Interlude: Smashing Pumpkins

Since it's Halloween, I figured I'd share some darker songs. While browsing through various peers' mixes, I was somewhat amused to find that a lot of those songs were present on my normal playlists. Perhaps I'm just a latent goth. This also serves as a bit of a retrospective on my last few weeks of blogging. I've included links to past posts wherever appropriate.

Enjoy:

"Bring along your tricks and trade/ We will lie here/Here we lay"
Eisley - Many Funerals (Live at the Norva)

"...the cadaverous mob save their doors for the dead men"
Interpol - A Time To Be So Small (Precipitate EP Version)

"Blood into my hands I can't deny"
Lacuna Coil - When A Dead Man Walks (Live at Wacken)

"Woke up in the evening/To the sound of screaming/Through the walls it was bleeding"
Ladytron - International Dateline (Live KCRW)
More: Here and Here

"We would struggle through the dub daze"
Massive Attack - Risingson (Live in Stockholm)
More: Here

"Strung out until ripped apart"
Portishead - Mysterons (Live in Portugal)
More: Here

"It is now the witching hour/Murderers, you're murderers"
Radiohead - The Gloaming (Live at Coachella)
More: Here

"Closer comes the screaming knife/This beautiful creature must die"
The Smiths - Meat Is Murder (Live 1985)

"To ascend you must die/You must be crucified"
Tool - Eulogy (Live at Coachella)
More: Here

"Pumpkin/You're hollow within"
Tricky w/ Goldfrapp - "Pumpkin" (Live at the Phoenix Festival)
More: Here and Here

Back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

Hadean Rocks: Mogwai at Maida Vale

Mogwai are yet another good band from Scotland, combining an aural guitar assault with occasional vocals. I don't really get this whole "post-rock" tag, especially when a completely different band such as Stereolab shares it. In any case, I wouldn't really call it post- anything; rather, their sound evokes a primordial atmosphere, almost a soundtrack to an archaic earth, with its heaving volcanos and dense, dusty atmosphere. For that reason, "space-rock" seems more appropriate. Speaking of sountracks, Mogwai's releasing their Zidane work this week. (Insert obligatory headbutting reference here.) a tune a day has a sample.

This set was recorded at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios and broadcast on May 22nd, 2003.

Enjoy:

1. Hunted By A Freak
2. Kids Will Be Skeletons
3. Killing All The Flies
4. Stop Coming To My House
5. Golden Porsche
6. Ratts of the Capital
7. I Know Who You Are But What Am I?
8. Helicon 1

Happy Songs for Happy People: Here

In other news...

B(oot)log has the Dears on MPR; I have a linking disorder.

Mew recently performed on the Late Late Show; YouTube footage has surfaced. They'll be playing at the Bowery Ballroom as part of CMJ, but getting in might be daunting.

Not only is tomorrow the start of the aforementioned CMJ, but it's also Halloween. I've got something special planned, so stay tuned.

The Rangers are in LA tonight.

Not Quite Bismarck: Iron & Wine on KCRW

I'm not sure what's going on with Sam Beam, aka Iron & Wine, these days. I do recall Pitchfork's less-than-enthusiastic description of his gig at Lollapalooza, and there's that collaboration with Calexico and a smattering of iTunes exclusives. I've stated a disclaimer that I'm not particularly into singer-songwriters, but I have found what I've heard of Our Endless Numbered Days soothing. Of course, his "Such Great Heights" cover is also abundant indie cred.

Here's Sam on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, recorded on December 6th, 2002.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. Lion's Mane
3. The Rooster Moans
4. Jesus the Mexican Boy
5. Interview
6. Upward Over The Mountain
7. Dearest Forsaken
8. Muddy Hymnal
9. Interlude
10. Her Tea Leaves
11. Outro

The CDs Drank The Cash: Here

In other news...

CMJ madness kicks off soon!

EZArchive's relocation is wreaking havoc in the blogosphere. Sorry, guys.

The end of Daylights Savings Time is a nice consolation for the recent frigid weather.

Speaking of cold, I was very pleased to witness the Rangers' 7-3 rout of the Coyotes over the weekend. It's a start.

The (Lady)Killers: Lush Black Sessions

I adore Lush, with their shoegazing tendencies, sassy dual vocals and general ability to rock out. Robin Guthrie produced the album Spooky, and while it doesn't quite reach the emotional heights of the Cocteaus, it's still splendid stuff. Despite this connection, I was actually introduced to Lush in The Big Takeover's interview with Stars, in which the vocalists were compared. (The Delgados were another reference.) While it might not be particularly meaningful lyrically, it sure is pretty!

This Black Session was recorded at Studio 105 in Paris on June 28th, 1994.

Enjoy:

1. Blackout
2. Lit Up
3. For Love
4. The Childcatcher
5. Kiss Chase
6. Lovelife
7. Desire Lines
8. De-luxe
9. Sweetness and Light
10. Hypocrite
11. Sunday Girl
12. Starlust
13. Baby Talk

Superbuy! Here

In other news...

B(oot)log has some excellent stuff; definitely take a look.

It's been a rough week for bloggers, with rbally's finale and now Aurgasm's legal troubles. If you're inclined, please do leave a comment in either and show some support.

It seems that the World Series that no one's watching is almost over. However, I do look forward to actually seeing the Rangers game tomorrow, at least on television.

True Mathematics: Metric in Ottawa

As previously mentioned, Metric kicks off their European tour tonight. This marks the fifth post featuring Emily Haines, and I suppose it'd be justifiable to say that I'm a wee bit obsessive. What makes this somewhat ironic is that my first encounter with the band, via Live It Out, didn't really do anything for me the first time through. I still find their earlier work to be more accessible, but LIO's grown on me. Hopefully, the band will be back in town soon.

This set was recorded at Capital Music Hall in Ottawa on March 4th, 2006. The extended closer "Dead Disco" is pretty crazy.

Enjoy:

1. Live It Out
2. Glass Ceiling
3. Wet Blanket
4. Too Little Too Late
5. Poster of a Girl
6. Patriarch on a Vespa
7. Ending Start
8. Monster Hospital
9. Handshakes
10. The Police and the Private
11. On a Slow Night
12. Hustle Rose
13. Combat Baby
14. Banter
15. Dead Disco
16. Outro

Credit Cards Accelerate, Accumulate: Here

In others news...

Coincidentally, Chromewaves is giving away the new Emily Haines, and i (heart) music has her recent CBC recording.

Good Weather For Airstrikes has extensive info on Bloc Party's upcoming album, with samples.

Watch "Banquet:" Here

I ended up seeing the Rangers last night, and everything was great except for the game itself. They looked out of rhythm.

Mistake We Knew We Were Making: Herbert Live

Matthew Herbert's Scale is justifiably one of the acclaimed albums of the year. I almost hesitate to call his work merely electronica, as it really transcends mere beeps and bloops. There's a lot of programming and cut-and-paste occurring, but there's also an incredible amount of emotion, songwriting and, believe it or not, political context in the work. While electronica is generally not the most meaningful genre, Herbert is really a visionary, going as far as to provide a methodology. Herbert's partner Dani Siciliano, who just released her second solo album, Slappers, also provides fantastic vocals and slick hooks.

There's a jazzy element to both albums, with Dani's distinctive vocals and abundant horns. A few years ago he released Goodbye Swingtime, with a full-fledged twenty-piece ensemble. While not quite the excellence of Scale, it's very interesting stuff.

Here's a set that band performed at the London Jazz Festival at Royal Festival Hall on November 10th, 2003.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. Turning Pages
3. Chromoshop
4. Simple Mind
5. Big Dance
6. Café de Flore
7. Overexposed
8. Foreign Bodies
9. The Audience
10. Fiction

Shock and Awe: Here

In other news...

Pitchfork reports that Emily Haines is touring again in January. Metric's European tour starts tomorrow.

The Rangers play host to the Panthers tonight. I might have to see if I can grab a ticket; I've been hockey deprived.

Teknologic: CocoRosie in Hamburg

CocoRosie is a wonderful musical duo, comprised of half-Cherokee sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady. A clear comparison, at least esoterically, is Tegan and Sara, but Coco is quite unique, combining folky elements, distinctive vocals, and electronic noodling for a really quirky sound. Antony and Devendra Banhart appear on their most recent album, Noah's Ark.

This set was recorded, to the best of my knowledge, in Hamburg, Germany on September 6th, 2004.

Enjoy:

1. Terrible Angels
2. South 2nd
3. Beautiful Boyz
4. Madonna
5. Goldrush
6. Left Hand Shoe
7. Lyla
8. Tekno Love Song
9. Candyland
10. Good Friday
11. Tahiti Rain Song
12. Jesus Loves Me
13. Not For Sale
14. Horse Porno
15. By Your Side

Board the Ark: Here

In other news...

rbally marches onward! Even better, the archives will be up 'til Thanksgiving; do investigate.

I am Fuel, You Are Friends has Bridge School lovin'.

I just stopped by Irving Plaza and got tickets for Architecture in Helsinki. They're a really fun band.

Watch the distinctive "Do the Whirlwind:" Here

Daydreaming: Joseph Arthur in Berne

Joseph Arthur recently released a new album, entitled Nuclear Daydream. I haven't heard it yet, but it seems an apt title when considering his outlook; he's a romantic, but also a realist. I generally don't go for singer-songwriter types, and I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan. Having said that, I do really enjoy "Can't Exist." It's emotional without becoming cliché, heartfelt without excess melodrama.

And then there's this impressive set, which almost reaches the two hour mark. It was recorded in Berne, Switzerland, on December 5th, 2002.

Enjoy:

1. Permission
2. Eyes On My Back
3. Vacancy
4. Crying Like A Man
5. Exhausted
6. You Are The Dark
7. Mexican Army
8. In The Sun
9. Redemption's Son
10. Toxic Angel
11. I Don't Care If I Never See Your Face Again
12. Straw Dogs
13. Interlude
14. Mercedes
15. Bluelips
16. Big City Secrets

In The Sum: Here

In other news...

It's a sad day. Jennings from rbally has called it quits. If you haven't done so already, pay your respects and take a look around; the music will still be up for a couple of days. He really was the impetus for what you see here.

On a happier note, Frank of Chromewaves celebrates 1001 daily posts in a row. What a maniac!

Kudos to both of them.

Bradley's Almanac has live Broken Social Scene.

Some Day You Will Be Loved: MBV in Paris

It's somewhat ironic that My Bloody Valentine, a band built on such a non-confrontational style, would have such a massive impact and influence. Perhaps it's a testament that proficiency will be valued, no matter how inaccessible. Make no mistake, MBV is dense and occasionally overwhelming, a cacophony without immediacy. Unfortunately, the lack of discernable hooks has made my experiences with them occasionally frustrating, but there are moments of immersive transcendence.

I was introduced to the band with the track "Soon," via Ladytron's Softcore Jukebox. It seems a strange way to begin a mixtape, as the epic track was the closer on their magnum opus Loveless. However, I absolutely adore the track and its unique titration of dreamy noise. It's the rare song that resonates, whether you're dancing to its propulsive beats or falling asleep to its ethereal vocals. This isn't just MBV at its best; this is what makes music so universally appealing.

This show was recorded at the Olympia in Paris, France on March 17th, 1992.

Enjoy:

1. When You Sleep
2. Only Shallow
3. I Only Said
4. Slow
5. Nothing Much To Lose
6. You Never Should
7. Blown A Wish
8. Honey Power
9. Soon
10. To Here Knows When
11. Feed Me With Your Kiss
12 You Made Me Realise

Your Bloody Valentine: Here

In other news...

Roisin Murphy is awesome; check out a couple tracks at Music Is Art. Her solo album, Ruby Blue, was produced by Herbert, who should make his presence felt shortly. Watch this space...gaze, even.

Yay Rangers! Yay Shanahan!

Of Montreal: The Stills in London

The Stills have one foot in the indie rock of Canada (and NYC) and the other steeped in ubiquitous British new wave influence. The word Interpolesque comes to mind, but the Stills seem to have shed the gloom in favor for a more organic sound in the recent Without Feathers. I'm particularly enamored with "Baby Blues," a duet with Emily Haines.

Here's the band, circa Logic Will Break Your Heart, recorded at the Electric Ballroom in London on September 14th, 2004.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. Lola Stars and Stripes
3. Gender Bombs
4. Changes Are No Good
5. Of Montreal
6. Love and Death
7. Fevered
8. Ready For It
9. Animals and Insects
10. Still In Love Song
11. Killer Bees
12. Yesterday Never Tomorrows

Oh Shoplifter: Here

In other news...

Wow, I really dropped the ball on this one. The CMJ Music Marathon is coming up, but unfortunately some of the more prominent shows are sold out. (Speaking of sold out shows, I really should've gotten tickets for The Knife as well, bummer.) You can view the ob-scene list of performers here.

Anyways, I plan on making the most of what's left. I've professed my love of Straylight Run, and look forward to their show at the Knitting Factory. Silversun Pickups will be back in town, as well as CSS, although the latter seems to be obscured The Shins. Tangent: The blogosphere is buzzing about their new album, which has leaked. Listen pending. Asobi Seksu and Kate Havnevik (of Röyksopp collaboration) are esoterically exciting as well. If you're in the area, definitely take advantage of the insanity.

The Rangers are in Toronto tonight. I vaguely recall something about a World Series starting.

This Business of Art: Thievery Corporation Live

Thievery Corporation has definitely studied up on "Inertia Creeps." The group consists of producers Eric Hilton and Rob Garza; Pitchfork recently reported that Garza will be recording as Dust Galaxy. They've infused downtempo beats with worldly influences, much like that Middle Eastern-tinged Mezzanine standout. Although I haven't been nearly as entranced with the Corporation, they've got indie cred, with "Lebanese Blonde" appearing on the ubiquitous Garden State soundtrack.

Continuing the trend of duos performing in Vienna, here's a set performed at Jazzfest Wien on August 7th, 2005. Much like their influence, there's a full band and numerous guest vocalists present, making for an pleasantly varied experience.

Enjoy:

1. Omid (Hope)
2. Facing East
3. Lebanese Blonde
4. Shadows of Ourselves
5. Só Com Você
6. Sol Tapado
7. Liberation Front
8. 38.45 (A Thievery Number)
9. Banter
10. Illumination
11. Revolution Solution
12. Wires and Watchtowers
13. Exilio (Exile)
14. The Time We Lost Our Way
15. Marching the Hate Machines (Into The Sun)

The Richest Man In Amazon: Here

Lovely 2 C U: Goldfrapp Black Sessions

Goldfrapp is playing at Roseland Ballroom this evening, but academic circumstances prevent me from attending. They've just released a remix album, We Are Glitter, yesterday. It features reworkings by our friends Múm, the DFA, and others. As I've said, one of the things I find so enjoyable about electronica is the numerous connections and collaborations between artists. Even before the band formed, Alison appeared on the Tricky track, "Pumpkin," as well as in Orbital's "Sad But True" and "Are We Here?"

Here are their Black Sessions, recorded on April 21st, 2003. Unfortunately, it lacks material from Supernature, but still makes for a good listen.

Enjoy:

1. Lovely Head
2. Human
3. Crystalline Green
4. Train
5. Tiptoe
6. Twist
7. Slippage
8. Strict Machine
9. Utopia
10. Black Cherry

Buy Me Away: Here

In other news...

Good Weather For Airstrikes has a Regina Spektor concert, and lots of other goodies, here. Respekt!

Watch "Us:" Here

This is my 50th post, which is frightening and exciting at the same time.

The Mets try to avoid elimination tonight; the Rangers try to start up a win streak.

Electric Version: Immaculate Machine on CBC

I was completely blown away by The New Pornographers when I saw them live over the summer. While there seemed to be a general lamentation regarding the absence of Neko Case on tour, I was very happy with replacement Kathyrn Calder's delivery. I subsequently fell in love with their sound, which The New York Times calls "buoyant, la-la-filled, cheerfully inexplicable pop-rock."

Recently, Chromewaves featured a number of links, in which I discovered that Kathyrn is also in Immaculate Machine, a band I had heard of but hadn't heard. After a few days of heavy rotation, I've found that it's a similar style of music, with jangly, cheerful guitars, multi-part harmonies and slightly inscrutable lyrics. In other words, very fun stuff.

Here's a nice little set they recorded at CBC Radio 3's Studio 2 in Vancouver on June 5th, 2006. The two French tracks are reinterpretations of songs from Ones and Zeros, an album whose spelling I'm still not certain of. Apparently they just released a French EP with similar content.

Enjoy:

1. Bateau Brisé (Broken Ship)
2. On/Off
3. Dear Confessor
4. Death of a Rockstar
5. The Future Revisited
6. Phone Number
7. (Comme tu es) Cynique (So Cynical)

Cute Without the "E": Here

In other news...

Pitchfork confirms that Amy Millan will be touring again in the States, including our very own Bowery Ballroom. I was initially a bit skeptical that her seemingly lo-fi country would be able to fill the venue, but after seeing a backup band size worthy of BSS, I'm a believer. As I mentioned, I can't wait for Stars to get back on the road as well.

Watch "Ageless Beauty:" Here

There's also a rather interesting story about NYC's LCD Soundsystem.

Watch "Tribulations:" Here

Speaking of locals, the Rangers finally put an end to their losing streak with a win over the Devils. Jubilations, etc. Unfortunately, it seems that the angry weather which postponed the Mets/Cardinals yesterday made its way north; it was rather wet this morning.

Check out Music Is Art, one of the most stylish music blogs I've seen.

Take You On A Cruise: Air in Vienna

The French sure love their electronica. From the house that Daft Punk built to the indie pop of Phoenix, the synthesizer seems as ubiquitous as the baguette. Air has been an integral part of this movement, although with woozy, dreamy textures that are more ambient than danceable. However, their sound is hardly superficial; there's real emotional weight here. From the happy gurgle of "Sexy Boy" to the chilling "Playground Love," from The Virgin Suicides soundtrack, this is music with style and substance. They've also contributed to Charlotte Gainsbourg's recent 5:55. Incidentally, I've been meaning to check out The Science of Sleep...

This excellent set was recorded in Vienna, Austria on November 24th, 2001.

Enjoy:

1. Electronic Performers
2. Radio #1
3. Talisman
4. Lucky and Unhappy
5. Playground Love
6. New Star in the Sky (Chanson Pour Solal)
7. J'ai Dormi Sous L'eau
8. People In The City
9. How Does It Make You Feel?
10. Sex Born Poison
11. Don't Be Light
12. Clouds Up
13. Radian
14. Sexy Boy
15. La Femme d'Argent

Achetez l'Air: Here

In other news...

Speaking of ambient electro goodness, check out the two Trentemøller tracks over at Aurgasm; they're exquisite.

In another case of "better late than never," have a look at TV on the Radio's "Wolf Like Me" on Letterman. Incredible stuff.

The Mets have evened things up. Hopefully, the Rangers will do the same tonight.

Love It Out: The Cardigans in Helsinki

I'm not really familiar with The Cardigans' work, aside from the disco-inferno that is "Lovefool." If you're in the same position, I'd start with that track and go from there. From my brief impressions, it's definitely a style of music that I'm inclined to like, and lead singer Nina Perrson's strong presence is just a bonus.

This marathon set was recorded on October 28th, 2003 in Helsinki, Finland, although I could've sworn that there's a place in Canada by the same name.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. And Then You Kissed Me
3. Please Sister
4. For What It's Worth
5. Live and Learn
6. Paralyzed
7. Erase/Rewind
8. Hanging Around
9. If There Is A Chance
10. 03.45: No Sleep
11. Higher
12. Explode
13. You're the Storm
14. A Good Horse
15. Lovefool
16. Feathers and Down
17. Communication
18. My Favorite Game
19. Lead Me Into the Night

Buy Me, Buy Me: Here

In other news...

Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good has an interview with Headlights, one of my recent favorites. Even if you aren't a Zoolander fan, check it out.

rbally has recent Silversunning and Bloc Partying. I approve.

Speaking of Cards, what happened to the Mets? Last time I checked, they had just posted an impressive shutout victory. The pivotal Game 4 is going on now, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass.

The Rangers have lost three in a row; I blame the weather in Buffalo.

Triad: Tricky in Amsterdam

This is a bit of a companion piece to the Portishead and Massive Attack sets posted last week. Tricky has links to both bands, as all three artists were the forces behind the Bristol Sound. Tricky contributed to the early Massive Attack tracks "Daydreaming," "Eurochild," and "Karmacoma" (later reprised as "Overcome" on Maxinquaye). Portishead's incredible "Glory Box" also uses the same Isaac Hayes sample as "Brand New You're Retro." Oh, and while we're on the subject of music videos, he appears, uncredited, in Tool's epic "Parabola."

Initially, Tricky's collaborator, Martina Topley-Bird, soulfully toned down his menace, but the paranoiac, sinister atmosphere becomes rather overwhelming after her departure. Irving Plaza had an intriguing upcoming Tricky show listed in November, despite the fact that he hasn't released new material in two years, but it's unclear that's still scheduled.

This set was recorded at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on November 6th, 1996.

Enjoy:

1. Ponderosa
2. Christiansands
3. Abbaon Fat Tracks
4. Sex Drive
5. Tricky Kid
6. Makes Me Wanna Die
7. Strugglin'
8. Vent
9. Lyrics of Fury
10. Bad Dreams
11. Feed Me
12. Black Steel

Smoke 'Til You're Senseless: Here

In other news...

Tough loss yesterday for the Blueshirts; they clearly didn't contain Crosby.

I'm going to be fleeing south to Atlanta for the weekend, but you can expect a post on Sunday. See you then.

The City Consumes Us: Stellastarr* Live

Stellastarr*, like many of their like-minded peers, are indebted to their influences. As I'm blissfully ignorant to most of the copious name-dropping that occurs, I'm content to listen to them on their own merits. While it's perhaps overtly moody at times, I occasionally have a taste for the (melo)dramatic.

Since two Coachella sets are better than one, here's the recording of their set, also from April 30th of this year.

Enjoy:

1. Lost In Time
2. Jenny
3. A Million Reasons
4. Sweet Troubled Soul
5. The Diver
6. The Walls
7. Love and Longing
8. On My Own
9. My Coco
10. Pulp Song

Dive Deeper: Here

In other news...

The freak accident involving Yankees pitcher Corey Lidle has been a rather prominent story. Hopefully it contextualizes the frivolity of pursuing a silly trophy at the expense of everything else; not everyone can look forward to next season.

The Rangers play the Penguins tonight.

Interlude: Carnavarous

Brian Aubert and Yours Truly
Silversun Pickups
Acoustic In-Store at Other Music, NYC

I just got back from a very enjoyable live set from half of the Silversuns, vocalists Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger. It was quite intimate, with a Brian's single acoustic guitar and foot-tapping providing all of the instrumental. While a far cry from the fuzzed-out album, the material retained its energy. The band's playing as I type at the Mercury Lounge, and tomorrow they'll be at the Bowery Ballroom as part of their ongoing tour with Viva Voce.

Here's another live set from the band, recorded at the musical mecca that is SXSW on March 13th, 2006.

Enjoy:

1. Comeback Kid
2. Future Foe Scenarios
3. Waste It On
4. Kissing Families
5. Well Thought Out Twinkles
6. Lazy Eye

Pickups: Here
AOL's The Interface Set: Here

Remodel: Editors Live & Acoustic

Editors are more than simply faux-Interpol; they've got a distinctly somber and moody sound that's all their own. They do the danceable post-punk thing quite well, but are similarly adapt at the sparse ballad. They've also released a tremendous number of b-sides, remixes and rare material, a veritable blogger's delight.

Here's a short but sweet live, acoustic set they did. Without the driving percussion, you really get a sense of the melancholy melody that's present in each of the songs.

Enjoy:

1. All Sparks
2. Bullets
3. Someone Says
4. Munich
5. Road To Nowhere

Brit Disko: Here

In other news...

Silversun Pickups are doing an in-store at Other Music tonight at 7 pm. If you're in the area (15 East 4th Street, NYC), check 'em out; admission's free. Incidentally, as Brooklyn Vegan noted, the "Other" might be obsolete in the wake of Tower Records' demise.

Watch "Well Thought Out Twinkles": Here

The Village Voice also has a review of Massive Attack's recent Roseland performance.

The Rangers lost last night to the Flyers 4-2. Thanks to chem, I neither saw nor heard the game, but Brendan Shanahan is looking like a nice pickup already. Happily, it looks like Joe Torre will remain a Yankee.

Hopefully, I'll be back shortly with pictures from the in-store. Until then...

He Plays He: Four Tet in Melbourne

And the electronica continues to insinuate itself. I initially heard of Four Tet, as seems to be the case with many artists, via Bloc Party's excellent Silent Alarm Remixed. He's quite a musical chameleon, evolving from gentle, pastoral "folktronica" to a darker, edgier sound, both of which are present in the following recording. He's done a great deal of remixing, the aforementioned Bloc Party, as well as Radiohead, Aphex Twin and others. He's also compiled a DJ-Kicks and collaborated with Prefuse 73 and, recently, Steve Reid.

This set was recorded by PBS 106.7 FM at the Spanish Club in Melbourne, Australia, on January 20th, 2006. Apparently it was up at the official site, but has since been taken down, which seems wasteful.

Enjoy:

1. A Joy
2. Sun Drums and Soil
3. Hands
4. Spirit Fingers
5. Everything Is Alright
6. Turtle Turtle Up
7. Smile Around The Face
8. She Moves She
9. Sleep Eat Food Have Visions

Everything Economic: Here

In other news...

(Because, as with electronica, blogging is no fun without connections.)

I recently discovered Good Weather For Airstrikes, a fantastic blog with exclusive mp3s, entertaining writing and, best of all, a mixtape series. Definitely give it a look.

The Rangers play the second half of a home-and-home with the Flyers at the Garden tonight. Unsurprisingly, I can't watch it, but I'll probably be listening. If the Blueshirts can induce me to actually use my FM/AM dial for more than an alarm clock, so be it.

I'm Prayin' For Tidal Waves: Tool at Coachella

While I was able to catch Tool (but not Isis) on Friday, pictures are not yet forthcoming. Suffice to say that the show was as epic, much like the following, recorded at the one and only Coachella Music Festival on April 30th, 2006.

Enjoy:

1. Stinkfist
2. The Pot
3. Forty Six & 2
4. Jambi
5. Schism
6. The Patient
7. Sober
8. Lateralus
9. Vicarious
10. Ænema

Learn To Swim: Here

In other news...

The New York Times has a review of the Massive Attack show I attended. If a publication of such prominence is willing to use "beatscapes," I'll happily continue cofabricating words as well.

As a New Yorker, I guess I'm obliged to touch upon the various sporting catastrophes of the past couple days. It seems rather conclusive that the Yankees' golden age is behind us, and it's disgusting how swiftly the Yanks are willing to cut ties with Joe Torre. While certain segments of the aforementioned population might view the Mets' advancement as equally obscene, I wouldn't mind one of our teams doing well.

Happily, the Rangers' outlook is bright, although I'm probably of a small minority of hockey fans in the area. Apparently, enjoying all those Canadian artists has had some supplementary effects. The real sports-related outrage is, esoterically, that we don't get MSG in our dorms.

Until next time...

Soundspeed: Boards of Canada @ Warp10

As previously mentioned, I enjoy electronica quite a bit, even if it's not necessarily the most prevalent genre featured here. While electropop, a la Ladytron, is my first love, there's something very interesting about less traditionally structured music. Boards of Canada, while actually Scottish, has a cryptic, somewhat bizarre sound, with a rather substantial amount of references. Although it is perhaps an acquired taste, their work has been very well-received, going as far as to appear in Jaguar commercials, a la Spoon. (And fueling my esoteric puns, eh?)

Here's a rare live set they did at Warp10, their label's anniversary party. It was recorded on November 5th, 1999.

Enjoy:

1. Zoetrope
2. Happy Cycling
3. The Color of the Fire
4. Telephasic Workshop / The Smallest Weird Number
5. Aquarius
6. Unknown
7. Unknown

Music Is Math: Here

Interlude: A Rose By Another Other Name...

Massive Attack + Nickodemus

Roseland Ballroom, NYC - Oct. 4th, 2006

...would sound just as sweet. Unfortunately, this rose has thorns; I was frisked upon entry and my camera battery was confiscated. Bummer. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic evening, with the aforementioned Elizabeth Fraser and Deborah Miller appearing, along with Horace Andy. The setlist was decidedly Mezzanine-centric. All of the tracks were played aside from the "Exchange" interludes and, sadly, "Dissolved Girl," the song Neo's listening to at the beginning of The Matrix.

Liz provided gorgeous vocals for "Black Milk," the finale "Group Four," and of course, "Teardrop." Horace was very soulful on "Angel," "Man Next Door," and an excellent duet with Deborah on "Hymn of the Big Wheel." Deborah herself was stunning with stirring renditions of "Safe From Harm" and "Unfinished Sympathy." The former turned into a blazing marathon, with flashing statistics about the Iraq war. Major kudos to the backing band, which included two drummers.

This brings me to two essential elements from the show: Robert "3D" Del Naja and political activism. 3D was more or less the MC of the show, while occasionally delivering his distinctively sinister rapping. He was quite vocal politically, commendably bringing attention to the Darfur genocide. Massive Attack, despite all of its guests, is now 3D's band, in a role akin to director. At least ideologically, a la "False Flags," I'm satisfied with that setup and can't wait for Weather Underground.

So, how does one compensate for the lack of visuals? Well, there was another band from Bristol that recorded a live album at Roseland that you may have heard of...

Wait For The Next Kuwait: Here

Homecoming: Massive Attack & Portishead

L-R: Daddy G, Adrian Utley, Beth Gibbons, 3D, Geoff Barrow

I've deliberated on Massive Attack at length, but I will say that the sound here is a lot gentler than last night. The real highlight of this show is the presence of Portishead, their first in seven years. There are rumors of a third album in the works, which would be incredible. For now, here are four live tracks off the extraordinary Dummy.

The set was recorded on February 19th, 2005 at the bands' hometown of Bristol, as part of the effort to raise money in the wake of the tsunami in Asia. Simply another example of political activism that many bands would do well in emulating.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. Karmacoma (MA)
3. Black Milk (MA)
4. Teardrop (MA)
5. Future Proof (MA)
6. Risingson / Glory Box (MA & P)
7. Wandering Star (P)
8. Sour Times (P)
9. Mysterons (P)
10. Roads (P)
11. Outro

Glorious: Here

Fireborn: A Perfect Circle In Phoenix

APC, circa 2000

Full disclosure: I'm seeing Tool (and Isis) on Friday, and I feel obliged to upload Maynard James Keenan in pairs. Here's another look at the A Perfect Circle; it's quite a different listen from the one I posted way back when. The setlist is contains all of their debut album Mer de Noms, excluding the ambient tracks "Renholdër" and "Over." What it lacks in breadth, it more than makes up for in ferocity. Yet, throughout the guitar pyrotechnics, Maynard's vocals and lyrics keep the material personal and emotional. Perhaps not the characteristics you'd expect from our favorite unconventional prog metal heroes, but one that resounds strongly with APC's "vibe."

The show was record at America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona on June 4th, 2000. The sound quality is excellent, thanks to the professional recording setup.

Enjoy:

1. Intro
2. The Hollow
3. Magdalena
4. 3 Libras
5. Sleeping Beauty
6. Breña
7. Orestes
8. Thinking of You
9. Thomas
10. Rose
11. Judith
12. Interview

Mer de Disques: Here