everybody's down

Not only are No Age the face of the Los Angeles underground, but they're easily my favorite band of 2007. Their perfect 'diamond in the rough' blend of lo-fi bombast meets artsy pop made quite a splash at last month's CMJ festival and their Sub Pop contract and new material show no signs of slowing down.

"Everybody's Down" - the standout from this years' Weirdo Rippers LP is two-chord rock at its finest (although the best part of the song is the one time Randy hits that third chord.) This is the 4th song of November's mix, and is what's beautiful about living in L.A. To know this song you have to see it live, so here's the next best thing:

lovers who uncover

This song showed up on my radar awhile back in the form of another Crystal Castles remix. I kind of like the original better - which is rare for a CC remix. Little Ones are from around these parts and this song is pretty much all I know of them. They're currently touring other countries with Kaiser Chiefs, becoming popular, and all that good stuff.


The video has some sweet shots of my dream Fender Jaguar guitar and sort a cute concept, so check it out:

be set free

A little Langhorne love this morning:

run to your graves

November's second installment comes in the form of The Mae Shi's poppiest number "Run To Your Graves." Due out on their upcoming release HLLLYH, this has been a live staple of theirs for awhile now and always a fan favorite. Having randomly walked into their performances numerous times when I've been there to see other acts, this is the band I've probably seen 'by accident' more than any other band.
If you're unfamiliar with the band here's an introduction from their Myspace:

If you are just hearing of us now, you missed out on four records and 250 shows of busted electronics, spazzier-than-fuck drums, crazy-ass boogie guitar, distorted caveman bass and throat-destroying vocals. You missed us playing in 100 different basements and garages to 100s of different kids. You missed our 59-minute-long debut EP and our 5RC debut full-length, Terrorbird, which was a hyper ADD-afflicted hip-hop concept album about monsters and the Old Testament. You missed six different home-screened t-shirt designs and our 2004 mix tape, which collected our favorite 1200 songs in under 80 minutes. You missed Heartbeeps, which was the next step in our self-improvement plan, in which we put our best foot forward and tried to state our case powerfully and succinctly in 15 minutes.

Here's the brand new video (released last week) for Run To Your Graves featuring members of the band, HEALTH, 14 Year Old Girls, and DJ Kyle H. Mabson. Pretty fun concept, so enjoy:

November 2007

TADA! After a three-plus month hiatus, TapeRock is back just in time for the month of November's mixtape. I apologize to all (two) of you who were looking forward to the August, September, and October installments but we'll start up right where we left off...

This month our mix is going to be made up of songs from L.A. based bands. There are so many great bands that have been a mainstay in our scene out here as well as tons of up and comers. Expect some changes around here in the coming weeks, especially once I get my new computer up and running at home.

Our first song for November has been one of my favorites for a couple months. It's a remix of an L.A. band via a non-L.A. band - so it still counts as local. HEALTH vs. Crystal Castles - Crimewave is the track. HEALTH is a band that's been apart of the L.A. scene for awhile now. Head over to their MySpace if you don't know what they're all about or even read this terrific interview from WeShotJR. This song was the catchiest song of the summer and I'm excited for some of you to hear it if you haven't yet. It's one of those songs that makes you want to hit the Play button once it's over.

FUCK YEAH FEST IV!

July Mix - 15. Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues

For the final song of the Album Opener Mix I had to go with what I know best. Dylan does album openers better than anyone - he always has great songs at track #1. "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are A-Changin'," "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" to name a few were all album openers. Hell, Rolling Stone magazine's #1 song of all-time "Like a Rolling Stone" was one of Dylan's A1's. I picked this one, "Subterranean Homesick Blues" because it's an all-time favorite of mine and also because it's a nice compact, upbeat number perfectly suited for the mix tape format. Check out the seminal video for this song from D.A. Pennebaker's doc "Don't Look Back":

This concludes our July Mix. Expect a download link as soon as I get moved into my new place and compile all the songs...

July Mix - 14. Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

There isn't a lot to say about this song because it's an obvious pick for the mix. When I heard this album before all of the hype, this was by far the stand out track to me. A classic beginning to what has become a classic album already. I'm not a big fan of their latest effort, but this record will go down as one of the best of the 00's. This will be a good lead in to our last song. Tune in tomorrow for the official final July tracklist. Here's the music video for it:

New Weakerthans Song!

I'm kind of surprised to see this band getting some music blog love. I've appreciated The Weakerthans since high school but their brand of poppy alt. country rock can teeter into whiny territory and thus attract the haters. This song, "Night Windows" is the first leak from their upcoming release Reunion Tour on Epitaph Records. It sounds like the good ol' Weakerthan sound and I'm glad for it. Pretty slow and shiny, the band waits until the end of the song to release the hook and the title lyric. Definitely worth a listen (or two.) Reunion Tour due out 9/25.

Joanna Newsome Playing LA With Orchestra

Joanna Newsom appears to be next in line for the latest fad in indie music - going orchestral. So far the harpist has 4 U.S. orchestral dates scheduled including one at L.A.'s Walt Disney Music Hall. According to Pitchfork she is touring with a 28 piece ensemble (I'm assuming she will not be using the L.A. Phil like Decemberists and Bright Eyes.) The show is slated for November 9th. Her sound lends itself to this sort of spectacle and you can bet I'll be in attendance. In the meantime check out this video of her solo performance of (my favorite of her songs) "Sadie." It's funny to hear such an uproarious reception to such a soft and pretty song. The last verse of this song is to die for...

July Mix - 13. Wolf Parade - You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son

This song comes off one of my favorite records of 2005 Apologies To The Queen Mary and sets off one of the best one-two punches to start an album I can think of. "You Are a Runner..." begins with a punchy kick/open hi-hat drum beat and sets the tone for the rest of the album. This is a perfect place in the mix for this song with it coming off the heels of Modest Mouse's track. Isaac Brock is responsible for signing this band and produced most of the album (and you can tell WP borrowed a lot from him, especially vocal stylings.)

Zach Galifianakis and Will Oldham - Can't Tell Me Nothin'

Via KanyeWest.com: In another brilliant move by Kanye West to garner indie blog attention, he has commissioned funnyman Zach Galifianakis and folkster Will Oldham to redo his music video for "Can't Tell Me Nothin'." The original video and single was catching a lot of flak, because, well they both kind of suck. This video parodies the seriousness of the song, and seeing Kanye's more lighthearted side makes me like the single more. Even though he doesn't appear in the video, I've read that the spoof was his idea. Check it out for yourself here at KanyeWest.com. It's worth the couple minutes especially for fans of Zach's. If you watch you can catch Will cracking up in the silhouette shots.

July Mix - 12. Modest Mouse - 3rd Planet

I originally wanted to include "Teeth Like God's Shoe Shine" off of The Lonesome Crowded West, but at six minutes plus, it breaks every rule for a mix tape. "3rd Planet" is a classic Modest Mouse track and has always been one of my personal favorites and The Moon and Antarctica is their second best album. This song is the perfect way to kick off the album and will make for a great addition to the mix.

Ben Kweller Will Play All 3 Albums in LA

In the wake of the Pitchfork Music Festival getting classic indie bands to play their magnum opuses (sp?) in their entirety (Sonic Youth's Daydream Nation or The GZA's Liquid Swords) Ben Kweller announced that he's going to do something similar in NY and LA. Over the course of a three night stint at The Echo, Ben will play Sha Sha the first night, I'm On My Way the second night, and the newer self-titled album on the third night. For 18 bucks you can see just one album, or for 50 bucks (yikes) you can buy a pass for all three. Click here if you're interested in buying said tickets. The NY shows are already sold out (besides the I'm On My Way show. Ha!) I'm definitely going to check out the Sha Sha show.

Fuck Yeah Fest in L.A. Times

Today's Times edition features a writeup of Echo Park's Summer music festival. Fuck Yeah Fest takes place this August and with bands like Deerhunter and The Explosion slated to play, the Los Angeles mass media is taking some notice. Read the article here. We're all still waiting to hear who the "special guest" will be, who is supposedly being announced the week of the shows. For the time being check out this Deerhunter music video for their song "Lake Somerset" off the newest LP Cryptograms. If you don't know anything about this band click here and read up, their controversy is actually more interesting than their music.

July Mix - 11. Joanna Newsom - Bridges and Balloons

The fact that Joanna Newsom is such a divisive artist has baffled me for a couple years now. I was in love with her lyrical imagery, her musicianship, and her one-of-a-kind voice from the first half of a song that I heard of hers. But I have met more than a handful of people that just plain cannot stand her - and I honestly don't see how. This song opens up one of my favorite albums of 2004, The Milk Eyed Mender. The melodies that Newsom weaves throughout this song (and the entire album) are remarkable. There is also a Colin Meloy (Decemberists) cover of this song that is pretty great as well. Check out both (live) versions of the song for yourself:
Joanna:

Colin (live in studio):

Jeff Mangum: Live At Jittery Joe's

I came across this album today while surfing through a co-workers iTunes library and was baffled as to how this slipped through the cracks for me all these years. Recorded in 1997 and released 2001, this album was released to try and capitalize on eBay sales of bootlegged Neutral Milk Hotel concerts. The sound quality is higher than the typical bootleg but still has a rustic and authentic "live" feel that gives Mangum's voice and guitar the perfect saturation. Here's a cut off the album, one of NMH's classics "Two Headed Boy" complete with baby/child screaming in the background (and the first time the child chimes in it's so perfectly timed, it feels staged.)

New Vanderslice Song, Album Drops Tomorrow

With John Vanderslice's new album Emerald City hitting stores tomorrow there's been a lot of buzz today. I found this new song called "Tablespoon of Codeine" that is being tagged as the "centerpiece" of the album. Featuring an ethereal soundscape and some nuanced drum loops this song is laden with interesting instrumentals. The song starts innocent enough but slowly becomes more urgent and dissonant before dying out to the lone piano and drum loop. Pretty cool effort from JV, but I'll be more excited to hear it in context with the rest of the record. Check it out for yourself:

July Mix - 10. Pixies - Debaser

From their 1989 release, Doolittle, Pixies' "Debaser" is one of those songs that was ahead of its time. Going back and listening to it this morning, I realize that this is what every single band on the radio back in 1996 sounded like (a good 7 years or so after its release.) There are some bands that are still ripping off the Pixies and this song even today. There's a really cool article on Wiki about the album and also about this particular song. You can check out all the details for yourself if you'd like. Here's the music video for the song:

The Good Life Divulge New LP Info

I've been waiting to hear this news ever since the day I bought The Good Life's last release, Album of the Year. I've always been a Cursive supporter, but over the last couple years I have become more of a Good Life fan and have yet had the chance to see them live. I'm excited to hear that they plan on releasing an EP (Heartbroke) before the LP (Help Wanted Nights) in true Saddle Creek fashion. The last EP precursor to Album of the Year has my favorite song of theirs on it so the new 7'' has a lot to live up to. Pitchfork released the tracklisting for both releases today:

Help Wanted Nights:

01 On the Picket Fence
02 A Little Bit More
03 Heartbroke
04 You Share of Men
05 You Don't Feel Like Home to Me
06 Keely Aimee
07 Playing Dumb
08 Some Tragedy
09 So Let Go
10 Rest Your Head

Heartbroke:

01 Heartbroke
02 Thirty-Year Evaluation

No song has been posted as of yet, but in the meantime check out my aforementioned fav off of the Lovers Need Lawyers EP called "Always a Bridesmaid"

New Kanye Artwork

Via KanyeWest.com: Here's the new artwork for Kanye's latest single "Stronger." Click here to check out the music video. This has me pumped for the unveiling of Graduation artwork.

July Mix - 9. Ben Kweller - How It Should Be (Sha Sha)

Ben Kweller's "Sha Sha" was meant to be the first song for Side B of the tape, but I kind of forgot to put it in slot 7 or 8 so there might be a slight edit in the ordering of things. I had always thought that this was a cool way to open an album, with an extremely catchy, goofy, and short song. It only clocks in at somewhere around 1:30. This album is one of those CD's I've never really gotten tired of. I never played it out like I've done with so many other things, so I can still go back and listen to it every once in a while. Here's a live recording of Ben playing it in Cincinnati:

Coming Attractions: Plastic Little

Friday night Philly's Plastic Little is hitting The Echoplex for the bi-monthly Check Yo' Ponytail dance party. Known more for their raunchy lyrics than their flow, this group seems like they're going to be a trip to see. Any rap song that samples The Cure's "Close To Me" is a-okay in my book. Friday's bill at the Echplx also includes Thunderheist from Montreal and a couple DJ's. Check out Plastic Little's "The Jumpoff":

Fuck Yeah Fest IV (2007) Lineup Announced!

I've been keeping a keen eye on the FYF MySpace in hopes of a lineup announcement, and the list was posted yesterday.... annnnnd it's going to be sweet. Lavender Diamond, Dillinger Four, The Mae Shi, Langhorne Slim highlight Saturday and Deerhunter, No Age, Pissed Jeans, Best Fwends, xBxRx highlight Sunday. Here's a look at the full list:

Saturday, August 25th
The Explosion
Lavender Diamond
Dillinger Four
Busdriver
Boom Bip
Entrance
American Stee
The Mae Shi
The Fleshies
Bobby Birdman
Residual Echoes
Imaad Wasif
Times New Viking
Hit Me Back
Thee More Shallows
Langhorne Slim
Greg Ashely of Gris Gris
Partyline (members of Bratmobile)
Brother Reade
Wooden Shjips
Love or Perish
Devon Williams
Luke Top
Sabertooth Tiger
Sleepover
+many more

Sunday, August 26th
Deerhunter
Indian Jewelry
No Age
Midnight Movies
Jay Reatard
Pissed Jeans
xBxRx
Darker My Love
Foreign Born
The Nice Boys
Great Northern
Triclops
Red Fang
Best Fwends
Vultures (San Diego)
Moonrats
Rumspringa
The Strange Boys
Abe Vigoda
Bad Dudes
Jail Wedding
+ many many more TBA.

July Mix - 8. Talking Heads - Psycho Killer (Live)

I feel like the record version of this song has had a resurgence of sorts in my life and is getting closed to becoming played out - but not this version. This live take, which is the opening track from the Heads' 1983 live release Stop Making Sense is nothing short of brilliant. Featuring just David Byrne and a boombox on stage, this song and performance was a precursor to a lot of today's bands that mix prerecorded material with live instrumentation. If you know the studio version of this song but not this one, you're in for a treat. Check out the video above from the Stop Making Sense DVD.

Coming Attractions: Vampire Weekend

I just came across Vampire Weekend recently and they've got a very distinct (and cool) sound. I had read Fela Kuti meets The Strokes, but I hear more Talking Heads and Paul Simon meets (insert any number of current dance punk band here.) They are slated to play The Silverlake Lounge tonight with Eastern Conference Champions. After tonight's gig, the band heads north to San Fran for a sold out date with The Shout Out Louds. Check out my favorite song of theirs, Oxford Comma:

July Mix - 7. Spoon - Everything Hits At Once

In honor of tonight's secret Spoon show at Little Radio (that I'm still currently waiting to hear back on whether I'm going or not) I've selected their opening track off 2001's Girls Can Tell. This song embodies everything that I like about this band - interesting arrangements and instrumentation coupled with a funky feel. This is from my second favorite Spoon record but it's their best album opener. It's also a good change of pace for the mix. Check out this really cool animated video for the song:

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tonight's show.

Bright Eyes Animations

Via saddlecreek.com: Polydor Records has commissioned 5 animators to make short videos for songs off of Bright Eyes' latest release Cassadaga. The songs are "I Must Belong Somewhere," "Clairaudients," "Lime Tree," "No One Would Riot For Less," and "Soul Singer in a Session Band." So far I've only seen the "I Must Belong Somewhere" one and it's pretty cool. Check out the story and links to all the videos here at DigitalArts.

Weekend Concert Roundup: Los Angeles

Friday, July 13th
Icarus Line @ El Cid
Os Mutantes, Busdriver @ El Rey Theatre
Shitting Glitter, Death By Doll @ Pehrspace
David Vandervelde, Blitzen Trapper @ Spaceland
Lemon Sun @ The Echo
Glassjaw @ The Glass House
The Muslims, Soft Hands, The A.M., Anchors For Architects @ The Smell
The 88, The Satisfaction @ Troubadour

Saturday, July 14th
Jessica Fichot @ Amoeba Music- Hollywood
Bitter:Sweet, Meiko, Basa Band @ El Rey Theatre
Divisadero, The Devils, Romantics, Meredith Meyer, Love, Christine @ Pehrspace
The Rentals, Goldenboy, Kyle Chipman @ Spaceland
Howlin' Rain, Citay, The Moon Upstairs @ The Echo
Hard Place, Laco$te, Ponce De Leon, Guam, Duchess of Tek @ The Scene
DiGiTS, Cryptacize, I Think I Did Something Wrong, Duhkha @ The Smell
Persephone's Bees, Something for Rockets @ Troubadour

Artist Spotlight: The Teeth

I went to see Dr. Dog play last night at the Echo and was treated to an opening set by labelmates The Teeth. This Philly quartet is comprised of old time rock 'n roll sensibility with some good natured goofiness. Their command of the stage came from not only tight-knit rocking out, but also from the lead guitarists' extraordinary handlebar mustache. It looked like one of those fake ones you'd see in an amateur video project, yet I'm almost positive it's real. They put out a new LP called You're My Lover Now about a month ago and it's a really great album. Check out their music video for the song "So Long," where you can see that glorious mustache in full form:

M. Ward & "The Go Getter"

I just saw the yet-to-be-released movie "The Go Getter" the other night and I really enjoyed it. The movie stars Lou Pucci (Thumbsucker) and Zooey Deschanel with a smaller role from Jena Malone. Merge Records folkstar M. Ward did most of the soundtrack and even had a really quick cameo in the film. The rest of the soundtrack is flushed out with a couple Black Keys licks and an Elliott Smith song. The movie has yet to nail down distribution, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time until this one hits major cities. Check out the MySpace. Here's part of the tracklist I've been able to dig up thus far:

1. M. Ward - Vincent O'Brien
2. M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel - When I Get to the Border (Richard and Linda Thompson cover)
3. Elliott Smith - Coast to Coast
4. The Black Keys - 10 AM Automatic

July Mix - 6. Weezer - My Name is Jonas

I'm not sure that any album over the course of my life has helped shape my musical palate as much as Weezer's Blue Album. I remember that BMG scam of a CD club had sent the CD to my older sister back in 1994 and upon first listen I promptly stole it from her. The opening track "My Name is Jonas" was slated to be the third single off the record but at the last minute "Say It Ain't So" was chosen instead. The acoustic intro to the song takes the listener in one direction and as soon as the distorted guitars kick in with the vocals, it yanks the listener in another direction. The call and response on this song work really well and it's one of the very few songs that original guitarist Jason Cropper had writing credits for (he came up with the acoustic pieces.) Check out Rivers' haircut in this live vid from the 2000 Warped Tour:

Spoon to Play "Secret" L.A. Date

This post is coming a day too late, but I thought it was newsworthy anyways. Amoeba announced earlier last week that Spoon will be playing a "secret" show in Los Angeles. According to their website:

Spoon will be playing a secret show in Los Angeles on July 16th.

On July 10th at Amoeba Music in Hollywood, the first 150 people who
purchase Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (CD or LP) will receive a coupon from Merge
Records that will admit you to this very special (and secret) 21 and over
show!

One ticket per CD purchased. The coupon will explain how to register
with them to attend the show. Quantities are limited to the first 150
CDs/LPs purchased -- while they last!

The event is rumored to be going on at the home of Summer Camp, Little Radio (says Pitchfork) but I can't find anything about it on their official site. In the meantime, check out their vid for the new single "The Underdog":

Stars Release New Album 4 Days Upon Completion

In another example of how Indies are much better at evolving than the Majors, Art & Crafts announced today that they are releasing the new Stars' album In Our Bedroom After the War today for legal downloading - only four days after wrapping!. From a Blogpost on Stars' MySpace:

We believe that the line between the media and the public is now completely grey. What is the difference between a writer for a big glossy music magazine and a student writing about their favourite bands on their blog? What differentiates a commercial radio station from someone adding a song to their lastfm channel? or their myspace page?

As such, we are making the new Stars album available for legal download today, four days after it's completion. The CD and double vinyl versions of the album will still be released on our official release date, September 25th. We hope you will continue to support music retailers should a physical album in all it's packaged glory be your choice of format.

You can buy the new album by clicking here.

July Mix - 5. Billy Bragg and Wilco - Airline to Heaven

This song comes from 2000's Billy Bragg and Wilco collaboration Mermaid Avenue Vol II. The idea behind these releases is pretty cool - giving the words of Woody Guthrie to Wilco and folksinger Billy Bragg and seeing what kinds of songs they could come up with. The opening track, "Airline to Heaven" is my favorite off of this release and one of my favorite songs by Wilco overall. It displays one of the prettier melodies of Jeff Tweedy's and it works really well against the chugging beat of the music. The slide guitar solo in some of the live versions I've heard is mind-blowing. Whenever I hear this song, it's usually stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Check out a live video from a 2006 concert in Duluth MN:

Somebody Please Buy Dan Deacon Another Shirt

Last Saturday in New York City
June 16th, when I saw him in L.A.
Dan in Dallas, June 13th

July Mix - 4. Radiohead - Airbag

I was going to save this one for later on in the mix, but I think this theme leads to enough quality material that I don't really need to hold back. In honor of Stereogum's Tribute and the 10 year anniversary of OK Computer last week, Radiohead's "Airbag" is batting cleanup in the 4 spot. The song is about the feeling of having a near accident, and suddenly having this rush that life is all that more precious. The opening riff paired with the sleigh-bells kicks the song off powerfully, and Thom almost didn't get away with including the bells - the rest of the band was against them. I always am so enthralled to hear Radiohead studio tales, because with the way the songs turn out, it seems to be such a mystic recording experience. This album is in my top 4 favorite of all time and I absolutely love everything about this song. Here's a pretty cool live video of them performing the song back in 1997:

Stereogum's OK Computer Tribute

Those guys over at Stereogum are up to some cool shit these days. Today, in commemoration of Radiohead's OK Computer's 10 Year Anniversary (has it really been 10 years?! Jesus) Stereogum has presented us with an album of covers by some interesting indie acts. It even comes complete with notes from each band/artist that performed the cover. Pretty neat stuff. My personal favorite so far is the John Vanderslice electronic twist of "Karma Police", but I'm only halfway through the album. Doveman's "Airbag" is also a very beautiful piano-based rendition. I suggest you check it out by clicking here!

Decemberists - Los Angeles I'm Yours (w/ L.A. Phil)

YouTube's best sounding clip of The Decemberists performing with the LA Philharmonic last Saturday at the Hollywood Bowl. This song is pretty cool and the orchestra add a lot of oomph to it. I'm excited to see Bright Eyes perform with them as well later this summer. Check out this Playlist that someone set up on YouTube to view most of the songs from this show.

Chromatics - Night Drive

I picked this song up via 20 Jazz Funk Greats and I haven't stopped listening to it all day. This song makes me wish that I was driving around at night doing things that I'm not supposed to be doing (and acting like it's no big deal.) I also think this would be a great film intro song from something in the mid-80's. I think I like this one better than that Bats For Lashes song I came across last week, and I wish this would get the same type of artsy music video treatment. Check it out!:

Chromatics: Night Drive

July Mix - 3. Beastie Boys - Sure Shot

The Beastie Boys' Ill Communication will always be in my top 5 hip-hop albums of all time. The opening track, "Sure Shot" is debatably the best song on the album (I'd also make a case for "Root Down" as well.) Sure Shot's classic intro of that weird dog-like noise into a Jeremy Steig flute sample can instantly take most of my generation back to 1994. This song was the gateway to the most badass thing my 11 year old ears had ever heard. Check out the classic music video:

Weekend Concert Roundup: Los Angeles

Friday July 6th
Rocco Deluca & the Burden @ Henry Fonda Theater
The Monolators, The Amateurs, The Cat Hair Ensemble @ Mr. T's Bowl
Hand Over Heart, Charlemagne, The Meemies, The Sister Ruby Band @ Pehrspace
Bloodcat Love, Crash Hot, The '87 Stick Up Kids @ Spaceland
Captain Ahab, The Death Set, Ponytail, Double Plus Good, Nosaj Thing @ The Smell
Mad Caddies, Cobra Skulls @ Troubadour

Saturday, July 7th
The Decemberists, Band of Horses, Andrew Bird @ Hollywood Bowl
The Rentals, Goldenboy, Shana Levy (of Lets go Sailing) @ Spaceland

July Mix - 2. The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

The opening and title track off of what a lot of critics consider the most influential rock 'n roll album of all time deserves a spot on our July mix. The song was written by Paul but credited to both Paul and John. This opening song introduces Paul's 'role playing' concept for the whole record and let the listener know right off the bat that something a little different is going on here. This isn't the best song off the record by far, in fact at a paltry 2:02, some people would consider it merely an "intro" - but there's just something about that opening rip-roaring guitar tone that makes this song necessary for our July mix. Here's the video from the Yellow Submarine movie:

YouTube Evidence: Avril Lavigne Steals

Via Ms. Lisa Kelley: Avril Lavigne is being sued by the 70's pop group The Rubinoos for allegedly stealing their hook for the song "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" - and this YouTube video is blatant proof. Her representatives at Nettwerk Music Group are denying all claims of copyright infringement - but reports are saying they'll probably end up settling anyways. According to the Billboard article, Lavigne's manager Terry McBride says, "Our musicologist says there is no similarities of melody, choral progression or meter." Check it out for yourself...yikes!

No Age on an Etch-a-sketch

At least they have good taste in music? I think this same dude tried to hit on my friends with an Etch-a-sketch once at a bar...

Another New Pornos Track - Myriad Harbor

The New Pornographers have released another song from their upcoming release Challengers. The song is called "Myriad Harbor" and is written by the other songwriter in the band, Dan Bejar. It's unlike anything else I've heard from the band and I really like it. Three part vocals, subtle string arrangements, and retro jangly guitar tones make for a sweet mix - plus a woodblock(?) The record comes out August 21st.

Good Stuff: The New Pornographers - Myriad Harbor

July Mix - 1. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit

There's a lot of pressure in selecting the opening track to an Opening Track themed mix tape. So I went the safe route and chose the most obvious song for the spot. For anyone in my generation "Smells Like Teen Spirit" should be a little special. Even if you don't like the song - you still have to respect what it did for pop music. Now I know the sounds of Teen Spirit had been heard before this song came out, but never by such a wide audience. Having heard a couple people in the music industry recount their stories of exactly where they were when they first heard this song on the radio makes it even more seminal to me. Anyways, you've heard it all before - so here's the music video:

July Mix Tape - Album Openers

Every great record has to have a great opening track. It's the first sounds a listener hears when first turning on a new album. Record labels pore over every minute detail when coming up with a tracklist, and it is no accident as to which song will end up in the #1 slot. I think this will be a fun theme because it'll give us a chance to explore some classic albums and explore the reasoning behind sequence selection. Also - opening tracks usually lend themselves to some upbeat and attention getting jams. E-mail, facebook, or comment on here with any suggestions you may have for July. June mixes will be available to download tonight, so stay tuned for a link.

Bright Eyes and the State of the Nation: MTV Video

On MTV.com right now, they are running an MTV News special on Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. The video is actually pretty cool, with John Norris interviewing Oberst about politics, songwriting, and the future. Well worth the five minutes to watch it. You can check it out here. It even features some vintage video and sound clips (albeit very short) of the pre-'MTV gives a shit' days of Bright Eyes.

Motherfuckin' Deathset!

The DeathSet this Friday with Ponytail at The Smell! Only 5 bucks... Check out the song "Intermission" from their new 7'' out on Modular UK:

Tape Deck, Select
Burning Wreck, Broken Neck,
Dirty Speck, Bitches Wet,
Motherfucking DeathSet!
In your eye, weapons fly,
Don't even try to feel our size,
Wonder why the people cry
The Motherfuckin' DeathSet!

The DeathSet - Intermission

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Coming Attractions: Ponytail

Another awesome Baltimore noise-punk outfit, Ponytail is scheduled to play Friday at The Smell with The Deathset. These guys play a spastic blend of free flowing jazz and rock with inane screechings by vocalist Molly Siegal - and somehow it all seems to work. Bursting with energy, the foursome rip through each song like their lives depend on it. Pitchfork gave their debut an impressive 8.1 and in the article reviewer Jess Harvel makes a good stab at someone who takes their music too seriously:

"When the music blog Idolator recently posted one of the band's songs, a grouch beefed in the comments box that they didn't have, like, a point. To which I'd say: if p-p-p-pure energy isn't reason enough for a rock band to exist, check your pulse and/or your stated reasons for liking music (or being alive) in the first place."

Check out their song "Lion Down" from the Monitor Records release, Kamehameha:

New Rilo Kiley Video - The Moneymaker

I know everyone else is reporting on this video this morning, but I couldn't resist putting in my own two cents. Everything about this story is really slick, except for maybe the actual song. Warner Bros. Records' concept behind the whole marketing scheme is pretty cool. The idea of creating a faux porn site to "release" the new video, making the viewer sift through almost 10 minutes of porn-star interviews and then the actual video are all kind of a neat, um, package - but it still doesn't make the song any better. I have to commend Rilo Kiley for trying out something different - their last three or so albums have all been made up of the same aural palette. I just wish that this "different sound" was good, because I really like this band. I guess the fact that I keep waiting for Jenny to bust into the BeeGees' "Stayin Alive" at every chorus might have something to do with it. Check it out for youself by clicking here... you can actually skip through the interviews by sliding the little green thing about 5/7's of the way through.