Gobbles

It’s that time of year again when people forgo their usual sarcasms and recognize the good things in life. I know there is a lot to be sarcastic about these days and, if you watch entertainment news or The Soup, you know what I’m talking about. But there are many things to be thankful for such as good music. So, here are ten things that I’m thankful for (all music related of course): 

10. Drum Off 09: I’m thankful that there are corporations such as Guitar Center that still the value quality music, hosting events like this featuring the best drummers like Danny Carey from Tool and Brian Dailor from Mastodon.

9. Webcasts: I’m thankful for webcasts that bring festivals like Coachella and KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas to my computer every year when I can’t be there in person.

8. The Beastie Boys, Vandals, and The Aquabats: I’m thankful that there are really talented musicians who resist the urge to take themselves seriously.

7. Natasha Khan from Bat for Lashes: I’m thankful this rising star thinks the Karate Kid and Stevie Nicks are important cultural icons.

6. Insanely unique musicians: I’m thankful for musicians such as Maynard James Keenan, Tori Amos, Bjork and Mike Patton, who all take music to places no one ever imagined or expected.

5. NIN farewell tour: I’m thankful that I finally got to see NIN live before Trent Reznor retired it.

4. Deftones’ resilliance: I’m thankful that Chi Cheng is still holding on and maybe someday we’ll get to see him play again.

3. The Cure still rocks: I’m thankful this band is still touring and making great music. Without The Cure, Deftones and Muse would never sound the way they do.

2. Rage Against the Machine reunion: I’m thankful that I got to see this band reunite at Coachella in 2007 with 80,000 other RATM fans.

1. Bad Religion continues to comment on American society: I’m thankful Greg Graffin is saying all the things that need to be said and is also a UCLA professor, who is actually doing his part to help mold American youth into critically thinking members of society. 

And now a Band of the Week I am very thankful for…Placebo!

I’ve been listening to this band for a while now and I am surprised that they are not as big in the states as they are everywhere else. Since the first time that I heard their cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” I was hooked. I enthusiastically suggest anything from their 2006 album Meds, but you must hear “Lazarus” and “Drag.” They recently released a new album Battle for the Sun and I am loving “The Never-Ending Why.” I saw them live at Coachella and I highly recommend catching them live. However, this band will be on a World tour until March. Hopefully, these Brits will visit the states soon.

Until next time, protege moi. -K

Trainwreck

If a genie magically granted me three wishes, one of them would be to erase any knowledge in my brain of Miley Cyrus. I know way too much about this teeny popper than I should. The sad part is that I purposely avoid her, but, much like those stalker Jo Bros, she’s everywhere, spouting absurdities to anyone who will listen. This week, she invaded my realm again inciting a media frenzy when she told Q92 that she hated all things Twilight. So, why does this teeny popper hate the single thing that girls her age around the globe are drooling over 24 hours a day? Well, she claims that she doesn’t believe in it, leading people to think that Cyrus isn’t a fan of mythological creatures, but that can’t be true. She signed on to play a teen fairy in an upcoming film. I suspect there are other reasons behind her weekly outburst. Hmmm, could it be that her arch nemesis Thom Yorke, whom she threatened to destroy because he didn’t want to do a meet and greet with her, is on the New Moon soundtrack? Or could it be that New Moon is all any one can talk about this week and the trailer for Cyrus’s new movie Last Song has been virtually ignored? Who knows the real answer. Remember, this a girl who gave an interview in a locker room dressed like Pocahontas and said she doesn’t like pop music. And there was also that time she posted that picture of her and her little friends making slant eyes and being all derogatory towards Asians. And that other time she said she hated Twitter, which she uses all the time. Seeing a pattern? As Paris Hilton breathes a sigh of relief, Cyrus is turning into the media’s favorite new joke. There is too much going on behind the music for her to be taken seriously. Why can’t the music industry push the serious artists into the mainstream and leave the teeny poppers in the land of indie obscurity? It’s because intelligence is not so easily manipulated nor exploited, duh.

And now a Band of the Week I wish was mainstream…Miike Snow!

I just discovered this super-sweet, Swedish trio. Just one listen and I was hooked. Their sound is very nostalgic yet fresh and new. I love the fusion of 60s reverb, poppy beats, and funk. They released their self titled album earlier this year. You must check out the disco worthy “Animal” and the poppy track “Song for No One.” If you’re looking for something a little slower, check out “Faker.” This band is gaining a following in Europe and we are so lucky they will be touring the states in the spring. Don’t miss them on their small club tour. It’s sure to sell out. And you don’t want to miss their fabulous mustaches in person.

Until next time, “Is that all you really have to offer?” Bad Religion - K

Fame Monsters

I’m not going to even talk about that ex-beauty queen that can’t make it through an interview. On to other blondes with better communication skills, this was definitely the week of Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga made an appearance too. Swift certainly stole the show on Saturday Night Live and the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award at the Country Music Awards this week. I admit that this non-country music fan has a soft spot for Swift. How can you not? Every since the first time I heard about her two years ago, this teenager has managed to remain just that, a teen. She is never over sexualized or stumbling out of clubs at two in the morning. She is more of normal teen than most normal teens. I know she has a lot of time left to screw it all up, but so far she has been able to avoid the pop-princess fate that has claimed the careers of Britney, Lindsay, and now Miley. I like Taylor because she is being herself. And I like Lady Gaga for the same reason. Her new video “Bad Romance,“ the first single off her new album Fame Monster, debut on MySpace on Monday. The song and video pick up where Paparazzi and the MTV VMA performance left off. I know people think she is just too weird and have gotten lost in that sex-change rumor, but here’s the deal: Lady Gaga is an artist and art usually has a message behind it. Gaga is projecting some major messages about fame and celebrity in America. We should really be listening. Her latest video may seem like a kinky homage to co-dependant relationships, but it’s a warning that we have blurred the lines of fame and it’s destroying us. I concur. For the good of society, we could all do with a little less Speidi. Don’t you think?

And now a Band of the Week who is also just being herself…Amanda Blank!

Amanda Blank is a rapper and singer from Philadelphia. I just discovered her recently and I am loving her tracks. You must check out the explicit “Lemme Get Some.” Also, check out her version of “Might Like You Better.”  If you’re looking for something a little less explicit, check out Santogold’s version of LL Cool J’s “I Need Love” featuring Blank called “I’m a Lady.” She also has a couple tracks worth a listen with Spank Rock, MIA, and Lykke Li. Her album I Love You is out now, but, on November 13, Blank goes on tour with the original nasty girl Peaches.

Until next time, “loving you is cherry pie,” L. Gaga – K

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