Plain White T's

All That We Needed
All The We Needed
Lazy Day Afternoon
Last Call
My Only One
Revenge
Take Me Away
Sad Story
Breakdown
What More Do You Want?
Sing My Best
Faster
Hey There Delilah
Anything

myspace

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The Quietus OK Go Review

     

  So, you got the email. Treadmill ballet = instant viral penetration. Grammy award, Simpsons parody — the works. An audience of 49 million and counting has watched OK Go’s video for ‘Here It Goes Again’, and that’s not including the cooing armies of monitor-huddling co-workers — bringing the tally to a more realistic estimate of around 50 to 60 big ones. A brave new world indeed, but which of those amazed office denizens could hum the song from memory after they sat back down to their drudge? Not many, probably. OK Go were lucky enough to emerge just as broadband technology exploded — MTV be damned, they commanded a global reach unimaginable not three years before ‘Here We Go Again’ was even a crackly demo. In one easy step, chintzy power-pop, plain as it was under whelming, was gifted by the gods the kind of exposure ordinarily costing something like the combined advertising budget of every U2 LP since Boy. Talk about wasted opportunities. The wearisome bawdiness overcompensating for their shamefully borrowed identities; the non-sound as idiosyncratic as a Big Mac; the watery compendiums that were their LPs, liberally garnished with archaic geek-rock irony and crammed with reconstituted genres wrestled into unhappy cohabitation — the story of OK Go is two albums and three EPs of small-thinking anti-matter. Starchy, lifeless and fragrantly mediocre, resulting in a furniture-polish headache induced in the listener’s frontal lobe. So blatantly well-adjusted was Oh No, the treadmills song’s parent album, it rendered the band credibly ‘Alt’ in the same way McFly are the UK’s answer to Pavement. (That was Busted, obviously.) But it’s fruity, fun, witty, animated! It’s light entertainment, don’t take us so seriously! Well, while there’s an obvious pop nous at work, so anxious they are to telegraph this kookiness (lest they betray their self-seriousness), that OK Go’s purported fun side is really vapidity posing as post-modern savvy, the plastered smile of an aimless unit losing the battle of who-could-care-less. It’s like laughing at yourself nervously before anyone else can. Fountains Of Wayne this way lies.

On approach to Blue Sky, their follow up to Oh No, it seems no hard lessons have been learned during their four-year hiatus. With a chat room-acronym titled track one (‘WTF?’) and a single on the New Moon soundtrack entitled ‘Shooting The Moon’ (gah!) the future looks… annoying. Probably off the back of Dear Science and the modish implications of an indie band doing funk, the much vetted ‘new funk direction’ amounts to a world-class Prince impression, and several other libidinal slides dotted around the album that sound like The Virgins. And to toggle blithely between the post-punk inclined Tore Johansson and psyche-pop Godhead Dave Fridmann is emblematic of a continued proclivity for trend-chasing.

But, but you’ll be in for a surprise. You see, ‘WTF?’ is actually pretty good, and the other notable funk ditty ‘White Knuckles’ is damn near irresistible, and that over 14 songs their pop-writing ingenuity (their cribbing brand of ingenuity, anyhow), is accompanied by something comfortable and appealing, and if Blue Sky isn’t exactly profound art, it’s certainly the band’s most sincere outing.

Though it’s after a jaw-dropping five-track run, spanning ‘This Too Shall Pass’, ‘All Is Not Lost’, ‘Needing/Getting’, ‘Skyscrapers’ and the spectacular ‘White Knuckles’, by which time you’re practically cheering them on, that it occurs to you Blue Sky might just be a rare, if not life-changing, treat. Glorious ebullience abounds, within Fridmann’s wet, roomy surroundings, with the message of the Lips’ ‘Do You Realize?’ repackaged five times with exponential aplomb. Like a grooving Modest Mouse ‘This Too Shall Pass’ is humble but grandly life-affirming and a million miles from the trivial, clever-clever artifice of their bygone days. ‘All Is Not Lost’, an unashamedly buoyant pain-remedy (You see a trend forming here?), activates with a scattering, bell-like hook repeating itself into the soaring chorus, washing over your neglected pleasure nodes like lukewarm liquid heroin. Propelled by a tremulous guitar ‘Needing/Getting’ breaks down into an acappella refrain that live, should prove to be crowd-unifying masterstroke and leave’s your chest bulging with pride. That is until flagrant Prince-homage ‘White Knuckles’ rides in bearing myriad hooks, and bursts the fucker wide open. As Kulash implores of you: “Let Your Hair Down” – it’s obviously been their secret.

The contemplative second half of the album is as varnished with nice moments as the first, but is peaceful and filtered through a new type of; the mellow glow of honest, intuitive expression. The forlorn acoustica on ‘Last Leaf’ is pleasing if unremarkable and the vocoder-enabled ‘Before The Earth Was Round’, is such a rip-off of Air’s ‘Kelly Watch The Stars’ and ‘Remember’ that you’re almost embarrassed for Kulash. Yet both are so gorgeous and perfectly arranged you’re prepared to forgive them their transgressions. Although ‘Where Will I Sleep’ has something of RHCP’s ‘Porcelain’ about it, to still be on form and hungry by track 11 is no small feat and its spangled drowsiness and uncanny air of deep space solitude gives ‘Where Will I Sleep’ incredible allure.

So there’s a bit of growth here. As ever, it’s derivative stuff, but almost meaningful, and legitimacy beckons. They may only be plying their plagiarism on a more becoming canvas and with better tunes, but it seems they’ve found their compass and stopped carting around a bloodless pretence, which, rather than their internet phenomenon, was always their real albatross. John Calvert

 

[Via http://johncalvert.wordpress.com]

Did you see me coming? Alternative Versions

When Pet Shop Boys released Did you see me coming? video, there was a sense of bitter at how crummy and rushed the video looked.

It was basically Minimal Part Duex. Neil in a nice sharp suit, miming his way through the song, doing his wonderful hand gestures to help illustrate the lyrics while Chris is standing gorm-less in the background, Vintage Pet Shop Boys. Don’t get me wrong, I love that image, pure class. However, it helps if something is happening around them. ‘Minimal’ even had those dancers. ‘Did you see me coming?’ only has a black and white screen in the background changing to different shapes/symbols.

The thing that struck me most, was the fact there was no colour in the video (only black, white and an orange light that focuses on Neil’s face) ‘Did you see me coming?’, to me, feels, sounds and should indeed have a colourful video.

A YouTuber created this Alternative Version of the ‘Did you see me coming?’ video, dubbing it ‘Did you see me coming? v1.2′.

Have a look

Here is the original

[Via http://musicnewsreviews.wordpress.com]

Number 789 - Berlin

Excerpt ~ Def 1000 songs: “Talk about one extreme from another, earlier in “The Definitive 1000 Songs Of All Time 1955 to 2005” (see number 892) Berlin did that song, comon you know the one, dont play dumb now. Yet in 1986 they released this pop syrupy love ballad “Take my breath away” to an even greater acclaim. Or was it because of a film? Oh well, i’m pretty sure it was the song. Before Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, pre-Shirley Manson and Garbage and dozens of other current sensations, there was Berlin – the American Progenitor of electro-pop and sexy provocation fronted by the enigmatic Terri Nunn. And while many bands that had tremendous success in the ’80s are the recipients of tributes today, few have had as far-reaching an impact or grooves nearly as timeless as those of Berlin” …… m0re

Need more information on the song “Take My Breath Away“? Here are some SongFacts for you to ponder over! Click here > Fact Stuff

Official Website for Berlin @ This addy & for other Information/Biography click this link > Here ~ crowbarred [because power is knowledge]

Number 789 - Berlin – 1986 – USA – Genre: Pop - Play Song – Vote 4 Berlin!

prev post [[click above for music vid, bio + much more!]] next post email crowbarred

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Today in Review: Laura Bell Bundy~"Giddy On Up"

Hey Ya’ll!!!

Just watched el Presidente’s State of the Union Address…and about now I need to “Giddy On Up”, according to Mercury recording artist from Lexington, KY Laura Bell Bundy!    Another “Wow” for me…a lot of folks in their underwear in this one!  ha!  Though a little reminiscent of Miss Underwood’s last video, this humorous “Ol’ Western” shows off not only more body, but more acting and dancin’ (exactly what I would expect from a former Broadway actress)!  Not sayin’ that it’s all good and right for a  music video….but kept me entertained watching it the first time!  I give this video an 8!

Check out the video @ Laura Bell Bundy – Giddy On Up at www.yallwire.com!!!

Country Rocks!

JW

[Via http://longroadtonashville.com]

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[Via http://yzixsika.wordpress.com]

An Ode to My Kindle and a Little Project Runway Disbelief

I don’t know that I’ve addressed it here, but I seriously LOVE my kindle. Like enough that I want to marry it. Which would probably be a little bit difficult because I married Mountain Dew in 4th grade, and while we’ve been separated for awhile, I’ve never actually gotten a divorce.  I know that seems a little sleazy, but I’ve got a friend who married a baseball card in 3rd grade, and he’s been dating other women ever since. Scumbag.

Anyway, back to my Kindle love.

I never have to carry around heavy books. If that isn’t a reason to write love notes I’m not sure what is. I take the train to work everyday, so this is kind of a big deal.  In addition to the ability to hold thousands of books that I’ll never need to carry, it’s also saving me from walking funny due to a bum shoulder from carrying books in my handbag. Yeah, I’ve caught myself giving sympathetic glances to the people on the train lugging 400 page books. But certainly not in a smug way!

New releases are $9.99. Okay, blessing and a curse. I used to go to the libarary a lot more, so I’m not actually sure if I can point to any real cost savings. But still!! Other people are spending 23 bucks for hardbacks! No, we won’t mention the initial cost of the device, I’m sure I will have made up for that in book prices in the next few months.  So if you are debating one, make the move. I  haven’t had a moments regret.

Currently Reading/Recently finished

Taking Woodstock

The Recipe Club: A tale of Food and Friendship

With all the reading I’m doing for the 5 bookclubs I’ve joined (Whoops! Am I over doing it?), I’m getting behind on my DVR. So I caught up on Project Runway this evening. Ummm,  hello??? Ping’s model struts down the runway with her ass on display (not to mention last weeks disaster. Seriously, that outfit is what I look like when I stumble out of bed with a hangover and get caught up in my sheets), and she is STILL here? Oh Heidi, you disappoint me.

[Via http://eatsomethingbiggerthanyourhead.wordpress.com]

Artist to Watch: Brasstronaut

OK, I was planning on publishing an album review, but I could not resist to do another one of these ‘Artist to Watch’-thingy’s.. I got so much to share with you [There are still 14 on the growing list]! This time:

Brasstronaut

So far, the band has only released one EP in 2008 ‘Old World Lies’, which was a pleasure to listen too. But the main reason I’m writing about them around this time, is because they’re about to release their debut LP. ‘Mount Chimeara’(if I’m right), will be released on the first of March. Hurray!

Brasstronaut is an ‘indie’-quartet from Canada. Yes, I’m quite into ‘canada’ lately. I would describe their sound as ‘Jazz-meets-whispering-vocals-meets-indie-pop’, a whole mouthful. Still I feel I can’t describe it well. There are some classical, folk and singer-songwriter influences every now and then. Wikipedia says that they’re : ‘a soul–live electronics-pop and rock band’, yeah sure :S

‘Old World Lies’ can be described as ‘dreamy trumpet, mixed with a dreamy piano, mixed with a jazzy-rhythm section’. I’m especially a huge fan of the instrumental track ‘Fan’. It’s a little gem. Samples from their debut album are slightly more pop, which is, of course not bad. It’s nice that, based on what I’ve heard so far, some songs are more upbeat. I think this debut album is gonna be a. awesome, fantastic and interesting or b. dull, trying-too-hard and overrated. But hey, the band really has some potential, and I love their cross-over of genre’s that is very unusual (or I’m looking in the wrong places for this genre). So check their MySpace out, I guess.

‘Requiem for a scene’

[Via http://musiccookiesblog.wordpress.com]

What Coco Can Teach the Church

I must admit that I am a fan of CoCo.  Even though I am not a night owl, I always enjoy Conan’s show.  I thought it was fitting that he finally got to take the helm of the Tonight Show.

Even though it lasted for only 7 months, I think there are some lessons we can learn from the whole debacle between Jay and Conan.

The Washington Post wrote an interesting article covering Conan’s final show from last night.  Embedded in the article was what I thought was the heart of the problem:

And that’s the problem, isn’t it? Here we are, well into the 21st century, and wide swaths of our culture seem unwilling to move forward, let go, move on, hand things over to Generation X or younger.

People wonder if O’Brien was too hip and young (at 46?) to lull America into a gentle, happy sleep. Part of the “Team Coco” movement that rose up after O’Brien announced his resignation scintillates this creeping feeling that the Baby Boomers (Leno is 59) will never get out of the way. There’s at least some truth to that.

There is some truth to that, I believe.  Will boomers and builders ever move out of the way?

X’ers are a very different group of people.  We have been characterized by many descriptions, except for conformists.  This is always a challenge for boomers who are in leadership.  They assumed that we would eventually become tame – like them.  The assumed we too (like them) would become disillusioned and simply ‘fit in.’

Will the baton ever be passed to X’ers?  Or will we get passed over, like Conan?

[Via http://kumardixit.wordpress.com]

Oh lord.... their back....NO!!!!!!!!!!!

So you remember this trio from London who hit big in 2007 with their smash hit “she’s so lovely”. From this sprouted a number one album and a barrage of more hits. I thought it wouldn’t be too long before we heard from them again… you know the sound of pop music  that makes you just want to shove a raccoon up your arsehole and a beehive over your head because these to thing simultaneously would be less painful then having to sit through their album when its on mute, let alone with it cracked up to full.

So i was browsing the net as you do, and stumbled across some details of their new to be released single (i then gasped and jumped out of the nearest window). So the album is called “Everybody wants to be on TV” which is just a little insight into what to come, more nonsense about fictional anecdote and perpetual moaning about how they can’t get a girl (well just look at them..)

Anyway moving swiftly on, the first single which will be released off the album will be “This ain’t a love song” (ding ding ding, we have a winner)…. i hate to tell you i told you so..but i did, so turn off the radio for the next couple of months through risk of scouting for girls musically battering your brain with their catchy hooks!

[Via http://newmusic4u.wordpress.com]

Darwin's Re-Evolution

The first post of 2010 deserved to be a good one. It could have easily been about Vampire Weekend making the “sophomore slump” seem like something that only happens to everyone else. Or Spoon going back to the drawing board and crafting another flawless spectacle out of tinfoil and toothpicks. It’d be too obvious and tell you absolutely nothing you don’t already know.

Instead, my first post of 2010 is about someone you’ve (probably) never heard of. It’s a guy who, at first glance, looks like such a hipster that I gagged. And then I pressed play. Three seconds into “Constellations”, I was sold. Next song, boom. Next song, bam. It’s so on.

He goes by the name of Darwin Deez and his sound is certainly evolutionary. This gentleman plays a 4-string guitar of his own secret tuning and makes me beg the question “why do we need the other two again?” Someone either hilarious or genius (or both) has named him the Michael Jackson of indie rock. All I really care about is that this combo of endless melodies, jagged plucky guitars, summer-soaked drums and handclaps are nothing short of infectious. Astouding, even. I’m giddy.

Listen:
The City
Bad Day
[from Darwin Deez|buy]

[Via http://linesthroughlines.wordpress.com]

Inspirational mix…..

The Twelves BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix

This is just an amazing mix, though quite contemporary. I found it today after a friend told me about this new site, www.funkyhousemusic.com that I should pay a visit. The best part of the mix in my opinion is from around 78 minutes into the mix which is 119 minutes long. And at 86:28 you’ll hear a beautiful incorporated part of Chic’s Everybody Dance in the mix. The Twelves who have put together this mix are a couple of Brazilian guys that has gotten quite a lot of attention in the DJ-sphere recently.

This post is the first post where i try to use the audio function that WordPress provides so I hope it will work out as I have planned. If it works out well i will probably use it more in the future since it means that I can put up songs that are practically impossible to find on YouTube and not worth trying to upload there because of copyright issues. But in general i will rely on the vast repository of music clips on YouTube which has served me so well for the last three years.

If you want to download this mix you can do it HERE, simply right click the link and choose “Save link as….” and then save it on your hard drive wherever it suits you best.

Tjillevippen

notbugs

[Via http://maydayclub.wordpress.com]

Let It Pop!

I saw the movie, Funny People, recently. In this movie, Seth Rogan’s character asks the girl he is interested in, “Do you like music?” Her response was, “Did you just ask me if I like music?” Like duh dip shit, who doesn’t like music. Quite a funny scene and it just shows the awkwardness of trying to pursue the opposite sex. However, this post is not about dating, movies or Seth Rogan’s awkwardness when pursuing a babe, this post is about music. I have so many people ask what I am listening to, or what they should be listening to or for me to recommend music to them. So without further ado I present to you the ten eleven albums, in no specific order, that had the heaviest rotation on my iPod in 2009.

1. Kings of Leon – Only By the Night

This album is very reminiscent of old 1970’s southern rock. It has sort of a nostalgic feel to it and all the remixes I have heard are epic.

2. Kid Kudi – Man on the Moon

What could be better than a rapper who write thoughtful lyrics that don’t mind someone dream about materialistic bullshit? Nothing, that’s why Kid Cudi is so damn good.

3. Damien Rice – O

Not an album from 2009, but this post isn’t about the best albums of 2009, it’s about what I was listening to 2009. While I was in Reno at school, this album was relaxing for homework and was also so great for when I missed Madeline and Kether. O is emotional, beautiful and amazing. Please listen to “Amie” if you haven’t already.

4. The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

I might be biased towards anything the Decemberists put out because they are from Portland, but then again I offer no apologies, this is my blog and it is about my music tastes. This album you can listen to through and through… without changing tracks. The track that shines – “O Valencia”. Check it!

5. Lady Gaga – The Fame

Not since Madonna has the pop world met someone so pop perfect. Lady Gaga is intense, but so is great pop. Pop happens to be my favorite genre, but it has to be great, I tend to like the euro and indie pop types. Lady Gaga is huge now, so I offer zero explanation as to why I like her, I just do. Check out remixes of her here.

6. Gossip – Music for Men

Gossip’s Music for Men is insane. Through and through electrifying and non-stop as far as the dance goes. This chick’s vocals are intense and sound very divaesque on top of great glamorous pop. If you want something to ski to or to get ready for a night on the town, pop in the pop sounds of Gossip and go to it. Check their remixes as well, as well as their tracks “Love Long Distance” and “Pop Goes the World”.

7. La Roux – La Roux

Another crazy pop album that exudes brilliance. The indie pop scene showcases the future of pop and just how good it really can be. Be prepared for longevity of the kind of music that really gets you going and makes you want to dance. If you haven’t heard, then go hear them! There is a continuous argument about whether it is one girl or not, I believe it is her doing vocals and a guy doing the beats. But who cares, continue, please create more pop.

8. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

This band was already epic and this album helped them continue to be epic. With their music being played from Old Navy to every indie film out there these guys are sure to keep producing quality tracks with a not-so-in-your-face over production.

9. The xx – xx

The xx, I still don’t know if it is x, x or if its double x but who cares, they are awesome. Their music is this sort of low key pop but you catch yourself being really driven to react. Please listen to anything of theirs, because in my opinion this is one hot album.

10. The Crystal Castles – Crystal Castles

WOW! Not since hearing the Faint’s Danse Macabre have I gotten so excited about an album. These two have it, whatever it is. But you know else feels the same way, Timbaland, to the point of stealing their music and mass producing for millions of dollars. Check out their music, but really listen to the track “Courtship Date,” this is the same beat used for 50 Cent and Justin Timberlake’s “Ayo for Technology”. Don’t believe me, watch the video. However, I am not here to explain copyright protections, I am just saying they must be doing something more than right.

11. Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us

Another album that came out a long time ago, but I don’t care. I love listening to this album, very catchy and rhythmic. This is one of those perfect for any situation albums that can just play over and over. Not really a remixed band, but there are a few of them out there.

Honorable Mentions: Empire of the Sun, Calvin Harris, Friendly Fires, The Firebird Band, Chester French, Cassette Kids, Santogold, Black Kids, Ladyhawke, Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Virgins and Beach House. Music blogs you need to check: Hypem.com, Schitz Popinov and Electrorash

Well there is my music tastes and sources in a nutshell, I could go on and on all day long about music I love. I love music, it’s probably due to the fact that my talents with music are non-existent, ask anyone who knows me well. I hope all this helps you out in searching for the good tunes out there.

[Via http://theysayimfresh.wordpress.com]

ANTIQUARK INTERVIEW for MUEN MAGAZINE

ORIGINAL INTERVIEW at MUEN MAGAZINE December 28, 2009 – Monday Interview w/ AntiQuark (San Diego, CA)
Category: Music

ANTIQUARK
Myspace.com/antiquark AntiQuark, originally from Torino, Italy, are a unique blend of electronic and techno founded by keyboardist, Ant Dakini in 2001 and then further developed in 2006 as vocalist Sergio O then joined. In 2009 they released SkyDancer and also recorded a song for a popular Italian 80’s synthpop band, Krisma. AntiQuark has also been featured in many compilations and have been remixed by international producers such as Marc Urselli, Chris Reynolds (Red Flag), Steve Morell (PaleMusic, Germany), Giulio Maddaloni, The Moscow Coup Attempt, and more. Sharing the stage with such acts as Godhead, Orgy, Pigface, Red Flag, and others, AntiQuark has produced 5 albums in total and besides touring the U.S. and Mexico, they’ve also toured Europe 6 times and have performed at music festivals such as MTV Tr3s, Fe/Male at Forte Prenestino in Rome, GieBerstrabe 16 in Liepzig, Germany, San Diego Pride and LadyFest in Las Vegas. In the past they have been compared to such acts as Depeche Mode, NIN, Dead Can Dance, New Order, and Skinny Puppy. See them live: JAN. 1 @ Dream Street in San Diego, CA JAN. 2 @ the Del Mar Fair in Del Mar, CA

Life Is Art & Art Is Life Photography

ANTIQUARK INTERVIEW / POST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC UNDERGROUND 12/26/09
By G. Cataline PAMU: Hi Ant and Sergio! Wow, it’s nice to see you are still performing Ant,
as I remember you from earlier in 2001… When did you meet up with singer,
Sergio O., and how would you say your art and music has changed or evolved now that you are a duo?

Ant: Sergio has been part of the band since 2007. The band has certainly changed in a more professional & ecletic direction. Thanks to Sergio’s great abilities.

Sergio: I answered Ant’s ad (looking for a singer) in January of 2007. I’d never really sung to electronic music before and Ant never had a metal/rocker-type singing for this group. At first I thought she would write me off since the only voice-samples I could send were from the metal band I had previously worked with.

PAMU: Have you lived in San Diego all this time, since 2001?

Ant: Yes – back & forth between here and Europe.

Sergio: I had only moved to San Diego in the Fall of 2006 from Ventura, CA. I’d been in Ventura for 3 years singing/recording with Divine Right of Kings. I moved to Los Angeles from Texas in 2002.

PAMU: Ofcourse, you’ve toured and performed at numerous events even outside the states – What has been some of your most memorable experiences while touring and performing overseas, and outside of San Diego?

Ant: Festival Forte Prenestino in Rome – in front of 2,000 people – in an old, WWI barracks that is now a famous squat. We didn’t even start playing until 2AM!

Sergio:In Liepzig, Germany. That was fantastic – a couple of hundred people – everyone of them dancing to our music. We came on right after a thrash/death-metal band from Brazil and they’d torn up the place – the crowd loved them. I thought everyone would just leave or tear us to pieces, but they immediately adjusted to our sound and suddenly we were bouncing the whole place.

PAMU: Is “Electronica” the best label for your music, or do you stray far from that genre? For example, do you ever write just straight rock or folk, etc.?

Ant: Electronica is good enough. Since a big part of our sound is made with computers & synthesizers.

Sergio: What I saw about going ‘electronic’ was that I wouldn’t lose anything. Because ANYTHING can be put into electronic music. Heavier sounds from Nitzer Ebb, Skinny Puppy & NIN are as much ‘electronic’ as Depeche Mode, VNV Nation & Kraftwerk – and I dig all that stuff.

PAMU: Tell us about any upcoming tours you have booked.

Ant: Our manager is working on booking our next European tour.

PAMU: Sergio, how does your project “Divine Right Of Kings” differ from work with AntiQuark?

Sergio: Well, DRoK was a Zeppelin-Dream Theater-progressive-metal-ballad-thing. We recorded an album in English & then in Spanish and it was going to be a powerful, live, ARENA act. Big rock-guitars, big live-drums, huge GeddyLee-BASS & Ozzy-S.Bach vocals. I and the 2 other guys laid down the tracks with producer Z Morse. All the musicians involved were really good and already quite accomplished studio-guns, but then they weren’t going to take another step until they were paid.  So the live act never happened. With AntiQuark, I met Ant, within a few days started writing stuff, recorded it, and within 2 months was onstage in Germany performing. The difference between 3 years with DRoK and the first 3 months with AntiQuark was like ice & lava.

PAMU: What is AntiQuark’s overall objective? What do you strive to communicate in the music of AntiQuark?

Ant: The main goal is to write good music that people can enjoy & dance to.

Sergio: To compose & record as much music as possible, to perform/present it in as many different places as possible. I suppose for me personally it’s important to communicate how elastic music can be since I’ve never sung to this kind of music before and it seems to work.

PAMU: What do you have in the way of video, and who helps you with video?

Ant: In some of our live-shows we use projections from the sci-fi movie, Litorra (by Marc Sokolowski) that I scored the soundtrack for. For the future, we will be collaborating with Bret Barrett, an amazing artist who does multi-media art & sculpture. Also, we will be working with Elle Gamboa, an eclectic photographer & film-maker, to make several videos.

Sergio: My brother, Gabriel Ordonez, is a video-editor who works in Los Angeles. He recorded several of our live shows in L.A. and is compiling together a live DVD of AntiQuark.

PAMU: What are your goals for the coming new year?

Ant: To finish a new album, tour Europe, Mexico, & the U.S. and reach more people with our music. To develop a new & more intense live-show with more lights & more video-installations.

Sergio: Yes, all those things that Ant mentioned.

PAMU: Are you happy with the way that the media covers you? And where else can we learn more about AntiQuark?

Sergio: Not being a part of the corporate machine makes it harder to get on the radio or get your videos on television, but the internet/global community certainly makes things more possible than ever before. Independent magazines have been very supportive.

Ant: On the internet you can check some of our stuff or talk to us at: www.myspace.com/antiquark,
www.reverbnation.com/antiquark, www.facebook.com/antiquark

PAMU: Giulio is a good friend of ours. How did you meet up with him, and what do you have recorded with him thus far?

Ant: Giulio Maddaloni is an amazing producer from Italy. We met through the internet and immediately became great friends. We met him in person in Naples, Italy, during our last tour. He did a number of remixes for us. Two of them (The Man from Mars remix & Shameless remix) are on our latest CD, SkyDancer.

PAMU: Ant, when did you move from Italy to the U.S.?

Ant: March 12, 1997.

PAMU: Are you happy in San Diego, and if so, what is it that keeps you in San Diego?

Ant: I’m all right in San Diego. It’s not really a happening place. But the weather is nice and it’s
beautiful being close to the ocean. It’s a place without many distractions and so it’s good to get music & work done.

Sergio: I actually moved down here 3 years ago from L.A. to be closer to my family, and then meeting Ant made the move double-plus-good.

PAMU: What else do the both of you do besides work with AntiQuark – What do you both do for a living, passtime, etc.?

Ant: When I don’t do music I work as a shark-biologist. I’m striving to bring more awareness about ecology & preservation of the planet. In the little free time I have, I keep my body in shape thru yoga, fitness and macrobiotic nutrition. I have a big passion for dogs, I love spending time with my dog, helping shelters and associations that rescue animals.

Sergio: You know I actually have written 10 times as much poetry & prose than all the music I’ve ever composed. I’ll publish a group of books in the future. I read too much, I’m a movie-bum, a solitary bedroom-hermit. I write more & more and sing along to CDs & walls all the time. Perpetually finishing production ideas on the computer; I research all kinds of music, bands & their histories, and nap all the time. I hang out with my nieces & nephews more than any adults (except Ant of course). Sometimes I fantasize about exposing all the U.S. powermen of this first decade in such a way that the public could no longer find any doubt about how badly they damaged this country – and make them personally pay back all the taxpayer-money they stole for their “wildy stupid” (Time magazine) ideas in ‘protecting’ the American people.

PAMU: What last words do you have for your fans and/or those who may be interested in your music?

Ant: Check us out! Come to our shows!

Sergio: We appreciate your attention to us & our music.

PAMU: Feel free to add any other info about AntiQuark here:

Ant: Our CD, SkyDancer, is available on www.reverbnation.com/antiquark for free streaming and for downloading on iTunes, CDBABY, Amazon.com and many other websites.

[Via http://antiquarkworld.wordpress.com]

Ali Love [Tronik Youth Got The Love Mix]

Travis from Big Stereo was all over Ali Love’s remixes last week. But why not? The track Love Harder is getting tons of attention across the blogosphere.  It’s a classic electro-pop song with catchy verses.  I think it’s Tronik Youth’s remix that sets the standard with a heavy disco vibe all while including Love’s soulful pop samples.

Ali Love – Love Harder (Tronik Youth Got The Love Mix)

BONUS!

Ali Love – Love Harder (Extended Version)

Ali Love – Love Harder (Jaymo & Andy George’s Moda Mix)

Ali Love – Smoke And Mirrors (In Flagranti Remix)

[Via http://aerialnoise.com]

Ke$ha = Taylor Swift On Crack

What makes Ke$ha any different to Lady Gaga?

The fact that she has a dollar sign in her name?

First off the dollar sign is unnecessary, secondly, where the hell has the music industry gone? We get the over the top Lady Gaga who produces the same pop garbage we normally hear, just she has blonde bangs, ridiculous outfits, and loves to have blood on her during awards shows… and then we have the new incarnation of this cookie cutter pop music that owns the mainstream. Ke$ha.

What makes her so special?

Personally, I don’t get ‘TiK ToK’. First, it’s spelt wrong. Secondly, the lyrics are unbelievable. I just register, get drunk, be a whore and forget about everything important in life because all you should do is party.

Now, I’m not a 50 years old raised in the good ol’ days, but this is stupid. Pump the youth of today with garbage…and we wonder why grades, moral and overall efficiency has gone down.

A friend tweeted me and said ‘Ke$ha is Taylor Swift tripping out on crack’. I get this perspective, but I don’t get the message that is coming across. Good for her in regards to making money and having hit music, but it is just the means of her success that boggles my mind.

I’ll be the first to admit that her music is catchy, but that’s all the same with every other song out there. What makes her so special? Being bizarre in public, having stupid song names is just a way to stand out but you’re not making anything better.

Alright, now I am moving in circles, but I just don’t get it.

Does this mean some schmuck on the street can find a producer, write some nonsensical lyrics and make millions? If that’s the case, then clearly the music industry is going down the toilet…and I thought that was the case when Paris Hilton was making music, but clearly, it’s gotten worse.

[Via http://charlton7.wordpress.com]

Today, I took a break from Samuel Beckett and listened to Panda Bear’s Person Pitch again. When I heard it last winter, the music felt totally original, and it still has that special quality this year. When I play it, it reminds me of sun coming through a frosted window.

Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) samples everything on this record – old guitars, animal sounds, drum beats, door slams, choirs, rushing wheels – and mixes them together into coherent, repeating paterrns that grow into songs. Above it all is Noah’s voice, strongly reminiscent of Brian Wilson, singing long, lovely melodies that give a center to the sound. The harmonies are bright, the polyrhythms clatter forward, and when a song peaks, it often metamorphoses into an entirely new section. I could listen to “Bros” over and over and still be surprised by all the beautiful noise.

Even though it’s freezing cold outside and inside, I feel like I’m bathed in warm, reflected summer light. Thanks, Panda Bear.

[Via http://some52books.wordpress.com]

Russia Jazz Orphaned Without Garanian

Gerogi Garanian (1934-2010), People’s Artist of Russia, Honoured Artist of the RFSFR

Editor’s Foreword:

Georgi Garanian was one of my faves. Look at the videos and see why. Vechnaya pamyat, Georgi Aramovich. His funeral is due for Thursday, 14 January, with burial at Vagankovo Cemetery in Moscow.

BMD

******

Molodiei Ensemble performing at the Golden Mask Awards in Moscow

People’s Artist of Russia and famous musician Georgi Garanian died in the 76th year of his life as reported by his widow, Nellie Zakirova. Maestro Garanian wrote the music for 40 films. Suffice it to recall the famous movie, Покровские Ворота (Pokrovskie Vorotoa: Pokrovsky Gate), still beloved by millions of viewers. Until his last days, Maestro Garanian not only continued to play music, but also led several ensembles, including Мелодией (Melodiei: Melody), Краснодарским Биг-бендом (Krasnodarskim Big-Bendom: The Krasnodar Big Band), hosted the programme Джаз-клуб Георгия Гараняна (Jazz Club George Garanian) on Radio Russia Kultura, and performed as a solo alto saxophonist.

Georgi Garanian in a gala concert in the Kremlin

The Melodiei ensemble recorded with the best domestic performers such as Iosif Kobzon, Alla Pugacheva, Lev Leshchenko, and Lyudmila Gurchenko. It played music by Soviet composers, for example, David Tukhmanov, who worked with the band on films and on stage, recorded a CD, По волне моей памяти (Po volne moei pmayati: On the Wave of My Memory), containing film music, and was praised by such cinema/music critics as Grigori Gladkov, Aleksei Rybnikov, Vladimir Dashkevich. At the invitation of one of the best conductors in the world, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, the Melodiei ensemble, with Georgi Garanian as soloist and improviser, participated in the première of Alfred Schnittke’s First Symphony. In 1989, Yuri Nikulin invited Garanian to become the chief conductor of the Circus on Tsvetnom Bulvar. Today, many circus performers use Garanian’s music in their acts.

Georgi Garanian at the Pori Jazz Festival in 2009

Mikhail Shvydkoi noted that in the death of Georgi Garanian Russia lost one of the most brilliant musicians of our time. Garanian’s sudden death was “shocking”, Shvydkoi said. “The music and creativity of this remarkable man always contended with life, it always gave joy to everybody”, he emphasised.

A video is available (in Russian), but there is enough music and images that non-Russian speakers would enjoy it as well:

http://rus.ruvr.ru/vesti/2010/01/11/video_3507825.html

11 January 2010

ITAR-TASS

http://www.itar-tass.com/level2.html?NewsID=14707285

[Via http://02varvara.wordpress.com]

Linda Sundblad in Command of Let’s Dance

First of all, let’s just clear the fact that Strictly Come Dancing is called Let’s Dance in Sweden.  It premiered back in 2006, when former Idol contestant Måns Zelmerlöw won the competition. Let’s Dance is back this Friday on Jan.8 and WelcheMusic is more excited about the new soundtrack than the format itself. Linda Sundblad debuted in the group Lambretta at 15. The group had hits such as “Bimbo” and “Creep,” Her break as a solo artist came in 2006, with the album Oh My God! with producers such as Max Martin. He also co-wrote the single “To All My Girls,” which was released last autumn. “Let’s Dance” has already reached No.5 on the Swedish iTunes chart ahead of Black Eyed Peas and Jason Derulo.

• You can download the track from TV4 here.

[Via http://welchemusic.wordpress.com]

I Believe In Delta

It’s funny how good singers can appear out of nowhere, and sometimes from distant countries around the world. The next girl is no exception.

Delta Goodrem is the Australian pop princess of the moment, and there’s no doubt about it. She has released three studi albums, all of them succesful, and surely she has one hell of a story to talk about, because she had to fight no only for her music, but also for her life. Let’s get to know this girl, shall we?

Delta’s debut album, Innocent Eyes came out in Australia during 2003, when she was 18 years old. The album was an amazing success, and gave Goodrem five consecutive number-ones singles: Born To Try, Lost Without You, Innocent Eyes, Predictable and Not Me, Not I. Delta’s debut was the most successful album in Australia in 17 years. It was the highest selling album in Australia of the decade and was the sixth highest selling album in Australian history. She co-wrote most of the tracks of the album. This album is full of pop songs and piano ballads (the instrument she plays) and reflects a young woman’s musical dreams.

Then, tragedy came. On 8 July 2003, at the age of 18, Goodrem was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that attacks the body’s immune system. She was forced to put all her working commitments on hold while undertaking treatment for the disease. Part of her treatment included  chemotherapy, which resulted in the loss of her hair, and radiation therapy. The news of her diagnosis were newspaper and television headlines, and fans showed her great support during this period. Fortunately, she won her battle against cancer, and by 2004 she was prepared with a new album.

Mistaken Identity, is inspired by her battle. During her darkest moments, Delta wrote and co-wrote songs, with harmonies, melodies, instrumentes and lyrics, but this time, they were deeper and darker than her previous material. Goodrem stated it was a more mature album, because her life had changed, and her music had to reflect that. Songs on this album have quite personal messages and strange sounds. The albums features her first duet, Almost Here which she sings along Brian McFadden and it is the second single from the album. The other singles include: Out Of The Blue, A Little Too Late, Mistaken Identity and Be Strong. Nevertheless, some other songs from the album became also quite important, gaining more attention than the singles, like Extraordinary Day which talks about the day she was diagnosed with cancer; Last Night On Earth deals with life and death issues, while Electric Storm mentions emotional suicide. The album was not as succesful as her previous effort, but managed to become her secon number-one album.

Delta returned in 2007 with a new album, and a new concept. She called the album simply Delta and has a more up-beat pop sound than her last album. She co-wrote almost every track with her now boyfriend Brian McFadden and tried to create a new mood for her music. The album has a variety of subjects and includes her typical piano ballads, which keep getting better. This album’s singles include In This Life, Believe Again, You Will Only Break My Heart and I Can’t Break It To My Heart. Some songs have personal references, and there’s even a cover. Delta wanted the album to sound happier than the last one, and she did it. There’s also a US release, which includes Born To Try, the first single from her debut album.

Why should we listen to Delta Goodrem? Becasue she offers what a lot of artists today don’t: quality and modesty. Her music comes from her soul and she writes for her people. She manages to transmit her emotions through her music, and you as a listener can relate to most of her compositions. There’s another plus in the fact that she plays the piano, and I mean, it’s THE PIANO. Great instrument for a fantastic artist. I discovered her music one year ago, and she has become one of my dearest musicians.

Delta is currently working on her fourth studio album, and in the meantime, she has just released (on September 2009) her Believe Again: Australian Tour 2009 which is a CD/DVD release of her last two shows in Sydney. It includes her greatest hits plus a backstage video and some other stuff. I leave you here one of her singles and the lyrics. Enjoy!

LOST WITHOUT YOU

I know I can be a little stubborn sometimes, and I say, a little righteous and too proud. I just wanna’ find a way to compromise, ’cause I believe that we can work things out. I thought I had all the answers, never giving in, but baby since you’ve gone, I admit that I was wrong. All I know is I’m lost without you, I’m not gonna’ lie. How am I gonna’ be strong without you? I need you by my side. If we ever say we’ll never be together and we ended with “Goodbye”, don’t know what I’d do… I’m lost without you, I keep trying to find my way, but all I know is… I’m lost without you. I keep trying to face the day, I’m lost without you. How am I ever gonna’ get rid off this blues? Baby I’m so lonely all the time. Everywhere I go I get so confused, you’re the only thing that’s on my mind. Oh, my bed’s so cold at night, and I miss you everyday, only you can make it right, no, I’m not too proud to say. All I know is I’m lost without you, I’m not gonna’ lie. How am I gonna’ be strong without you? I need you by my side. If we ever say we’ll never be together and we ended with “Goodbye”, don’t know what I’d do… I’m lost without you, I keep trying to find my way, but all I know is… I’m lost without you. I keep trying to face the day, I’m lost without you. If I could only hold you now, and make the pain just go away, can’t stop the tears from running down my face. All I know is I’m lost without you, I’m not gonna’ lie. How am I gonna’ be strong without you? I need you by my side. If we ever say we’ll never be together and we ended with “Goodbye”, don’t know what I’d do… I’m lost without you, I keep trying to find my way, but all I know is… I’m lost without you. I keep trying to face the day, and all I find is, I’m lost without your love. I keep trying to find my way, but all I know is, I’m lost without you… I’m lost without you.

[Via http://charlesryderblog.wordpress.com]

Pop! in 2010

From my pals Karen and Lilli (and I have two of Sam Horn’s books):

In tough times and in a crowded marketplace, no one can afford to blend in. You’ve got to break out to land that book deal, contract or new job that you want. Do you have a book proposal, a business idea or a career that needs a boost?

National speaker and author Sam Horn and IWOSC’s own marketing expert Lilli Cloud are teaming up on a personal branding seminar that will get your new year off to a fantastic start!

“Pop! Your Book, Brand, Business or Career,” co-sponsored by IWOSC, will take place on Sunday, Jan. 24 from 1-4 p.m. at the Pasadena Conference Center, Room 211, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101.

Sam is the author of six books from major publishers and the 16-time emcee of the Maui Writer’s Conference. She has worked with some of the world’s most famous authors, screenwriters, agents, editors and directors, including Mitch Albom, Frank McCourt, Ron Howard and Jacquelyn Mitchard.

Lilli works with entrepreneurs and career changers to articulate their core offering and share it with the world – both verbally and in writing – in a clear, compelling way that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Together, Sam and Lilli are going to be dynamite! They have priced this
half-day program far below what they would normally charge so that it is
affordable for writers, startup entrepreneurs and people in career
transition. Spend all afternoon in an interactive program that will inform, motivate and enlighten you – all for just $49!

Buy your ticket online now at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93417 and please spread the word to your friends and colleagues. This is truly a one-time opportunity to get insights and coaching at an affordable rate from two top-line professionals. Anyone with questions about this event can email
me off-list at Karen@KarenEKlein.com. Hope to see you on Jan. 24!

[Via http://writerdeb.wordpress.com]

Like dreaming in technicolor!

the Steve GütenBAND is a psychedelic pop band from Boston, Massachusetts. Comprised of childhood friends!!!, Eric Blackman (vocals, trumpet, guitar, keyboards), Brian Vatcher (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Chris Wood (bass guitar) and Ellert Michael Ellertsson (drums), the Steve GütenBAND wrote, arranged and co-produced their first LP in 2006, the aptly-titled Sweetness Overflow. The songs “Pawtucket Patriot” and “Pleasant Descent” filled the airwaves of local radio, while the epic album closer “P.U.N.intendo” clocks in at over ten minutes and is one of the group’s most ambitious pieces of music to date. The alliteration of these song titles is coincidental, however, as no other songs on the record begin with the letter “P.”

the Steve GütenBAND have entered a new STAGE of their musical adventure!!!, drawing from their mutual love of the Beatles, Beach Boys and the Elephant 6 Recording Company to create new songs for a new era..

For booking information contact SteveGutenBAND@gmail.com

Here’s a taste of what their working on now:
the Steve GütenBAND – Far Away (demo)

[Via http://songlesscircus.wordpress.com]

How to draw Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint - Find a new Hobby

How to draw Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint – Find a new Hobby

As a writer you need to have some other hobbies especially if they will help to relieve stress.

You have a deadline facing you, and your manuscripts not done.

what should you do?

Take an hour, have some fun, do something else, feel refreshed and relaxed then go back to what you should be doing!

[Via http://theideagirlsays.wordpress.com]

The Postmarks - Memoirs At The End Of The World

Track listing:

1. No One Said This Would Be Easy
2. My Lucky Charm
3. Thorn In Your Side
4. Don’t Know Till You Try
5. All You Ever Wanted
6. Run Away Love
7. For Better… Or Worse?
8. I’m In Deep
9. Thorn In Your Side [Reprise]
10. Go Jetsetter
11. Theme From “Memoirs”
12. The Girl From Algenib
13. Gone

The Postmarks’ second proper full-length album, Memoirs At The End Of The World, transports you to a 60’s spy movie via it’s epic, cinematic and multi-instrumental arrangements. Lush, mysterious and smooth pop orchestrations and vocals help impart a film score ambiance.

Reviewed at:

No Ripcord – http://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/postmarks/memoirs-end-world

Pitchfork – http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13355-memoirs-at-the-end-of-the-world/

All Music Guide – http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hnfyxzr0ldke~T1

Under The Radar – http://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/memoirs_at_the_end_of_the_world/

The Onion (A.V. Club) – http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-postmarks-memoirs-at-the-end-of-the-world,32081/

 

[Via http://newmusicexcess.wordpress.com]

Radio

This is basically how I feel about songs on the radio these days.

Omegle conversation log 2010-01-01 You’re now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi! You: Hi Stranger: Sup girl You: Are you going to start rapping? Stranger: No babe You: Still sounds like the beginning of a rap. Stranger: I luv u You: Still good Stranger: Do me please You: Not uncommon. You: You should start rhyming though Stranger: Please You: Alright. Rhyme “please” with “please.” Good enough for radio these days You: Now you need a catchy chorus Stranger: Get in my pants You: Good start You: Give me more. Something very vague Stranger: Jk Your conversational partner has disconnected.

[Via http://operationoops.wordpress.com]