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Monday, February 28, 2005

News: 50 Cent Ousts Game, Fat Joe and Nas on 50, Ringtones, MP3 Costs, R.E.M., WBSR Phone-In, Oscars, Optimus Prime, Marg Helgenberger, DC music

DJMonsterMo | 11:27 PM | View Comments »



New Fiona Apple


Looks like Fluxblog beat me to the punch. The sites/mirrors below have a few more tunes to sample. These links are to material that was shelved from Fiona's album "Extraordinary Machine," which was supposed to be released in 2003 but has been deep-sixed by Sony.
A Seattle radio station has played some of her new tracks, adding three tracks to the two that have already been leaked. Fiona takes a new direction with her piano alt-rock: the funky and energetic "Get Him Back", the string-enhanced "Not About Love", the dark bell-tinged "Used to Love", the playful cabaret Bjork(It's Oh So Quiet)-esque [love my neologisms?] "Extraordinary Machine", and the equally Bjork-esque [Bjork-ish?] "Better Version of Me".

Link
Mirror
Mirror 2
Tell Sony to Free Fiona

DJMonsterMo | 7:04 PM | View Comments »



Moby - Lift Me Up (mylo mix), Moby - Lift Me Up (your mix)!?!

Well, I may have panned Moby's new album. And I won't take back what I said, because it's a turd. But his latest innovation is something that is worth commending. With the release of his new single 'Lift Me Up' today, he will also introduce the "di" digital format, which will allow listeners to create their own remix of the song and resave it as an MP3.

Mylo has already done the honors, now you can too!

Moby - Lift Me Up (mylo mix)
Quiet Pianos (Exclusive B-Side) must be logged into Amazon
Link

DJMonsterMo | 5:01 PM | View Comments »



Folk Rock: New Jeff Hanson



When I first heard the album 'Son', I thought it was odd that a girl would be named Jeff Hanson or would name her band Jeff Hanson. Oops. Sorry, Jeff. Not to take anything away from his music (beautiful folk rock) or his voice (falsetto that is easily mistaken for an angelic female voice), but the realization that it's a guy singing was pretty surprising. Anyway, if 'This Time It Will' is an indication of what his new eponymous LP offers, we will be in for a real treat. This is some of the most beautiful singing and guitarwork I've heard this year.

From Kill Rock Stars:
    Following in the tradition of great songwriters from John Lennon to Elliot Smith, and great vocalists from the Everly Brothers to Simon & Garfunkel, Hanson's sweet falsetto and ear for melody distinguish each of the ten tracks on his new, self-titled album from any other artist. While reverent enough to leave telling footprints leading back to both the Beatles and Folkways legacies, Hanson's sound is all his own - he's just smart enough to have all the right influences.
Jeff Hanson - This Time It Will

DJMonsterMo | 7:20 AM | View Comments »



Sunday, February 27, 2005

My Oscar Picks

Best Picture: Million Dollar Baby
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx
Best Actress: Imelda Staunton
Best Supporting Actor: Clive Owen
Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett
Best Director: Martin Scorsese
Best Original Screenplay: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Adapted Screenplay: Million Dollar Baby

What are yours? Anyone give a rat's ass?

DJMonsterMo | 8:29 PM | View Comments »



Slow News Day

AP: No Hollywood dream for teens
NYT: Sympathy for Paris?
Lawrence Lessig on remix culture and freedom of culture:
    So the principle is that the law ought to protect people who need exclusive rights in order to enable their creativity. I believe copyright continues to be an important part of the story. But there's a vast amount of content that is locked up by copyright now for no purpose at all. It's just locked up because the system has become lazy about distinguishing between content that needs the benefit of an exclusive right and content that doesn't...

    In 1976 the law changed to basically make copyright automatic. The consequence of making copyright automatic is that our whole culture becomes copyrighted automatically and you're only allowed to use it, or remix it, or share it, or spread it, if you have permission from the copyright owner. Now that rule of get-permission-first makes sense if what you're talking about is Britney Spears' work or the work of John Grisham--commercially available work where the copyright is serving a function to promote progress by creating incentives for stuff to be produced--but there's tons of stuff that has no continuing commercial life at all but continues to be locked up by copyright. And the basic point we're making there is, the system is not doing any good for anybody, and in a context where we have an extraordinary amount of creative potential out there, the idea that all creativity has to be channeled through a lawyer just doesn't make First Amendment sense.

DJMonsterMo | 4:18 PM | View Comments »



Week in Review

DJMonsterMo | 2:12 PM | View Comments »



Saturday, February 26, 2005

SXSW: 726 Songs!

The Music

You lucky dogs in Austin and neighboring areas get the mindblowing South by Southwest cultural/entertainment extravaganza featuring a jaw-dropping list of talents.

To sample each of these artists, Moletiemedia and Podcaster Dan Says went through the trouble of aggregating every single MP3 offered on the site onto one page. To facilitate the downloading, make sure to get DownThemAll! for Firefox.

Thank you Torr for the heads-up.

DJMonsterMo | 11:48 AM | View Comments »



2 Oscar-Nominated Shorts

Animated short

Ryan
'Ryan' is a moving, 3-D animated biopic tribute to Ryan Larkin, who was himself an Canadian Oscar-nominated animator (of the 1969 short, "Walking", which lost to Disney), but is now living as a panhandler in Montreal and struggling with substance abuse. It's a fitting portrayal of the animator's life and work. It's also heartbreaking to think what such a prodigious talent could have become.

Live-action short

7:35 in the Morning (7:35 de la Manana)
'7:35 in the Morning' reminds me of the delightfully random scene in Jean-Luc-Godard's 'Band of Outsiders' where Anna Karina and company spontaneously decide to dance the Madison. The short starts awkwardly, but once you get an inkling to the tone of the film, it is absorbing and entertaining.

DJMonsterMo | 11:27 AM | View Comments »



Friday, February 25, 2005

Right Said Fred vs. Kraftwerk


Yup, you heard me right. D/l at your own risk, and only if you're comfortable with your sexual orientation.
Frenchbloke & Son - Sexy Model

DJMonsterMo | 11:41 PM | View Comments »



Nick Drake demos and outtakes



Nick Drake, an artist that Elliot Smith is often compared to, created a somber and melancholic variety of British folk rock. Like Smith, he died an untimely death after only recording a few albums. Second Grace is a collection of demos and outtakes that apparently originated as a white label vinyl bootleg and saw a short-lived CD release. Don't miss Day Is Done, Instrumental, Three Hours, Fly, and Hazey Jane, Saturday Sun, and Birds Flew By.

The album: Nick Drake demos and outtakes

Tracklist:
01. Day Is Done
02. Blossom Friend
03. Mayfair (1)
04. Mayfair (2)
05. Mayfair (3)
06. Joey (1)
07. Joey (2)
08. Leaving Me Behind
09. Instrumental (1)
10. Instrumental (2)
11. Three Hours
12. Betty's Blues
13. Fly (1)
14. Fly (2)
15. Hazey Jane
16. Parasite
17. Saturday Sun (1)
18. Saturday Sun (2)
19. Saturday Sun (3)
20. Place To Be
21. Strange Meeting No. II
22. Bird Flew By
23. Thoughts of Rain
24. To The Garden
25. Early Morning Dialogue

DJMonsterMo | 1:03 PM | View Comments »



News: Fred Durst, Hunter S. Thompson, Fergie, SI swimsuit, Tom Sizemore, Pizza and gaming

DJMonsterMo | 12:59 PM | View Comments »



Electroclash Rap: Cadence Weapon, Synthpop: Chris Price

Cadence Weapon represents the hardcore hood of Edmonton, Canada. He sounds a bit like Prefuse 73 and doesn't retread the commercial crap.
Oliver Square
Sharks
Black Hand
The Gorilla Is For Sand Racing
Be sure to check out his blog, Razorblade Runner, and his music site.

Chris Price is an unsigned indie synthpop artist from the D.C. metro area who asked me to review his track, "Charge Me Up" from his EP 'The Identity Crisis'. There is a good foundation for a strong track here. Although it would benefit from more refined studio production, as an electronic musician myself (more so in the past), I must say this is a solid composition.
Chris' blurb on his site really sums up his style quite well. "Inspired by the forward-thinking artists and producers of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Price delivers a sound that spans genres and timelines. Fans have compared Price’s work to the likes of The Cars, New Order, Gary Numan, and Devo." I'd add Human League and The Glass to that list as well.
Chris Price - Charge Me Up
Link

DJMonsterMo | 7:39 AM | View Comments »



Funny: Dave Chappelle as Lil' Jon, again (video)

Link

DJMonsterMo | 7:38 AM | View Comments »



Thursday, February 24, 2005

News: Tsunami last moments, Nicky and Paris Hilton




DJMonsterMo | 5:00 PM | View Comments »



News: Edwyn Collins, Franz Ferdinand, TV on the Internet, Cell phone jammers, Jack Osbourne, Common

DJMonsterMo | 1:48 PM | View Comments »



R.I.P. Pam Bricker


Pam Bricker, acclaimed jazz vocalist, contributor to Thievery Corporation, and wife of BoingBoing senior editor, Gareth Branwyn, sadly took her own life this past Sunday. She made her presence known internationally through her work with Thievery Corporation on the "Mirror Conspiracy" LP. Her vocals are featured on 'Lebanese Blond', which was also included on the Garden State soundtrack. She will be missed.
Lebanese Blond
Link

DJMonsterMo | 8:15 AM | View Comments »



Wednesday, February 23, 2005

That Pepsi Girl


Anyone wondering who "that pepsi girl" in the 2005 Superbowl commercial is?  http://thatpepsigirl.blogspot.com/ is slightly obsessed.

DJMonsterMo | 5:48 PM | View Comments »



Libertines Demos



Since the summer of 2004, some in the British press have proclaimed a "British renaissance" of sorts that has resurrected the British music scene from the doldrums since the days of The Stone Roses, Oasis, and Blur. In particular, Franz Ferdinand and The Libertines have achieved a more far-reaching musical impact in the public eye. NME went so far as to say, "Franz have the sharp dress sense, precise tunes and broadsheet endorsement of an early Beatles" while "The Libertines have all the passion and unpredictability of young Rolling Stones. And, like The Beatles and Stones in the ’60s, it is the very fact that these bands exist at the same time that is so exciting. When push comes to shove, these are bands which seize the imagination and change lives." While I wouldn't go so far with these comparisons, I do agree that the energy that they bring to the scene and especially to the music press has livened many musical discussions, with Peter Doherty's life providing much fodder for British tabloids, as I mentioned recently. With the likely finalized breakup of the original Libertines all but certain, it would be nice for fans to take a moment to reminisce with these demos and for first-time listeners to hear a sampling. There are also some tracks from Peter Doherty's lonely solo session and from his new band, Babyshambles.

Legs XI demo
Seven Deadly Frenchmen
Anything But Love
Hooray For The 21st Century
Music When The Lights Go Out
Bucket Shop
France
Sister Sister
Love On The Dole

Misc.
All At Sea
Lazy Sunday Small Faces cover from the film Blackball

Peter Doherty/Babyshambles
Peter Doherty - Shaking and Withdrawn megamix (opens in new window)
Babyshambles - Merry Go Round
Babyshambles - Killamangiro

Link
Link 2

DJMonsterMo | 7:19 AM | View Comments »



Tuesday, February 22, 2005

News: Indie radio, The Libertines, Oasis, The White Stripes

DJMonsterMo | 6:42 PM | View Comments »



Lamia, 19th Centrury Romantic Poetry Set to Downtempo Beats

Between Thought And Expression Exclusive


I received an e-mail from a mysterious Alain Renault asking me to review their French band, Lamia. This is not to be confused with an Australian band of the same name. Initially, my expectations were low, as I have been sent samples in the past by artists seeking fame/notoriety through another site I used to run, most of which were not good (a lot of the bad and the ugly, though).

It just so happens that Lamia is quite the exception. I am overwhelmed by the beauty of this music. This is apparently their debut LP, entitled "Into the Number of the Nameless Tides." Think of a cross between Feist, Zero 7, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Lamia features gorgeous, seductive vocals by Isabelle Refouni and instruments and programming by Alain Rennes. This is not a strictly electronic outfit and the inclusion of violin, guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums on different traks adds depth to the music. If that doesn't sound intriguing enough, the lyrics are derived from 19th centrury romantic poetry, including poems by Lord Byron, Emily Dickinson, John Keats, Percy Bysse Shelley, and Algernon Charles Swinburne. The album has a distinctive, beautiful sound; I remember getting the same feeling when I heard Sarah McLachlan's 'Posession' and Delerium's 'Karma' for the first time.

Not to say that there aren't any rough edges in the music, like the overlong, avant-garde 'Wake The Serpent Not'. However, I can easily overlook any deficiencies based on the strength of tracks like 'When We Two Parted' and 'A Match'.

If these guys make it big, you heard it here first. You might even hear them on Pure Moods, Vol. 37 a few years from now (hopefully not).

To buy the CD Note: the link is translated with Babelfish, because I assume most of you no parlez vous Français.
Link

DJMonsterMo | 7:19 AM | View Comments »



Monday, February 21, 2005

Live Mash-up fever: Smash-Up Derby - Smells Like Billie Jean, Talking Franz

Nirvana vs. Michael Jackson - Smells Like Billie Jean
One would think this would be utter disaster. But it works. If you could lower Michael Jackson's voice a few octaves with some testosterone injections and resurrect Kurt Cobain with some green Re-Animator fluid, it might sound like this.
Talking Heads vs. Franz Ferdinand - Talking Franz
This is 'Take Me Out' mashed with 'Burning Down The House' and 'Once in a Lifetime' (thanks James for the correction).

Link - Please note, this is a live band mashing these tracks.

DJMonsterMo | 10:17 PM | View Comments »



Live: Spiritualized


OK, I promise: no more Paris posts for the next 24 hours. =)
After innovating from the underground with Spacemen 3 (their philosophy was to 'take drugs to make music to take drugs to'), Jason Pierce formed Spiritualized to develop his own brand of mesmerizing, minimalist rock. The music is an otherworldly, spiritual experience, an effect that is achieved without a layered cacophony of sonic clashes (like with Puressence).
I highly recommend "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space for an initial listening experience as well as "Lazer Guided Melodies".

Let It Flow (live in worthington, 1994)
The Slide Song (live in worthington, 1994)

DJMonsterMo | 5:18 PM | View Comments »



Paris' Affinity for Cute Little Animals; Reflekt - Need to Feel Loved (video)



OK, I feel dirty posting these. Here are selected SFW pics from Paris Hilton's camera for all you rabid fans. Cute dogs, owls, skunks, and other furry creatures...I now know the way to Paris' heart.

Below is a music video (sorry, not that video) of one of my favorite progressive house/trance tunes of last year that I just stumbled upon, Reflekt - Need to Feel Loved. The video was just released in the beginning of February and the single will see its U.S. release today (finally).

While this may seem totally random, my sereditpitous discovery of this video is somewhat relevant. Its themes indirectly address the public's unhealthy fascination with talentless hotties like Paris and perhaps address the reason for Paris' affinity for cute little animals. (And I'm not talking Richard Gere-type affinity, at least I hope not).
Reflekt - Need To Feel Loved (video)
DJ Seb Fontaine, Jay P, singer/songwriter Delline Bass

DJMonsterMo | 7:29 AM | View Comments »



R.I.P. Hunter S. Thompson


Hunter S. Thompson, the acerbic counterculture writer who popularized a new form of fictional journalism in books like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," fatally shot himself Sunday night at his home, his son said. He was 67.

What a strange news day it has been.

Fear and Loathing is a trip. I never finished the book, but I did enjoy the film. In celebration of the author's life, here's a mind-altering, drug-influenced remix from McSleazy featuring deejay punk roc, snoop dogg, kelis, mcsleazy, daft punk, interpol, dizzee rascal, young mc, chemical brothers, thomas the tank engine, charlatans, michael jackson, red hot chili peppers, disposable heroes of hiphopresy, led zeppelin, kasabian, kelis, menswear, beyonce, beastie boys, david bowie, michael jackson, beastie boys, franz ferdinand, nirvana, destinys child, harold faltermeyer, kaye styles, britney spears, charlatans, twista, new order, the ceasers, d12, filterheads. After listening to this, I must conclude that McSleazy is the best relatively unknown remixer/masher in the biz.
The Time has Come to Touch McSleazy - Stash this in your trunk.
McSleazy's site
Author Hunter S. Thompson Kills Himself

DJMonsterMo | 12:01 AM | View Comments »



Sunday, February 20, 2005

Paris Hilton, can you hear me now?


Everybody needs a sidekick. Like anonymous cell phone hackers. T-Mobile needs them like they need a hole in the head. Who got pwn3d: Eminem, Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, Andy Roddick, Ashlee Simpson, Victoria Gotti, Vin Diesel, Anna Kournikova and more!
Paris Hilton's cell phone hacked

DJMonsterMo | 5:17 PM | View Comments »



Being Kate Moss' Lover, or not


Sex, drugs, and rock n' roll; 21st century style. This is an interesting New York Times article about Pete Doherty (frontman of Babyshambles, ex-frontman of The Libertines) and his self-destruction. It's a shame for fans of The Libertines, including myself. Thanks to Largehearted Boy for the heads-up.

"In the last year hardly a week has gone by without another story of Mr. Doherty's excesses, and more recently his relationship with Ms. Moss, splashed across tabloids like The Daily Mirror or The Sun. Even the BBC current affairs show "Newsnight" has taken note of him. "The press here won't leave you alone," Mr. Mullord said, "but Pete does like the attention, it's true. He's his own worst enemy when it comes to getting the wrong type of attention."

Be a Junkie. Be a Thief. But Must You Date Kate Moss?
l: abentlif p: 253922 or use BugMeNot if the login page hassles you

DJMonsterMo | 4:25 PM | View Comments »



New Iron & Wine


Iron & Wine release the excellent Woman King EP on Tuesday, February 22. Like their critically-acclaimed second LP 'Our Endless Numbered Days', 'Woman King' features folksy vocals reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel, slide guitar, banjo, varied string accompaniment, and subtle percussion. Sam Beam's vocals are striking and appear to be comfortable with the studio polish (thankfully, he didn't suffer the Liz Phair sophomore slump). 'Woman King' is thoughtful and subtle, yet emotionally affecting, with melodies as inspired and lyrics as contemplative as those on 'Our Endless Numbered Days'.

Iron and Wine - In My Lady's House
This track, along with the the EP track 'Jezebel', is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard this year.

Iron and Wine - Woman King

DJMonsterMo | 12:09 PM | View Comments »



Saturday, February 19, 2005

What the hell? Bono?


Bono nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Anwar Sadat, Nelson Mandela and... maybe Bono. Right... Believe it or not, this is his second nomination (last one was in 2003).

DJMonsterMo | 5:43 PM | View Comments »



Bob Dylan on modern rock


"I know there are groups at the top of the charts that are hailed as the saviours of rock'n'roll and all that, but they are amateurs. They don't know where the music comes from."
"I wouldn't even think about playing music if I was born in these times... I'd probably turn to something like mathematics. That would interest me. Architecture would interest me. Something like that."
Link

DJMonsterMo | 1:29 PM | View Comments »



Ween


This is a MASSIVE Ween archive, for any Ween fanatics out there. I don't think my hard drive could fit all of the tracks on here. MP3, lossless SHN, and videos are available. If Ween were more consistent and less shizophrenic, I might be able to enjoy them more. I certainly respect what they do, wherever it ends up on the musical spectrum.
Ween archive

DJMonsterMo | 11:34 AM | View Comments »



Friday, February 18, 2005

New Arcade Fire and new New Order video


Time for traffic inflation. That's right; it's a post about The Arcade Fire to defibrillate my hit counter. J/k. I appreciate the recent increase in traffic to my site and I encourage you to keep checking back for updates on weird and wonderful music. Now, without further ado, the Arcade Fire's 'Wake Up' video, courtesy of Bradley's Almanac. All of the energy that one imagines goes into a song like 'Wake Up' is manifested through their very enthusiastic performance in this video.
Arcade Fire - Wake Up


Warning: this New Order video features an anorexic make out scene and a continually moving camera that makes Blair Witch look like Ozu.
New Order - Krafty

DJMonsterMo | 4:33 PM | View Comments »



News: Basement Jaxx, Decemberists, big fine, Death Cab, The O.C., Joanna Newsom, Shatner mash-up contest, Ludacris vs. Green Day?

DJMonsterMo | 4:14 PM | View Comments »



Thursday, February 17, 2005

R.I.P. Sammi Smith


Well, I don't consider myself to be any sort of country music expert. Actually, to be totally honest, I'm fairly ignorant of the whole genre. However, I thought that with my newfound love for Neko Case and alt-country, it would be short-sighted of me to ignore the recent passing of Sammi Smith and not listen to some of her old tunes, given her mark on the country music world. She is best known for her cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (which you can sample below) and her sultry, stalwart alto voice.

Smith died at the age of 61 at home after an undisclosed long-term illness.

Sammi Smith - Help Me Make It Through the Night

Link

DJMonsterMo | 11:25 PM | View Comments »



Tasty vids: Shivaree, The Go! Team


OK, if you haven't heard of The Go! Team or Shivaree by now, you've been living under a rock. However, you may have not yet seen the cool music videos that accompany their groovy songs.
The Go! Team - Ladyflash Jump rope extravaganza
Shivaree - New Casablanca The sultry Ambrosia twirls around in a sepia-toned world

DJMonsterMo | 9:04 PM | View Comments »



Mommy and Daddy


Hmm, another boy/girl duo; well, this ain't your mama's White Stripes. Fans of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, take notice. Vivian Sarratt and Edmond Hallas call themselves the "Sonny and Cher of Electro-Punk". Very well. This D.C.-based electro-punk duo will release their slammin' EP this Friday, and it promises to be a big step up from their debut LP. Armed with drum machines, abused bass guitars, noisy synthesizers, and alternating guy and girl vocals, they sound like a deliberately noisy blend of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Le Tigre, and The Misfits on speed.

NME
"Gutter-scuzz pop that ransacks everything from PiL to The B-52's"

Q Magazine
"Calculatedly brutal... thrillingly sardonic."

Click on the bottom right when you get into their main site
Confection (96 kbps from Fighting Style Killer Panda)
The Meeting (from Live How You Listen)

Tour dates with Static Age and Eyes Like Knives:
Feb 15: Mr. Roboto Project, Pittsburgh, PA
Feb 16: Noruh Grotto, Port Huron, MI
Feb 17: The Silhouette Skate Park, Walker MI
Feb 18: The Lime Spider, Akron, OH
Feb 19: The Ottobar, Baltimore, MD
Feb 20: The Fire, Philadelphia, PA
Feb 21: OFF
Feb 22: Knitting Factory Old Office, NYC
Feb 23: The Living Room, Providence, RI
Feb 24: King's Tavern, Saratoga Springs, NY
Feb 25: Higher Ground, So. Burlington, VT
Feb 26: The Plan @ Great Scott, Allston, MA
Feb 27: Auburn American Legion Hall, Portland, ME

DJMonsterMo | 7:14 AM | View Comments »



Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Prefuse73 lambastes album downloaders

Yikes! Quoted verbatim from his site:
"To all you wonderful people that have downloaded my fucking album. thanks!! To you fantastic people responsible for posting my fucking album = an extra thanks to you!! I should shelve this album, let the computer have it, quit Prefuse and start a hand clapping orchestra. If I could afford to give this album to everyone - i would do it, but instead i fucked up and forgot i was wearing a sign around my neck that says; "I work for free!", my bad... Alright - big up yourselves. Gracias...!"
Link

DJMonsterMo | 9:40 PM | View Comments »



News o' the day: Licenses for podcasting, electronic, Coldplay, M.I.A., Kid Rock

Licensing podcasts? Wil Wheaton's 2 cents
ILM, Myths of electronic music
Coldplay album delayed
M.I.A. album M.I.A.
Kid Rock jailed

DJMonsterMo | 5:34 PM | View Comments »



Tuesday, February 15, 2005

The Flaming Lips vs. Snoop Dogg Mash-Up

The awesome Flaming Lips vs. Snoop Dogg mash-up is back online!
djbc - The Flaming Lips vs. Snoop Dogg - Yoshimi Battles Snoop Dogg
Don't miss DJ BC's Beastles album either.
Link
(Site is intermittently down. Please check back later if it's down. Thanks.)

DJMonsterMo | 11:41 PM | View Comments »



New Thievery Corporation featuring Perry Farrell


This is a selection from the eagerly anticipated fourth LP from Thievery Corporation. 'The Cosmic Game' is an expansive downtempo work of art, blurring the lines between rock, breaks, bossa nova, dub, and psychedelia. It features excellent collaborations with The Flaming Lips, Perry Farrell (of Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros fame), and David Byrne (of the Talking Heads), as well as Thievery's always diverse cast of dancehall MC's, smokey-voiced chanteuses, and Brazilian percussionists. Highly recommended. Go out and buy it 2/22/05.

"#1 recommended album" -- BBC One World 1/20/05

"… if you like a bit of thoughtful, innovative electronic music look no further. This is truly original." -- Glamour UK

"…your 2005 soundtrack has arrived." -- Q

Thievery Corp. - Revolution Solution (ft. Perry Farrell)
'Revolution Solution' is Thievery's collaboration with Perry Farrell, a dubby anthem featuring an unexpectedly, uncannily soulful Farrell. It's a song fit for lazy afternoons in the hammock, smoke-filled cigar rooms, and trendy, dimly-lit lounges. The beautiful dubby flava almost makes you think another Perry was involved, Lee Perry, rather than Perry Farrell. This is a testament to the Thievery's skills in sonic manipulation and production and Perry Farrell's vocal adaptability.

DJMonsterMo | 7:21 PM | View Comments »



Mash-Ups!

Just in time for Valentine's (Ok, I'm a little late. Your consolation is that it's a massive post).
Mash-Ups. What da drilly yo? Songs that should never be put together have unnatural coitus and a bastard song pops out...that's a mash-up. Sometimes the mashes are scarier than the alien-baby from Eraserhead. But once in a while, the mash really works.


I think this is one such example. Even if you don't like it, it's still worth hearing for the curiosity factor.
Dunproofin' - MIA vs. JAMC - Galang Reverence

I'd like to hear from you which ones you like!


MP3s were shamelessly culled from these sites. Much respect guys and gals. Your well-honed craft is tickling my ossicles.
http://www.bootiesf.com/
http://dunproofin.culturedeluxe.co.uk/
http://www.bass211.com/
http://www.djearworm.com/
http://www.djjayr.com/
http://www.tristanshout.net/
http://www.crftp.com/
http://www.tristanshout.net/
http://gybo.org/
http://www.mutantpop.net/board/
http://www.partyben.com/
http://www.gohomeproductions.co.uk/
http://www.mcsleazy.net/
http://www.4trak.net/dsico/
http://www.mutantpop.net/instamatic/tunes.html
http://www.djaxel.com/axel.html
http://www.bootleg.dj/
http://www.djbc.net/mashes/

DJMonsterMo | 12:41 AM | View Comments »



Sunday, February 13, 2005

Broken Social Scene - Lover's Spit (Feist version)


Make your own hearts here!

This version is off their Beehives B-Sides album. It's different from the album version in that it is slower with stripped-down instrumentation and it features Feist's gorgeous vocals.

Here are some romantic lyrics to ponder while you make googly eyes with your significant other:
All these people drinking lover's spit
They sit around and clean their face with it
And they listen to teeth to learn how to quit
Tied to a night they never met

Broken Social Scene - Lover's Spit (Feist version)

DJMonsterMo | 8:01 PM | View Comments »



Battleship Potemkin: Restoration


Those of us with an interest in film will be pleased to hear that Sergei Eisenstein's revolutionary 1925 classic 'Battleship Potemkin' has been restored to its original form, including scenes originally cut due to graphic violence, proper translations of the original Russian intertitles, and a written introduction by Leon Trotsky that had been excised by Stalin. I don't know about you, but the version I saw on a DVD from Netflix a little while back definitely needed work.
The scene above is from the famous Odessa steps sequence, which has been imitated by countless directors, including most notably De Palma in 'The Untouchables'.
Link

DJMonsterMo | 3:06 PM | View Comments »



Saturday, February 12, 2005

Panning the new Moby album

Commercialize /k&-'m&r-sh&-"lIz/ - 3. to debase in quality for more profit (Webster's)

Wow, this could be Moby's worst album ever. It will be rotting on music store shelves and in mainstream consumers' ears starting March 22, 2005. The album avoids samples, allowing the thinness and blandness of his voice come to the fore. Also, the lyrics make me cringe. Here's a lyrical excerpt from the song "Slipping Away":

Open to everything happy and sad
Seeing the good when it's all going bad
Seeing the sun when I can't really see
Hoping the sun will at least look at me

Moby, you're gonna make me puke. IMHO, everything he's done since Animal Rights has been irrelevant, except for his ability to license his music to every American brand name.

If you are a masochist (credit to totally fuzzy)

DJMonsterMo | 8:37 PM | View Comments »



Belle and Sebastian fans might like Architecture in Helsinki


Architecture in Helsinki is actually a quaint band from Australia whose mish-mash of eclectic electronic twee indie pop combines guitar, keyboard, synthesized sounds, samples, and even tap dancing to create a style that sounds like a minimalist version of Belle and Sebastian.

'Souvenirs' sounds like Saint Etienne meets The Postal Service.
'The Owls Go' is a unique song that combines guitar, tap dancing, 80s keyboard, synthesized accordion, vocals, a capella sounds, and samples of kids.

Architecture in Helsinki - Souvenirs
Architecture in Helsinki - The Owls Go

DJMonsterMo | 5:02 PM | View Comments »



Archive of live Beastie Boys

Nice archive of live Beastie Boys, including:
Mixmaster Mike - Live at DNA Lounge in San Francisco, CA 09-16-04
Live at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington 09-19-04
Live at Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Canada 09-20-04
Live at City Park in New Orleans, LA 10-16-04
Live at Transmusicales in Rennes, France 12-03-04
Live at Evening News Arena in Manchester, England 12-06-04 (Radio 1 Broadcast)
Live at Phillipshalle in Dusseldorf, Germany 12-13-04
Link

DJMonsterMo | 12:12 AM | View Comments »



Friday, February 11, 2005

Beck, Wilco news, blogroll scraps

To entice those who've downloaded MP3s of the new Beck album to purchase the album (the jury is still out on whether these MP3s are unmastered demos or finalized tracks), Beck's new LP 'Guero' will also feature remixes by Röyksopp, Boards Of Canada, Octet, and Dizzee Rascal.

Quote of the day: "I can't say that having Grammy nominations means an enormous amount to us. I don't see it as being a validation of anything. To be really blunt, I don't have a lot of respect for the artists that have won Grammys. On the other hand, it's very exciting to be nominated for a Grammy because it makes your parents happy." Jeff Tweedy, Wilco
Thanks to Largehearted Boy for the heads-up

Chips and Cookies, back with a vengeance. Welcome back, sport.

DJMonsterMo | 7:47 PM | View Comments »



Thursday, February 10, 2005

We Have All The Time In the World (cover)

This is an interesting My Bloody Valentine cover of the famous John Barry tune 'We Have All The Time In the World', which was popularized but not written by Louis Armstrong. This track is from the Peace Together compilation. It features mellow vocals, synthesized strings, not-too-fuzzy guitar (like pre-Loveless MBV), and keyboard.

MBV - We Have All The Time In the World (John Barry cover)

DJMonsterMo | 5:05 PM | View Comments »



Dios Malos

Imagine The Flaming Lips and Grandaddy taking some Valium and collaborating with the Beach Boys. That's a rough idea of what Dios Malos sounds like. They hail from Hawthorne, CA (like the Beach Boys) and their eponymous debut LP generated a quiet buzz last year. 'You Got Me All Wrong' was one of their better-known tracks due to its inclusion on the O.C. soundtrack.
Right click (courtesy of download.com):
Starting Five - Brian Wilson would be proud
Everyday - features harmonica and just the right amount of guitar wah

DJMonsterMo | 7:55 AM | View Comments »



Record Companies, Ashlee Simpson, and Comment Spamming

Surprise, surprise. Record companies may be comment spamming to promote artists. Did the esteemed Music for Robots fall prey?

A Google search reveals an Ashlee Simpson-related spam campaign here.

See the link below for an example of an entire fake conversation concocted to promote The Secret Machines on craigslist.
Link

DJMonsterMo | 7:27 AM | View Comments »



Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Mr. Brightside (thin white duke remix)

This is a new Mr. Brightside remix not available in the states yet. The remix is by Thin White Duke aka Jacques Lu Cont aka Les Rhythmes Digitales, whose fantastic remix of Felix Da Housecat's Silver Screen Shower Scene rocked the house in 2003. The remix is pretty straightforward, changing little in the way of vocals. It has an infectious, laid-back chillout vibe.
The Killers - Mr. Brightside (thin white duke remix)

DJMonsterMo | 7:31 PM | View Comments »



Wired Mag on Wilco

I can't describe the mutual benefits of digital music distribution any better than Jeff Tweedy of Wilco:

"Music," he explained, "is different" from other intellectual property. Not Karl Marx different - this isn't latent communism. But neither is it just "a piece of plastic or a loaf of bread." The artist controls just part of the music-making process; the audience adds the rest. Fans' imagination makes it real. Their participation makes it live. "We are just troubadours," Tweedy told me. "The audience is our collaborator. We should be encouraging their collaboration, not treating them like thieves."
Link

DJMonsterMo | 5:26 PM | View Comments »



Scissor Sisters - Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand cover)

In recognition of the Village Voice list-topping single (Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out'), check out the Scissor Sisters cover of Take Me Out, for anyone who missed this loungy, Elton John-esque cover last year.

DJMonsterMo | 3:01 PM | View Comments »



2004 Pazz and Jop Poll

The always entertaining, always unpredictable Village Voice list of critics' picks for the best albums and singles of 2004 is out. Talk about procrastination: it's already frikkin' February!
Albums
Singles
Thanks to Fluxblog for his daily insight, from those of us who can only dream of being a Pazz and Jop contributor one day.

My 2004 singles list would be:
1. The Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
2. Ambulance LTD - Stay Where You Are
3. Belle and Sebastian - Your Cover's Blown
4. Annie - Heartbeat
5. Snow Patrol - Run
6. The Walkmen - The Rat
7. Jadakiss feat Anthony Hamilton - Why
8. Feist - One Evening
9. A.C. Newman - Miracle Drug
10. Modest Mouse - Float On
HM. The Go! Team - Ladyflash

DJMonsterMo | 7:36 AM | View Comments »



Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Pioneers of electronic music


I always thought that Kraftwerk laid the groundwork for the development of almost all electronic music. However, a great NPR story investigates the little known early history of electronic music and the influence of Louis and Bebe Barron and the 'Forbidden Planet' soundtrack (1956), the first electronic music soundtrack.
Link
Thanks to Slashdot and Boing Boing for the heads-up.

DJMonsterMo | 4:31 PM | View Comments »



Negativland - U2 Special Edit Radio Mix


Negativland and SST records got in big trouble in 1991 for releasing 'U2', a parody of U2's 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' mixed with vulgar Casey Kasem outtakes and shortwave radio transmissions. Needless to say, Negativland and SST records got taken to the cleaners and were essentially bankrupted. Thankfully, their cause has been championed by sampling advocates. Read more about it here.

DJMonsterMo | 4:29 PM | View Comments »



Farewell, Chips and Cookies

The IFPI has apparently pressured Chips and Cookies to close its doors. It's a shame, since the site was often a treasure trove of tasty music links. Another casualty in the spirit of responsible enjoyment of digital music.

DJMonsterMo | 3:32 PM | View Comments »



Monday, February 07, 2005

On Late TV this week: Wilco, Iron and Wine, Ani DiFranco, Ted Leo, Damien Rice

Monday, February 7, 2005
NBC 12:35 a.m. Late Night With Conan O'Brien: WILCO

Tuesday, February 8, 2005
NBC 1:35 a.m. Last Call With Carson Daly: IRON AND WINE

Friday, February 11
NBC 11:35 p.m. The Tonight Show With Jay Leno: ANI DIFRANCO
12:35 a.m. Late Night With Conan O'Brien: TED LEO AND THE PAHARMACISTS

Saturday, February 12
PBS 9:00 p.m. Austin City Limits: DAMIEN RICE, PATTY GRIFFIN

Link

DJMonsterMo | 5:15 PM | View Comments »



News: Montreal music scene

Interesting NY Times article on the Montreal music scene.
If you aren't registered, use BugMeNot to get a login without going through the hassle of registering your e-mail.

DJMonsterMo | 4:59 PM | View Comments »



Sunday, February 06, 2005

Sigur Rós - Starálfur


For those of you who've seen "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou", you know about what an important role the beautiful song 'Starálfur' plays in the film. While Sigur Rós have drawn comparisons to Spiritualized and early Pink Floyd, Starálfur and other songs reveal their style to be unique and unclassifiable. I love at around 3:17 when the subtle dubby percussion comes in with a touch of bass in the background, sounding like distant fireworks. Then, the lovely strings close it out. Here are some more songs from their generous website.

DJMonsterMo | 9:38 AM | View Comments »



Saturday, February 05, 2005

It's Not You, It's the E Talking

Soulwax - E Talking (Tiga Disco Drama Rmx).
I was surprised to hear that Soulwax's LP 'Any Minute Now' was produced by Flood, who has also worked with U2, The Charlatans, PJ Harvey, and NIN. Frankly, the album is inconsistent and not very innovative. However, this remix of their single 'E Talking' works as a dark neo-new wave house anthem.

DJMonsterMo | 2:33 PM | View Comments »



News: Prefuse 79, New Pornographers, Family Guy

- Prefuse 73 Album Details Announced
- New Pornographers LP this year
- Family Guy video game to be released

DJMonsterMo | 11:23 AM | View Comments »



Friday, February 04, 2005

Jupiter Ace - 1000 Years


Update: better version uploaded
This year's electronic anthem? The only hotter tune is Mylo's Destroy Rock and Roll and its various remixes. Prior to its release, '1000 Years' hit #1 on the Ministry of Sound Cool Cuts chart and the BBC Radio One Essential Selection Buzz Chart. It was just released on Jan. 24 in the UK. Jupiter Ace (named after a classic computer) has already remixed Kylie, Fatboy Slim, and Lovefreekz. This tune is fun anthemic funky house at its best.
Sample:
"I won't be beat,
Not in a thousand years.
Just leave me now.
Just leave me whoa-oa whoa-oa-oa."

DJMonsterMo | 6:25 PM | View Comments »



New Weezer album in May


It's about time. Also, the first Weezer show since 2002 will be on night one of Coachella.

DJMonsterMo | 3:20 PM | View Comments »



50 Cent In Da Simpsons


50 Cent will make a cameo appearance on the Simpsons on Feb. 13.

DJMonsterMo | 3:10 PM | View Comments »



The Mars Volta - The Widow (video)

Envision a post-apocalyptic Mexican town where a strange ice cream vendor dispenses coal-black ice cream to the children and townspeople, causing trances, hallucinations, violence, and black tarry eye discharge. Freaky.
The Widow (video)

DJMonsterMo | 7:40 AM | View Comments »



Thursday, February 03, 2005

Bright Eyes poll








What do you think of Bright Eyes?

Precocious indie wunderkind

Prolific arrogant whiner

Who the hell are Bright Eyes?



If you voted #3, learn more about Bright Eyes here and
listen to Lover I Don't Have to Love

DJMonsterMo | 11:12 PM | View Comments »



Ex-Libertines frontman assaults filmmaker


Link | Update: Charged with blackmail and robbery
More about The Libertines' self-destruction here.

DJMonsterMo | 10:39 PM | View Comments »



Scorsese Cantonese Rehash

Jack Nicholson is starring with Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon in 'The Departed', Scorsese's remake of Infernal Affairs, an award-winning blockbuster from Hong Kong from a years back that just saw a stateside release last year. I encourage everyone to see the excellent original Cantonese film, but I'm skeptical about this re-make, which is beginning to look like Reservoir Dogs meets Boondock Saints.

DJMonsterMo | 8:20 PM | View Comments »



An early Shins single

Take a listen to this early Shins single, 'When I Goose-Step', from 2000, which was b/w The Gloating Sun. The shimmering guitar, nostalgic tone, and subtly march-like drums provide a glimpse of the unique, beautiful music that the Shins would come to produce in the ensuing years. The song is also available on the Wicker Park soundtrack, which is a great soundtrack from (what I've heard is) a terrible movie.
When I Goose-Step

DJMonsterMo | 7:47 AM | View Comments »



Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Screencaps from The Arcade Fire on Conan

The Arcade Fire performed a rousing, energetic rendition of Neighborhood #2 (Laika), which the crowd approved of. Conan was either impressed or confused; I couldn't tell since, as usual, his goofy face didn't reveal what he was actually thinking.


DJMonsterMo | 11:13 PM | View Comments »



Touring the US: Bloc Party; Ash

Not together; though, that would be a great show.

Bloc Party:
* New York Roxy (February 20)
* New York Happy Endings (22)
* Austin SXSW (March 16-19)
* Pomona Glasshouse (21)
* Los Angeles Troubadour (22)
* San Francisco Bottom of the Hill (23)
* San Francisco Pop Scene (24)
* Seattle Neumos (26)
* Vancouver Richard’s on Richards (27)
* Minneapolis First Avenue (30)
* Chicago Metro (31)
* Detroit Magic Stick (April 1)
* Toronto Lee’s Palace (2)
* Montreal Que Cabaret Music Hall (3)
* Boston Paradise (5)
* Philadelphia First Unitarian Church (6)
* New York Bowery Ballroom (7, 8)
* Washington DC Black Cat (9)

Ash will play:
* Philadelphia Theatre of the Living Arts (March 9)
* Washington DC Black Cat (10)
* Carrboro Cat’s Cradle (11)
* Atlanta Vinyl (12)
* Houston Engine Room (14)
* San Antonio Sanctuary (15)
* Austin SXSW (17-19)
* Dallas Trees (20)
* Albuquerque (22)
* Phoenix Mason Jar (23)
* San Diego Casbah (25)
* Los Angeles Troubadour (26)
* San Francisco Slims (29)
* Vancouver Richard’s on Richards (31)
* Portland Crystal Ballroom (April 1)
* Seattle El Corazon (2)
* Salt Lake City Lo-Fi Café (4)
* Denver Bluebird Theatre (5)
* Chicago Metro (8)
* Cleveland Agora Ballroom (12)
* Toronto Opera House (13)

Link 1, Link 2

DJMonsterMo | 7:35 AM | View Comments »



Tuesday, February 01, 2005

The Arcade Fire on Conan Tonight!

As in February 1, 2005. In case you don't believe me!

DJMonsterMo | 9:39 PM | View Comments »



Outkast Movie


Apparently, Outkast plans to release a movie produced by HBO, tentatively entitled "Speakerboxx". The movie will star Dre and Big Boi, as well as Macy Gray and Patti LaBelle. The movie will be pseudoautobiographical. The strange thing is that it will apparently take place in the 1930s with some anachronistic hip-hop. Not sure how that will work. Anyway, the good news is that the movie will feature some new tunes that may be released as a soundtrack album with a few tracks released as singles.
Link

P.S. Stereogum, where you at? We miss you. *sniffle* Hope the site gets fixed soon.

DJMonsterMo | 5:22 PM | View Comments »



Aimee Mann live


Here are a couple of tracks from Aimee Mann's performance at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn. These live tracks seem to have more energy than the original releases, including a rockin' 2-minute guitar solo in their rendition of Long Shot.
Long Shot (live)
Save Me (live)

DJMonsterMo | 4:23 PM | View Comments »