 Ryan Pink writes like he's just come back from a near death experience. Many of these songs are filled with a quiet desperation over some introspective awakening about his mortality; and nonetheless they're comforting. His voice is somewhere between Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon on the emotional richter scale and it calms and soothes and sedates.
Mostly acoustic or piano, with wonderful harmonies and a perfect pace; Ryan's music is good to chill out to and reflect on the past, present and the unknowable future. If we all embraced that notion, we'd have little reason to disagree.
In addition to his heartfelt songwriting; Ryan Pink is a poet.
Fishhook
It was years ago.
I mean,
we were just
kids,
back then.
We were
just kids.
But Jesus!
There was a tartan sweater involved,
lipstick,
a half pint of rum
and a job at a gas station that
didn’t
quite
fit.
Life was in the works.
The letters were unexpected,
long and narrow and full of million dollar
community college words,
as if she had a mind she could recognize
but not quite grasp.
They came in the summertime,
rode in like paper airplanes;
maybe two, maybe three,
before I had a chance
to respond.
She said she liked the way I had looked,
in that tartan sweater,
all foggy and lost,
not quite an impression.
She said she thought of California sometimes,
or New York,
and she claimed she’d be able
to love all the men in her life,
if she only had the secret, if she could only learn
to keep a thing beautiful
after it dried.
I wrote back that the dust
was bad where I lived. The city sagged
like dead wheat and the
people… the people all crouched along
the sidewalk,
their eyes focused and firm,
steady on the ground.
I told her about Kenny
and what had happened in the war. She wrote back
that the man I described
seemed like a stranger. She wanted to know
why I was there. What good was that city?
How come I didn’t have a woman
and what did I do with those years
anyway?
I stopped writing her
sometime after I met her. I owned
two tartan sweaters,
both different from the other,
and I wore the one
that I never
really
liked.
She said it was just like the sweater
I was wearing
when she...
- Ryan Pink
Ryan Pink myspace music page
Ryan Pink Last.fm music page
 Ryan Pink - Miller Was A Liar
 I was lucky enough to finally attend a Cursive concert in all it's glory. After being a fan since high school, owning 3 of their records and missing every show whenever they come to my area; I had to go to this show. The show was at the tiny but intimate Club Hell in Providence, RI. My buddy and I attempted to kill time in Providence, but that place can be pretty boring when all you want is to see Cursive rock the fuck out. When we eventually strolled into the venue, we were able to catch a special little Providence band called, Deer Tick. I loved the Willie Nelson / Neil Young mixed with early Bright Eyes rawness vibe they had going for them. Granted they were an awesome band, Deer Tick kind of over stayed their welcome by 3-4 songs (plus they have an uncomfortable band name). Once Deer Tick finished, it didn't take long for Cursive to kick off the show. They actually started with a new tune, which was pretty badass. Actually, all the new songs oozed that Cursive-like anger and intensity that I've come to love since high school. I'd say they played about 5 new song and a few classics (Big Bang, The Martyr, Sierra, etc). Overall it was a great show. Even though I didn't get home until 2am. Ugh.
(picture by vocoders)
 Deer Tick - Old Shoes from the album, War Elephant
 Cursive - The Martyr from the album, Domestica
 Cursive - The Recluse from the album, The Ugly Organ
 Cursive - Dorothy at Forty from the album, Happy Hollow
 Caspian, Hooray For Earth, Age Rings and Zambri – Middle East Downstaris – 29 FEB 2008
I was lucky enough to catch the mighty Caspian live at the Middle East Club this past Friday. While I have seen several instrumental bands live, nothing could have prepared me for the moving crescendos and bludgeoning force that is Caspian. Well, except if I saw them live before hand. Anyway, they are not to be missed.
March 6, 2008
Brooklyn, NY
March 7, 2008
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
March 8, 2008
Washington, DC
March 10, 2008
Nashville, TN
March 11, 2008
Little Rock, Arkansas
March 12, 2008
Shreveport, LA
March 13, 3008
Austin, TX
March 14, 2008
Troy, TX
March 16, 2008
Austin, TX
March 22, 2008
Montreal, QC, Canada
April 12, 2008
New York, NY
April 19, 2008
Providence, RI
April 26, 2008
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FEST
Wallingford, CT
Download: Caspian – Some Are White Light from the album, The Four Trees
Download: Caspian – Further In from the album, You Are The Conductor
 That's right. So all you hipster shits out there better keep your skinny jeans and aviator sunglasses out of his sight or else he'll take a freakin' axe to your neck. No seriously, in Jonah Matranga's recent video for "Not About A Place or A Girl," he goes around singing what sounds like a Gin Blossoms cover and kills scenster zombies without mercy. It's a wonderful video despite the sugarcoated song. In fact, don't judge that song alone for his newest record, And. Only one other song follows that happy late nineties escapism radio rock shit; the rest of the album is as much as an emotional punch as the newest Radiohead. Actually Radiohead ripped off Jonah whether they know it or not. Jonah Matranga has been using the sliding scale price system for years and has always brought new and strange ideas to his shows and music. Although, you have to see Jonah Matranga live to really embrace what and who this man is. His shows are something so intimate and personal, that you feel as if it is only you and him in the room. Even picking up his recent live CD/DVD won't do him justice. You actually have to show up and experience the show first hand. If you are at all curious as to who or what Jonah Matranga is; go to www.jonahmatranga.com or www.myspace.com/jonahmatranga. Or you can even download the songs I posted of him performing solo, under the moniker onelinedrawing and his old band New End Original.. If you're a scenster, keep an eye out for this guy, he'll rip you limb from limb, Mwahahahaha!
NOVEMBER
6 Nov @ Boston, MA - Paradise - 8pm doors, 9pm-ish
8 Nov @ NY, NY - Mercury Lounge - 8pm-ish
9 Nov @ Philadelphia, PA - Unitarian Chapel Room - 7pm-ish
10 Nov @ Orlando, FL - Anti*Pop Fest - 10pm-ish
12 Nov @ East Coast Show TBA -- IDEAS?
13 Nov @ Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's - 8pm doors - ALL AGES
14 Nov @ East Coast Show TBA -- IDEAS?
DECEMBER
5 Dec @ Hamburg (DE), Grüner Jäger*
6 Dec @ Kiel (DE), Weltruf*
7 Dec @ TBA*
8 Dec @ TBA*
9 Dec @ Bielefeld (DE), TBA*
10 Dec @ Paris (FR), TBA*
11 Dec @ Saarbrücken (DE), Garage*
12 Dec @ Cologne (DE), Blue Shell*
13 Dec @ Gießen (DE), Muk*
14 Dec @ Lüdenscheid (DE), Alte Druckerei*
15 Dec @ Rotterdam (NL), Waterfront*
17 Dec @ Berlin (DE), Magnet*
*Ian Love opening and playing guitar w/Jonah
Download: Jonah Matranga - Breathless from the album, The Three Sketchy's (1999-2005)
Download: Jonah Matranga - Oh, I'm So Lucky from the album, The Three Sketchy's (1999-2005)
Download: Jonah Matranga - Savory (Jawbox Cover) from the album, The Three Sketchy's (1999-2005)
Download: Jonah Matranga - Lukewarm (Live) from the album, There's A Lot In Here
Download: onelinedrawing - Smile from the album, Visitor
Download: onelinedrawing - We Had A Deal from the album, The Volunteers
Download: onelinedrawing - Um... from the album, Visitor
Download: New End Original - Lukewarm from the album, Thriller
Download: Jonah Matranga - So Long from the album, And
 My definition of a hero is someone who goes against the norm and sets an example for humanity. Someone who isn't influenced by negativity and pushes ideas forward despite the odds.
Saul Williams is one of my heroes.
His words have always wowed me and his music has always defied genres and categorization. He allows the listener and reader to interpret his poetry in their own way. He has released 2 full length records and over 4 books filed with his poetry and thoughts. He as toured with the likes of The Roots, The Mars Volta, and Nine Inch Nails. I just can't say enough good things about this man. At least until now; Saul Williams has released a new record today (November 1st) and it may be his best yet. The record is The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! and it is a the creation of both Saul and Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor. The duo has not only created a wonderfully diverse record that includes hip-hop, rock, and dance, but they have followed the footsteps of Radiohead's marketing technique. The record is available for $5 or for free at http://niggytardust.com/. What Saul and Trent are doing is slightly better than what Radiohead did, they are allowing the listener to choose what audio quality they can download; whether it be 192Kbps MP3, 320Kbps MP3, or FLAC lossless audio. So all you FLAC-heads can rejoice. In fact, music lovers can rejoice! This is an important day in music, so download the album (or these tracks) and be apart of something very special.
Download: Saul Williams - Break from the album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
Download: Saul Williams - Banged and Blown Through from the album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
Download: Saul Williams - Tr(n)igger from he album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
 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
 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
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