something only the writers know, and we will have to wait until next summer to find out.

Follow Up: Fox News' Brian Wilson Visits Texas Tech

2007-10-27T17:41:00.001-07:00

On Friday, October 26, Brian Wilson visited Texas Tech University and spoke with members of our Multiplatform Media class.

Now, first of all, let me clear of some misrepresentations that I made in the previous post referring to Wilson's visit. I had several people speak to me, some of which basically told me to "give 'em hell!," and others who told me that they were ashamed that I had such a liberal point of view as to try to draw a correlation between Fox News and the GOP. I disagree with both of these ideas, but I believe that these responses form a clear an apt analogy for the current state of modern media. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Wilson's visit.

I am a journalist, and real journalists are passionate about the ever-changing climate of their profession. Journalists ask questions, tough ones. When they want to get to the bottom of a topic, they don't ask questions like "what's your favorite kind of food," etc. They ask the questions that their audience would ask if they had the opportunity. So, in no way was I condemning Fox News, this is not my job, my job is to report, period.

After being introduced by Dr. Randy Reddick as the Brian Wilson who never was a member of The Beach Boys, Mr. Wilson conducted a frank, informal Q&A session with students in which he was jovial and was only interrupted twice, once by a phone call from his mother and another time by the office of Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Topics discussed included news gathering techniques, building sources for beat reporting, his response to the Outfoxed film, and some of Wilson's "war stories" from his long career as a journalist.

Wilson began by responding to the film Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. He said that he wanted to be clear that the film has many factual errors and he views it as propaganda, not a documentary. Wilson cited examples of problems with sources in the film. He noted that in listening to these sources, one must understand that as former employees of Fox News, they have an agenda as well.

"The thing that bothers me most, is that with any journalistic endeavor, one of the basic things you have to do is you have to try to get both sides of the story," Wilson said. "(And) the producers of this program, which I want to point out is funded by a very politically active organization who has an agenda, and I don't think they are entitled to their agenda, they paid the money for it, the producers of the movie, the directors of the movie, they never came to Fox. So, when you look at Outfoxed, the first thing you have to understand is it's not journalism. At the very best, it has to be looked at as a one sided story...Now, in truth, I don't know that we would have felt that we had a fighting chance, and we might have chosen not to do the interview, but we never got the chance to make the decision."

"I don't consider this journalism...I call this, in my estimation it is propaganda."

Wilson noted that much was made of the former Fox employees who were used as sources for the film. He said that in the environment of journalism, you are dealing with human beings, of which some do well and others don't prevail. Wilson said that in his business this is called not having your contract renewed.

"It's a hard thing, especially with people in television, they have very large egos. So, they think it must be something else, and there is one reporter (in Outfoxed) that falls under that category."

Wilson also said that the film represents other sources as if they worked at Fox News, but actually never worked one day at Fox News Channel.

After addressing the Outfoxed film, Mr. Wilson went on to share information about sources, all of which was important and inspiring, but I will spare you the details because I doubt many of you share the same passion for journalism that I do.

Now, I have friends and family members that, even to this day, will say to me, 'Oh, you're in journalism, my favorite journalist is Bill O'Reilly,' or 'I really like how that Sean Hannity reports the news.' As a journalist, I think that I die a little bit inside every time I hear this, because neither of these people are journalists, and the same goes for other commentators on other 24 hour news networks. Mr. Wilson acknowledged that the shows that appear on Fox News after the Fox Report are not news-based and are not meant to be viewed that way. To explain, I will use Mr. Wilson's analogy.

Wilson picked up a copy of the campus paper, The Daily Toreador, he showed us the first three pages, noting that all of the information on those pages were straight news. Then, he flipped to the opinions section, and said "is this news?" Of course it's not, but it is clearly labeled as opinion.

Wilson said he thinks that a lot of the accusations that Fox News faces would be cleared if the network would simply tell their viewers that after the Fox Report, the network shifts from straight news to commentators and opinions. I agree, and this has always been my problem with FNC--not so much that they allow primetime for opinion-based segments, but that they do not clearly label these shows as strictly opinion. So, if people try to cast blame on Fox News, they should note that an equal amount of blame should be put on those viewers who are unable to distinguish news from opinion.

News is news, and from that news we as viewers are supposed to have enough wit to determine where we stand on a specific issue. This is our responsibility, and if we shy away from it, then we are to blame.

Fox News' Brian Wilson to visit Texas Tech

2007-10-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 26, Vice-President and Bureau Chief for Washington, D.C. at Fox News, Brian Wilson, will be visiting my Multiplatform Media class in response to the documentary Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (Click Here for clips of the film).

Two years ago, in my Principles of Journalism course, professor Robert Wernsman showed us the film which attempts to expose the common notion that Fox News Channel is aligned with the Republican Party and the current presidential administration.

In response to this, Mr. Wilson has chosen to visit Texas Tech. He will be fielding questions regarding news gathering techniques at FNC, and most likely attempting to squash notions of the network's ties to the GOP. I will be using an audio recorder to document what Wilson has to say, which is where you come in.

If you could ask any question to the authorities at Fox News Channel, what would you inquire?

This is not a hypothetical question. You can respond through commenting to this post with possible questions, and I will ask Brian Wilson to get his take on the issues that we all want to know about. For example, I would like to ask him the following:

How do you respond to claims that your organization uses GOP talking points in your broadcasts?

If your organization really wants to dispel any notion of alignment with the Republican Party, why do you continue to allow pundits such as Ann Coulter and Sean Hannity to provide political analysis?

Do you expect your viewers to assume that such shows as The O'Reilly Factor, Hannity and Colmes, and The Beltway Boys are news-based rather than a pulpit for pundits to give their personal opinions?

Those are just a few that are currently rattling around in my head, so I ask that you give me more ideas.

I will follow up after our October 26 meeting, so stay tuned.

Sunset Rubdown, "Random Spirit Lover" (Jagjaguwar, October 9, 2007)

2007-10-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a confession to make. Shortly after beginning to post on BA|47, I became disgusted with music, the very topic that this site is dedicated to covering. I'm sure other music fans can relate with me on this, so hear me out.

You know those times, those periods when you feel like you've simply heard all there is to offer; that "everything's been done" mentality? I have been and am currently suffering from that notion, and I don't enjoy it.

2007 has seen a lot of releases from noteworthy bands, and most of them have been acceptable, even good, but not enough to give me that special tingle--and we all know that the tingle means that it's working. So, I sit and I wait, I search through emusic and myspace and pitchforkmedia, reading reviews, tour schedules, new additions--waiting, looking, searching, hoping for someone to wander off the beaten path and make an album that will evoke strange emotions and assault my every sense.

Maybe it was out of desperation, but when I first listened Sunset Rubdown's newest album, Random Spirit Lover, I smiled. A part of me was able to exhale as I murmured to myself "everything is going to be OK." Now, I'm not saying that this album is ranked among the likes of Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Flaming Lips' Soft Bulletin, The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, or Elliott Smith's Either/Or, I'm simply saying that this album is a shift in a different direction as compared to other recent releases...baby steps.

Random Spirit Lover is the third release from Sunset Rubdown. Their last release Shut Up I am Dreaming was released in December of 2006. So, seeing as they have released another album in less than a year came as a surprise, but this album is even better than their last.

Listeners should recognize the eerie yet calm (think Arcade Fire's Win Butler meets Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse) voice of lead singer Spencer Krug of the band Wolf Parade and formerly of Frog Eyes. In fact, after Wolf Parade was signed to Sub Pop Records with the help of Isaac Brock, Sunset Rubdown began as an outlet for Krug's solo project, but 3 LPs later, it has grown into an outfit of equal and perhaps greater magnitude.

I'm not going to act as if it's the kind of album you can pick up at Best Buy, pop into your car stereo and instantly fall in love with. This is one you'll want to save for your home stereo when you've got no distractions and an open mind. Random Spirit Lover came right in time for Halloween. It's a fantastic concept album that employs several sounds that go bump in the night. But whereas other bands try to assault their listener with screaming or dark dreadful "we're going no where fast" messages, this album plays like a parody of the book of Revelations, full of metaphors and eerily sung lyrics while subtly reminding the listener that they are mere bystanders to the ensuing mayhem. The real revelation though, is that raw ingenuity in music is not dead.

Listen to Songs from Random Spirit Lover:
(Right-click to download)
The Mending of the Gown
Up On Your Leopard, Upon The End of Your Feral Days
Winged/Wicked Things
The Courtesan has Sung

Recap: Rilo Kiley at the Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX

2007-10-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw Rilo Kiley was in Tennessee in June of 2005. I had listened to their past releases but wasn't drawn in until watching the band as they allured their audience. Naturally, it was one member in particular that caught my eye, frontwoman Jenny Lewis. With her shimmering red hair and nonchalant happy-go-lucky movements, she captivated my span of attention and the rest of the audience's as well.

It was in September of 2005 that I got the chance to see the group perform again at the annual Austin City Limits Festival. I brought my friends whose primary interest was to see Wilco that evening, but knew little about Rilo Kiley. They too were infatuated with the band, regardless of the unbearable heat that has become synonymous with ACL Fest.

Enter October, 2007. After driving 7 hours from Lubbock to Tyler and riding 2 hours in a Jetta with new found friends, we arrived at the charming Palladium Ballroom. The first band to take the stage was Grand Ole Party, a threesome easily comparable to Yeah Yeah Yeahs led by Kristin Gundred on drums and lead vocals. Next up was a delightful duo from LA, The Bird and The Bee, led by the spunky Inara George on guitar and vocals, supported by producer and keyboardist Greg Kurstin (of Geggy Tah). The Bird and The Bee's set was marred by technical difficulties with their dubs, but it gave the audience a chance to get to know the entertaining Inara George as she put on a makeshift stand-up comedy set while stagehands raced around trying to fix the sound problems.

Then came the time for the band that everyone had paid $20 + a rediculous $12 processing fee (thanks Ticketmaster) to see. Members of Rilo Kiley joined by Orenda Fink (of Azure Ray) and Kristen Gundred (of Grand Ole Party) took to the stage amongst the chanting of the audience members. The show went on, and on, to the audience's delight.

The band played a mixture of songs from their newest release Under The Blacklight as well as several favorites from past efforts. Midway through the set, guitarist and vocalist Blake Sennett whipped out an acoustic guitar and played "Ripchord" as he has done the past three times I've seen the band play. After "Ripchord," Jenny Lewis joined Sennett for an intimate rendition of "With Arms Outstretched" (video).

Overall the setlist in particular didn't surprise me, but the band pulled no punches when it came to delivery. The addition of Orenda Fink and Kristen Gundred over the course of this year's tour has proved to be a wise decision and one that makes the group sound stronger and more mature holistically.

This year's release of Under The Blacklight had long-time Rilo Kiley fans scratching their heads and tapping their feet with its strong use of electronic sound and upbeat disco rhythm, which caused me to wonder what songs from the album would sound like when performed live, but they proved to be very enjoyable. Bottom line: if you even vaguely enjoy Rilo Kiley's albums or just know of them from hearing their songs played on a nighttime drama like Grey's Anatomy or The O.C., you owe it to yourself to witness this band live. They have a chemistry that is simply impossible to ignore.

Videos from the show:

With Arms Outstretched
A Better Son/Daughter

Images and video by Trevor Keel.
Photo 1 taken June, 2005, Manchester, TN.
Photos 2-5 taken October 6, 2007.

Front and Center: Rilo Kiley videos are here.

2007-10-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Post-concert analysis, or lack thereof coming soon, but for now, here's the lovely Jenny Lewis and friends playing some fan favorites at The Palladium Ballroom in Dallas on Saturday, October 6, 2007. I proposed to Jenny Lewis that night, but in an attempt to keep readership up, I will postpone her answer for a later post.

Linkage to footage:

"With Arms Outstretched"
"A Better Son/Daughter"

I apologize for the tall lanky fellow with the bushy hair who was blocking my shot throughout the entirety of the show.

Journalists I Admire -- Part 1

2007-10-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Journalists are narcissists who are consumed with themselves, their image, their job, and their audience (usually in that order). Being the infatuated journalist that I am, I have decided to start a series of profiles on journalists who are worthy of public admiration. Also, I hope to start a series on journalists, or faux journalists, who do not deserve one iota of respect or adherence to their political pundit mumbojumbo.

Mika Brzezinski is a co-anchor on MSNBC's Morning Joe along with Former Florida Congressman Joe Scarborough and Willie Geist, who often provides comic relief during various MSNBC programming. But it was Brzezinski who decided not to lead the top news stories of the day with a story about Paris Hilton during her legal debacle. After threatening to burn her news prompt sheet, she gained my respect.

She's also someone I wouldn't object to having a love affair with. Maybe I will start a series of journalists who fall under that category as well, although the list would be very short.

Watch Video:
Mika Brzezinski Says No to Paris

I'm watching you...

2007-09-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Kind of eerie, isn't it?

I use this utility called Google Analytics to track visitor loyalty to BA|47. This can tell me anything--usually more than I really want to know. For example, it will tell me the location of visitors to my site, how users found the site, their screen resolution capabilities, what browser they are using, connection speeds, operating systems, the list goes on and on. I still haven't learned every aspect of this utility, but I use it just to monitor how many hits I receive on BA|47.

Here are a few screen shots that showcase what this little puppy can do:

Pretty cool if you're a nerd like myself.

Oh, and to the person who is visiting my site using Dialup, how about you join the rest of us in the 21st Century?

That'd be great.

-Tk

BA|47 Playlist #1

2007-09-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I took a trip back to the town of my birth, Tyler, TX. Over the span of 14 hours spent on the road collectively I chose a few songs to post for the first playlist, and here they are.

Download/listen to them fast because the server they are located on only allows me to use a certain amount of space. Enjoy.

Pinback - Walters
Devo - Gut Feeling (Slap your Mammy)
The Beach Boys - Do it Again
M.I.A. - 20 Dollar
Wolf Parade - Modern World
Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

Man Man News

2007-09-26T22:22:00.001-07:00

Man Man Announce Fall Tour Dates,
Mastering 3rd Album

Tour Dates
Man Man in the Studio - Video (Source: Pitchfork Media)
Man Man - Spider Cider - Video (YouTube)

Programming note:
Downloadable playlists are coming.
Check back soon.
-Tk

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew "Spirit If..." (Arts&Crafts, 2007)

2007-09-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Seemingly from the point of its creation, the roster of musicians in Broken Social Scene has consisted of an ever-evolving list of talented musicians from various areas, but the recent release of Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew: Spirit If... is sure to be an eye-catcher and have BSS fans scratching their heads.

It was in 1999 that Drew and Brendan Canning recorded the first album, Feel Good Lost, and within eight years, the group has grown from a duo to a 19-tet, or 19-io, or -uo, or...something.

Spirit If... is technically a solo album, but plays more like a continuation of Broken Social Scene efforts. The album is only the first in a series to be released by the group in which each album will focus on the talents of Broken Social Scene members. It is a collection of tracks Drew wrote over a period of some two years. Arts & Crafts stated in a press release that "The record unfolds like an emotional comic book. It's Drew's song-writing and all his favourite topics are addressed: fucking, fighting, fearing and hope. FFFH." It's an interesting concept and one that many would argue encompasses life itself.

The album opens with "Farewell to the Pressure Kids," which to the listener seems to be a song that could pass as a album ender, but the composition of tracks on the album make it even more interesting. "Farewell to the Pressure Kids" presents a cacophony of sounds which come together and form a very ethereal feel that continues throughout the album. The second track entitled "TBTF" or "Too Beautiful to F*ck," is a pleasant song which would quickly find its way on to heavy rotation at indie radio stations if the chorus didn't contain the FCC's worst nightmare; the ever-dreaded F-word. "TBTF" is encased in see-saw sounds of brass, piano and percussion with sound effects of breaking bottles and sensuality. The album ends with the song "When it Begins," another example of the interesting composition of tracks. In "When it Begins," Drew perpetually recites the lines "it's gonna be really hard when we get to the end."

Being a fan of past Broken Social Scene albums, I was anticipating this release because I wanted to see how, or if, the group would take a different avenue of musical delivery. I found it to be so hard to distinguish this album from former Broken Social Scene albums apart from the fact that Drew's voice is predominant throughout the album. It could easily pass for another BSS album with a rotation of some 20+ guest artists. Songs like "Back Out on the..." will be very familiar to Broken Social Scene fans as a continuation of the former BSS song entitled "Cause=Time."

Fans who were hoping for some sort of singer-songwriter minimalistic album should have known better. Listeners will find things to be much to the contrary on Spirit If..., but I honestly doubt they will disagree with the direction the group has taken on this album. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Spirit If... Tour Dates:

October 25 - Vancouver, BC - The Commodore*

October 26 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theater*

October 27 - Portland, OR - The Aladdin Theater*

October 29 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore*

October 30 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theater*

November 1 - Boulder, CO - The Fox Theatre

November 3 - Chicago, IL - The Metro

November 4 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue

November 6 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Michigan Theater

November 12 - Burlington, VT - Ira Allen Chapel

November 14 - New York , NY- Webster Hall

November 17 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre Of Living Arts

November 18 - Washington, DC - 930 Club

* with New Buffalo

Kevin Drew on Myspace

Broken Social Scene Web Site

New release: Pinback "Autumn of the Seraphs" (Touch and Go, 2007)

2007-09-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

Rob Crow and Zach Smith have found a formula that seems to fit perfectly within the indie pop scene. In their 4th album release, Autumn of the Seraphs, the band opens the album where they left off in their 2004 release "Summer in Abaddon" with the same quips and beats of the fast paced rhythmically up-and-down track "From Nothing to Nowhere," the first single off of the new album. From this point, with a few exceptions, the album goes in and out of songs that could have been lyrically written by the minds at Blizzard Entertainment, creators of the cult hit PC game World of Warcraft. In fact, in his solo project, Rob Crow has written a song aptly titled "Leveling," which he proudly proclaims "is a song about Warcraft!" at live performances.

To describe "Autumn of the Seraphs" in one word, this album is whimsical. Pinback has a way of setting a perceptual atmosphere through a somewhat minimal amount of avenues. One example of this is the track "How we Breathe," in which the lyrics refer to being underwater, and musically it creates the feel of being calmly submersed in an aquarium while watching the outside world rush around as various forms of fauna pass you by. The perceived problem with Pinback's music is that critics say that the band only has a certain number of tricks in their bag. In my opinion this can be said about a lot of bands, even great bands, but as stated before the group has achieved their fanbase by doing what the do best and doing it well. And to say that Zach Smith only has a number of tricks on percussion after hearing his efforts in other projects is simply ludicrous.

The fact that they only utilize the same musical delivery methods does not bother me, in fact it makes my ears salivate for more, which is my primary problem with the new album, but not a large enough one to make me disrespect what the band is doing. "Autumn of the Seraphs" is a fun, percussion-driven album that comes quickly, lingers just a bit, and just like that it's gone, leaving me wanting more. But this has always been my primary complaint about all of Pinback's music. Their self-titled album is widely regarded to be their best effort, but in my opinion, this is because the album made listeners say "that was fun, I can't wait to hear what they do next," which is also what every Pinback album, including "Autumn of the Seraphs," did for me. One song that I really wished the band had "fleshed out" more is the 5th track, titled "Walters," which is supposedly about stuntman and adventurer Larry Walters, aka Lawnchair Larry after he flew 3 miles above land in his makeshift air balloon composed of a simple lawnchair and several balloons filled with helium. The song is an example of the whimsical way Pinback can write songs that combine serenity as well as regret and introspection. But I digress...

"Autumn of the Seraphs" is a very enjoyable album for both die-hard Pinback fans as well as newcomers to the indie-pop genre, but buyer beware: it will leave you wanting more, which may be a part of Rob Crow's cynical plan to sell more albums, but more than likely it's because the band has created a sound that works for them, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Pinback are currently touring for their new album, and are scheduled to end their tour in Dublin on November 25. Tour stops include a performance at the Wall of Sound Festival in Fort Worth, TX on September 22.

Official Pinback Web Site

Pinback on Myspace

Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar, 2007)

2007-08-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Rating: 3/5

I'm not sure why I was surprised Tuesday night when I heard Conan O'Brien announce musical guests Okkervil River. After five full length albums, including their latest, The Stage Names, it's apparent that the boys from Austin, TX have earned their respect from fans and critics alike. But after recently seeing them this past year at Found Magazine's issue release party in Austin during SXSW, they had subconsciously slipped into my mind as the kind of band that I liked to keep a secret and be able to play their songs on road trips for my friends. Clearly this shows how delusional I truly am.

It's been two years since the group released their last LP, Black Sheep Boy, and their newest release, The Stage Names, has already boosted the band to their Billboard 200 debut. The album seems to have proven that Okkervil River has yet to lose their grasp of musical and lyrical creativity.

The album opens with the voice of lead singer Will Sheff (of Shearwater) echoing over the upbeat anthem with a skeptical message in "Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe," the first single from the album. By the end of the first track, things have seemingly gone awry as the ominous hum of Jonathan Meiburg's piano drifts into "Unless it's Kicks," a song that addresses fandom pop culture and icons--themes which Sheff has noted in previous interviews to be the concepts behind the album.

The Stage Names is full of various references to pop culture, case in point: the song "Plus Ones," which is sprinkled with variations of lines from timeless classics including Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover," Nina's "99 Luftballons," Roy Orbison's "16 Candles," to mention a few. The line-drops continue until the last track of the album "John Allyn Smith Sails," a lyrically solid song that retells the story of poet John Berryman's death by suicide and ends with Sheff singing lines from The Beach Boys' "Sloop John B."

Black Sheep Boy was an album that demanded time from its listeners in order to appreciate each layer of sound. In comparison to their 2005 release Black Sheep Boy, this album is rhythmically much more upbeat although Sheff still maintains the depth of lyricism that fans have come to expect. Also present is the band's focus on emphasis, intensity and a mixed bag of play on word tactics. Upon their release of Black Sheep Boy, Rolling Stone proclaimed that Okkervil River's time had finally come, but judging from the public response to the release of The Stage Names, I believe that Rolling Stone was off by just a couple of years. Only time will tell whether Okkervil River will continue to showcase their talent, but they have yet to disappoint their listeners thus far.

*Live photo by Trevor Keel Mccurry from SXSW performance at Bourbon Rocks, Austin, TX 3/15/07.

Welcome to BA47

2007-08-26T21:39:00.001-07:00

Welcome.

My name is Trevor Keel, and I will be your narrator and protagonist when visiting BA47.

At this point, you may find yourself asking "exactly what is the significance of BA47?"

First, allow me to say that it is your inquisitive nature which fascinates me most. Now, as for an attempt at an explanation...

BA47, is a scientific term used to denote Brodmann area 47, one of many Brodmann areas within the human brain. BA47's key role within the brain is to process the syntax of language, and more importantly for purposes within this sphere, music.

Hence, my aptly named new project, BA47, in which I plan to dissect, diagram and discuss music and the modern minds that shape the industry. For far too long I have been binging off of the creativity and ingenuity of musicians and other social artists without regurgitating a bit of my own. So, this project will serve the purposes of both a catharsis and hopefully a catalyst for sparking interest in music that deserves truly intuitive and interested listeners.

Your purpose here can be likened to the purpose of an audience at a live concert. You will add to BA47 by giving me insight through feedback and oftentimes lighting the proverbial match of inspiration under my dubious ass. To be more straightforward, your job is to turn my ear in the direction of something you find to be noteworthy, and also to give me constructive criticism when you feel that I have made a false acquisition or overlooked something important. I hope that you will enjoy watching it unfold and grow as much as I will.

Thanks for reading and contributing. Enjoy your stay.

-Tk
(KeelMccurry@gmail.com)