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
If I were in charge of the scheduling at Coachella(which I should be...but whatever) I would definitely have Grizzly Bear playing the Outdoor Stage at sunset on Friday night.
Today's Coachella countdown band have more than 30yrs logged in the rock n roll game, The Specials. True legends, these guys. Bringing their brand of punk-infused ska to the masses and inspiring bands for mulitple generations now they are a must see on Friday night.
I did exactly what I said I was going to do. They acted like it wasn't the first time they heard about you. Have you taken your drug test at work yet or have you already been fired? Play games with me again and all your neighbors and your parents will know next. Too bad you're not a man, I would take care of things a different way. I've been waiting for your new bi-sexual friend(s) to come talk to me, maybe your pimp. Oh, I'm waiting for your hero.
Maybe you'll think twice next time you lie to someone and play with their heart when they love you. Maybe you'll think twice before you tell someone you love them when you don't.
Thanks for the disease!
******
This missed connection was like a poorly made film noir...or a really good episode of Jerry Springer.
Today's Coachella artist of the day is the lovely and talented Charlotte Gainsbourg. I am gonna make every attempt to catch her set in Indio, as the chances of her ever playing Columbus,OH are slim and none I fear.
Here is a killer song-in video form- off of her latest record, 'IRM', which she co-wrote with Beck.
I know it's late for Valentine's, but the way you threw those snowballs was like arrows shot into my heart. I was so upset about the show being canceled and was glad to see someone raging against the machine.
Let's meet for coffee or another concert.
******
I read this and instantly thought of my favorite song about love and civil disobedience.
Ah yes, The Raveonettes. They will always hold a specail place in my Coachella loving heart as they were the second band that I ever saw(Buck 65 being the first) on those glorious polo grounds of Indio,California. They were also playing when I made my first of what turned out to be several Danny Devito signings in my 5 trips to the festival.
Today's commuting soundtrack was the lovely new album from singer/songwriter Simone White. The record is full of gorgeous songs that make Ms White's vocals the star attraction.
Here is one of my favorite tunes, the heartbreaking 'Psalms.'
The subject of today's edition of the countdown was just added yesteryday, Imogen Heap. I caught her one woman set either 3 or 4 Coachellas ago...they are all sort of starting to blur in my memory...it was amazing. Definitely going to make a point to catch her this year too!
Here is a tune off of her latest record 'Ellipse.'
For the guy that changed my oil at Valvoline oil on 79 You are one HOT DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are Luke Wolfe and you wolud like to know what i want to do with your penis FOR THE LOVE OF GOD give me a call 74zero six44 006two
Lovers of quirky,hyper-literate country rock gold rejoice, Eef Barzelay and his band Clem Snide are back with a brand new record called 'The Meat Of Life.'
It totally caught me by surprise as I wasn't expceting the band to follow up their trimuphant return- 2009's 'Hungry Bird'- so quickly. But I am so glad they did, the record is fantastic.
Today's Coachella act is a band that I have always had opportunities to see(mostly because it seems that they LIVE on the road) but for whatever reason it has never come to fruition. The star-crossed band in question is Old Crow Medicine Show. I WILL NOT MISS this them this year in Indio. Here it is in writing.
I can't remember your name but I can't forget you. I first saw you play almost 2 years ago when I was out with friends. You had a girlfriend and I had a boyfriend. We only talked for a few minutes but you asked intriguing questions. I wanted to talk much longer.
Later that summer I saw a band and thought you were singing, but couldn't be sure it was you and I couldn't stay to find out. I also think I saw you out walking downtown with your guitar a couple of different times over this summer. I kick myself for not stopping and asking if it was you.
You're tall with a beard, and you have a kind of brooding quality. You said you write your own music, but play cover songs more because that's what people in bars want to hear. You were funny but seemed very sad. I would like to see you play again if you're still in the area. For some reason I think you moved to Newark from somewhere else.
If this sounds like anybody you know of please let me know.
Today's Coachella artist of the day is definitely in my Top Ten most anticipated list: Florence And The Machine. Front woman Florence Welch has that most rare of qualities. One that makes me fall madly in love with her, yet has me scared to death of her at the same time. I can only name a few singers whole hold this power over me. PJ Harvey is one, Allison Moorhart is another. Rare air indeed. And the music is of course amazing...the band's LP 'Lungs' has been one of the best debut records in the last few years, hopefully just the start of a brilliant career.
So, I was in a work meeting, and you were there with a married man. I know this because you said it loud enough for me to hear, along with your name and his name.
You got there about 9:30, and I left a little afterwards. Nonetheless, I wouldn't mind seeing you there again sometime.
PS(You're gorgeous)
******
I post this one because I was there last night while this was going down apparently! So exciting to be part of a missed connection...even if i was just an extra. * White Stripes - 'St. James Infirmary Blues' MP3
James Murphy is one of those artists that I would follow blindly into the desert. I mean, I trust him that much. Everything he seems to touch turns into sonic gold. That's the great thing about the LCD Soundstytem records, they are just all over the place in just the right places. He meshes styles and genres seamlessly to make some incredible pop music. I can't wait to hear the new stuff this April...in the desert, ironically enough. See what I did there...brought it all back together - solid gold blogging!
i was pushing the cart standing in the aisle way,you walked by and gave me the loveliest smile.i couldnt help but feel like their was a spark of mutual attraction there.i was standing near the beverage aisle in a carhart coat.if you see this and are single id love to get to know you.
******
Do you see why I love these so much? The fact that something as simple as a smile triggered this whole thought process within this guy's head...to the point that he came home and documented his perceived connection on craigslist. And this all happened at Wal Mart. And this all happens hundreds of times a day. All of this fascinates me.
Today's Coachella artist of the day is just another great example of why I go out of my way to make it to this festival every year. Instead of just filling their stages with mega big names or flavor of the month artists(granted, there is some of that) they build a show that always seems to pay homage to the trendsetters in music. I have seen artists at Coachella that I would NEVER be able to see otherwise. Artists like Kraftwerk, New Order, Public Enemy, Roky Ericcson, Bauhaus, Jesus and Mary Chain, Prince, Paul McCartney, and so many more. Coachella just seems to be a weekend long love song to music geeks...my heaven.
All of that rambling brings me to today's artist, Gary Numan. Dude was using synthesizers to make music before anyone even knew what they were capable of. His sonic fingerprint is smudged all over the pop music landscape, from the rise of New Wave to today's indie rock/dance stuff. Much respect.
I was really excited that Fanfarlo was coming to my mid-sized college town, and now I am doubly excited that they are bringing along their friends Lawrence Arabia. Their debut record 'Chant Darling' is brilliant.
So on April first, the Summit in Columbus,Ohio will be filled with lots of awesome musicians and lots of awesome accents.
You sat with my buddy and me at our booth. You asked me if I wanted a dance, and i said it 'was a;little to rich for my blood". i asked if you wanted to grab a drink somewhere else wehre the drinks werent so much, but said "unforntly i have to work"/
let me know what i was wearing, and when your free for that drink! on me.
******
Yeah, nothing impresses a stripper like your keen sense of thriftiness.
Yep, based on the obscene number of times I have listened to this Mumford and Sons album over the last two weeks, I think it's safe to say a full fledged musical obsession is forming.
It never ceases to amaze me at how well some UK bands are able to nail the 'Americana' sound. Enough talking, how about a song...
Today's Coachella band of the day is on my short list of bands that I plan on fighting the crowds for and getting up close to the action: Frightened Rabbit.
The Scottish band's third studio album, 'The Winter Of Mixed Drinks' will be out next month...here is the first single, it's a killer.
Very Long Shot - During memorial service last December we exchanged frequent, longing glances. It was impossible to consummate as we were both with other people and I had to leave at conclusion. If you recognize this mention church name and location and I'll definitely reply to you.
******
I guess asking for a guy's number in front of the casket may have seemed a little classless.
Alas, yesterday was another not so internet friendly day and the result was I was unable to continue the countdown. So I am playing catch up again and today's post is a double shot of Coachella goodness with an international flavor.
First up is French musician/composer Yans Tiersen. Tiersen is probably most famous for his work on the soundtrack to the film Amelie and to tell you the truth, that is all I know of his work. I have him filed under Coachella curiosities and may just have to check him out.
And it resurrected from the grave that you tried to bury my soul in. I will never forget that day that we bumped into each other and the rest of our time together. Now, the current topic on hand is, I wish for there to be an "us" again so if we are feeling the same then don't hesitate to come back. When we our together and even tho it's temporary it's still a brath of fresh air and yes business can co-exist with pleasure as long as the biz/priorities are set in place 1st. I could have saved alot of questions about you but sometimes we have to learn on our own the hard way...
******
And the winner for most dramatic line in the history of craigslist is...
"And it resurrected from the grave that you tried to bury my soul in."
I took a nice little weekend break from the internet for the most part, so I missed a couple of days in my quest to post a Coachella artist a day until the festival. So, today I am playing catch up. It's a dance tent triple feature.
I am gonna come clean here. See, I am a 30-something guy from Ohio who once dislocated his knee why dancing(true story)...so to say that I have limited knowledge of electronica or dance music would be a huge understatement. I am club music illiterate. I do, however, always make a point to pay a visit to the Sahara tent at least a couple of times a year, just because the people watching there is off the charts.
In posting these three songs from these three artists, I remind you again that I have NO clue what is about to come through your speakers.
Hi I am a single D/D FREE white male looking to get a D/D FREE good woman pregnant. No strings attached, Your pic will get mine. Please be at least 34. Put- to much snow in the subject line so I know your real.
Well, let me just come out with it! I'm looking for a special woman who loves to have her long hair worshiped. I just adore women with long hair and love to play, brush, & even shampoo a woman's hair for her. If you love to excite your man with your lovely long tresses, I'm the man for you! If you are a woman who has kept her hair long for many years it is probably because you understand the sensual power your hair can have over certain men. Let's enjoy your long hair together.
Me? I'm not a pervert and have no criminal record. I never smoked, didn't do drugs, and only drink socially.
Actually, I'm a sane, funny, educated, tactile, sentimental man who is looking for a special friend and hopefully lover. Your age or size doesn't concern me. I'm 5'7, 265 pounds, gray-brown short hair, goatee, and hairy chest. Cute & cuddly teddy-bear man who also loves to kiss, cuddle, embrace, & touch. I enjoy antiques, old books, auctions & flea markets, museums, traveling the backroads, history, small town festivals, architecture, old houses, jazz, & gardening.
Looking forward to finding you! Please put "Brush My Hair" in your reply posting title.
Ted Leo and his Pharmacists are back with what has to be their most aggressive sounding record to date 'The Brutalist Bricks.' The record is available digitally on March 9th.
Here is a little sneak preview...please play this one at 11.
If you are in the Columbus,OH area this Saturday night, Feb 13, I can think of no better way for you to beat the mid-winter blues than by hanging out with Langhorne Slim at the Summit. This will be my 4th time seeing Langhorne and he never ceases to put on an amazing show. He is such a passionate, genuine performer...it's gonna be a great time!
Be sure to get there eary too...The support act is equally as awesome, April Smith And The Great Picture Show...here is a tune off her latest record, the wonderfully titled 'Songs For A Sinking Ship.'
Today's Indio bound artist du jour is the Glaswegian band Camera Obscura. Really looking forward to taking in some their set on Saturday at this year's festival.
Here is a tune off of their brilliant 2009 release 'My Maudlin Career.'
All of this snow here in Ohio has me in a bit of bad mood, so I am being selfish today and using the Coachella artist countdown to play two songs from one of my my all time favorite bands who I can't wait to see in the desert - Lucero.
This will be my 4th time seeing them, each time was better than the one before. Can not wait. The first song is off of their 2005 LP 'Nobodys Darlings'...and the second track is off of their latest record, the brilliant '1372 Overton Park.'
I am such a big fan of those rare moments in a film or a television show that are able to completely capture the perfect symmetry between scene and song. I think it stems from my constant need to soundtrack everything momentous in my own life, I just get genuinely thrilled when I see it done so well on screen. One of these rare moments for me, was in the series finale to the dearly departed HBO show Six Feet Under.
That was really long winded way of saying today's Coachella artist of the day is none other than Sia. Here is a tune off of her 2008 album 'Some People Have Real Problems.' I missed her when she played the festival two years ago...hopefully I won't suffer the same fate this year.
Another record I have been commuting with a lot lately is the latest from one of my favorite troubadours Rocky Votolato. The album is 'True Devotion' and it is filled with beautifully written, stripped down folk rock songs. It's making February sound so much better over here. It hits stores on Feb 23...here is a little preview.
It took about 25 seconds into this new Rogue Wave record to realize it was gonna be really, really good. The album is called 'Permalight' and it drops on March 3rd. Here is the first track...absolutely infectious.
Date: 2010-02-01, 9:53PM EST Reply to: comm-dw74k-1581784840@craigslist.org[Errors when replying to ads?] LOOKING FORWARD TO JOIN AN 80'S COVER OR TRIBUTE BAND. INFLUENCES JOURNEY, BON JOVI, FOREIGNER, DAMN YANKEES, TESLA ETC. NO 70'S NO METAL, NO GRUNDGE NO GOTHIC SORRY. YOU CAN CHECK MY SKILLS ON YOUTUBE.COM SEARCH FOR BELVIS2008. FOR INFO CONTACT GEORGE AT 614-940-5730
******
I am all about getting in on the ground floor of rising talent...so of course I searched it:
The next time you hear from George, it will no doubt be on your ipod. You are welcome.
Today's Coachella spotlight shines on Australian singer/songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke, who I think I actually posted about a few months back. If memory serves, I rambled on about how much of a guilty pleasure her album 'Curiouser' is for me. I am, at heart, a pop music lover. And Ms. Miller-Heidke sings some mighty infectious pop songs.
It's been since November last year, and I keep thinking about you, and have found myself coming to that gas station looking for you several times...
I figured I have to take a chance or I'll never know what could be...
You know what kind of car you were driving, and you know what I was wearing, what I looked like. You know who you are....ok, and you caught my interest, making eye contact, acknowleding me...it was a good feeling, you made me smile, and it felt good.
You watched me from the time you were walking into pay for gas, and I watched you while I was on my phone..as I was pulling out I waved, as I got on Morse I watched you wave me back, I went up to Easton, and turned around and came back...but you were gone.
You didn't wait for me...if you reply, please tell me what kind of car you were driving, what you were wearing, what i was driving/wearing and what day/time it was.
******
This may in fact be the saddest missed connection in the history of sad missed connections...
I am taking the high road here and putting all of my personal issues with this band aside. I will just pretend that they didn't totally steal my mojo with the name The Whitest Boy Alive, even though I have held that title since AT LEAST 1995. But I digress.
The Whitest Boy Alive are a band out of Berlin who make music that you move your feet to. Here is a tune off of their 2009 'Rules' album.
Three cheers for small victories...like cracking the 70 day barrier in this little Coachella countdown! I will celebrate with a little help from the band responsible for one of my favorite albums of 2009, Band Of Skulls. This will be my third time seeing them live...can not wait!
Emotional guilt and sorrow can often times be relieved, even permanently, with a simple spanking by an experienced disciplinarian. Saying you're sorry is usually not enough to settle a person's emotions especially if the guilt is strong. Everyone needs the sense of having paid some price for whatever indescretion or misdeed that is causing the emotional stress. Some people lose sleep nearly every night for issues in the past that continually haunt them. If you are wanting to shed the guilt emotions and the terrible stress that they cause in your life, contact me and arrange a consultation to determine if your guilt can be lifted from your shoulders and allow your life to be freer and more content without the negative stress. Get back on the positive side of life and live life to it's fullest. All information is kept in strictest confidense and participants are welcome to not identify themselves. Reply in confidense and take the first step to freeing your emotions of guilt.
******
Such a creative spin this guy gives his own fetish. With his insightful "consultations", he is merely here to HELP YOU....really.
Today's Coachella artist of the day is the Portland band Hockey. I loved what I saw from their abbreviated(technical problems cut them off after like 3 songs) Lollapalooza set last year and I am hoping to catch more of them in Indio this April.
Here is a tune off of their 2009 release 'Mind Chaos.'
I am using today's Coachella post to check out another one of the bands that I am not too familiar with: The Almighty Defenders.
The AD are a quasi super group of sorts featuring members of the Black Lips And King Khan & The BBQ Show. That's about all I know...here is a tune off of their self-titled 2009 release.
Make a mental note of this record: 'Real Life Is No Cool' by Lindstrom & Christabelle. Once we are lifted from this winter haze, and everything thaws out...I do believe this may just be the perfect record to drive really, REALLY fast too!
Another day checked off on the countdown, another stroll down memory lane. Ah, yes, the year was 1994, the album was Sunny Day Real Estate's 'Diary' and I was busy playing it into infinity.
Fast forward to 2010 and I am FINALLY going to get a chance to see them play live...thank you Coachella!
we met when I was dancing in a male revue and we went out a lot. you wanted to get serious and i was scared of baby mama drama and what people would think of me i had alot of time to think and I guess im bi gay it dont matter i want to be with you and you changed your number and email gets kicked back no more drugs no more games just me and you im really ripped now and still hung like a horse hit me up you see what it can be like
******
It's not stereotyping if it's true right?? Gay men post the BEST missed connections ever. Always.
Before getting to today's artist, a quick history lesson may be required as I realize that many of you who stumble across this blog can't even remember living in a pre-internet age. I promise I'll be brief. Many, many years ago the channel on your cable tv known as MTV 2 used to play something called "music videos." The reason MTV 2 was created was because it's mother network, MTV, which also used to play these music videos, ceased doing so. Instead of music, MTV started to produce nothing but really bad reality TV - mostly focusing on the dating lives of extremely annoying 20yr-olds. They came up with SO much bad programming, in fact, that they then had to overtake the MTV 2 airwaves as well. True story.
The reason I bring all this up is because on of my earliest MTV memories revolves around today's Coachella artist of the day - DEVO. I remember being mesmerized, and probably a little frightened, by the guys in the band playing the song 'Whip It', all dressed in black and wearing what i thought were flower pots on their heads. Sweet, sweet nostalgia.
I saw you bowling the other night...I think you know who you are. You loved the music I played...I even saw you dancing a little in a nice little Penguins shirt... Every time you grabbed that bowling ball with those beautiful forearms, I imagined you were grabbing my head...but instead of throwing it, you were pulling it towards your crotch. I bet hanging out at a bowling alley gives you some nice musk under the hood--some cheese if you know what I mean...mmmmmm
So anyway, if you remember the songs I played for you, hit me back....and maybe you can hit my "back"... :)
******
"Every time you grabbed that bowling ball with those beautiful forearms, I imagined you were grabbing my head"
Who amongst us can not relate to this universal bowling ball love analogy? Pure poetry.
In this edition of the Coachella countdown, the focus is on the San Diego band The Soft Pack. I remember listening to these guys when they called themselves The Muslims. SO glad the decided to change that name, and it couldn't have been helping their career very much.
Here is a tune off of their 2009 'Exctinction' release.
...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
