In the never ending quest to end never the tracking of Maura Davis, formerly of Denali:
Bella Lea has now changed their name to Ambulette
www.myspace.com/ambulette
Also...'Attractive' has released their first 3-song demo. Go here, http://attractive.cc to be linked to yet another place to purchase music.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Encore!
Main Entry: en·core
Etymology: French, still, again: a demand for repetition or reappearance made by an audience; also: a reappearance or additional performance in response to such a demand
Origins of the encore date back to the early 17th century in Italy. It has been said that the composition: “Podere di pillore” by Guisseppe Dellamonteverdi aroused the first encore. The movement so enthralled the audience that they demanded more. Ultimately by threatening to burn down the opera house (the Teatro Alla Veronazoni). Guisseppe Dellamonteverdi complied and upon the conclusion of his rendition of “Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Capistrano, the audience burned down the opera house anyway.
Musical archaeologist, Lester Estingsworth, noted: “With the vigor of fire that the piece brought to their souls through the music they had just experienced, the audience at the Teatro Alla Veronazoni reciprocated in the only fashion which could compare.”
Throughout the ages the Encore has persevered to our day. In fact, the act of holding up a lit lighter in a dark auditorium is homage to the scorched Teatro Alla Veronazoni. But the true “vigor of fire” that incited the 17th century Italians has all but disappeared. Now the lackluster applause and smell of butane is merely a plea for the egocentric musicians to provide entertainment equal to the full ticket price.
Forced encores, planned encores, first encore, second encore…and so on. These strip away the opportunity for the audience to truly relate their feelings of the performance.
ATTENTION: MUSICIANS, BANDS AND OTHER EGOTISICAL BALLOONHEADS…
In the vein of the old rule; “only speak whence spoken to.” Drop your pre-contrived scheme of inflating your self-esteem. We the audience have already waited through 2 performances and yet you still make us wait another hour AFTER all your equipment is set up. Then for the next 45 minutes you don’t play any of your hit songs. Instead it’s “a new song we’re working on” or it’s your enthralling personal disposition of life soliloquy that lasts the length of 3 songs. Then you have the nerve of leaving the stage, pretending to be done for the night, causing grief, turmoil and feelings of being short-changed. Then, after causing your audience much mental distress for 10 solid minutes, you graciously bestow your presence upon the spectators and finally play the songs that they came to hear.
If we want an encore…WE WILL TELL YOU!
You are trampling upon the ruins of the Teatro Alla Veronazoni!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Time to stir the embers...
Seems like the masses have quieted over the past few months....looks like I have to take matters into my own hands...
Stay tuned for some new posts this week...
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Ourselves is now Attractive
Who's Attractive? They're members of the veteran 30-day old band, Ourselves, who in turn, were members of the now sleeping, Snapcase.
They're Attractive, and they have an MP3, that's waiting for you to listen. And it's good. Reverb good. We like reverb here at PTF. And don't you forget it....
www.myspace.com/attractivemusic
They'll be releasing a demo in October...
Monday, August 08, 2005
Add a Large Number to (X)
During the last Add N to (X) show I went to, concerning her absence someone yelled out "where's Ann?!". In response, Steve said of Ann (the solitary female of Add N to (X)) "She wen't crazy". Somewhat intrigued I set about trying to find out what happened to Ann Shenton.
Finally I found her.
Sound capsules, wax cylinders, humming, belching, noise-colour, unlearning, Gregorian-purple, jazz pink, animal yellow, bird-black, un-classical, un-country, un-folk, un-pop, un-rock, un-expect, sapphire ring modulators, emerald envelope shapers, opal oscillators, stupid words and musique tarmac
…
After Add N To (X), Ann was left with a moog, a korg MS20, a theramin and a beaten up CR68 drum machine.
She scoured the land and found a home-made oscillator, a sack of old synths, a blind banjo player, a guitarist and a woman who communicated through the harmonica. She fixed the MS20 with yoghurt cartons, wiped the blood and beer off the moog, kidnapped former Add N To (X) drummer Rob Allum and set about recording 'SPRAY ON SOUND'. Written and produced by Ann, 'Spray on sound' was recorded in 1814400 seconds on a farm on the site of a disused military test site in Orfordness by a line up of Ann Shenton, vocals, synths and theramin. Rob Allum, drums. Robert Weston, banjo. David Guez, guitars. Jackie Freeworld, percussion; and Pierre Duplan, co-producer; synths, bass and vocals.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Those are the Breaks
Hot tub! Ah!Get in!
Gonna get in the water!
Gonna make me sweat! Ah!
Here I go in the hot tub!
((Insert awesome break here))
((Insert awesome break here))
Hhhhhiiiigggghhhh!!!
.:James Brown: The Godfather of Soul and Squarepusher:.
_
So where do the breaks come from? I’m talking about drum breaks. The ones from the sped up spastic attacks in Drum’n’Bass and other genres.
I came across this excellent article: http://formen.ign.com/news/29351.html and the author breaks down the 10 biggest breaks in electronic music. The best thing about this write-up is that he provides the audio samples for the aforementioned breaks. Which is so friggin’ sweet. Download away…
My favorite is “Sanctified”. So Smoooooooooooth. “Scorpio” is guaranteed to get your head nodding and then play “guess the Squarepusher song” with the four “Think” samples.
I came across this excellent article: http://formen.ign.com/news/29351.html and the author breaks down the 10 biggest breaks in electronic music. The best thing about this write-up is that he provides the audio samples for the aforementioned breaks. Which is so friggin’ sweet. Download away…
My favorite is “Sanctified”. So Smoooooooooooth. “Scorpio” is guaranteed to get your head nodding and then play “guess the Squarepusher song” with the four “Think” samples.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Picking my Battles...
Love Battles. Best instrumental-esque band I've heard all year.
Be sure to look for updates to "Currently Punching", in the next few days.
Battles - "B EP" (just recently picked up and will be telling everyone about it)
When I saw Battles with Prefuse, I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. One of the cleanest and tightest musically...the drumming was so crisp, but AGGRESSIVE. I've heard and seen very few acts with drummers that can present and perform like John Stanier - with his energy toward absolutely destroying any belief that drumming can't be THAT technical. Serious, serious focus.
The guitars, the effects, the beatboxing (which you will hear on the song 'Dance' off the above mentioned EP - NO THAT'S NOT A MACHINE) - let's just say they bring their own boo-yah.
I can't count the number of times I looked over at my friend during the show and we both had this shocked look on our faces, like, 'Where have we been, and why didn't anyone inform us?"
Battles will be in the top 10 this year. Easily.
Be sure to look for updates to "Currently Punching", in the next few days.
Battles - "B EP" (just recently picked up and will be telling everyone about it)
When I saw Battles with Prefuse, I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. One of the cleanest and tightest musically...the drumming was so crisp, but AGGRESSIVE. I've heard and seen very few acts with drummers that can present and perform like John Stanier - with his energy toward absolutely destroying any belief that drumming can't be THAT technical. Serious, serious focus.
The guitars, the effects, the beatboxing (which you will hear on the song 'Dance' off the above mentioned EP - NO THAT'S NOT A MACHINE) - let's just say they bring their own boo-yah.
I can't count the number of times I looked over at my friend during the show and we both had this shocked look on our faces, like, 'Where have we been, and why didn't anyone inform us?"
Battles will be in the top 10 this year. Easily.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Mars Volta bringing down the system
Ok, The Mars Volta are going on tour this summer.
The funny thing is that they share the bill with System of a Down. The really awesome thing is that if you look at the "tour" sections on both of their sites you can measure the degree of coolness that each band possesses.
First, System of a Down...They state "The Mars Volta to be Special Guests on All Dates" Not cool at all. I tried to figure out how they got put together, but to no avail. They are on different labels. Maybe they're under the same promotions/management company. Who knows? I don't believe the Mars Volta would ever show up to System of a Down's house as an invited guest. Not even if Punky Brewster AND Mr. T were there.
Second. On Mars Volta's site they don't even mention System of a Down at all. Waaaaay cool.
True there may be more $$$ behind System of a Down. But their caliber of awesomeness pales severely to the stature of radness the Mars Volta holds.
Unfortunately, the closest they get to Cleveland is Philly. For the life of me I don't understand why the home of Rock and Roll \m/ is continually passed up on big tours. Well, I could give an answer but then it would stray greatly from the music topic of this blog.
http://www.themarsvolta.com/frances.html
http://www.systemofadown.com
The funny thing is that they share the bill with System of a Down. The really awesome thing is that if you look at the "tour" sections on both of their sites you can measure the degree of coolness that each band possesses.
First, System of a Down...They state "The Mars Volta to be Special Guests on All Dates" Not cool at all. I tried to figure out how they got put together, but to no avail. They are on different labels. Maybe they're under the same promotions/management company. Who knows? I don't believe the Mars Volta would ever show up to System of a Down's house as an invited guest. Not even if Punky Brewster AND Mr. T were there.
Second. On Mars Volta's site they don't even mention System of a Down at all. Waaaaay cool.
True there may be more $$$ behind System of a Down. But their caliber of awesomeness pales severely to the stature of radness the Mars Volta holds.
Unfortunately, the closest they get to Cleveland is Philly. For the life of me I don't understand why the home of Rock and Roll \m/ is continually passed up on big tours. Well, I could give an answer but then it would stray greatly from the music topic of this blog.
http://www.themarsvolta.com/frances.html
http://www.systemofadown.com
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Need more typing...
Lazy bums....need more posts!
What have I been diggin' lately? I'll tell ya what. Prefuse 73. That cracker can jam.
Went and saw his show about a month or two ago, and sweet sassy molassey, did Mr. D-Money and I enjoy that one...
Two drummers, two drum sets, drumming at the same time. That's really all I need to say. It was nuts. I've never seen anything like it. And just when you thought the jam couldn't get tighter, funkier, and spicier.....it did, on almost every consecutive song. One of the best shows I've ever been to in my entire life.
Speaking of shows, my comrade informed me of some good shows coming to Cleveland/Akron:
Wovenhand - Sun July 17th - 9pm $8 Grog Shop
Enon - Fri. July 22nd Lime Spider
DEVO - Thurs. Aug 18th 8pm $35-$50 Scene Pavillion
Pretty Girls Make Graves - Sun Aug. 21st - 6pm $10 Grog Shop
Engine Down / Bella Lea - Sun Aug. 28th - 8pm $10 Grog Shop
I will be at number's 2, 4, and 5, without fail. I've been wanting to see my 2004 Band of the Year for some time. Now that I think of it, there were a lot of good, personal music discoveries in '04 that could easily contend w/ PGMG.
What is everyone listening to this week?
Some items that have been experiencing heavy digital rotation in the iPod:
Bloc Party
Prefuse 73
Ladytron
John Legend
Cut Chemist
It's time to get back in the groove....
What have I been diggin' lately? I'll tell ya what. Prefuse 73. That cracker can jam.
Went and saw his show about a month or two ago, and sweet sassy molassey, did Mr. D-Money and I enjoy that one...
Two drummers, two drum sets, drumming at the same time. That's really all I need to say. It was nuts. I've never seen anything like it. And just when you thought the jam couldn't get tighter, funkier, and spicier.....it did, on almost every consecutive song. One of the best shows I've ever been to in my entire life.
Speaking of shows, my comrade informed me of some good shows coming to Cleveland/Akron:
Wovenhand - Sun July 17th - 9pm $8 Grog Shop
Enon - Fri. July 22nd Lime Spider
DEVO - Thurs. Aug 18th 8pm $35-$50 Scene Pavillion
Pretty Girls Make Graves - Sun Aug. 21st - 6pm $10 Grog Shop
Engine Down / Bella Lea - Sun Aug. 28th - 8pm $10 Grog Shop
I will be at number's 2, 4, and 5, without fail. I've been wanting to see my 2004 Band of the Year for some time. Now that I think of it, there were a lot of good, personal music discoveries in '04 that could easily contend w/ PGMG.
What is everyone listening to this week?
Some items that have been experiencing heavy digital rotation in the iPod:
Bloc Party
Prefuse 73
Ladytron
John Legend
Cut Chemist
It's time to get back in the groove....
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
A shred of light in the darkness of space
Man or...Astroman?
Finally...some info about the present goings on of Man or Astroman?
Apparently Birdstuff is in the process of archiving all things astroman. Which also involves a much anticipated DVD. It would be so insanely awesome, but I have learned not to hold my breath. It's been many a year floating inside this blue marble floating around in nothingness without any closure or verified information. Are they finished? Or are they in queue? Are they definitely in (the much overused word) "hiatus" waiting to emerge unexpected with phazer guns and burning theremin's ablazing? The future can only tell.
Here's the new myspace site:
http://www.myspace.com/manorastroman
The really cool thing is that he put up some streams of one of the John Peel sessions they did.
If you download a freeware streaming recorder (like Freecorder http://www.freecorder.com/) you can make copies for your personal collection.
I'll be writing up a comprehensive on Man or Astroman? in the near future. For now there is a firsthand bio from Birdstuff on the myspace site.
Some pretty sweet pictures of Man or...Astroman?
http://www.yolamda.net/home.html
Monday, April 25, 2005
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Frances vs. Any Challenger
"Frances The Mute" will be the album of the year; I welcome any challengers. What's written about them in their biography is exactly what I think about them; they are the classic rock we will be listening to in years to come...and in my measily opinion, they are the modern-day Led Zeppelin. Not from the standpoint of their music sounding like Led Zeppelin, or Cedric sounding like Robert Plant...but from their sheer improv authority during live performances and the single fact that there is nothing like The Mars Volta, on the scene today. Much like Led Zeppelin was, back in their day. This album is amazing.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Birdstuff & The FBI
Another reason why Man...or Astro-man? might not get back together...with this kind of publicity, there's no where to go, but up -->
Taken from Pitchfork Media...Birdstuff, a microphone, and 5 minutes on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List:
Taken from Pitchfork Media...Birdstuff, a microphone, and 5 minutes on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List:
Polyphonic Spree Drummer Brian Teasley Makes the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List
Godspeed You Black Emperor laugh it up from underground shoebomb facilityCory D. Byrom reports: Brian Teasley, percussionist for Texas-based indie-pop outfit The Polyphonic Spree, caused a major ruckus at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport last Thursday, and in the process managed to weasel his way onto the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list-- for about an hour and a half. The offense? Concealing a microphone in his baggage-- a Placid Audio Copperphone, to be exact-- that was subsequently mistaken by airport security for a bomb.
No word of the scare had reached the Birmingham Airport Thursday evening when Teasley arrived in Alabama, where he currently resides, though he was disappointed to discover his luggage hadn't arrived. So he filed a complaint with American Airlines, then proceeded to do what anyone else in this situation would do: He went to Taco Bell.
It was upon arriving back at home that Teasley was approached by an FBI agent. Appearing seemingly out of nowhere, the agent asked, "Are you Brian Teasley?" When Teasley replied in the affirmative, the agent stated calmly into his lapel, "We got him." As Teasley tells it, cars immediately came from every direction at once, blocking off the driveway and thoroughly congesting the street. It turns out that after the airport security discovered the device in one of Teasley's bags, five gates were shut down in the C terminal, the bomb disposal robot was called out, and the FBI was contacted.
"If you're looking for a solid alibi, being on a national TV show is a good one," Teasley joked in a telephone interview with Pitchfork, referring to the fact that The Polyphonic Spree had recently performed on Late Night with Craig Kilborn. Once Teasley realized the source of the misunderstanding, he told the agent that he had the performance on TiVo, and could easily show them the microphone in question. After viewing the performance, the FBI were able to confirm with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport that the item in question was, in fact, just a microphone. However, why the agents were unable to just disassemble the damn thing and figure out that it wasn't a bomb is a question you might not want to ask yourself, if you'd like to feel good about the state of national security.
"I don't want to over-dramatize the situation," Teasley stated, "but there were two or three minutes when I thought I was going to be in Guantanamo Bay with the Abu Ghraib people holding a thumbs up while pointing to my penis. I wasn't really scared about Guantanamo, I just didn't want people to see my penis. I'm a very private person." As for the Spree, you can catch the terrorists, er, band on tour throughout the rest of August at the following dates: 08-13 Chicago, IL - Park West 08-14 Chicago, IL - Park West 08-16 Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club 08-18 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club 08-19 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club 08-21 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church 08-22 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church 08-24 New York, NY - Irving Plaza 08-25 New York, NY - Irving Plaza .:
Pitchfork Review:
Polyphonic Spree: Together We're Heavy.:Pitchfork News: The Polyphonic Spree Announce U.S. Dates.:
Polyphonic Spree: http://www.thepolyphonicspree.com/.:
Placid Audio: http://www.placidaudio.com/
Friday, April 01, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
I like...
Dizzee Rascal - He's black... he's ghetto... he's British??? Great hip-hop topped with wonderful electronic music.
Gratitude - Jonah is my favorite. I was able to get this CD for free thanks to Pepsi and iTunes! Yeah! Sometimes I'm glad that my diet consists of sugar, caffeine, and propane.
Heiruspecs - If you like J-5 and The Roots, check these guys out. Check out the track 5ves off their latest 'A Tiger Dancing.' That's no turn-table my friends.
Hazen Street - Hardcore goes pop??? It's actually quite good stuff! Toby-One is cool, and apparently he's really tough.
That's what's currently playing in my MP3 player... along with some nostalgic bands (Deftones, Quicksand, Face to Face.)
Gratitude - Jonah is my favorite. I was able to get this CD for free thanks to Pepsi and iTunes! Yeah! Sometimes I'm glad that my diet consists of sugar, caffeine, and propane.
Heiruspecs - If you like J-5 and The Roots, check these guys out. Check out the track 5ves off their latest 'A Tiger Dancing.' That's no turn-table my friends.
Hazen Street - Hardcore goes pop??? It's actually quite good stuff! Toby-One is cool, and apparently he's really tough.
That's what's currently playing in my MP3 player... along with some nostalgic bands (Deftones, Quicksand, Face to Face.)
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Sup all?
Greetings from todd v! I don't really have anything to say 'about music' at the moment... However, I would like to republish selected ramblings of yours in my monthly newsletter www.theclevelandcanvas.com for the reading pleasure of thousands.
a - are you all cool with this, and
2 - should I just copy the stuff I like directly to notepad, and paste it in my letter, or would you prefer to submit it to me in a word document?
Let me know. I am looking forward to bringing back some music info to the Canvas. I prefer local music stuff if you have it, btw...
todd
a - are you all cool with this, and
2 - should I just copy the stuff I like directly to notepad, and paste it in my letter, or would you prefer to submit it to me in a word document?
Let me know. I am looking forward to bringing back some music info to the Canvas. I prefer local music stuff if you have it, btw...
todd
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Jonah Matranga - 4 bands strong
Jonah Matranga has had plenty of bandmates, including R2D2. Jonah's droid didn't just assist him with tactical missions focusing on bringing the Imperial forces to their knees...no no no...that was just a small part of this little robot's daily chores. R2's other chore was filling the role as the Ultimate Drum Machine for a super power known as 'onelinedrawing'. That 6-inch tall robot could really kick out the jams.
Jonah has been part of a number of great projects --> 'Far' - where I discovered him, 'onelinedrawing', 'New End Original', and now 'Gratitude'. Far came out with an album called 'Tin Cans With Strings To You' in 1996...one of the best debut efforts I've ever heard. I was immediately hooked. They were compared to bands like Deftones, Tool, and Helmet...but weren't around for too long, with their second album out in 1998 --> "Water and Solutions". This second album was re-released w/ a DVD last year, available from Interpunk --> I'm sweaty with excitement.
onelinedrawing was a solo project with R2D2, leaning heavily on the acoustic side, where Jonah put out a bunch of albums, split-releasing with Sense Field, Rival Schools, Juliana Theory, and a couple of comps.
New End Original put out a debut in 2001, and another album last year. The band consisted of Jonah, Norman Arenas and Scott Winegard from Texas is the Reason, and Charlie Walker from Chamberlain. Only stuff I've heard is from their debut, "Thriller", which I plan on picking up soon.
Gratitude is relatively new, their debut came out earlier this month. I've heard a single on WBWC, and so far, so good. Nothing like the days of Far and onelinedrawing, though, so drop the attitude! This same attitude was thrown out there by fans listening to New End Original and expecting the same thing. It's called change people, that's why the warning signs of change are blatantly apparent --> new band name, and new band members.
The top reason for this post though, is to bring out Jonah's new website --> www.jonahmatranga.com. I love the design of the site and the different areas....please check it out. The primo idea, is Jonah's Store section, in an area called 'Unique Recordings'. Let me esplain. No wait, there is too much, lemme sum up....he'll perform and record any songs that he's been a part of, or covered in the past. This is on an individual basis --> you can write in, suggest your ideas for this personalized recording, suggest a price (be prepared to spend $30-$60 a song - well worth it in my opinion), and also ask for any special art work (created by Jonah) and/or autographing. I would be absolutely broke if more of my favorite bands and artists did this --> it's such a great idea. Big ups to you, Commander Matranga.
Jonah has been part of a number of great projects --> 'Far' - where I discovered him, 'onelinedrawing', 'New End Original', and now 'Gratitude'. Far came out with an album called 'Tin Cans With Strings To You' in 1996...one of the best debut efforts I've ever heard. I was immediately hooked. They were compared to bands like Deftones, Tool, and Helmet...but weren't around for too long, with their second album out in 1998 --> "Water and Solutions". This second album was re-released w/ a DVD last year, available from Interpunk --> I'm sweaty with excitement.
onelinedrawing was a solo project with R2D2, leaning heavily on the acoustic side, where Jonah put out a bunch of albums, split-releasing with Sense Field, Rival Schools, Juliana Theory, and a couple of comps.
New End Original put out a debut in 2001, and another album last year. The band consisted of Jonah, Norman Arenas and Scott Winegard from Texas is the Reason, and Charlie Walker from Chamberlain. Only stuff I've heard is from their debut, "Thriller", which I plan on picking up soon.
Gratitude is relatively new, their debut came out earlier this month. I've heard a single on WBWC, and so far, so good. Nothing like the days of Far and onelinedrawing, though, so drop the attitude! This same attitude was thrown out there by fans listening to New End Original and expecting the same thing. It's called change people, that's why the warning signs of change are blatantly apparent --> new band name, and new band members.
The top reason for this post though, is to bring out Jonah's new website --> www.jonahmatranga.com. I love the design of the site and the different areas....please check it out. The primo idea, is Jonah's Store section, in an area called 'Unique Recordings'. Let me esplain. No wait, there is too much, lemme sum up....he'll perform and record any songs that he's been a part of, or covered in the past. This is on an individual basis --> you can write in, suggest your ideas for this personalized recording, suggest a price (be prepared to spend $30-$60 a song - well worth it in my opinion), and also ask for any special art work (created by Jonah) and/or autographing. I would be absolutely broke if more of my favorite bands and artists did this --> it's such a great idea. Big ups to you, Commander Matranga.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
New Feature...
If you'll scroll down on the sidebar to the right...you'll see a new feature to PTF! Every month, 10 links will be posted to our 'Currently Punching' list. Usually this will be based off of the artists that we have been bloggin' about, but you can also send an e-mail and suggest an artist to be showcased.
Another list will be added shortly, for links to other music resources....
Until then...punch on...
Another list will be added shortly, for links to other music resources....
Until then...punch on...
Monday, February 28, 2005
"Make sure I say what they want to read..."
Words from one of my favorite songs of all time, off of "Songs To Fan The Flames of Discontent", by Refused. Will there ever be another band quite like Refused? I doubt it.
Too much rehashing, grinding, liquifying, molding, conforming, and twisting of the same crap music, over and over. I wonder if it will change anytime soon? Probably not....groups like Simple Plan and Papa Roach need to eat ya know. McBand makes McMusic for mucho McBling.
Wouldn't THAT be great. To go to a restaurant and order the food that represented the music you listen to. I think the FDA wouldn't approve of most of it though...even from both sides. Certain menu items being stale, moldy, and tasteless....others giving people super human powers, and stimulating brain waves.
I hope the Refused DVD is released soon, so I can feast on some hardcore goodness.
Too much rehashing, grinding, liquifying, molding, conforming, and twisting of the same crap music, over and over. I wonder if it will change anytime soon? Probably not....groups like Simple Plan and Papa Roach need to eat ya know. McBand makes McMusic for mucho McBling.
Wouldn't THAT be great. To go to a restaurant and order the food that represented the music you listen to. I think the FDA wouldn't approve of most of it though...even from both sides. Certain menu items being stale, moldy, and tasteless....others giving people super human powers, and stimulating brain waves.
I hope the Refused DVD is released soon, so I can feast on some hardcore goodness.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Snapcase is dead
Snapcase – Live @ the Sphere, Buffalo, N.Y. (januarytwentysecondtwothousandfive)
Well….Snapcase is dead. They themselves say so on the startup page of their website. http://www.snapcase.com/
The following is the final message from Snapcase. After which I will submit a terse review of the show.
Well….Snapcase is dead. They themselves say so on the startup page of their website. http://www.snapcase.com/
The following is the final message from Snapcase. After which I will submit a terse review of the show.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to anyone and everyone who has supported snapcase in any capacity whatsoever. Thank you for listening to our music, coming to our shows, and of course moshing the good mosh. It has definitely been an amazing journey these past fourteen years and there have been many changes throughout that time. However, one thing has always remained constant and that is our amazing fans and friends and families, without whom we would be nothing more than five guys making loud noise. you have made this emotional traversal of the better part of the last decade and a half worth every single second, some more excruciating than others. As those who were in attendance witnessed on January 22nd, the final performance was an energetic and emotional celebration of the death of the snapcase. Once again, thank you all.
......We are in the process of compiling a career retrospective DVD that will include the final performance in it's entirety as well historic footage, interviews, music videos, and other bonus features. We are currently looking for video submissions for this project so if you or anyone you know has any footage of snapcase or anything relating to snapcase that you believe to be relevant, please contact us to find out how you can send it in. All video formats accepted. Expect a summer release for the DVD. Email us at
info@snapcase.com.
......We've also added the final show "RIP" t-shirt design to our online store so if you wanted one and missed out at the last show or you were unable to make it to Buffalo on the 22nd, you're in luck. They're available here.
continue to snapcase.com
......We've also added the final show "RIP" t-shirt design to our online store so if you wanted one and missed out at the last show or you were unable to make it to Buffalo on the 22nd, you're in luck. They're available here.
continue to snapcase.com
LiveReview:
First off it looks like you will get to see the show if you didn’t catch it. Or re-experience the show if you were somewhat incapacitated, cough, cough…ahem…like me. Hey, it was my post-bachelor party. Anyways: “We are in the process of compiling a career retrospective DVD that will include the final performance in it's entirety”. That is awesome. I’ll probably see myself being squashed, beaten and hoisted into the air by my comrades for my first crowd surfing experience. At any rate I am sure it’ll be as embarrassing as me dancing at my friends wedding to Brainstorm’s “Popcorn”, in which I ended up spinning on my side on the ground like Curly (3 stooges fame, or Homer Simpson if you prefer), which is also on video. Of which my wife hasn’t seen yet thankfully.
From what I recall, the show totally Rawked. I’ll leave it up to the other PTF contributor who took me to the show to give the specifics. But they played a bunch of songs. (I just read that…well, duh they did) Old and new but not all of their “Hits” I think they just played what they wanted to. They had past member’s come out on stage for a few songs too. The whole set was hard hitting and full of their trademark intensity. The intensity that they poured out every time they played.
Snapcase closed.
I saw Squarepusher on the TV on the Radio
It’s been a while since I have bought some CD’s. So on a recent purchase spree I decided to choose a couple from my wish list in which I had seen the acts live. Sort of to rekindle the imagery of shows past. Now I present two album reviews: TV on the Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes & Squarepusher – Ultravisitor. I will preface the album reviews with the live reviews, in which I submitted to other information mediums before Punch The Floor came into it’s present existence.
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Squarepusher – Live 4.7.04, Ultravisitor (Warp Records)
Live review at the Wexner Center, Columbus, Ohio (April Seventh Twothousandfour)
(original review found at: http://www.experimentalbehavior.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=638&highlight=squarepusher)
· Three letters WOW. Mr. Jenkinson brought all that I expected and more. I have live recordings and know all about his live tweaking & bass playing. But to SEE it was incredible. He played a bunch off of his new record "Ultravisitor" (which I highly recommend((edit: of course I didn’t buy it yet))) and to my extreme delight (edit: edited due to incompetence) closed out his encore with "come on my selector". The concert was at the Wexner Center for the Arts on the OSU campus. This place was awesome and the sound was the best I have ever heard for a live venue. Kenny Muhammad opened http://www.humanorchestra.com/ He calls himself the Human Orchestra and he lived up to it. I was in awe the whole time he performed. Just a microphone and his mouth. He is the best human beatbox I have ever heard. He was all over the place as far as genres were concerned. Mixing up some soul then flipping over to house. No lack of hip-hop of course and his Jungle rendition blew me away. Then to top it all off he re-mixed Kraftwerk's Trans-Europe Express, I was turned into a giddy little schoolgirl.
Album review, Ultravisitor (Warp Records)
· Squarepusher is perhaps the greatest musical genius of our current time. Even if you don’t particularly care for his music, one cannot deny that he is a master of drill & bass, a master of the bass guitar, a pretty awesome drummer and a solid fluent practitioner of jazzerificosity. He is a master composer that is living in our very own time loop. His latest release has cultivated all the awesomeness of his prior releases and has constructed a cohesive arrangement. Where prior albums would tend to focus on one aspect of his proficiency, Ultravisitor visits Tom’s own intrinsic influences and gives a synapses in the form of new original music. Squarepusher is on my list of “Artists that can do me no wrong” in the sense that I would like anything that he would put out. So if he decided to record an album of mosquito farts I would still buy it. I command you to buy this record or download it on Warp records very own www.bleep.com There is a bunch of other awesome stuff on there too from lots of neato labels other than Warp.
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TV on the Radio – Live 3.27.04, Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes (Touch & Go Records)
Live review at the Grog Shop, Cleveland Hts, Ohio (March twentyseventh Twothousandfour) (original review found at: http://www.pulsarmail.com/show_article.php?p=31P0E946R4896N89H&r=136066)
· As 5 hipsters waltzed onto the stage the air turned from rage to a state of contemplation. Something different was certainly about to happen. Different is an understatement considering a guitarist with a 7'-4" diameter afro and beard to match standing in front of you. Their style is uniquely their own. Guitars providing beds of expansive sound mixed with beats of hinted jazz, funk, hop and even country were all led by soulful swooning. There was no absence of Rawk though and they brought that in at just the right times. As an encore all the members switched instruments and seemingly started an improv number, which morphed into another of their repertoire. A very different journey that proved not to disappoint.
Album review, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes (Touch & Go Records)
· It took me a second spin to really appreciate this disc. Maybe because of all the hype that was floating around this release. After I shelved my skepticism I found myself really digging the music. The focus is definitely on the vocals and lending to a minimalistic array of guitars and loops. The highlight of the record is “staring at the sun”. The chorus lead vocals are stirring. I can see where some critics draw Peter Gabriel similarities, since he too sang over his own voice to get the chorus effect. But that’s where similarities end. Tunde Adebimpe is much more prolific and sounds more natural. It’s just pleasant to listen to. Just like my live review above, all the songs serpentine between different genre influences. They bring a familiarity to new songs that you have never heard before.
I recommend playing this disc if you are looking for a soundtrack for a reflection and winding down session. TV on the Radio is a new band in all sense of the word. They’re seemingly adding new members every couple of months. The results from the growth and exploration of their music will only get better. To top it all off they are on the same label that the greatest band in the galaxy, Man…or ASTRO-Man?, has had releases on.
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Squarepusher – Live 4.7.04, Ultravisitor (Warp Records)
Live review at the Wexner Center, Columbus, Ohio (April Seventh Twothousandfour)
(original review found at: http://www.experimentalbehavior.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=638&highlight=squarepusher)
· Three letters WOW. Mr. Jenkinson brought all that I expected and more. I have live recordings and know all about his live tweaking & bass playing. But to SEE it was incredible. He played a bunch off of his new record "Ultravisitor" (which I highly recommend((edit: of course I didn’t buy it yet))) and to my extreme delight (edit: edited due to incompetence) closed out his encore with "come on my selector". The concert was at the Wexner Center for the Arts on the OSU campus. This place was awesome and the sound was the best I have ever heard for a live venue. Kenny Muhammad opened http://www.humanorchestra.com/ He calls himself the Human Orchestra and he lived up to it. I was in awe the whole time he performed. Just a microphone and his mouth. He is the best human beatbox I have ever heard. He was all over the place as far as genres were concerned. Mixing up some soul then flipping over to house. No lack of hip-hop of course and his Jungle rendition blew me away. Then to top it all off he re-mixed Kraftwerk's Trans-Europe Express, I was turned into a giddy little schoolgirl.
Album review, Ultravisitor (Warp Records)
· Squarepusher is perhaps the greatest musical genius of our current time. Even if you don’t particularly care for his music, one cannot deny that he is a master of drill & bass, a master of the bass guitar, a pretty awesome drummer and a solid fluent practitioner of jazzerificosity. He is a master composer that is living in our very own time loop. His latest release has cultivated all the awesomeness of his prior releases and has constructed a cohesive arrangement. Where prior albums would tend to focus on one aspect of his proficiency, Ultravisitor visits Tom’s own intrinsic influences and gives a synapses in the form of new original music. Squarepusher is on my list of “Artists that can do me no wrong” in the sense that I would like anything that he would put out. So if he decided to record an album of mosquito farts I would still buy it. I command you to buy this record or download it on Warp records very own www.bleep.com There is a bunch of other awesome stuff on there too from lots of neato labels other than Warp.
=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_=_
TV on the Radio – Live 3.27.04, Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes (Touch & Go Records)
Live review at the Grog Shop, Cleveland Hts, Ohio (March twentyseventh Twothousandfour) (original review found at: http://www.pulsarmail.com/show_article.php?p=31P0E946R4896N89H&r=136066)
· As 5 hipsters waltzed onto the stage the air turned from rage to a state of contemplation. Something different was certainly about to happen. Different is an understatement considering a guitarist with a 7'-4" diameter afro and beard to match standing in front of you. Their style is uniquely their own. Guitars providing beds of expansive sound mixed with beats of hinted jazz, funk, hop and even country were all led by soulful swooning. There was no absence of Rawk though and they brought that in at just the right times. As an encore all the members switched instruments and seemingly started an improv number, which morphed into another of their repertoire. A very different journey that proved not to disappoint.
Album review, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes (Touch & Go Records)
· It took me a second spin to really appreciate this disc. Maybe because of all the hype that was floating around this release. After I shelved my skepticism I found myself really digging the music. The focus is definitely on the vocals and lending to a minimalistic array of guitars and loops. The highlight of the record is “staring at the sun”. The chorus lead vocals are stirring. I can see where some critics draw Peter Gabriel similarities, since he too sang over his own voice to get the chorus effect. But that’s where similarities end. Tunde Adebimpe is much more prolific and sounds more natural. It’s just pleasant to listen to. Just like my live review above, all the songs serpentine between different genre influences. They bring a familiarity to new songs that you have never heard before.
I recommend playing this disc if you are looking for a soundtrack for a reflection and winding down session. TV on the Radio is a new band in all sense of the word. They’re seemingly adding new members every couple of months. The results from the growth and exploration of their music will only get better. To top it all off they are on the same label that the greatest band in the galaxy, Man…or ASTRO-Man?, has had releases on.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Oh snap dragon!
Just picked up a few more...thanks to a friend. He easily knows more about DnB/Jungle/Techno than any human in Ohio. Someday he'll grace us with a post, or a review of some sort. Hopefully the guy/girl that knows more than him isn't reading this.
Here's what I added:
Death Cab For Cutie --> "The Photo Album" --> I seriously don't think it's possible for DCFC to put out a bad album. If it happened, the earth would probably start rotating in the other direction. This one is good...I highly recommend it to anyone. Related....when I first started listening to these guys a few years ago, I had my doubts about the vocals. Lyrics were always very good, but it took a while for me to really enjoy Ben Gibbard on vocals - he's got a different sound. Reminds me of a storyteller. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of all of his efforts, and am a tremendous fan of the musicianship alongside Ben - Jason McGerr - sweet sassafrass, those are some fresh beats! - I need to find you next time I'm in Seattle and take a lesson. What a clean sound overall...
Klute --> 'Breakbeat Science Exercise 003' --> completely mixed by Klute. As soon as I stopped projectile vomiting with excitement over this great, great mix...I focused my eyes and turned up the jam. This one is very good; the best DnB album I've heard in 2005.
Klute --> 'Lie, Cheat & Steal / You Should Be Ashamed' --> A 2-CD set....with "Lie" being the better of the two in my humble opinion. Klute consistently puts out good stuff, and he's always been high on my DnB list.
The Faint --> 'Wet From Birth' --> I've only listened to this 2 or 3 times....need to listen more before I have anything to say. I really liked 'Danse Macabre' though...so there ya go Faintists...got some props from me.
Were in the Wide Wide World of Sports is the Snapcase "Last Show Review"?? I believe two of them were in order for this blog...one from me and one from another individual.
Here's what I added:
Death Cab For Cutie --> "The Photo Album" --> I seriously don't think it's possible for DCFC to put out a bad album. If it happened, the earth would probably start rotating in the other direction. This one is good...I highly recommend it to anyone. Related....when I first started listening to these guys a few years ago, I had my doubts about the vocals. Lyrics were always very good, but it took a while for me to really enjoy Ben Gibbard on vocals - he's got a different sound. Reminds me of a storyteller. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of all of his efforts, and am a tremendous fan of the musicianship alongside Ben - Jason McGerr - sweet sassafrass, those are some fresh beats! - I need to find you next time I'm in Seattle and take a lesson. What a clean sound overall...
Klute --> 'Breakbeat Science Exercise 003' --> completely mixed by Klute. As soon as I stopped projectile vomiting with excitement over this great, great mix...I focused my eyes and turned up the jam. This one is very good; the best DnB album I've heard in 2005.
Klute --> 'Lie, Cheat & Steal / You Should Be Ashamed' --> A 2-CD set....with "Lie" being the better of the two in my humble opinion. Klute consistently puts out good stuff, and he's always been high on my DnB list.
The Faint --> 'Wet From Birth' --> I've only listened to this 2 or 3 times....need to listen more before I have anything to say. I really liked 'Danse Macabre' though...so there ya go Faintists...got some props from me.
Were in the Wide Wide World of Sports is the Snapcase "Last Show Review"?? I believe two of them were in order for this blog...one from me and one from another individual.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Bella Lea will enter Ohio in February...
You've read correctly. And now you can verify! --> www.bellalea.com
They'll be at The Lime Spider in Akron on Monday, Feb. 21st. A Cleveland crew will be making a trek down...
They're playing at Case a few days later, but it's students only. Students only? Come on! What does Case know about Maura Davis and Bella Lea?! I thought the essentials for Case livelihood were a 12 inch beard and a good monitor tan?
I apologize to the countless viewers waiting for the Snapcase Final Show review, as well as 'Far --> Where Are They Now?' post. Soon my peoples, very soon.
Also saw that Shonen Knife is coming to town in March. D-Money should be beaming over that one!
Another post coming very soon....get your reading glasses out.
They'll be at The Lime Spider in Akron on Monday, Feb. 21st. A Cleveland crew will be making a trek down...
They're playing at Case a few days later, but it's students only. Students only? Come on! What does Case know about Maura Davis and Bella Lea?! I thought the essentials for Case livelihood were a 12 inch beard and a good monitor tan?
I apologize to the countless viewers waiting for the Snapcase Final Show review, as well as 'Far --> Where Are They Now?' post. Soon my peoples, very soon.
Also saw that Shonen Knife is coming to town in March. D-Money should be beaming over that one!
Another post coming very soon....get your reading glasses out.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Aqualads
Here's to another new release...
I've recently rekindled my love for surf music after getting indigestion from stuffing myself on an all surf diet a while back. Don't worry I only have 1 Hawaiin shirt left, the original. While listening to the Devlar surf sessions on live365.com ( http://raydukes_1.tripod.com/ ) Ray, who still plays 3 SumpPump monkeys tracks, played an old Aqualads track. So I decided if Aqualads had a viable site other than the now deceased MP3.com, and they do! ( http://www.aqualads.com/index.html ) AND they have a new CD, to make sure you know what type of music it is, titled "Surf!, Surf! Surf!
The startup page has a pretty awesome image of their new CD cover (which I may buy a t-shirt of)
I think I may just get all of their CD's. I better start making a list too.
Now to another Aqualads subject. They are pretty awesome. But I seem to remember them being younger for some reason. Sort of how old the Stingrays(where did they go?) were back in the day, the glory days of mp3.com that is. Well to my chagrin I found out that they are another typical late-middle aged surf band trying to rekindle a cool youth that they never had. I guess the "lads" reference in their name is just a sick joke on my imagination. But alas, their music is awesome.
P.S. Slacktone playing "Miserlou" is insanely awesome.
I've recently rekindled my love for surf music after getting indigestion from stuffing myself on an all surf diet a while back. Don't worry I only have 1 Hawaiin shirt left, the original. While listening to the Devlar surf sessions on live365.com ( http://raydukes_1.tripod.com/ ) Ray, who still plays 3 SumpPump monkeys tracks, played an old Aqualads track. So I decided if Aqualads had a viable site other than the now deceased MP3.com, and they do! ( http://www.aqualads.com/index.html ) AND they have a new CD, to make sure you know what type of music it is, titled "Surf!, Surf! Surf!
The startup page has a pretty awesome image of their new CD cover (which I may buy a t-shirt of)
I think I may just get all of their CD's. I better start making a list too.
Now to another Aqualads subject. They are pretty awesome. But I seem to remember them being younger for some reason. Sort of how old the Stingrays(where did they go?) were back in the day, the glory days of mp3.com that is. Well to my chagrin I found out that they are another typical late-middle aged surf band trying to rekindle a cool youth that they never had. I guess the "lads" reference in their name is just a sick joke on my imagination. But alas, their music is awesome.
P.S. Slacktone playing "Miserlou" is insanely awesome.
Hey, here's some stuff I've been listening to, as one year ends and the next one starts. If you're into any of it too, let me know, and if not, try checking it out.
Matthew Dear - Leave Luck to Heaven. - It's on Ghostly International, (or Spectral, whichever you wanna call it) which is easily one of the best lables around. I can literally buy anything they put out and instantly love it. It's nice melodic electro. Some cool vocals. Kinda mysterious and a bit dancy and dark. It's like a tight black t-shirt. I put it on when I'm getting ready to go out, and I feel 100 times sexier.
Dani Siciliano - Dani Siciliano likes... - on !K7, again one of the best lables on the planet. She's Matthew Herbert's wife, but she's awesome in her own right. This album is all over the place, but it's always melodic and catchy and jazzy and right-on in every way. I'm especially into her version of Nirvana's Come as You are.
RJD2 - Since We Last Met - on Definative Jux - He's pretty much a genius. Normally a hip-hop producer, providing beats for Soul Position and others. This is his second solo project and it's decidedly less hip hop than the first. There are no vocals for one thing, but don't let that scare you away. He's at the top of his game here. If you're a fan of DJ Shadow, you'll like this better.
Jeans Team - Gold Und Silber - Kitty-Yo -it's just an EP, and it came out in 2002 but it's going to take a miracle to get me to stop playing it. It's the most infectious music I've heard in a long time. Or well, since their self-titled full length came out in 2000. If there was a scene in Tron where the characters went to a sexy German disco with pulsating lights and a pumping sound system this would be the music they danced to.
And you know, whatever, I'm listening to a million other things too. Beans- Shock City Maverick and whatever I can find by the Crown City Rockers. Any 7heads reissue I can get my hands on. And blah blah blah, lots of other stuff. But I guess it can all wait for another post. For now, I'm off to put on my tight black t-shirt...
Matthew Dear - Leave Luck to Heaven. - It's on Ghostly International, (or Spectral, whichever you wanna call it) which is easily one of the best lables around. I can literally buy anything they put out and instantly love it. It's nice melodic electro. Some cool vocals. Kinda mysterious and a bit dancy and dark. It's like a tight black t-shirt. I put it on when I'm getting ready to go out, and I feel 100 times sexier.
Dani Siciliano - Dani Siciliano likes... - on !K7, again one of the best lables on the planet. She's Matthew Herbert's wife, but she's awesome in her own right. This album is all over the place, but it's always melodic and catchy and jazzy and right-on in every way. I'm especially into her version of Nirvana's Come as You are.
RJD2 - Since We Last Met - on Definative Jux - He's pretty much a genius. Normally a hip-hop producer, providing beats for Soul Position and others. This is his second solo project and it's decidedly less hip hop than the first. There are no vocals for one thing, but don't let that scare you away. He's at the top of his game here. If you're a fan of DJ Shadow, you'll like this better.
Jeans Team - Gold Und Silber - Kitty-Yo -it's just an EP, and it came out in 2002 but it's going to take a miracle to get me to stop playing it. It's the most infectious music I've heard in a long time. Or well, since their self-titled full length came out in 2000. If there was a scene in Tron where the characters went to a sexy German disco with pulsating lights and a pumping sound system this would be the music they danced to.
And you know, whatever, I'm listening to a million other things too. Beans- Shock City Maverick and whatever I can find by the Crown City Rockers. Any 7heads reissue I can get my hands on. And blah blah blah, lots of other stuff. But I guess it can all wait for another post. For now, I'm off to put on my tight black t-shirt...
The Mars Volta
Well I just found this out...
The Mars Volta have a new CD coming out titled "Frances the Mute" to be released on March 1st, 2005.
From Billboard.com:
"the new set features 77 minutes of music spread across five tracks, three of which contain multiple subsections."
Jam
They have the track list on Billboard too, which is pretty neato.
Here is a further article (better than the article referred to above):
http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/10887.html
Here's a link to a new single:
http://www.marsvolta.com/ecard/#
The Mars Volta have a new CD coming out titled "Frances the Mute" to be released on March 1st, 2005.
From Billboard.com:
"the new set features 77 minutes of music spread across five tracks, three of which contain multiple subsections."
Jam
They have the track list on Billboard too, which is pretty neato.
Here is a further article (better than the article referred to above):
http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/10887.html
Here's a link to a new single:
http://www.marsvolta.com/ecard/#
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