Sweepin the Clouds Away

 

If you’ve been to Google’s homepage this week, you know that Tuesday, November 10, is Sesame Street’s fortieth birthday. For forty years, Sesame Street has inspired not only fans of learning, but fans of music. It’s certainly one of the things that made me a music fan. Talk to anyone and even the toughest of guys will stop to gush over this very special show. Why wouldn’t they? This show has had a million memorable moments including a slew of musical acts that helped teach new generations how to count, spell, have good manners, and be safe. Although we love Big Bird, Ernie, and the Cookie Monster, aren’t they even more fun when they have Feist or Norah Jonessinging next to them? But look back even further back in Sesame Street’s collection of performances and you’ll find Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and the amazing Cab Calloway. Who was your favorite? I loved the music performances so much that the only reason I stopped watching the show was because of the stress. How could people not see a huge, furry mammoth? If I had only kept watching another couple years when everyone finally saw Snuffy. But that’s not the point. The point is this show is wholesomely rooted in music. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need intense marketing campaigns or extreme commercialization to be successful. All it takes is a public broadcasting channel, good writers, and a great mission. So, here’s to forty more. Happy Birthday Sesame Street! I think it’s safe to say everyone loves you.

And now a Band of the Week that could soon sing with Elmo or the Count…Anjulie!

I admit I didn’t love Anjulie until the second listen, but it doesn’t matter because I love her music now. You’ve probably heard her song “Boom” on Vampire Diaries or Eastwick. I can’t get this song out of my heard and the more I hear the more I love it. This song alone conveys this Canadian’s potential, but I also recommend “Love Songs.” Catch her on a small club tour opening for Raphael Saadiq beginning November 16.

Until next time, “C is for Cookie,” Cookie Monster- K

Trick or Treat

Fall is my favorite time of year for a few reasons: I love watching the leaves change colors, some of the best films make their debut in the fall, and there’s caramel apples everywhere. And, of course, there’s Halloween, the most fun and scary holiday of the year. In honor of this holiday, I have prepared a list of my favorite spooky music videos (sans any horror-core because that’s just  too obvious). Enjoy!

*These videos contain one or more of the following: disturbing visuals, nudity, sex, viruses, monsters, drug use, deformities, or killers. Do not watch if you are underage or scare easily. These videos are not for you.

10. Shame by Stabbing Westward

9. Wolf Like Me by TV on the Radio

8. Push It by Garbage

7. Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana

6. Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden

5. Sweet Dreams by Marilyn Manson

4. Rubber Johnny by Aphex Twin (short film)

3. Come to Daddy by Aphex Twin

2. White Pony by Deftones (short film)

1. Stinkfist by Tool

Honorable Mention: Happiness in Slavery by Nine Inch Nails for its grotesque take on authoritative fetishism. (You must log into YouTube to watch this video. No minors please.)

And now a New Band of the Week…AFI!

I have been listening to this talented band for a while now. I’ve seen them transform with every album from goth punk to glam rock and again with their latest release Crash Love, a simple, stripped down, rock album. The new album is the perfect cure for the dreary days of fall. I absolutely love the epic chorus on “Beautiful Thieves.”  You should also check out “Veronica Sawyer Smokes.” If you want some older AFI, I recommend “Summer Shudder,” “Celluloid Dream,” and  “Days of the Phoenix.” I’ve seen them live a couple times and they are so awesome. They are currently on tour. I’m sad to say there are no west coast dates posted yet, but I know these Nor-Cal guys will not skip over the West Coast. You can see them live on MTV Ulalume airing Friday, October 30.

 Until next time, “Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn, and caldron bubble,” Shakespeare. -K

Take the Power Back

The stars have aligned, and I think pigs are about to sprout wings. What’s the event that causing all this commotion? The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack debuted at no. 2 on the charts behind….Michael Buble. This comes just weeks after tween royalty Paramore saw  their latest album debut behind Barbara Streisand. Is the music market changing? Can it really be true? I think it’s safe to say that since the demise of grunge music, teens and tweens have been dictating the music market with their allowances. This unfortunate circumstance gave us Britney and Miley. Thus, adults have been neglected by the music industry, which is obviously out there just to make a buck. But if adults are the big spenders now, does that mean adults are back in the driver seat? This shift could be a fluke, but it definitely opens up the possibility for an unknown future where sexed up teeny poppers are thing of the past, a bad dream. Why is this happening? Could it be that MTV really fucked up? The channel stopped focusing on the music eons ago and, now, presents their audiences with distorted garbage in the form of fabulously decadent lifestyles filled with expensive cars, mansions, and overpriced handbags. Have the children switched their priorities from Miley to Prada? That’s what happens when the merchandising becomes more important than the music. Whatever the reason, I accept this change with open arms. I want to see where this goes. It was just a few months ago that I thought the Jo Bros would never go away and, now, the charts have been taken over by Streisand and that guy who covers standards. I never thought it would be those two who would restore order to the musical universe. I thought it would be Tom Morello and Sleater-Kinney, but I guess Streisand and Buble are as good as anyone else. They’re about the music. Again, I don’t know where this is going, but it’s nice to imagine. Isn’t it?

Now, a new Band of the Week….Tegan and Sara!

These twins from Canada rock. They are adept at songwriting and melodies. They have a new album, Hell, coming out next week and I am digging “Hell” and “Alligator.” I highly recommend “Walking with a Ghost” and “Back in your Head.” I saw them at Sasquatch and I was really impressed with them live. Lucky for you, they are touring the US this winter. See if they’re coming to your town.

Until next time, “can’t you see what I see?,” B. Spears - K

Celebu-rock

Every morning when I go to a certain coffee house, I have to look at Scarlet Johansson’s face. Unfortunately, she’s not modeling. No, her pretty mug is on the cover of her new album Break-up with indie darling Pete Yorn. Don’t get me wrong. I love her acting chops, but it seems every time I turn around to get a cup of coffee a new actor or celebrity is making a go at music, saying they’ve been doing music all their life suddenly. To be honest, there are a select few that actually should be dabbling in music. There’s a reason why they’re actors or celebrities first and musicians second. Johansson’s attempt at Him & Her’s Zooey Deschanel style doesn’t compare to her acting. The album sounds good enough, but most of that goodness is coming from Yorn. You’d know what I’m talking about if you heard her solo album Anywhere I Lay My Head. I see the same problem with LANDy, fronted by actor Adam Goldberg, who’s music sounds very similar to band mate Aaron Espinoza’s other group Earlimart. It just seems like actors and celebs need too much help in the music department. So, isn’t that a sign they should stick to what they do best? Hint, hint: Lindsay Lohan, Heidi Montag, Paris Hilton. And what about Phantom Planet? Jason Schwartzman got me all hooked and then left the band. It’s dissapointing… But I don’t hate all celeb music. Even though he’s been tagged as a royal Hollywood douche, I like Jared Leto and his brother in 30 Seconds to Mars. I also really like Juliette and the Licks, fronted by Juliette Lewis, in addition to Keanu Reeve’s Dogstar and Ed Westwick’s Filthy Youth. I am also digging  the most awesome celeb-music find: Jada Pinket Smith fronting  metal band Wicked Wisdom. However, her band like Dogstar and the Licks were on a top ten of worst celeb bands. Sorry guy, but Montag and Lohan are much, much worse. I guess I’m just a picky celeb music consumer. They’re my ears aren’t they?

And now a celebrity Band of the Week that’s a musician first…Julian Casablancas!

I’ve never met a person who hates The Strokes. How can you, with their cool melodies. It seems their commitment to music kept their rich kid background from making too much of an impact. Casablancas is the son of famous modeling agent John Casablanca. Casablanca’s solos project seems to be rooted in the same place at The Strokes melodies, with some added electronic assistance. I love the first single “11th Dimension” off his solo album Phrazes for the Young coming November 3. Look out for the singer in LA to do some live shows. He’s awesome live.

Until next time, don’t be “wilted and faded somewhere in Hollywood.” Courtney Love- K

Best of the Best

This week, the Glastonbury Music Festival sold out in 12 hours. If you have never heard of this festival, let me tell you that this has not been the case in years past. This festival, which is the largest greenfield festival in the world, is held at the end of June on a farm six miles east of the town Glastonbury in England. The festival features close to a thousand bands on 80 stages over three days. For years, this festival has made a name for itself by bringing together the most critically acclaimed bands and musicians such as Björk, The Who, Muse, Arcade Fire and Radiohead. Usually, it takes weeks for this festival to sell out, but people really jumped on ticket sales for the next year. Even though Glastonbury will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2010, the sell out is surprising for a few reasons. First and foremost, there is no line-up. Die-hards always buy their tickets as soon as they go on sale, but sales increase once bands are announced and no one has been announced. Second, the festival is still eight months away. Again, only die-hards plan their lives around concerts. Third, there were more than 100,000 tickets available. It was just two years ago in  2007 that Glastonbury increased their capacity from 20,000 to 100,000. That’s a lot of tickets to sell in just 12 hours. Obviously, people do not want to miss this and that makes me wonder what the oldest and best music festival in the world has in-store for its audience. Who do you want to see at Glastonbury 2010?

And now a Glastonbury worthy Band of the Week…The xx!

The blogosphere is buzzing over this thoughtfully, dark, English quartet. They just released their first album xx this week and critics have described it as “brilliantly realized” (musicOMH) and “almost perfect” (Drowned in Sound). I just discovered this new band and I too am impressed with the depth of their debut album. They are fusing several styles such as Portishead-style vocals and beats that meander between the Strokes and Aaliyah. I have been listening to “Crystalised” and “Blood Red Moon,” but you must hear “Teardrops.” See them on tour in the States this fall too. This is a great opportunity to say you saw them before they got big because trust me, they will.

Until next time, “without music, life would be a mistake.” Nietzsche- K

Kids Need to be Sedated

I just finished my first week of the fall term and being back at school always makes me feel nostalgic. Being a Gen-Xer, I see the lack of historical knowledge, angst, and general arrogance shrouded beneath some of my fellow students’ emo disguises and it makes me long for the days of alt rock. I was so fortunate to be a teen in the 90s. The music was so good. Remember Alternative Nation? But it wasn’t just new music like Nirvana or Beck that was exceptional. Alt rock in the 90s also included alt rock from the 80s and late 70s. Alt rock radio and Alternative Nation are how we discovered bands like The Ramones and The Violent Femmes. Well, that and My So Called Life. The fact that this music is embedded in my life made me excited to hear of a coming Ramones biopic. The folks at Spin magazine were not so happy. They posted an article this week titled “5 Reasons Against a Ramones Biopic.” Don’t get me wrong. I know where they’re coming from. There are a couple bands that I feel entitled to be a fan of and part of me doesn’t want newbies pissing me off at the concerts. But we can’t be that way. Music is an art; therefore it’s for the public. Younger generations will never snap out of their imbecilic ways unless we give them a chance. Remember, our recognition to not repeat the selfish behaviors of the 80s is what separates us from the Baby Boomers. We are a reactive generation; so Spin, here’s one huge reason to make a Ramones Biopic: the kids need it. They think CBGB was a band.

And now a Band of the Week for all generations…The Bravery!

The Bravery is a band from New York that I have been listening to since 2005. When I heard their debut single “Honest Mistake,” I was hooked. The Bravery blends several genres including new wave, punk and, dare I say, emo. Gritty, percussive and expressive, they are reminiscent of The Ramones, Morrissey, The Misfits, The Cars and Oasis. If you’ve been watching The Vampire Diaries, you heard The Bravery’s new single “Slow Poison” last week at the beginning of the show, but I also recommend downloading “Believe” and “Time Won’t Let Me Go.” I’ve never seen them live, but I would definitely check them out if I were you. See if they’re coming to your town.

Until next time, “We’re only gonna die for our arrogance.” Bad Religion- K

Disco? Yes, please.

 

The biggest news of the week is the return of Dancing with the Stars. I am not a fan of reality or game shows, but I have to admit that I watched the first episode to catch Snowboarder Louie Vito attempting the Foxtrot. From America’s Best Dance Crew to So You Think You Can Dance, dance shows are stealing viewers from dramas and sitcoms, but television is not the only medium focused on dance right now.  Music is also taking a turn towards the dance arena. Some of my favorite new tracks this year are in the style of disco. From mainstreamer Pink to alt rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Gossip, it seems everyone is in the mood to dance. All this dance makes me wonder if we’re in a second wave of disco? All signs boldly point to yes. Although the electronica genre has been holding it down since the 90s, this is the most popular dance has been since John Travolta and the Bee Gees. It had to happen sometime. Disco was era that burned out way too quickly for it not to reappear in the future. I’ve noticed that the stigma surrounding disco is changing too. Back in the 80s and 90s disco was too horrible to mention and not considered real music when compared rock or new wave. Today, people talk about disco nostalgically. So, get out those old Solid Gold and Soul Train BETAs and start practicing your moves. Disco is back. Isn’t this the way it should be anyways? Shouldn’t dance and music bring people together and make them happy? I know as a dancer, it’s great to have another genre aside from World that people can dance to and have a good time. No offense Michael Franti.

And now a Band of the Week to dance to…She Wants Revenge!

I have loved this San Fernando Valley duo, Justin Warfield and Adam Bravin, since they emerged in 2006 with their first album She Wants Revenge. Their sophomore album This is Forever was equally impressive, but I am really excited about their new EP Up and Down. The new Ep is a departure from their usually dark dance tracks and sounds inspired by Prince. I love their entire first album, but you must download “Tear You Apart” and “Out of Control,” in addition to “True Romance” from their second album. I am digging “Your Love” from the new EP. You have to see them live too. We saw them at Live 105’s BFD at Shoreline in 2006. I got the worst sunburn ever that day, but I didn’t even care because everyone was dancing and having a great time when She Wants Revenge played. They are currently on tour in the US and, if you can’t catch them this time around, pick up the new EP to dance to at home.

Until next time, dance til you’re dead- K

Wake Up and Smell the Music

The big news this week was, of course, the MTV VMAs. Once again, I’m so disappointed by all the mundane discussions: Lady Gaga wore crazy outfits…boring. Kanye said crazy things…yawn. So, let’s get to what people should be talking about like the music. First of all, Pink was amazing. She is a crazy, crazy girl for doing the trapeze while singing, but I’m not shocked this former gymnast chose acrobatics. Still, it was very impressive that she was moving in time with the song. Second, Lady Gaga’s voice was only overshadowed by her performance. People may think she was over the top, but I expect nothing less from this performance artist and art school drop out. She sounded amazing and, although I’m surprised they let her do the all the blood on television, she really sent a message about the price of fame. So all you out there, don’t get famous otherwise it will make you crazy a la Britney style until it sucks the life out of you. Third, what about Green Day? These guys won just as many awards as Beyonce and Lady Gaga, but no one is giving them any play. I remember when these guys first came out. They were young and came with numerous hijinx. Their music was awesome back then, but now their music is epic with a real vision. Lastly, Jay-Z… Please, I don’t even know where to start. I know he was probably only there because the VMAs were in New York (his old stomping grounds) and one of the Beastie Boys is in cancer treatments right now making them unavailable, but Jay-Z is the most overrated rapper ever. He was having a hard time spitting out those first couple verses in his performance. A good rapper can flow Mr. Z. Also, when is the last time he actually had a good track? I’m thinking in the late 90s. Everyone puts him on a pedestal because he’s got stock in everything and he’s the only guy who was around in the 90s that didn’t get shot, become a producer, or fade away. Wow, should I start the slow clap now?  Just because Jay-Z is a good entrepreneur doesn’t mean that he’s a good rapper, people. By the way, if you want some good, new rap, check out Common or Mos Def.

And now a new Band of the Week…Muse!

I have been listening to this British trio since 2003 when they released their third album Absolution. They are huge in Europe and I thought they were building a fan base  here in the states, but most people I talk to don’t know who Muse is. Let me tell you that you should get familiar. Although they have a new album The Resistance that just came out this last week, I recommend “Time is Running Out,” “Hysteria,” and my absolute favorite Muse track “Plug In Baby.”  Catch them live too. I was not able to see them until 2004 at Live 105’s Not So Silent Night in San Francisco. The line-up included The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, and Modest Mouse, but Muse stole the show. I saw them again in 2005 when they headlined their own tour and they outdid themselves. They are the best live band (second only to Tool) that I’ve seen.

Until next time, I’ll be your paparazzi- K

Good Vibrations

Everyone is talking about the Beatles. From the new Rock Band game to their digitally remastered albums, the Beatles are taking America by storm for a second time. My entire life, the Beatles have been upheld as the quintessential rock band. They have inspired musicians to sing, play, and even dress like them. The Beatles are an amazing band, but I have to wonder why America is so smitten with a band from across the pond. Where is the love for the ultimate American rock band, the Beach Boys? I know some of you may be scratching your heads. The Beach Boys conjure images of wood paneled station wagons and Annette Funicello, images of a sweetly simple era. But don’t let all the Americana blur the genius of the Beach Boys’ catalog. Give Pet Sounds another listen and you will agree that the Beach Boys are America’s quintessential rock band. Take it from the Beatle himself, Paul McCartney, who said Pet Sounds inspired their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. McCartney also said Pet Sounds is his favorite album and the song “God Only Knows” is his favorite song of all time. Thanks Paul, although my favorite is “Don’t Worry Baby.” So tell me, who’s your favorite rock band now?

And now a rock band for a new generation…The Magic Numbers!

My ears have been blissfully listening to this English quartet, composed of two sets of brothers and sisters, for a few years now. This is one of those bands that makes nothing but hits. The Magic Numbers follow the same melodic path as The Beatles, Mamas and Papas, and the Beach Boys. They are currently in the studio recording a new album and until it drops you will definitely enjoy catching up on their previous releases. I recommend absolutely anything from them, but you must check out “This is a Song,” “Love Me Like You,” and “Undecided.” Download these tracks to keep you company until their new album comes out.

Until next time, three is a magic number- K

A Must $ee that will Never Be

If you’ve been living under rock for the past week, you probably missed the news that Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein passed away. I know everyone knows him as Nicole Richie’s former fiancé, but he was also an incredible DJ. I’m kind of having a difficult time believing the news because it was just year ago that Goldstein and Blink 182’s Travis Barker were the only survivors of a fatal plane crash. The first news of the plane crash speculated their deaths and I was really glad to hear they were alive. I was even happier to be able to watch them on a web cast fully recovered and playing live. They created a side project called TRV$AM. If you never got the chance to see these two perform together, you really missed out. While Barker wailed on his kit, Goldstein did what he did best, mixing your favorite tracks. At many gigs, they often brought out Warren G as the icing on the cake. I have never seen a video of these guys playing a show where people were not having the time of their life. There would have been no end to this project’s success. I am so sad to say that this is one music group that is on my must-see list and will never be crossed off.

From one visionary to another, the new Band of the Week is…Mew!

This Danish, alternative sensation has slowly been chipping away at American fans’ affliction for everything mainstream. Mew’s music is uniquely melodic and truly inspired. The lead singer, Jonas Bjerre, takes inspiration for their songs directly from his nightly dreams. I love their album And the Glass Hand Kites and I have been anxiously awaiting their new release called No More Stories Are Told Today I’m Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I’m Tired Let’s Wash Away. Although I am still checking out the new stuff, I have to say my absolute favorite song from them is the dance inducing  track “Special” and a close second is the ambient tune “The Zookeeper’s Boy.” Off the new album, I am in love with the chorus on the track “Beach.” They are great live too. I saw them at San Diego Street Scene in 2006. They have just a couple remaining US tour dates before they head back to Europe, but you can pick up their new album to keep you company until they return.

Until next time, Regulators, mount up -K