Subtle - ExitingARM (2008)

If you like TV on the Radio, then I’m guessing you’ll like Subtle. And if you don’t like TVOTR, well… wtf? Another topic, another post...

Subtle is an Oakland-based sextet of artists, musicians and producers who took time off from their myriads of side-projects that further the Anticon. collective movement (think bands like Why?, 13 & God, etc.) to put out the latest installment in their trilogy: ExitingARM. Along with their first two albums, A New White (2004) and For Hero: For Fool (2006), EA completes their musical triptych that details the life of their conceptual icon, Hour Hero Yes, a “middle-class hero who fights apathy and consumerism.” Umm, it’s okay if you’re confused because these guys are nothing but conceptual wizards. Lead singer Doseone (aka, Adam Drucker) even boasts that the word “I” was removed from all lyrics to ensure an album sans “the self.” Yeah, these guys don't play.

As far as Subtle goes, there’s nothing subtle about ‘em. Throw in some ambient, shoegaze, minimalistic techno beats, keyboards, synth, heavy guitar riffs, drum-machining, experimental hip hop feels, vocals that vacillate between spoken word, rap, and hymn-like layered vocals and you'll get a hint of what they sound like. And I won't go into detail about lyrics because they are beyond my comprehension... but once you accept the fact that they are, they become cryptic in a non-annoying way (see: Pinback). Plus, they switch genres faster than Jay-Z switches 4 lanes (in a Ferrari or Jaguar, with the top down screaming out “money ain’t a thang,” no less). Call it avant-garde hip hop, electro-rock, post-indie, it really makes no difference. You won’t be able to find a suitable label to capture the stunning musical complexity this album will reveal, after several listens mind you.

You might call EA a grower because it’s not for the faint-hearted and/or people with musical attention-deficits. But that’s just it... this album was created for total musical immersion, not individual track enjoyment. There are some great hooks to these soundscapes, but you’ll have to dig a little deeper to find them. And when you do, they’ll hit you sometime after the umpteenth listen and by then you'll welcome them with a newfound appreciation.

The standouts -- “ExitingARM” (one of my favorite track 1 openers of this year), “The Crow,” “Unlikely Rock Shock,” “Gonebones” and “The No.” But please know this album is best listened to from start to finish, with minimal interruption.

The Final Verdict:
Concept albums aren’t for everyone, especially since often times they are abstract as fuck and hard to enjoy. ExitingARM requires time, an open-mind, and a desire to discover something that will most likely mean different things to each listener. However, after a few listens you’ll see patience has its rewards... and man, are they hella worth it.

David Sides - The Collection // Volume 1 (2008)

Dubbed as "Mozart Gone Hip-Hop, Pop and R&B," David Sides is a Cali-based pianist that specializes in covers of popular mainstream R&B, hip hop, and sometimes pop rock songs. The best part about "D-Sides" (as he's known in the Industry) is that he is basically self-taught and plays songs by ear. He's working on an album of originals, but for the time being he's garnered quite a following on YouTube with The Collection: Volume 1 (Volume 2 isn't officially out yet, but he's already leaked a few tracks on YouTube). Already one of the top watched artists of 2008, he boasts upwards of 40 million views thus far. His most popular cover to date, OneRepublic's "Apologize," racked up 4.5 million views alone!

He's so much fun to watch because he just looks so happy and into what he's playing. He sways around like Ray Charles, snaps his fingers like T-Pain, and I love the head nodding during his more hip-hopified tracks as if he's driving around, with the top down of course, listening to his favorite jam. Plus he covers everyone... from Shop Boyz's "Party Like A Rockstar" and a Kanye West Medley, to Linkin Park's "In The End." He can play fast during Ne-Yo's "Because Of You" or crank it down a notch for slow jams like the gorgeous "Bed" by J Holiday and the super-sexy "Lost Without U" by Robin Thicke. He goes cutesy with Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" but comes hard with "Anonymous" by Bobby Valentino (one of my favorite R&B songs of last summer). He really hits the vocals and intricate Timbaland beat-work of that tune in each note on the piano, it's rather wondrous how he manages to capture all the musical layers so well. Plus, I think Timbaland may have found his new "Danjahandz" here, literally!

D-Sides would be perfect for live background music for that hip-hop-lovin' couple who want to add a little flava to their wedding reception, but still want to keep things classy. It's awesome for laying around on the couch, with or without someone. You get all the fun energy of hip hop minus the sometimes vulgar, profane, and misogynistic lyrics we're not always in the mood for. If you've been looking for a way to combine your love of classical music while still getting your daily dose of hip hop in a one-two punch, David Sides is the man for the job.

My favorites are his versions of T-Pain's "Buy You A Drank" (the snapping is hysterical), Usher's "Love In This Club" (he really captured the music, vocals, and even the rap in true pretty piano fashion) and, perhaps his best one... the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard of the already beautiful "Forever" by Chris Brown. I highly recommend it.

The Final Verdict:
Give D-Sides a chance, whether you're into hip hop and R&B or not. It's great mood music for those times when you're in "a mood" and simply want to get in "the mood." So lose the 'tude, dude, because who doesn't have the time to get in "the mood?"

Jay Reatard - Singles 06-07 (2008)

Hell yeah! Finally. Although I've been rocking some of these songs for a while, picking up the random track off a single, this collection fills in some holes. Jay Reatard specializes in quick and poppy Ramones-influenced punk rock. He packs a lot into less than 3 minutes: choruses, organ riffs, changing speeds, guitar hooks, oohs and aahs. It's all there. He compresses and mashes pieces of songs together in a way that makes the songs feel full and complete. He growls, sings, hollers, and coos, sometimes all in one song. The first nine or so songs are must for anyone who liked Blood Visions. "Another Person" and "All Over Again" are two of his best songs. The last five songs are earlier versions of some of the better tracks off the album and while still good, they aren't a revelation or all that necessary. "It So Useless" is another must listen.

Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins (2008)

Essentially, this is the The Stage Names appendix, so it's not surprising that the overall tone and themes are very similar. They're still singing about the indie rock lifestyle, like on the excellent "Pop Lie", and fame, on the rollicking "Singer Songwriter". Likewise, the lyrics are up in front of their ramshackle folk rock, and full of allusions to pop culture and pop music. While there are some good songs here, it's missing those standout tracks that grabbed me last time. However, I loved The Stage Names, so this is a welcome addition to my collection, especially the above tracks and "Calling And Not Calling My Ex".

George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic @ the 9:30 Club, Washington D.C. (July 19)

This was my first George Clinton and the whatever-he's-calling -his-band-today show. I expected it to be awesome. It was exactly what I expected it to be. In short, a three hour funkfest that left my feet and back so sore I could hardly walk after.

For those who don't know: the Parliament Funkadelic is made up of about 30 or so people. It's a huge party on stage. It's a huge party in the crowd. I was surprised to learn that there would be no opening act, until I figured out why, they played for over three hours with no break (rotating performers in and out so as not to exhaust themselves), and George himself (the guy in the red hair in my blurry photo) didn't take the stage until 40 minutes into the show. He was on stage for about an hour. Took 30 minutes off. Then closed the show.

Some quick observations:

-You probably know that Starchild wears a diaper on stage. What you probably don't know is that Starchild has the most spectacular outie belly button I've ever seen. It was the size of a quarter. He's also a dead-ringer for John Witherspoon.

-Starchild's arch nemesis is Sir Nose Devoid of Funk. I didn't know who that was but I had to google it after the show. Basically, he was some guy dressed like a pimp who just struts around the stage and does handstands. Also, he has amazing abs.

-George Clinton is starting to pack on the lbs. At this point, he reminds me of my uncle Phil, but black. And with multicolored dreads.

-Before the show, I noticed a dreaded gentleman in a brightly colored jacket hanging around the entrance. I later identified this man on stage singing back up vocals amongst the three female backup singers, which I found odd. Later, during Atomic Dog, he grabbed the microphone and started rapping, to which I thought, this guy has GOT to be George Clinton's son. I also thought, this guy is totally taking a dump all over George Clinton's classic. Then George Clinton joined in the rap. Ye gods! Clinton later confirmed my belief saying, "that was my son y'all."

-Later, during one of Starchild's breaks, and about halfway through a song, George Clinton's son pick up Starchild's guitar and started playing, which surprised me, because, you know, he waited until three-fourths of the way through the show to transition from backup singer and Atomic-Dog ruiner to guitarist. Only, he was holding the guitar upside down. Maybe he is Jimmy Hendrix and only elected to entertain us with his stylings for three minutes. Or maybe he was pretending to play daddy's friend's guitar to pass the time because he was bored, which is cool, except that he was at least 22 years old.

-One final note on this guy, somebody passed Old George a joint toward the end of the set. He smoked a couple of hits, then the proud pappa handed it to his son, who took a spectacular drag to kill it. The most impressive thing he did all night.

So I sound like a hater, which isn't fair. I had a blast. An absolute blast. One of the best live shows you are going to see. They played non-stop for three hours, and they weren't going to stop. The 9:30 club turned on the audience lights around 12:30. They didn't stop. They cut the mics around 1:00 a.m. They didn't stop. George mouthed the lyrics to his songs to the crowd, compelling them to chant them while the band kept playing.

Finally, the crowd just tired and the band sort of whimpered out. I was pretty fine with that. I was sweaty. I was exhausted. I'm pretty sure I smelled worse than Starchild's diaper.

No, no I didn't.

Breathe Owl Breathe - Ghost Glacier EP (2008)

This is a pleasant, tranquil 8 song EP that I have been enjoying while spending the last week indoors studying for finals. The fragile guy/girl vocals mix well with acoustic guitar or banjo, minimalist percussion, and piano with cello arrangements that altogether make for simple, unintrusive music. This is mellow indie folk that is decent for background music, but not something that I would initially reach for in most situations. “Drop and Roll,” “Toboggan” & "Playing Dead" have become my personal favorites off this album for reading and relaxing.

Port O’Brien @ Café Du Nord with The Builders and The Butchers & The Old-Fashioned Way (7.11.08)

It was indie folk rock night at Café Du Nord last night and the building was a shakin’. It wasn’t so long ago that I wrote this album review in anticipation for this show. Port O’Brien’s live performance was touted as a must see, and I must say, the entire show exceeded the hype. Port O’Brien played in front of friends & family with high energy and enthusiasm as expected, and plenty of team vocals and crowd participation. They certainly do put on an entertaining live show, but with lead sing Van Pierszalowski nearly out of voice, I imagine they could go bigger.

The Builders and The Butchers of Portland were surprisingly awesome… surprisingly, because I knew nothing about them or their music until earlier this week. All night I couldn’t think of whom they reminded me of, and then this morning it hit me—The Decemberists! I then proceeded to find out, via other reviews, that I am not the first to draw this comparison. They folk rocked it up something serious with an abundance of yelling, drum pounding (they have two “percussionists”—see picture—who hammer away on everything within reach, including washboards), mandolin & banjo plucking, and one of the most distinctive lead singer voices I’ve ever heard. This was my first encounter with The Builders and The Butchers, and it certainly won’t be my last. I highly recommend checking them out. Note: The red lighting made good concert photos virtually impossible.

The Old-Fashioned Way had a lead singer with a deep baritone that was similar to Matt Barninger of The National. I remember enjoying their set, but after The Builders and The Butchers rambunctiously impressive set I can’t remember other specifics. I’ll have to check ‘em out again.

Greg Laswell - Three Flights From Alto Nido (2008)

Greg Laswell does an admirable job of making love songs sound a little less sappy. Three Flights From Alto Nido is a collection of endearing, sweet-sounding, piano & acoustic guitar-laced pop songs with lyrical premises ranging from new love, love lost, love and longing, and general love drama (amongst other love-like thematics). All the tracks are capsulated in sentimental (but not gushy), easy-to-enjoy, singer-songwriter pieces, and surprisingly, all the tracks are quite good. This is certainly not the "pump you up" album of the year, but it is definitely something to be enjoyed whilst in a mellow, reflective mood.

For a sentimental introduction, listen to: "Comes and Goes (In Waves)," "How The Day Sounds" & "I'd Be Lying."

Metro Station - "Shake It" (2007)

"I'll take you home if you don't leave me at the front door..."
When a song opens with such honest lyrics like those, you know it's going to be good. Simple, to-the-point, just great in every sense, Metro Station's "Shake It" is high-energy power pop that's catchy enough to wake the most comatose of coma patients. Who needs Juicy Fruit gum to get you movin' when you're feeling blah? Turn this one on for an instant pick-me-up in all its cheesy splendor, but be warned... you may feel the urge to bust out into full-on dance mode (or jump around the room like a dork if you have no rhythm). So, reserve this song for times where the aforementioned possibility is welcome, if not encouraged.

"Now, if she moves like this, will you move like that?..."
In all it's synth pop glory, this just might be this generation's follow-up to the 80's classic "Shake It Up" by The Cars (forgive me Ric Ocasek, for I know I have sinned with that comparison). Both will make you happy upon listening, but Metro Station packs even more energy in their 3 minute sugar-high. Much like Hellogoodbye's super-adorable "Here In Your Arms" (one of my favorite pop songs of last year), Metro Station delivers the same danceability... but I think I may even like this song better. Not that either of these two is less embarrassing for me to admit to liking (and by liking I really mean "loving")...

"Tonight you're falling in love (Let me go now!), This feeling's tearing me up (Here we go now!)"
...even though the singer is related to Miley Cyrus (yes, Hannah Montana...eh), I have spent many a moment enjoying "Shake It" whether I'm in the shower, getting ready, in the car on the way home from a great night, or even while dancing around in my undies alone in my room at night when I think no one is around, or worse... listening (eep!). This song excites me each time, like it's the first time, every time.

"Turn me on, so I can turn off the lights..."
Ryan Adams thinks "To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High)," but maybe that's because he didn't grow up in L.A. on Disney sound stages like these bubble gum boys. Who needs drugs when you can experience the natural high of carefree youth and the relatively infinite feeling of young love? "Shake It" will make you want to grab your crush by the hand, hop your neighbor's fence, strip down to your undies and jump in their pool for a late-night illicit swim. Or crash a school dance so you can make out like horny freshmen in the gym. Or rob a bank together and drive off to Mexico, Bonnie & Clyde style. Whichever cliche you prefer, hopefully you get the point. So Come on! Shake, shake, shake, shake, a-shake it! before you get too old and have to worry about potentially breaking a hip.

You can watch the video, in all its cheesiness... here.

ve1cro's super duper short list

1. Songs that get me in the mood for work in the morning. Port O'Brien's "I Woke Up Today," The Annuals’ "Around Your Neck," The Ark’s "Disease," The Envy Corps’ "Story Problem," The Futureheads’ “First Day,” Duffy's "Mercy," and the New Radicals’ “You Only Get What You Give."


2. Los Campesinos! @ the Troubadour on 6/7/08. LC! were full of crazy energy and sounded amazing. I was positively blown away by the mutual love between the band and the crowd. Hey Campesinos, next time play “C is the Heavenly Option.” Thanks!

3. The Troubadour. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to see Gene play here and it is still, without a doubt, one of my favorite venues. If you get a chance, experience it!

4. My future new computer/ipod. Bring it!







5. Deutschemusikvideos. German dudes rockin’ it like britpop gods! Check out Tocotronic’s two videos “kapitulation” and “imitationen.” I spy awmercy dancing in the “kapitulation” video. Geez, you sure do get around.

DragonForce – Ultra Beatdown (First Impression — Out Aug. 25, 2008)

There is no hiding the ball with DragonForce. You know exactly what you are going to get nearly every time—lengthy, high-energy speed metal tales of battle and heroics and/or piano laden epic ballads of warriors and bad weather—but as awmercy wrote when we were excitedly discussing the imminent coming of Ultra Beatdown, DragonForce’s soon to be released album, “You can't have too much DragonForce!” This is very true. Based entirely on the album title, cover art, and the pre-released song “Heroes Of Our Time”—a rampaging chronicle about the enviable (if not idealistic) intergalactic life of Starchasers—I can say with near absolute certainty that this album will be amazing. Grab your iPod and running shoes and prepare to get psyched. More to come upon release…

This just in folks, "Heroes Of Our Time" in color...

Albert Hammond Jr. - ¿Cómo Te Llama? (2008)

This album didn't grab me on my first listen, but after four weeks of shuffling through my new albums, I realized that I liked almost every song. It wasn't intentional - I had already written it off - but I can't argue with my ratings. I guess it was a grower. Practically, every song has something interesting going on. It sounds like he is trying different things out and worrying less about a consistent sound. My favorite songs are "Boss Americana" and "Bargain Of A Century", but if you are missing the Strokes, check out "Miss Myrtle".

War Machine's 5

1. Hot Chip-Made in the Dark. I love these guys. I've promised our dear leader a review of this album. I will get that done soon. In the meantime, just know that it's probably my favorite so far this year. I've linked to my favorite song, Ready for the Floor, the first single.












2. The Knux - Cappucino Supposedly, these guys have an album coming out this year. I just googled it and didn't find anything. When I see it, I'll check it out. In the meantime, I need a fresh cappucino with a mocha twist, hey miss...




















3. These bad boys. Just got these last month. Sure, I only really wear them at my desk. But they are so baller it makes me want to go backstage with myself.

I usually do. I'm my biggest groupie.












4. Magnetic Fields - Too Drunk to Dream Generally, I didn't love this album. Not what I want from my Magnetic Fields, but this song, provided you ignore the dumb intro, is everything you love of MF songs, but about drinking. Can you say pre-game music?















5. This kid. I like to catch acts early, you know, before all the hype goes to their heads and ruins what made them real. I'm so into this kid right now. He doesn't even have an album out or know how to make number two in the Daddy toilet and I already list him as a favorite act on facebook. That's how into the scene I am.

And to add to that, here are 5 things I'm looking forward to in the second half of this year:

1. Rhymefest - El Che. I could also put the Knux album here, but see above. Considered putting the rumored Child Rebel Soldiers album on here, but, who are we kidding, that ain't coming out this decade. We're more likely to see another Fugees album. Which reminds me.

2. Fugees - Unnamed. They just released/leaked a single off a much rumored to be in production album. Have a listen and judge for yourself.

3. Lollapalooza. Looks like I'm going. If I do, I promise to report back.

4. Postal Service - Unnamed. I heard they are working on something. Ben Gibbard just put out his Death Cab album. It's Postal Service's turn. Plus, UPS could use a new commercial track.

5. Amy Winehouse's tragic death or new album, whichever comes first. Okay, that was mean. Her death would be a tragedy. So much talent. But if she doesn't give a damn about her life, why should I?

The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me (2008)

What do you say to one of the better indie rock meets electronica bands that completely fell off the planet? A simple “Where the hell have you been?! Jeez, Ryan Adams has already put out 34 albums since your last record!” would suffice. It’s been inexplicably long since 2002’s Neon Golden (one of my favorites that year), but The Notwist is back with The Devil, You + Me and now I know why they say patience is a virtue... by virtue of the fact that after listening you’ll realize the wait was worth it.

When a band has been around for 2 decades, expect reincarnations in their sound. These German rockers used to bust out heavy metal before they crossed over to the more indie-friendly side of the musical spectrum. In fact, their two most recent efforts (TDY+M and NG) are the only ones tinged with electronica. Much like Radiohead, their music is hard to classify. Is it... indie rock? Baroque pop? Electronica? Electro-rock? Singer-songwriter? Well the answer is… all of the above. This lovely album is an amalgam of gentle strumming, subtles bass lines, electronic blips that sprinkle over you like confetti, a couple of slow-to-climax songs that burst into full-on sound, and a few that erupt in tiny musical explosions of sound.

The first description of their songs that came to mind was: Red House Painters, on uppers. The vocals are plaintive but sweet, dark but eerily optimistic, muted but not muffled… and it's this contradictory style that makes lead singer Markus Acher so effective. It’s almost as if he took the earnestness of Mark Kozelek along with the profoundly simple vocals of Duncan Sheik, fused them, and made it his own. And the lyrics go perfectly with his voice: pensive and borderline dark, without being too depressing.

There are some great stand-out tracks. "Good Lies," is a fantastic opener that drags you in with its New Order-like ability to make you feel instantly nostalgic. It's the kind of song that stays with you... long after you hear it. Then there's the hauntingly beautiful "Where In This World," a song that's punctuated with perfectly-orchestrated blips and bleeps I'd love to use on the soundtrack of an unwritten horror film. While "Alphabet," is perhaps overly-ambitious in its electronica, "Gloomy Planets" makes up for it by being one of the album's best carefree sad songs. Another exciting track, "On Planet Off," is one of those not-your-average tribal songs that would be great for some kind of sacrificial ceremony in the Amazon. It definitely brings a little sexyback to tribal sacrifices, and everyone knows those are the best kind.

Final verdict:
TDY+M is a great follow-up to a great last release and is worth the few listens it’ll take to completely reel you in. Move over Sea Change, there’s a new album in town on the list of “Best Albums To Lay Around/Fall Asleep To.”

"Beat-Beatdowns for Everybody'-- Naughty by Nature

Tired of half-steppin', so finally piping up...

Mostly a live music type, 5 recent shows quickly worth shouting out

1) Talib Kweli (Buckshot opening), and Dj sets by Pete Rock (fer fecks sake, no shot for the other shows with that cat steering the party vibe). Venue is real tight too, American Museum of Natural History in NYC--monthly gigs on last friday nights (Simian Mobile Disco there a month or so prior)

2) Ra Ra Riot with Fingers on the Pulse Dj sets. This group is fun to see. More fun, free Black Swan wine for the nite at some New York space (clearly Black Swan is slang for donkeyshiite in Australia; was zero problem).

DJ's worth checking in NYC (and elsewhere): http://www.myspace.com/fingeronthepulsenyc These Brooklyn dj's i've seen twice and suit the crowd/theme real well--when they closed with this cover--Bruce Springsteen - I'm On Fire (Cousin Cole's Bad Desire Mix)--the night was official massive (go ahead Craig Finn).

3) The Dodos with Les Savy Fav at Black Cat, Black Cat (DC). Dodos were impressive musically (Fools a compelling track off awfully solid album, Visiter). Fat, shirtless bastad lead singer of Les Savy was maniacally entertaining, rifling through the crowd and getting a tighten up by me in a whiskey talking big,-(straight up gross)-things moment.

4) Chicha Libre @ Joes Pub in NYC. Album plays fairly strong live (¡Sonido Amazonico!). Manu Chao with some French lyrics as well, mild drug percussive percussion-off. Saw them at Velvet Lounge in DC as an opening act--which was only intriguing enough to peep them again. They were much more energetic and on point in NYC (Joe's is an institution for tunes to check when that way). Les Sans Culottes was a cheeky, throwback opener with French lyrics and saucy get-ups.

5) Eef Barzalay put on a surprisingly memorable show at Iota in Arlington, VA the other night. Only surprising to me as I'd heard of his quality (ex. of Clem Snide), but don't generally go for nashville, alt-country sounds. The album (Lose Big) is sound throughout, tracks 1 (Could be worse) and 5 (Apocalyptic Friend) standout a bit. M. Ward vocals, something to say as well)

Def. will hit a couple more shows with the DC crew pre-exodus....n hope to post again. peace

popquizkid's Hi, I'm New Here summer short list

Happy summer, friends and strangers!

I've had the pleasure of reading everyone else's 5 Things, and damn, y'all took a lot of the good ones, but here's my list:

1. Sigur Ros "Gobbledigook." The song and the video make me so. unbelieeevably happy. And not (just) because of the nudity, awmercy. It's the energy of all those naked hippies and dudes with drumsticks. You can watch and listen here. If you're over 18, of course.


2. Usher "Love in This Club" performed by

THE SHOWBIZ PIZZA BAND!

When War Machine sent me this video he probably never guessed how it would affect me. Obviously, he has no idea how many Showbiz birthday parties I attended at the shy, impressionable age of 9, before Showbiz sold out to lame-ass Chuck E. Cheese's. Shiiit. All I know is, when I saw the Cheerleader get going, I laughed, I cried...and then I laughed again because "ball pit" suddenly sounded dirty.


3. Jenny Lewis. Lately I've been loving Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins - especially "You Are What You Love" - but seeing Rilo Kiley play in Providence in May is what truly sparked my killer crush. The hair. The voice. The charisma. The shiny gold tights and hot pants. Sigh, Jenny Lewis is my silver lining.

4. The Black Kids "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance." This song has been on my iPod since January but much like the sounds of Chromeo and Coconut Records this kind of funkiness just didn't seem appropriate until the temperature topped 70. (Which took, like, forever.) I loved hearing the guys on All Songs Considered grumble about this song's catchy, youthful, 'verby sound. And I different kind of loved it when those guys listed the ingredients of an infectious indie hit: yelling/chanting + nonsense sounds + numbers. "One, Two, Three, Four!"

It's kind of true, right? These are some of the ingredients that drew me to Justice and The Go! Team and even Animal Collective. The Black Kids' first album Partie Traumatic comes out on July 22 in honor of the day of my birth. But honestly, who cares about their other songs.

5. Where the hell is Matt? "14 months in the making, 42 countries, and a cast of thousands" says the guy who took his aerobic jig around the world and just...danced...sometimes alone, sometimes with a huge crowd of people, while a friend caught it on video. This video was spreading virally through Tumblr a few weeks ago, and I reblogged it, as did a million other people. Quite simply, it made my heart happy. Read today's NYT article, watch the video, welcome the new-agey music, and let yourself love the world for four minutes. It's summer. You deserve it.

Fleet Foxes & The Dutchess & The Duke @ The Black Cat 7/7/08

A good friend and I are both leaving DC soon. This concert was kind of our farewell to one of our favorite venues - a band we liked, playing a sold out show - it was a perfect night. Unfortunately, like many of my friends, he's an idiot. Although he's 32, he let his drivers license expire two days ago, and when they checked IDs at the door they gave him two big black straight edge X's. Apparently, in his infinite wisdom, when he went to the bathroom he decided that it would be a good idea to wash them off and then go buy us beers before actually going upstairs into the show. And then of course, because he is not as clever as he was when he actually was underage, he got kicked out. At least he had time to buy me a beer.

Here's the review: They sound even better live - more impressive, immediate, and a lot louder. Seriously, go against your instinct and turn their album up loud. The songs sounded amazing. The Dutchess and the Duke were also great. The packed crowd was enthusiastic and I couldn't stop laughing to myself the entire show. NPR was taping it so you don't have to take my word for it.

Brasilliant's "Make it Through the Summer" Short List

5. My totally cute Ipod Shuffle. It has been an inspiration for me to get my lazy butt out of bed and actually exercise. In a time of insane stress and utter hatred for going to work, endorphins are my friends.

4. The Ark. I don't care if they were on the top of my 2007 favorites list, the Ark still rocks my world. Big-time. Ola Salo (who loves men, women, AND palindromes) still makes me squeal as he belts out glam-pop to fuel my morning runs. Oh and, Cranewife, he's a Swede.

3. Noise-cancelling headphones. I'm in the process of finishing a giant project at work and these lovelies have enabled me to live in harmony with my coworkers. You could even say they prevented 3 deaths by choking.

2. Sandrine - Dark Fades into Light (2008). I love the whole album and have listened to it repeatedly since it was purchased in April. I have been a total slacker at writing music reviews, but this one definitely warrants some attention.

1. The Weepies - Hideaway (2008). Along with Sandrine, the Weepies rise to the top of my "most listened" list for 2008. Not only am I in love with Hideaway, but also their two previous albums, Say I Am You, and Happiness. When played back to back, they provide hours of pure joy. Some day I'll get around to reviewing them as well.

Larson's short bus list!

5. iPod touch & Skull Crusher headphones
I got my iPod touch after a great deal of thought and a moment of weakness. I got my Skull Crusher headphones for being "Employee of the Century" or something like that.. stoked on both!


4. Graveyard
Recommended to me on a drunken friday.. which made for a rocking saturday. I mean to do a review of this album but have been far to lazy to do so. Just buy it, roll a J on the album sleeve and zone out while staring at your favorite tapestry. myspace.com/graveyardsongs

3. Jens Lekman
I believe I texted my wife one day to let her know that I'd go gay for him. I received his music via 2 friends and waited for about 6 months to listen to him. What can I say.. I'm lame like that. "A Postcard To Nina" really kick started my love affair "Kanske Är Jag Kär I Dig" cemented it..


2. Kanye West - Goodlife
The first time I fully heard this song I was cleaning the bathroom while listening to a jacked copy of "Graduation" that was playing in the wrong order. I was stoked on "Goodlife" instantly but due to bathroom cleaning didn't hear when that song ended and "Barry Bonds (Featuring Lil Wayne)" out-of-orderly started up. That song blows hard! and I'm a Kanye and Lil Wayne fan..

Anyways.. "Goodlife" proved to me how on the late freight I had been with "Graduation". I didn't really give a crap when it came out because.. well I don't really know.. I was probably knee deep in some sad bastard music at the time. Anyways "Goodlife" made me love this album so much, put the video on my myspace and change my ringtone. What can I say.. "I got's to shine!"

1. The Envy Corps
I feel like these are my guys of 2008. I found "The Story Problem" via "Run Fat Boy Run".. this album rules! Listen to the whole thing over and over...

Mona's Half-Year "Hot-5" Hoopla

5) 50 Cent/G-Unit drama
Relations between Fitty and every G-Unit re-org are increasingly dysfunctional. Whether it's beef with The Game, firing Young Buck (where’s the G-Unity?!), to rappers crying about loyalty on Hot 97... it's great entertainment and hot tracks (see: G-Unit’s “Rider Pt. 2”). The music is so good, it's criminal.

4) Chris Brown's 19th Birthday (Thank God!...)

...I was fearing a burgeoning Mrs. Robinson complex. He sings/dances, he's adorable, and makes R&B fun to watch. “Forever” gives 4:12 of pure, unabashedly cheesy happiness. Also check out: “Down (feat. Kanye West).” Perfect fusion of R&B, hip hop, and a rockin' guitar riff.

3) Ridiculous Guest Spots: “feat. Kanye” vs. “feat. T-Pain”