The last few weeks since returning from Barcelona have been quiet for me. Very few new full length releases have interested me into a purchase, so I have taken to picking up some EPs to test the waters.
The best of the batch is an EP from the Aussie band JET. Released back in May, "Dirty Sweet" is a great prequel to their Oct 7th (US) full length. Likened to the Rolling Stones and The Who, JET descends into that very popular 70's rock sound while adding a touch of garage noise to the image...
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Added some new Kompakt releases to The List. Both are well worth the money and continue in the long held Kompakt tradition of releasing premium compilations.
Monday, September 22, 2003
Back from Barca
3 weeks is a long time but not long enough on the coast of Spain.
Below is a link to some amazing street art/graf that I photographed. Though not music related, it warrants sharing with you all.
Barcelona Street Art/Graf
3 weeks is a long time but not long enough on the coast of Spain.
Below is a link to some amazing street art/graf that I photographed. Though not music related, it warrants sharing with you all.
Barcelona Street Art/Graf
Friday, August 22, 2003
Turin Brake's Ether Songs does the sinus good
Being sick in the dead heat of the summer is as catastrophic as being trapped in Solvenia wihtout some hard techno. Luckily the boys of Turin Brakes are here to help.
Ether Song is their latest release with a more uptempo vibe than their freshman release, The Optimist.
So far the new record has been good to me as I battle this sinus infection. Oly and Gale's vocals; though not as soothing as Vapor Rub, do help settle the mind.
Worthy of a listen. Track of choice on Ether Song: Self Help.
Someone send me some drops please.
Being sick in the dead heat of the summer is as catastrophic as being trapped in Solvenia wihtout some hard techno. Luckily the boys of Turin Brakes are here to help.
Ether Song is their latest release with a more uptempo vibe than their freshman release, The Optimist.
So far the new record has been good to me as I battle this sinus infection. Oly and Gale's vocals; though not as soothing as Vapor Rub, do help settle the mind.
Worthy of a listen. Track of choice on Ether Song: Self Help.
Someone send me some drops please.
Saturday, August 16, 2003
1001 Tracks Should You Download
Cool thread beginning on the I Love Music forums. I've added a few of my picks.
Dig in and lay claim to some of your favorites.
i love music thread: 1001 Tracks Should You Download Before You Die(TM) ???
(http://ilx.wh3rd.net/thread.php?msgid=3778244)
Cool thread beginning on the I Love Music forums. I've added a few of my picks.
Dig in and lay claim to some of your favorites.
i love music thread: 1001 Tracks Should You Download Before You Die(TM) ???
(http://ilx.wh3rd.net/thread.php?msgid=3778244)
Thursday, August 07, 2003
More compression
With my CD's now properly stored,the time has come to re-examine why my 10GB iPod is full. The nemesis of the iPod looks to be the 192MP3.
Running out of room on this device was something I never thought would happen, but it has. in the beginning of my love affari with the iPod, I promised it that I would never allow for anything lower than 192MP3 to be decoded by the device. To my dismay, the "standard" MP3 encoding rate is a space killer. It sounds better than the lower rates. Hands down. Luckily Apple may be changing all that with AAC. Smaller files that sound comprable to 192? Even I didnt believe it until I tested.
After a long ordeal A/B sampling a variety of music between 128/160AAC and 192MP3, I can honestly say that I really dont hear a difference. 128AAC really sounds as good as a 192MP3; at least to my ears No arguments please. This is simply what I have concluded.
So as much as it irks me, I am re-encoding everything slowly (sans the Radiohead records and my MFSL CDs which will stay at 320MP3) into Apple's preferred 128AAC format. Some quick math show me to be emancipating about 2GB of space. Easily 50 more CDs into the iPod. I hope the ordeal is worth it. Pray for me...
With my CD's now properly stored,the time has come to re-examine why my 10GB iPod is full. The nemesis of the iPod looks to be the 192MP3.
Running out of room on this device was something I never thought would happen, but it has. in the beginning of my love affari with the iPod, I promised it that I would never allow for anything lower than 192MP3 to be decoded by the device. To my dismay, the "standard" MP3 encoding rate is a space killer. It sounds better than the lower rates. Hands down. Luckily Apple may be changing all that with AAC. Smaller files that sound comprable to 192? Even I didnt believe it until I tested.
After a long ordeal A/B sampling a variety of music between 128/160AAC and 192MP3, I can honestly say that I really dont hear a difference. 128AAC really sounds as good as a 192MP3; at least to my ears No arguments please. This is simply what I have concluded.
So as much as it irks me, I am re-encoding everything slowly (sans the Radiohead records and my MFSL CDs which will stay at 320MP3) into Apple's preferred 128AAC format. Some quick math show me to be emancipating about 2GB of space. Easily 50 more CDs into the iPod. I hope the ordeal is worth it. Pray for me...
Monday, August 04, 2003
Jack White's Finger Fix Video
A not so nauseaus photo and video profile of The White Stripe's own Jack White getting a couple of screws put into his finger. Thanks for sharing Jack!
http://www.whitestripes.com/finger.html
A not so nauseaus photo and video profile of The White Stripe's own Jack White getting a couple of screws put into his finger. Thanks for sharing Jack!
http://www.whitestripes.com/finger.html
Sunday, August 03, 2003
Compression
In my condo (like any condo in the city), space is an issue. For that reason, we build from the ceiling down in order to preserve precious floor space. Allocating CD space has never been an elegant project, but we finally agreed on a 550 easy access limit. I still have space for about 40 more... choosing IS becoming easier with age, but still not pleasurable. Behold "the dropform wall of sound."
In my condo (like any condo in the city), space is an issue. For that reason, we build from the ceiling down in order to preserve precious floor space. Allocating CD space has never been an elegant project, but we finally agreed on a 550 easy access limit. I still have space for about 40 more... choosing IS becoming easier with age, but still not pleasurable. Behold "the dropform wall of sound."
Saturday, August 02, 2003
Holy Shit! I got allocated for Euro 2004!
This is not directly music related, but it needs to be stated. As a die hard footie fanatic, I have attempted years to successfully have my name drawn in ticket lotteries which would allow me to view games during the World Cup and Euro Championships. Its never happen. My nice stack of rejection letters tells the true story... but, I always still go. In 2000, my dear friend Chris and I partied in Amsterdam during the final week of Euro 2000. Simply amazing.
My luck had finally changed. In the mail today arrived my FIRST allocation/confirmation letter. For the first time, I'll have tickets in hand before arriving! Thank you UEFA for the luck of the draw! See you at Euro 2004 Portugal next summer!
This is not directly music related, but it needs to be stated. As a die hard footie fanatic, I have attempted years to successfully have my name drawn in ticket lotteries which would allow me to view games during the World Cup and Euro Championships. Its never happen. My nice stack of rejection letters tells the true story... but, I always still go. In 2000, my dear friend Chris and I partied in Amsterdam during the final week of Euro 2000. Simply amazing.
My luck had finally changed. In the mail today arrived my FIRST allocation/confirmation letter. For the first time, I'll have tickets in hand before arriving! Thank you UEFA for the luck of the draw! See you at Euro 2004 Portugal next summer!
Monday, July 28, 2003
Monday, July 21, 2003
Rock solid Blur show at Avalon Friday night; with a focus on the more "progressive" tracks from their catalog. Solid gig that revived me to pick up and renew missing stock in my collection. Trying to find the setlist from the gig now...
Saturday, July 19, 2003
Someone had it rough
My favorite working class rock outfit, the Stereophonics, have just released their 4th LP, "You Gotta Go There To Come Back." in the UK (with no US release date in sight). I hate buying imports when a domestic release should have sufficed... but anyways...
"You Gotta Go..." has tossed me into confusion. Like most Stereophonics records, Kelly Jones sings his heart out: on tune and damn raspy, but this is more than raspy. Either Kelly's cigarette intake before each session grew or this man was awfully sad during the sessions (interviews point to the latter).
"You Gotta Go There To Come Back" is a tale of a man trying to regain trust in a woman. Its unclear if 'he' ever does.
Kelly and boys buried their 'walk and talk lyrical style' for a gripping 'heart in the back of the mouth' sound. in "Climbing the Walls" I hear some hope of a turnaround but it is obvious from its position on the LP that the mood of the record is to move from anger to sadness.
"I Miss You Now" finds honest vocals overdubbed on top of an agonizing Kelly humming heartlessly through it. Its a difficult record to stomach...
With the exception of two tracks on this album, its a full unleashing of heart and emotion, never before heard from the Phonics. Kelly obviously got fucked up big from personal issues and it can be heard easily from start to finish. Some overproduction on tracks like "I'm Alright" initially sound unneeded, but only help to add to sound they wanted.
Three tracks on this record feel disconnected from the full record. "Help Me," "High As a Ceiling," and "Madame Helga (a single)." Their positions simply break up the flow. Removing them from the CD playlists really helps keep the intended emotion running.
To V2: "JEEP's" sales sucked in the US. but the fall of 2001 was bad for everyone. Release this record in the USA. It's deserving. The Phonics has a fan base in the US. Their sellout gigs in NA alone show that.
My favorite working class rock outfit, the Stereophonics, have just released their 4th LP, "You Gotta Go There To Come Back." in the UK (with no US release date in sight). I hate buying imports when a domestic release should have sufficed... but anyways...
"You Gotta Go..." has tossed me into confusion. Like most Stereophonics records, Kelly Jones sings his heart out: on tune and damn raspy, but this is more than raspy. Either Kelly's cigarette intake before each session grew or this man was awfully sad during the sessions (interviews point to the latter).
"You Gotta Go There To Come Back" is a tale of a man trying to regain trust in a woman. Its unclear if 'he' ever does.
Kelly and boys buried their 'walk and talk lyrical style' for a gripping 'heart in the back of the mouth' sound. in "Climbing the Walls" I hear some hope of a turnaround but it is obvious from its position on the LP that the mood of the record is to move from anger to sadness.
"I Miss You Now" finds honest vocals overdubbed on top of an agonizing Kelly humming heartlessly through it. Its a difficult record to stomach...
With the exception of two tracks on this album, its a full unleashing of heart and emotion, never before heard from the Phonics. Kelly obviously got fucked up big from personal issues and it can be heard easily from start to finish. Some overproduction on tracks like "I'm Alright" initially sound unneeded, but only help to add to sound they wanted.
Three tracks on this record feel disconnected from the full record. "Help Me," "High As a Ceiling," and "Madame Helga (a single)." Their positions simply break up the flow. Removing them from the CD playlists really helps keep the intended emotion running.
To V2: "JEEP's" sales sucked in the US. but the fall of 2001 was bad for everyone. Release this record in the USA. It's deserving. The Phonics has a fan base in the US. Their sellout gigs in NA alone show that.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
For whatever reason, I was not able to finish my disucssion on the new B.R.M.C. single on my last try. I'll just state that its a good rock single and hopefully the boys do well with it.
While I am here, let me list a few of the music related blogs that I frequent for reads. The writing is very good and very opinionated. Enjoy and let them know I sent you.
The Astronaut's Notepad: http://www.astronautsnotepad.blogspot.com/
:: technicolor :: : http://othernessblue.blogspot.com/
While I am here, let me list a few of the music related blogs that I frequent for reads. The writing is very good and very opinionated. Enjoy and let them know I sent you.
The Astronaut's Notepad: http://www.astronautsnotepad.blogspot.com/
:: technicolor :: : http://othernessblue.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
B.R.M.C. - the boys are back in town
I always find it interesting when bands from the US go over to the UK Europe, and/or Japan and make it big. Most of them usually revolve around neo - heavy/death metal bands who's sound keeps the youth of Europe in a frenzy. But the boys of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club may be my new favorites.
Like most of the US, I didnt give nor pay too much attention to this West Coast rock outfit. I didnt avoid the album, B.R.M.C., I just didnt have the time to hear it (as ridic as that sounds).... but thanks to the musical gods, I was re-instroduced with their newest single "Stop." (to be continued)
I always find it interesting when bands from the US go over to the UK Europe, and/or Japan and make it big. Most of them usually revolve around neo - heavy/death metal bands who's sound keeps the youth of Europe in a frenzy. But the boys of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club may be my new favorites.
Like most of the US, I didnt give nor pay too much attention to this West Coast rock outfit. I didnt avoid the album, B.R.M.C., I just didnt have the time to hear it (as ridic as that sounds).... but thanks to the musical gods, I was re-instroduced with their newest single "Stop." (to be continued)
Friday, June 27, 2003
Renewing stock
A few folks have noticed the increase in the amount of "classic" CDs being added to the 2003 List. Some have even assumed that these may be my first listen to such classics as "OK Computer" or "Achtung Baby." Not so.
The truth in the matter is that after years of abuse and constant play, many of these discs have gone dead from bad handling. In particular, "Achtung Baby." If my memory serves me right, this is my 3rd purchased copy in the last 11 years. Copy one lasted me a good 4 years before it brittled under heat stroke in my Nissan. Copy 2 lasted a good 6 years until i realized that I was handling nothing but an empty jewel case. Lost stolen? Unclear.
The same also applies to other non recent releases in my List. Lost, unplayable.. who knows what went wrong. They say CDs last 100+ years.... I wonder if they're referring to non played "shelved" discs... god knows mine get worked.
A few folks have noticed the increase in the amount of "classic" CDs being added to the 2003 List. Some have even assumed that these may be my first listen to such classics as "OK Computer" or "Achtung Baby." Not so.
The truth in the matter is that after years of abuse and constant play, many of these discs have gone dead from bad handling. In particular, "Achtung Baby." If my memory serves me right, this is my 3rd purchased copy in the last 11 years. Copy one lasted me a good 4 years before it brittled under heat stroke in my Nissan. Copy 2 lasted a good 6 years until i realized that I was handling nothing but an empty jewel case. Lost stolen? Unclear.
The same also applies to other non recent releases in my List. Lost, unplayable.. who knows what went wrong. They say CDs last 100+ years.... I wonder if they're referring to non played "shelved" discs... god knows mine get worked.
Friday, June 20, 2003
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Sonar 2003 begins Today!
The pristine European music festival begins today in the sunny cty of Barcelona. Wish I could make it...
Luckily, we havethe next best thing: BBC Radio 1 is brodcasting a fair amount of events LIVE.
Listen live right now as Gilles Peterson bring us some amazing live guests: Bjork, Laurent Garnier, and the almighty Matthew Herbert.
This is going to be some serious fun...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/events/sonar2003.shtml.
The pristine European music festival begins today in the sunny cty of Barcelona. Wish I could make it...
Luckily, we havethe next best thing: BBC Radio 1 is brodcasting a fair amount of events LIVE.
Listen live right now as Gilles Peterson bring us some amazing live guests: Bjork, Laurent Garnier, and the almighty Matthew Herbert.
This is going to be some serious fun...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/events/sonar2003.shtml.
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
from W.A.S.T.E. email:
-------------------------
... Please note that as a special service to W.A.S.T.E customers, all tickets
bought through our site will be handled differently than those purchased
through Ticketmaster. All ticket orders for the original Field Day Music
Festival purchased through W.A.S.T.E will automatically be transferred to
the one-day event tickets at Giants Stadium. We will automatically refund
any difference in face value paid and will randomly assign seats based on
our allocation. ..
-------------------------
UPDATE: (Amazing 2 strikes days) WASTE has now given us the option. respect.
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