Rewriteable Content

Rewriteable has a new home...

2009-02-24T22:47:00.001-08:00

Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

2008-06-20T10:45:00.001-07:00

Dark Hand & Lamplight

2008-05-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Seeing a Dark Hand & Lamplight show is enchanting. You are taken into a world that’s romantic and inspiring, slowly immersed in a thing part concert, and part pop-up book.

Toronto’s Doug Paisley sings stories with his guitar, while Shary Boyle paints and animates live artwork on an overhead projector. The combination creates an encompassing experience, tranquil and endearing. Often tinged with sadness, and always very beautiful.

You sit trying to predict the possible ways of manipulating her drawings through the projector. She’s thought of them all. Transitions that falsify focus and depth to the flat images. Ways to have her characters travel down long rivers and experience varying emotions. Ghosts and birds even take flight over the audience as she moves the projector itself.

It’s a performance from the start. They dress as pioneers, and enter by candlelight. There are brief visual/musical interludes between longer pieces. And the projections and soundtrack of each regardless of length, are choreographed to cue and sync together on beat and in tone. Each song relates to each scene, but do not explain one another, and the viewer is left with their own impression of the whole.

[mov] Dark Hand And Lamplight – Digging In The Dirt

Contest: Tickets to No Age, Yeasayer, Death Set and Free Blood!

2008-04-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

This sort of lineup doesn't come around too often so do yourselves a favor and email rewriteablecontent@gmail.com to win a pair of tickets to this Friday's show @ The Los Angeles Ukrainian Center (right down the street from Scoops).

Friday, April 25th
No Age
Yeasayer
the Death Set
Free Blood
@ the Los Angeles Ukrainian Center
4315 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029
$8 / 8:00pm

[www] No Age - Eraser

[www] Yeasayer - 2080

More Vids from By Osmosis.tv

2008-04-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy...

White Rabbits - Fort Nightly

2008-01-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

The last five weeks of my life have involved wandering through European cities finding the external fortresses and treasures reflecting the internal conflicts and answers that I was seeking to better understand. It was no cliché renaissance dream of “finding oneself”, no much mocked after travelers lament, in actuality nothing more than a mere vacation from my self and that other anti-culture city life that my body left behind in the exotic basin of Los Angeles.

In my tourist trap dodging and backpack sidestepping one of my multiple musical companions was the fantastically appropriate album Fort Nightly by the New York rockers the White Rabbits. The excessive percussion and danceable, swing step beats made Fort Nightly a reasonable soundtrack for my city spectrum meandering and instantaneously turned White Rabbits into one of my new “go-to” bands of the moment. There is some type of dirt ridden, dive bar, middle finger conglomeration going on here that sounds so much more wholesome than it’s described. Maybe its because they have put the piano so far up in the mix that it actually sounds like the White Rabbits have slipped in through the back door of some decent establishment with their noise makers and guitars and enough confidence that they aren’t ever kicked out. Album opener “Kid On My Shoulder” has moments that could have found itself comfortably positioned anywhere in the first half of Jeff Buckley’s My Sweetheart the Drunk. But besides those fleeting moments Fort Nightly contains a sound that is recognizably their own. It’s just nice to have an album to care about again.

[mp3] White Rabbits – The Plot

| Artist Page | More mp3s | Buy Fort Nightly |

The Transmissions - Burning the Winner

2008-01-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles can be a cold and lonely place for any resident, artist and professional alike; however, using the "power in numbers" approach, people have taken to forming clubs, hangouts and collectives. The Central Second is a collective of bands out of Silver Lake and the surrounding pockets of LA, including RC favs The Happy Hollows and The Henry Clay People.

My biggest complaint with most "LA" music is that no one takes any chances; however, the common thread running through The Central Second collective is having the confidence to create unique music. Hearing The Transmissions full length, Burning the Winner, helped me realize this thread of fearlessness. Burning the Winner is full of slowly cooked songs, which rest on a foundation of discord and fragmented riffs. Every song on the album bypasses the 3 minute pop structure, allowing the listener to sink deeper into the world of the song. In that sense (the approach to listening) it feels closer to a noise record. The Transmissions show off their live energy in the second half of Burning the Winner, showcasing three songs not on the album proper. It proves to be a smart choice - one that will send a lot of people to their myspace page for some tour dates. "Head (live)" brings out the Washington DC, Fugazi sounds that are hinted at in the first half of the album. Hearing this grit and integrity, come out of a city famous for having neither characteristic, puts a smile on my face and makes my morning commute across town a little easier.

[www] The Transmissions - I'll Run It

| Artist Page | Central Second Collective |

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew – Spirit If…

2007-12-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

It’s interesting how Kevin Drew, the mastermind/co-founder/baby genius behind the Broken Social Scene phenomena, is taking stock in the BSS Corporation by giving the brand name band a sponsorship role in the release of his new album. It’s a pretty straightforward marketing ploy on Drew’s part but it’s not an unjustifiable gesture. Spirit If… plays under the same umbrella as its parent company but without much of the bravado and side stepping through genre and songwriting identities that the previous BSS albums have done. But there in lies the paradox with this whole Spirit If… project where guest appearances come from many of those who frequent the amoeba like organism that is Broken Social Scene. Is it another BSS album that just got stamped with an ego trip of a title or is it truly a solo effort that the title somewhat suggests? Fortunately at the end of the day I’m not finding myself hitting my head against the curb as I try to make ends meet in the soundness of my little paradoxical observation. I’m just stoked there are some new kick ass tunes to make me feel something.

[mp3] Kevin Drew – Back Out On The...

Akron/Family – Love Is Simple

2007-12-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

My introduction to Akron/Family came from a fellow student as she shared the infectious haunts of “Raising the Sparks” through a single headphone speaker. The post lecture hall listening party hardly did justice to the song that she was eager to title as “song of the year”. But despite my less than appropriate listening environment, this situation proved a stepping stone for my conversion and imminent love affair with the tribal pop chorals of Akron/Family’s creative gems.

On their new release, Akron/Family is found shifting to the sounds of a slightly different tune as they proclaim their new mantra in the appropriately titled Love Is Simple. The album is filled with love songs that incorporate lyrics that some have found to be a tad on the sappy but can easily be translated as a reflection of a mere fun, nonchalant side of the band that seems to be coming out more than on previous recordings. The brilliant “Ed Is A Portal” follows suit in the Akron/Family canon of tribal pop chaos with an open house choral arrangement and kitchen sink percussion that ends in a summation that makes a pretty steady trajectory toward camp Elephant 6. Though Love Is Simple is fairly complex in its arrangements it is a lighthearted ride through the typically depressing genre of love song sing alongs that conclusively triumphs in it the albums overall intentions.

[mp3] Akron/Family - Ed Is A Portal
[mp3] Akron/Family - Phenomena

New Site: By Osmosis

2007-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I wanted to point you all to a new video site I just started called By Osmosis. It will host a series of short films, which I have made on innovative artists in Los Angeles. I currently have a short profile on Shepard Fairey (Obey), and will be posting a new doc every week or so. Go check it out and let me know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Nick Ferrall

Free Blood @ Cloud City

2007-11-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone is going to tell you: Free Blood’s the side project turned full time project of former !!! drummer, John Pugh, and his friend, fashion designer Madeleine Davy. They’ll say they’re loud, and funky disco punk, and that they‘re from Brooklyn.

I’m going to tell you, that if you like Out Hud or LCD Soundsystem, then Free Blood might be the best thing to happen to you all year. If you’ve had a hole you couldn’t fill since DFA 1979 retired, Free Blood might be your new favorite. It’s noisy and there’s lots of screaming and I wanted to hurt myself dancing from the tension of it first listen.

The Getty was thick through with fog for the last of their “Fridays Off The 405” of the year. Lots of people were out and it was very beautiful, but as you’ll see in the video no one braved fill into the stage so it was tough to get the crowd dancing. I imagine the Gettys a bit more cavernous than the basements and bars Free Blood’s been playing. That being said, judge for yourself. They’re not shy.

[mov] Free Blood - Quick And Painful

Please excuse the sound quality. The poor mic on my little point n’ shoot.

Free Blood have an EP out in the states next month, and say their album should release beginning of the new year.

RC Will Rise Again...

2007-11-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

let's just call this a writers' strike. we'll be back soon!

RC <3 Writers

2007-11-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hollywood United

just cause we love

2007-10-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

[mp3] Liars - House Clouds (demo)

get the rest of the free sessions EP here

Contest: Tickets to Sigur Ros (acoustic performance / "Heima" screening)!

2007-10-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

We love giving away limited edition 7"s and all, but this contest is the real deal - 2 exclusive tickets to see Sigur Ros perform acoustically, followed by the screening of "Heima."

The event will be held at the always lovely Vista Theater in Silver Lake, on November 1st (doors @ 7pm / show @ 8pm). All you have to do is drop your name/email in the comment box or send us an email to RewriteableContent@gmail.com.

Don't miss out, this should be an amazing evening with Iceland's finest! We will be contacting the winner on Weds night.

Info about "Heima"

[mp3] Sigur Ros - Staralfur (acoustic)

Saul Williams - Niggy Tardust

2007-10-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

The dominoes continue to fall - Saul Williams just announced that he will be making his latest LP, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust, available online for free with non-DRM or for a $5 donation. As an incentive to support Saul, the $5 donation will give you access to 320 kbit/s or FLAC files, while the free version is 192kbit/s. A great move for those left annoyed by the lower quality of In Rainbows.

Go to Saul Williams official site to pre-register for the album!

Niggy Tardust will be out Nov. 1st.

Track Listing:
Black History Month
Convict Colony
Tr(n)igger
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Break
NiggyTardust
DNA
WTF!
Scared Money
Raw
Skin of a Drum
No One Ever Does
Banged and Blown Through
Raised to be Lowered
The Ritual

[mp3] Saul Williams - The Pledge of Resistance

Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild

2007-10-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Eddie Vedder's continued relevance in both music and society leaves him peerless. Vedder's work with Pearl Jam is built around refusing others expectations, and it has placed them ahead of the pack for the last seventeen years. Sean Penn is a talent that cannot be stopped. Within the last decade he has insured his position in the canon of legendary actors, and begun to explore his role as screenwriter/ director. Together, Vedder and Penn have captured the ideology, beauty and tragedy of a life not meant for the set path.

Into the Wild finds its balance by alternating between scenes of extreme isolation, and empathetic slices of society. The moments of beautiful scenery and exploration are a perfect canvas for musicians, and Eddie Vedder takes full advantage of the opportunity. Songs like "No Ceiling" and "Society" take me immediately back into the film, and stir up the same emotions. It's truly an auditory journey through the tale of Christopher McCandless. Read the book, watch the film, hear the album.

[www] Eddie Vedder - Society

The Cave Singers - Invitation Songs

2007-10-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

I never made it on to the Pretty Girls Make Graves train. There were a few songs that made it through my ear canals but nothing stuck to the walls. It’s a usual plague in this blog-o-world of bands and songs that are all begging for your attention and in turn some artists deservedly get more iPod play than others.

Luckily the new songs from former Pretty Girls Make Graves bassist, Derek Fudesco, under the new band moniker The Cave Singers, came at the right moment to grab my attention. The appeal to the Cave Singers’ sound may quite possibly be due to the changing seasons as we slowly descend through the autumn months into the impending winter chill. The Cave Singers have this pleasant, sepia tinged timbre that has made for some perfect early morning riser tunes. Looks like I have myself a new wake up song.

10/23/07 - the Echo (w/ Black Mountain) (tix)

[mp3] The Cave Singers – Seeds Of Night

KXLU saves radio / gives me free tickets

2007-10-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

KXLU is the only radio station in Los Angeles worth a damn, and they just further proved that by handing me a pair of tickets to Battles and No Age at the Henry Fonda.

It was an epic battle of timing and strategy, but after an early jump as caller #1 - I solidified my fate by being the golden 5th caller. Boo ya! Anyways, I really just wanted a reason to promote KXLU (88.9 for you LA dwellers), and two bands stuck on repeat in my ipod.

listen to KXLU online here Donate to the station here

See Battles/No Age:
10/30/07 - Henry Fonda

[mp3] Battles - Atlas
[mp3] No Age - Boy Void

RC's Podcast Episode #1 - Firepower

2007-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

The RC podcast series has official begun... please enjoy the sounds.

[mp3] Rewriteable Content Episode #1 - Firepower

Jay Dee - Kanye West - Liars Dan Deacon - Oh No - Parts & Labor - Animal Collective - The Black Lips -Ernie and the Top Notes Inc - Gang Gang Dance - No Age - Eskimohunter - Justice - Crystal Castles - Eric Copeland - Handsome Furs

Radiohead LP7 - In Rainbows

2007-09-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

I just received a strange and wonderful email from the fine people at W.A.S.T.E., which informed me that Radiohead's 7th LP will in fact see the light of day in 2007. While the December 3rd release of the In Rainbows DiscBox is amazing news, the fact that I can download it on October 10th for free (transaction fee?) is beyond fantastic news!

Go explore the site for yourself and watch out for that 40 pound price tag on the box set - ouch.

Contest: Fader Limited Edition 7-inch

2007-09-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

The single printing, 500 copy Fader/Southern Comfort 7" strikes again! This time the waxed culprits are Busy P and DJ Blaqstarr, with tracks "Pedrophilia" and "I Can Feel It In the Air."

Summer may be over, but it doesn't mean you need to put your dance music in hibernation!

Send us an email (rewriteablecontent@gmail.com) or post a comment w/ your name and email address to be enrolled in the drawing.

Concert Pirates – Wolf Parade @ the El Rey 09/13/07

2007-09-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

(photo cred Pitchfork. Check out more pictures from the show here.)

Last week the Content paraded our way through the El Rey Theater, our boots lined with microphones and recording equipment, ready to record the handful of post-Apologies Wolf Parade tunes that awaited all our eager ears. The resulting show, despite the usual Spencer Krug technical difficulty that has become mainstay at Sunset/Parade shows, was an exciting unveiling of tunes that are sure to accompany the release of the next Wolf Parade album. Forget the review; just listen to the show below.

DISCLAIMER: All new song titles have been attributed to the Content’s keen sense of guesstimation and are by no means the actual song titles of the following tracks. Just blame it on the “security” guard for not letting us near the stage to get the set list. Together now, virtual fist shake at all those supposed safety enforcing yellow shirts! (But if you could help us out it would be appreciated.)

[mp3] Wolf Parade – Every Road (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Dear Sons And Daughters Of Hungry Ghosts (Live)
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Desert Song (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Telephone (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – We Built Another World (Live)
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Nature of the Game (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Shine A Light (Live)
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Radio Song (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Its A Curse (Live)
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Fine Young Cannibals (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Runner/Fancy Claps (Live)
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Long Song (Live) *new song
[mp3] Wolf Parade – This Hearts On Fire (Live)
[mp3] Wolf Parade – Happy Birthday/I'll Believe In Anything (Live)

[zip] Wolf Parade – Full Show (Live @ El Rey 9/13/07)

Gang Gang Dance - RAWWAR

2007-09-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Maybe the sewers of Manhattan are frot with alligators, and Benny Profane* was right to hunt them. Anything seems possible in a city, so electric, it beckons artists from around the globe to come and create work void of social norms. I'm thinking of Excepter, Spike Lee, Animal Collective and of course the list goes on, but we'll finish on Gang Gang Dance. While not all these artists were born in New York, the draw that lead them to the city is the main fascination.

In 2005, I gave God's Money a good long listen. I did my best to soak in its alien qualities, and its fractured presentation; however, I was always left as a passive observer - admiring but absent. It's been a long two years, and music has shaped in a way that opens the doors for Gang Gang Dance (most apparent [in my life] the growth of Animal Collective). RAWWAR sounds more like an off beat, dance album than the occultic seance I recall from GGD's past effort. While this is a result of both GGD's melodic growth and my adjusted eardrums, it is also true that artists on the periphery always finds their way to the center, and it may just be Gang Gang Dance's day.

[mp3] Gang Gang Dance - Nicoman

from the Social Registry site:

[mp3] Gang Gang Dance - Nomad For Love (Cannibal)
[mp3] Gang Gang Dance - North Six 5/01/04

| Myspace Page | Social Registry | Emusic |

*protagonist in Thomas Pynchon's V

Hall & Oates @ Hollywood Bowl

2007-09-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Daryl Hall,

You look like a Tiger. Your cascading mane brushed or tossed aside with emphasis during songs gives you the appearance of a mighty jungle cat. I imagine you and your soul brother John probably have several superhuman characteristics; because you are hit machines, and cannot be stopped by conventional methods (of modern love).

I have no desire to stop you. Your concert Saturday night was fantastic. Boy, have you guys still got it. You're consummate musicians, and classic rock n’ rollers - letting that music speak for itself, and occasionally letting Mr. Casual step forward for his saxophone solos. Mr. Casual has always been a really bitchin’ nickname. If you could relay to him that I think so.

Sometimes I think you are joking, like when you introduced Sara Smile as “a song about simplicity in a complicated world.” But you are not. I was wrong to think that. After listening again with opened ears, that’s what that song is about.

I wasn’t expecting the string arrangements on this tour. Smooth. They sounded especially hot on One On One, where “Oh Oh I could feel the magic of that touch.”

I was sorry we didn’t get to hear Private Eyes or Did It In A Minute... or Kiss Is On My List or Portable Radio... I guess you can’t play every song you’ve ever written every night, but I want you to know I wish you could.

I might have been as excited to see J.D. Ryznar (“Micheal McDonald” from internet TV’s Yacht Rock) there at the bowl as I was to see you guys. I knew the Yacht Rock guys would be in attendance, but fun to know we all enjoyed your performance together.

Anyway I’ll let you go. Congratulations on your recent appearance as World Music Jam Host in Flight Of The Conchords the other night. I always thought you were great offering sound advice on that episode of “Ed” all those years ago too. That was a good show.

Keep Haulin’ Oats in the tour bus!

Love,
English

[mp3] Hall & Oates – Rich Girl
[mp3] Hall & Oates – Portable Radio

I Feel So Break Up: The Eternal Nature of Sloop John B

2007-09-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

When they say that (some) music is timeless I don’t think they were referring to the eternal regurgitation of classic songs, but maybe they were. Wouldn’t that make sense then that if a song makes it into the ‘timeless’ category then it should be able to be played in whatever era, far and removed from the breeding grounds where it was consummated? I guess that means that commercials will forever be dubbed over with Beatles cover bands and Southern California car ads ripping off “I Get Around” every June for their annual summer sales.

I have long been a fan of the classic “Sloop John B” that now eternally resides in the celestial garden of folk songs. The premiere example of Sloop John’s musical ability strikes most and is most recognizable as the seventh track and imminent roadblock to the near perfect Beach Boys’ pop masterpiece Pet Sounds. But many others have been attributed to their own versions (and titles) of the song, many before and after the Beach Boys version.

[mp3] The Weavers – Wreck Of The John B
[mp3] Van Morrison – I Wanna Go Home (feat. Lonnie Donegan)
[mp3] The Beach Boys – Sloop John B
[mp3] Dick Dale and the Deltones – Sloop John B

On his new album, Elephant War, Deer Tick almost seamlessly works in the chord progression and small melodic phrases from the “John B” track into his “Dirty Dishes”. It isn’t a cover of the classic “Sloop John B” or even a ripoff of the more recognizable aspects of the original but rather an implementation of those timeless elements that make songs memorable and give listeners the ability to connect to a song. The only problem is that I am tirelessly awaiting the opportunity to sing the words “I wanna go home” at the end of each refrain but to no resolve.

[mp3] Deer Tick – Dirty Dishes

But where Deer Tick shies away from allowing the listener to fully dig up the original roots of the song, Okkervil River cleverly maneuvers the theme and feel of “Sloop John B” into a completely original composition that culminates in a full out unearthing of the original “John B” but with a lyrical reinterpretation of the original. With Okkervil River’s previous album, Black Sheep Boy, being a concept album based around the re-imagining of the Tim Hardin folk classic “Black Sheep Boy”, it is no curiosity that the band chose to be less grandiose and formulate a song around another song rather than create an entire album around a single song.

[mp3] Okkervil River – John Allyn Smith Sails

Wired Presents: Spoon w/ Kool Keith

2007-09-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this photo? After a night at Nerdfest 2007 (not a diss - I'm including myself in that term) I've decided to take a step back off the 10 mega pixel, 4 foot telephoto lens approach to concert reporting. It's time to get back to the source, and I believe this photo translates as much energy, passion and beauty as any; however, something tells me Wired wouldn't agree with that statement above.

Walking into the Henry Fonda, the lobby was filled with an array of off-the-wall tech devices, which were meant as a preface for Wired Fest - happening this weekend at the LA Convention Center. I took a shot at MindBall and playing with the dancing yellow robots, before proceeding upstairs for a little open bar (gimme six Schlitzes!). I ran into a fellow nerd/friend Matt Rubin, and waited for what I imagined would be a special performance by Dr. Octagon aka Kool Keith. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and after 10 minutes of awkward rapping (and an even more awkward crowd), I retreated back up to the roof , not before tripping up the stairs and spilling my beer. The goons at the Henry Fonda (as I've probably stated before) are anti-fun and anti-gum, so I found it to be a bitter sweet crash.

At the considerate hour of 10pm, Spoon emerged onto the stage, and tore through a greatest hits set - interwoven with highlights from Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. After a 1.5 hour assault, I left the show wishing every musician in the world had been crammed into the Fonda - just to understand what they are up against. Chances are 90% would have left ashamed at their own lack of effort and determination. I don't even play in a band, and I left embarrassed for not putting that kind of effort into my own projects. The one worry I was discussing with Mr. Brian Klein after the show was that many songs are indistinguishable from one another in style. The choppy guitars and tweaked vocals always get the job done, but could be a road block soon for the band. At the same time I love Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and I'm convinced Brit and co will never stop writing amazing melodies. Case closed.

[mp3] Spoon - Don't Make Me a Target

Official Site | Myspace | More Mp3s | Emusic

*does anyone know the secret behind this photo?

Old Animal Collective

2007-09-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

With everybody and their mom already partaking in Animal Collective’s fantastic, yet to be released Strawberry Jam, it seems more appropriate to showcase some Animal Collective tunes that might actually be new to your ears than anything off the new album. Of course this post isn’t for those AC fans that have been faithful and tracked down every release from the band over the years but rather a chance for those that have brushed aside anything pre-Sung Tongs into some forgotten corner in their iTunes library. To be honest I haven’t paid as much attention to these releases until the recent and as I consider myself a supposed top notch AC fan it was a humbling experience to hear the progression of the band over the years.

“Doggy” appeared on Campfire Songs, a project that took place on a summer porch some years ago between Avey Tare and Panda Bear. The songs are a lo-fi dream and a precursor to the sound that everyone would go bonkers over on Sung Tongs. It has the acoustic guitar/vocal harmony balance that I think mistakenly placed them under the new folk “movement” a few years ago. Its easy to think of Campfire Songs as a recital for the songwriting process that would create some of AC’s best songs on Sung Tongs.

[mp3] Animal Collective – Doggy (from Campfire Songs)

“Slippi” might be as close to modern Animal Collective that old Animal Collective ever got. It’s a basic snapshot as to what was to come and gave us a blueprint as to the progression of the band’s sound. All of the now classic Avey screams as well as Panda Bear’s percussion gone minimally fantastic are in full show with enough dramatic horn samples that sees Panda Bear readying himself for his own Person Pitch.

[mp3] Animal Collective – Slippi (from Here Comes The Indian)

Babyshambles - "The Lost Art of Murder"

2007-09-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Pete Doherty is every journalists greatest dream: a genius songwriter, bent on self destruction and public spectacle (ex: crashing Jaguars, painting with his own blood and openly discussing his drug addition). I've always done my best to push all public image under the rug, and focus on the phenomenal songwriting he's delivered in the last ten years, and while Down in Albion is crammed with so many moments of effortless magic, I worried I may never hear another proper album out of Babyshambles.

Fortunately, Babyshambles have been busy recording their second LP, Shotter's Nation, and will be releasing it on 10/01. With Stephen Street (Smiths, Blur) on the boards, "The Lost Art of Murder" showcases Street's ability to capture a cleaner sound without sacrificing any of Doherty's intimacy. It's as if Pete is unaware of a microphone or audience, allowing lyric and melody to escape him without filter. It reminds me of a beautifully tragic moment, in the infamous Youtube clip, of Pete strolling around his dismantled apartment playing an impromptu melody.

Preorder Shotter's Nation here

[stream] Delivery (video)
[stream] behind the scenes for Delivery video
[mp3] Babyshambles - The Lost Art of Murder

Tracklist w/ quotes from the band:

1. Carry On Up The Morning - (Adam "I had in mind a sort of early nineties hip hop or Soul 2 Soul type of groove.")

2. Delivery - (Drew "We feel that bands are too influenced by Americans. This is about Britain: 'grab a drink and go down town where all the mods and the skins will get together and pray it's 1969 forever' ")

3. You talk- (Drew "Peter wrote it in the Priory, I thought it sounded a bit like Nirvana's About A Girl at first")

4. Unbilotitled - (Adam "It's personal lyrics. It's the equivalent to Albion")

5. Side Of the Road - (Peter "A garagey song where we were trying to out white stripe the White Stripes")

6. Crumb Begging Baghead - (Adam "It's got a kind of stomping Stonesy kind of thing and elements of the Stone Roses")

7. Unstookietitled -(Drew "We took it from being a ballad/big rock sound live to something altogether different – and better – in the studio")

8. French Dog Blues - (Peter "He's the immortal character, he pops up all over the place in London on tube trains or old ladies' shopping baskets.")

9. There She Goes - (Drew "I saw a documentary and heard the producer talking about Walk On The Wild Side and I knew what kind of feel it should have")

10. Baddies Boogie - (Peter "A kind of baddy that comes good, like The A-Team")

11. Deft Left Hand - (Drew "It’s the Brit Pop song on the album it starts of sounding a bit like an Oasis song and then the verse comes in and it sounds like Blur.")

12. The Lost Art Of Murder - (Peter: "Bert Jansch used to pop round on Sunday afternoons")

New Band of Horses – “Is There A Ghost”

2007-08-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

“Is There A Ghost” does more than just tickle my fancy, the song caters to some of my most fundamental musical pleasantries: charming timbre accenting crooning vocals, reverb thick production, and a kinetic energy that respects the parameters of pop history. The lead off track on Cease To Begin starts with as much immediacy as it ends. The song, ranking in at a few seconds over the 3-minute mark, is an emotional bullet train that has the trajectory that never falters from its straight and narrow course. It’s overly simplistic in its circulatory design; its verse-chorus designation effortless loops like the rounding tires of any forward moving vehicle. The song in no way reaches the levels of complication or experimentation that one tends to search for in modern rock to validate its placement in our ears (a type of litmus test for the musical elite). But with all the bogies and miss hits that come to bat in our stadium of sound, Band of Horses have hit a line drive, out of the park, home run for our attention span.

[mp3] Band of Horses – Is There A Ghost

Dave Brubeck @ The Hollywood Bowl

2007-08-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

I cannot comprehend how one appendage can be so nimble, while others begin to fail. Dave Brubeck steadied himself on the shoulders of his quartet walking to his piano on stage, but then sat down and played with hands as precise and quick as when his records were first cut.

These are men in their 80’s, and as they took to their instruments there was no contesting their “cool.” They've been making music twice as long as we have been listening. It should come as no surprise they do so, so perfectly.

I wish I had video of Brubeck bassist, Michael Moore’s solos. His eyes closed, head down close to the neck of his upright; dancing his gray goatee back and forth as he mashed and slid over its strings. The quartet sounded flawless. Fresh and unrehearsed, I can only imagine the years of practice and memory that have gone into their harmonies and improvised choruses.

The original West Coast sound on a summer west coast night.

[mp3] Dave Brubeck – Take Five

ed: Special thanks to Patrick Woodward, for the only pictures of the event on the internet.

Liars present Liars

2007-08-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

It’s some sort of heart attack. The new Liars album begins in a frantic chase of adrenaline, a one-way train through a Dali desert with the four corners of horizon rushing in on the chaotic, disconcerting action that lay at the canvas center. It is quite possibly the most straightforward entry into a Liars album that one could envision with enough texture and disturbia to get one’s usual knocks off. But this straightforwardness is only the beginning to an album that is peppered with Liars’ practiced efforts to write “real songs” as they had previously reported. Track two “Houseclouds” is a more fully formed pop effort with singalong type vocals and a jingle jangle of a synth line. This fun runs at a perpendicular junction to Liars’ previous concept gone underground Drum’s Not Dead to form a strange dichotomy of pop tradition and outside the borders, off canvas brush strokes of experimental rock.

Within these last two comparisons spans the spectrum of the Liars catalog and a diversity that is reminiscent of the clichéd out comparison to Radiohead. I would personally have steered clear of such pairing except for the striking similarity that comes across in the album closer, “Protection”. It might be my own imagination but I can envision Angus and Thom lodged up in that abandoned German sound space working out the chord and vocal lines with the pair trading one liners to complete the lyric. It might just be my own predilection but maybe I would just like to see Radiohead cover a Liars song. Maybe Thom would too.

[mp3] Liars – Protection

Daft Punk present ELECTROMA film

2007-08-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

I’d agree. Making some of the worlds best electronic music probably isn’t fulfilling enough. Having lyrics written about you; “the first guy playing Daft Punk to the rock kids,”1 set up as a 2001 monolith shift in hipster understanding - Might merit a journal entry, but you’ve had entire albums translated into an anime film2, and are in the habit of throwing live shows heralded as: “The best concert of any summer3 ” so you’re not really sweat'n it.

Might as well go ahead and make another movie.

[mov] Thomas Bangalter & Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo – Electroma
The quest of two robots in becoming human.
Release Date: OCTOBER 15 2007

[mp3] Daft Punk – Face To Face (Fabriclive. Cut Copy rmx)
[mp3] Daft Punk – Harder, Faster, Better, Stronger (OK Ikumi rmx)
____________________________
1 "Loosing My Edge," LCD Soundsystem
2 Kazuhisa Takenôchi, director, Interstella 5555, 2003
3 "Best Concert Of Any Summer," Steady Mobbin’, Friday Aug.10 2007

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts

2007-08-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

It’s another beautiful day in West Los Angeles, and I’ve spent the afternoon in my apartment weeping after witnessing the devastation and crippled humanity brought to light in, When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.

This four hour documentary, directed by Spike Lee, is an untainted portrayal of the state of emergency in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and the communities appalling struggle to receive aid. The tragedy occurred two years ago, next week.

Told via first person interviews, there is no escape from the heart-retching reality of a city virtually abandoned by its own government (there to pick up the scraps only after the lives were lost). It is a black pit of unthinkable stories: a wheelchair ridden woman washed away to drown – her husband unable to come to her aid, a son helpless to provide his mother with medication – forced to spend four sweltering days in the Convention Center next to her corpse. Over 1,800 men, women and children where killed during and after the storm, 700 of those in the New Orleans, many left to rot floating in flood water or cast to the shoulders of I-10 for well over a week.

Natural disasters are clearly terrible events, which are unmanageable at some level; however, the national disaster in New Orleans only truly came once the storm had vanished. From the gaze of most News watching Americans, people saw a mandatory evacuation and thought – why did so many people chose to stay in a death trap? Aren’t they partially responsible for their fate? The answers to that are: 1) While the evacuation might have been mandatory, there was little to no aid for the poor and elderly to make their way out of the city. How can an elderly couple leave the Lower Ninth Parish without transportation, extra food, medication or water? 2) The Superdome and Convention Center were meant as temporary refuge for citizens during the hurricane, but by the third/fourth day were of no use without the deployment of Federal troops and aid*. The water had been shutdown, the plumbing overrun and the bodies were piling up, yet this was looked at as the community safe-hold.

A slew of rumors swept the news that people were being murdered and even children raped in the Convention Center; however, every level of police and government official has dismissed both as false. Despite the falsities, the claims further fueled the idea that these citizens were savages and brought the chaos upon themselves. While images of people looting electronics are disheartening, it does not dismiss the dire needs of a city or represent the community as a whole.

A fury of finger pointing was conducted after the devastation between: the heads of government - Bush, Rice, Rove and Chertoff, FEMA – Michael Brown, and local and state officials - Kathleen Blanco and Ray Nagin. Chances are the fumble was caused by a combination of all these elected officials, but Michael Brown was the one who went down with the wreckage. It only takes a quick glance at Brown’s background (a decade as commissioner of the Arabian Horse Assoc) to realize he had no authority, outside of political ties, to manage any sort of Federal Emergency team. Brown had been forced to resign from the AHA, and needed a new gig – he just happened to pick FEMA out of the grab bag of government positions thrown at candidates who “fit the bill.”

Does George Bush hate black people (as Kanye put it)? Probably not, and I hope that somehow I (or this film) didn’t just preach to the choir and leave Conservatives dismissing this as a political attack. This event was infinitely bigger than the political aisle – if you don’t believe me, I’ll go out and vote for Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) in 2008 just to prove it to you. It’s about the sanctity of human life, and our government’s responsibility to put an equal stake in everyone. I truly believe Katrina is our great nation’s largest failure in the last 100 years. I also recognize that my hurt/anger is a product of the United States’ greatness, and feel blessed to be given the opportunity to hold my government to a high standard.

Over seventy countries pledged monetary donations including: Kuwait ($500 million), South Korea ($30 million). Cuba and Venezuela were first to pledge $1 million and various aid (canned food, doctors, medicine); however, the US denied these donations.

Please take the time to educate yourself about this national disaster by watching When the Levees Broke. It's on HBO all month, available for rent on Netflix and purchase on Amazon.

Donate to Direct Relief

*The Coast Guard should be seen as heroes during Katrina - restlessly saving people from their roofs via helicopter.

Sigur Ros present Heima film + B-sides

2007-08-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sigur Ros may be the benefactors of one of the most beautiful video catalogs in rock music. All of the band’s videos relay the epic landscape of their home in Iceland as well as incorporate the crisp scenic beauty that one is sure to find through any time spent out doors in the countryside. Sitting in isolation in the northern Atlantic, Iceland, as portrayed be Sigur Ros, can be a place rooted in mysticism, a description that is well fit for all those who tag on the word “alien” when they describe the band’s music. It is only appropriate then that a documentation of the band playing for the people in their homeland would consist of the same mesmerizing beauty and painstaking care that their previous filmed ventures have. Entitled Heima for “at home”, the film follows Sigur Ros as they play for their own people in arenas that span from grand productions in forest clearings to small acoustic reenactments as their audience sits upon a small gymnasium floor (and I thought my seats at the Hollywood Bowl were good). With the inclusion of the companion album Hvarf-Heim, it looks as though Heima will likely be the source for all those that need a little something to fill their Sigur Ros yearnings, aural or otherwise.

[mp3] Sigur Ros – O Fridur
[mp3] Sigur Ros – Sigur 9 A
[mp3] Sigur Ros – Fonklagi / The Funk Song (Live In Reykjavik 1998)
[mp3] Sigur Ros – Rokklagi / The Rock Song (Live In Reykjavik 1999)

Andy Goldsworthy - Rivers and Tides

2007-08-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Death is the mother of beauty; hence from her,
Alone, shall come fulfillment to our dreams
And our desires. Although she strews the leaves
- Wallace Stevens

Scottish sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, makes artwork outside. Sometimes permanent (like the wall depicted here), but often fleeting as he arranges leaves by color in pools of water, or freezes broken ice one piece to another till they are columns weaving in and out of a boulder.

There seems something valuable in putting great effort and investment into things purposefully temporary. Creating something that may be destroyed on its completion. How would your approach to it change? How would that variable of instability alter your perspective? What a worthwhile lesson in patience and motive.

Often, art is an effort to emulate nature. An apt tribute to turn to nature itself and manipulate native materials into sculpture in their own environment. Goldsworthy orchestrates new shapes and arranges new colors in harmony with their surroundings though they would not occur naturally in them.

The pictured work is Goldsworthy's commissioned piece installed outside Stanford University’s Cantor museum. A long stone wall starting like a fossilized spine in the ground and then descending, revealed by a hole that feels like might have been escavated around it. Called "stone river" the wall winds in ox bows till it dries up at the the other end.

The process of Goldsworthy’s work is best understood in the documentary about him: Rivers and Tides. Art is probably most powerful in person than art see on film. Ironic that the union of film and Goldsworthy’s often short lived work becomes one of the few ways to see it at all. Rivers and Tides is an inspiring product of this colaboration. Beautiful filmed, it quietly conveys the calm and commitment that is given over in creating each piece.

[mov] Stanford University - Stone River
[www] Thomas Riedelsheimer - Rivers and Tides

Beirut releases Elephant Gun single

2007-08-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Beirut's track "Elephant Gun" can be seen as a mere sidestep into a fantastical safari land dream, a hint at the the grandeur of escape and travel that Zach Condon and team have been fashioning over the last few years. Others seem eager to call it their best tune to date. As all of us eager beavers await the release of the next Beirut album we are pleased that the band has decided to whet our appetites for the upcoming release with the official digital release of the Elephant Gun single with b-sides that include a new song ("Transatlantique") as well as a live recording of a Jaques Brel tune ("Le Moribond"). Go get it now at eMusic.

Also, as a benefit for those who live in our western city, Beirut has decided to grant us with their presence this coming fall. Good things come to those who wait.

10/10/07 - Avalon (tix) - $22

[mp3] Beirut - Elephant Gun

St. Vincent - Marry Me

2007-08-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Some of the best nursery rhymes and children’s stories intertwine seemingly playful situations with ominous undercurrents. St. Vincent thrives in the space between beauty and darkness. Marry Me is a collection of music box performances with the ability to leap out of their oak confines without a moments notice. You can almost hear the turning of the hand cranked gears as she deliveries the verse for “Now, Now.” It is the guitar that frees her from this restraint. During “Your Lips Are Red” muted guitar cuts are heard leading up to the attack, as if she’s holding back a wild animal before finally letting it free. It's what draws me to and also scares me about St. Vincent.

Come experience the beautiful nightmare dreamscape.

[mp3] St. Vincent - Now, Now

Myspace | More Mp3s | Emusic

The Cloud Of Unknowing

2007-08-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Why the bother of such questions? Why the burden of the seemingly unanswerable to weigh upon the shoulders of this young life? It’s such endless torment that can only be extinguished under the power and beauty of the intangible; the notes of youth and experiment that come together in an other worldly, celestial melody. No voice, no lyric, no rhyme yet pulled together in a recognizably tight reason that allows the inconsistencies of faith and truth to be suspended for a time; a momentary atonement of my doubts and fears.

The Cloud of Unknowing rings completely true in this more than heavyhearted period in my life where tradition has been forced into question and practiced principles burn bright under the light of reason. James Blackwell’s twelve string is purveyor of notes that ring hallow as if bounced like the ideas of God reflecting off some stonewall of a cathedral tower. Blackwell is no prophet yet he designs soundscapes with the timbre that can equate to the fulfillment of my own yearnings at the moment; a voice that embodies the hope that I hold on to as an answer to all those bigger questions that sit like boulders, smoothed and weathered from a quarter century of being positioned under the rushing thoughts in the back of my mind.

[mp3] James Blackwell – Running To The Ghost

A Thursday Treat

2007-08-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

#60.9 - 60.10 - Zach Condon feat. Kocani Orkestar - Sunday
Uploaded by lablogotheque

Breast Cancer Benefit this Sunday

2007-08-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's time to support great music and great causes!

Michelle Sandoval with Dreamworks and The Central Second Collective are hosting a Breast Cancer Benefit this weekend in Downtown LA.

SUNDAY AUG. 12TH @ THE COCAINE
366 E. 2ND ST. L.A. 90012

THE BANDS:
The Slow Demise 6:00

Todd Mclaughlin 7:00

One Trick Pony 8:00

Henry Clay People 9:00
[mp3] Henry Clay People - The Gentle Charm of the Soviet

The Transmissions 10:00
[mp3] The Transmissions - Self vs. Self

Death to Anders 11:00

There is a $15 suggested donation at the door. There will also be a silent auction to raise funding for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. All proceeds will be donated to the Avon Foundation. Members and friends of L.A.'s Central Second Collective will also be performing. For more info visit here.

Please come support the Avon Foundation and all these great bands!

The Mohawk Lodge - Wildfires

2007-08-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Opening the album with a voice that is somewhere between heartbreak and broken bank is a mind job of a starter. It is apparent that there is some sort of awkwardness that lines the vocal chords of front man Ryder Havdale who wails and croons through the Mohawk Lodge’s new album Wildfires like a blue collar dramatic dusting his heart up on his sleeve. Wildfires finds the band maneuvering itself away from the dusk beauty of communal campfires found on their debut Rare Birds to an attraction of dustbowl duels and working man feuds; small, simple realizations of the fragility of life and nature (“Where ‘Em Out”), reflections on hope during the tribulations of common day sufferings (“Hard Times”).

Despite the comparison that might turn away some of the more hard-headed hipster mindsets, Havdale’s vocals have a tendency to mirror up to a more gruffed up, dirt headed, and collar stained Chris Martin – an image that is both rewarding to those that have found the celebrity husband personality a bit overbearing at times as well as to those that would be eager to see a departure from more mainlined rock. With backing duties being fulfilled on multiple tracks by Handsome Fur, Wolf Parader Dan Boeckner, Wildfires is filled with the credibility and texture that recall some of the more interesting and gratifying releases as of recent.

[mp3] The Mohawk Lodge – Wear ‘Em Out

Stream: Okkervil River - The Stage Names

2007-08-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Virb strikes again, with a full album stream of Okkervil River's forthcoming (and Pfork christened) release, The Stage Names. Will Sheff has one of the most dynamic voices in _______ rock (not sure what sub-category to box them in), and it's on display throughout Stage. It's been too long since Black Sheep Boy, but The Stage Names proves to be worth the wait. Enjoy the stream for now, but be sure to buy the LP on 08/07 through Jagjaguwar.

09/04/07 - Troubadour w/ Damien Jurado

New Sunset Rubdown and a blogger’s lament

2007-08-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have no doubt that the new Sunset Rubdown album is going to be everything that I expect it to be as I recollect on my aural memorizations of my previous live rendezvous’ with Krug & company. The few songs that have made it through to my hard drive have testified of and solidified my previously identified presumptions. Great. I’m excited that there will be interesting music to soundtrack my drive through the grounds of the Veterans hospital as I sidestep my way through the short cuts of west LA on my way to roundtable talks on Russian poetry and US voting behavior. I need this to give my life more texture, more friction between my reality and what I pretend exists in some other dimensional parallel to the life I am living. I hope it exists but this is all beyond the point.

My real disgust is with the liberty that ones take in the blogosphere in “promoting” new albums. We here at the Content have multiple avenues at which we acquire new music, which does not exclude the old dollar and change transaction at our local Amoeba records, nor does it exclude the sharing of albums from one individual to another via record label or friend. But besides how we acquire music it is important to identify that bloggers should take the responsibility (and many do) to approach the way that they share the music they love with the world in a more constructive way.

The Content has tried to steer clear of questionable means of promoting new albums where the questions revolve around the number of tracks we put up from any one release. It just doesn’t make since (from a fan level) to take liberties on the dispersal of one quarter of any given release (not including three or four song EPs where one track is actually greater than or equal to the aforementioned quarter percent). In following through with the coalition formed with our dear JAX to “Not leak albums - shit ain’t cool”, it is impossible for me not to bring up this problem of those that put up three or four songs from an unreleased album so that they can reap the rewards of Hype Machine traffic. Middle finger to you my friend. I’ll just hold my breath and hope it all goes away.

And so the hypocrite speaketh. For your listening and viewing pleasure, the promotional track and album art from Sunset Rubdown’s fantastic Random Spirit Lover.

[mp3] Sunset Rubdown – Up On Your Leopard, Upon The End Of Your Feral Days

Releases, Labels and Dates

2007-08-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Black Lips will be releasing, Good Bad Not Evil, through Vice on 09/11. "Cold Hands" shows the chaos makers doing what they do best... it's surfy, trashy, thrashy and plain yummy.

[mp3] Black Lips - Cold Hands

10/19 - Troubadour

________________

In other black news, Black Dice just announced they will be releasing Load Blown on 10/23 through Paw Tracks (as oppose to DFA). It seems like a logical choice since Black Dice have been hanging in the Animal Collective camp for a while now.

[mp3] Black Dice - Kokomo

________________

Architecture in Helsinki are readying album # 3 titled, Places Like This, which will see a release on 08/21 via Polyvinyl. In support of Places they will be touring throughout the fall.

[mp3] Architecture in Helsinki - Heart it Races
[www] Architecture in Helsinki - Take Away Show

10/05 - Troubadour

Contest: Fader/Subaru Mixtape

2007-08-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Fader just pressed an exclusive, 100 copy cd mixtape with Subaru, and we have one to give away! I'm excited about the DJ Mehdi and Bonde Do Role remixes - personally.

You should know the drill by now: put your name and email address in the comment box or send us an email at RewriteableContent@gmail.com

We'll pick a winner on Sunday night.

Adios.

Suggested Viewing - Once

2007-07-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Today the Content would like to continue with its summer movie recommendations with a film whose story finds its feet planted firmly in music. Once is being described as a modern musical where the songs are integrated seamlessly into the film without sensational dance numbers and over the top costumes. The film’s premise is simple where the relationship between the characters develops through their collaboration in song writing and recording. Throughout the film the musical numbers are displayed more as a progression of the songwriting process and the pair’s collaboration.

The film is somewhat a reflection of the real lives of the film’s actors, played by Glen Hansard (of Irish rock mainstay the Frames) and Czech songwriter Marketa Irglova who previously had met to write songs for the soundtrack. With writing and directing credits going to previous Frames bassist, John Carney, and some of the film’s scenes being filmed in Hansard’s flat, the film takes on a representation of the real life of all those involved in the film’s production.

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are now on a promotional tour for Once playing songs as the Swell Season. The couple is doing a taping of the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tomorrow followed up with a gig at the El Rey.

Once is playing in selected theaters. (Fandango)

Adblock

8/1/07 – The Swell Season @ the El Rey - $16 SOLD OUT

[mp3] The Swell Season – Lies

Summer's (Obvious) Surprises

2007-07-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Summer movie releases have little intention of winning the Oscar for "Best Picture." It is both their blessing and their curse. The ideal example of a summer flick is Transformers. With all it's amazing visuals and brain crippling dialogue, it wears the mark of "Summer Blockbuster" well; however, I'm not here to talk about Michael Bay films - they're motivations and appeal are pretty self explanatory. I want to champion two summer films from polar opposite genres, which find commonality in the field of awesomeness and the letter "S."

Sunshine and Superbad may be the two best summer films you'll see this year. I'm calling them "(obvious) surprises" since it needn't take a prophet to predict that both Danny Boyle and the producers of 40 Year Old Virgin have the ability to make great movies. Yet, the surprise is still warranted once I discovered how face hurtingly, hilarious Superbad is, and creepily, crazy and beautiful Sunshine turned out.

I saw a preview screening of Superbad three weeks ago, and I wake up everyday excited about its release on August 17th. Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are about to be the new comedy A-Team; Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg the new creative visionaries. Together they may soon show the door to current kings Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. Check out the plot summary for Step Brothers for proof of Ferrell's comedic decline.

While the plot behind Sunshine made me a touch nervous - shooting an atomic bomb into the sun to save it from dying - I remained confident in Danny Boyle's eye for visual construction. It turns out Sunshine is not only was it a treat for the eyes, but a shock to the nerves. I went in picturing a tense space movie, and went home slightly terrified of going to sleep (in a good way). You will definitely had a "didn't see that coming" moment in the theaters, and I bet you will enjoy the ride.

Go forth and pay your $10 to the movie gods.

[mp3] James Brown - Super Bad
[mp3] Liars - Sunset Rodeo

Preview: Aaron Schroeder - Black & Gold

2007-07-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just as we'd hoped, one of RC's Fresh Faced Artists has spread his wings and left the nest. Aaron Schroeder is the man in question - he is also the artist that debuted the Fresh Faced series.

During my discussion of Southern Heart in Western Skin, I admitted that the songs still needed work, but believed Aaron had a strong foundation. These two new songs from Aaron Schroeder's second full length, Black & Gold, prove my original point nicely. Aaron no longer sounds like a kid in his basement (which was endearing by the way) - his vocals are solid and "Call Out to Me" has a great guest spot by Ben Barnett (Kind of Like Spitting). The whole production is a step forward musically, and made me proud of our graduated Fresh Faced Artist.

Exclusive preview tracks:

[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - Call Out to Me
[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - What We Don't Know

| Official Site | Myspace | Virb |

Stream: Bishop Allen - The Broken String

2007-07-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

It seems like musicians and labels alike are beginning to understand the concept of fully streaming albums, and no site is doing it better than Virb. The latest addition to their streaming catalog is Bishop Allen's new LP The Broken String. I've always admired Bishop Allen from a distance, but now I'm getting all nice and cozy. This album feels like a perfect, lazy summer night soundtrack. Enjoy.

[www] Bishop Allen - The Broken String

Suggested Viewing: Mike Sloat - Radiapathy

2007-07-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

[www] Mike Sloat - The Velvet Teen - "Radiapathy"

This is one of those kicks I give myself. Such a simple great idea I wish I’d thought of before seeing.

For Velvet Teen fans, one to take you back. Its the jam.

Caribou "Melody Day"

2007-07-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

The return of classic melodies has been building for sometime now. I feel like the rebirth of Brian Wilson, the 40th anniversary of Pet Sounds and the gloomy social state of the world may have combined to create a perfect pop storm. Two years after the release of The Milk of Human Kindness, Caribou (aka Daniel V. Snaith) is back with Andorra, and it's clear that Daniel has been sharpening his melodic swords. I want Panda Bear, Caribou and Feist to start a gang.

Prior to Andorra's release on Aug 21st, Caribou has released the single "Melody Day" with a gorgeous Four Tet remix featuring Luke LaLonde of Born Ruffians, Adem and One Little Plane and b-side (I believe) called "Zoe." The cover photo says it all - beautiful, fragile and timeless.

[mp3] Caribou - Melody Day

| Buy Melody Day | Official Site | Myspace |

Stream: 4 new Liars songs!

2007-07-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Look what I stumbled upon! Liars have been working hard lately, and have treated us with a new Myspace page, including cover art for their s/t new album and four new streaming songs. I was so excited about this discovery that I haven't even had time to sit with the new material. You guys are my first priority - so go enjoy.

Visit the myspace page

Also, Liars are opening for Interpol at the Forum on 10/23/07. Although, I doubt I'll be going to such a massive show, we can only hope there will be a club stop in LA sometime that week.

Here is the tracklist for Liars:

01 Plaster Casts of Everything
02 Houseclouds
03 Leather Prowler
04 Sailing to Byzantium
05 What Would They Know
05 Cycle Time
06 Freak Out
07 Pure Unevil
08 Clear Island
09 The Dumb in the Rain
10 Protection

Morning Music Mixtape

2007-07-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Waking up, you click your computer mouse on the way to the bathroom . There were songs stuck in your head from the moment you opened your eyes. Tracks that need to be heard first, before the barrage of emails and the setting of devices to shuffle.

Here's a mix that'll stretch some groggy-ness out of you in the beginning and get you out of the house by the end. Leave it on and take a shower in the middle of it somewhere. Let it help you pick your outfit for the day. Have some chocolate cake for breakfast.

[mp3] Athlete - One Of Those Days
[mp3] Anniversary - Sweet Marie
mp3] Antônio Carlos Jobim - Wave
[mp3] LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
[mp3] Papas Fritas - Girl
[mp3] Panda Bear - Ponytail
[mp3] Bobby Hebb - Sunny
[mp3] Young And Sexy - Conventional Lullabyes
[mp3] The Presets - Mia's Mouse
[mp3] Left Banke - She May Call You Up Tonight
[mp3] The Skatalites - Black Sunday
[mp3] Tom Waits - Come On Up To The House
[mp3] David Banner - Cadillac on 22's
[mp3] Stars - My Radio (AM Mix)
[mp3] Phoenix - On Fire

Tonight: Eastern Conference Champions CD Release Party

2007-07-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Important news: Although Eastern Conference Champions were scheduled to have their CD release party at Cinespace tonight, the venue has been changed to Silverlake Lounge. Here is the revised lineup:

07/17/07 - Silverlake Lounge 2906 W Sunset Blvd

Eastern Conference Champions – 11 P

The Vampire Weekend 10p
Faker 9p
The French Semester 8p

[mp3] Eastern Conference Champions - The Box

Scattered Posts

2007-07-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

With 1/2 of The Content in Europe, posts have been/will be a bit sparse* until the beginning of August. Go enjoy your summer, pick up a book, let the sun roast your skin and make some dance party mixtapes.

*sparse being about three times a week

I Heart Links

2007-07-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

I Guess I'm Floating have an mp3 from Stars new LP, In Our Bedroom After The War. The album was slated to release in September, but due to the recent leak, they put it out earlier this week.

Pitchfork has a video of Devendra Banhart singing "Long Haired Child" at last year's Pitchfork Fest.

Gorilla vs. Bear has a Justice remix of the JT song "Love Stoned." This might be old news, but it was new to me.

Internet Radio lives another day thanks to the efforts of Pandora,Live365 and KCRW.

Photo cred: Natalie Citro

Suggested Viewing: The Mo (Feat Kris Le Mans) - Nostalgia Locomotiv

2007-07-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

[mov] The Mo feat: Kris Le Mans - "Nostalgia Locomotiv"

Not much is known about the defunct Swedish pop band The Mo, but as the song name would indicate this video is one melodramatic choo-choo. I can bet it won’t be a video you’ve seen before, and if given a chance you might find yourself nostalgic enough at the end to watch it a second time.

Nostalgia Locomotive, released in 2004, unabashedly glams back to misfit duets of the 70’s (ELO, Bowie, Klaus Nomi). The video, one-take and one tracking shot, offers some charm and some orange hair, and some serious pining. Even boys in dresses miss their ladies lost. I couldn’t find much information on Miss Kris Le Mans, but she’s not working with the worst haircut either.

“Whatever you do, don’t look at the camera.” - Of Leaf and Lime

Crystal Castles // HEALTH Split

2007-07-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love the discord. The metallic chatter and heavy breathing of Crystal Castles have joined forces with the gloomily-awesome HEALTH (their myspace says "all caps," and I follow orders) to release a 7 inch. This time there will be no versus, only unity.

Be sure to add these songs to your summer mixes. If someone at the party doesn't like it, they are no longer your friend.

[mp3] Crystal Castles - Mothers Knows Best
[mp3] HEALTH - Crimewave

Get a taste of the CC vs. HEALTH song "Crimewave" here:

| CC Myspace | HEALTH Myspace | Lovepump United Myspace |

Brother Reade - Rap Music

2007-07-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

“Back to the beginning, rap’s first inning, penny on the needle with the turnstile spinning”

The first line from Brother Reade’s, Rap Music, serve as manifesto of what the hip hop duo hope to achieve. The most affective way to revitalize an art form is to strip it down to its most basic root - for the art of rap that foundation is a mic and a beat.

With Jimmy Jamz on the mic and Bobby Evans covering beats, Brother Reade turn their back on the heavy production and hyper-rugged lyrics of popular rap, without sacrificing the sharp energy of great hip hop. Jimmy's barrage of pop culture and self conscious references keep his rhymes smart and fresh, while Bobby Evans' modern production is best served by his commitment to old school structure. Although comparisons to MF Doom or Jay Dilla are viable, Brother Reade stand a step removed from even underground hip hop. The subject matter for songs ranges from tongue in cheek to deadly serious - remaining honest throughout. There's no false talk of Bentley's and chrome pistols, just great stories of coming up in LA.

It's summertime in Los Angeles, and Brother Reade has the perfect soundtrack for the hot days and long nights.

[mp3] Brother Reade - Life Ain't Easy For Y'all

[mp3] Brother Reade - Like Duh

| Myspace | Official Site | Record Collection |

Sunshine Pop

2007-07-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

It is too apt a time in my imagined California summer to bring about the idea that sunshine can in fact be infused with the power of pop. My nostalgia of the tourist trap of summer sun, lay a mere week in passing but its sandy memory, made fertile under the wrestle of these London showers, still tears at my heart strings with every digital spin of my formerly mono, wax recordings. All of this pop once thought a passing fad, now turned eternal, celestial, somehow utilizes musical and production techniques that infiltrate passed usual musical understandings to sonically define the sun and summer weather. Its an important and magnificent example of how experience in a physical nature, be it summer love or catching curls of ocean currents, can be symbolized into sound waves and magically translated by a sound recipient miles and lifetimes removed from such happenings.

In listening to the Turtles’ “Happy Together”, the flagship example of sunshine pop, a routine early morning, California cloud cover takes shape over minor chord arrangements, a somewhat dismal portrayal of the pre noon doubts that are met by every California beachcomber praying for a break in the gray overcast. These prayers give life to the hope for breaking rays of noonday sun, embodied in the filled out harmonies of major chord chorals and lyrics of proclamation: “I can’t see me loving nobody but you for all my life”. In listening to these recordings it feels as if some part of my history is buried back there in 60s and 70s California. Have my parents’ experiences of their carefree summers of past somehow been transmogrified into my being to help me more fully understand the symbolism of these songs? Or is there something here that speaks on a higher plane in some secret sonic language that others can similarly identify with?

Or maybe I just watch too much TV.

[mp3] The Turtles – Happy Together
[mp3] The Beach Boys – Catch A Wave
[mp3] The Mamas and the Papas – Monday, Monday
[mp3] The Association – Along Comes Mary
[mp3] The Fifth Dimension – On The Beach (In Summer Time)

St. Vincent's Blessings

2007-07-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

While our hosting company figures out why they hate us, I wanted to share some music from the ever-so talented St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark). My first encounter with St. Vincent was while watching a video of her one woman show here:

Needless to say I was mesmerized with her unrelenting guitar work, brooding vocals and inventiveness.

On July 10th, St. Vincent will be releasing her debut LP, Marry Me, and a few weeks later she'll be playing The Echo.

[mp3] St. Vincent - Now. Now.

Check out the video for "Your Lips Are Red" and the mp3 for "Now. Now." and I'll see you at the show.

08/04/07 The Echo

| Myspace | Official Site | Beggars Banquet |

Summer Activities

2007-07-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Yikes, July snuck up on me this year. In honor of the quickly rising temperature, here is a Summer "Activities" list for all you apartment dwellers. The great outdoors can only take you so far.

Beach Reads
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

The Human Stain

Y: The Last Man

Sunny Sounds

[mp3] Oh No! Oh My! - The Party Punch

[mp3] The Cribs - Men's Needs (CSS Remix)

Summer Flicks
The Science of Sleep

The Sopranos (DVD collection)

Ratatouille

Contest: The White Stripes Icky Thump Gear

2007-06-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

It's RC's first contest of the summer, and fittingly we get to give away swag from one of the summer's best albums, Icky Thump.

The White Stripes new LP is basically awesome, innovative and fun from start to finish.

The Prize Pack
-Icky Thump poster
-Icky Thump sticker
-Icky Thump pin

Leave your name and email in the comment box below or send to rewriteablecontent@gmail.com and we'll pick a winner at the end of next week.

Good luck!

Concert Pirates: Beirut @ Koko 6/26/07

2007-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

We fine travelers here at the Content have lifted wings and sailed seas to bring you the latest installment of Concert Pirates with our beloved banshee blowers, Beirut. It was at London’s historic Koko Theater that Beirut followed up its Glastonbury appearance with a set peppered with tracks from their two releases as well as highlights ("The Penalty", "Nantes") from their forthcoming long player, the Flying Club Cup, due October 9th.

Zach Condon’s usual wizardry of voice and presence played out in customary Beirut style with songs filled out and overturned with heavy-footed drums and quadruple fisted horn blowing. Being in such foreign vicinity, surrounded with accents ranging from marked eastern European gutturals, high nosed French patois, and burly oh-d Irish dialect, Koko seemed more a cross section of some world that Condon describes than a hipster chic venue for the indie affectioneers. His descriptions are more Paris than Moscow. His dance step contortions more child than man. In this live setting, his voice drifted even more between cabaret and street corner busker than our in ear perceptions of his recordings would make us believe, and we really did believe. It is almost as if Beirut was soundtracking some fictional tragedy typified by an Edith Piaf-like history. Condon sang the story and the night was ours along the Rhine, in that buried brick bar beneath British walkabouts, and hoping that somehow our transport would never fail to arrive and take us from this scenic world.

The Show is back up! Come grab it...

[mp3] Beirut – The Penalty (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Brandenburg (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Nantes (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Elephant Gun (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Carousels (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – The Canals Of Our City (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Postcards In Italy (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Mount Wroclai (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Scenic World (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Closing Song (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – After The Curtain (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Cocek (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – The Gulag Orkestar (Live)
[mp3] Beirut – Siki Siki Baba (Live)
I Guess I'm Floating has new info and the tracklisting for Beirut's forthcoming album, the Flying Club Cup, as well as summer tour dates.

Film: Screaming Masterpiece

2007-06-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

The sociodemographic characteristics of a community are often most transparent when experiencing art created in that environment. Art exposes the emotional core of a place and/or time., and Screaming Masterpiece takes on one of the most fascinating and mysterious artist communities on the planet - Iceland.

Over the last few decades Icelandic music has broken into the popular music world, starting most notably with Bjork and continuing with Sigur Ros, Amina, Mum, Johann Johannsson etc... The dark, beautiful melodies, bursting at the seam of Bjork's music, feels familiar in its anxiety but foreign in production and delivery. It's the often glacial pace and haunting tone that inform an audience of the barren, frigid and spectacularly beautiful landscape surrounding these Icelandic musicians.

Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon (dir) poses the question of why Icelandic music has always remained unique during it's 1000 year existence. In the words of real estate broker - location, location, location. What I gained from the film is that out of Iceland's isolated geographic location, (prior) lack of identity in the world and harsh climate, musicians in Iceland feel the need, and more importantly the freedom, to cross uncharted paths in the creation of sound. The swirling sounds of car horns, crowd noise and metal that helped create the New York noise scene, becomes the sounds of cold wind, running water and silence that informs Iceland's minimalist composers.

Screaming Masterpiece is full of beautiful imagery, great and often surprising music (not all Icelanders are introspective artists), and a great overall picture of the country's artistic culture.

[mp3] Bjork - Human Behaviour
[mp3] Sigur Ros - Untitled 1
[mp3] Mum - Dancing Behind My Eyelids

Buy Screaming Masterpiece

Great Lake Swimmers @ The Hotel Cafe

2007-06-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Getting to the Hotel Cafe by doors open at 7 o’clock is a transit impossibility. I loaded This American Life's - 24 Hours at the Golden Apple for the ride, which made the hour long/11 mile trek not only bearable but quite a nice start to the evening.

For those not yet aquatinted with the Hotel Cafe, the place is a treat. You enter in through an alley, it's small. The stage is a low riser wrapped in red curtains, and everything is dimly lit by round lanterns hanging from the ceiling. I wish more people played here. It's a beautiful warm sounding room, and I don’t know if it's the norm or just the bands that were playing but I was among the most respectful, quiet audience I’ve encountered in L.A. Kudos to the grandmother that shushed noisy table 4. We'd all wanted to.

Ferraby Lionheart was on stage when we arrived. Where have I been with this guy? What’s not to love? Great lyrics, great 60s swing, and he looks like he’s taking ill when he sings. I wanted to buy this guy a bowl of tomato soup and make him a grilled cheese he was such a pleasant surprise.

[mp3] Ferraby Lionheart - A Bell And Tumble
[mp3] Ferraby Lionheart - Vermont Avenue

(Ferraby’s new album out Sept.4)

Great Lake Swimmers have a casual wisdom to their presence that is fitting. They are very calm, and gracious, and without announcement quietly took stage and started into songs from their new album.

It’s Log Cabin music. Tony Dekker's waivering round voice haunts the room beautifully, and Erik Arnesen’s oft strummed (as opposed to plucked) banjo is understated and blends into the whole of songs, complete and serene. They brought a harmonium with them underlying one song with its comforting drones, and the bass and drums, not ever particularly slow are deliberate and paced. It’s music that feels like winters outside.

[mp3] Great Lake Swimmers - Your Rocky Spine
[mp3] Great Lake Swimmers - I Will Never See The Sun

(GLS’s new album “Ongiara” out now)

Amiina’s Kurr for London’s aches

2007-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Amiina’s new full length, Kurr, is a great recovery album; the type of sound that you need to mend your broken body after three days of pretending to have overcome your jetlag in a foreign city and then crashing in a humiliating day ache of bones and muscles. I could blame the fall out of routine and stability on the late night dance off that occurred in some Panjshiri-type lounge. Or maybe it was the half-city walk-a-thon along the entire South Bank of London. Or it quite possibly may be due to the three and a half hour stand off that occurred during an incredible reenactment of Othello at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. But I know it’s really just because of my decision to finally…

Kurr’s beauty comes from its subtleties; the band has a keen ability to intersperse their many instruments throughout their arrangements with soundscape engineering rather than highlighting technique or a single sound. It’s that perfect blend of less-is-more that causes Kurr, and Aniima’s music in general, to be the soothing cure to our aches and pains caused by the acute angles of the trafficking within our daily life and times. I could take the easy road and tell you that they really just sound like the softer side of Sigur Ros, a band that they are continually collaborating with, but I think that I am just finally realizing that all Icelandic music contains this similar aesthetic of soft beauty and charm. Maybe I need to break out a little more.

[mp3] Amiina – Hilli
[mp3] Amiina - Skakka (from the Aminamina EP)

Mp3 Shakedown: 6/21

2007-06-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some songs that were floating around in our inbox:

Kevin Drew's Spirit If is the first in a series of "Broken Social Scene Presents" releases that should be surfacing soon. This solo effort deconstructs Broken Social Scene's elaborate, musical web back to one of it's key sources (side note: co-founder Brendan Canning is next on the list for a solo album). "Tbtf" gives us the first taste of the LP, and it's hard not to love the hushed melodies and cascade of instruments. The title is quickly explained in the chorus, and left me with an ironic smirk.

[mp3] Kevin Drew - Tbtf

The Canadian love continues with They Shoot Horses Don't They?, an 8-piece from Vancouver with humor, heart and h-awesomeness. Taken from a page of the Frog Eyes bible, ...Horses yelp and wail through a pulsing keyboard and drum assault.

[mp3] They Shoot Horses Don't They? - A Place Called LA

Panda Bear debuted a new tune called "Daily Routine" at his New York show on Monday. Noah keeps the sampling alive, bookending the song with a frantic, high frequency synth loop, and leaving the tasty center for some beautiful vocal wanderings. Grab the rest of the show here.

[mp3] Panda Bear - Daily Routine

Some New Radiohead Clips!

2007-06-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

Ummmm... these are excited times my friends. My ears just witnessed the first notes of Radiohead's 7th LP, and suprise surprise it's lovely. Here's a little note Nigel left on the Dead Air Space wall:

a bit of tape from the studio
I keep bits of tape which have been chopped out of the mixes
when they were edited .. stick em on a reel.. when you play it
back it sounds like.. this

IHeartComix Pull Out All the Stops

2007-06-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

When Franki and Travis of IHeartComix host Check Yo Ponytail, what would otherwise be a mere concert, becomes an all night event.

Instead of showing up to a club, watching the band you came to see and going home, IHeartComix creates an environment of ongoing activity. My trip to the ExPlx on Saturday night became an all night experience, absorbing multiple DJ sets and three amazing artists.

As you may know, there is something great happening right now in the Baltimore music scene, and after a session of dance music from DJ Franki Chan and DJ Paparazzi, the night was commenced by Wham City's own - Video Hippos. Earlier in the month RC brought you some new tracks from Video Hippos - here. Live, the duo didn't waste much time, cranking through their album UnBeast the Leash, while a series of home made films played on the foreground of the stage. Despite the band's somewhat primitive stage setup, they were able to conjure up enough sound to recreate the dense layering found on the LP.

Juiceboxxx is almost impossible to describe. While the mid-west, skinny, white rapper angle is somewhat played out these days, Juiceboxxx had some crazy heart. He didn't stop high jumping, fist waving or "Fuck" screaming until every person in the place was floored. If you ask me it was a great example of the 10% talent 90% heart rule for success. Do I love the raps - no, do I love Juiceboxxx - yes!

...and then it was time for the main event - Mr. Dan Deacon himself. With a quick count of twenty-five,"25's," the crazy, black bonfire of blips and beats began. RC is no stranger to Spiderman of the Rings, and couldn't wait to see the magic happen in real life.

The night included:

- a green skull strobe light, hoisted on a mic stand
-dance circle
-group sing-a-long with lyric sheets
-weird cult robes
-a creepy red light
-amazing music

Sound like a pretty rad night? It was - so don't miss Check Yo Ponytail every other Saturday at the ExPlx.

[mp3] Video Hippos - The List
[mp3] Dan Deacon - Trippy Green Skull

IHeartComix site | Video Hippos site | Juiceboxxx Myspace | Dan Deacon site

White Stripes Bring the Rock Back to Tower!

2007-06-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

Just when Tower Records was dead, Jack and Meag White bring the old giant back to life.

Here's the press release:

"The White Stripes will be performing a very special show in West Hollywood, CA on June 20th. The band will play a live show for fans at a specially constructed "Icky Thump Records" store on Sunset Boulevard. The location of Icky Thump Records is the site of the former Tower Records flagship store at 8801 W. Sunset Blvd. Tickets for this unique performance will be made available to the first 200 fans who purchase the album at this store, which opens at midnight on Monday, June 18th. Tickets are limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. A handful of tickets will also be available to listeners of KROQ radio from Friday, June 15 - Sunday, June 17th. The Icky Thump Records performance will be the band's first Los Angeles show since December 2005."

God I love viral marketing campaigns.

[www] White Stripes - Icky Thump album stream

Menomena and All Smiles @ The Troubadour

2007-06-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

A night at the Troubadour is always an enjoyable experience. While it may never carry the scenester aura that coats the walls of the ExPlx, it's consistently filled with an appreciative crowd - there for the music. Of course all the historic music which has graced the club's stage is a plus as well.

Plagued by a band wide cold, All Smiles mustered up some lung power and played a decent rendition of their debut LP, Ten Readings of a Warning. Jim's vocals were most effected by the sickness (as you might expect); however, his warm tones remained intact throughout the show - best suited when woven into a piano melody.

Ten Readings of a Warning review with mp3

I am both an old and new fan of Menomena. Thanks to Pitchfork, I immediately became aware of the band's first album, I Blame the Fun Monster, but somehow the songs were never lodged in my ear canals. The LP sat untouched for over a year in my ever expanding itunes directory, until I heard "Wet and Rusting," off Friend and Foe. Quickly realizing my dire mistake, I plowed through Fun Monster again and discovered the true masterpiece inside. Neurons that once sat idle were now firing. Despite this epiphany, I was without Friend and Foe until after the show last night.

I think - startling - is the best one word description of Menomena's live experience. Their musical precision gives the illusion of nearing collapse, but in truth they are masters of negative space and modularization. Instruments were taken in and out of the song at will, and all three vocalists crosshatched various melodies across the songs canvas. When played for a friend he mentioned The Flaming Lips, and it's a great way to describe Menomena's freedom and spirit. While the music is deeply rooted in musical theory and structure, it remains clearly outside the realm of its musical peers. In my opinion Menomena just won best album, live show and cover art for the year 2007. Bam!

[mp3] Menomena - Wet and Rusting

Van Dyke Parks and the baroque

2007-06-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Baroque pop is such a pretentious sounding way to describe interesting music. It sounds as if the artist crafting his work actually has a destination for his piece, a travel plan for the hands and fingers that chisel out the textures and details that turn atypical compositions into larger than life song structures. I had heard about Van Dyke Parks’ Song Cycle for some time before actually getting my hands on a copy. Van Dyke’s persona became somewhat legendary as a forerunner in the baroque pop aesthetic when he joined forces with Beach Boys’ maestro Brian Wilson to co write the lauded experimental pop masterpiece, Smile, the Versailles of baroque pop. It was on Smile that Wilson furthered his design of his modular production technique, an approach that made its way into the rotation of sounds on Van Dyke’s Song Cycle. It’s the acute attention to detail that crafts the baroque and Van Dyke proves his ability by applying his colorful wordsmithing, multi-instrumental arrangements to define each nook, cranny, and blemish on Song Cycle as well as Smile.

[mp3] Van Dyke Parks – Palm Desert
[mp3] The Beach Boys – Surf’s Up (Brian Wilson Solo)

| Official Site | More mp3s | Buy Song Cycle |

A Tiny Taste of Our Love to Admire

2007-06-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Interpol offers us up a tiny nibble of Our Love to Admire, with a clip from "Pioneer to the Falls" - when I say "clip" I mean opening guitar riff. Oh well, I guess it's better than nothing. Of course we do have "The Heinrich Maneuver" to keep us warm before July 10th. Follow this link to the official Interpol site, and click clips to get your taster.

[stream] Interpol - The Heinrich Maneuver

Here are some US dates:

7/19 Rochester, NY - Harro East Ballroom
7/20 Atlantic City, NJ - Music Box @ Borgata
7/21 Norfolk, VA - Norva
7/23 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
7/24 Pittsburgh, PA - Byham
7/25 Columbus, OH - The LC Amphitheatre
7/27 Grand Rapids, Michigan - Orbit Room
7/28 Detroit, MI - MI State
7/30 Milwaukee, WI - Rave
7/31 Indianapolis, IN - Egyptain Room
8/01 St. Louis, MO - Pageant
8/03 Covington, KY - Madison Theatre
8/04 Chicago, IL - Grant Park (Lollapalooza)
8/05 Baltimore, MD - Pimlico Race Course (V Festival)
9/08 Montreal, Quebec - Osheaga Music and Arts Festival

The Latest and Greatest in Framed Sound

2007-06-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

The one man wonder YACHT has been documenting life on the road for all us info junkies. You can find his clips on Youtube here. Also, Jona just dropped off a summer treat:

[mp3] YACHT - The Summer Song

Dungen has a new video for "Familj" in support of their new album, Tio Bitar. The video was directed by experimental filmmaker Jon Leone. Prepare to be submerged into a sea of mind bending collage.

[mov] Dungen - Familj

The Horrors are no strangers to the art of music videos, and “She Is The New Thing” continues the tradition with a psychotic pen and ink animation following some sort of hungry demon.

[mov] The Horrors - She Is The New Thing

Coastal Mixtape for a California Dream

2007-06-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love California. I have no intentions of leaving. I have claimed my turf and set up shop, for there really cannot be any hidden treasure of property that can equal the celestial burn that has grazed and purified this southern coastal kingdom. Go ahead and call me out on my stereotypical, Californian brag, an annoyance, quite possibly, greater than any southern drawl or eastern drone. But in many ways I buy into the whole dream of our mythical coastal landscapes and possibilities for endless summers. For I have drudged the chills of Siberia, the suffocating stench and choke of northeastern humidity, and failed to find comparable troves of feminine form elsewhere. Friends, please do forgive my ostentation and inability to compromise my stable pretense but it is only in good faith that I propose for your conversion. Please do accept the gospel of our ways. Follow me to the light of the eternal sunset. California here we come.

[mp3] America – Ventura Highway
[mp3] Low – California
[mp3] The Beach Boys – California Girls
[mp3] Stereophonics – Have A Nice Day
[mp3] The Clientele – From Brighton Beach to Santa Monica
[mp3] The Thrills – Big Sur
[mp3] Joni Mitchell – California
[mp3] The Decemberists – Los Angeles, I’m Yours
[mp3] Radiohead – I Will (Los Angeles Version)
And for good measure...
[mp3] Death Cab For Cutie - Why You'd Want To Live Here

Welcome summer...

Wasp Culture

2007-06-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Strangle structure.
Rupture.
The heretic dances fast in the rubble of the city walls.
Drop like beasts, drop like beasts.
Epigones sleep in shallow graves.
I am he.
The traveling tears of Sebastian Somersault.

J.

“The same disease often afflicts artists and writers: they sink into satiated slumber in forms once invented and twice perfected. And they lack the strength to wound themselves, to cease loving what they once loved, to leave their old, familiar apartments filled with the scent of laurel leaves and walk away into the open field, to start anew.”
- Yevgeny Zamyatin (1923)

[mp3] Wasp Culture – University Choir (Demo)

| Myspace |

Suggested Viewing: Mark James - Candylion

2007-06-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Sorry for the bad link - It's all good now!

[www] Mark James - Gruff Rhys - "Candylion"

Candylion is the second solo slash side project album of Super Furry Animals frontman, Gruff Rhys. That’s his name and the band’s name. Lots of pretty cascading choruses, and acoustic accompaniment from what little I have heard. I can promise an occasional keyboard samba beat as well. If you liked SFA you’ll enjoy this. It’s sweet and nice.

The newscast - craft show form of this video is immediately pleasing in all its deadpan nonchalance. I love the glances back and forth and the cut out cut–a–ways. Hard to beat a good teleprompter stare, and a fake mustache over a real mustache.

Today's episode instructs us in making our own construction paper lion figurine. King of the sweetart jungle. It doesn’t hurt that Miss Lisa Jën, (joining Gruff Rhys on a few tracks from the album) is a complete doll herself. You know you fall hard when she does that little shoulder shrug.

The Passionistas - God's Boat

2007-06-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Remember all those reasons you have for not paying for music – it’s overpriced, the artist never sees any of the money, only a few tracks on the album are worth listening to, etc… Well those are all really valid arguments, and I hope you never buy music that falls into that laundry list; however, when an album does pass the test, it seems only right that you buy it. Funny enough, I found just the right self-funded, attitude laden LP for you to buy, which will pay you back with its bleeding passion.

The Passionistas are a three piece from San Francisco whose debut album, God's Boat, is the first release from RC's favorite blogger Will (New and Used Records). God's Boat is a perfect addition to the summer catalogue for a few reasons. One, it's feels light and airy - Two, it embraces carelessness and abandon- Three, it's like nothing else out there.

Taking cues from the yelps of Iggy Pop turn the situation on its head - giving everyone the middle finger. The and guitars of 70's punk, The Passionistas' production is stripped bare. This in turn brings the vocals up front, giving them room to lash ironic slurs at the workings of today's world. "Y2K" takes society's rehashed doomsday fears, and mocks them through tongue-in-cheek lyrics and delivery. Everyone wants to make these big powerful songs about the state of our government, and The Passionistas turn the situation on its head - giving everyone the middle finger. They take on an absurd situation with their own brand of absurdity. "Going Gay" and "Teenage Jesus" have the shock elements that keeps punk (and all art) interesting, but I've always hoped that at a deeper level the "shock value" was actually a glimpse at someone's unique (and honest) vision of the world. This hope lives on with The Passionistas. They're young, bratty and maybe just the fresh-air perspective this world needs. Please support the new guard.

[mp3] The Passionistas - Going Gay
[mp3] The Passionistas - The Socialist

06/08/07 Cafe Du Nord - San Francisco (record release show)

Walter Meego Require More Arms

2007-06-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Life’s been getting pretty good. The Ed Banger gang, MSTRKRFT, the promise of more Sabastien Grainger. Dance music doesn’t mean listening to stuff that sucks anymore.

It was a struggle at first, in the early days of Figurine. It sounded too much like techno to get comfortable, but it had lyrics and pop structure. It built and went places instead of droning from one indistinguishable beat to the next.

It was confusing. Nobody danced. No matter how badly you wanted to, it was like the first half of Footloose up in independent music. Lots of people at lots of shows doing the “Standing Still”, but people where quietly, motionlessly, eager to try some new steps. We were given Daft Punk, and The Rapture, the LCD Soundsystems... everybody started djing, and rather quickly we’ve come to live in a glorious new age of shake that ass.

You feel it? I’m feelin’ it.

Now, I said all that to say this: Walter Meego's gonna make you slip a disc.

Justin Sconza and Colin Yarck make up Champaign, Illinois’ Walter Meego, and they aim to get your toes tapping. In their own words: “Walter Meego is like the most delicious sandwich ever made.”

Have some:

[mp3] Walter Meego - Peg
[mp3] Walter Meego - Things Are Getting Better
[mp3] Walter Meego - Through A Keyhole

That's not the only tip I’ve got for you. When feeling like you're not dancing well; more arms. People don’t use enough arms. Gonna work like a charm.

Content Addicted 1.0

2007-06-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

New music. Old Music. Good music. Bad music. Sometimes it doesn’t really matter when you are addicted. That tune that continues to make it onto your playlists and mixtapes. That song that you don’t mind leaving on repeat or pressing ‘track back’ a few times in a row. It might be your little secret or the one that everyone keeps going on about. When it’s good to you that is all that matters.

Low rumble. Slow burning. Humble in its demand for your listen. “Tired and wired we ruin to easy.” Completely affecting.

[mp3] The National – Apartment Story

I hung out with my parents and sister for about five minutes the other night at a social gathering. It was swell until I realized that my blood had been drained and my bones powdered to fit into a condensed package, a mere extension of my parent’s success, a trophy product for the breeders to shine in front of their crowd. Oh boy. I love camera.

[mp3] The Bird & The Bee – I Hate Camera

I live on the West coast. I met an actress that I could not identify. I move real fine but only when listening to monophonic notes being punched by men in slim suits. My heart swings on amphetamines. My heart swings sometimes.

[mp3] Interpol – The Heinrich Maneuver

Local News Brief

2007-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Deadly Syndrome will be playing Spaceland every Monday for free this month, as part of their June residency. As you know we love these guys, so please go out to the shows and support.

As part of the ongoing Cemetary Screenings in Hollywood Forever, this Saturday's film will be Charles Vidor's 1946 classic Gilda. Unfortunately, the Content has yet to attend one of these gems, but this will all change on Saturday.

I Heart Comix has just launched their new blog, and we highly suggest you check it out. The duo will also be running the ExPlx every other Saturday with Check Yo Ponytail. Everything they touch turns to gold, so be there to witness the magic.

The Little Ones will release a digital only "Lover Who Uncover" EP on June 5th, which will include remixes from Crystal Castles, Stereolab, CSS and Radio Clit. Watch the video for "Lover Who Uncover" here.

Albert Hammond Jr @ The House of Blues

2007-05-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

For all the lovers out there, Braedon visited the Albert Hammond Jr. show last week, and reported back with some words and pics.

Strokes fans were given a treat last year when, their adored guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr. embarked on a solo career. After seven years with The Strokes, Hammond Jr. had no intention of leaving the band; however, he was anxious to start bringing some of his own roots to the table. He has veered a bit from the typical, raspy, garage band sound of The Strokes, and adopted a cleaner, poppier sound made complete by his smooth vocals

Hammond came through LA earlier this month, packing the House of Blues, and will continue touring throughout the states and off Europe.

-Braedon

All Photos and words by: Braedon

Myspace | More MP3s | itunes

All Smiles - Ten Readings of A Warning

2007-05-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve never been someone who enjoys floating through space. I love gravity and all its cemented context. Consequently, my initial “blind taste test” listen to All Smiles left me slightly less interested than after my second, post-research experience. It’s the history and context of a creation that makes art tangible in my life. Time to contextualize!

All Smiles is Jim Fairchild. Jim was in a band called Grandaddy. Grandaddy lost its mojo, Jim split with Jason Lytle and became the CEO of his own music career. Ten Readings of A Warning is Jim’s first album, which was made for no money at his house. It sounds warm, honest and beautiful. While there is room for Grandaddy sound comparison, All Smiles carves its own identity through its organic composition. The metallic buzz that surrounds a Lytle piece is replaced here with Fairchild's intimate acoustics. All Smiles is one part warm hearted and one part ironic cynic, which feels like a pretty honest outlook on the world.

Come early to the Menomena shows and see All Smiles with your own two eyes.

6/01/07 - Neumo's Seattle
6/06/07 - WOW Hall Eugene
6/08/07 - The Independent San Francisco
6/09/07 - Harlow's Sacramento
6/10/07 - Cellar Door Visalia
6/11/07 - Sea Level Records In-Store Los Angeles
6/12/07 - Troubadour Los Angeles
6/13/07 - Glass House Pomona
6/14/07 - Casbah San Diego
6/15/07 - Solar Culture Tucson
6/16/07 - Clubhouse Phoenix
6/19/07 - The Parish Austin
6/20/07 - Walter's Houston
6/21/07 The Granada Dallas
6/22/07 The Bottleneck Lawrence
6/23/07 Waiting Room Omaha

[mp3] All Smiles - Moth in a Cloud of Smoke

Concert Pirates: My Brightest Diamond @ Troubadour

2007-05-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that I have an enormous crush on Shara Worden, the heart and soul behind the hauntingly beautiful songs of My Brightest Diamond. At first I thought that it was just an aural thing, a result of her gorgeous melodies and vocal power. But as she played through her set at her recent Troubadour show, the partially handicapped Shara, a result of a “rock jump” at the band’s previous Las Vegas gig, made it impossible to not fall in love with her. Her adorability (?) and comedic banter made me wish that she wasn’t actually happily married and that some angel of a woman actually existed for me. But besides the heart skipping from time to time, My Brightest Diamond introduced three new songs with a hand full of chosen covers that hinted at something of a progtastic new album of hard rock meets folk flavored goodness. We can’t wait.

[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Intro/Banter/Knee Injury
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Golden Star (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – The Robin’s Jar (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Feeling Good (Live Nina Simone Cover)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – We Were Sparkling (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Disappear (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Youkali (Live Kurt Weill Cover)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Dragonfly (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Something Of An End (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Gone Away (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Apples (Live) NEW SONG
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Fading Away (Live) NEW SONG
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Shooting Star (Live) NEW SONG
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Workhorse (Live)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – No Quarter (Live Led Zeppelin Cover)
[mp3] My Brightest Diamond – Freak Out (Live)

Link Lovin'

2007-05-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Adult Swim is awesome, and just released a free downloadable album called "Warm & Scratchy," which features songs from Liars, The Rapture, TV on the Radio and more.

Stereogum continues its Premature Evalution series with Spoon's 6th full length Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Yeeeah. I think I might change the title when it finds its place in my itunes.

Bonde Do Rolê are set to release their debut album, With Lasers on June 4th, play the west coast with CSS and attack Euro festivals for the rest of the summer. Here's a taste from the new album:

[mp3] Bonde Do Role - James Bonde

Self Promotion: Rewriteable has itself a sweet new Virb page that you should all go visit. Virb is basically everything that could be great and interesting about Myspace, without the piles of SPAM, broken media players and Tom. If you look to our sidebar you'll see a section called Virbtunes, which is directly routed to my itunes and gives up to the minute stats on what RC is listening to.

Keywords : Bowerbirds...a kidnapping...a conversion

2007-05-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

I had been captured. It was as soon as I felt the warmth of their touch that I knew I had been overcome. Their hands were made of fingers and bone, talons of soft and warm things too pretty for me to wrap my own limbs through. So in other words, I wasn’t allowed to…

But it didn’t really matter for when I awoke in that room of bent and burdened glass from a past that I never lived through I saw him tip his hat and curtsy, a polite gesture to his newly attained friend, fearful for life and eager for a listen. A sound from the underground, a friendly finger to follow, a tunnel to the basement below, the cave at the end of thousands and thousands of stairs. I slid down that slide of steps, tripping and tumbling toward that ever-friendly hum that rose from the center of the earth. Touching down, a roll and rumble (heels grounded, toes heavenward), a handsome man with a stringed strum from the ancients, a soft voice, dry and dim and comfortably…

Bowerbirds they called themselves. My pirates of the underground who had stolen me away, my new friends, my holy priests whose sound I now reverently…

But what could I have done differently? As soon as I was in their talons there was never any going back.

[mp3] Bowerbirds – In Our Talons

Bowerbirds' new album Hymns For A Dark Horse is out now on Burly Time Records.

Video Hippos Unbeast the Leash

2007-05-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Predicting where the next influx of unique art will emerge is nothing more than a game of pin the tail on the donkey – the donkey in this case being a map of Earth. Like Omaha before it, Baltimore now finds itself struck by the blinding glow of the indie spotlight. In the spirit of past great artists, the collective Wham City formed to cultivate a fertile environment for music and art, and through it they have sown seeds embracing all things synthetic, peculiar and fun. Notable members of this musical community are Dan Deacon (read RC post), Ponytail, Ecstatic Sunshine and for our purposes today – Video Hippos.

Kevin and Jim are all that comprise Video Hippos, but after several times through Unbeast the Leash I’m convinced there is a genius, robot monster sitting in as the band’s third member. Unlike Dan Deacon’s quirky play of computer blips and swirled loops, Video Hippos execute a full fledged ground assault of sound, which varies from dense, distorted bass to subtle, echoed keyboard loops. "Toothsub" starts the album with a haunting drone reminiscent of William Basinski's Disintegration Loops; however, the fragile loop suddenly grows legs and sprints into a straight shot of percussion and buried vocals. Many of the album's tracks take off and never look back - at times stopping to rest or change pace, but never revisiting past themes. "Sick Dolphin" exemplifies this idea of immediacy and brings up thoughts of Lightning Bolt.

The duo will be releasing Unbeast the Leash on June 12th, and have a extensive and lovely tour coming up with Dan Deacon.

[mp3] Video Hippos - The List
[mp3] Video Hippos - Kool Shades

Dates w/ Dan Deacon (click for full list of dates)

06/16/07 - ExPlx
06/18/07 - Pehrspace

God Save The Clientele

2007-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to tell whether I am falling in love or falling apart while listening to the Clientele’s fantastically new, blast from the past, Britpop masterpiece God Save the Clientele. The new songs come off as confident steps in the bands own humility, which makes my frustrations an ever more difficult task to deal with. In listening to the album in its entirety over my weeklong sabbatical into procrastination for finals, I have struggled with feelings that traverse the spectrum of romance but in a way that is far removed from the usual heartbreak and ache storytelling. Its showers and sunshine on this album but the stormy and summer days are interspersed in almost mathematical genius to relate the mood swings of romance, lust, love, and longing. But besides the lyrical depictions and emotional settings that the Clientele have effectively created on this album, it’s their musical potency that is their biggest win.

[mp3] The Clientele – Isn’t Life Strange

5/24/07 – Knitting Factory (w/ Beach House, Pipas) (tix)

Bright Eyes @ The Walt Disney Concert Hall

2007-05-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than fine music performed within equally fine architecture. In a rare, none LAphil night at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, kids between the ages of 14-30 flocked, for what I can only imagine was their first time, into Frank Gehry's gorgeous car wreck of a structure, to see Bright Eyes debut his new work - Cassadaga. What's most amazing about the Hall, is the dichotomy between the cold metal exterior panels, and the soothing and gentle wood work within the building. The large concert hall is nothing short of a musical sanctuary

Perched high above the side of the stage, I was left to absorb every aspect of the architecture, music and crowd. White curtains were hung high in the corners of the room, and lit with deep blue lights to create a permanent twilight effect. The band, 10 strong, were dressed in pure white and surrounded by a stage full of flowers. And to top off the visual bliss, a projector featuring real time video, dowsed the band with a swirling array of lights.

Cassadaga seems to be the first enigmatic Bright Eyes release I've come across. Part of me just means it's slightly bland, but the other part wants to witness what Conor is on the cusp of creating. The set was predominantly taken from the new LP, but of course the only song missing happens to be my favorite - "I Must Belong Somewhere." Oh well, I've seen him perform it twice, so I guess I'm just getting greedy.

On the album, "If the Brakeman Turns My Way" and "Clairaudients" lacked traction in my brain, which has never been an issue with the other 139 Bright Eyes songs I have on my itunes; however, the live performance opened up more life in the songs. "Four Winds" is a classic Conor and Mike tune that stays trapped in my body for days - omniscient narrator, twanging country flair and quivering vocals give it the full package. Older songs like "False Advertising" and tracks off I'm Wide Awake ("Lua" and "First Day of My Life") kept the night well rounded. The band was tighter than ever and the songs sounded beautiful throughout -leaving Natalie and I skipping all the way to the car.

From the Saddle Creek site:

[mp3] Bright Eyes - Four Winds

[mp3] Bright Eyes - No One Would Riot For Less

Photos @ Soma by: Braedon

Suggested Viewing: Shawn Kim - Turnstyle Blues

2007-05-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

[mov] Shawn Kim: Autolux - "Turnstyle Blues"

When I first saw it, I sent this video to my roommate Grant. He wrote back:

“That's sex in a bottle.”

Pretty well sums it up.

This video was my first introduction to Autolux; a noisy drony sort of My Bloody Valentine Los Angelean pop band. As you watch, your first comment will likely be how mean that beat is. Indeed. Carla Azar (who’s talents were recently mentioned of in our Pity Party interview) is one funky drummer you need not give back ta James.*

Predominantly a cinematographer, Shawn Kim also directs this video for "Turnstyle Blues." Friend and DP of director Patrick Daughters, Kim was behind camera on the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeah’s - Maps, Kings Of Leon - King Of The Rodeo, Death Cab For Cutie’s - Title & Registration etc... There should be badges your mom sews on when stuff’s this good. We see his distinctive beautiful dark polish again here, with a few additions.

The multiple monitors are wonderful. Each screen its own canvas, allowing the camera to pan through angles and images without cutting away. Swaying past blown out lights aimed towards camera, everything given a cool green hue.

The use of black is great. How fading in and out of it keeps time, and creates edits; adding tone rather than merely holding place as "nothing."

Everyone should be checking out Autolux's first album (Future Perfect) now. A sophomore release is pending for the end of this summer. Also look for an Autolux collaboration on the upcoming UNKLE record.

* Black Sheep Son

Spiderman of the Rings

2007-05-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Man Man in Candyland? Batshit bubblegum-pop? Children’s songs for the hyperactively overgrown? Dan Deacon’s Spiderman of the Rings is as loudly bizarre as all of the above-mentioned descriptions of what could be the most headache inducing music to come out this year for listeners over the age of 55. But inversely, Dan Deacon has also made a sporadic mind job of an album for any willing to let go of their preconceived notions of psyche pop and revert to the cartoon craziness and decadent debacles that we all went through between the years of 2 and 12. Somewhere within that timeframe Mr. Deacon slipped and knocked his head, probably under the influence of a Ritalin reduced dance-a-thon with Woody Woodpecker laughing away at his awful accident. That nightmare of an incident has probably allowed Dan Deacon to dream in colors and spell in numeric equations that would soon enable him to construct songs under the influence of rainbow.

Yet it is Deacon’s ability to build upon the innocent and meager melody or drum line that proves to be his specialty. Just as we all piled bright building blocks sky high when we were five, Deacon builds upon simple chords and melodic scales until it rattles and rolls in its own instability. But its just that instability of tune and rhythm that keeps us listening, hypnotized before the soon to be demolished Jenga tower.

Basically, this stuff kills in its overpowering goodness and its ability to throw smiles at our faces. It has proven to be enough to turn our frowns upside down.

[mp3] Dan Deacon – Trippy Green Skull

Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare

2007-05-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Arctic Monkeys were in the trenches, fighting off the hype machine, before their debut album had even hit the shelves. How does one get the chance to ride such a wave of press? Simple: write an insanely contagious dance hit and let the DJs do the rest – it also helps to be around 19 or 20 and English.

To be honest, I never actually got past “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor.” The time between that song entering my ear canals, and the subsequent LP being released was a lifetime, and like a true digital age, musical ADD blogger, when the album finally arrived - I’d lost interest in the band. I had nothing against The Arctic Monkeys, and probably would have loved the album; yet, as fate would have it, our paths never crossed.

Speeding ahead to the release of Favourite Worst Nightmare, my interest is once again heightened by the Monkey’s mature and decisive sophomore effort. Rather than over think the all too terrifying second musical step, the four piece gives the jitters the middle finger and starts “Brainstorm” with an instantaneous blast of noise. This unchecked energy holds strong through “D is for Dangerous;” however, the middle of the album finds Alex Turner introspectively musing on love. The first verse of “Balaclava” has Alex doing his best Pete Doherty impression, and I mean that in the best way possible. By the time we reach “Only Ones Who Know,” the minimal arrangements leave Turner crooning over the death of “true romance.” While I love the diversity, I couldn’t help but throw up a little fist pump during the build of “This House is A Circus.”

The Arctic Monkeys have the gift of making people dance., and few bands achieve such a connection with their audience. Consequently, I think that the moments of house crushing bass riffs constitute the highlights off the LP. Then again I enjoyed just about every moment of the album - so croon away boys.

[mp3] Arctic Monkeys - Balaclava

Myspace | Official Site | More Mp3s | itunes

WASP CULTURE

2007-05-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Future of Rewriteable Content?

Come say hi...

Chosen Treasures: The Four Freshmen

2007-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Love lost right in the very beginning. Love lost when it had such a good chance at winning.

It’s unfair what we do to the past. We forget about it, bury it away in graves of dust-ridden piles of memories to unearth at some future event when nostalgia kicks in and we need to get our dosage of what it used to be like back then, back when she, he, they knew us, loved us, hurt us.

My heart has ached to live in that period before my time, a time of jukeboxes and poodle skirts, soda shops and harmonies. I imagine that life would be simpler if I had been chosen to be hatched forty years prior my arrival when authenticity seemed to be the norm and not a mere luxury for the chance stricken garage sale scavenger seeking miracles. But as I unveil some of my chosen treasures I realize that back then hearts still lay in pieces, work for craftsman and carpenter to stitch and seal with care so that it could occupy the workload that it was created for. For this chosen treasure I have unearthed the heartache of the Four Freshmen’s album Love Lost, a collection of tunes that range in their regret and hurt as well as their hope of what the future will bring.

If I ever love again it will be you. There will be no other one, no one but you.

[mp3] The Four Freshmen – Love Lost
[mp3] The Four Freshmen – If I Ever Love Again

| Official Site (?) | More mp3s | Buy Love Lost |

Concert Pirates: Xiu Xiu @ The Troubadour

2007-05-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

I can't say I've ever recommended a Xiu Xiu LP to any of my immediate friends. There's just no easy way to introduce Jamie Stewart's music to the world. (Partly) because of this, it's taken me several years to make it out to a Xiu Xiu concert. Sunset Rubdown on the other hand is almost universally likable, so it was easy to find company to their joint show at the Troubadour. If you haven't heard our recordings of Mr. Krug's set - check it out here.

Unfortunately, the subtleties of Xiu Xiu's set are missed in these recordings unless you listen wearing headphones. I think the recordings capture the dark beauty of Jamie's music, but the sparser tracks were almost unlistenable. During the concert, I was blown away most by the precise and often explosive way Xiu Xiu delivers each note - something that does come across in these live tracks. I left thrilled to have been a part of the evening, but regretting all the missed opportunities to see them play in the past.

Partial Tracklist:

[mp3] Xiu Xiu - Sad Pony Guerilla Girl
[mp3] Xiu Xiu - Bishop, CA
[mp3] Xiu Xiu - I Broke Up
[mp3] Xiu Xiu - Crank Heart
[mp3] Xiu Xiu - Boy Soprano

Myspace | Official Site | More MP3s

Blitzen Trapper – Wild Mountain Nation

2007-05-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The opening track off of Blitzen Trapper’s new album is a whirlwind of genre traveling tunes. Starting in a cloud of metallic distortion, “Devil’s A-Go-Go” bursts into a 70s-style rock riff with a hiccup for a time signature. The song finds its roots in an avant-garde, country rock atmosphere where one feels comfortable rubbing shoulders with Deerhoof yet could still find it comfortable in the shelf space next to Lynard Skynard. It’s not long before the track travels eastward for a jaunt through an Asian scale followed by an immediate launch over the Pacific into a somber Mexican howl and strum before ending in the sonic laser beams of interplanetary warfare. It’s a bizarre ride but Blitzen Trapper has somehow stitched this track up with so many genre splices that it has become so jarringly endearing that you can’t help but enjoy being taken along for the ride.

It’s an interesting entrance piece for an album that meanders through soft, pure country tunes to Man Man-style pieces of communal jeering to Jimi Hendrix rip off rock attacks. For some reason I can’t help but imagine Blitzen Trapper out in their own Wild Mountain Nation where the trees, rivers, and animals have all been imported from the lands of their favorite artists of past and present. This in turn makes Wild Mountain Nation a kaleidoscopic adventure where the multiple angles of the album can appeal to a wide variety of listeners.

Wild Mountain Nation is set for an early June.

Be sure to check out Blitzen Trapper’s cover of Hearts’ “Crazy On You” off of the excellent Portland based charity compilation Bridging the Distance. Go ahead. Help the kids.

[mp3] Blitzen Trapper – Devil’s A-Go-Go

Contest: Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm 12"

2007-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is in full bloom, which means it's time for more contests! The Arctic Monkeys had a long way to fall after being vaulted high by early success, but with the release of Favorite Worst Nightmare, their sophomore effort hasn't pulled them down an inch.

We'll have more to say on the album later this week. For now it's time to give away some vinyl! We have one "Brainstorm" 12" to give away this week. As per usual - all you need to do is leave your name/email and/or myspace in the comment box or in an email to rewriteablecontent@gmail.com, and we'll pick the lucky winner on Sunday night.

Tracklist:
1. If you found this it's probably too late
2. Brianstorm
3. Temptation greets you like your naughty friend
4. What if you were right the first time?

GOOD LUCK!

Arcade Fire @ Spreckles Theater in San Diego

2007-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Once again Braedon checks in with RC about the latest and greatest show he attended. I think these may be his best photos yet! Enjoy.

With a prominent tour for their second full length album, Neon Bible, the Arcade Fire have come out with guns blazing, and don’t seem to be stopping soon. The album is strong but it's their live performance that has kept them a few steps ahead of other indie bands. With a 10 piece band, the stage was well designed. a pipe organ in the back corner, with a keyboard in front, violinists, a brass section, a stand up bass, dobro….. Almost every band member switched instruments more than once. Win Butler stayed on vocals and varied between his electric, acoustic and mandolin. Régine Chassagne played almost every instrument on stage, ranging from drums, to vocals, to keyboard and organ, to accordion - while Richard Reed Parry, with his height and bright red hair was, as usual, the most animated on stage. He also shifted between instruments while screaming through megaphones and beating on drums.

The energy level built throughout the evening with a beautiful blend between songs from Funeral and Neon Bible. There was a bit more fire beneath songs from their former album, but that was expected when comparing the two. Like many other, I have a place in my heart for Neon Bible, but when comparing the first album to the second, you can see a similar vein but different direction. A little less energy, a bit more blues with ‘My Body is a Cage’, but still Arcade Fire.

Arcade Fire recorded Neon Bible throughout most of 2006 in an old church just outside of Montreal. The band claims to have worked harder for this album than any other time in their lives and are genuinely proud with the result. The album is hard to take off your iPod selection, and their concerts rank among the best of the year. Don’t miss them as they pass through your town.

[mp3] Arcade Fire - Keep The Car Running

Photos and Words By: Braedon