Random Thought #6 - Has anyone seen that commercial where this father buys a buttload of Domino's pizza for dinner and the mother walks in and says, "(Gasp) I love you!" That's complete bullshit.

 

When I went out to school in San Francisco, Katie and I went to see folk-jazz singer-songwriter Jolie Holland in her native town. What we did not expect was the opener, Sean Hayes. We were not even paying attention to any of the acts until he took the stage. I can not remember the last time I heard an artist I never heard of play live and go, "This guy is brilliant!" Sean Hayes' folk-dance sound is addicting as well as enlightening to the listener. He's been said to be Bob Dylan with groove, Devandra Bandhart without being annoying, Iron & Wine without the hipster following (although it's only a matter of time), etc etc. Whatever genre you want to fit him in; you have to admit he's someone you need to let your friends know about. Also, he has a new song called “No No Guantanamo,” which calls attention to his views on the current situation at Guantanamo Bay.

Sean Hayes will be touring with Jenny Owen Youngs all over the country (I'll be going to the Portland, ME date, anyone wanna go?). Jenny Owen Youngs sounds like your run of the mill folk-rock female singer, however she plays a hilarious version of Nelly's "Hot in Herre"



Thu 10/25/07 
Portland, ME SPACE  

Fri 10/26/07  Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club  

Sat 10/27/07  Burlington, VT Club Metronome  

Mon 10/29/07  New York, NY Bowery Ballroom  

Tue 10/30/07  Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live  

Thu 11/01/07  Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig  

Fri 11/02/07  Toronto, ON University Of Toronto  

Sun 11/04/07  Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern  

Mon 11/05/07  Milwaukee, WI Shank Hall  

Tue 11/06/07  Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theatre  

Thu 11/08/07  Boulder, CO Rock N Soul Cafe  

Fri 11/09/07  Denver, CO The Walnut Room  

Sat 11/10/07  Park City, UT Celsius Lounge  

Mon 11/12/07  Seattle, WA High Dive  

Tue 11/13/07  Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge  

Thu 11/15/07  San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall  

Fri 11/16/07  Santa Cruz, CA The Crepe Place  

Sat 11/17/07  Los Angeles, CA Bordello  

Wed 01/16/08  Conway, AR Hendrix College  

Download: Sean Hayes - No No Guantanamo
Download: Sean Hayes - Same God from the album, Big Black Hole and the Little Baby Star

Download: Sean Hayes - Flowering Spade from the album, Flowering Spade
Download: Sean Hayes - Rattlesnake Charm from the album, Alabama Chicken

Download: Jenny Owen Youngs - Hot in Herre (Nelly Cover) from the EP, Take Off All Your Clothes


 

"What the hell? Was that J.D. Drew hitting a grand slam?!?!"

Those were words uttering from my mouth at the first inning the other night during Game 6 of the Red Sox vs Indians series. I guess it is true that they are at their best when they’re at Fenway. In fact, this series was full of unexpected moments. With Manny getting Lofton out on second, Pedroia (Rookie of the Year anyone?) hitting that home run, Drew's grand slam, Lugo’s double, even Gagne ended an inning without screwing up. And thank you Mr. Francona for putting Ellsbury in and leaving Crisp out of the line-up the last two nights. Give that man a hug if you see him walking down the street. And a big Thank You to Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Daisuke, and Papelbon for an ALCS to remember.  Plus, why the hell did Cleveland pull Westbrook out in the 6th on Game 7? He struck 8 out in row! Oh well, worked in our favor. Cleveland can now use those %$&*ing towels to wipe their ass.


This year has really shown itself as one of the best years for new releases. Now don't mistake me for regarding the new Jimmy Eat World is beyond expectation (it's really not). What I am talking about is the new Maritime album. The thing about the new Maritime is that it's no longer a surprise that this band can make beautifully crafted pop rock songs or get a song that you actually like stuck in your head. At this point, their new album Heresy and the Hotel Choir may not have the same affect as We, The Vehicles, it will make it to some people's top 10 of 2007 lists.

As for Jimmy Eat World; they haven't changed much. The perfectly crafted power-pop rock will still plague radios across America whether you like it or not. However, like the new Foo Fighters, this is far better than anything you will hear on regular rotation on your local modern rock station. Chase the Light expresses more of a 'Bleed American' sense than the murky 'Futures.' I'm not too impressed by it as a Jimmy Eat World fan, but you be the judge.


 

Jimmy Eat World and Maritime toured together throughout September and October.   

Download: Maritime - For Science Fiction from the album, Heresy and the Hotel Choir

Download: Jimmy Eat World - Big Casino from the album, Chase the Light


 

Random Thought #5 : Sometimes when I'm on line at the Gap, I wonder if the person at the counter has shat his pants sometime in his adult life.

 

I recently finished a biography on the late great Charles Bukowski that Katie got me for my birthday. I don't know why it took me so long to finally sit down and read it, but this man has inspired me like none other. Immediaetly after reading his bio, I bought and read Post Office. Quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read. Poetry suffers from poets who do or did very little; they worked a job, paid the bills, got married... Charles Bukowski lived, he roamed, he experienced a variety of 'living' situations; good and bad, sometimes very bad. I believe Bukowski had 'something' to write about. There are a ton of BUK knock-offs/wannabes living in moms basement and drinking beer hoping for the same success, not gonna happen. For some of us being forced to read Shakespeare in high school was a major downer, to later on discover a writer (B) using language and words we speak and understood was very appealing. Many compelling aspects to his work; just the vast amount of writing is impressive. The variety of the short stories, poetry, novels delivers so much more than you find from other writers. Bukowski didn't belong to any movement (certainly not the BEATS), he was far and beyond any group of writers from his time. He was the last one that wanted to be grouped with 'others', he was an individual, no other poet comes close to what Bukowski achieved. I have posted some art work from Mr Bukowski in the Fotoes section and a video of one of his poems on the Vlog.


These archival recordings feature Bukowski reading "Fan Letter" and "The Soldier, His Wife and the Bum" taken from the audio anthology "Run With the Hunted," courtesy of HarperAudio.

Download: Charles Bukowski - The Soldier, His Wife and the Bum

Download: Charles Bukowski - Fan Letter



 

Well it's all come down to this; tomorrow I will finally see Division Day live at the Middle East Club in Cambridge, MA. Since 2003, I have been listening to their self-released EPs and their limited released version of Beartrap Island. Now it's time for them to gain some fans and recognition for their haunting soundscapes and twisted lyrics. So do something good for yourself and pick up the re-issue of Beartrap Island and tell everyone you know...or don't know. Just randomly run up to some stranger and yell, "BUY THE NEW DIVISION DAY ALBUM YOU HANDSOME BASTARD!" You may find that they feel inspired and a little creeped out. Nonetheless, you are spreading the good word of Division Day and all is well. I have posted the last 2 songs from their Covers and Remixes EP; both of which don't suck.

Download: Division Day - Plowed (Sponge Cover)

Download: Division Day - Reversible


While this year has become quite a year for record releases, nothing has received the amount of attention and critical acclaim as Radiohead's, In Rainbows. Now I'm not about to give in to the hyperbole behind the release of this record or how it has royally screwed the record companies. Or how Jonah Matranga was the first to coin the whole "sliding scale" price system. I will, however, explain why all of it rocks; none of it sounds like any other band on earth. It delivers an emotional punch that proves all other rock stars owe us an apology. Listening to In Rainbows brought me back to the first time I ever heard Radiohead; putting The Bends in my walkman and being nearly brought to tears my songs like High and Dry and Fake Plastic Trees. Now, songs like Bodysnatchers and Reckoner are giving me the same emotional punch all other Radiohead albums have given me. If you are in any way a Radiohead fan; go here to download the entire album for whatever price you like. For now here's one of my favorite tracks off In Ranbows...

Enjoy!


Download: Radiohead - Bodysnatchers from the album In Rainbows


 

Who’s that smokin’ girl to the left you ask? That my friend is my beautiful girlfriend Katie. For the past 3 years we have loved, fought, and experienced everything a working relationship experiences. Recently we celebrated Katie’s 22nd birthday at her favorite Italian restaurant, Massimino's. After the night was over, she expressed her gloom over the fact that that I have not tagged her on these blog posts I've made. So in light of that conversation (and a few others); I have dedicated this weeks blog to Katie.

At this point of our relationship; it’s best to think back at how it all started. At a little website with a girl called Magical Mystery Girl and a guy called Spark the Sun. Two people who have named themselves after a song from their favorite musical artists. I guess we should have seen this coming, but it was still a surprise that we clicked instantly after a meeting in a
Finagle A Bagel® Even now; with everything we’ve done, it just seems like we’ve known each other for so long. I remember how much I missed her when she went away to California. I remember how I ran 20 blocks to buy a bag of cracker to make sure she didn’t pass out at the Kendall Square Cinema. I remember petting sting rays in Cayman Islands. I remember taking her to see Jonah for the first time and hearing her saying that it was one of the best concerts she’d ever been to (and meaning it). I have learned so much from her too. I mean; the person I am today…all this drive and determination to reach goals and all this compassion for how she feels. I never felt like this before. I know that seems cliché and all, but it so true. It’s too easy to take something this good for granted. This is a girl who changed me whole view on life. How can I be so selfish as too take something this precious for granted? And that’s what this relationship is; precious. No amount of money or capital can express the worth of what we have created. We have been to so many places and filled our lives with random paper towels, sidekicks, and odd named stuffed toys. We have saved each other from horrible experiences that neither of us could even begin to explain (or would like to). At this point in my life, when all perfect stories are ending unpleasantly, it’s our responsibility to stay true to the feelings we worked so hard to build for each other. This is the most important thing in my life right now and I will do whatever it takes to seize it for however long I can. I know she loves me and I know she feels the same. That, my friends, is the best feeling in the world.

I love you Katie and I can’t wait to see you again.

In light of my little dedication to Katie and love in general; I have posted a 5 song mix for Katie and anyone who cares to download any of these songs. Stay tuned…

Download: They Might Be Giants - She's An Angel from the album They Might Be Giants

Download: iLIKETRAINS - Come Over from the album Elegies to Lessons Learnt

Download: Iron & Wine - Innocent Bones from the album The Shepard's Dog

Download: Flight of the Conchords - Business Time from the EP The Distant Future

Download: The Promise Ring - E. Texas Ave. from the split Texas is the Reason/The Promise Ring


 

When I first picked up that fake, plastic, toy guitar; I was pretty skeptical on how much fun this thing was going to be. I mean c'mon, is this really necessary? We already dance like retards playing hop scotch, why do we need this crap? Why? Because it freakin' fun that's why! Granted I haven't spent enough time in front of my PS2 to perfect my Guitar Hero licks (I'm more or so a Guitar 'Sidekick'). I have, however, been keeping up to date with all the recent news regarding songs on the much anticipated Guitar Hero III. While delivering more master tracks than ever before, strategic partnerships have been secured with all the major and independent record labels and publishers to allow unrivaled access to their vast catalogs of music, along with supplying artists' original recordings for even greater authenticity. So here's the full list of what's going to be on it and a few tracks to download to familiarize yourself with the songs you'll be shredding to soon. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will release for the PS2, PS3, Wii and the Xbox 360. It will also release for the Mac and PC platforms. GH III is expected to be out on October 28, 2007. Mark your calenders...

· Same Old Song and Dance (by Aerosmith)

· Helicopter (by Bloc Party)

· Stricken (by Disturbed)

· Monsters (by Matchbook Romance)

· Before I Forget (by Slipknot)

· Kool Thing (by Sonic Youth)

· When You Were Young (by The Killers)

· Devil Went Down to Georgia (as made famous by Charlie Daniels Band)

· Sunshine of Your Love (as made famous by Cream)

· Holiday in Cambodia (as made famous by Dead Kennedys)

· Cliffs of Dover (as made famous by Eric Johnson)

· Hit Me with Your Best Shot (as made famous by Pat Benetar)

· Black Magic Woman (as made famous by Santana)

· Story of My Life (as made famous by Social Distortion)

· Pride and Joy (as made famous by Stevie Ray Vaughn)

· The Seeker (as made famous by The Who)

· Black Sunshine (as made famous by White Zombie)

· Miss Murder (by AFI)

· Minus Celsius (by Backyard Babies)

· Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)

· Hier Kommt Alex (by Die Toten Hosen)

· Through Fire and Flames (by Dragonforce)

· In the Belly of a Shark (by Gallows)

· Welcome to The Jungle (by Guns N' Roses)

· Avalancha (by Heroes Del Silencio)

· Take This Life (by In Flames)

· Number of the Beast (by Iron Maiden)

· Ruby (by Kaiser Chiefs)

· Closer (by Lacuna Coil)

· Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)

· One (by Metallica)

· Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)

· Mauvais Garcon (by NAAST)

· Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)

· Lay Down (by Priestess)

· Bulls on Parade (by Rage Against The Machine)

· 3's and 7's (by Queens of the Stone Age)

· Suck My Kiss (by Red Hot Chili Peppers)

· Generation Rock (by Revolverheld)

· Raining Blood (by Slayer)

· Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)

· Radio Song (by Superbus)

· The Metal (by Tenacious D)

· I'm in the Band (by The Hellacopters)

· Anarchy in the U.K. (by The Sex Pistols)

· Reptillia (by The Strokes)

· Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)

· My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)

· Slash's Original Boss Battle Recording

· Tom Morello's Original Boss Battle Recording

· School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)

· Paranoid (as made famous by Black Sabbath)

· Cities on Flame (as made famous by Blue Oyster Cult)

· Slow Ride (as made famous by Foghat)

· Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)

· Rock and Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)

· Mississippi Queen (as made famous by Mountain)

· Rock You Like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)

· La Grange (as made famous by ZZ Top)

Download: Bloc Party - Helicopter (Weird Science Remix)

Download: Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby from the album Yours Truly, Angry Mob

Download: Scorpions - Rock You Like A Hurricane from the album Love at First Sting


 

“The senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, is with us today.”

Applause follows.

Such is the greeting received for the junior senator visiting the land of Maine.

That Obama is considered a top contender for the Democratic Party’s 2008 nomination for president rarely needs explaining. I had the unique privilage to see Senator Obama at the Portland Expo Center in Portland, ME on the 25th of September. He wowed the crowd as he spoke with confidence and charm. Obama said that to truly effect change; partisan politics must be stopped and the people must have access once again to the federal government. "You've got young people and old people," he said. "You've got poor folk and not-so-poor folk. You've got blacks, whites, Asians, Native Americans. You've got gay and straight. You've got people with disabilities. You've got Democrats and independents, and, yes, you've even got some Republicans."

He received thunderous applause when he said many came to the afterneen rally because they are fed up with the Constitution being treated as a "nuisance" instead as of the foundation of the country, and with a war "that never should've been authorized and has cost us thousands of lives." Whether it's the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics, Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st century. That is why he has my vote.

If you want more information, I have posted a video of an exerpt of his speech in the Vlog section and photos of the rally in the Fotoes section. You can also click on the Obama '08 icon on this page to learn more about him.


Radiohead is back and royally f&%$ing the record company!

Okay people! Take a couple deep breaths, count to 10, switch the caps lock off, clean up the triple espresso you just spit all over the computer screen, and check this: that new Radiohead album, In Rainbows? The one that the world knew practically zilch about 24 hours ago? The one that drops digitally (DRM-free, no less!) in nine days, for a price of your own choosing? The one that's also coming out in a deluxe "Discbox" in December? Well, it's also coming out in good, old fashioned CD format early next year.

No word on when exactly or through which label-- if any label at all-- but that's the news thus far from the band's publicist.

So, let's sort this whole mess out, shall we? You will eventually have three ways to pick up the seventh Radiohead LP, the Nigel Godrich-produced In Rainbows. It all depends how much you want to pay, which goodies you'd like, and how soon you want the tunes. Observe:

1. As a DRM-free mp3 download, beginning October 10 (and available for preorder now), via www.inrainbows.com (interestingly enough, last week's RickRoll, www.radioheadlp7.com, now directs here as well). This version contains the 10 tracks that comprise In Rainbows, and you can pay whatever the hell you want for it. This is basically the band leaking the album and asking you for a donation to access it.

2. As part of a deluxe "Discbox", available for preorder now and shipping in December. In addition to the 10-track In Rainbows on CD, you also get the release on LP and as a digital download, plus an enhanced bonus CD packed with eight more tracks, photos, and artwork (and an LP of the bonus tracks), plus art and lyrics booklets and some nifty looking packaging. This thing costs £40.00/$81.00.

3. As a traditional CD, available in early 2008. This will presumably cost as much as traditional CDs tend to cost.

What Radiohead's doing here is actually pretty cool. Rather than preface their new album's release with the usual three months of press ballyhoo, only to have it leak at some random time before it comes out, they've kept it completely under wraps, then essentially gone and leaked it themselves. What's more, they've turned this into a moral question of sorts, by giving us the freedom to pay actual money for what amounts to an album leak.

Only a band in Radiohead's position could pull a trick like this. Well played, gentlemen.

Download: Radiohead - "No Surprises" from the album Okay Computer


Minus The Bear Is The Best Band You Haven't Heard Yet!

Minus the Bear's brightly appealing indie-pop may be dispensed with remarkable technical prowess — complete with precise guitar work and complex time changes — but it also benefits from the band's sweetly personal lyrics and flair for writing power-pop hooks...Planet of Ice, maintains an organic quality that allows the songs' innate catchiness to shine through.

Katie and I will be visiting the Middle East Club in Cambridge, MA to see our friend, Minus the Bear perform with Subtle and ELA. I hope you all can join us.

Download: Minus the Bear - Throwin' Shapes from the album Planet of Ice
Download: ELA - Checks Getting Cashed from the album Red Blood on Fake Trees


Whew. This is a long one. I've been busy for the past few days but I'll be posting again by the end of the week. Hope you enjoyed this one!

    Who is kata rokkar?

    kata rokkar is not here..

     

     

     

     


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