Paperback Writer

Not much to weigh in on as of right now. I did finish the Klosterman book and definitely give it the thumbs up. Again, not as solid as the other two...but still worth reading. Think i'm finally going to get around to reading this:

'Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim' - David Sedaris

Came out in paperback over the last few months and nobody tells a story like Sedaris. His prior book, 'Me Talk Pretty One Day', had me laughing out loud while waiting for a delayed flight from O'Hare a few years back. Most of his material is based around his family and the absolutely bizarre path his life has taken since birth. Any and all of his books are worth checking out, so do yourself a favor...pick one up.

So, that's a shorty for you...I have a couple of ideas rolling around in my head for some future topics. Stay tuned and peace out.

I Heard the News Today (oh boy)...

Major league busy once again...work, getting our dog into a training course, turning 34...all that good stuff. Just about 45% of the way through the new Klosterman book (semi-reviewed in the last post) and it's pretty good. Not as good as the other two, but still an excellent read. Getting an earful of some good new music coming down the pike and i'll pony up w/ some info on that closer to their actual release dates.

As far as anything new to recommend, i'm thinking I may just have to go out and get this:

THE DAILY SHOW - 'Indecision 2004'

I still stand by my statement that Comedy Central's Daily Show is simultaneously the smartest and funniest show on television. Not only does it do a fantastic job of bringing to light just how insanely upside down our political system can be, but how it completely takes the piss out of the media outlets that cover it (the recent coverage of the coverage of both the Michael Jackson trial verdict and Hurricane Emily were instant classics). Once could challenge, that underneath the comedic bent of the weekly delivery of 'fake news', it's really one of the only places to go to get a more realistic look at the days events...sans spin and any sort of agenda. Plus, the insanely talented 'news team' helmed by Jon Stewart are unparalleled smartasses that could make just about anything funny.

Anyhow, while i've always enjoyed the show, I became absolutely enamored with it during their coverage of the 2004 presidential election...lovingly titled: INDECISION 2004. This 3 DVD set supposedly captures the best moments of said coverage, which (due to the sheer breadth of all the funny stuff I saw over the course of that year) seems to me would be an amazing feat to synopsize. It came out on June 28 and looks like it has a gaggle of bonus footage as well. If you've never watched, it's time to start...check out their web page HERE. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Give Me Something to Look Forward to...

In the past few weeks, i've been slightly time-challenged relative to music-listening, movie-watching and book-reading. Mrs. Famous and I did go see 'War of the Worlds' and it was a nice Summer FX bonanza...nothing worth writing about though. However, there are a few things that have either just come out or are on their way soon to look forward to. Hopefully, i'll get a chance to check them out further and post up w/ some real reviews, but in the meantime kids...put the following things on your radar:

BOB MOULD - 'Body of Song'

Mould's first new album-length release since 2002, and his first since 'Last Dog and Pony Show' (released in the mid-90s) to employ a guitar-heavy full-band approach. Nowhere near 'Workbook' or 'Black Sheets of Rain'...definitely not as fulfilling as Sugar's 'Copper Blue'...hella enjoyable nonetheless.

The last few were near full-fledged techno albums, so it's nice to hear a return to a full-band guitar-driven approach...guest musicians include Brendan Canty (Fugazi), David Barbe (Sugar), Matt Hammon (1998 Bob Mould Band). There are still some subtle electronic effects ala 'Modulate', but it's a rock album first and foremost. Hits the streets July 26, but you can check out the track 'Paralyzed' HERE.

CHUCK KLOSTERMAN - 'Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story'

Klosterman's previous works ('Fargo Rock City' and 'Sex, Drugs & Cocoa Puffs') pretty much read like a book would sound if I actually got up off of my ass and wrote one (or, at least, how i'd WANT it to sound). 'Fargo Rock City' specifically had me convinced that Klosterman had stolen my past in a doppleganger-like fashion and just replaced rural Illinois w/ rural North Dakota. 'S,D & CP' was less biographical and more of a philosophical look at popular culture, but nonetheless hilarious.

His newest is supposed to expand upon an article he wrote for Spin about driving cross-country in a rental car to visit several of America's most famous rock and roll death sites, from the Rhode Island club where more than 90 Great White fans died in a fire, to the Iowa field where Buddy Holly's plane crashed. From what i've heard though, he focuses again on more his life-experiences than the sites themselves...which, depending on how much you like his work or not, could be kind of a letdown. I'll reserve judgment until after I actually read it. It's out now, so don't wait for my review...get it or any of his other books post haste.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - 'Twin Cinema'

The brainchild of Canada's Carl Newman, The New Pornographers are an indie-semi-supergroup consisting of artists you may not have ever heard of...featuring Newman, Dan Bejar (AKA Merge recording artist Destroyer) and alt-folk-country-etc. songstress Neko Case. Their 2000 debut ('Mass Romantic') turned many a head, but it was 2003's 'Electric Version' that made them simultaneously an indie-rock and power-pop fan's wet dream. Multi-instrumental pop hooks and vocals so sweet you could lose a tooth with clever-as-hell lyrics to boot. Seriously, one of my favorite albums of the past 5 years.

The follow-up looks to dish out much of the same, which (in this case) is NOT a bad thing at all. Tunes like 'Use It' and 'The Jessica Numbers' elevate the power pop game to a Julius Erving level. 'The Bleeding Heart Show' manages to surge from plaintive torch song to soaring power ballad to flat-out smile-on-your-face singalong...amazingly, without ever falling into the dreaded chasm of cheese that serves as an elephant graveyard for songs of similar ilk. Like I said, they have discovered indestructible pop rock formula that causes each tune to be ultra-listenable. Could be a front-runner for favorite of the year. The album drops on August 23, but you can get a taste by DL'ing the title track HERE.

BEULAH - 'A Good Band is Easy to Kill'

This is the second time in this blog i've called this out and, also, the second time I have no 'official' review. All I can say, is that Beulah had to be one of the most underrated indie-bands to walk the face of the earth and this DVD sounds like it will do an admirable job of documenting their next-to-last tour together.

It also sounds like it has enough deleted scenes and live footage (17 songs played in their entirety) to choke a horse...not that one would ever want to do that...especially w/ a perfectly good music documentary. Comes out on August 2, but (again) you can check out the trailer HERE.

PAUL WESTERBERG - 'What Me Worry? T-Shirt'

I'm waiting on the company who made these to print up a new batch of LARGES and pretty much think it's the Westy tee i've been waiting all my life for. Heh.

Finally, to bring this blathering post full-circle via Mould and Westy (again, thanks to the Man w/out Ties site for the heads-up), the latest issue of MAGNET to hit the newsstands will feature a cover story called A TALE OF TWIN CITIES, described as: "All the brilliance, beers, breakups and bastards of young: MAGNET presents an oral history of the '80s Minneapolis scene and the stories of Husker Du and the Replacements, told by the band members and those who were there."

Nice. MAGNET is one my favorite music mags out there and, if this piece as anywhere near as good as their retropsective on power-pop they did last year, this'll be a keeper. As always, you can click on the link to head to their site via the wonderfully conveniennavigationon bar located on your right.

That'll do it for now, as i've posted more in this one section than I have the entire week. However, all of this stuff is that worth checking out and Uncle EL only tells you these things because he loves you. Peace!

Elo (and SORRY) kiddies.

I've been too insanely busy to post up w/ anything, so please accept this autographed picture of Vincent Price as 'Egghead' from the Batman TV series as a peace offering...
























I promise i'll be back w/ some good poop about music, TV, film and lunch meat soon. Thanks for reading!

I'd Like to Get to Know You Well...

I'll have some reviews of newer offerings soon, but here are some albums that you may not be familiar with and that I think you should get to know a little better. Granted, there are tons more where this came from, but it should be some good stuff to chew on for a while...

JOHN FRUSCIANTE - ‘Shadows Collide w/ People’

This 4th solo offering from RHCP’s guitarist came out in early-2004 and is still receiving regular rotation. Up until John’s return to the Chili Peppers back in 1999, so much focus was always placed on Anthony and Flea…but ‘Californication’ and ‘By the Way’ proved what those of who’ve followed the band for years have know all along: Frusciante is the creative nucleus from which RHCP’s atomic revolves around.

‘Shadows’ is a more polished studio version of the adventuresome lo-fi work done on previous solo efforts, yet remains rife w/ wonderfully creative songwriting. The music ranges from soaring power-chord-laden balladry to electronically-enhanced experimental sound collage…and it all just works together. Personal highlights include ‘Omission’, ‘Regret’, ‘Song to Sing When I’m Lonely’ and ‘Time Goes Back’…but the whole album is great cover to cover.

FRANK BLACK - ‘FrankBlackFrancis’

Released in the back half of 2004, this two disc offering was a cool juxtaposition of both raw and revamped versions of some of the Black’s finest offerings from his days leading the Pixies. Disc one, are solo demos that were recorded on a walkman the day before the Pixies went into the studio to record ‘The Purple Tape’ (some of which would become ‘Come on Pilgrim’). Being that it’s just Black and a guitar, you really get some stripped-down insight into what made him and the Pixies such alt-rock standard-bearers to so many. The lack of the additional bombast provided by the rest of the band shifts focus to Black’s vocals and eventual ‘Black Francis’ persona and the music takes on a haunting angular 50’s-influenced folk quality you don’t hear on the eventual studio release…an interesting fly-on-the-wall view on what was to come.

Disc two had the potential to somewhat soil the Pixies legacy, as it found Black re-working some of the band’s most classic works w/ the help of Pere Ubu’s Two Pale Boys. Instead, for me, it ended up offering a surprisingly fresh approach I didn’t think possible. The fragile version of ‘Caribou’…the ska-like brass approach to ‘Holiday Song’…the drifting space-rock campfire version of ‘Wave of Mutilation’…I guess it just shows that some of the best covers can come from the artist who did them originally. Granted, if you aren’t familiar w/ the Pixies (which really should be punishable by death), it may not be as fascinating…but I still think it would hold up on its own merit.

CHRIS BELL - ‘I Am the Cosmos’

Any card-carrying music geek, at some point, familiarizes him or herself w/ the collective work of Big Star. One of the founding fathers of the musical genre that would eventually be called ‘power pop’, Big Star has been cited as an influence by too many bands to list here. The more well-known member, Alex Chilton, was immortalized in my favorite Replacements song of the same name…but history seems to have proven he was only part of the equation.

Unreleased for over 15 years until 1992, ‘I Am the Cosmos’ (combined w/ work done on Big Star’s ‘#1 Record’) shows the creative impact that original Big Star co-leader Chris Bell brought to the table and shows a different side to his talents as well. The upbeat power-pop that Bell had a large part in formulating as part of the Star is present in songs like ‘Get Away’ and ‘I Got Kinda Lost’…but it’s the introspective nature of songs like the title-track and ‘You and Your Sister’ that make this album such an interesting listen. Knowing how Bell’s life would head down a chemically tragic path upon his departure from the band and eventually end in a tragic car accident, this album serves as posthumous window to Bell’s tortured soul. The schizophrenic nature of this disc is telling and really what makes it so fascinating.

'I'm...Batman.'

Been too busy to post up this week, but went and saw the new Batman flick ('Begins') last Sunday. Definitely more akin to the whole 'Dark Knight' series of graphic novels and the whatnot and, overall, a pretty decent piece of work. As I was more of a Marvel comics kind of guy, i'm not too sure if the whole origin angle in this one is true to form or not...but it added more detail to the whole 'you killed my father, now prepare to die' kickstart to his crimefighting gig.

Christian Bale came off a bit too stiff as Bruce Wayne for my blood, but wasn't horrendous. As the key to a really good superhero flick is it's villains, I would say 'Begins' left me a little disappointed. Not that they were bad, but I really felt they could have done a little more w/ Cillian Murphy AS the Scarecrow. Liam Neeson as (ahem) Henri Ducard was pretty decent, but lacked the pinache that a big screen villain should. Plus, the big scheme to put Gotham City on it's ass became a little tiresome. That said, it was still a lot of fun and visually impressive (filmed in Chicago, you can see Marina towers in one of the sequences).

As far as how it stands up to the other flicks released in the franchise, i'm torn. The last one w/ Clooney as the Caped Crusader blew as bad as a movie could, but I really enjoyed the others. I still think Jim Carrey as The Riddler was one of my favorite performances in a Batman movie and Nicholson's Joker is still a classic. Then again, I loved the TV show in all it's goofy glory as well...so that could tell you something. Anyway, 'Begins' is still a great Summertime Megaplex Blockbuster Whoop-dee-doo and I enjoyed it in totality. Word is, next go around...Crispin Glover as The Joker. Now, THAT would be interesting.

Want to have some REAL Bat-fun? You have to check out BATMAN - THE MOVIE starring the original Batman, Adam West and the classic villain line-up of the Joker, Penguin, The Riddler and Catwoman...AND A SUBMARINE! KA-POW!!!

Big Ol’ Jet Airliner...

For those of you who share my fanaticism for ABC's LOST, it seems the show's creators have served up a website just as much of a brainteaser as the show itself: OCEANIC AIR. It's supposed to be the website for the airline being flown by the Lostaways before it went pinata on their unlucky asses and dumped them out all over the beach of Weirdaritaville. I guess it's been online since May, but I just heard about it yesterday.

You can play around with it and figure it out for yourself. I'll just say that using Hurley's unlucky numbers will open up areas of the site w/ some interesting 'easter eggs' that include some hints (or red herrings) towards the identity of illusive smoke-belching 'monster' and an actual preview for Season II. Looks like that aside from sharing the island 'The Others', crazy french lady and polar bears...there may be some survivors from the OTHER side of the plane.

Again, IMO, best drama on TV...if not the best thing on TV, period. Can't wait for Season II, Fall TV suddenly seems a million miles away.

Working For the Man Every Night and Day...

Got a lot on the plate work-wise and home-wise, so i'm guessing you won't see a lot of new stuff on here over the next couple of weeks. However, i'll try to post up with anything interesting that comes onto the radar screen.

I'm enjoying the new Foo Fighters (In Your Honor) and will post a full review soon. In the meantime, you can stream the entire album HERE . PEACE!

There beneath the blue suburban skies...

We have a new addition to our household...(PRETTY AS A) PENNY (LANE). To clarify, not the loveable groupie played by Kate Hudson, but an 8-week old female golden retriever pup. I'll post up w/ pics later. Carpet has only been desecrated a few times so far and we got a grandiose 3-4 hours of sleep...we're having fun!

To Be Young

I was waxing nostalgic yesterday and (as music geeks are prone to do) got a list in my head I needed to exorcise. So, here you go, irony-free:

TOP 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL LP'S BEFORE I TURNED 13

KISS - 'Rock and Roll Over'

Purchased at a next door neighbor's garage sale when I was 7, while I wouldn't consider it their definitive release...it shaped a perception of what rock'n'roll should look and sound like that still holds fast today. (Like the band itself) the album sleeve was hypnotic, larger than life and absolutely fascinated me. 'Calling Dr. Love' sounded like something I shouldn't be listening to, which pretty much made it the coolest thing ever. It was at this point where Ace Frehley replaced Spiderman as my favorite superhero.

THE BEATLES - '1962-1966'

Around age 6 or 7, I was downstairs playing w/ legos, when my Dad came home from work and (without explanation) handed me this LP. It was my first double-album and my first Beatles recording. I played the thing to death...literally. The wax became so scratched up it was unplayable, not for a lack of trying. I usually didn't receive albums as a gift, unless it was x-mas or my birthday...so it meant a lot on so many levels and,actually, still does.

QUEEN - 'Flash Gordon Soundtrack'

Obviously, this was not Queen's watershed album...but, after receiving it on christmas, it received regular rotation for months and months after. As they were tracks done exclusively by the band versus a collection of artists, this album altered my perception of what a soundtrack could be and the music altered my perception of what a rock band could sound like. Numerous Queen albums would soon follow it on the way into my record stack. 'FLASH! Ahhhhaaaahhhhh.' Killer.

STYX - 'Kilroy Was Here'

My first Styx LP was actually 'Paradise Theatre', transfixing in and of itself for the rainbow colored lithograph on the album's surface, but this is the one I played over and over again. 'Kilroy' was my first introduction to the concept album and, while it's funnier than hell looking at it today, the storyline about the censorship of all things rock and one man's journey back to revive it was engaging as hell. Besides that, 'Mr. Roboto' was quite the popular jam at the rollerink and still makes me smile when I hear it today.

ABBA - 'Arrival'

I didn't actually own this album, but at a young age I would consistently pick it out of my parent's collection of eight-tracks to listen to. It was pop music unrivaled from anything i'd heard before and the orchestral production made me completely overlook just how goofy the music was lyrically. Pretty much the standard-bearer for perfectly crafted pop, it gave me a respect I still have today for what the genre can accomplish if done right.

Honorable Mention:

KISS - 'Alive'

'You Wanted The Best. You Got The Best. The Hottest Band In The World ... KISS!!!' While we should have been outside playing, you could often find me and my best gradeschool friends in my buddy Gregg's basement...lip-synching and using hockey sticks to play along w/ 'Deuce', 'Strutter' and 'Cold Gin'. Like I said earlier, they were superheroes to us and the embodiment of what a rock concert should be (before we had ever seen one). To note, it may be the only live album i've actually enjoyed.

It should also be noted, that Gregg broke his arm falling off a desk while hanging the posters from the KISS solo albums...earning him our upmost respect and a permanent place is the KISS Army fo' sho.

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH

'Clap Your Hands Say Yeah'

Props are 'Hot-lanta' bound towards my compadre GVD, for the heads up he provided me on a relatively new band w/ a name as interesting as the music they perform. CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH seem to be based out of NYC and their self-titled debut is proving to be both refreshing and adventuresome. Versus following the recent trend of paying homage to 80's new wave and post-punk bands like The Cure and Gang of Four or the more mainstream Duran Duran, CYHSY go the artier way of David Byrne and the Talking Heads.

Granted, it's not a complete regurgitation of the Heads sound, but the multi-faceted composition bouncing around from stripped down to cacophony, Byrnes-esque jerky vocals and more intellectual lyricism make it the best comparison out there...throw in some more modern musical touches and there you be. Whatever you want to call it, I like it.

Right now, it seems you can buy their debut CD exclusively at gigs and their website HERE or check them out by downloading the following tracks so kindly offered up on the same site: In This Home On Ice Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood Over and Over Again (Lost & Found). Enjoy.

Bounce wit me, bounce wit me...

In lieu of anything music-related to post up with, I submit this helpful household tip I received from my mom at work re: different uses for Bounce Fabric softener sheets:

"The US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow jackets away. Use them all the time when playing baseball and soccer. Use it working outside. It really works. The yellow jackets just veer around you.

It will also:

- Chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.

- Repel mice... spread them around foundation areas, or in trailers, cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.

- Take the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.

- Repel mosquitoes...tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

- Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen...since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.

- Dissolve soap scum from shower doors...clean with a sheet of Bounce.

- Freshen the air in your home...place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet or a sheet in vacuum cleaner.

- Prevent thread from tangling...run a threaded needle through sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

- Prevent musty suitcases...place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

- Freshen the air in your car...place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

- Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan...put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food.

- Eliminate odors in wastebaskets...place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.

- Collect cat hair...rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.

- Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds...wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

- Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering...a used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

- Eliminate odors in dirty laundry...place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

- Deodorize shoes or sneakers...place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight."

My sources tell me they will also lift voodoo curses, keep you from burning up upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, increase your bust size, teach you how to make millions buying and selling foreclosure properties, allow you to hear the ocean when you hold one up to your ear and give you x-ray vision if ingested properly...and that's a good thing.

Better Late than Never.

As i've only had this blog up for a few weeks, i'd be remiss if I didn't provide a heads-up on a few earlier releases that are still receiving heavy rotation:

SPOON - 'Gimme Fiction'

For those who dig the Pixies, Sonic Youth or Pavement...the latest from Britt Daniel and company is getting a lot of deserved hype in all the music rags. Very angular-sounding indie rock w/ quirky (but cool) lyrical stylings. Not as amped up as some of their previous releases (their last one, 'Kill the Moonlight', is a classic), but like the McRib sandwich...me lovin' it. One of my favorite bands, be sure to catch them live (check out their website in the LINKS section for tour dates and to download the track 'I Turn My Camera On').

LOW - 'The Great Destroyer'

One of my favorite albums of the year so far. Layers of distorted drums, organ, guitar, synth, strings and heartbeat-like electronic drums. Very melancholy at times, it would almost be a depressing listen if the overall composition wasn't so damn beautiful. Be aware, despite all that, this is NOT a snoozer...there are moments where a wave of sound will come crashing down on you like a ton of bricks. You can stream a handful of tunes from this release and their back catalog HERE.

M83 - 'Before the Dawn Heals Us'

Synth-heavy electronic orchestral pop muzak...it's like a film score. I liked the previous effort (Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts) a little bit better, but this is an insanely interesting listen in it's own right. I found it more polished and slightly poppier in spots, barring the wonderfully creepy 'Car Chase Terror' (turn off the lights and listen on headphones for maximum weirdness). Check out the tunes at his website (streaming via Real Player) HERE.

So, enjoy. I've got a lot going on this week, but that should hold the 2 people reading this thing for a while. Whoo.

AMBFAD Book Club

'Mix Tape: The Art of Cassette Culture' (edited by) Thurston Moore

Long before the burning of CD's, bit torrents, podcasting and music blogs, the act of sharing music (and, more importantly, sharing a bit of yourself) was done by way of the compact audio cassette. Like a lump of clay on a potter's wheel, in capable hands, this non-descript combination of plastic and magnetic tape could be molded into a device used to express everything from love to hate...despair to optimism. A lovingly assembled mix tape could be a window to the soul or, worst case, turn you on to band that changes how you look at art, music and maybe even yourself.

That may sound like overly-romantascized pap, but I could cite an assemblage of mix tapes that have come and gone through my life that shaped who I am today. More importantly, allowed me to communicate w/ people on an entirely different level that I couldn't do w/ words. I can't paint, the cassette was my canvas used to express myself. Hell, I still think that a mix tape made for a certain girl my Junior year in college...was responsible kickstarting a series of events that eventually made her my wife.

Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, has curated a collection of stories, essays and images from a collection of tapes compiled by various contributors over the last 20 years. From the Romantic Tape, to the Break-up Tape, the Road Trip Tape, to the 'Indoctrination' Tape...this book isn't a just bunch of tracklists, it focuses more on the stories behind them. Offerings from a diverse bunch that includes Mike Watt, Christopher Knowles, Glen E. Friedman, Kate Spade, Ryan McGinness and Jim O'Rourke, show that a mix tape can leave a lasting impression that goes way beyond the first time you listened to it.

There is no denying that CD burners and artwork software have taken the act of creating a mix to an entirely different level. I still spend hours making various mixes for friends and family. There is a little unibomber inside me though, that longs for the days spent with your stereo assembling one solitary collection of 90 to a 120 minutes of music...with the hope that it could possibly change somebody's life, even if just a little. Great book. Available now. Go get it.

For those mixologists looking for something more interactive, check out THE ART OF THE MIX. A website dedicated to making mix tapes and cds, you can browse through submissions of collections made for every reason (and then some) under the sun OR submit your own.

COLDPLAY

'X&Y'

In many of the musical circles I find myself associated with, any artist pegged by the press to be the 'Biggest Band in the World' is considered hipster kryptonite. Writing anthems? Contrived. Filling stadiums? Pompous. Shipping Platinum? Sell-out. Actually accepting the fact you're a rock star? UNHEARD OF. Where they used to be billed as a either a kinder, gentler Radiohead or a moodier version of Travis...the band you'll hear Coldplay most associated with on the eve of their third release, 'X&Y'? The absolute antithesis of the oft-aloof indie-rock ethos: U2.

So, in a decidedly un-indie move, i'm going to go ahead and say i'm finding this album extremely enjoyable. I was thoroughly impressed w/ the sophomore release 'A Rush of Blood to the Head', but this effort is (at least initially) holding my attention even more. The album as a whole is vast-sounding, stadium-friendly, saurion-esque (heh)...plus, I like the guitar hook on 'Talk'...it reminds me of Big Country. Other standout tunes are the Floyd-esque lead off track 'Square One', 'White Shadows', (the first single) 'Speed of Sound' and the hidden track 'Kingdom Come'. Lyrically, one could challenge it's a little generic in subject matter...meaning, these songs could mean something to anyone. Frankly though, I think that's what they're gunning for...they want to connect w/ as many people as possible. Depending on how ironic your t-shirt, that could be either a good or bad thing.

While I can agree, from the global appeal, penchant for activism and arena-ready sonic-stylings, there is obvious parity between the band and their rock'n'roll forefathers in U2. They have a lot of ground to cover to truly go down on the books as being that important...however, 'X&Y' is a huge step in that direction. I'm obviously hooked, but you can go to MTV.com and (like me) listen to the album before it hits stores on June 7th HERE. 'Biggest band in the world'? Take off the trucker cap, put down the haterade and decide for yourself.

Besty...Resty...WESTY.

Per the internet altar of all things Westerberg (Kathy's wonderful MAN WITHOUT TIES site), iTunes has released a mini-version of the Rhino's highly-debated 'Besterberg' called (nyuck, nyuck) 'Resterberg'. $7.92 will buy you just the new and soundtrack songs included on the full release:

Dyslexic Heart/Seein' Her/Man Without Ties/A Star Is Bored/Stain Yer Blood/Once Around the Weekend/All That I Had/C'mon, C'mon, C'mon

To note, when I said 'highly-debated'...that may just be me. Maybe it's because i'm such a fan, that I felt the compilation was nowhere near representative of his best work. Focusing on his earlier major label work, it barely nods to the breadth of what I felt was some of his most creative solo output in 'Stereo/Mono', 'Come Feel Me Tremble' and 'Folker'. '14 Songs' is a classic in it's entirety, but the two albums that followed ('Eventually' and 'Suicane Gratification') were lacking despite a FEW great tunes on each.

That said, if you've never looked into P-Dub's post-Mats work or you're a completist who has to have every release...check out the Rhino 'Besterberg' page HERE for a tracklisting (w/ audio clips) and some additional video goodies.

FRUIT BATS

'Spelled in Bones'

One could speculate that the departure of Gillian Lisee from Chicago's Fruit Bats, would bring about a disappointing departure in sound from their fantastic 2003 release 'Mouthfuls'. Luckily, band founder/chief indian Eric Johnson has once-again assembled a capable group of musicians and an album full of some of the sweetest pop-folk-rock i've heard in a while. An optimistic recording both musically and lyrically, 'Spelled in Bones' is at least on par w/ the previous effort (again, a tough act to follow) and it's release (July 26th) syncopates perfectly as it helps you cope w/ the inevitable turn from Summer to Fall.

Check out some tracks from the aforementioned 'Mouthfuls' on their Sub Pop page HERE and then buy it to tide you over.

Hey. Mix.

Whipped up a little Memorial Day mix for Mrs. Famous. Stuff she digs...to enjoy while we get ready for company and the whatnot:

Speed of Sound - Coldplay
Beautiful Day - U2
Such Great Heights - The Postal Service
Let Go - Frou Frou
Clocks - Coldplay
Say Something New - The Concretes
Light & Day / Reach For The Sun - The Polyphonic Spree
Penny Lane - The Beatles
A Shot In The Arm - Wilco
Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
I of the Mourning - The Smashing Pumpkins
Burning Photographs - Ryan Adams
Bad Day - R.E.M.
(Shine Your) Light Love Hope - Bob Mould
Why Can't I Be You? - The Cure
Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
There She Goes - The La's
AAA - Paul Westerberg
Heavy Metal Drummer - Wilco
Let My Love Open The Door - Pete Townshend
Hangover - Poi Dog Pondering
City Of Blinding Lights - U2

Lyric - ZWAN

Memorial Day BBQ Tip #321

Doing some grilling today to celebrate the day off work? To add some flavor to those burgers, wieners or PORK CHOPS...crack open an ice cold cerveza, put the stereo speakers out in the yard, crank up the volume and loop THIS over and over for about an hour.

'Real Tomato Catsup Eddie?'

Speaking of Music Documentaries...

August 2nd will bring about long-anticpated 'A Good Band is Easy to Kill', a film that encapsulates San Francisco's Beulah on the 2003 trek in support of what would be their final album as band: 'Yoko'.

A truly underrated band, I was fortunate to catch them on their final tour when they swung through here. I'll post a full review when i'm able, but in the meantime check out the trailer HERE.

Until then, I reccomend checking out the following CD's (you can buy most of them at the link to their site over to the right):

(From L to R): When Your Heartstrings Break, The Coast is Never Clear and Yoko