if this is what it was like, i’ll dream
♫ SAFE – Twenty Years On
“Twenty Years On” is one of those tracks that is easy to brush over in the hustle and bustle of everyday music listening but luckily I gave it a few spins before dismissing it and it wasted no time is digging itself right into my pleasure center. As SAFE, Chris Edley crafts some beautifully minimal mood-pop that is hard not to drift along with. Good music alone not enough to get you on board? Luckily Edley has your unnecessarily retro bases covered and has teamed up with the Das Racist managed Greenhead Records to release his debut on cassette. Yes, that’s Edley holding the tape with a photo of him holding a headless chicken. Are you loving “Twenty Years On” but lacking a cassette player? No sweat, it’s also available on VHS. Don’t know what VHS is? There is also digital download available. As well as having better photo of Edley and that chicken, RCRD-LBL has a bit of back-story on the guy (art for MGMT, financial crisis, etc) and a remix of “Twenty Years On.” And there ya go.
UPDATE: Watch the video. Perfect.
Bury your face in MySpace
March 3, 2010
it’s a fool’s fate counting mistakes i made
♫ Erik Hassle – Hurtful
Apologies in advance to any Swedish readers ’cause Erik Hassle is full blown over there and they have been listening to “Hurtful” for 15 months now. Dude even won “Newcomer of the Year 2009″ at a recent event called the P3 Guld Gala. Anwway, the point is that “Hurtful” is about as excellent and infectious as sugary slick pop can get and it is currently my jam of choice for getting in touch with my inner romantic. The jam comes from a 2009 album our ginger-haired newcomer named after his daily hairstyling routine (see cover at right). However, things just got more tangled because Erik just dropped a UK version of that album with a few tracks re-produced/changed. That album is called Pieces and came out today. I only have last year’s version, Hassle, but have been listening to it a bunch this past weekend and digging it quite a bit. If you can get down with some Top 40 level production and catchy-as-shit soulful pop then this is your album. Every track is impeccably crafted and packs just enough sing-in-the-shower power to keep my inner teenage girl very happy. That is very much a compliment. (She doesn’t get much attention.) “Hurtful” too much of a love ballad for you? Get on “Don’t Bring Flowers” (below) and ride that little funk train straight to jams-ville. I’l be there. We can read more about Mr. Hassle and check out come sweet covers he did recently. Or we can talk about which one of these tracks would go best on a mix-tape for a girlfriend. I’ll vote for “Feels Like The First Time” but you’ll say “Isn’t It Obvious.” We’ll laugh. Good times.
♫ Erik Hassle – Don’t Bring Flowers After I’m Dead
If you are down with these jams then grab Pieces. Or Hassle. Whatever. They seem nearly identical so whatever you can get your mitts on should have you singing along through the week.
Bury your face in MySpace
March 3, 2010
the world is not around because of you, you know i’m not around because of you
♫ Phantogram – Mouthful Of Diamonds
TBE reader Jeff turned me on to Phantogram when he dropped his Top 10 list in the comments of my Top Songs post. “Mouthful Of Diamonds” immediately began noodling it’s way into my brain with it’s spacey trip-pop vibe and soothing female vocals. Eager to see what the rest of this Saratoga Springs, NY, duo had to offer I bought Eyelid Movies and was a bit disappointed. “Mouthful of Diamonds” opens the album with such beauty that it’s hard for me to not feel like I’m coasting downhill after this kind high. I always feel weird writing about an album when I only like 1 or 2 songs and when I saw Pitchfork give the album a 7.5 I thought maybe Jeff also had stronger feelings for the album and would want to rave about it for you. Only confirming my appreciation for the guy, he replied that he felt the same way as I did about the album (except for his love for “When I’m Small,” as well). Anyway, the point is that Jeff and I love “Mothful Of Diamonds,” Pitchfork loves the whole album, and who knows what you will think. I’d recommend poking around Phantogram’s MySpace before you drop coin.
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
March 1, 2010
one guy’s wasted and the other’s a waste
♫ The Offspring – Come Out And Play / 1994
I’ll never forget the day I bought Smash. It was a the Warehouse Music that used to be on Westwood Blvd. in L.A. It was the first CD I ever bought and I’d like to pat myself on the back for kicking things off with such impeccable taste but the full truth is that I also bought Jerky Boys 2 that day. Oh well. Anyway, the point is that that Biffy Clyro album got me hankering for some good ol’ fashioned guitar rock and stumbling on Smash in my iTunes led me to crank it up as I made a big batch of granola yesterday. Holy shit. The surf-rock hook of “Come Out And Play” instantly brought me right back that summer of ‘94 and before I knew it I was singing along to epic songs I hadn’t heard in at least 10 years. There is nothing quite like belting out “Something’s odd, feel like I’m God, you stupid dumb shit goddamn mother-fucker!” while chopping raw almonds (“Bad Habit,” below). But then again, there is nothing quite like this album, either. “Nitro”? “Self Esteem”? “Killboy Powerhead”? “What Happened To You”? Classic jams for miiiiiiles! I stayed with them through Americana but have lost touch since then. Let’s face it, “Pretty Fly For A White Guy,” is not their proudest moment and the single I heard a few years ago was kinda disappointing, too. If you have ever been a fan of these guys then their Wikipedia history is an interesting read. I’d also like to remind people that front-man Dexter Holland’s hair looked like this when Smash came out. The 90s were different times, man. But seriously, moral of the story is that this is one of my favorite, and most formative, albums of my youth.
♫ The Offspring – Bad Habit / 1994
Bury your face in MySpace /// Buy cheap
March 1, 2010
he came back and claimed the change, i know his life’s the same again
♫ Biffy Clyro – Bubbles
If you live outside the United Kingdom then Biffy Clyro might be the best band that you have never heard of. Putting out records since 2002, last years Only Revolutions is their 5th and I just got a hold of it, or rather it just got a hold of me. I can’t stop listening to this album. It was not easy picking which jams to put in this post. “Bubbles,” with it’s dancing guitars and churning rhythm section, is my favorite right now but each of the 12 tracks is an absolute winner. These guys nail everything from hard charging rock (“The Golden Rule,” below) to fist-pumping anthems (“The Captain”) to tender and catchy love songs (“Know Your Quarry”). I could go on. I haven’t heard any other Biffy Clyro albums but Only Revolutions is stadium sized rock without all the over-blown baloney that has grown to be associated with the term. I have only been listening to it for 6 days but I know this would have definitely made the Top Albums of 2009 list. If you like what you hear here I guarantee you will like this album. I just have to make sure I don’t burn out on it.
♫ Biffy Clyro – That Golden Rule
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
February 28, 2010
in the end you’ll be fine
♫ Solid Gold – Matter Of Time
Minneapolis’ Solid Gold first graced the pages of TBE back in June with the fantastic “Bible Thumper” and now they are back with another jam through Green label Sound. “Matter Of Time” actually came out in October but recent gems from Green Label (Chromeo, Theo Ldn) inspired me to go digging through their archives and voila! If you thought you about to enter the weekend without a tight little jam to take with you then think again. And turn up those speakers while you are at it. “Matter Of Time” is more after-party than pre-party, with it’s medium tempo beat and breathy vocals leaning more towards post-party activities. Solid Gold recently released their Synchronize EP (which I have yet to hear) and are going to be all up in SXSW. I will not be surprised if we hear a lot more great things from these guys this year.
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
February 26, 2010
gotta pee so bad, doin’ the harlem …
♫ Game – Shake (Prod. By Cool & Dre)
Game, formerly known as The Game, is a huge rapper but people like you and me may only know him as the dude who likes to sit on tires on his album covers. Or perhaps as the dude who released one of the best hip hop anthems of the last decade. (below) Anyway, besides dropping “The” from his name, Game has apparently got chilly and put on some more layers for the release of his new party jam “Shake.” Note that it’s produced by Cool & Dre as well so you know it’s solid. Old school horns and a simple drum beat carry Game’s tale of livin’ and lovin’ in the name of the new S-word. It’s always refreshing to hear a hard-as-nails rapper loosen his tie and get silly with his wordplay and it doesn’t get much better than this.
♫ The Game – Hate It Or Love It (Feat. 50 Cent) (Produced By Cool & Dre) / The Documentary, 2005
Bury your face in MySpace
February 26, 2010
you said you lived in an asylum
♫ Not Squares – Asylum
Not Squares are one of the more exciting bands I’ve heard lately. “Asylum” is a whirl of energy with it’s frenetic percussion and punchy vocals taking no prisoners in it’s assault on boredom. The song’s lyrics are a simple declaration and a straightforward observation, the music clearly preferring to shake your ass than stress your brain. Hailing from Belfast they sound like the sweaty teenage love-child of The Dodos and Late Of The Pier (if only those bands were still making good music). “Asylum” is one half of the Asylum / Bi Ki Na single and the latter is even more unhinged while still maintaining that magically tight madness. Their MySpace is regrettably sparse, music-wise, but after hearing 3 jams by these guys I am putting my money on an eventual great album, not to mention live show. Word is they play shows wherever they can so you know their chops are honed and they are just waiting for your invitation. I’m sending mine over right now.
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
February 26, 2010
These Digest’s are tough to do because there are really only two emotions I feel while writing them: disappointment and bewilderment. The former for bands I love that are delivering sub-par baloney and the latter for bands other people love who are delivering sub-par baloney. These opinions are of course only my own and that’s why I persist with this series, because others may be really into these tracks and that is great. Different strokes, ya know. On the other hand, some may just be curious as to what different bands are up to these days. Read it for any reason you want, but know that I write it out of a simple desire to pass along the recent happenings in my musical world that I don’t feel are worthy of their own post. (There seemed to have been some confusion last time) Anyway, read on, trudge through, wade in, sally forth, whatever, just know that this edition is exceptionally long for whatever reason but there are some fun covers awaiting you at the end.
[click to continue…]
February 25, 2010
there is a man by the lake, he spends his days in shifty ways
♫ Rafter – Paper
Rafter is the real first name of San Diego’s Rafter Roberts and besides having a cooler first name than any of us, he also makes sweet jams. Rafter is on Sufjan Stevens’ Asthmatic Kitty label but his sound is much more groove-pop than indie-folk as he uses a slew of weird sounds to patch together oddly pleasing music. I had “Love Time Now Please” (below) on regular rotation a few years ago so it’s exciting to hear recent single “Paper” upping the ante. Rafter’s potty mouth contrasts with the song’s summery pop vibe but the end result is just as upbeat and infectious as ever. Just try not singing along to that “You motherfuckers!” in the chorus. Try! Rafter’s 4th LP, Animal Feelings, is out April 13th but there are plenty of free Rafter goodies being served up over at the Asthmatic Kitty website. (“Juicy” off of Sweaty Magic is everything it sounds like.)
♫ Rafter – Love Time Now Please
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
February 25, 2010
the shape of things, the shape of things*
♫ Man/Miracle – Hot Sprawl
I’ll leave it up to you to interpret Man/Miracle’s decision to title their debut album The Shape Of Things along with cover art of “The Hotel Of Doom,” a.k.a. “The Worst Building In The World,” a.k.a. Ryugyong Hotel.** While you are pondering that, turn up your speakers and let “Hot Sprawl” rock you with it’s high-energy spazz-rock hooks. Man/Miracle are one of the latest acts to be praised by eMusic under their eMusic Selects program and after buying their album I firmly agree. The Shape Of Things is exuberant indie rock that is rough in all the right places and is a much more optimistic listen then the title/cover-art combo implies. “Hot Sprawl” is my definite favorite but other sweet jams like “Back Of The Card” and “Multitudes” are packed with frantically zippy instrumentation and vocals stylings that sound like a 2010 Talking Heads reunion sponsored by Red Bull. “Other People” slows the pace a bit and lets you hear the intricate craftsmanship coming from each instrument. If you like your rock loose, energetic and unselfconscious, then this is your album. Throw “Hot Sprawl” on repeat and read more about the Oakland, CA based band and their music in eMusic’s interview with frontman Dylan Travis.
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
* Reeeaaaly hard to understand this dude’s singing. Any help here?
** Go here for a great article on the history behind the North Korean building/embarrassment.
February 24, 2010
my, how time flies
♫ Signals – Spector
One of last years’ best tracks was the ode to Christian Bale, “R U Professional,” by Los Angeles’ The Mae Shi and if you ever fell for it’s countless charms then you are in for a treat with Signals. Last year The Mae Shi suffered some internal rifts (read: drug abuse) which lead to three of it’s members splintering off to form Signals. They then proceeded to design the best band logo of the year as well as rip out this jam that proves these dudes don’t need celebrity meltdowns to rock socks. They may be a bit to dissonant for most but there is something about the shambolic beat and yelped vocals of “Spector” that gets me pumped. What can you really expect from a song named after this dude. Ayway, if you are on board so far, then head this way for a cover Signals did of Sparks’ “Angst In My Pants.”
Bury your face in MySpace
February 24, 2010
i can’t remember having so much fun
♫ Gossip – Love Long Distance
“Heavy Cross,” the frst single from Gossip’s 4th LP came through TBE almost 10 months ago, around the same time that Gossip-fever was peaking as the whole world seemed to be stoked on the track and looking forward to the Rick Rubin-produced Music For Men. And then…nothing. Maybe my head was shoved too deep in the assess of the wrong blogs but I don’t remember anyone talking about the album itself, let alone talking about how fucking epic it is. I finally got around to the listening to the thing and as I was expecting the good-enough “Heavy Cross” to be the album’s best track I was sufficiently blown away by Music For Men’s instant appeal and grin-inducing grooves. “Love Long Distance” ended up being the album’s second single back in September and it’s no wonder why. The real question is how “Men In Love” stayed off anyone’s radar during 2009. Fantastic subject matter aside, this “na na, na na” fueled party anthem is an instant classic in my book and… is that cowbell I hear thrown in among Beth Ditto’s impeccable vocals? This song, no, this whole album, makes me wish I was a prominent DJ at a local club so that I could blindly spin any track and have guaranteed success with flailing limbs on the dance-floor. I mean, the empirical evidence of awesomeness just keeps on going. “8th Wonder”? “Vertical Rhythm”? “2012″? “Four Letter Word”? Guity! Sentenced to rocking my ass for the next 2-5 years.
♫ Gossip – Men In Love
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
February 24, 2010
heave ho!
♫ Is Tropical – Seasick Mutiny
If you never though you were down with instrumental music then I double dog dare you not to bust a groove during “Seasick Mutiny.” I like to imagine myself a swarthy mix between The Sea Captain from The Simpsons and Jack Sparrow as I navigate the mighty seas off of Party Island, cocktail in my hook as I flail my one fist in the air enthusiastically. The music video is a good place to start for what my dreams will look like as I await that hangover. Anyway, Is Tropical are a London three-piece who take a unique approach to having a front-man, namely trying to eliminate the role altogether. They all swap instrumental and vocal duties as they create, as one magazine put it, “beautifully coherent chaos.” The Heave Ho/Seasick Mutiny single is out now at eMusic (below) or iTunes or wherever. These guys need to tour with Civil Civic on what I would call The Freshest London Bands TBE Has Recently Fallen In Love With Tour. Oh, and if you want to hear the Is Tropical guys wail more than pirate phrases then “The Greeks” is your jam. It certainly is my jam.
♫ Is Tropical – The Greeks
Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too
February 23, 2010
man, i wish i would have chose his best friend instead
♫ He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister – Tales That I Tell
Not to disparage their album art, but it says a lot about this L.A. based quintet. He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister play loose folk jams that put more emphasis on good times and big heart than studio polish. “Tales That I Tell” is the first taste off a yet to be titled forthcoming debut and it’s sing-along chorus and toe-tapping infectiousness couldn’t be a better way for me to ease into the week. It only makes me bummed that I missed a recent L.A. show that featured BBQ, improv, and free whiskey. And by “only make me bummed,” I mean “makes me stoked to hear what these guys are cooking up for our summer listening pleasure.”
Bury your face in MySpace
February 23, 2010
![Uhh Yeah Dude [♡♡♡]](http://www.theburningear.com/media/2009/10/uhh+yeah+dude.jpg "America through the eyes of two American Americans. Seatbelts.")
Uhh Yeah Dude [♡♡♡]
