recordjerk

Top 10 for 2007

2007-12-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

Each year it is harder and harder to pick the Top 10 records of the year. It actually becomes harder and harder to find ten releases that actually kick my ass. My first inclination was to include the new Wilco and Radiohead and Robert Pollard releases. But despite liking these releases, none of them really kicked my ass the way the new M.I.A. or Spoon or Jamie T did.

But I am compelled to compile such a list in memory of the late, great Greg Dwinell, founder of eggBert Records, who passed away in 2003. He got me to start compiling a best-of list when he approached me to contribute to his Circle of Friends year-end wrap up in the early 1990s. Don’t remember when, and don’t have copies now. But they probably contained a lot of “grunge” at that point.

Greg is missed.

Also, since it is the time of year to think of others. Visit the West Memphis 3 website and do what you can to help these three guys get the justice that has been denied them. And support Capistrano Valley High School instructor James Corbett who is being persecuted by a student for simply encouraging young adults to question the answers and think for themselves.

So, without further ado, here is my Top 10 for 2007.

1. M.I.A. – Kala
2. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
3. Bright Eyes – Cassadega
4. White Stripes – Icky Thump
5. Lightning Dust
6. The Grindermen
7. Jamie T – Panic Prevention
8. The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
9. Steve Earle – Washington Square Serenade
10. The New Pornographers – Challengers

Radiohead to Release In Rainbows Oct. 10

2007-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed the big announcement, Radiohead is releasing their seventh album, In Rainbows, as a digital download on October 10. The physical version will be released by December 3. The kicker is that the digital download is available for whatever you feel like paying, while the physical “discbox” is about $80. The discbox is a two disc set, with two 12” vinyl LPs, and all the bells and whistles you would expect for $80.

Visit inrainbows.com to order your preferred version.

UPDATE: As noted on Pitchfork, In Rainbows will be available in 2008 as a traditional CD release.

I’ve been listening to Sparklehorse all morning, so here are the last 10 songs:

1. “Mountains”
2. “Homecoming Queen”
3. “Dreamt For Light Years In”
4. “My Yoke Is Heavy”
5. “More Yellow Birds”
6. “Sick of Goodbyes”
7. “Sunshine”
8. “Cruel Sun”
9. “See the Light”
10. “Happy Man (Memphis Version)”

2008 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

2007-09-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, it’s time again to see which camels fit through the needle’s eye. The nominees for this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction are:

The Ventures
Donna Summer
Afrika Bambaataa
Beastie Boys
Madonna
The Dave Clark Five
Leonard Cohen
Chic
John Mellencamp

But the voters only get to pick five. I like the Afrika Bambaataa, Leonard Cohen, Donna Summer, the Ventures and John Mellencamp. I think it is too easy to pick Madonna and the Beastie Boys, plus shouldn’t Donna Summer and Afrika Bambaataa make in it first?

Ultimately, the whole thing seems so, well, un-rock and roll. At the end of the day, it seems so dumb because fans don’t get a vote and, while rock stars are all about self-aggrandizement, it seems a bit stodgy for current and relevant artists like Madonna and Beastie Boys. Wait until they retire.

In the end, I just have to say, "Who cares?"

Here are the last 10 songs my iPod nominated this morning:

1. “The Land of the Clear Blue Radio” by the Soviettes
2. “Tristessa” by Smashing Pumpkins
3. “Love Comes Tumbling” by U2
4. “Green Fields” by the Good, the Bad & the Queen
5. “Company Calls” by Death Cab For Cutie
6. “Hold On” by Pearl Jam
7. “Village Idiot” by Soul Asylum
8. “A Minute Before the Evil Street” by Guided by Voices
9. “Reason 36” by the Alarm
10. “We Destroy the Family” by Fear

Up and At 'Em

2007-09-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of good notes, the two upcoming Robert Pollard releases are streaming at the Merge Records site. Click on the links below to enjoy either Coast to Coast Carpet of Love or Standard Gargoyle Decisions. Both sound really good from what I’ve been able to hear. I don’t spend too much time listening to music on my computer so I’ve only listened to the first five minutes or so of each release.

Also, Captain’s Dead has the Guided By Voices Power of Suck demos available. Get ‘em while they are available.

Now onto business, I listened to the new Foo Fighter’s this morning on my drive into work. Initial reaction is that they have crafted a very nice, non-obtrusive album. It has its moments and nothing is wrong with the album. It’s just kind of mediocre. Of course, the band has been on a steady decline since the high water mark of The Colour & the Shape. But Echos, Silence, Patience and Grace is a better album than In Your Honor simply because it is more concise and less bloaty. That being said, standout cuts include “Long Road to Ruin,” “Cheer Up Boys (Your Make-Up Is Running)” and “But, Honestly.” The first single, “The Pretender” is a serviceable Foo Fighter’s song but nothing exemplary. And “Statues” begs the question, what if Dave Grohl sang for Lynyrd Skynyrd? Overall, it is a good album for those needing a Foo fix but not an essential album for the casual fan.

I also picked up the new Steve Earle release Washington Square Serenade, and I have to say Mr. Earle has produced another wonderful album continuing his post-prison streak of winners. Standout cuts include “Tennessee Blues,” “Satellite Radio,” and “Oxycontin Blues.” Earle’s cover of Tom Wait’s “Way Down In The Hole” is a pleasant conclusion to a strong release.

So, after listening to the new Foo Fighters, Steve Earle and the Power of Suck demos, these were the 10 last songs played on my iPod:

1. “A Beginning” by the Beatles
2. “I Don’t Need Two Reasons” by Sarah Silverman
3. “You’re Welcome” by the Beach Boys (Smile sessions)
4. “Beautiful Girl” by George Harrison (Beware of ABKCO version)
5. “Two Sevens Clash” by Culture
6. “Freedom of Choice” by Devo
7. “The Drawback” by Warsaw (Joy Division)
8. “No Backbone” by Lemonheads
9. “The Prisoner” by Iron Maiden
10. “The Way We Get By” by Spoon

Foo For Thought

2007-09-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I am doing with this blog, but I figured I should say something since I posted a comment on the OC Register's site about Desert Jeff's contention that Dave Grohl "has become arguably as big a cultural icon as his former band mate Kurt Cobain."

This was my response.

While I am a big fan of Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl going back to the days when he scrawled Chaka on his drums, it is a bit silly to claim he "has become arguably as big a cultural icon as his former band mate Kurt Cobain." He might be as big of a star and might even become a bigger star, but "cultural icons" have to be a bit harder to come by or such a designation would lose all meaning. Nobody is going to look back upon the release of any Foo Fighters' album as a revolutionary or revelatory breakthrough similar to the release of "Nevermind." You can argue that Nirvana was simply in the right place at the right time, but their second album upset a whole industry destroying careers and forging a cultural path that Dave Grohl is simply enjoying. Once again, I love Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl so I'm not trying to diminish his contributions to popular culture, but Foo Fighters is just one of many bands that have walked through the door Nirvana kicked down.

Anyway, since I crawled out from under a rock to say something somewhere else I figured I might as well post a post.

And here are the last ten songs from my iPod:

1. "Via Chicago" by Wilco
2. "Vastopol" by fIREHOSE
3. "Yesterday's News" by Whiskeytown
4. "Cherries" by Brendan Benson
5. "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" by the Monkees
6. "Girl U Want" by Soundgarden
7. "Old Devil Moon" by Frank Sinatra
8. "How Low Can A Punk Get" by Bad Brains
9. "The Loved Ones" by Elvis Costello
10. "I'm Always In Love" by Jeff Tweedy (solo at "Letters for Santa Benefit"

Talk to you soon.

Chris Cornell Puts His Head Back In His Ass

2007-06-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Alright, I was going to purchase the new Chris Cornell today, but didn’t. I have to admit, I have enjoyed, to varying degrees, some of the live recordings floating around out there such as the Unplugged in Sweden show. As I said before, these recordings gave me hope for a nice comeback by Mr. Cornell, but sadly, I guess this isn’t the case.

After the horrible reviews the record has received and the phone call from a good friend warning me to avoid this release at all costs, I am probably going to pass on putting down the $10.

Kind of sad. I mean, “Seasons” from Singles was a good song, right? And his solo version of “Like Suicide” was haunting. I’m not just being nostalgic. I have these songs on my iPod so I have heard them recently. Chris Cornell, at one time, was amazing, but maybe he needs a great band such as Soundgarden or Temple of the Dog. Maybe without a great band, he is just great hair, a piercing stare, and a distinctive heavy metal yelp.

Who would have thought that Down On The Upside, the worst Soundgarden album, would be the last good thing to come out of the Cornell throat? Not me.

I’m not going to tell you not to buy the disc since I haven’t actually heard it, but for me and my family, we will abstain.

Anyway, I am on a Cure kick today.

Here are the last 10 songs my iPod has played from these lovable mop-tops.

1. “Object”
2. “Faith”
3. “Breathe”
4. “Ariel”
5. “More Than This”
6. “Boys Don’t Cry”
7. “A Short Term Effect”
8. “The Lovecats”
9. “The Walk”
10. “Descent”

It Was 40 Years Ago Today...

2007-06-01T12:42:00.001-07:00

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released forty years ago today, and that is reason enough for me to come out of my seclusion. I know I have been remiss and if anyone missed me, I apologize. Priorties sometimes get in the way of fun.

Strangely, I have been listening to the Rolling Stones today.

Here are the last 10 songs from my iPod:

1. "It's Only Rock 'N Roll (But I Like It)"
2. "Sweet Virginia"
3. "Hide Your Love"
4. "Little By Little"
5. "Not Fade Away"
6. "Middle of the Sea"
7. "Salt of the Earth"
8. "Dancing With Mr. D."
9. "Ruby Tuesday"
10. "Paint It Black"

Talk to you soon.

Stopping By

2007-03-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Been really busy at work, so haven’t had too much time for the blog but I thought I’d stop by for a couple of quick notes.

Picked up Ghostface Killah’s "Fishscale" last week. I know I’m a tad behind, but better late than never. Great record. Holy shit.

The new Bright Eyes ep "Four Winds" is really solid as well. Can’t wait for the new record.

Robert Pollard has a few releases coming up before the end of the year: "Silverfish Triva" ep in April (check out a sneak peak) , "Crickets," a FCS best of set, "Sgt. Disco" by Circus Devils, and finally a new solo full-length. Try keeping up with all of it.

And I’m hoping to check out shows by Bright Eyes, Willie Nelson, and Beck this summer. See what else comes my way.

Here is the last 10 from my iPod:

1. "Clean Like Tomorrow" by X
2. "It Wasn’t Me" by Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins
3. "Write Me A Letter" by Aerosmith
4. "Indoor Fireworks" by Elvis Costello
5. "Lost Girl" by the Troggs
6. "Step By Step" by the Lemonheads
7. "The Shortest Straw" by Metallica
8. "This Thing Nowhere" by Bettie Serveert
9. "Request Pharmaceuticals" by Guided By Voices
10. "Revolve" by the Melvins

Democracy Delayed (Duh)

2007-02-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

For those of you keeping score or scratching hash marks into your cell walls, Chinese Democracy, that ever elusive Guns N’ Roses album has been indefinently delayed. No March release. Apparently they are still working on the mix. Of course maybe they are responding to the overwhelming negative criticism of the recently leaked track "Better." My opinion of the song: It Sucks Ass.

Here is the last ten songs played on my iPod:

1. "People Ain’t No Good" by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
2. "Creep" (acoustic) by Radiohead
3. "Eloise" by the Damned
4. "The Worst Has Yet to Come" by Archers of Loaf
5. "Games Without Frontiers" by Peter Gabriel
6. "Clark Gable" by Postal Service
7. "Drowning" by the English Beat
8. "Villiers Terrace" by Echo & the Bunnymen
9. "This Charming Man" by Death Cab For Cutie
10. "Go Mental" by the Ramones

Fair Warning: No VH Tour

2007-02-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it was too bad to be true. The much bally-hooed but apparently unconfirmed Van Halen reunion tour (you know 40 shows throughout the US of A) has ceased to exist. At least for the time being. Maybe Eddie needs another hip or Wolfie can't play past 9 p.m. Ultimately, aren't we more statisfied with the memories?

1967-2007

2007-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Chris Cornell Pulls His Head Out of His Ass (For Now)

2007-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

Well, the agony is over. Chris Cornell has left Audioslave "permanently." Thank God. I have to admit, Audioslave made me wonder what I ever liked about the guy. He had gone from the frontman/songwriter for one of the greatest bands of the early 90’s to just a ridiculous clown.

The indignity began with Euphoria Morning. Horrible album by a great songwriter. Talk about over singing. Sheesh. Subtle it was not. Then came the paint-by-numbers butt rock of Audioslave. Who would have ever imagined that combining two such powerful entities could result in such mediocrity. Then, finally, the abortion that was the Bond song. Load of crap.

Then I heard his Unplugged in Sweden performance and I felt a glimmer of hope. "All is not lost," I said to myself, and anyone else who would listen. An understated, simple, acoustic version of "Billie Jean"? Who would’ve thunk it. It was great, as was much of the performance. I avoid the Audioslave songs, of course, but Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Marley, Costello, Jackson? Damn, if I wasn’t once again excited about Chris Cornell.

Sadly, his next solo album, due out in May, will feature the Bond song, so maybe disappointment is just around the corner. But I can hope, right?

"We Come In Peace"

2007-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Inignot: We do whatever we want, to whomever we want, at all times.

Got Them Ol' Reunion Blues Again

2007-01-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the season for some pretty high profile reunions by some pretty high profile rock acts. Obviously, everyone is aware of the Van Halen reunion. Apparently the boys are going to tug on the spandex, grab their walkers and play forty shows throughout the US. Even though ten years ago, this is a ticket that I would have been very curious about, now it just seems depressing. I mean, is Eddie Van Halen even alive? He looks like one of those puppets from that Genesis video "Land of Confusion." And David Lee Roth jumping around with that rictus grin, humping a giant, inflatable microphone? Eeesh. The of course, the most stupid part is the inclusion of Wolfie Van Halen. Just the fact that they keep referring to him as Wolfie should prevent his inclusion. I might as well puke. Puke!

Then, of course, in the less dubious but equally pointless department, is the Police reunion. I know, I might be wrong, it happens, but who cares? In the early 80’s, I thought the Police were pretty nifty and I still find some of the weirder album tracks amusing ("And I bounce her in the hall"). But at this point does any of this really matter? I know they (unlike VH) will sound as good as ever, if not better, and I did find Stewart Copeland’s documentary pretty cool, but won’t they just be doing a bland greatest hits package? I will check out their performance at the Grammy’s but if they do "Roxanne," "Message In A Bottle" or "Every Breath You Take," I’m done.

On the other hand, the Rage Against the Machine and Jesus & Mary Chain reunions at Coachella seem pretty interesting. Now, if only we can get the Smiths and Pavement back together.

Here are the last 10 songs played on my iPod:

1. "Kill Time" by the Clash
2. "Girls On TV" by Be Your Own Pet
3. "Jonathan David" by Belle & Sebastian
4. "The Wind" by Cat Stevens
5. "Barricade" by Guided By Voices
6. "Itchycoo Park" by Ben Lee
7. "Who’ll Stop the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
8. "Carolina" by Ben Gibbard
9. "American Flag" by Cat Power
10. "Taxman, Mr. Thief" by Cheap Trick

Hall of Fame Silliness

2007-01-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I’m not even going to get into the discussion of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. They all have their merits and I know the Stooges are better than any of them, but they won’t make it in again. So, now all we can hope for are some awkward moments with the Van Halen bunch. I mean David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar both being inducted? Along with estranged bassist Michael Anthony? Maybe Eddie will be a prick (as expected) and perform with Alex and Wolfie along with some random singer. The guy from the Bullet Boys is probably looking for a gig and they sort of lead the pack of VH wannabees.

Anyway, I have been listening to some new purchases pretty exclusively. I went to Amoeba last week and bought CDs by M. Ward, Neko Case, Pink Mountaintops, Bad Brains, Kinks, Flaming Lips, Dali’s Car, and Rilo Kiley, as well as downloading a collection of Stones rarities and getting a copy of a Roxy Music collection that only includes stuff from their first three albums. So that is what makes up the playlist I have been listening to. So here are the last ten songs:

1. "Outta My Head" by M. Ward
2. "Good Time Woman" by the Rolling Stones
3. "Death of a Clown" by the Kinks
4. "David Watts" by the Kinks
5. "Who’ll Be The Next In Line" by the Kinks
6. "Dead Man" by M. Ward
7. "Plastic Man, You’re the Devil" by Pink Mountaintops
8. "My First Plea" by the Rolling Stones
9. "The Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch" by Brian Eno
10. "Jah Calling" by Bad Brains

I Have No Idea What I’m Doing

2006-12-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

I hate year-end lists. I know, I just posted my "Top Ten of 2006," but each year when I create this list, I am riddled with self-doubt and a sense of failure. I always feel like I rush the choices and always have a nagging sense that I have forgotten some major releases simply because they came out at the beginning of the year and aren’t currently on the top of my playstack. And then comes the inevitable question of whether I can change or amend my list without invalidating the whole selection and any credibility I might have (as if anyone is reading this).

I started doing a year-end list as part of "A Circle Of Friends" compiled by Eggbert Records founder, Greg Dwinnell, who has since passed on. Greg would collect lists from all kinds of friends and celebrities and they would be published in Yeah Yeah Yeah. Over the years the list included contributions from Elvis Costello, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, John Easdale, and me. It was an interesting effort.

So, of course, since I have a blog, I feel it is my duty to continue compiling a yearly list. But as soon as I have clicked "Publish," my mind starts racing and suddenly I think of a half dozen albums that should’ve, would’ve, could’ve been included.

So, a couple of albums I might have missed include:

I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass by Yo La Tengo. I cannot say enough good things about this record. Finest effort since I Can Feel The Heart Beating As One.

Post-War by M. Ward. I had never paid too much attention to M. Ward before picking up this release on a whim. I cannot believe what I have been missing. Great songwriting, great vocals, and an amazing guitar player.

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not by Arctic Monkeys. Their debut album, which came out in February, is a great album. Don’t believe the hype, believe the music. Great British pop.

Moon by Robert Pollard. I have always had some Pollard release on my list for the past ten years, but I was trying to avoid being too obvious. Plus I think I had From a Compound Eye on my 2005 list since I had an advance copy months in, well, advance. But included with the release of his second solo album in 2006, Normal Happiness, was the live album Moon. This was one of the shows opening for Pearl Jam and the set smokes. This album is outstanding simply for the life it gives already great selections from Normal Happiness and From a Compound Eye. But even better is the amazing version of the GBV staple "Game of Pricks." Find a copy today and listen on repeat.

Of course, if I add a release, I have to remove something, which would probably be the new Flaming Lips. No offense, but it is their weakest effort since Clouds Taste Metallic and was probably more of a comfort choice that a heartfelt choice. But I’ve said enough.

Listen to my iPod:

1. "I Awake" by Soundgarden
2. "Dragon" (Icelandic) by the Sugarcubes
3. "My Sentimental Melody" by the Magnetic Fields
4. "Father & Daughter" by Paul Simon
5. "Your Cover’s Blown" by Belle & Sebastian
6. "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" by the Darkness
7. "Sunglasses After Dark" by the Cramps
8. "Pagan Lovesong" by Virgin Prunes
9. "History Repeating" by Propellerheads
10. "Leaves That Are Green" by Simon & Garfunkel

Bored ?!*@ Like a Suicide

2006-12-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Last week, Axl Rose, of Guns ‘n’ Roses, announced a March 6 release date for the long-delayed follow-up to Use Your Illusion I & II. The album, Chinese Democracy, if it actually appears, will be an interesting event. It is easy to say that ultimately, it will be disappointing. To be blunt, it might even suck.

Personally, I loved Appetite for Destruction, which isn’t actually going that far out on a limb.

I was disappointed by the stop-gap release of GNR Lies. The live stuff was good, but "Patience" was not that good of a song and the rest weren’t even that good.

Then came the Illusions. To me, those two albums are horrible. You might be able to pull ten good songs that would have created an okay album. But, ultimately, the ten best songs from Illusion I & II would have been a disappointing follow-up to such an incendiary debut. Of course, a lot of bands have trouble following up their debut so we could cut them some slack.

So then comes The Spaghetti Incident? Another mediocre stop-gap release.

Then nothing except for the piece-meal dismemberment of the band until only Axl remains. Somehow most scribes always mention Dizzy Reed at this point but he was not an original member, and I’m not really sure what he has contributed to the band’s legacy. Maybe it is Dizzy’s ability to remain invisible musically that has allowed Axl to tolerate him for all these years.

So, here is my question: does anyone care? Is the world ready for Chinese Democracy? I figure the new album will be greeted by a collective shrug.

I think the best thing about this album coming out is that we can finally stop talking about it and Axl.

And, of course, here are the last 10 songs from my iPod.

1. "Annalisa" by Public Image Ltd.
2. "Sleep the Clock Around" by Belle & Sebastian
3. "Sliver" by Nirvana
4. "Someone Like You" (demo) by X
5. "Outside of Town" by the Geraldine Fibbers
6. "Lover’s Rock" by the Clash
7. "Speak, See, Remember" by Pavement
8. "Angelene" by PJ Harvey
9. "One Hundred Years" by the Cure
10. "In My Tree" by Pearl Jam

Top 20 for 2006

2006-12-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

With the year rapidly coming to a close, I figure it is time to give my roundup of favorite releases for the year.

Top 10 for 2006

1. Fox Confessor Brings The Flood by Neko Case – Not only does Neko Case have one of the most amazing voices in pop music today, she finally fulfills the promise hinted at by her previous work.
2. Rabbit Fur Coat by Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins – Never a big fan of Rilo Kiley, but this release is a wonderful collection. A Loretta Lynn for the modern era.
3. Be Your Own Pet by Be Your Own Pet – Still one of the most exciting albums of the year for me. Each time I hear it, it shocks me with how good it is.
4. The Information by Beck – A strong follow up Guero. Beck continues to create great music.
5. The Life Pursuit by Belle & Sebastian – It is easy to say it’s just another B&S album, but what is wrong with that?
6. Passover by the Black Angels – Great stoner-rock album. Up there with Black Mountain’s debut.
7. At War With The Mystics by the Flaming Lips – While still toiling in the shadow of the Soft Bulletin, the Flaming Lips continue to astound. This release, while not perfect, is a joy to listen to.
8. The Eraser by Thom Yorke – Who knew Thom Yorke was working on a solo album? Who knew that the solo album wouldn’t veer too far off of the path laid down by his other band? Who cares? The Eraser is a great record for fans of Kid A or Amnesiac.
9. Ballad of the Broken Seas by Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Simple and beautiful. Two voices that are the Reese’s peanut butter cup of the music world.
10. Broken Boy Soldiers by The Raconteurs – Smoking album. Of course, the band is even better live, but what a great record. Try and resist. I dare you.

Top 10 Reissues, Collections, etc.

1. Orphans by Tom Waits – Three discs of Tom Waits music? The man is astounding. I love "Army Ants" and "Children’s Story."
2. The Singles by The Clash – A beautiful box set of all 19 Clash singles including "This Is England" from Cut the Crap.
3. American Hardcore (soundtrack) – I had a smile on my face from the moment this film started and the soundtrack is a great walk down memory lane with most of the tracks holding up even after all this time.
4. Wowie Zowie – Sordid Sentinels Edition by Pavement – I have waited with baited breath for each deluxe reissue of the Pavement albums and Wowie Zowie, like it’s predecessors, does not disappoint. Trade in your old copies of the first three albums and pick up the reissues.
5. Noise Floor by Bright Eyes – A great odds and sods collection.
6. III by Sebadoh – An album that I never could get my head around when it came out. Strangely, I just sold my old copy a couple of years ago. But this reissue grabbed me and I cannot stop listening to it. I guess an old dog can learn new tricks.
7. The Tragic Treasury by Gothic Archies – Finally. I have been contemplating buying all of the audio books to get these track but instead they have, with two bonus tracks, been collected all on one disc.
8. No Direction Home (soundtrack) by Bob Dylan – Soundtrack to a great documentary. Some of the most engaging Dylan music around.
9. The Top by the Cure – My favorite Cure album given the deluxe treatment. It had to make the list. Too bad most of the extras are mediocre at best. But the album has never sounded better.
10. A Life Less Lived: The Gothic Box (various artists) – A guilty pleasure but a pleasure nonetheless. Not a lot of revelations, but plenty of stray tracks all in one place.

And here are the 10 latest from my iPod:

1. "Black Sails In The Sunset" by Elvis Costello
2. "Open Heart Surgery" by the Brian Jonestown Massacre
3. "Bad Version of War" by Pavement
4. "Everybody’s Happy Nowadays" by the Buzzcocks
5. "Plants & Rags" by PJ Harvey
6. "Tick" by Ween
7. "All Along The Watchtower" by U2
8. "Walkin’ Cane" by the Knitters
9. "Blue Stars" by the Soviettes
10. "Sixteen Blue" by the Replacements

(Untitled)

2006-12-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

The other day I started listening to my iPod starting at the first song and just letting it play. An interesting way to listen to music as opposed to using the ever-popular "Shuffle" function. One obvious by-product of just going in alphabetical order is hearing different versions of the same song one after the other and not always by the same performer. Here Devo then the Rolling Stones cover "(I Can’t Get) No Satisfaction" back-to-back is fun. Of course hearing three versions of "A Certain Romance" by the Arctic Monkeys can be a bit much.

Anyway, to my main point, I noticed an interesting string of songs entitled "(Untitled)." In fact, eleven songs in a row carry this title. Some, of course were musical interludes such as the two tracks from Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory, but some were fully formed songs such as the Smashing Pumkins’ single by the non-name name. Of course, on the actual albums, they aren’t always titled "(Untitled)," sometimes they are simply blank or not even listed. But, for whatever reason, iTunes gives them the titled of "(Untitled)."

And, for no other reason, here they are:

1. (Untitled) by Alice In Chains from Sap
2. (Untitled) by All-Time Quarterback from their self-titled CD
3. (Untitled) by Brendan Benson from One Mississippi
4. (Untitled) by Interpol from KCRW’s Sounds Eclectic 3
5. (Untitled) by Interpol from Turn On The Bright Lights
6. (Untitled) by Oasis from (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
7. (Untitled) by Oasis from (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
8. (Untitled) by Pearl Jam from Yield
9. (Untitled) by R.E.M. from Green
10. (Untitled) by Smashing Pumpkins from Rotten Apples
11. (Untitled) by Sonic Youth from Washing Machine

Maybe Someone Is Trying To Tell You Something

2006-12-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

As per this article, Robert Smith, beloved frontman of the Cure, is suffering writer’s block as the band completes their fourteenth album. Of note in this article is Smith’s apprehension of soiling the band’s legacy by becoming a touring band hawking their greatest hits. Sadly, as a long time fan, I know Smith has had this anxiety for decades. In the mid-eighties he emphatically stated in a lengthy interview in Face magazine that he wanted to go out at the top of his game and not become another Fleetwood Mac. I don’t have the exact quote but that is pretty close. My friends and I thought this was a daring statement of purpose and applauded Smith and Co.

However, this has not been the case as the band has slowly become the next Fleetwood Mac. See, the problem wasn’t commercial viability, which even Fleetwood Mac were at their artistic worst, they were still selling a butt load of records. And that same scenario is true of the Cure. Even as they have continued to produce their most commercially successfully albums, the albums have been progressively worse. Starting with Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Cure albums have been bloated muddled messes that seem to repeat each other.

All I am saying is that if Mr. Smith is facing writer’s block, maybe it is the universe telling him that it is time to hang up his lipstick and mascara.

And in a little twist, instead of having my iPod on shuffle, I just started it at the beginning of the song list and here is the last 10 songs played:

1. "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" by the Stranglers
2. "(Ghost) Riders In The Sky" by Johnny Cash
3. "(Hot Pool Of) Woman Need" by the Cramps
4. "(I’ll Love You) Till The End Of The World" by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
5. "(I’ll Name You) The Flame That Cries" by Guided By Voices
6. "(I’m A) TV Savage" by Bow Wow Wow
7. "(I’m Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear" by Blondie
8. "(I’m Not) Your Stepping Stone" by the Monkees
9. "(I’m Not) Your Stepping Stone" by the Sex Pistols
10. "(I’m Stuck In A Pagoda With) Tricia Toyota" by the Dickies

10 Things I Love About My iPod

2006-12-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Don't have a lot of time today so I figured I'd just post the last ten songs from my iPod. You know the drill.

1. “Spidey’s Wild Ride” by Tom Waits
2. “Rune ‘Em Off” by Merle Haggard
3. “Most Likely You Go Your Way And I’ll Go Mine” by Bob Dylan
4. “Picture In A Frame” by Tom Waits
5. “The New Soft Shoe” by Gram Parsons
6. “The Gospel According to Tony Day” by David Bowie
7. “Box Full of Letters” by Wilco
8. “(This Could Be) The Last Time” by the Who
9. “I Should Have Known Better” by the Beatles
10. “Sea of Teeth” by Sparklehorse

Pollard is Shaking Things Up

2006-12-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

We knew it was coming but it is here: Robert Pollard has, for now, decided to quit touring and performing live. Instead he is focusing on continuing his prodigious recorded output. According to Billboard and Pitchfork, Pollard has seven new releases lined up for 2007 including releases on Merge, Fading Captain, and his new label Record Company Records. Apparently, Fading Captain will be retired with it’s 50th release, a best-of from the label’s output. Record Company Records will take over releasing the former GBV-leaders eclectic side projects. Read more at Billboard.com and Pitchfork.

Here is what my iPod is playing:

1. "Better Save Yourself" by Chris Bell
2. "Wild America" by Iggy Pop
3. "Still Wishing To Course" by Camper Van Beethoven
4. "Bitter-Sweet" by The Venus In Furs
5. "All Together Now" by the Beatles
6. "To Defy the Laws of Tradition" by Primus
7. "Lucky Day" by Tom Waits
8. "You Drive Me Ape (You Big Gorilla)" by the Dickies
9. "Crazy Feeling" by Lou Reed
10. "She’s Always In My Hair" by Prince

I’m Starting To Scare Myself

2006-11-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

I’ve spent that last month or so loading my CD collection onto my computer. Before, I would load something, transfer it to my iPod then delete it from my hard drive. But, I recently got a new iPod for my birthday (black, 80 GB) and decided if I had to reload everything, I might as well do it once and for all. I bought a 320 GB SATA drive to increase my hard drive space on my computer to 400 GB. As Borat would say, "Very nice."

So, long story short, except for some "unofficial" recordings and some box sets, everything is on the computer. Over 15,000 songs.

But here is where I start scaring myself. My friend asked, "So, what are you going to do with all of your CDs?" And for a moment, I thought, "What am I going to do?"

I’ve always been a lover of the product. I don’t want a burned copy of an album with the title written in black Sharpie scrawled across it. I love the whole package. I want to read the liner notes, the lyrics, the credits. I want to own the tangible item. Over the past few years I have reduced my collection, trying to hone it to the essentials. I’ve gotten rid of more than 1,000 CDs towards this purpose and I am always looking for reasons to further thin the herd. But to completely get rid of CDs simply because I have them stored on my computer?

The horror. I mean, "THE HORROR."

Embracing the digital revolution and the iPod was for portability, not to further the obsolesce of CDs. I still consider an "album" as a statement. It should be a unified whole, not purchased for a single.

But with the tragic failure of Tower Records and my (only) monthly sojourns to Ameoba, I cannot always satisfy my need for immediate gratification. So I keep thinking that if I want something, I can just download it from iTunes. Previously, the iTunes store was a way to get "that one song" or take advantage of some of the exclusive offerings, but to download an album instead of going to the store or purchasing from an online retailer seems so antithetical to my whole way of thinking.

And, yet, more and more, that is my way of thinking. As a compromise, I even considered boxing them all up and putting them in the garage.

This madness must stop. I like the way the industry works, or used to. I don’t want everything to be a digital download and artists to focus on single songs. I want albums. I want brick and mortar. I want to look at a new release rack and find something I wasn’t aware of.

And what about my actual vinyl records. I still buy them. Why?

I feel like a dinosaur.

For what it’s worth, here are the last 10 songs played on my iPod:
1. "I Can’t Turn You Loose" by the Plimsouls
2. "Hang My Teeth On Your Door" by 16 Horsepower
3. "Straight to Hell" by the Clash
4. "Stars for Eyes" by Sebadoh
5. "Whiskey Bottle" by Uncle Tupelo
6. "Drinking for Two" by Mudhoney
7. "Fish On (Fisherman Chronicles, Chapter II)" by Primus
8. "Blowin’ In The Wind" by Bob Dylan
9. "In Shades" by Tom Waits
10. "Hungry Wolf" (live) by X

Encores Are Like Dolphins…

2006-10-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

My wife and I went to the Glass House in Pomona to check out Be Your Own Pet on Saturday night (Oct. 21). We arrived a little after 9 p.m. to avoid the opening bands and noticed immediately the lack of pedestrian traffic in the area. Usually, Second Street is cluttered with concert-goers milling about between sets or waiting for opening bands to end. The Glass House is one of the few venues that I know of that allows "Ins-and-outs."

Once we got inside, we realized that the lack of people outside was indicative of the lack of people inside. The house had bisected the room but even that left plenty of room to stand around waiting. Since either Awesome Color or Tall Firs was still playing, we left the venue to check out the Glass House Record Store. Nice store, good prices, enthusiastic employee. My wife picked up a used copy of A Far Out Disc by the Toy Dolls and a Toys That Kill ep for a total of $13.

We sat outside until the opening band ended and then entered the venue. There were probably fifty people in attendance. While we waited, as an apparent concession to the minimal crowd, the band moved all of their equipment off the stage and set up on the floor.

And then the show began. With only two feet (maybe) between the crowd and the band, the show felt like a house party or, at the very least, an instore. The band was great, a tight three piece. And Jemina Pearl is an amazing front-woman, physically pulling the audience into the set and starting the pit by herself. They only played for approximately 35 minutes including "Damn Damn Leash," "Adventure," "Thresher’s Flail," "Bunk Trunk Skunk," "Bicycle, Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle," "Wildcatt," "Stairway to Heaven," and "Bog."

Of course, after such a short set, the audience demanded an encore, which the band granted with Jemina’s caveat "Encores are like dolphins, in other words, gay."

With that, I beg you to check out one of the more interesting debuts of the year and one of the most invigorating live acts around.

Here is the latest from my iPod:

1. "On Your Side" by Pete Yorn
2. "Capers" by the Birthday Party
3. "Ch-Check It Out" by Beastie Boys
4. "Scarlet Pussy" by Prince
5. "Vibrations in the Woods" by Robert Pollard
6. "Misinformed" by Soul Coughing
7. "See You" by Foo Fighters
8. "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" by the Smiths
9. "Warrior" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
10. "Adult Books" by X

Eulogy

2006-10-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

I worked at Tower Records from April 1990 to December 2000. It was fun for about two or three years, then it became a job. And for five years or more it was a good job. Then it became a bad job and eventually I quit. And when I quit I sent an email to the whole chain, every employee, explaining why I quit and what I thought the company was doing wrong. I don’t know if I was right, but I know Tower Records is shutting its door and being sold off piece by piece.

I wanted to take this opportunity as a music fan to say that Tower will be missed. Sure, I hadn’t shopped there as much as I used to, preferring Amoeba and online shopping but Tower was still a good place to find stuff when you needed to.

More importantly for me is the memories of the time I spent there. I had some great times. From my first day when I met Greg Creel and Matt Libatique. I was trained on the register by Michlle Motta. She had the word “Skins” tattooed the inside of her lower lip. There are too many great times that might not mean anything to anyone else. Even going to the bank to get change with Mark Yourst was a blast. We’d go the liquor store on the way back and by junk food, soda and, sometimes, alcohol. Because, it was okay to drink the back room. Mike Hogan was my almost-first roommate, but his apartment was where I began to drink in earnest.

We went to a lot of shows when music was very interesting: Nirvana, Primus, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, the Ramones, Bad Religion, Hole, Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam, Fugazi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Rollins Band, Firehose, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., Metallica, and more, more, more.

I worked at three different stores: Brea, Costa Mesa Lab, and Anaheim. All were different but all had their moments.

I just want to thank the people I worked with for a one of a kind experience. Greg "Grog" Creel, Matthew “Mutt” Libatique, Mike Hogan, Pete Graham (wherever you are), Tommy Hoyt, Mark Yourst, Larry Salzman, Steve Miller, Craig Larsen Ballam, Schnoz, Michelle Motta, Dave Reyes, Martha Lopez, Melanie, Linda Meacham, “Jill“ Watts Yoshizawa, Carolyn Kitchens, Shannon, Jim, Leann, Royer, Diane, Kari, Justice, McMillan, Jamie Lurtz, Hiba Kulazovic, Tyrone Flournoy, Tim Schwab, Heather, Cathy, Rodney Metoyer, Venus, Alex, Dave, Rick, Brian Q, Kim and whomever I have forgotten (I am sorry). It is amazing how many names I have forgotten. I picture faces but it is a big blur.

Of course, two of my best friends I met at Tower even though they didn’t work there at the time: Craig and Ty (they were sales reps).

I could go on, but ultimately, I grew up at Tower Records, I met friends, met girls, heard new music, saw great shows, and it will be missed.