My Five Song Playlist

 

 1.

"A Teenager In Love" - The Pains of Being Pure At Heart (The Pains of Being Pure At Heart)

I think we've all been in love with someone who is either in love with someone or something else, or they don't notice your affection at all. The fashion in which 'A Teenager In Love' comes across is that of a straight forward love song, but upon closer inspection it's really about unrequited feelings and that person you love who is self-destructive and emotionally distant. I like this song because on the surface it seems to be something else and it takes a keener look to elucidate truer meanings.

2.

"To Die In LA" - Lower Dens (Escape From Evil)

Another track about dangerous love. Lower Dens is slowly becoming one of my favorite bands at the moment. That would explain why they've made my playlist twice. This song has a fun tempo and I can't stress how much I love the vocals provided by Jana Hunter. The lyrics talk about being in love with someone who's definitely not relationship materiel and probably emotional abusive. The words are simple but there's just enough information to conjure up a sad narrative. In a lot of ways the song is hopeful as the person in the song learns to wise up and move on. Or as Dan Savage says, "Dump the motherfucker".

3.

"Cool Slut" - Chastity Belt (Time To Go Home)

And the fun songs continue. This time in the form of Washington State band, Chastity Belt. 'Cool Slut' is the anti-Slut Shaming anthem. We live in a society here in the United States where it's okay for men to be open and verbal about their sexual conquests but when women do it they are looked down upon and shamed. I'd like to think we are moving into a more progressive state but the reality is that it's still a very steep, uphill battle. I'm a staunch advocate for equality of any kind. Especially if that equality comes in the form of an awesome song. "It's okay to be slutty", and I agree.

4.

"Le Slow" - Granville (Les Voiles)

'Le Slow' is another feminist themed song. The lyrics talk of a woman who doesn't want to slow dance with a guy and that's she's not like other girls. She says that she's not like famous women either, in that she is not an object for a man to project his expectations or fantasies onto. This song has a great retro feel to it and the guitars are a perfect match for lead singer Melissa Dubourg's amazing voice. It comes off as cute, but it's really about female empowerment.

5.

"I Hope Time Doesn't Change Him" - The Drums (Encyclopedia)

Aside from the Emo undertones, The Drums have some great tunes. This song is slow and the lyrics are fairly minimalistic which I like. It's about falling for someone, perhaps in a platonic sense, and hoping (as the title states) that time doesn't change them. There are times when a person comes into someone's life and the relationship shifts as time progresses. I think most people can relate to not wanting things to change and hoping that a friendship stays exactly as it did at its apex. 'I Hope Time Doesn't Change Him' is a simple yet effective song that is all the while complex and visceral.

Music Video Monday

Iron & Wine - "Everyone's Summer of '95"

Passenger - “David”

Caribou – Can't Do Without”

Owen Pallett - “The Sky Behind The Flag”

Brittany Campbell - “Heroes”

RATATAT - “Cream on Chrome”

My Five Song Playlist: Hip-hop Edition

1.

"Juicy" - Notorious BIG (Ready To Die)

 

You can't have a Hip hop playlist without Biggie. With an amazing flow and beats produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, BIG was the epitome of East Coast Rap. He was larger than life. The thing I love about 'Juicy' is it plays like an origin story. It opens with a dedication to his doubters and then goes into the the beginnings of his dreams reading magazines. 'Juicy' then goes onto his life of drugs and crime. "The Hustle" was definitely real for this young black man growing up poor in Brooklyn. The song concludes with the fame and riches he amassed through his struggles. What I love the most about this track is the message in the chorus about never giving up on what you want and following through with your dreams.

Sample Shout Out: "Fruity Instrumental" - Mtume

2.

"Dead President II" - Jay-Z (Reasonable Doubt)

With an estimated net worth of $520 Million dollars, Jay-Z knows a thing or two about "dead presidents". This track is somewhat typical of the genre, in that it's content is mostly boasting about wealth and street cred. I'd probably get a lot of hate for saying this, but I don't think it's the greatest written hip hop track ever. That being said, it's a testament to Jay-Z's abilities as a rapper to create a flow around clunky lyrics. Aside from Jay-Z's skills as a rapper, the thing I enjoy the most about this track is the production value behind the melody and beat. Produced by Ski Beatz, you can really tell his handle on the craft by listening to him talk about the process of creating it (which you can see here.)

Side note: The chorus features vocals from rapper Nas off his 'The World Is Yours' hit and sparked a long standing feud between the two that lasted up until 2005.

Sample Shout Out: "A Garden Of Peace" - Lonnie Liston Smith

3.

"Lovin' It (feat. Joe Scudda) - Little Brother (The Minstrel Show)

 Another great track with a great beat. 'Lovin' It' is off 'The Minstrel Show' by rap trio Little Brother, which I consider to be one of the best hip hop albums in the last fifteen years. The lyrics are coherent, albeit, a bit more boastful than I care to enjoy, but they're clever and the rhyme scheme is nearly flawless. The album 'The Minstrel Show' is a concept album that satirizes television programs and stereotypes of modern Hip hop culture and the music industry. Comparing current trends in the demographic as being similar to that of the minstrel shows of the past. It's a smart album and indicative of the underground nature of the group. Little Brother is truly an underrated group and maybe that's for the best.

Sample Shout Out: "One Night Affair" - The Stylistics

4.

"Heaven & Hell" - Raekwon (Only Built For Cuban Linx...)

Featuring fellow Wu Tang Clan member Ghost Face Killer, 'Heaven & Hell' is a philosophical journey into the psyche of those who grew up in poverty and saw violence as a means of protection and survival. The lyrics are pretty straight forward and there's hardly any wordplay to suggest any other meaning. The tempo is slow, the groove is somber and the rapping is cold and almost nonchalant. It's hard for most to understand why violence occurs in impoverished, Black communities and I could go on about the socioeconomic ramifications of historical trauma, but as my friend Julian always says, "that's not for here". Easily one of the greatest hip hop tracks of all-time, 'Heaven & Hell' is a hip hop classic for many reasons.

Sample Shout Out: "Could I Be Falling In Love" - Sly Johnson

5.

"Do For Love" - 2Pac (R U Still Down [Remember Me])

 Infidelity, love, trust and strong emotions are staples of 2Pac's songs and those themes are all featured in 'Do For Love'. Posthumously released after the tragic death of Tupac Shakur and with the artist's mother's blessing, the track features Eric Williams of Blackstreet off the 'R U Still Down (Remember Me)' album. This song and its music video always reminds me of the television channel The Box, which used to feature popular music of the time that viewers could request via telephone. It has a simple yet affective bassline and sampled vocals from Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love". Pac was a master lyricist and talented rapper, his rhyme scheme was impeccable and every track he laid down was of superior quality.

Sample Shout Out: "What You Won't Do For Love" - Bobby Caldwell

My Five Song Playlist

1.

"Ojai Valley" - Teeel (Amulet)

Sounding a bit like Com Truise with vocals, Teeel came about at the tail-end of the "Chillwave" scene. New Jersey native, singer & producer Jim Smith has a good handle on synth music and he has a great voice. To me 'Ojai Valley' has a slight 'Eyes Without A Face' feel to it and that makes it that much more enjoyable.

2.

"Daydream" - Youth Lagoon (The Year of Hibernation)

Another music act I've had the pleasure of seeing live, Youth Lagoon (aka Trevor Powers) sounds just as good, if not better, live. 'Daydream' is a multifaceted musical experience accentuated by Powers' "worbly", youthful voice and his use of electronic equipment. Just when you think this track is taking you somewhere it goes into another direction all the while keeping you feeling like you're on the same journey.

3.

"Pink Stones" - Memory Tapes (Seek Magic)

One of the more ambient tracks off 'Seek Magic', 'Pink Stones' has a cool arpeggiated sound, with a trance-like beat that slips into a more textural feel. Like 'Daydream', 'Pink Stones' is also a miniature musical journey. It's a fun instrumental that leaves you fairly satisfied with it's four minute run time.

4.

"Over the Ice" - The Field (From Here We Go Sublime)

'From Here We Go Sublime' is probably one of the best electronica albums to come out in the past ten years. Swedish artist Axel Willner has this amazing ability of taking micro-samples from songs, adding minimal beats and creating some of the most emotionally impactful music. There's a lot to like about 'Over The Ice' in my opinion, but for me the best part is the vocal samples. There's something so cool yet grounding about The Field that makes you want to listen to more.

5.

"Dreary Moon" - Big Black Delta (Big Black Delta)

 'Dreary Moon' sounds like something from a David Lynch movie. It's beautiful and in some ways eerie and strange. The simple bassline and percussion matched with electronic strings build to amass a dreamy love song. The album 'Big Black Delta' by Big Black Delta has a lot of great tracks and this is one of my favorites.

My Five Song Playlist

1.

“Quo Vadis” - Lower Dens (Escape From Evil)

 I love Jana Hunter's voice and her lyrical melodies. There's a visceral quality to Lower Dens that sends you to another time. 'Quo Vadis' translates as 'where are you going?' and you can hear that sentiment in the lyrics and the yearning of the song. 'Escape From Evil' as a whole is a great album and totally worth a listen.

2.

“Off You” - The Breeders (Title TK)

 Released in 2002, 'Title Tk' is The Breeders third studio album. 'Off You' encapsulates the intimate and somber feel that is portrayed in much of 'Title Tk'. All you get is Deal's voice, guitars and bass. It's this rawness that showcases the minimal beauty of The Breeders and it's definitely may favorite off the album.

3.

“The Manx” - The Donkeys (Ride The Black Wave)

 Sounding like a lost track from "Endless Summer', 'The Manx' is lush surfy, guitar goodness. The Donkeys are a great kickback band and I love playing them when I'm sketching or writing. Their sound hearkens back to The Ventures-era surf rock and reminiscent of the cool breeze off the Pacific Ocean.

4.

“I Wish For You” - LAKE (The World Is Real)

I'm for sure a sucker for sweet songs and they don't get much sweeter than 'I Wish For You' by LAKE. At this point in my life, LAKE is an indelible musical aspect of my daily routine. So much so that I'm pretty sure my ears are full of cavities and they'll soon be coming to take a foot from diabetes. If you're ever feeling a'funk, play this song and it'll either get you to the root of the issue to take you away to sunnier pastures.

5.

“Meridian” - Bye Bye Bicycle (Compass)

Bye Bye Bicycle is one of the bands I discovered thanks to Pandora. They're a Swedish band who have a great ensemble sound that ranges from a slight disco feel to a more traditional indie sound. 'Meridian' is superb instrument and a great way to end the playlist. The guitars are perfect, the percussion on point and the saxophone is not overbearing. The band is awesome and their music is very eclectic. You can check out the bands website here for more.

Music Video Monday (pt. II)

Part II of this week's Music Video Monday features trippy, fantastical music videos from two Bears, a Bjork and a Banhart.

enjoy

...

1.

Panda Bear - "Boys Latin" 

(dir. Isaiah Saxon and Sean Hellfritsch)

2.

Bjork - "Wanderlust" (dir. encyclopedia pictura)

 (see a super-cut for the making of this video here.)

3.

Grizzly Bear - "Ready Able" (dir. Allison Schulnik)

4.

Devendra Banhart - "A Ribbon" (dir. Michel Gondry)

Music Video Monday (pt.I)

This week's edition of Music Video Monday features experimental, lo-fi music videos from Washed Out, video artist Geneva Jacuzzi and Prom Body (a band from my hometown Tucson, AZ.)

Enjoy... 

1.

Washed Out - "Belong (dir. Blake Salzman)

2.

"I Do Sad" - Geneva Jacuzzi (dir. Jennifer Juniper Stratford)

3.

"Guttuggering" - Prom Body (dir. Nika Kaiser)

"

An Invariable Sh*t Ton of New Music

 Here are 21 new and relatively new tracks for the coming week.

enjoy...

1. Toro Y Moi - “Buffalo”

2. Kilo Kish - “Curious (Le Flex Remix)

3. All We Are - “Utmost Good”

4. SILICON - “God Emoji”

5. Tame Impala - “'Cause I'm A Man”

6. Caribou - “Can't Do Without”

7. danglo - “Swept Away (Farrow Remix)

8. Slime – My Company

9. Wild Beasts – "Woebegone Wanderers II”

10. Guster - “Doin' It By Myself”

11. Swimm - “Beverly Hells”

12. Blur - “Too Many Of Us”

13. Boy & Bear - “Southern Sun”

14. Gengahr - “Heroine"

15. The National – “Sunshine On My Back"

16. Suuns and Jerusalem in My Heart - “Gazelles In Flight”

17. George FitzGerald - “Crystallize (feat. Lawrence Hart)”

18. Dave DK - “Whitehill (feat. Piper Davis)”

19. Love Over Entropy - “Tonii (Dixon Retouch)

20. Cesare - “Impanema Beach House Full Mix)

21. Tom Vek - “Dirty Water”

My Five Song Playlist

1.

"Twentytwofourteen" - The Album Leaf (In A Safe Place)

Starting off the playlist is "Twentytwofourteen" by The Album Leaf. Much like the band Tortoise, I feel like a lot of Indie acts today owe much to this band. Especially those in the Indietronica genre. Formed in 1998 by Jimmy LaValle, The Album Leaf are one of those acts that know their sound so well that they seem to only put out immaculate and concise albums. They have such a sweet atmosphere that blends electronic elements with traditional rock sensibilities all the while punctuated by LaValle's heavy use of the Rhodes Piano. "Twentytwofourteen" is a quiet journey that builds, swells then softly fades away.

2.

"Fatima" - Thieves Like Us (Bleed Bleed Bleed)

Named after a New Order song, Thieves Like Us carry on the same vein of moody, synth-heavy music of their namesake. 'Fatima' is blend of vintage rock & roll embellished by synthesizers and drum machines. I used to love listening to this track walking to work in the pre-twilight hours when I lived in San Francisco. The textural quality to the repetitive baseline provide by a synthesizer seemed to fit the grungy urban setting and the reverb heavy guitars suited the emptiness of the streets. It's hard to say which track I like the most off of Bleed Bleed Bleed, but gun to my head, I'd have to say 'Fatima'.

3.

"Just What I Needed" - The Cars (The Cars)

I grew up on The Cars. Both my parents were big fans of the band and thanks to them I was able to acquire an eclectic taste in music."Just What I Needed" is a great love song. I always like when songs about love dance around the admittance of feelings. Probably because that's how I often feel about romantic urges. The line, "I don't mind you coming here and wasting all my time", seems like a weird way to say you like someone, but it's fully realized when he admits "I guess you're just what I needed". The song is great for many reason, the guitars, the lyrics and, for me, the synthesizer work by Greg Hawkes.

4.

"That Was Just A Dream / Zap Zap" - Cut Copy (Bright Like Neon Love)

Cut Copy always reminds me of my "file sharing days" back in the early 2000's. This was before they were big internationally and I couldn't find their music on iTunes let alone at a record store. I don't exactly remember where I heard this Australian band, but I knew I had to hear more. They're a lot of fun and you can definitely hear their roots in club music and EDM. Much like Queen's "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions", "That Was Just A Dream" and "Zap Zap" go together as a single composition. So, I guess it's kind of a cheat to include them as one song, but it's my blog I do what I want. ;)

5.

"Colony Glenn" - Gardens & Villa (Dunes)

 I've seen Gardens & Villa perform live twice and they're of the seemingly rare variety of popular music acts that sound perfect live. 'Colony Glenn' was the second single off of Dunes and after hearing it I couldn't wait to hear the whole album. I mean, what's not to love about that opening synth-line? While I enjoyed their more slower songs like 'Chemtrails', 'Black Hills' & 'Orange Blossoms', 'Colony Glenn' is so dance-worthy it's hard not to like it.

The Music Videos of Metronomy's 'Love Letters'

One of my favorite albums from 2014. Metronomy's 'Love Letters' is not only a great album full of great songs, but also a great album with great music videos.

Here are the music videos from 'Love Letters'.

"The Upsetter" - dir. David Rabinovitch

  

My favorite music video from 'Love Letters'. 'The Upsetter' plays like a short story about a feral person, marooned in the forest who constructs a companion from nature. The video suits the longing and loneliness of the song and the Miyazaki homages are amazing. The director provides some interesting insights into the making of the video (which can be seen here.)

"I'm Aquarius" - dir. Edouard Salier

The video for 'I'm Aquarius' is a throwback to Retrofutura of the 60's and it fits the vintage sound of the track. Salier tried to create the video using traditional, non-digital means and there is a nice making of video courtesy of The Creator's Project (which can be seen here.) I like the lyrics of the song because they're very cheeky, which is something Metronomy is known for. 

"Month of Sundays" - dir. Callum Cooper

Playing out like a live-action M.C. Escher drawing, 'Month of Sundays' is a kaleidoscopic visual masterpiece. It's my second favorite video for 'Love Letters' and it's a great song. Callum Cooper is a brilliant visual artist and his other work is worth taking a look at.

"Reservoir" - dir. Daniel Brereton

 Following in the retro style of the album and other videos, 'Reservoir' is a fun video that slips into a Yellow Submarine-esque, psycheledelic trip. Requiring seven animators and I'm sure a lot of time, the video more or less fits the song well. Brereton has worked with the band in its former incarnation on two other videos (which can be seen here and here.)

"Love Letters" - dir. Michel Gondry

Directed by one of my all-time favorite directors Michel Gondry. 'Love Letters' is the title track off the album and the video is like that of the 60's or early-70's. It almost reminds me of something from a Krofft Brothers production or a kid themed Variety Show. Although, it's not my favorite song off the album, the video is definitely note worthy. Even if it's just because of who directed it.

Song of the Day

"Crest" - Tortoise (It's All Around You)

Tortoise is one of those bands that have been around for a long time and I still find it difficult to find people who've heard of them. Their music can only be described as "atmospheric" and you can hear their influence in a lot of bands today. I don't think you could have a band like Tycho without Tortoise. 'Crest' is a track that is transformative of the music listening experience. It sends you into other galaxies, all the while inverting your attention towards inner worlds. 

My Five Song Playlist

(Songs randomly assembled by Spotify or iTunes.)

1.

"Ode to Viceroy" - Mac Demarco (2)

 With strung out guitars and lazy-eyed vocals, 'Ode To Viceroy' is Mac Demarco's love proclamation to Viceroy brand cigarettes. The guitars are what I like the most about this track. They're in an off-kilter Indie Pop style that Demarco has deemed "Jizz Jazz", which is altogether fitting with its grungy yet melodic sound. Demarco is like that greasy guy who you discredit as just being another hipster junky until he picks up a guitar and starts singing. There's a nonchalance about him that betrays the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of his music.

 2.

"Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow" - Strawberry Alarm Clock (Incense & Peppermints)

This track definitely hails from my hardcore stoner days(daze). Every Strawberry Alarm Clock song is like a drug trip that skips the scary shit and cuts to the mellow, cool experiences. With lyrics featuring lines about "mushroom dreams" and "distorted dreams", It's pretty obvious what this song is about. I don't really have to say much about 'Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow', it pretty much speaks for itself. 

Smoke 'em, if you got 'em.

3.

"Sneakin' Out the Hospital" - Beastie Boys (Hello Nasty)

Hello Nasty always reminds me of cruising with my older brother in his Mitsubishi Gallant looking for trouble. Three years separated my twin brother and I from my older brother, so in a lot of ways we looked to him for "guidance", and above all, music. The dark, mellow and trippy feel of this song did well to punctuate nights aimlessly driving around looking for a new skate spot. Mix Master Mike definitely knew how to assemble a mighty beat that could easily stand on its own.

4.

"Saturnine" - Polaris (Music from the Adventure of Pete & Pete)

The Adventures of Pete & Pete is easily my favorite Nickelodeon program. Everything about the show was quirky and very much of the 90's era. Aside from the bizarre storylines and strange characters, I always remember the music. The creators of the show had a way of imbuing each episode with an odd sense of nostalgia and the sound of the "fake band" Polaris was a perfect match. The nuances of each song are impeccable and the lyrics were far more mature than you'd expect from a kids show. I love that this song opens with the line, "There's only roses in here" and then goes on to talk about being a relationship with someone who just isn't on the same level as you emotionally. I was happy when this album was released back in 1999 and it's been on every playlist I've created since.

5.

"Madagascar" - LAKE (Let's Build A Roof)

I honestly have no idea what this song is about, but it's hella mellow and I'm pretty much sold on that all by itself. I think it's about making music or getting fucked up or both, but it's a groovy track with a great melody and laidback vocals. Everything about this song is in the right place and that's pretty much true about all of LAKE's music. If you're looking for kick-back music, this is your band.

"I'll Be There [US Mix]" - Chic (Official Music Video)

Disco is alive and well, thanks in part to the success of the Daft Punk's polarizing album 'Random Access Memories' which featured Chic Guitarist & Super Producer Nile Rodgers. Rodgers who has stood out of the spotlight after the "Fall of Disco", helping such acts as Duran Duran, David Bowie and Madonna, returns to resurrect his band Chic. The music video for the first single 'I'll Be There [US Mix]' directed by Inez & Vinoodh uses both archival & original footage blended together to create a dance party of both the past and the present. I cannot wait for the new album It's About Time, set to be released sometime in June.

Song of the Day

"Trem de Doido" - Lô Borges feat. Milton Nascimento (Clube da Esquina)

This track is utterly beautiful. I first heard 'Trem De Doido" listening to the João Gilberto radio on Pandora years ago and it's stuck with me ever since. The surreal lyrics speak of a train and a journey and the title itself roughly translates as "Train of the Crazies". Even without understanding the meaning of the words, the music tonality and Borges's voice convey the somber and existential nature of the song. It's definitely one of my all time favorite songs.

Lyrics:

Noite azul, pedra e chão Amigos num hotel Muito além do céu Nada a temer, nada a conquistar Depois que esse trem começa andar, andar Deixando pelo chão Os ratos mortos na praça Do mercado Quero estar, onde estão Os sonhos desse hotel Muito além do céu Nada a temer, nada a combinar Na hora de achar meu lugar no trem E não sentir pavor Dos ratos soltos na casa Minha casa Não precisa ir muito além dessa estrada Os ratos não sabem morrer na calçada É hora de você achar o trem E não sentir pavor Dos ratos soltos na casa Sua casa.

Blue Night, and stone floor Friends in a hotel Beyond the sky Nothing to fear , nothing to win After this train starts walking , walking Leaving the ground The dead mice in the square market I want to be , where they are Dreams of this hotel Beyond the sky Nothing to fear , nothing to match Time to find my place in the train And do not dread Of mice loose in the house my house No need to go far beyond this road Rats know not die on the sidewalk It's time to find the train And do not dread Of mice loose in the house Your home.

Track List for Giorgio Moroder's Latest Album

Today, Giorgio Moroder announced the title and track list of his upcoming twenty-first studio album, Déjà vu.

The LP will be released June 12 and feature numerous pop acts including Sia, Kylie Minogue & Britney Spears.

The title track for the album will be released Friday. Two tracks off the album, "74 is the new 24" and "Right Here Right Now" are currently available for streaming now.





TRACK LIST:
1. "4 U with Love"
2. "Déjà Vu (feat. Sia)"
3. "Diamonds (feat. Charli XCX)"
4. "Don't Let Go (feat. Mikku Ekko)"
5."Right Here, Right Now (feat. Kylie Minogue)"
6. "Tempted (feat. Matthew Koma)"
7. "74 Is the New 24"
8. "Tom's Diner (feat. Britney Spears)"
9. "Wildstar (feat. Foxes)"
10. "Back and Forth (feat. Kelis)"
11. "I Do This for you (feat. Marlene)"
12. "La Disco"

Synth Maestro On The Elka Synthex

Renowned electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre on why the Elka Synthex vintage synthesizer still matters.

Official Music video for "Night" by John Carpenter

John Carpenter is mostly know for being one of the Masters of the Horror Genre, but he is also an accomplished musician and composure. With a haunting atmosphere highlighted by the rigid sounds of synthesizers, "Night" is like a track off an 80's Carpenter classic. Mood, texture and virtual reality all combine in Gavin Hignight and Ben Verulst's new music video for "Night" off Lost Themes LP.

My Five Song Playlist

“Gnossienne No. 4: 4ieme Gnossienne. Lent” - Erik Satie

The Gnossienne compositions represent Satie's experimental style Free Time, which he invented. The pieces float like a spring shower on top of a flowery field. Next to the Gymnopaedia, for which he is mostly known for, the Gnossienne are my favorite of Satie's work. The name 'Gnossienne' is also of Satie's own creation and is widely believed to be derived from the Greek word 'gnosis' or knowledge. This piece in particular calls to mind tiny raindrops falling on the still surface of a lake or the gentle movements of a forest awakening from winter.

“Wise Up” - Aimee Mann (Magnolia Original Film Soundtrack)

I was a kid when Magnolia came out and I was fortunate enough to have seen it early on. Paul Thomas Anderson's work has been an inspiration for me and my creative endeavors. 'Wise Up' was originally on the Jerry Maguire soundtrack, however it is better known for it's selection in the Magnolia OST. The lyrics to this song tell of someone who had high expectations out of life and is ultimately let down. They then try to drown their sorrows in alcohol but find no solace. Ultimately, the song concludes that the best philosophy is that of acceptance. I personally have had my own issues with expectations & acceptance and the lyrics hold virtually true with my own experiences. Having grown older and learned to “wise up”, I find that the last line “give up” is only a secession to letting go of one's ego.

“Mien” - Millionyoung (Amancer)

Minimalistic in approach, 'Mien' is indicative of Mike Diaz's Indietronica style. Each song is well crafted and evocative of some kind of yearning and existential longing. The title of this track refers to a person's look or manner in regards to mood and upon listening it's clear that this is a mood of sadness. Based on the lyrics, I feel that this song is about a long lost love and the emotions tied to the feelings of loss. I'm a huge fan of Diaz and his work as Millionyoung. His other tracks are just as emotional in spite of his use of the electronic medium.

“See Emily Play” - Pink Floyd (See Emily Play)

From the Syd Barrett days of Pink Floyd, 'See Emily Play' showcases the once colorful and psychedelic sound of the band's beginnings. The nonsensical lyrics tell of a young girl named Emily which may or may not have been inspired by a drug trip. It would not be surprising if that were the truth (although, this was later refuted by Barrett as publicity). The song is from the pre-Gilmour era of the band before Barrett's mental breakdown and, for me, is a little sad to listen to. This song and “Jugband Blues” all show the brilliance of Syd Barrett and highlight the sadness associated with his departure from the band. Although I like his solo work, I feel like Barrett was best suited with Pink Floyd. Then again, without him leaving the band it's not probable that they would have created their most prolific work in his absense.

“In This World” - Moby (18)

Moby was one of my first experiences into EDM. I received 'Play' as a gift from my twin brother who had lifted it from places unknown during his “delinquent years”. As an introverted youth, Moby's use of soulful piano samples and spiritually charged vocals spoke to a lot of the emotions I was going through. 'In This World' is a Spiritual that begs for God to not leave the singer alone “in this world”. As someone who has many times felt alone in the world, this track has always found a way to remind me that there is another presence to this life that is beyond human understanding. The blending of seemingly archaic musical styles with modern electronica exemplifies the artistry of Moby and his work.

RIP Percy Sledge

Patti Smith Pens Sequel to 'Just Kids'

Poet, musician and artist Patti Smith has announced plans to release a sequel of sorts to her award winning 2010 memoir 'Just Kids". 'Kids' documents her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. It won the 2010 National Book Award for Nonfiction. It was also featured on numerous national best book lists. Unlike 'Kids', 'M Train' will chronicle "the inevitable losses that come to us in life – and the consolation we might salvage from them." The book will also feature black & white Polaroids by Smith.

Photography Claire Alexandra Hatfield, jacket design Carol Devine Carson

"M Train is a journey through 'eighteen stations'. It begins in the tiny Greenwich Village café where Smith goes every morning for black coffee, ruminates on the world as it is and the world as it was, and writes in her notebook. We then travel, through prose that shifts fluidly between dreams and reality, past and present, across a landscape of creative aspirations and inspirations: from Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul in Mexico, to a meeting of an Arctic explorer's society in Berlin; from the ramshackle seaside bungalow in New York's Far Rockaway that Smith buys just before Hurricane Sandy hits, to the graves of Genet, Plath, Rimbaud, and Mishima."

"Woven throughout are reflections on the writer's craft and on artistic creation, alongside signature memories including her life in Michigan with her husband, guitarist Fred Sonic Smith, whose untimely death was an irremediable loss. For it is loss, as well as the consolation we might salvage from it, that lies at the heart of this exquisitely told memoir, one augmented by stunning black-and-white Polaroids taken by Smith herself."
- courtesy of publishers Knopf Doubleday

M Train comes out October 6.

Song of the Day

"Trouble" - Metronomy (The English Riviera)

Very much sounding like an homage to ELO-era "retroism", 'Trouble' is what makes Metronomy a great act. It's Pop Music that spans the decades in between the 50's and now. You've got love scorned lyrics & classic guitar riffs inlaid into a doo-wop feel that's embellished with vocoder vocals, synthesizers and keyboards. The English Riviera is one of my favorite albums of the past several years and if you give it a listen, you'll definitely know why.

Music Video Monday

"Freak" - LFO

 "Poney Part I" - Vitalic

"Over The Ice" - The Field

"All Is Full Of Love" - Bjork