Don’t ask me why I obsessively look to rock ’n’ roll bands for some kind of model for a better society. I guess it’s just that I glimpsed something beautiful in a flashbulb moment once, and perhaps mistaking it for prophecy have been seeking its fulfillment ever since.
- Lester Bangs
Over the last two days, I have received 2 notices from Blogger.com that let me know that some record labels were outraged by my posting(therefore promoting, but whatever) their songs. One was Beck, and one was TV On The Radio.
I am just a guy in Ohio who LOVES music. So naturally I love to share said music. I only post what I like....really. What pisses me off is that the big money bastards at the record companies didn't have the decency to even ask me. I would pull a song in a second if I thought I was upsetting an artist I liked. But no, they go right to Blogger, the host, because the 8 or 9 people who read my blog may have gotten a track for free....the horror! Seriously...have they seen my blog? No advertising....no master plan....just a guy who LOVES music and wants to write about it.
Record companies....you just keep fucking up....I tried to help, telling people that I liked your artists...but you thought I was giving your shit away for free....so fuck you.
No. Really. FUCK YOU, you are taking away everything that is pure and great in rock n' roll.
And the artists who are under this umbrella....how do you feel about this? I was promoting your music....and I got in trouble. Public Enemy - 'Fight The Power' MP3
Not really... I have always wanted someone to miss-connection me. I guess I am just too old, too ugly, too forgettable. So I am posting this (after a couple of beers and a muscle relaxer, I admit) to say that I saw me in the mirror at Lowes in Lancaster yesterday. And I wish I would have said to myself, "Hey sexy, what are you doing for the rest of your life?" But I was too embarrassed and bashful to talk to myself in public. I just want to say to me: You are a great guy, and one tall drink of sexy. I would love to really get to know myself better. So, if I see this posting, please get in touch with myself and "hit me up". (I see all the young kids use that phrase here on CL.)
******
Alcohol, low self esteem, and mirrors don't go so well together...
Only 4 days left until the big day! Life sort of got in they way yesterday, so I am doubling up this morning...here a couple of 'protest' songs that prove you don't have to be loud to be effective.
I am liking this Crystal Stilts disc a lot, but I am finding that I can only listen to it in short bursts. After awhile, the 'sounds like it was recorded in a closet' charm it has starts to grate on me. But when it's good, and my mood is right...it's really, REALLY good...like Velvet Underground dreamy good. Like this tune:
If you're a shaggy blonde, and looked directly into my eyes today, even for a microsecond, it must mean you are very sexually attracted to me, and want to bed me down! I wish SOMEBODY would sleep with me soon, this ol' queen's about to blow a gasket!
Is emogaze a subgenre of rock music? If not, it should be...even if it is never used again except to describe the sound of Brooklyn band Longwave. And I mean "emogaze" in the most flattering sense of the phrase. I just suck at classifying stuff...but I like this new record, 'Secrets Are Sinister', it never bored me...and these days, that speaks volumes.
Oh, if I could just have 1/100 of the talent that Zach Condon has I would promise to who ever is in charge of these sort of things, that I would not squander it...sigh...in my next life maybe,
There is a new Beirut tune floating around out there and it if, of course, brilliantly titled and played:
Only 6 days left. This one isn't a new protest song so much as it is a classic one with a a new voice - cellist/singer/songwriter Ben Sollee...new decade, same great message.
I posted a song from this record yesterday, but I am not very smart and I am not sure that the link even worked. Then this morning as I was listening to the album again, another song struck me as post-worthy...so, here you have another tune from the new Damon & Naomi record, 'More Sad Hits.'
INTELLIGENT, cultured, 22y/o wm seeking Asian women (pref. Nihonese)
Date: 2008-10-16, 3:29AM EDT
Hello ladies of the internet!
I am here today, as are you, to find the love of my life ideally. Now, I am an introspective and reflective man so over my life I've come to realise exactly what I'm looking for in my ideal woman.
Personally, I am 22 years old, my name is Perseus, I am attending U of T in the final year of my Engineering degree, and I am a little on the chubby side. I am a dedicated Green party voter and staunchly opposed to the Conversative hordes dashing themselves against the impregnable Liberal/NDP/Green keep of our fine enlightened city. I am fond of discussing philosophy and the meaning of life over a glass of wine in the 'even. As hobbies go, I am an avid gamer and enjoy delving into the myriad artistic realities of animé (the origin of my affinity for Asian culture, which is frankly superior).
You MUST fulfill the following requirements: - Asian - Woman - Aged NO MORE THAN 23 - - and NO LESS THAN 16 - Petite build. Ideally no more than 115 lbs. - - but no 'Paris Hilton' bulimics please! I like my women with some meat on them. - Like sushi, animé, and video games.
BONUSES include: - Japanese heritage - Large collection of animé and manga - Glasses - Interest in cosplay and roleplaying - Traditional Ladies' education
I must stress again that this is for a SERIOUS, long term relationship. Not some 'fling' as though I were a boy toy to be tossed aside.
Just in time for the end of Autumn, Hush Arbors. Hush Arbors is Keith Wood, a Virginia singer/songwriter. He plays a beautiful, muted folk that reminds me of a sort of Iron & Wine meets Built To Spill sorta sound. Haunting and hard to forget...great stuff.
He has a new self-titled album out now that is fantastic...check it out.
I am sure it says VOLUMES about my personality that, as I was innocently perusing the list of new releases from the past few weeks, an album entitled 'More Sad Hits' jumped off the page at me. And it probably says even more about me that I love the album. Guilty as charged. I do indeed love the sad stuff. But everyone should love this sad stuff...it's just gorgeous.
Damian and Naomi are the dream pop duo that rose from ashes of Galaxie 500, and it is their new record that I am ogling over. Give it a spin some gray day, you'll be glad you did. Damon & Naomi - 'E.T.A.' MP3
Only eight days til the election. Finally. I don't know about the rest of the universe, but as a guy living in a swing state, it can't come soon enough. The endless barrage of negative ads and robo-phone calls are enough to make anyone take up communism. I kid, of course. It's the best kind of stress to have I guess, and I am very proud that I live in a country where I get to elect my leaders. The system is broken, we know that, but you vote and you complain, and that's how change happens. If you don't vote, you forgo your right to complain about anything...ever.
So, to usher in the excitement of election day...I am going to post a favorite 'new protest song' a day until the 4th. George W. Bush has absolutely made a royal mess of things over the last 8 years, but the one bright spot...if you were a music lover - lots of great politically feuled angst ridden tunes!
To the guy who drank from the can of Pepsi he found on the ground... - w4m
Date: 2008-10-16, 2:26PM PDT
I thought that was pretty gross at first, but the more I thought about it throughout the day, the more I was charmed by it. I can tell you are outgoing and uninhibited by social norms and I find that very sexy. It inspired me to fish a half-eaten doughnut out of a trash can on my way home from work. It tasted awful, but I felt so liberated.
You where dressed kind of poorly and your hair was unkempt (clearly unwashed), but I get the impression that your just a free spirit with bigger priorities then basic hygiene. Perhaps your a modern Aristotle?
Would love to discuss Kierkegaard or Nietzsche with you sometime, perhaps over a can of Pepsi? My treat.
The two man traveling sideshow that is Gil Mantera's Party Dream actually call Youngstown,Ohio home, but they cut their teeth by playing in Columbus and I have seen them play enough times here that I consider them at least quasi local.
They live to rock you. Their lives shows are stuff of legend, and their music is an all out synth-infused dancefest...in a word: fun.
"She got screwed up by religion. She got screwed by soccer players. She got high for the first time in the camps down by the banks of the Mississippi river. Lord to be seventeen forever. She got confused about the truth. She came to in a confession. She got high for the last time in the camps down by the banks of the river. Lord to be 33 forever. She got screwed up by her vision. it was scary when she saw him. She didn't tell a single person about the camps on the banks of the Mississippi river. Lord to be seventeen forever. She got strung out the scene. She got scared when it got druggy. The way the whispers bit like fangs in the last hour of the parties. Lord to be 33 forever."
I think it is pretty safe to say that Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest saved a large part of my musical soul. So, it's still a pretty big deal to me any time a new Q-Tip recod is released.
A new one is coming out very, very soon - 'Renaissance.' Check out a quick preview right here:
I always get nostalgic this time of year. Something about the leaves falling and the air cooling just takes me back I guess. I was thinking back to that ever so brief moment in time when the Smashing Pumpkins were the biggest band on the planet. Remember when 'Melon Collie...' came out and you couldn't turn on the radio with out hearing Billy Corgan screaming at you or flip on MTV and not see the Pumpkins in video form. Good times indeed.
Anway, all of that nostalgia eventually gets me to Pisces Iscariot - which is in my opinion the best b-sides/outtakes album ever. So many great songs on here. I will post two of my favorite...SP's take on the Fleetwood Mac classic 'Landslide'...and a rocker, 'Frail And Bedazzled.'
I was blown away when I heard that this was the first record that Oklahoma City's The Uglysuit have ever recorded. I'm not sure why, but it sounds like they have been playing together forever...old soul arrangements, heartfelt and introspective lyrics...some beautiful moments on this album. One of best accidental discoveries of the year!
"Best Buy and Geffen Records announced that one of the most highly anticipated albums of all time, Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy, will be available beginning Nov. 23 at Best Buy and BestBuy.com on CD, vinyl, and digital downloads."
Huh? One of the 'most highly anticipated albums of all time'? Maybe if Axl would have released...like...10yrs ago. I think that the lack of relevance that GNR has is apparent to everyone in the world BUT Mr. Rose himself. But...we will always have the classics: Guns N' Roses - 'Mr. Brownstone' MP3
I saw you at the Man Man show last week, You had a mane of sandy blonde hair that reminded me of mufasa from the Lion King.You reminded me of the female Version of Woody Allen (Alvie Singer) in Annie Hall. your golden locks made me hunger for porridge. I could be papa bear and MAUL you with Love instead of Sharp furry bear claws.
email me, and maybe we can go walking in the woods.
******
These missed connections posts always dance around that thin line between 'endearing' and 'creepy'...he may have slipped over that line.
I am hoping against hope that in one of my next lives...I will come back with the kind of voice that is an instrument all in itself...like Meg Baird demonstrates here:
I have finally gotten out of my own way and gotten over myself when it comes to The Gaslight Anthem. I was almost hooked immediately when I heard 'The '59 Sound' for the first time...but something kept gnawing at me. Like it was to slick, or too Goo Goo Dollish...something that was tellign me I shouldn't be digging this as much as I am. But the more I listened to the album, the more the earnestness of the record really started to shine through. They are just a great American band...telling stories and singing songs about what it's like to grow in the American experience...like some of my other favorite bands, Lucero and the Hold Steady. I made the cardinal sin - overthing rock n' roll.
The moral of the story? Trust your own ears...they won't steer you wrong...
How is fall finding you? Autumn is easily my favorite time of the year. Especially here. It's really the only time Ohio can be classified as anything close to "beautiful." But that only lasts for about another two weeks...then it shifts immediately into grey and cold and unpleasant. Actually, the season changing is the perfect metaphor for my whole time spent in Ohio...there are glimpses of greatness...which usually lead nowhere. All the more reason to get out...whcih I am working on, I assure you!
But I digress...with music. This Gemma Hayes record, 'The Hollow Of Morning', is one that I have been spinning into the ground lately. She has such a lovely voice and a real way with words, so yeah...I am pretty much in love.
We talked in line on Wednesday 10/22 to get tickets to the Sarah Palin event. You're from Tipp and I think your name is David. You were in shorts and I could not take my eyes off your beefy calves and am very attracted to you.
******
I just liked the irony in this one...two gay men trying to hook up at a Sarah Palin event!
Thomas Function are an indie rock band hailing from Alabama that I stumbled across a couple of months ago when I had a few emusic.com credits left to burn and nothing that I really HAD to have. I read a few reviews of their record 'Celebration' and decided to snag it...good decision.
It's just a fun rock record that I keep coming back to...again and again. Here is one of my favorite tracks from the album...enjoy:
The more I listen to this new Horse Feathers record, the more I love it. I had a friend say to me the other day that the songs on'Words Are Dead' remind her of everything Iron & Wine used to be before Sam Beam fell in love with jamnesia....if you have seen an IW show lately, you know exactly what I am talking about.
So if you are indeed of an infusion of beautiful, slightly dark nu folk...give this record a shot...i think you'll love it.
There comes a point in every mans life where he feels the need to pass down some history or perhaps a legacy, this time is now. For the low price of $700 you too may become a bad ass. This motorcycle is not just a way of transportation, it is a way of life. The side of the gas tank says Yamaha which loosely translates to "Kick Ass Stealth Ninja Motorcycle". I stole this motorcycle from Chuck Noris after I gave him a swift roundhouse kick to the face. I also broke off his arm and signed the title with it to my name from him so it is all legit and legally mine to sell now.
Some of the lens covers on the turn signals are broken but if you think that stops me from turning you are sadly mistaken. The first rule I learned in the Mount Tokachi Ninja Training Camp was never tell your enemy what direction you intend to go. I have found this to be a excellent creed or motto to live life by.
I will not admit to how many of the miles have been used for ninja missions however I can tell you that all of the 4693 miles are actual road miles.
There are a few rusted parts on this bike, but that only shows everybody how bad ass you are and that if they were to question you they could be killed instantly. Most of the parts could be replaced with non rusty parts if you wanted to blend in to the common mortal and practice stealth skills by hiding in plain sight.
This motorcycle has 4 speeds in the transmission and all of them are completely capable of causing instant death. I have known the common man to reach speeds of 70 mph I will not comment on the top speed that a skilled ninja rider may accomplish, this you shall find on your own.
The gas cap on this motorcycle is locked by key, that tells possible gas thief's to screw off unless they are prepared to deal with a ninja ass kicking right to the face. If you are still uncertain of how bad ass this actually is you wont need to look further than the front fender complete with scull and cross bones, the graphics tell sissy gutless men to take off or be prepared for punches of lightning to pour down upon them.
If you email me asking about being "firm" on the price I will tell you right now that I am NOT. $700 is only my starting price, you may want to pay me more after you would see it in person. If you think you can email me and ask me to sell if for less you could just as well save me the effort and punch yourself in the balls because that is what I might do and you are most likely a sissy and not worthy of this motorcycle. If you are from Africa and try to scam me do not waste my time because I will swim across the ocean and find you in your dirty hut and judo chop your face with an ultimate punch right to the face.
I may email you more pictures if you need to see more. Ninja fighting weapons are not included.
Liver! Lung! Fr! is the new live album from the Scottish band Frightened Rabbit. Can't wait to see them play tomorrow night, so I just thought I'd put up one of my favorite tracks from this new LP.
Admittedly, I am not the biggest Snow Patrol fan in the world. But the songs that I do like, I play into oblivion, so I was still happy to get my ears on the brand new record, 'A Hundred Million Suns', so I could look for another angst-fueled anthem!
Here is one that I am especially loving right now....
Production team currently looking to cast female actresses to perform in Adult film. Actresses must be of legal age to be considered. Suggested ages range 18 to 25. Applicants should email head shots as well as shots fully nude. Selected Actresses will be contacted for casting call.
Tightwad Productions
******
...in what can only be described as the dumbest, most thinly veiled attempt to pick up women(or at least get naked pictures) in the history of men.
OK...This week's obsession has been Two Cow Garage. Just got their new record and felt like I had to post about them again...they bring my so much joy!
This first tune is off of last year's 'III' and the second track is from their new record 'Speaking In Cursive'...hope you dig them half as much as I do!
This is a first...mocking my own post. But I am getting better at drunken craigslisting...this time I posted in the strictly platonic section...the last time it was Men Seeking Women section, and the time before that it was the Men Seeking Men section...talk about answering a lot of awkward emails the next morning.
******
Let's go throw rocks at McCain/Palin supporters.... - 33 (Swing Statesville)
Just kidding...i would never throw rocks at people...just kidding...i would throw them at Palin...just kidding...I wouldn't, but a big part of me wishes I could...just kidding...i already did and I hit her in the head, and that's why she is so stupid.
Any single 30-sh non-republicans want not go out election night and hope for the best, but brace for the worst??
This new Ane Brun album is the perfect Autumn record...it just sounds like October nights. Haunting at times, but always beautiful...a gorgeous record.
Happy weekend! Here is a tune so infectious that it should come with a surgeon general's warning label...the title track from the latest Her Space Holiday record, featuring one of my favorite lyrics of the year:
"...and if they tell us were doing it wrong, we'll just turn up the sound of our songs..."
We are a group of 2 and need more players for a very traditional campaign. We use 2nd edition rules and run a classical Forgotten Realms setting. No "spellplague" is ever mentioned or ever will be! Please be over 18 and somewhat familiar with the rules. We provide the dice, you bring your imagination. We play on Saturday/Sunday.
******
Ummmm...you are not a group so much as you are two lonely guys in a basement.
A quick thanks to my friend Danielle for hooking me up with this song that I hadn't been able to get out of my head for days....ever since seeing 'Eagle VS Shark.'
It is about 2 and 1/2 minutes of pure pop pleasure...enjoy.
Hello, you looked liked a professional buisness man with a nice car standing at the pay phone between beer drive thru and laundry mat on brice rd. i was in the blk mustang we gave each other the eye but that was it, i wanted to turn around soo bad and talk to you. you were fine to the T....i wish i would have.
I'm looking for Scott Blair. Was in a band called Sleaze Patrol about 20 years ago. Used to perform at Kettering skateworld every friday night. If you do, please tell him I always loved him, and I miss seeing him, And I wish I told him that back then but was too shy. Please ask him to write me back. Thank you very much! Tonya
******
This may be the all time saddest missed connection ever!
1) the object of her affection was in a band called Sleaze Patrol 2) Sleaze Patrol used to play at the skating rink... 3)...20 years ago!
And you weren't in love, you were 11 and he was in a band...for the love of God!
Lach is one of the founding fathers of the sound know as 'antikolk'....and he has inspired countless of artsts into doing amazing things with acoustic guitars...he is truly a living legend!
He has a brand new record out that I have been spinning all morning,...here is a track for you off of 'Calm Before The Storm' Lach - 'This Ain't A Song' MP3
Another day, another beautiful and immensely talented songstress from the UK. Today's example is the lovely Gemma Hayes, who has a brand new album out entitled 'The Hollow Of The Morning.
Just taking a second to post two more songs, one each from albums that have just come out by two of my very favorite female songwriters: Jolie Holland and Lucinda Williams...check both of these new records out, they are both incredible!!! A beatutifl tune from Jolie, and a great AC/DC cover by Ms WIlliams...both great tracks. Jolie Holland - 'Corrido Por Buddy' MP3 Lucinda Williams - 'It's A Long Way To The Top' MP3
Yea, you read right. There's a 70's style porn in 3D playing tonight and tomorrow night up at the campus theater. They had one a few months ago and it was perhaps the funniest thing I've ever seen on the big screen.
I'm looking for a girl with a sense of humor and a cute face to go with me to this.
Me... easy going, sincere, cute, good shape, smart, white, blue eyes.
A beautiful piece of music...book ended with the calming, dulcet words of American icon, Bob Ross. I love this man...my summer vacations were always spent with him...an hour a day, ever day from June through August. He was my own personal brand of therapy...there is was nothing Bob couldn't make better...and I am glad to see that Vessels have immortalized him in song form on their debut album, 'White Fields and Open Devices'
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals release the aptly titled disc 'Cardinalology' at the end of October. But I for one don't do well with waiting...so here's a sneak peek at a track off the record...ejnoy:
For Sale - beautiful pink "vagina couch" that I made in art school and no longer have space for. The couch is large: measures 5' 3" long, 3' 3" wide at the middle, and stands 2' 3" tall (and is heavy like a couch). The pics are from my portfolio and are several years old; as a result, the couch has some scuffmarks and stains around the bottom from being moved, but otherwise is in excellent shape. A professional upholsterer helped me build the couch, so it is also functional and durable as a piece of furniture. The couch must be picked up in Medina, a 3-hour drive north of Columbus. .
******
You gotta love the art school set! They have been making hideous furniture and dropping out to form really bad bands since the beginning of modern American culture.
It's like 'When Harry Met Sally' meets 'Napoleon Dynamite'...set in New Zealand.
Not a great movie, but the leads are so likable that you can't help but to love them and, by default,enjoy the movie. He is Jarrod played by Jermaine Clement of Flight Of The Concords fame, she is the incredibly lovable Lily, played perfectly by Loren Horsley.
One of my all time favorite singer/songwriter/storytellers is back some brand new material. 'Little Honey' is her 10th proper studio album in a recording career that started in 1978.
The track I am sharing was written about oft-troubled Libertine and Babyshamble Pete Doherty...enjoy.
I have written a hundred songs about Meg White in my mind...but Ray Lamontagne has done be one better by recording one and even releasing it on his latest album, 'Gossip In The Grain'...how can I compete with that??
Murs has one me over as a fan through his insanely energetic live sets that I have caught at three of the last four Coachellas. His hyper intelligent lyrics layed over thumping beats don't hurt either.
His major label debut came out a week or so ago, 'Murs For President.' Here is a track off of that album...if you are even a marginal fan of good hip hop, check it out.
What started as a trip planned out on a whim out of anxiety over turning 30 five years ago, has turned into an annual pilgrimage for me! The three day Coachella music festival is easily my favorite weekend of the year.
The dates were just released...April 17,18, and 19. See you on the Polo Field!!
Here is a tune from my friend Henry, who is also a super talented singer/songwriter from Denmark recording under the name Me And The Horse I Rode In On. He came with us last year for his first ever Coachella excursion, and was so blown away he wrote a song about it...this new song 'Indio' is available on his new EP 'Home And Other Places I'd Like To Visit'...more information on that and you can hear more of his music here, on his myspace page:
This is something I have been meaning to do a lot more of, but have not really followed through. Columbus,OH, where I currently call home, has a really vibrant and eclectic local music scene and I want to try and highlight an artist a week...if I remember.
The initial act I want to immortalize in blog form is an amazing bar band from here in Columbus, 'Two Car Garage.' They right some of the best alt-country songs that you have never heard...really brilliant sometimes. Here is a tune off of their 2007 release 'III.'
...or my email is anyway! Hey, it's me Blair...the Certain Songs staff of one. I just do this for the love of the music and am in no way trying to rip anybody off, so if you are an artist or a record label and you are not happy that I am promoting your music, or you want me to take a song down, just shoot me an email and I will most definitely oblige.
And please support the artists I post here in whatever way you can if you do download a song...go to a show, buy some merch, buy an album...these songs are the soundtrack to my life and I just love to share them. But I can only do that if the insanely talented artist responsible for said songs are able to eat.
I also love hearing new stuff...so any submissions can also be sent to my email, I will try my bestest to listen to everything and get back to you all...peace,love,rock n' roll.
csmusicblog@gmail.com
Monthly Mix Tape
Mission Statement
I guess you're old enough to know. Kids out on the east coast. Roughly twenty years old. Got coaxed out by a certain perfect ratio. Of warm beer to the summer smoke. And the meat loaf to the billy joel. Certain songs they get so scratched into our souls.
She goes low on the seats when she gets high in her car. She looks shallow but shes neck deep in the steamy dreams of the guys along the harbor bars. She's pulling out her shirttails and jacking up her socks. Stern and stoned and confident, coming up towards the jukebox. Born into the only songs that everybody finally sings along. B-1 is for the good girls. It's only the good die young. C-9 is for the making eyes. It's paradise by the dashboard light. D4 is for the lovers. B12 is for the speeders. And the hard drugs are for the bartenders and the kitchen workers and the bartender's friends. And they're playing it again. Ellen Foley gives us hope. Certain songs they get scratched into our souls.
I guess you're old enough to know. Kids out on the west coast are taking off their clothes. Screwing in the surf and going out to shows. They get high and ride around in gtos. I guess you're old enough to know. CERTAIN SONGS THEY GET SCRATCHED INTO OUR SOULS. - The Hold Steady
