What I Learned Over My Summer Vacation

Actually, I barely had an actual vacation and Summer really isn't even over yet...but i'd be remiss if I didn't provide a heads-up to some things I enjoyed over the past few months and didn't get around to blog about:

4 Band Members + 11 Years of Unresolved Issues = A Fascinating Tour Doc

2004 saw one of the talked about reunion tours from one of the most seminal bands in alt-rock history. 'Loud QUIET Loud: A Film About the Pixies' documented said tour from the very beginning. Aside from the fantastic live footage that provides a testament that the band is far from being irrelevant, the behind-the-scenes footage surrounding the gigs shows a band in the midst of some crazy personal struggles and an amazing refusal to communicate w/ each other. Interesting viewing for fans and music heads in general (check out the TRAILER).

3 MC's + 1 DJ - 1DJ + 1 Money Mark + 1 Alfredo Ortiz = One Hell of a Dope Soundtrack to Backyard BBQ's

I wasn't to sure how to react to news that the new Beastie Boys album would be an all-instrumental endeavor, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised w/ the result. Hardly revolutionary and yet completely enjoyable, 'The Mix-Up' ended up being a platter chock full of meaty funk, dub, soul and latin-infused jams perfect for a Summer day. The focus is way more on vibe and sound than technique, but it dares you not to bob your head and tap your toe. Looking for a good time? Give this album a call (and check out a sample track to the right).

1 Planet Earth - 1 Joe Strummer = A Much Sadder Place

Shot by filmmaker and long-time friend Dick Rude in the 18 months leading up to his death in 2002, 'Let's Rock Again' follows Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros as they toured the U.S. and Japan in support of their second album 'Global A Go Go'. Through candid interviews, behind-the-scenes and killer performance footage...the doc paints a portrait of a genuine salt-of-the-earth blue collar working man, that just happens to be one of the most influential figures in rock'n'roll. It was both sad and inspiring, to see Joe handing out flyers on the boardwalk and making a blind visit to a radio station in order to get his latest cd on the air and attract fans to his concert. A rare gem in a business steeped in image, Joe's heart and creativity are sorely missed from today's musical landscape. I still can't believe he's gone. Check out the TRAILER.