Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass

Here is Yo La Tengo's new album. It is an eclectic mix of pop tunes, noisy rock, feeback, Velvet Underground vibes, and jazzy experimentals. Give it a listen and then google some reviews.

Ratatat

I offer two albums, Ratatat and Classics, by the indie NY rock band Ratatat for your listening pleasure. I've always dug dance-able rock and I was disappointed to learn about these guys only after they had spun through the cities. Great for getting you through those afternoon sleepies.

Dylan-Self Portrait

At pualio's request, I'm posting a little-known Dylan album, Self Portrait. This is probably the one that, according to his book Chronicles, he made intentionally bad in order to try to disengage from a public that was hounding him more and more to behave like a savior, the voice of a generation.

Yes, it is kind of bad. But there a handful of gems on it, including Alberta #1 & #2, The Mighty Quinn, and Gotta Travel On. But it's still kind of fascinating to hear Dylan's failed attempts at crooning Blue Moon, and (in a disaster of vocal overdubbing) Simon & Garfunkel's The Boxer. You have to hear that one to believe it.

School of Rock

Minnesota Public Radio's website is hosting a trivia game for the month of Sept. Each day a new question is asked and the previous days question is answered. If you answer the question correctly you are entered in a drawing for $1000.00 shopping spree to the Electric Fetus. As a bonus 'Current' DJ Mark Wheat will meet you at the Fetus and encourage you to buy Euro-trash dance music. Trivia is fun; check it out.

School of Rock

REV 105

As part of my extensive clean up of my office one of the things that I have been doing is putting the straggler CD's on my computer. As I was putting them on I came across the REV 105 Radio Archive. For those of you who did not live in Minneapolis in the mid 90's let me explain, or try to explain what REV was all about.

REV was a mid power radio stations serving the Twin Cities with the frequencies of 105.1, 105.3, and 105.7 (I never really figured out why there was three frequencies). REV played the kind of music that was perfect for a young college student like myself. It was the kind of station where you never knew what they where going to play next, but they never hit you with anything too far out in left field. The music the played was hip, without being condescending. The DJ's were the best, Brian Oake, Thorn, Shawn Stewart, Mary Lucia. They seemed to care about the music they played and had a seemed very genuine. It made me so desperately want to become a DJ. REV 105 was a commercial college station for all intense purposes. They would play the new "indie" artists without the hippies playing their Dead bootlegs, or John Zorn retrospectives, like so many college stations do now.

REV introduced me to so many of my favorite artists, G Love; Pavement; Frank Black; Spearhead; Ben Folds Five; and of course Soul Coughing. Just a quick note about Soul Coughing and REV. They where undoubtedly the house band of REV 105. REV 105 made Soul Coughing, in fact an alarming 40% of all of there record sales where in the Twin Cities area. That is pretty impressive from a band out of New York. It showed the power that REV had and radio in general had to push quality artist.

Something this good of course did not last. With the Bill Clinton and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which deregulated ownership of media outlets paved the way for the eventual buy out of REV 105 by the Disney Corp. REV 105 was commercial station and the Cargill group and Carl Polad was offered a ton of money. I don't balme them, they are a business they are here to make money. I blame the Act and the lawmakers who thought it was a good idea. There is an interesting recollection here.

March 14th was a sad day, there where many people very upset at the demise of REV and a grass roots organization sprung up with the eventual goal of getting the Telecommunications ACT overturned. In essence it was really trying to get REV back on the air. The group was called Americans for Radio Diversity or ARD for short. They held fund raisers and even put out a CD, with some very familiar artists. Even the hidden track by Soul Coughing gave a shout out to REV and Shawn Stewart. The group eventually turned their focus from the Telecommunications Act to low power radio stations and other FCC type things. ARD from the looks of their website has disbanded and do no work for us hard working Americans who want true radio. Russ Feingold has seemed to take up this cause sometime last year, but I don't think it is going anywhere. Guess we have to wait until he is president.

Nearly 10 years after the Telecommunications ACT was signed the state of Radio is not good. Sure there are pockets here and there of quality stations. There is even a radio station in the Twin Cities that have the same frequencies as REV and even some of the same DJ's, but it really shallow shell of what REV used to be. Doesn't really matter that the only good station in town plays Johnny Lang and Eric Clapton on a continious loop? Do we really care that Disney and Clear Channel own most of our media. I say no. There is a new media, the internet. I have found more new music through the internet then I have ever had through radio. The internet is a place where shomes like us can share new, old , and weird stuff. It is a place where I can get Radio from Finland, Spain, and Louisiana. The state of music is fine. Yes, I will miss REV and what it was, and I would love have the station back. But am I going to write my congressmen and burn down Disney and Clear Channel, I don' t think that is necessary. Billie Joel said it best, "The good old days aren't always good, and tomorrow isn't as bad as it seems."

I have put up both Rev 105 Radio Archive, and ARD's TELEconned vol 1. for your listening enjoyment. There are some great performances on both of these discs. The REV disc is quite good, I love the Spearhead and They Might Be Giants song. Also Dylan Hicks song on the ARD disc is awesome. Enjoy

***This post updated while listening to the Cubs v Pirates***

Deerhoof - The Runners Four (more post rock?)

I first heard Deerhoof at the Wilco concert at the Orpheum a few years back. They opened, and people mostly talked though their set or sat dumbfounded and a little annoyed. "By turns cuddly and chaotic" (allmusic.com), Deerhoof can be a little off-putting if you're not expecting what they have to offer. I was intrigued, but I didn't get an album of theirs for another year.

I bought "Reveille" on iTunes, and I was immediately hooked. Mostly instrumental, that album has to be one of my favorites. Since then I've bought most of their albums. Their latest is "The Runners Four" which I offer here. I chose that instead of my favorite because, well, it's their latest, and it's still damn good.

The lead singer, Satomi Matsuzaki, sounds a little too close to Yoko Ono for many people's comfort, but her voice is more childlike than catlike. Their music offers some great pop melodies along with experimental noise, angular guitars, and great drumming. I hope you like.

Post-Rock: Part 2

The original Paul (or O.P.) has requested more post-rock; I am happy to oblige. This band is called Godspeed You Black Emperor! The album is called Yanqui U.X.O.

I struggled with a quick review of the album so I’ll just quote allmusic.com. “Montreal politico-art/music terrorist unit Godspeed You Black Emperor! has been working on the material for Yanqui U.X.O. (unexploded ordnance-landmines) for the past four years…. For over 75 minutes, no "found" voices are wafting through the mix like displaced ghosts at a musical inquiry into the nature of mass control and fascism.” I usually feel anxious while listening. Enjoy.

bob - pat garrett & billy the kid soundtrack

once there was a time where bob didn't have much to say, and the results were one of the odder of dylan albums. odd in that it was a soundtrack and that it was almost lyrically barren... fitting the setting of the Peckinpah western it was scored for. dylan also had a cameo role in the film, a character named Alias, a knife throwing specialist who mutters only a handlful of lines. bob fan or not, it's worth a watch... and the album is strangely addicting. enjoy.

How They Might Be Giants changed my life

So for the past couple of months I have been reliving my junior high school days. Watching Doctor Who, wearing shorts, vests and Chuck Taylors. Remembering the days when I was the king of geeks and friend to all. Most of my junior high school was spent musically trying to break away from my earlier obsession with Huey Lewis and the News and The Nylons. And trying to sing the Choir. Anyone who has spent anytime with me knows I can't sing, nor have any musical abilities whatsoever.

I first saw TMBG on MTV's 120 Minutes. I was at Sean Lawler's house. The song was Ana Ng, from Lincoln, I was hooked. The thing that hit was the video. It was so weird. In fact so you can all see it with me here it is:



Lincoln was the first CD I actually bought with my own money. It was in Rockford at the Cherryvale Mall. I popped it in once I got home and was amazed. Two guys, guitar and according, hell I don't think I knew what an according was. Songs like Cowtown, and Kiss Me Son of God, I was truly blown away. I knew from that moment on I would not be listening to Bon Jovi or Poison. No They Might Be Giants would lead me down the road of geek rock. It really started me off on the path that I am today. In fact They Might Be Giants was my first concert (that I paid for). Which is a lot better to say now then Queensrych. I can't imagine what life would have been like for me. I can't imagine coming to college and thinking the greatest band in the world was Led Zepplin. Of course I did like Sting, but you can't blame me.

So for your listening pleasure I have put up Lincoln and They Might Be Giant's self titled debut. I recently listened to them again. They both hold up quite amazingly. Download them and listen to them. I would also be interested in if anyone has a story of a similar story of a band that changed your life. If anyone says the Shins I will find you and kill you, you Zach Braff loving bastards.

***This post updated while listening th Bitter Honey by Eef Barzelay***

Modern Times

Here's Dylan's new album. Just came out today.

Posted while listening to Modern Times on my record player. (Yes, I bought it on vinyl, too. I'm a little crazy that way. That's nothing, considering I have Blonde on Blonde on CD, SACD, stereo LP [reissue], mono LP [reissue], and mono LP [original first pressing].)

herbie hancock - head hunters

classic herbie circa 1973 - pushing the synth envelope. jazzy, funky, groovy... fusiony.

my favorite dish washing soundtrack of all time.

posted while watching shaolin soccer.

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - The Letting Go

I've posted The Letting Go, Will Oldham's 9th full-length album under the moniker Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. He's recorded previously as Palace, Palace Songs, Palace Music, Palace Brothers as well as under his given name. Most recently, he released an excellent album with guitarist Matt Sweeny called Superwolf. Will Oldham talked with The Current's Mark Wheat about his new album and his recent record store tour. You can listen to the interview and performance here. The Letting Go will be available from Drag City Records on September 19.

Posted while I should've been working.

Ugly Casanova - Sharpen Your Teeth

This is an Isaac Brock's (Modest Mouse leader) solo project. Califone's Brian Deck and Tim Rutili help out and make it a very interesting record. It was release in May, 2002.

The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

Their first major label record, Colin Meloy and gang did not follow all the rules. The Crane Wife is an hour long with just 10 songs, two of which are more than 11 minutes each. The album switches back and forth between melancholy-folk and prog-rock, often times in the same song. The addition of organ and accordion give The Decemberists more meat to their sound and more weight to Meloy's dark lyrics. While it's not my favorite album, it will surely grow on me. The song "Yankee Bayonet" highlights a great duet with Meloy and Laura Veirs. Also, the last three songs are amazing. The Crane Wife comes out October 3. Enjoy.

I've also reposted 'The Magic Numbers' and 'They Shoot Horses Don't They' for Matt.

Posted while listening to Califone - Roots & Crowns.

M. Ward - Post-War

I don't know much about M. Ward. I know that he sometimes collaborates with Bright Eyes and that there has been a lot of buzz about his yet to be released album, Post-War. The intimate lyrics are written in such a way that they define the context of the current social climate. Ward sounds as though he's singing to you from both across an ocean and with you in the same room. Highlights for me include To Go Home, Right In The Head, and Chinese Translation. This album is quickly becoming one of my favorites of 2006. Post-War will be released on September 12. Enjoy.

Posted while listening to The Decemberists - The Crane Wife.

Califone - Roots & Crowns

I uploaded Califone's most recent album, Roots & Crowns, a couple of days ago and neglected to post about it. Lead singer, Tim Rutili, was apparently inspired to write this album after listening to the The Orchids by Psychic TV on repeat for several hours. That song is included as a cover and is one of the many highlights of this album which comes out October 10th. If you aren't aware, Califone is a blues/folk/rock experiment from Chicago. Their 2003 release, Quicksand and Cradlesnakes, was arguably one of the best of that year. Listen to this album and support this band. You won't be sorry.

By the way, this is a good opportunity to welcome Scott (aka Sloth) to Steal This Song. I share an office with Scott and he is the one who introduced me to Califone as well as several other amazing bands. Hopefully he will be posting his first contribution soon.

Posted while listening to The Decemberists - The Crane Wife.

The return of Patton

Posted is Mike Patton's – of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle and Tomahawk fame – latest offering. This time around, Patton has teamed with a different musical artist on each track.




A few artists he collaborates with:
Odd Nosdam
Rahzel
Dan the Automator
Massive Attack
Kid Koala
Dub Trio
Norah Jones (I know you all have been dying to hear Norah drop a few f-bombs in a song. Here is your chance!)

The album has been described as possibly on one of grooviest albums of the year. Patton's sound comes through in each and every tune, but this time around, Patton's work highlights the some of the strongest tallents of is collaborators. If there is a downside to this album, it is that the the album sounds more like a collection of singles. Also, if you never liked Patton's work in the past you may not be down with this one either. But for those of you who were faith No More fans, I am guessing you will find it entertaining.

Give a listen.

grant-lee phillips - nineteeneighties

Grant Lee Phillips former leader of Grant Lee Buffalo covers some of his favorite 80's tunes. Mostly performed semi-acoustic, his interpretations of songs by: The Cure, Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, Robyn Hitchcock, etc., bring much of his own character to the mix. Love my way, track 6 is great.

Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins -Rabbit Fur Coat

I bought this album on a whim. Mainly making my choice on a recommendation from NPR's All Songs Considered. (On side note the podcast is great). One of the best albums of the year they say. Hey I had a credit of $4.02 in the iTMS and thought what the hell. So I got it.

Jenny Lewis is one of the driving force behind the indie pop group Rilo Kiley. Now with Rilo Kiley I have not heard one note of their music. In fact I thought it was a girl power pop trio, but I guess it is Jenny singing and a bunch of dudes.

I have heard a lot of hype surrounding this album. There are a lot of fanboys out there who totally love Jenny. It reminds me of how people drool over Neko Case. The comparison to Neko is not unfounded. Both Neko and Jenny are similar in style and voice. Jenny's voice is a little softer and her writing style is a tad more whimsical. This album is closer to the earlier stuff Neko has done, rather then the noir pop of the excellent Fox Confessor Brings the Flood.

Jenny has veins of Loretta Lynn and Cat Power. Rabbit Fur Coat came out a week prior to Cat Power's white woman soul album The Greatest. Every critic loved The Greatest. I did not. I think Chan Marshall is an overrated nut job. She so badly wants be Dusty Springfield, but is not, not by a long shot. Chan's voice annoys the piss out of me. But that is another story. Me thinks that Rabbit Fur Coat was over shadowed by the undue praise that The Greatest got.

I have listened to this album five times, three of them in a row two nights ago. If you know me I rarely listen to an album more then once maybe twice in a row. Hell, I have a problem listening to the same artist in a row. Damn you iPod and your shuffle function! Rabbit Fur Coat is a solid album. There are some great songs on it, one with a nod to one of my favorite song writers, Jeff Tweedy. Special bonus points for anyone who can tell what the reference is. Jenny also does a great cover of Traveling Wilburys'"Handle with Care" with M Ward, Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), and a couple of the dudes from Rilo Kiley. The album is good, the album is damn good. Right now it is definitely in my top 10 my top 5 of the year.

Enjoy this album.

***this post was updated while listening to/watching the Cubs v Brewers***

Ok Go! - Here It Goes Again

So the first time I have ever heard of Ok Go! was on a special This American Life episode, for their 10th anniversary or something. They were the "house" band when Ira and gang took the show on the road. I pretty much thought the band would be going nowhere, but 6 years later they are every where. Kmart ads, and of horrors upon horrors VH1's Best Week Ever. This is where Ok Go again crossed my path. They showed the video I posted. The song is ok. It is straight ahead power pop. Nothing too ground breaking. Catchy, fun but very forgettable. The greatest thing is this video. Done in one single take with some amazing choreography, all on tread mills. No blue screens, no stunt actors, just the dudes from Ok Go.

Playing around on their site they have some other great videos. Enjoy, I just wish their music was a bit more adventurous, like their videos.

**this post updated while listening to Rabbit Fur Coat by Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins