I give you...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I'm On A Soccer Team
For the past 5 or so years I've been infatuated with International Football (soccer). This comes as a result of becoming bored with all the American sports I grew up playing. Now I'm finally on a team... even if it is in the MGD 64 [miller genuine draft] sponsored Super Social League here in Austin.
I give you...
I give you...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy V-Day from The Tripwire
Last night the editor for The Tripwire sent out an email asking us contributors if we wanted to put together a little something for Valentine's Day for the site. I went along with it and chose a couple songs.... Black Joe Lewis's "Bitch, I Love You" and one of my top five favorite songs of all time, James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"
Favorite Record At The Moment
So these are some of my records,
And this is my record player,
And this is my favorite record at the moment,
And this is my record player,
And this is my favorite record at the moment,
The lovely resurgence of vinyl as a mass produced and bought product again has blessed me with a soft, classy and used album from a quirky musician. Unfortunately this same resurgence has disallowed me to find a track to offer up to you, as I don't want to spend the money on purchasing an electronic copy for myself. Love lost. However you can now search it out if you want to... A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Taking Cues
In July of 2008 I spent 2 unbelievably comfortable weeks in Oahu, Hawaii. I was with my family in a house we rented on the North Shore, and in the 14 days we were residents we learned to live the lifestyle. There were a few days of tourist activity at the start - Pearl Harbor, the flea market, surf lessons, etc - but then remarkably, we just did nothing. It was as if we really were from there. One night, my brother and I even drove into the city to catch a Vampire Weekend show with the locals. All in all, great experience. If you've ever got the chance to live in Hawaii, I'm sure I don't have to tell you to take it.
Anyways, the point here is that I took a cue from my great friend, Anton, and filmed as much as I could while I was there. Unfortunately, when you assimilate to the island life, you don't want to pick up the camera and film. I tried though, and here is the minute-long intro to the whole affair. Now I know what Anton is talking about when he refers to the difficulty in getting projects done. Here we are, nearly 6 and a half months later and this is finally done. I'm not even thinking about when the actual content will be done with. Let's not. Let's just enjoy this for a little bit...
Anyways, the point here is that I took a cue from my great friend, Anton, and filmed as much as I could while I was there. Unfortunately, when you assimilate to the island life, you don't want to pick up the camera and film. I tried though, and here is the minute-long intro to the whole affair. Now I know what Anton is talking about when he refers to the difficulty in getting projects done. Here we are, nearly 6 and a half months later and this is finally done. I'm not even thinking about when the actual content will be done with. Let's not. Let's just enjoy this for a little bit...
I don't know that much about the export/sharing process
so this could probably be clearer and work better.
so this could probably be clearer and work better.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
New Ears: JAWS
New Ears for the New Year.
Even though it's February.
For the new year I'd like to broaden the scope of New Ears toward the medium of film. An HBO showing of Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic JAWS being the catalyst for this latest urge to write, I figured that over the next few weeks I'd take the time to have my own little Spielberg Retrospective. This is as a result of a) having the time in the evenings to do such a thing, b) having not seen his classics in quite some time begs the question of how they've withstood the test of time, and c) I recently acquired a brand new Sony 46'' HDTV and really want to watch the hell out of it. [and d) I just moved into a new place, and the debt acquired from new house purchases is sure to curb my weekend spending.]
JAWS was Spielberg's big breakout onto the film scene and as such has been probably one of, if not the, highest grossing films of his career. It's a tight and suspenseful flick and one that has struck so many people where it hurts... with a fear of water. I, to this day, cannot swim comfortably in the ocean. I spent two weeks in Hawaii this past summer and while I enjoyed myself in the water playing about in the clearest of seas with crustaceans and fish and squid, there was not 5 minutes that went by where I wasn't checking my back.
We all know that Spielberg was a wunderkind of filmmaking. We all know he had technical prowess, we all know that the man knew how to work with kids. What I love about JAWS is that now, at 25 years old, after more than 100 viewings of this thing [I'm sure], there are still things I catch in it that make me more frightened than ever, that make me laugh harder, and that make me still wonder like a little boy.
First of these: probably the scariest scene in the film for me, when Brody's son Michael [played by Chris Rebello] is stuck in the water after the man in the red row boat is attacked [leg bitten off no-less]. The look on the kid's face is one of utter shock and terror. He is literally in awe of the massive beast as it swims past, undoubtedly with the lifeless body of the row boater hanging out. Also worthy of mention, this is the first time we see glimpses of the shark and it's nearly halfway through the film. This has long been considered the greatest tactic in creating suspenseful cinema... keep the audience waiting and play on their emotions, their imagination. Spielberg does it to perfection here. Plus, when we just barely see the jaws of the beast open under about a foot of water, it is absolutely frightening. It looks real. And it makes me want to cry.
Second: one of the funniest moments of the film that I haven't caught before. While the boys are all sharing war stories [literally sometimes], and Quint and Hooper are showcasing their wounds, laughing it up with drunken fervor and bravado, Brody [played perfectly by Roy Scheider] is come over with a look of yearning to be included, lifts his shirt and feels across a scar from what can be said is probably an appendix removal, then drops his shirt again in puny defeat. I had never caught this moment before, but this last time it got me giggling for a good few minutes.
Third: an effect I've wondered about ever since the beginning. When Brody decides not to fire at the beast as it swims away we're left with a close-up looking up from the decks into his face. In the background a shooting star is seen flying from right to left of the screen. I've always wondered if it was SFX or if the moment was just one of pure magical luck. That's what I want to believe. I've searched the internets all day and can honestly say that no one knows for sure. On HBO's version it looks animated. On my DVD it looks real. Spielberg has claimed it both ways, and fans across the net have noted it as a 'berg trait in many of his classic films.
I suppose we'll never know for sure, but I'll keep hoping that it was just happenstance. It's more enjoyable that way.
For the new year I'd like to broaden the scope of New Ears toward the medium of film. An HBO showing of Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic JAWS being the catalyst for this latest urge to write, I figured that over the next few weeks I'd take the time to have my own little Spielberg Retrospective. This is as a result of a) having the time in the evenings to do such a thing, b) having not seen his classics in quite some time begs the question of how they've withstood the test of time, and c) I recently acquired a brand new Sony 46'' HDTV and really want to watch the hell out of it. [and d) I just moved into a new place, and the debt acquired from new house purchases is sure to curb my weekend spending.]
So here it is...
JAWS was Spielberg's big breakout onto the film scene and as such has been probably one of, if not the, highest grossing films of his career. It's a tight and suspenseful flick and one that has struck so many people where it hurts... with a fear of water. I, to this day, cannot swim comfortably in the ocean. I spent two weeks in Hawaii this past summer and while I enjoyed myself in the water playing about in the clearest of seas with crustaceans and fish and squid, there was not 5 minutes that went by where I wasn't checking my back.We all know that Spielberg was a wunderkind of filmmaking. We all know he had technical prowess, we all know that the man knew how to work with kids. What I love about JAWS is that now, at 25 years old, after more than 100 viewings of this thing [I'm sure], there are still things I catch in it that make me more frightened than ever, that make me laugh harder, and that make me still wonder like a little boy.
First of these: probably the scariest scene in the film for me, when Brody's son Michael [played by Chris Rebello] is stuck in the water after the man in the red row boat is attacked [leg bitten off no-less]. The look on the kid's face is one of utter shock and terror. He is literally in awe of the massive beast as it swims past, undoubtedly with the lifeless body of the row boater hanging out. Also worthy of mention, this is the first time we see glimpses of the shark and it's nearly halfway through the film. This has long been considered the greatest tactic in creating suspenseful cinema... keep the audience waiting and play on their emotions, their imagination. Spielberg does it to perfection here. Plus, when we just barely see the jaws of the beast open under about a foot of water, it is absolutely frightening. It looks real. And it makes me want to cry.
Second: one of the funniest moments of the film that I haven't caught before. While the boys are all sharing war stories [literally sometimes], and Quint and Hooper are showcasing their wounds, laughing it up with drunken fervor and bravado, Brody [played perfectly by Roy Scheider] is come over with a look of yearning to be included, lifts his shirt and feels across a scar from what can be said is probably an appendix removal, then drops his shirt again in puny defeat. I had never caught this moment before, but this last time it got me giggling for a good few minutes.
Third: an effect I've wondered about ever since the beginning. When Brody decides not to fire at the beast as it swims away we're left with a close-up looking up from the decks into his face. In the background a shooting star is seen flying from right to left of the screen. I've always wondered if it was SFX or if the moment was just one of pure magical luck. That's what I want to believe. I've searched the internets all day and can honestly say that no one knows for sure. On HBO's version it looks animated. On my DVD it looks real. Spielberg has claimed it both ways, and fans across the net have noted it as a 'berg trait in many of his classic films.I suppose we'll never know for sure, but I'll keep hoping that it was just happenstance. It's more enjoyable that way.
So that's it for JAWS. Next up on the agenda will be E.T. The Extraterrestrial. I've been wanting to watch that for weeks now.
Feel free to watch it sometime this weekend as well...
Next week we can all comment on it.
Feel free to watch it sometime this weekend as well...
Next week we can all comment on it.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Funny Cartoon, Serious Commentary
I opened up the Life & Arts section today to find a great F-Minus. It's a great little piece of satire, yet also a great bit of commentary on what I'm sure is the state of much of these USA.
[click, it gets bigger]
[click, it gets bigger]p.s., getting off a treadmill is quite possibly the weirdest experience ever.
It feels like you're walking 3-4x faster than normal.
It feels like you're walking 3-4x faster than normal.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Inadvertent Forgetfulness
You ever think about something so hard you forget it in the process?
Been happening to me all morning, dammit.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Music Monday: More of a Hodgepodge
There is no rhyme or reason to this post, other than within the past month or two I've been slowly accumulating works from these artists. I wish I could put it all together with more of a theme than that, but it cannot be done at the moment. [no album art this time]
Rodriguez - Sugar Man -- off the album Cold Fact. Sixto Rodriguez's story is amazing and sad and uplifting all at once. I'll refer you this info page, and this All Things Considered story. The long and the short of it is this... Rodriguez put out Cold Fact back in 69/70 to mediocre reviews. Played only one showcase to industry folks (with his back to the audience no less, a big deal way before Maynard James Keenan started doing it with TOOL), put out one more album a year or so later to even more mediocre reviews and called it quits. Meanwhile, Cold Fact began receiving acclaim in Australia and South Africa, where to this day his name is synonymous with Elvis. He's that big there. You really should read that article and listen to the NPR audio clip. This album is finally getting a proper release as a result of it's comeback in the popular ear. Great stuff... Dylan/Cream, great folk/psychedelia.
Honey Claws - Shout Out -- off of the self-titled LP. This is so bizarre for me. Honey Claws are an experimental/electronic/hip-hop act from Austin. The lead vocalist, Jon Von Letscher, I've known since middle school. Well I should say, I knew in middle school. In seventh and eighth grade he and I (along with two other friends) would make comic books about ninja stick men wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting villains of imaginary cities, he would teach us how to draw manga, we would tower over him (he was a short chubby kid, now he's an average height marathon runner) and we would laugh day and night about the stupidest things and play RISK. So it blows my mind that after, jeez, twelve years I find out he's got a pretty amazing little band going. I ran into him about a year ago and he was telling me about it, but i never really followed up. Wish I had now. Keep an ear out.
Cut Off Your Hands - Happy As Can Be -- off of You & I. I was listening to The Tripwire Podcast and came across this track from the New Zealand quartet, Cut Off Your Hands (nee Shaky Hands, but now COYH thanks to the Oregon band of the same name and a lawsuit. Clever retitled name). I immediately left for the record store and bought the album, which had luckily just come out that day. It is New Wave joy. I wrote a review for the album this past week, and in it you can read why I liked it... THE REVIEW. The Smiths, U2, Joy Division, The Beatles and all the best parts of the insane post-punk revival of about 3 years ago.
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream -- off of Walking On A Dream. This band makes me feel like a hypocrite, because I don't really like bands like this. But I can't help it. Don't know too much about these guys, but the band's name is EMPIRE OF THE SUN, as in the awesome 1984 novel by JG Ballard (and subsequent awesome 1987 film by Steven Spielberg with a young Christian Bale). Also LOOK at the album artwork. How can you not like that? There's a tiger. Just listen.
Coconot - Conservad El Rayo -- off of Cosa Astral. Also don't know too much about this band, but they're awesome in an experimental, islandy way. Also makes me feel a little bit of a hypocrite, as these guys have been referred to once or twice as a Spanish Animal Collective, and call me crazy but I ain't really that big a fan of Animal Collective. These guys however, sounds like boatloads of fun. Maybe it's because they're from Barcelona.
Cornelius - Toner -- off of Sensuous. I recently rediscovered this album. I reviewed it when it came out back in April of 2007. I love this guy Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada) and I'm on the search for a shirt to prove it. Read THIS REVIEW I wrote for everything I feel about it. This song is made from samples of a PRINTER. He's also got one of the coolest versions of Brazil I've ever heard (for another Music Monday).
Department of Eagles - Teenagers -- off of In Ear Park. I had heard about these guys once before but never paid attention to them. Then let's flashback to about a month and a half ago when I'm in Starbucks waiting for coffee on a cold day, there's a free download card there for a track from this album. I go home, dload it and it's great. About two weeks later I'm listening to KUT and John Aielli's, Aielli Unleashed (pronounced A-Lee), and he offers up another track from the album. I took it as a sign and bought the whole album, In Ear Park. It's great. There's a little bit of Midlake in there, which is what immediately drew me in I think, but there's more rock to it too. More weirdness. It's dark and eerie, and it's fun and light too. One of the more overlooked albums of 2008.
Honey Claws - Shout Out -- off of the self-titled LP. This is so bizarre for me. Honey Claws are an experimental/electronic/hip-hop act from Austin. The lead vocalist, Jon Von Letscher, I've known since middle school. Well I should say, I knew in middle school. In seventh and eighth grade he and I (along with two other friends) would make comic books about ninja stick men wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting villains of imaginary cities, he would teach us how to draw manga, we would tower over him (he was a short chubby kid, now he's an average height marathon runner) and we would laugh day and night about the stupidest things and play RISK. So it blows my mind that after, jeez, twelve years I find out he's got a pretty amazing little band going. I ran into him about a year ago and he was telling me about it, but i never really followed up. Wish I had now. Keep an ear out.
Cut Off Your Hands - Happy As Can Be -- off of You & I. I was listening to The Tripwire Podcast and came across this track from the New Zealand quartet, Cut Off Your Hands (nee Shaky Hands, but now COYH thanks to the Oregon band of the same name and a lawsuit. Clever retitled name). I immediately left for the record store and bought the album, which had luckily just come out that day. It is New Wave joy. I wrote a review for the album this past week, and in it you can read why I liked it... THE REVIEW. The Smiths, U2, Joy Division, The Beatles and all the best parts of the insane post-punk revival of about 3 years ago.
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream -- off of Walking On A Dream. This band makes me feel like a hypocrite, because I don't really like bands like this. But I can't help it. Don't know too much about these guys, but the band's name is EMPIRE OF THE SUN, as in the awesome 1984 novel by JG Ballard (and subsequent awesome 1987 film by Steven Spielberg with a young Christian Bale). Also LOOK at the album artwork. How can you not like that? There's a tiger. Just listen.
Coconot - Conservad El Rayo -- off of Cosa Astral. Also don't know too much about this band, but they're awesome in an experimental, islandy way. Also makes me feel a little bit of a hypocrite, as these guys have been referred to once or twice as a Spanish Animal Collective, and call me crazy but I ain't really that big a fan of Animal Collective. These guys however, sounds like boatloads of fun. Maybe it's because they're from Barcelona.
Cornelius - Toner -- off of Sensuous. I recently rediscovered this album. I reviewed it when it came out back in April of 2007. I love this guy Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada) and I'm on the search for a shirt to prove it. Read THIS REVIEW I wrote for everything I feel about it. This song is made from samples of a PRINTER. He's also got one of the coolest versions of Brazil I've ever heard (for another Music Monday).
Department of Eagles - Teenagers -- off of In Ear Park. I had heard about these guys once before but never paid attention to them. Then let's flashback to about a month and a half ago when I'm in Starbucks waiting for coffee on a cold day, there's a free download card there for a track from this album. I go home, dload it and it's great. About two weeks later I'm listening to KUT and John Aielli's, Aielli Unleashed (pronounced A-Lee), and he offers up another track from the album. I took it as a sign and bought the whole album, In Ear Park. It's great. There's a little bit of Midlake in there, which is what immediately drew me in I think, but there's more rock to it too. More weirdness. It's dark and eerie, and it's fun and light too. One of the more overlooked albums of 2008.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I refer to a post dated 31 January 2008
Because Shit Just Got Real, Again.
Season 5 has begun.
In other news, this blog has just reached 4,000 views
Friday, January 09, 2009
New PB&J
2009 is already starting to sound better than 2008. Peter Bjorn & John have a new album out in the spring and here's two songs for free!
A little different sounding than their last effort, but still reverb-tinged Swedish pop. That's why it's lovable. I feel like I'm back on the train to Malmo.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
new stuff
i am going to post a new hodgepodge of a music monday sometime this week before i have to go to my cousin's wedding this weekend (i get to be a bartender. which is a weird thing to have a family member included as in your wedding, but hopefully i get to drink on the job).
point is, i want to post something and here it is... went and saw my favorite band in austin play this past weekend. Brazos started off the year musically for me in the exact fashion i wanted.
i even took some pictures. [click it for the link please]
point is, i want to post something and here it is... went and saw my favorite band in austin play this past weekend. Brazos started off the year musically for me in the exact fashion i wanted.
i even took some pictures. [click it for the link please]
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Winter Beard
So I've been growing a Winter beard for no reason really. I've just sort of been alright with not shaving for the past month or so and it has resulted in what is probably the longest beard I've been able to grow.
I'm not usually a person that likes a lot of facial hair because it's so dang itchy. I like it if I'm travelling and I like it if it's cold outside. It makes me feel like a man. HA.
quick little Ming the Merciless
So since I've proven to myself that I can once again grow a certain amount of facial hair I am going to shave it into a celebratory New Year's Eve mustache. This will be a fun New Year's as a result.
voil-la
I'm not usually a person that likes a lot of facial hair because it's so dang itchy. I like it if I'm travelling and I like it if it's cold outside. It makes me feel like a man. HA.
quick little Ming the MercilessSo since I've proven to myself that I can once again grow a certain amount of facial hair I am going to shave it into a celebratory New Year's Eve mustache. This will be a fun New Year's as a result.
voil-laMy girlfriend is going to hate me.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Krimble
I'm probably going to regret this....
but I recorded a version of "Little Drummer Boy" for Christmas.
The Foggiest - "Little Drummer Boy"
Enjoy with laughter.
It's pretty mellow.
Oh boy.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
Thursday, December 18, 2008
dream time
Now I know that hearing, or in this case reading, another person's dreams is oftentimes terribly boring. In fact, there is nothing I hate more than an awful dream story, and really when you think about it, most of them are. I think this is mostly because dreams affect people on personal levels. It means absolutely nothing to me that you formulated some dream about your childhood dog that died when you were in 3rd grade, and about how it flew through your wall while you were drawing a picture of an elephant swinging from Tarzan's leg. To me that just sounds awful.Okay, THAT dream sounds kinda cool, but you get my meaning.
Anyways, I was looking through a journal today and found a description of a dream I had back on 23 April. I just think it has a pretty good punchline, and it has nothing to do with me personally, it's universally enjoyed. I promise.
Okay.. here it is... try not to be bored.
23 April ::: Where I've Never Written Before (note* I always title my entries, mostly they don't have any particular meaning concerning the entry)
Okay.. here it is... try not to be bored.
23 April ::: Where I've Never Written Before (note* I always title my entries, mostly they don't have any particular meaning concerning the entry)
I had a pretty bizarre dream last night. It was raining outside and I was the boom operator for a television news crew. The interview we were conducting was of a donkey that could talk.
At first [the donkey talking] wasn't anything special, nothing more than the regular hee-haw in response to our questions. But as the storm overhead began to get worse and the rain fell harder and the flash of lightning accompanied by that clap of thunder got closer, the donkey actually began answer our questions. The answers were nothing complex, nothing really in the way of formulated sentences, just one to two word answers.
The woman reporter and I began to laugh hysterically and just as she began her second question a bolt of lightning struck the boom mic I was holding. I dropped it immediately, but not before I watched the lightning jump from the mic to my right calf.
I freaked out and the reporter screamed. We looked down at my leg after I collapsed and watched as my muscle began to seize. Then, as she freaked again running to call an ambulance and I lay there in shock from being struck by lightning, the donkey leaned over and looked at my leg. Then he looked back to me and said, "That was by far the strangest thing I've ever seen."
And that was a dream I once had.
At first [the donkey talking] wasn't anything special, nothing more than the regular hee-haw in response to our questions. But as the storm overhead began to get worse and the rain fell harder and the flash of lightning accompanied by that clap of thunder got closer, the donkey actually began answer our questions. The answers were nothing complex, nothing really in the way of formulated sentences, just one to two word answers.
The woman reporter and I began to laugh hysterically and just as she began her second question a bolt of lightning struck the boom mic I was holding. I dropped it immediately, but not before I watched the lightning jump from the mic to my right calf.
I freaked out and the reporter screamed. We looked down at my leg after I collapsed and watched as my muscle began to seize. Then, as she freaked again running to call an ambulance and I lay there in shock from being struck by lightning, the donkey leaned over and looked at my leg. Then he looked back to me and said, "That was by far the strangest thing I've ever seen."
And that was a dream I once had.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Music Monday: Gypsy Hibernation
When was the last time one of these was actually on a Monday?
I'm continuing with the Hibernation lists because technically we should all be taking the time during the holidays, a time of reflection and poor musical output, to catch up on some stuff that we haven't heard before. Today's list follows with this theme, and a little bit of joyous celebration for the cold weather, too. This list hopefully will have you ready to cozy up in your nearest neighborhood pub, in sweaters and mustaches (ladies may be clean-shaven), toasting mugs of your best thick brew (my recent favorite has been Schneider Aventinus, so dark, so tasty) - but most importantly, smiling. You'll probably be laughing harder than you ever thought possible, too, with a skinny mustached man who will most likely have a gold tooth (thinking an incisor). There will be festive gypsy hats aplenty and your drunkeness will continue into the wee hours of the morning.
I've slowly transitioned this from hopeful suggestion to stern instruction.
I am not familiar with Gypsy music other than what I've heard from genius/nutjob Eugene Hütz, or seen in film, so this list will pretty much reflect that, but there have been branches off on my own and hopefully there will be further branching from everyone after today. I get the feeling that while there is a tremendous amount of respect and honor to the traditions of Gypsy and Romany music there is always room for evolution, be that from new members, new ears, new stylistic forms, or new bellies that need be filled with brew. Let me know what you think... and if you've got any other suggestions for additions to the playlist, feel free to add to it on your own. Just let me know so I can join in on the afterparty.
Naj pala soste!
1. As Munci La Plug Si La Coasa (Romica Puceanu) - Toni Iordache -- from Sounds From A Bygone Age Vol. 4. I heard this one morning a little over a year ago I think, as I walked into the local record store here (thanks for more impulse buys than anywhere else Waterloo Records staff) and I was instantly smitten. As far as I know, Toni Iordache is a ţambal maestro (a ţambal is sort of a xylophone-esque instrument). He was imprisoned in Romania for three years (sorry for the vague info here) sometime between 65 and 80 for owning foreign currency. Apparently, say these liner notes, it was illegal to own a single foreign dollar until 1980. He was so talented (and had enough cash) that while in prison, fellow inmates took on his workload so that he was able to actually play upon his release. Gotta love the love for the ţambal.
2. 24.000 Baci (feat. Eugene Hütz from Gogol Bordello) - Acquaragia Drom -- from Rom Kaffe. I don't know too much about Acquaragia Drom, I just found them by their association with Eugene Hütz. From what I know, Hütz put together a little gypsy music festival not too long ago and invited this Italian group to perform. They are quite good as far as I can tell. Plus, they state on their website that they are formed from "a little of Gypsy blood and lots of traditional weddings and feasts all around Italy." I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. It makes me want to load up on Italian carbs and kick my knees up in celebration.
3. Dikiy Muzhchina - Ленинград -- off of the Everything Is Illuminated soundtrack. The band's name is actually Leningrad, but my itunes gave it that cool Russian name instead, so I've kept it that way. From what I've noticed on itunes, Leningrad used to have a more traditional gypsy folk sound, but have recently "ghetto'd" up their outfit. The result is this charming sound of the eastern world. It's probably what it sounds like more and more over there, rather than the old softer folky stuff. But you can see the similarities. I love this song, and I thank the EII soundtrack for turning me on to a number of artists I continue to listen to and look for in record stores.
4. Amari Szi Amari - Csókolom -- again, off of the Everything Is Illuminated soundtrack. I chose to put two tracks from this album up because they are different sounds. Leningrad is a little more trumpety and ska-like, this track from Csókolom is a little more set in the traditional sound. There's a fiddle that runs throughout the track that pretty much sells your heart on love for life. I don't know too much about Csókolom, but they've got a couple albums on itunes and this track is included in one of them. I'd say it might be my next purchase during the winter music break. God I love new old music.
5. Madagaskar-Roumania (Tu Jésty Fáta) - Gogol Bordello -- off of the EP East Infection. I built this playlist around this song.. my favorite Gogol song. While I like what Gogol does with Gypsy music and the way they infuse punk and ska and all that into it, I think that when they do it on such a simple and minimalist scale as they do here, they are untouchable in terms of pure enjoyment. What Hütz's raw vocals bring to the table is unbelievable. This song sounds like a traditional Romany song but it's not, it's a Gogol Bordello song. If you're really looking to find where the heart of Gogol Bordello lies, I'd say look for the early EPs. This one, and Voila Intruder (which I'm still on the lookout for in physical form) are the two that I think really express what Gogol was formed upon and what they strive for. I don't want to bash them, but with their last two releases I feel like just a smidgen too much was placed in certain areas. It's good, it's great, but sometimes only in small doses. This track however, feels timeless.
That's it. Enjoy please with a pint or litre of thick beer.
I'm continuing with the Hibernation lists because technically we should all be taking the time during the holidays, a time of reflection and poor musical output, to catch up on some stuff that we haven't heard before. Today's list follows with this theme, and a little bit of joyous celebration for the cold weather, too. This list hopefully will have you ready to cozy up in your nearest neighborhood pub, in sweaters and mustaches (ladies may be clean-shaven), toasting mugs of your best thick brew (my recent favorite has been Schneider Aventinus, so dark, so tasty) - but most importantly, smiling. You'll probably be laughing harder than you ever thought possible, too, with a skinny mustached man who will most likely have a gold tooth (thinking an incisor). There will be festive gypsy hats aplenty and your drunkeness will continue into the wee hours of the morning.
I've slowly transitioned this from hopeful suggestion to stern instruction.
I am not familiar with Gypsy music other than what I've heard from genius/nutjob Eugene Hütz, or seen in film, so this list will pretty much reflect that, but there have been branches off on my own and hopefully there will be further branching from everyone after today. I get the feeling that while there is a tremendous amount of respect and honor to the traditions of Gypsy and Romany music there is always room for evolution, be that from new members, new ears, new stylistic forms, or new bellies that need be filled with brew. Let me know what you think... and if you've got any other suggestions for additions to the playlist, feel free to add to it on your own. Just let me know so I can join in on the afterparty.
Naj pala soste!
1. As Munci La Plug Si La Coasa (Romica Puceanu) - Toni Iordache -- from Sounds From A Bygone Age Vol. 4. I heard this one morning a little over a year ago I think, as I walked into the local record store here (thanks for more impulse buys than anywhere else Waterloo Records staff) and I was instantly smitten. As far as I know, Toni Iordache is a ţambal maestro (a ţambal is sort of a xylophone-esque instrument). He was imprisoned in Romania for three years (sorry for the vague info here) sometime between 65 and 80 for owning foreign currency. Apparently, say these liner notes, it was illegal to own a single foreign dollar until 1980. He was so talented (and had enough cash) that while in prison, fellow inmates took on his workload so that he was able to actually play upon his release. Gotta love the love for the ţambal.
2. 24.000 Baci (feat. Eugene Hütz from Gogol Bordello) - Acquaragia Drom -- from Rom Kaffe. I don't know too much about Acquaragia Drom, I just found them by their association with Eugene Hütz. From what I know, Hütz put together a little gypsy music festival not too long ago and invited this Italian group to perform. They are quite good as far as I can tell. Plus, they state on their website that they are formed from "a little of Gypsy blood and lots of traditional weddings and feasts all around Italy." I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. It makes me want to load up on Italian carbs and kick my knees up in celebration.
3. Dikiy Muzhchina - Ленинград -- off of the Everything Is Illuminated soundtrack. The band's name is actually Leningrad, but my itunes gave it that cool Russian name instead, so I've kept it that way. From what I've noticed on itunes, Leningrad used to have a more traditional gypsy folk sound, but have recently "ghetto'd" up their outfit. The result is this charming sound of the eastern world. It's probably what it sounds like more and more over there, rather than the old softer folky stuff. But you can see the similarities. I love this song, and I thank the EII soundtrack for turning me on to a number of artists I continue to listen to and look for in record stores.4. Amari Szi Amari - Csókolom -- again, off of the Everything Is Illuminated soundtrack. I chose to put two tracks from this album up because they are different sounds. Leningrad is a little more trumpety and ska-like, this track from Csókolom is a little more set in the traditional sound. There's a fiddle that runs throughout the track that pretty much sells your heart on love for life. I don't know too much about Csókolom, but they've got a couple albums on itunes and this track is included in one of them. I'd say it might be my next purchase during the winter music break. God I love new old music.
5. Madagaskar-Roumania (Tu Jésty Fáta) - Gogol Bordello -- off of the EP East Infection. I built this playlist around this song.. my favorite Gogol song. While I like what Gogol does with Gypsy music and the way they infuse punk and ska and all that into it, I think that when they do it on such a simple and minimalist scale as they do here, they are untouchable in terms of pure enjoyment. What Hütz's raw vocals bring to the table is unbelievable. This song sounds like a traditional Romany song but it's not, it's a Gogol Bordello song. If you're really looking to find where the heart of Gogol Bordello lies, I'd say look for the early EPs. This one, and Voila Intruder (which I'm still on the lookout for in physical form) are the two that I think really express what Gogol was formed upon and what they strive for. I don't want to bash them, but with their last two releases I feel like just a smidgen too much was placed in certain areas. It's good, it's great, but sometimes only in small doses. This track however, feels timeless.That's it. Enjoy please with a pint or litre of thick beer.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Texas Weather
It was almost 80 degrees yesterday afternoon. Last night we got snow for a little bit. Texas, you're weird.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
More Random Acts of Art
Over the Thanksgiving holiday my friend Pat and I came up with a few new designs for some t-shirts we've been making. The goal is to make them with enough creativity, oddness and quality that people will be envious enough of those already wearing them to buy one or more for themselves. These designs lent themselves well to a comic strip format, and thus another random act of art was birthed. This time it came in the form of A Couple of Cavemen.
It looks crudely done, but I think that adds to the charm... please click to make much bigger
It looks crudely done, but I think that adds to the charm... please click to make much bigger
Monday, December 01, 2008
Music Monday: Hibernation
So it looks like Winter is officially upon us here, with December finally rolling in. So what better way to celebrate this period of eating, sleeping and hibernating with a series of cozy play lists from The Foggiest? I wanted to do a little audio intro to this list, relive my college radio days, but in the end my ears couldn't stand the sound of my jazz hour voice and the idea was scrapped.
In any case, please enjoy the first installment of this Winter's Hibernation List...
1. Requiem Por Un Con - Serge Gainsbourg -- from The Originals. I've just recently (within the past year or so) gotten into Monsier Gainsbourg and this is one of the first tracks that grabbed me (technically I think it's the second, but really does this sort of thing matter enough to mention? ... apparently). I've featured his daughter here before, and now with the father it's easy to see where she gets her talent from. Mr. Gainsbourg is a tremendous influence to modern music. Everyone from AIR to Seu Jorge counts him as a leading influence and from this compilation it is easy to see why. The man was at the same time sleazy and seductive all while managing to compose some of the most beautiful, relaxed and technically well-rounded material in the modern era, and he's shaped and redefined what we know of the pop landscape forever. If you're looking for a great introduction musically, look into The Originals. If you're looking for a good intro into what his lifestyle was probably like, check out the cult film Slogan. It's where he met Jane Birkin - Charlotte Gainsbourg's mom - and one hot little number. The two (Serge & Jane) put out some steamy material and were one of the first really taboo couples around (he was well into his 50's when he met the under 20 Birkin). French & Scandalous!
2. Satt Att Se - Dungen -- from 4. This Swedish Psych outfit is led by Gustav Ejstes. He is a genius. I could stop there. The first album I heard of theirs was Ta Det Lung back in 05 I think. It blew my mind. Ever since I have been hooked to everything he's put out. This latest release sees him involve the band a bit more in the writing process and the outcome has benefited immensely. There is more of a jazzy vibe to it, which is readily apparent here on "Satt Att Se" Sure, you don't understand him (unless you speak Swedish), but that incomprehension allows the vocals to become just another instrument of melody. The album is great, I have nothing more to say about it. Get it.
3. Walkin' Back To Happiness - Helen Shapiro -- from some 60's compilation. This might've been one of those 'One Hit Wonders' from the 50's/60's for all I know. I know absolutely nothing about Ms. Shapiro other than I saw her daughter play last weekend and she covered this song. She is a dead ringer for her mother vocally speaking. She ain't too bad on the eyes either. It's a happy song.
**note of retraction: Helen Shapiro is not Binki Shapiro's mother... just found this out. whoops**
4. Shoulder To Shoulder - Little Joy -- from Little Joy. The aforementioned Shapiro, Binki is her first name. She and apparent boyfriend Fabrizio Moretti (The Strokes' drummer) have joined forces with a Brazilian crooner by the name of Rodrigo Amarante (of Los Hermanos fame). Saw them last weekend, pure joy. More than just a little joy. They embody that almost naive happiness from the late 50's/early 60's. They're looking to influence a good time, and they succeed almost every time. This debut album is great throughout and is a solid recommendation. It came out Nov. 4th, which makes me count it as the one thing to come out of this Fall in the way of Modern Music that has actually surprised me enough to hold onto.
5. Until Tomorrow Then - Ed Harcourt -- from The Beautiful Lie. If ever a song were meant for the end of a night, the end of a date, or the end of a touching montage in a romantic comedy when the two main characters are on the brink of love until the man/woman does something to incite the final plot point... this would be that song. It absolutely exudes suave charm. Like Sinatra almost. The strings help out a lot, but Harcourt's voice is also heartwarming to the point of laughter. It's a solid charm of a song, which makes the first hand account I've heard of this guy's drunken field day during one night of this past SXSW even more charming. Harcourt has been a solid songwriter for the past at least 6 years since I've known his work. "Until Tomorrow Then" is proof that he seems bent on continuing such output.
Hope Your Thanksgiving Was Peaceful And Tasty.
In any case, please enjoy the first installment of this Winter's Hibernation List...
1. Requiem Por Un Con - Serge Gainsbourg -- from The Originals. I've just recently (within the past year or so) gotten into Monsier Gainsbourg and this is one of the first tracks that grabbed me (technically I think it's the second, but really does this sort of thing matter enough to mention? ... apparently). I've featured his daughter here before, and now with the father it's easy to see where she gets her talent from. Mr. Gainsbourg is a tremendous influence to modern music. Everyone from AIR to Seu Jorge counts him as a leading influence and from this compilation it is easy to see why. The man was at the same time sleazy and seductive all while managing to compose some of the most beautiful, relaxed and technically well-rounded material in the modern era, and he's shaped and redefined what we know of the pop landscape forever. If you're looking for a great introduction musically, look into The Originals. If you're looking for a good intro into what his lifestyle was probably like, check out the cult film Slogan. It's where he met Jane Birkin - Charlotte Gainsbourg's mom - and one hot little number. The two (Serge & Jane) put out some steamy material and were one of the first really taboo couples around (he was well into his 50's when he met the under 20 Birkin). French & Scandalous!
2. Satt Att Se - Dungen -- from 4. This Swedish Psych outfit is led by Gustav Ejstes. He is a genius. I could stop there. The first album I heard of theirs was Ta Det Lung back in 05 I think. It blew my mind. Ever since I have been hooked to everything he's put out. This latest release sees him involve the band a bit more in the writing process and the outcome has benefited immensely. There is more of a jazzy vibe to it, which is readily apparent here on "Satt Att Se" Sure, you don't understand him (unless you speak Swedish), but that incomprehension allows the vocals to become just another instrument of melody. The album is great, I have nothing more to say about it. Get it.
3. Walkin' Back To Happiness - Helen Shapiro -- from some 60's compilation. This might've been one of those 'One Hit Wonders' from the 50's/60's for all I know. I know absolutely nothing about Ms. Shapiro other than I saw her daughter play last weekend and she covered this song. She is a dead ringer for her mother vocally speaking. She ain't too bad on the eyes either. It's a happy song.**note of retraction: Helen Shapiro is not Binki Shapiro's mother... just found this out. whoops**
4. Shoulder To Shoulder - Little Joy -- from Little Joy. The aforementioned Shapiro, Binki is her first name. She and apparent boyfriend Fabrizio Moretti (The Strokes' drummer) have joined forces with a Brazilian crooner by the name of Rodrigo Amarante (of Los Hermanos fame). Saw them last weekend, pure joy. More than just a little joy. They embody that almost naive happiness from the late 50's/early 60's. They're looking to influence a good time, and they succeed almost every time. This debut album is great throughout and is a solid recommendation. It came out Nov. 4th, which makes me count it as the one thing to come out of this Fall in the way of Modern Music that has actually surprised me enough to hold onto.
5. Until Tomorrow Then - Ed Harcourt -- from The Beautiful Lie. If ever a song were meant for the end of a night, the end of a date, or the end of a touching montage in a romantic comedy when the two main characters are on the brink of love until the man/woman does something to incite the final plot point... this would be that song. It absolutely exudes suave charm. Like Sinatra almost. The strings help out a lot, but Harcourt's voice is also heartwarming to the point of laughter. It's a solid charm of a song, which makes the first hand account I've heard of this guy's drunken field day during one night of this past SXSW even more charming. Harcourt has been a solid songwriter for the past at least 6 years since I've known his work. "Until Tomorrow Then" is proof that he seems bent on continuing such output.Hope Your Thanksgiving Was Peaceful And Tasty.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Nicht/Neü
I have nothing new to write about. No new Music Mondays. Nothing that feels new to my ears. Everything I listen to sounds bland and rehashed.
This second half (and year in general) have kind of been a disappointment for me on the topic of new music. There have only been a small handful of albums that have really stuck with me for more than a week (if that long at all). So that's one reason Music Monday lists have been really sparse. There haven't even been that many situations in which I find good mixes among my library. There was The Walkmen (which I do have a MM list for, just waiting to be finished), but that is the most recent album I've been infatuated with at all. I think I've entered into my yearly cleansing phase.
Every year, around the time of Texas' Fall (the rest of the country's winter) I enter into this phase where nothing is fun anymore regarding music. Or Modern music I should say. Every tone and chord is more stale and greasy than an El Arroyo tortilla chip. I put away my iPod for the winter, bundle up to my record player and let some seriously old favorites guide me through my hibernation. This usually means a lot of Beatles, old film scores and Classical music. The Beatles because no matter what they own my thoughts, and the film scores and Classical music because I've found that nothing sounds better piped over the speakers of a nice system and LP player than strings and piano. This fall/winter is proving no different because I'm finding new compositions and lush arrangements left and right, and I'm not even trying.
*this is actually proving to be a great idea for a series of Music Mondays for the season...hmm*
This isn't one of those pity party posts that a lot of bloggers are good at (although I am very good at that, and try though as I might, I'm sure I'll have sooner or later), but rather a post of updates, and something to shed some light on the ever-evolving shape of this space. Also, I feel that if I write it here, there's a better chance of it happening than if I just kept it in the ol' noggin.
So there's something to look forward to... Hibernation Lists, more Octopus-themed Random Acts of Art, and maybe a little mock-NPR type audio production numbers (though I won't promise anything on that, just a little hint at stupid experiments in The Foggiest World).
and now a photo from Hawaiian flea market...
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