1990s

'Cookies'

This album came out a month ago, but i'm just getting around to basking in it's warm, hook-laden goodness. Glasgow's 1990s (no "The' and no apostrophe) may share history (and a producer) w/ fellow Scot's Franz Ferdinand, but have a sound less angular and a lot more fun. Punchy post-punk meets Bowie/T-Rex glam-rock...think a less polished (but no less enjoyable) sounding Supergrass.

The debut album, 'Cookies', is a nearly a burner from start to finish...w/ the aptly titled 'Weed' serving as the only lull in the party. I really like the whole damn thing, but the standout tracks for me would be the opening trifecta 'You Made Me Like It', 'See You At the Lights' and 'Cult Status'...I think you'd fail a breathalyzer after more than one listen. The silliness of a majority of the lyrics hide some really clever wordplay, but this isn't an album for anybody looking for Dylan.

Not sure how they are live, but they sound like a hellofagoodtime and they hit the states in October (8-Nov @ The Empty Bottle for my fellow Chicagoans). Until then, you can take a sip in the sample area or just chug the whole damn thing on my word alone. Avail on iTunes and, most likely, your cooler neighborhood record shops.

BRUUUUUUUCE!

First single from the upcoming Springsteen release 'Magic' has been floating around the web since last week, but you can DL a high-quality version of 'Radio Nowhere' for FREE from iTunes. The riff kind of reminded me of 'Message In a Bottle', but I didn't hold that against it. A nice guitar-driven rock tune, perfect for a road trip or a break from the barrage of indier-than-thou stuff beaming from the WWW.

Supposedly, after the past few stoic-sounding releases, 'Magic' is a decidedly rock album almost from cover to cover. Recorded w/ the E-Street Band and w/ Brendan O'Brien at the helm production-wise, could be a nice straight-forward CD to get you through the fall. Drops on 2-Oct-07 and, surprisingly, i'm interested to hear it.

Furthermore...

...while we are on the subject of graphic novels and horror movies out in October. '30 Days of Night' helmed by legendary Sam Raimi looks pretty awesome too:

NICE! Don't be scared...some music stuff coming your way shortly as well.

Oooooooohh...SCARY

Finally got around to watching '300' on DVD over the weekend and it was just as awesome as everybody said it was. Visually stunning...like the graphic novel it was based upon come to life.

Even better, caught the preview for what looks like a fun horror flick called 'Trick R' Treat'...

Hadn't even heard of it until now, but I guess it's kind of a 'Tales of the Crypt' or 'Creepshow' meets 'Pulp Fiction' type thing w/ 4-5 different stories all woven together in one film taking place on Halloween Night. Whatever the deal is, it looks like a lot of fun. Hits theatres on 5-Oct-07.

Speaking of 'Halloween'...just four more days ('Silver Shamrock!') until we'll be seeing the updated version from Mr. Zombie. Can't wait!

Waterworld!

So, after joking about the weather in my last post, the reality of the storm that swept through the Chicagoland area hit me like a ton of bricks on the ride home from work. My 30-45 minute drive took two hours and there was flooded roadways/streets everywhere. I swore to God I saw Sean Penn in a motorboat handing out diapers and cans of Spaghettios. We ended up w/ a slightly flooded garage, lack of cable/phone/internet and that was about it.

My 2-3 hours of bailing out water was nothing though...tons of houses throughout our neighborhood are still without power. Our babysitter lost power on Thursday night and their sump pump didn't trip on to save their flooding basement, then they were w/out power for days. A Jewel food store in the same area had to toss out all of their refrigerated items.

Even all that is nothing to what people are experiencing in other areas near the Fox Lake and Des Plains river...whole neighborhoods and towns are just in shambles. Luckily, we've been dry most of the day today and will continue to be so until Tuesday, getting back into the 90's. Our AC units blew out at some point today, so that's what we'll be dealing w/ tomorrow. I'll likely get back to things a little more fun later this week, until then...seriously...STAY DRY!

Holy Doppler!

Crazy. Freaking. Weather. Damn. When I called Mrs. Famous to check in at home, she told me they were under a Tornado Warning. I was sooo close to responding with:

'Jo. Things go wrong. You can't explain it, you can't predict it. You gotta move on. Stop living in the past, and look what you got right in front of you.'

Her name isn't Jo and I decided to refrain. Anyhow, today, that's all I got...i'll try harder tomorrow. STAY DRY!

New Foo for You!

Wow. Seriously, watch the whole vid for the new-ish single ('The Pretender') and wait for the payoff...

I was and maybe still am a little meh on the track itself, but Dave seems to work w/ some incredible folks when it comes to their videos. I haven't heard the full album yet, but it was produced by Gil Norton who was at the boards for most of the Pixies releases. I've always been a big Foo Fighters fan and lord knows how much I love the Pixies...hopefully, it'll be one of those 'hey, your chocolate it is in my peanut butter' experiences. I'll check it out at some point and let you know. Foo!

While We're Talking New Wave...

Thought i'd post this absolutely fantastic video for Alice Cooper's stab at new wave: 'Clones (We're All)'. Very high-concept and the german (?) subtitles add to the experience. It's actually a great tune...Smashing Pumpkins even covered it at some point. Anyways, wrap yourself in tinfoil and enjoy!

'I just wanna' be myself, I just wanna' be myself.'

VHS or Beta

'Bring On the Comets'

A while back, I pretty much provided a full review of VHS or Beta's 'Bring On the Comets' based on the two singles I had heard at that point. I've finally had a chance to spin the entire album a few times and i'm really digging it.

While their previous releases had them doing a spot-on Duran Duran, this release finds them trying to throw in a little U2 (or at least maybe Simple Minds?) as well. The new wave leanings are still there and pretty infectious...but they've added some chugging guitars on some of these tracks that would make the most straight-forward rock fan take notice.

To boil it down, the 80's infused indie sound makes me feel like i'm 13 again at age 36. Definitely one of the most enjoyable listens i've had so far this year. Already posted the link to stream the first two singles in the previous post, but you can also check the title track in the sample section. Better than that, you can hear the entire thing at their myspace page. Album drops this coming Tuesday, so buy it then!

Hate to Say...

...i'm way too freaking busy today. In lieu of anything monumental, you can check out the new Hives single, 'Tick Tick Boom', in the sample area. I find it quite rocking and forewarn it may induce scissor kicking and/or that weird Mick Jagger shimmy dance.

Bonus Party Cut

Okay. Had to throw in his 'Steak' bit from his 'Feeling Kind of Patton' album as well. Again, NSFW at all...but fucking hilarious. Not enough? Okay. Chickity-check the following clip from the 'Comedians of Comedy':

PATTON OSWALT

'Werewolves & Lollipops'

If you are like me, your first exposure to Patton Oswalt did not do the genius of his comedy justice. He did a great job on the CBS sitcom 'King of Queens', but it wasn't until I saw him on his 2004 stand-up special 'No Reason to Complain' that I understood just how amazing this guy was. Having Blue Collar Comedy rammed down your throat for the past few years, Oswalt's brand of 'indie' comedy felt like a mouthful of Mentos after a shit sandwich eating contest. With topics ranging from the dumbing down of America, the homo-eroticism of '80s hair band videos and Black Angus Steakhouses (one of the funniest bits i've heard in stand-up EVER)...I was hooked.

Then, in 2005, Oswalt put together the tour, movie, TV documentary 'The Comedians of Comedy' with fellow 'indie' comedians Zach Galifianakis, Brian Posehn and Maria Bamford. On the tour, the comedians performed at smaller indie rock venues instead of comedy clubs. Both the movie and TV series alternate between footage of the comedians on stage and other aspects of their lives on the road. All the participants involved were fantastic, but, again, Oswalt just blew me away.

So, this past July, it was no surprise to see Sub-Pop release his latest comedy album. To note, I haven't bought or listened to a comedy record since Sam Kinison's 'Have You Seen Me Lately?' and listening to a few tracks off of Bill Cosby's 'Himself' while drunk at a party. To listen to Patton's impeccable delivery on the lambasting of everything from the KFC chicken bowl to modern science to the Bush administration to Star Wars geekery to Cirque Du Soleil...you realize just how awful a lot comedians today can be (*cough* Dane Cook *cough*).

Do yourself a favor and buy it at a brick and mortar joint, as the CD version comes w/ a DVD full of live stand-up. Also, check out the 'Comedians of Comedy' film/TV series avail on DVD. If you still aren't sold, check out the aforementioned Circue Do Soleil bit from this album...on headphones, if you are at work. Dirtee.

I am McLovin...

The clouds parted on Saturday night for a little while and we went and saw 'Superbad' while things dried out for a while (this rain SUCKS!). I don't know if it was all that super, but it certainly wasn't bad either. It had some pretty funny moments and both Jonah Hill and Michael Cera had decent chemistry/were a lot of fun to watch in the lead roles. I think some of the dialogue was just too over the top and a cartoonish representation of how two High School guys would interact, but it is just a movie...if you can get past that, you'll have fun with it.

Definitely not as funny as '40 Year-old Virgin' or 'Knocked Up', but it was worth shilling out the $ for the amount of laughs it provided. Maybe i'm so far out of High School and identified w/ the aforementioned flicks a lot more, who knows? Worst case, throw it in the Netflix que when it hits the DVD release. Interesting factoid that just hit me, the main charachters are Seth and Evan...and the flick was written Seth Rogen and Evan Goldsberg. Fun.

Outside of dropping an Ebert on you, finally able to give a listen to/review of the full VHS or Beta record and have to pimp the latest Patton Oswalt album. So, stay tuned!

Worst. Post. Ever.

Hey there, true believers. Slammed at work this morning and have to leave early to watch the kids. Don't know if i'll get around to posting up w/ anything too meaningful. I will note that I paid a serious visit to a comic book store for the first time in a mazillion years over lunch yesterday. Bad day at work and a escapism-filled field trip seemed in order.

Considering I haven't read a comic book outside of reading a few of the DC graphic novels (Dark Knight, Kingdom Come, etc.) during some shopping excursions at the now defunct Tower Records...the whole thing was kind of daunting. I mean, a lot of the faces were familiar...Supes, Batman, The Joker, Spidey, The Hulk, Dr. Doom, etc...but between all the spin-off series and new indie comics, I had no clue what i'd even THINK about picking up.

Later, I tapped into the EL-F rogue's gallery of film buffs, music nerds and general pop culture enthusiasts and got some solid recommendations. Granted, this whole thing is a lot like an alcoholic 'just looking around' at Binny's Beverage Depot or a sex addict 'just checking things out' at the Bunny Ranch...I already waste enough money on things Mrs. Famous finds useless, so i'll have to pace myself.

For the record, i'm thinking about going back to pick up the hardback collection of the DC 'Justice' mini-series and, later, checking out DC's 'Red Son' and Marvel's 'Planet Hulk'/'Earth X'. Granted, I could also end up walking out of there w/ large bust of Sasquatch from Alpha Flight or the entire set of Marvel classic action figures that also include the pieces to build a giant Modok...but i'll try and stay focused.

Sundance? Tribeca? Pfffffft.

As I mentioned before, the real deal in celluloid goodness has been happening this week at the 1st Annual Casa De Famous Free Cable On-Demand Filmfest and Dorito-thon. We don't have goodie bags containing diamond encrusted rolexes and vitamin water, but we do have a bag of the of the new Hot Wing/Bleu Cheese Doritos Collisions (which, for the record, are likely the leftover buffalo wing flavor they had out a while ago and the cool ranch that have been out forever)! We also don't have the latest and greatest films yet to hit the theatres, but we do have some stellar flicks that I either hadn't seen yet and/or classics I hadn't seen in a long while.

As I seemingly pay in blood for the whole Comcast digital cable deal, the movies aren't really free...but I don't have to pay over and above my normal bill to enjoy them like pay-per-view. So, here's the recap of the star-studded screenings that took place this week:

MONDAY

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 2 - Sooo insanely bad, it's good. How can you go wrong w/ Dennis Hopper, the first death scene done to the sounds of Oingo Boingo's 'No One Lives Forever' and the eroticism of the whole chainsaw foreplay on the ice tub scene (you just have to see it)? Schlock horror reeking of the 80's at it's finest. I stumbled upon it right before I was getting ready to go to bed and ended up watching it until 1AM. It's that good!

TUESDAY

Dig! - Wow. If you ever want to see an instructional video on how to sabotage a band and/or your life in general, check out this entertaining 2004 documentary on the Brian Jonestown Massacre/Dandy Warhol love-hate relationship. It's incredible to watch Anton Newcombe and the BJM just implode, while the Dandys skyrocket to major label success. I never got a chance to see it when it was released, but it was well worth the wait.

WEDNESDAY

Akira - A japanimation opus that set the standards for all anime that would come afterwards and, really, started the second wave of fandom that came about in the 90's. A visually amazing futuristic amalgamation of the uncertainty of youth and the nuclear spectre hanging over post-war Japan/the globe in general. The level of detail was wasted on me when I last saw it in a more 'altered' state in college...seeing it now, even by today's film standards, still blew my mind.

THURSDAY

Six-String Samurai - A kung-fu rockabilly take on the Road Warrior, set in a post-atomic bomb 1957. Mutants, the soviet army, killer bowlers and death himself put themselves in the way of the blade-wielding Buddy Holly-esque protagonist, as he journeys to Vegas to claim the throne as the heir to Elvis. I kind of saw this half-awake a while back on late-night TV, but plan to really digest the whole thing tonight. I remember it being some goofy fun, hopefully I wasn't dreaming.

Again, each and every one of them are available on Comcast On Demand's Free Movies if you are a victim, er, subscriber. You might as well get your money's worth, so check them out. After the festival closes tonight, i'll be checking out 'Hot Fuzz' and '300' via Netflix over the weekend and my best pal since grade school and I have already made plans to go see the new 'Halloween' on premiere night (31-Aug). See you at the movies!

NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

'Challengers'

Okay, this review is way behind the rest of the blogosphere as the latest offering from Canadian supergroup the New Pornographers, 'Challengers', has actually been floating around out there for over a month now. I've been hearing praises heaped upon it in my certain circles for that same amount of time, but hadn't got around to getting a listen until this week. After a few spins, I can emphatically say better late than never.

The writing was on the wall w/ their previous release, 'Twin Cinema', that Carl Newman and company were looking to move beyond their punchy power pop wheelhouse into something more expansive. Now, as much as I loved them for that sound, the lush offerings that unfold w/ every track on this one are too impressive to deny them the opportunity to grow up. Granted, this is still a pop album and a great one at that...albeit, more Fleetwood Mac or ELO than Cheap Trick.

The 'everything but the kitchen sink' arrangements on this are orchestral w/out ever becoming overwhelming. The trademark vocal interplay and harmonies are there, but seemed to be a little more reeled in for sake of the complete package. The ivy-league lyricism is there too, but again doesn't overshadow the rest of the pieces to each song. Bottom line, uniformity is king and provides them their most cohesive release to date.

The lead-off track 'My Right Versus Yours' picks up where the last album's closer, 'Bleeding Heart Show', left off. A slow burner that builds into a sweeping exercise in pop anthems, it sets the stage for other favorites like the boisterous 'All the Old Showstoppers'...the beautifully layered torch song of a title track (complete w/ smokey Neko vocals so on point it'll make you blush)...Dan Bejar's excellent ode to NYC, 'Myriad Harbour'...and on and on. There really aren't any clinkers on this one and it seems to grow in stature every time I listen, totally deserved of the hype it's receiving.

The album hits stores, iTunes, etc. on Tuesday (21-Aug) and i'll leave you a little taste in the sample area. This band has made my Top 10 w/ every release and it looks like they'll keep that streak alive. Good stuff.

Sorry (Young) Folks

Doh! I've been too busy at work today to post up anything. Granted, 50% of said work was actual work and the other 50% was spent arguing about the best version of Van Halen (Van Hagar) and which era of hip-hop was the greatest (88-92). So, in lieu of a legitimate post, here is a Peter, Bjorn & John video both creepy and spectacular...

A more meaty offering of useless stuff tomorrow, including a mid-week recap of the 1st Annual Casa De Famous Free Cable On-Demand Filmfest and Dorito-thon. Scout's honor w/ a Vulcan salute.

Kanye's Turning Japanese

I really think so. First it was the straight-out-of-'Akira' video for 'Stronger' and yesterday I read that the cover artwork for 'Graduation' was being done by the great Takashi Murakami. Murakami founded the postmodern japanese art movement Superflat, that also includes AMBFAD favorite Yoshitomo Nara (amongst others). Just do a Google image search on his name and you'll see how crazy sick his work is.

I've stated before that i've never been that hardcore over Kanye and think he's a tad overhyped, but I do respect the fact he won't march to the same cookie-cutter drummer that most of his contemporaries do. He earns points for being a huge Murakami fan (his work w/ Luis Vuitton was the gateway)...an interesting article on the whole Asian influence, that specific relationship and more in the most recent issue of Complex magazine.

F**k Tha' Police

'Unchained' > 'Roxanne'. This is the 'reunion' that nearly everybody has been waiting for years to take place. Van Freaking Halen. I've been pelted for rocks for saying so, but I always preferred the Van Hagar version of the band. I just thought they were better musically w/ Sam, but it's hard not to get a little intrigued by the whole concept here. If Michael Anthony was involved, I would be selling both the twins off to get tickets for this...but his absence will be felt. Unless, of course, Wolfgang hasn't gone through puberty yet and then maybe he can hit those signature high-notes. I keed.

All that said, there is that 17-year-old version of me in my brain that really wants to see Eddie rise from the ashes and return to former glory. Up until the fall from grace that was 'Van Halen III'...he was pretty much the epitome of cool to me. Per the press conference, this tour will supposedly bear a new album and continued working relationship...which could be interesting thinking back to the two tracks they did for the 'Best Of' album back in the mid-90's. Until then, check them out when they come to 'save' a city near you...

Sept. 27: Charlotte, N.C. (Bobcats Arena)

Sept. 29: Greensboro, N.C. (Coliseum)

Oct. 1: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)

Oct. 7: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)

Oct. 10: Cleveland (Quicken Loans Arena)

Oct. 14: Indianapolis (Conseco Fieldhouse)

Oct. 16: Chicago (Allstate Arena)

Oct. 18: Chicago (United Center)

Oct. 22: Auburn Hills, Mich. (Palace of Auburn Hills)

Oct. 24: Minneapolis (Target Center)

Oct. 26: Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center)

Oct. 28: St. Louis (Scottrade Center)

Oct. 30: Boston (TD Banknorth Garden)

Nov. 3: East Rutherford, N.J. (Continental Airlines Arena)

Nov. 13: New York (Madison Square Garden)

Nov. 20: Los Angeles (Staples Center)

Nov. 23: Glendale, Ariz. (Jobing.com Arena)

Nov. 25: San Diego (Cox Arena)

Nov. 27: Sacramento, Calif. (Arco Arena)

Nov. 29: San Jose, Calif. (HP Pavilion)

Dec. 1: Portland, Ore. (Rose Garden)

Dec. 3: Seattle (Key Arena)

Dec. 5: Vancouver (GM Place)

Dec. 9: Edmonton, Alberta (Rexall Palace)

Dec. 11: Calgary, Alberta (Pengrowth Saddledome)

Then, they head off to Japan and Australia. Regardless of the actual performances, this will be freaking huge. Everybody wants some...how 'bout you?

Too...Much...ROCK!

This one goes out to my man, B.K....who has put this gem on no less than TWO mix tapes he's made for me:



That's just crazy...CRAZY AWESOME!

VAMPIRE WEEKEND

'Vampire Weekend'

The blogosphere's latest indie band du jour, Vampire Weekend sounds nothing at all like their name would suggest. You'd think you're getting Bauhaus and end up w/ a catchy-as-fuck hybrid of the Talking Heads and Paul Simon circa 'Graceland'.

Their EP is up on iTunes and, as stated, runs the gambit on sound. 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa' makes me want to bust out my dashiki, put some diamonds on the soles of my shoes and throw down a few moves that haven't seen the light of day since the Phish concert I attended back in 1997. 'Oxford Comma' is a nice little ditty complete w/ clever lyricism, a Charlie Watts-esque drum fill and a bouncy Hammond. The track that hooked me though, was the Kinks/Police sounding number 'A-Punk'.

I'm sensing a second-coming of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Spin them in the sample area yourself to see what you think. It's hook-laden as hell and I dig it better than anything by CYHSY, that's what I think.

HAPPY MONDAYS

'Uncle Dysfunktional'

Easiest. Review. Ever. Virtually unlistenable, save the leadoff single 'Jellybean'. Save your time/money, twist your melon (man) and just watch the video for 'Step On' instead...

Call the copppps.

Luuuuukkke...I'm Your Bobblehead

I'm as much of a nerd over Star Wars as any red-blooded American male my age, but i've never been one of those crazy insane fan-boys who still own a mint condition Death Star playset w/ the trash compactor monster and all. However, I have a few friends that do fit that description and this bit of news is for them (*cough* J.C. *cough*).

Everybody's favorite bobblehead manfacturer, Funko, announced a month or so ago that they signed an agreement w/ Lucas Films to produce Star Wars bobblehead products. They'll kick things off this month w/ everybody's favorite Sith lord, Darth Vader and a Clone Trooper, from (appropriately enough) Episode II: Attack of the Clones. They'll release a new set every month and upcoming releases include Boba Fett, Han Solo, Obi Wan and my main man Greedo. Speaking of Greedo, it looks like they will be doing some more of the 'cult favorites' as well, including the Jawas and Tusken Raiders (may have to pick me up one of those.).

Don't wait around too long, young Jedi, they'll retire certain 'heads' after a few months of availability. You can check out the whole she-bang at the FUNKO WEBSITE. While you're there, check out all the other cool offerings in the Funko stable...from Hanna Barbera to the Simpsons to Classic Advertising Mascots. Enjoy and may the force be w/ you, son!

After These Messages, We'll Be Right Back

That still makes me laugh every time I see it. Cooking up some other fun stuff in the lab, so stay tuned. CLICK!

VHS OR BETA

Usually, i'll wait until I have my hands on a full album to post up w/ any sort of review...but the first couple of tracks i've heard from the upcoming VHS or Beta release, 'Bring On the Comets', are proving too incredibly addictive not to start the e-pimping early.

As usual, i'm a little late to the dance on these guys and remember their last full-length, 'Night On Fire', making waves in certain musical circles back in 2004. Their take on the dance-punk genre has one foot firmly planted in 80's new wave/disco and the other in present-day indie-pop sensibilities. I saw a review that described their sound as 'Robert Smith singing over Duran Duran remixes' and, funny as it sounds, it's not only accurate...but really seems to work.

Now, listening to two of the new tracks currently making the rounds, it sounds as if they've toned down the disco leanings and amped up the rock/pop hooks for this go around. I really dig it. The power behind the pop veneer is refreshing and while bands like the Killers only dip their toe in the pool, these guys fly the new wave banner high. Bigger than that, it seems so genuine...a band that really believes in what they're playing versus trying too hard to sound like somebody else.

You can hear 'Can't Believe A Single Word' and 'Burn It All Down' in their entirety at the band's WEBSITE and/or buy the preview EP on iTunes. The website actually has some interesting 'making of' footage too, if you're into that sort of thing.

The album is slated to drop on 28-Aug...i'll review the whole thing when it becomes available. If it's anything like these tracks, it's a shoe-in for the yearly 'Best Of'.

It's On Like Voltron!

In case you haven't been able to gleen it yet from this blog...I like tennis shoes and the only thing I like more than shoes: Robots. I haven't wore a pair of Reeboks, since I rocked a pair of the hi-tops w/ the two velcro straps at the top as a Sophmore in High School. Announced back in March (thanks Complex magazine!), but available on 1-Oct, Reebok's 'Voltron Collection' could be enough to make a geek like me reconsider.

The brand has developed a pack consisting of five classic Reebok models all representing a different lion from the animated television series. The five standard RBK silhouettes represented are the Court Victory (Black Lion) Pump Omni Lite (Yellow Lion) Ventilator ( Blue Lion) ERS Racer (Green Lion) and the Insta Pump Fury ( Red Lion.) Rumor also has it that each sneaker will be accompanied by the corresponding figure so you could re-build your own freaking Voltron.

Now, I was more a Shogun Warrior kind of guy back in the day (both the toys and the Marvel comic book):

but for those of you who don't remember/know Voltron:

To honor both the kicks and...from days of long ago...from uncharted regions of the universe...a mighty robot...loved by good and feared by evil...i've thrown up the track 'Funky Voltron' by Edan the DJ (featuring Insight) from his incredible 'Beauty and The Beat' album. Step to the right and get a taste.

Heyyyyyy Peter, What's Happening?

No e-goodies today kids, we have our annual departmental Summer picnic for work. It's like a sauna out there and there is a 60% chance of thunderstorms. Rock. Free food, booze and an afternoon out of the office though...so I can't complain too much. Look for an pre-emptive pimp of the new VHS or Beta album tomorrow, the tracks i've heard off of it are tight, son! I'll save you some cole slaw.

Get Ready for This, Get Ready for This...

...c'mon party people, get ready for this! I missed the leak of the new Go! Team album, but the first single, 'Grip Like a Vice', is slammin'! Throw this into your boombox, press play and watch the drawers drop...or at least watch hands being thrown in the air, waving about like they just don't care.

If you've never given their first disc, 'Thunder Lightening Strike', a spin...you have to check it out. Like, right now. I still bust a George Jefferson to 'The Power is On' from that joint and now you can check it out in the sampler area.

DISCLAIMER: Fold-out Alfonso Ribeiro Breakin' Board not included...

Mr. Mom

I'm at home w/ the kids today, so I won't have time to post up...unless I see something interesting on Sprout TV or Nick Jr. Whoo! In my abscence, please offer up any tips on how to get toddlers to stop climbing on the couch, coffee table, TV, china cabinet and coat rack.

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.

Tin Roof? Rusted?

Just when you thought the news on the new Cult album wasn't retro enough, another one of my favorites announced a new release slated for early-2008. I realize that the B-52's may be considered a novelty act by a lot of folks (especially in 2007), but i'm thinking that a lot of those naysayers still have a bad 18-year 'Love Shack' hangover from the video showing up on MTV every 5 minutes back in the day.

For me, I can't help but smile every time I listen to tunes like 'Planet Claire', 'Lava', 'Private Idaho', 'Strobe Light', 'Song for a Future Generation', 'Summer of Love', 'Channel Z', 'Good Stuff' and 'Revolution Earth'. That's a breadth of work that belies the 'one or two-hit wonder' tag somebody can bitch rap them with based on 'Rock Lobster' or the aforementioned MTV staple.

Before anybody pegs my fervor on some sort of nostalgia trip, you have to listen to the absolutely good time rock song 'Debbie' that came as a new release on the 1998 greatest hits comp 'Time Capsule' to hear they still have their chops. Hey...it's over in the sample area, so you really have no excuse not to.

As far as the new record goes, per Fred Schneider, 11 new tracks will maintain the B-52's danceable, party vibe but will showcase some new directions: "There's more electronica on it," he said. "It's up-tempo and a bit sexed-up. It's sexier than ever." Looks like they are in post-production and will be shopping the record for a label to release it in the new year upon completion. Sexier than ever. Works for me...and, for the record, I also like chihuahuas and Chinese noodles.

AMBFAD SAMPLER BONUS TRACK: Planet Claire (LIVE) - Foo Fighters w/Fred Schneider (Supper Club/NYC/31-Oct-02)

Hell. Yes.

It hit the wires back in June, that The Cult have reunited once again and will release a new album titled 'Born Into This' on 2-Oct-07. Recorded in London with producer Youth (Verve, Primal Scream) and I think they've moved into post-production. Roadrunner Records had a :30 clip on their website a while back, but now they've come through w/ the full goods...you can check out a full stream of the first single 'Dirty Little Rockstar'!

I fookin love it. Sounds like something off of 'Electric' w/ a modern twist. Their last album was a bit too heavy and plodding for me, but I saw them on that tour and they were still surprsingly awesome. The Cult was one of those few bands/artists my younger brother and I shared big time mutual admiration for (RHCP, Suicidal Tendencies, Butthole Surfers the others). He had one of those awesome giant subway posters of a Sonic Temple-era promo shot of Ian, Billy and Jamie sitting in front of an old car in the middle of the desert...I tried several times, unsuccesfully, to convince him to let me take it w/ me to college. Ahhh, memories.

Speaking of 'Electric', you can enjoy a clip from 'The Manor Sessions' mix of said album that was scrapped for the stripped down Rick Rubin version we know and love today...just press PLAY in the sample box and rawk.

Dalekpalooza

90+ degree temperatures, pit-stained ironic concert tees, $45 bottles of water and misting tents...must mean it's Lollapalooza time once again in Chicago! 1991, 1992 and 1994 were enough for me, so for those of you braving the crowds, heat and overpriced ATM fees...have fun, stay cool and say hi to Perry Farrell for me.

STARS

'In Our Bedroom After the War'

Stars became critical darlings w/ 2003's 'Heart' and then further cemented their indie kid cred w/ 2005's 'Set Yourself on Fire'...both enjoyable albums, but they didn't really hook me until this one. Comparisons to New Order, The Smiths and (at times) Belle & Sebastian are pretty much on the money, but I like the fact they get a little more aggressive than any of those artists on this release. At times, they flat out rock.

I dig the various electronic flourishes that are peppered about, but never overwhelm the strong moments of melodic pop rock on tunes like 'The Night Starts Here', 'Take Me to a Riot' and 'Bitches in Tokyo' (which you can check out in the sample box 'o' fun to the right). There are a few moments of blue-eyed soul that aren't bad, but don't hit me ala Spoon and a few tracks a little to torch-songy, but as a whole...the album is chock full of grade A material. May even grow on me more w/ a couple more listens...I hear the potential there and suggest you check it out for yourself when it drops on 25-Sep-07.

Coming Attractions

A slew of interesting flicks that will be headed into you local moviehouse...some sooner, some later. Granted, w/ the twins and all...i'll probably only make it to the theatres to see 1-2 of them. Thank God for Netflix. Anyhow, let's all go to the lobby to get ourselves a treat and then, watch these boss trailers:

Halloween (31-Aug-07)

After seeing 'House of 1,000 Corpses' and "The Devil's Rejects', the prospect of a Rob Zombie take on such a horror classic didn't seem so crazy. This trailer looks to prove that gut feeling right and supposedly throws in some additional back story on how Michael became the Bogeyman. Creepy good fun.

The Darjeeling Limited (29-Sep-07)

Oh man, I didn't realize how much i've been jonesing for a new Wes Anderson movie until I peeped this trailer. Some people may find his aesthetic too quirky and that he is starting to get formulaic...I say if ain't broke, don't try and fix it. The art direction, soundtracks, everything...so far, he hasn't done me wrong and I can't wait for this.

I Am Legend (14-Dec-07)

I saw this trailer before the Transformers movie (which was fucking awesome BTW) and it looked okay, considering I can only handle Will Smith in small doses. Then, my buddy Kev clued me in to the actual plot of the flick, as he read the book it's based on...now i'm VERY interested.

1-18-08 AKA Cloverdale (18-Jan-08)

Saw this one before Transformers too and it's taken all the fanboys on the web by the short hairs...with just cause. A teaser trailer in every sense of the term, this yet to be titled J.J. Abrams ('LOST') project only goes by the release date in the trailer and looks like a fun monster flick. A lot of theories about the web on what it's about...including a precious one that it's a film version of the arcade classic RAMPAGE. I'll be in line come January to find out.

Finally, as we're not even out of THIS Summer yet, NEXT Summer looks to make me forget about the awful comic book adaptations offered up in 'Spiderman 3' and 'Fantastic Four/Silver Surfer'. No official trailer for Favreau's 'IRON MAN' (2-May-08) online yet, but I saw the tape of the teaser trailer they showed at this year's ComicCon in San Diego. Looks great! We'll get a proper 'The Incredible Hulk' (13-Jun-08) flick featuring his arch nemesis The Abomination even and then the month after, the day after my birthday)...

The Dark Knight (18-Jul-08)

MIRACLE FORTRESS

'Five Roses'

Wow. One of those albums that just draws you in and makes you remember why you love music so much. 'Five Roses' is a delicious noise pop cocktail w/ couple of spritzes of Yo La Tengo and a twist of Brian Wilson. Sweeping layers of sounds and orchestration that hits you like a feather, but ultimately knocks you on your ass. A lot of stuff going on musically, so each time you listen you hear something new...and the album gets better and better.

Even cooler is the fact is it's all performed by one guy (Van Pelt) ala Sufjan Stevens, but (IMO) even better. Put this album into your headphones, lay down outside on the lawn and watch the sun come up...or watch it go down for that matter. It's that kind of soundtrack and you can get a taste via the tune 'Maybe Lately' in the AMBFAD sample box to the right. It's out and avail wherever you normally find your favorite albums of more indie ilk (iTunes, for example). Smiley smile, kids.

Since Prince was on Apollonia

I've never really fallen prey to the hype over Kanye...but i'm feelin' this jam and video, son!

Props for not only sampling Daft Punk, but putting them in the Hype Williams meets Akira style video. Even better is the Zach Galifianakis video for 'Can't Tell Me Nothin'. Oh yes...act like you know.

Another New Feature

Aside from freshening up the look a little, i've also added in a neat little widget over to the side that will allow me to share a smattering of stuff i'm enjoying...right now, just audio clips. All you have to do is click on the box and listen to each track (full-length and in stereophonic sound). Look for reviews for a few of the albums the tracks provided are featured on. Yay music!

AMBFAD Book club

I've been meaning to post up on this excellent series of books for a while now, but i've barely had time to read them, let alone write any sort of review. The crux of the 33 1/3 series being put out by Continuum Publishing Group, is a little different than most of the music-based tomes out there and it makes for some fun reading.

Versus doing a full retrospective on a particular band or genre or time period, each volume focuses in on a singular album...one that the author finds monumental or inspirational. Just as each album is different from the other, so is the methodology each author (an interesting mix of various musicians, scholars, broadcasters, and writers) chooses to write about it. As illustrated from the handful i've read so far:

Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys

My first foray into the series, Dan LeRoy truly dissected this album forward and back. A truly comprehensive guide to one of the most underrated and amazing albums released in the last 20 years, it provides a framework to the environment surrounding the group at the time of it's recording and a meticulous look at the recording/production of the album itself. Made up from personal accounts from a myriad of folks involved in the creation of an album one-part hip-hop and one-part science experiment, it is a must for any fan of the record, genre and/or music itself.

Doolittle - The Pixies

Ben Sisario's provides a fantastic take on one of the most influential alt-rock albums of all time. Time-traveling between the past and present, the book provides both a historical perspective of the making of the album and a current view from various members of the band/production team on the eve of the massive reunion tour several years ago. Highlights for me included a car ride around Portland w/ Black Francis (AKA Frank Black), where he provides a track by track commentary as the CD plays in the car stereo.

Let It Be - The Replacements

I'm not a huge Decemberists fan, but Colin Meloy's book on one of my favorite albums by what is likely my favorite band, was a great surprise. Differing from the books above, Meloy chooses to focus on how said album acted as a catalyst for a kid growing up in Montana to expand his parameters and rise from a virtual wasteland to become an indie-rock luminary. Anyone who has had an album change their life will be able to identify and have a lot of fun w/ this one.

Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

Capturing the fervor around and creation of what could be arguably one of the best college radio/UK releases to see the light of day, Alex Green uses both personal anecdotes and a historical recount to tell the tale of a band who flirted w/ greatness before unraveling into musical footnote. Eloquently capturing the environment of the UK and the Madchester scene that gave birth to the Roses and a fusion of club and rock music serving as a soundtrack to a second British invasion. A great case for why this album was both personally important and relevant to a much larger contingent.

Those are the volumes i've actually read, but i've got Meat is Murder, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Who Sell Out, Double Nickles on the Dime, Led Zeppelin IV and The Velvet Underground and Nico in que. I'm going to take a stab at both reading and collecting them all...now totaling 49 different albums (w/ more due through 2007 and 2008), i've got a lot of ground to cover. I'm hitting the albums I find the most personally enjoyable/interesting first and then i'll fan out to the others. Luckily, most of the books come in at a digestible number of pages and can be devoured quickly if you have the time.

Want more info? Check out the 33 1/3 blog in the music links section off to the side. Enjoy!

Same Blog...Fresh New Taste!

As you can see, made some minor tweaks to zee blog...cleaner look and new banner (image courtesy of the great Yoshitomo Nara)! I have some other stuff to post up with and will do so soon. Some solid new music has entered into the radar screen and other geekery runs rampant in my head...I will exorcise it for your enjoyment. Watch the skies!

Pardon Our Dust

I'm working on a new look for this place...spiffing things up a little. Should be back to normal soon.

New Day Rising

Hey there, kids. I realize i've been neglecting you...but I just haven't had the time. Also rethinking my blog-fu fighting technique and think i'm going to go back to a more of a casual train-of-thought posting style than actually trying to be a better looking David Fricke or less fucked up Lester Bangs. I'd also like to go to a more unique looking template, but can't find one I like.

Outside of that, i've been on a Man or Astroman? kick...watched a couple of good docs on Joe Strummer and The Pixies...bought a few more of those 33 1/3 books (Tribe Called Quest and Zeppelin)...turned 36...and watched the twins go from babies to...

...little boys. They're walking, babbling, fighting w/ each other and just seem to change more every week. Just so amazing. Anyhow, hopefully i'll pick up the pace and get back on actually taking advantage of this as an outlet. So, thanks for sticking w/ me and stay tuned. Peace.

Yoga? Fu? Yoga Fu?

More music coming soon, but here is something that lives at the intersection of awesome and kick-ass to hold you over until then...

SPOON

'Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga'

After their last release, 2005's 'Gimme Fiction', I didn't know what to expect from Britt Daniel's latest release. While there were definite moments of said album I really enjoyed, that album's foray in to more of soulful sound than some of it's weirder more-angular sounding older siblings never quite hooked me to put it into regular rotation. It was with the taste of that album still in my mouth, that I looked forward to 'Ga * 5' w/ a little bit of trepidation.After listening to it at least twenty times since then, i'm happy to say that is album actually exceeded my expectations and seems to be getting better w/ each listen.

An amalgamation of everything from The Stones to The Clash to The Jam to The Pixies...this disc seemed to take equal parts of elements from all their previous releases and meld them together into one cohesive and enjoyable Spoon album. The band channels a Motown sound complete w/ xylophones and saxes on my favorite track 'You Got Your Cherry Bomb' (sample to the right) and peppers a tasty groove ditty w/ some of those trademark weird Spoon sonic flourishes on the also excellent 'Finer Feelings'.

Like previous albums, a lot the lyrics sometimes border on nonsense (yet sounding so perfect and clever coming from this band), but this one throws in a few political digs at the current administration...the 'nuclear dicks with their dialect drawls' line on 'Don't Make Me a Target' is excellent wordplay.

The album's official release date is July 10th, but you can get a taste via the blogosphere leaks that have been underway for weeks. That said, this is a keeper and worth shilling out $ for once it drops. Much like Voxtrot and The National, I see this one finding a spot somewhere on the list come year's end. SPOOOOOOOON!

THE NATIONAL

'Boxer'

Up until a few weeks ago, I hadn't fallen sway to the hype around Ohio's The National until catching a few tunes from this release on the countless blogs heralding it's impending release. Once I finally dipped my toe into the pool, I saw what everybody had been talking about since 2003's 'Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers' and actually ended up being so enamored I copped 2005's 'The Alligator' a day or two after first hearing this one.

'Boxer' seems to kind of bridge the sounds of the two previous releases together...full of both sullen folk and punchy indie rock. Throw in the addition of some orchestral flourishes via brass and strings (done up great on lead track 'Fake Empire') and you have one of those albums that you can't help but want to listen to from start to finish. Lyrically, this disc is just a moody as it's predeccessors and the oft sullen vocals of Matt Berninger bring to mind a noontime bender in a dark, nearly-deserted dive bar...only to have the music wash you in sunlight when you finally head into the world outside.

Like I said, this an album in the truest sense of the word...one to be enjoyed in it's entirety. If put into a corner, i'd pick the mid-album trifecta of 'Apartment Story', 'Start a War' and 'Guest Room' as my favorite tracks. Watch for this one to be placed atop many an indie cool kid's 'Best Of' list...maybe even mine. It's out now, so go pick it up!

VOXTROT

'Voxtrot'

Another bunch of indie darlings I was late to the dance on, the band Voxtrot initially caught my attention earlier this year w/ the title track from their mid-2006 EP, 'Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives'. Said EP ended up on a lot 'Best of '06' lists, but I didn't really heed the hype until much later. Hailing from the indie music mecca of Austin, TX, these kids seem to continue to build upon their sound and improve w/ every release.

The album kicks off w/ the excellent string-laden 'Introduction' that kind of crescendos into what the rest of the album has in store...a really fantastic multi-layered but less glossy version of 80's new wave for 2007. The band squeezes some wild sweeping sounds from the guitars and it meshes well w/ the keyboard flourishes w/out sounding as contrived as say...The Killers. Some of the chiming riffs found on standout tunes like 'Kid Gloves' and 'Firecracker' wouldn't sound out of place coming from a U2 album. It's the lyrics and vocal stylings of frontman Ramesh Srivastava that keep this album indie versus arena rock. I don't mean that as a diss either, as the duality of the wordplay/vocals w/ the big sounding guitars/drums make for a fantastic listen.

Like I said earlier, the album was released prior to me getting my review out and you can now purchase it by your normal means. A shoe-in for my 'Best-Of' list, I highly recommend picking this up.

I Lied...

...got my new laptop today and I have spent most of the day getting it to work. Promise i'll post up something next week...hopefully several things. Blip!

The Time

...has passed by so quickly since my last post. Work and the kids have left me w/ very little opportunity to post up, but I will remedy that starting tomorrow. I had a review of the new Voxtrot 75% done 3 weeks ago that i'll post now that it is out and i'll put up reviews of the just released album by The National, plus the upcoming Spoon and Polyphonic Spree releases too. I also went to my first live show in ages and will offer up my recap of Sloan @ the Metro in Chicago soon. A lot of good music floating around, so stay tuned. YOUNT!

WILCO

'Sky Blue Sky'

I've appreciated the evolution of Wilco's sound from album to album, mostly because each has (until now) been a significant departure from it's predecessor...constantly challenging your own musical scope as a listener to stay with them wherever they've decided to take you. 'Sky Blue Sky', however, initially hit me as a severely toned down version of their last release. After both 'AM' and 'Being There', I liked the sharp turn into the addition of power pop on Summerteeth...the experimental noise exploration on top of that via 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot'...the more organic instrumentalization/production on 'A Ghost is Born'...then, versus any sort of re-invention, we get sort of a continuance instead.

It's not that I don't like it or think that an artist must re-invent their sound w/ every new release, I just don't feel that challenged by it. To note, I wasn't quite in tune w/ 'AGIB' when it came out, but it held my interest enough to want and try and understand it...until it finally clicked seeing the songs live at the 1st shows Jeff Tweedy did w/ the current line-up of the band @ Otto's in Dekalb, IL prior to that album's release. 'SBS'...well, it sounds really, really, REALLY nice but there isn't that much else to dig into. You hear it once and you pretty much catch everything going on.

However, there are some interesting thematic changes from 'AGIB' to 'SBS' lyrically. Where 'AGIB' could be interpreted as someone struggling w/ a slight identity crisis and definition of one's overall place in life (which he was)...'SBS' seems to be based upon finally finding some level of self-awareness and comfortability w/ who you are/where you're at. For fans (like myself) who really study Tweedy's lyrics, that's where you'll find the progression from the last album to this one. While it's kind of cool and he's still at the top of his game lyrically, it will likely be lost to the casual or first-time listener.

Granted, i'll have to continue to spin it...definitely see some of these tunes come off live...maybe something will unfold. I'd go back to any one of the previous 4 releases to illustrate my love for this band. Right now, i'll just say I enjoy it even though it's the first time since 'AM' I feel like i'm listening to something by Wilco that is really well-done, but not at all that extraordinary.

Me, Myself and You(Tube)

Another good find on YouTube...the video press kit for De La's '3 Ft. High & Rising.' Brings me back...and check out the HI-TOP FADE-CUT MADNESS!!!