Useless Dolphins with Radars (An Indie Radio Show on 88.9 WNYO)

you have killed me

2006-04-19T00:30:00.000-04:00

The Best Party Ever!

2006-03-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

First of all, our radio show yesterday was jamming and we had an awesome time. I think it was by far one of our best shows in a long time. Here are all the songs we played:

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists- Under the Hedge
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah- The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth
Destroyer- Priest's Knees
Rufus Wainwright- Memphis Sky
Tullycraft- Cow Girls on Parade
Tilly and the Wall- Shake it Out
Jose Gonzalez- Crosses
Tapes n' Tapes- Insistor
The Smiths- Panic
Jeff London- Long Island
The New Pornographers- Testament to Youth in Verse
Feist- Let it Die
Wolf Parade- I'll Believe in Anything
Rilo Kiley- More Adventerous
Neko Case- Hold On, Hold On
The Boy Least Likely To- Be Gentle with Me
Islands- Where There's a Will There's a Whalebone
New Order- Age of Consesnt
Jon Crocker- A Way to Move Across the Ground
Christopher O'Riley- Between the Bars
The Decemberists- 16 Military Wives
Yo La Tengo- Autumn Sweater
The Mountain Goats- This Year

Wow that is a lot of awesome music. You are probably pretty upset if you didnt listen in.

Next, The Useless Dolphins attended The Boy Least Likely at Cornell University. Boy do those sweater vest wearing kids know how to throw a party. If you don't know about The Boy Least Likely to I would advise you to go to their site right Now. They are the best twee-pop band to ever come out of England, and perhaps the only one. They stopped at Cornell on their recent tour with James Blunt. Yeah, he is not cool. We know.

One of the other crowd members summed the show up best by saying, "that was like eating a bag of marshmallows". They ran through pretty much the entire Best Party Ever CD and threw in the B-side, "Rock Upon a Porch with You". They left the stage to much applause and to my surprise came back out. They stated they were out of songs and asked if anyone would like to hear a song again. They then played two more songs and left the stage. Everyone was sad the party was over, but we left with hearts filled of joy.

I would say the highlight for me was "My Tiger, My Heart" because even though it is such a silly song Jof sang it in such a serious manner as evidenced by this photo:

It was well worth the hour and half drive. We even had an awkward interaction with some of the band members and they seemed quite nice. They smiled through out their set and were so happy to see 100 private school kids jumping up and down singing about monsters, tigers, butterflys, and apple wagons.

Set List:
Hugging My Grudge
Fur Soft as Fur
Rock Upon a Porch With You
Warm Panda Cola
I See Spiders
My Tiger, My Heart
Monsters
The Battle of the Boy Least Likely To
Paper Guts
I'm Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon to Your Star
Be Gentle With Me
----------------------
Monsters
Hugging My Grudge

Don't forget to tune into our radio show Tuesdays 8-10!

I'll Meet You At The Statue In An Hour

2006-03-06T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well the first Useless Dolphins road trip proved to be quite the successful one. Our deep love for music took us out of the country to Montreal to see Belle and Sebastian and the New Pornographers. It was indeed a favorable jaunt if I do say; I had never been to Montreal and found it to be rather charming. Our inability to speak French proved to present no problem as these clever dolphins were able to successfully order scrumptious sandwiches, navigate the bus system and drink copious amounts of beer...all without French! Anyways...

While seeing Belle and Sebastian AND the New Pornographers is any plastic rimmed glasses wearing, argyle sweater donning, blog browing 15 year old indie kid's wet dream...the show was 19+. I must say, the show is probably tied for my favorite concert with the Decemberists who I saw in Toronto this past October (go Canada!). The New Pornographers were without both Neko Case and Dan Bejar but I thought their fill-ins: Kurt Dahle (on drums) and Kathryn Calder (keys and vocals) did a fine job taking over such big shoes.

Set List (not in order):
The Laws Have Changed
Testament to Youth in Verse
Mass Romantic
The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism
The Body Says No
Twin Cinema
Bones of an Idol
Use It
The Bleeding Heart Show
Jackie Dressed In Cobras
These Are The Fables
Sing Me Spanish Techno
The Jessica Numbers
Stacked Crooked

Like seeing The New Pornographers, one of the staples in indie music currently, was enough...BELLE AND SEBASTIAN- a living legend followed them. Belle and Sebastian...what can I even say? They are Belle and Sebastian! I was afraid I had really high expectations and would perhaps be disappointed, but I was proved wrong (thankfully). Belle and Sebastian and more namely, Stuart Murdoch, have such a magnetic stage presence, I was instantly pulled into the show.

Montreal might eat it's young

2006-03-01T15:04:00.000-05:00

There was no leap year because our radio show was so awesome that February 29th ran away. If you didnt get the memo, Useless Dolphins airs Tuesdays from 8-10 this semester. They couldnt resist putting us in prime time. We talked about our trip to Montreal to see Belle and Sebastian/The New Pornographers. Alysa will be posting a review of that at some point in time with some pictoral documentation of our first every true Useless Dolphin road trip. But for now here is the list of songs that we shook our asses to last night.

Mates of State- Fraud in the 80's
The Light Footwork- Art of Everyday Communication, Pt. 1
Feist- Mushaboom
Franz Ferdinand- Do You Wanna?
Patrick Wolfe- Libertine
Men, Women, and Children- Dance in my Blood
Antony and the Johnsons- My Lady Stay
The Decemberists- Clementine
Broken Social Scene- 7/4 Shoreline
The Lucksmiths- The Music Next Door
Rufus Wainwright- Matinee Idol
Stars- Romantic Comedy
The Elected- Not Going Home
The New Pornographers- The Bleeding Heart Show
Belle and Sebsatian- Your Cover's Blown
Jens Lekman- Black Cab
Destroyer- Destroyer's the Temple
Thunderbirds are Now!- Cobra Feet
Silver Jews- Horse Leg Swatsika
Four Tet- Iron Man
M83- Fields, Shorelines, Trappers

A special gift for you Mates of State- Fraud in the 80's

Spring '06

2006-02-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

We are totally back for another semester of singing and dancing. Alysa and I have been searching for the best music to debut this Tuesday from 8-10pm. That is right we have moved days and times yet again, but we are going prime time now. Every Tuesday from 8-10pm you can tune into 88.9 WNYO if you are in the Oswego area and actually own a radio. If you do, then I give you props. If not, you can listen right HERE using your Commodore 64 or whatever it is you kids use these days. I suggest you tune in because we have big plans this semester. We have lined up some great concerts for us to attend, and hopefully we can snag an interview or two. Here is the list as of right now.

Belle and Sebastian + New Pornographers in Montreal 2/26
Ted Leo in Rochester March 6th
The Boy Least Likely To March 11th
Billy Joel March 25th in Syracuse
Jon Crocker + More TBA in Oswego March 27th
Men, Women & Children in Oswego April 5th
Death Cab for Cutie/Franz Ferdinand April 8th
Belle Orchestre- April 26th

For being in such a remote area this is a good start to the semester. In addition we will be taking requests and providing you with hottest news in the indie rock world.

I would say we are most excited about seeing Belle and Sebastian. We asked for an interview with them but we were denied, but I mean they are the #1 Scottish band in the world! They do not have time for measly folks like us. Anyways, so now out of boredom I present to you, the setlist Rob wishes that B+S would play when he sees them:

If You Find Yourself Caught in Love (with opening instrumental)
Like Dylan and the Movies
Dress Up in You
Dear Catastrophe Waitress
The State I Am In
Sukie in the Graveyard
Funny Little Frog
Fox in the Snow
I Don't Love Anyone
Seeing Other People
Is it Wicked Not to Care?
If She Wants Me
White Collar Boy
You Made Me Forget My Dreams
Jonathan David
Just Another Modern Rock Song

ENCORE
A Summer Wasting
Act of the Apostle II
I'm A Cuckoo

I tried to include enough songs off the new CD to make it realistic. So Stuart, if you are reading this please take note and make my wish come true in Montreal.

An Apology Post

2006-01-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Valued Readers/Listeners,

Please excuse our absence/neglect of the blog in the past couple of months. While we could have been simply reporting the same news as all of the other blogs on the net, we find that to be a bit trite and also the purpose of this blog, to advertise our radio show, would be lost. But! With a new year and semester, your favorite Useless Dolphins shall make their triumphant return and again provide you with some lovely music samplings. The day and time of our show is currently up in the air, but will be known to us in the coming days.

Thank you for your patience,

Useless Dolphins

Free Format Week

2005-12-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Hey all!

Hope you enjoyed our awesome countdown show! If you didnt listen, then you suck. The end.

But you can redeem yourself from sucking by listening to us during free format week.

On Tuesday December 13th from 4-6 Rob (me) will be doing a show alone, and I have no clue what I am going to play but I am sure it will be a good time.

then

On Wednesday December 14th from 2-4pm is our big finale for the semester. We will be playing an hour of Sufjan Stevens and an hour of The Decemberists. This will include rare songs, live songs, and songs from former and related bands. It is sure to be an enlightening experience.

Coming soon we will be posting our Top 10 albums of 2005. So stay tuned for that!

Listen to us on 88.9 WNYO and online Here

Here are our lists for the top 7 songs of the semester if you didnt get a chance to listen:

Rob
7) Matt Pond PA- Halloween
6) Men, Women, and Children- Dance in My Blood
5) Wolf Parade- I am a Runner, You are my Father's Son
4) The Decemberists- Everything I Try To Do, Nothing Seems To Turn Out Right
3) Stars- Heart
2) Final Fantasy- This is the Dream of Win and Regine
1) Dears- Lost in the Plot

Alysa
7)The New Pornographers-Sing Me Spanish Techno
6)The Fruit Bats-Lives of Crime
5) Stars- Your Ex-Lover is Dead
4) The Decemberists- Red Right Ankle
3) Final Fantasy- The CN Tower Belongs Dead
2) Wolf Parade- Dear Songs and Daugthers of Hungry Ghost
1) Wilco- Company In My Back

Listen to our show this Monday!!!

2005-12-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all,

This Monday night (December 5th) from 10-12 will be the last Useless Dolphins with Radars show of the semester. I know it is a sad thing, but we will accept any bereavement gifts you wish to send us. There is some good news, we will have two more shows during free format week but more on that later.

This week Alysa and I will be playing our 7 "Most Listened To" songs of the semester. It does not matter if they came out this semester or not. These are the 7 songs that have been the soundtrack to our lives (quite a dull one at that) this past semester. In addition we will be playing some wonderful indie christmas music from artists like Belle and Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens, Bright Eyes, and more. It will be a grand event, and we would love if you would all listen. You can listen on the old boom box if you are in the Oswego area on 88.9 WNYO. For you out of town folks you can listen online while you work on that final paper, which you are busy bull shitting the night before it is due. Just follow this link: Right Here and listen to all your worries float away. You can even telehphone us at 315-312-2907 and wish a Happy Holidays, and perhaps request your own favorite song from the semester.

Next week at times to be announced soon we will have two wonderful two hours of music for you. We will be dedicating an entire show to The Decemberists, and another show to Mr. Sufjan Stevens. We shall discuss their discography and debate the lyical content of their beautiful songs. You will not want to miss that.

We did interview Action-Action and Men, Women, and Children and we will have those interviews next semester since it takes time to edit them and stuff. Plus we are very busy eating Asiago Cheese bagels from Panera and snow to do such things. The show was a great time, and we will discuss this on the radio as well. So there are so many great reasons to listen. Perhaps I will even give away something from my apartment I dont really need as a holiday gift.

Oh yeah and Morrissey is going to be our special in-studio guest

<3
Rob

This Monday Interview w/ Action-Action

2005-11-17T16:56:00.000-05:00

Hello once again there, my fine useless dolphins. We have some very big news to announce this week. On this upcoming Monday's radio show (November 21st) we will be conducting a brief interview with the band
Action-Action, who have a new album coming out on January 26th and are performing in Rochester on November 30th. The band will be talking about their upcoming tour with Men, Women, & Children, and also perhaps the stuff they have been working on in the studio. Thats not all! On November 30th we will be conducting full interviews with both of these bands to air on our show in the future. So that is sweeeeet.

So listen this Monday at 10pm on 88.9 WNYO.
Listen online Here

Listen to our Radio Show

2005-11-09T23:51:00.000-05:00

We Live!!!!!!!!!

So first off we are back on the radio and have been for a while. We have just been so damn busy being awesome. We hosted a second concert on Halloween, which featured the band Harry and the Potters. Alysa should be posting a review of that sometime soon, but it went well. There were about 80 kids who came to the wizard rock show. Other then that we have been busy with school work, and all sorts of other stuff. When we created this blog it was meant to promote our radio show. Now we are going to do just that.

MONDAY NIGHTS 10pm-12am Eastern Time
You can listen to Useless Dolphins with Radars.
It broadcasts on 88.9 WNYO, and listen live via the web Here
Just click where it says listen to "Live Webcast"
We encourage everyone to call in requests or say hi at 315-312-2907.

Here is our playlist from last week:
1) Magnetic Fields: I Don't Believe You
2) Sleep Station: After the War
3) Wolf Parade: Dear Sons and Daughters
4) The Stills: Of Montreal
5) The Clientele: Since K Got Over Me
6) Fire When Ready: We all Need Something (Promotion for WNYO Concert)
7) Bro. Danielson: Things Against Stuff
8) Bright Eyes: June on the West Coast
9) Dance Hall Crashers: Do You Think You're Beautiful (Request)
10) They Might be Giants: Istanbul not Constantinople
11) The Arcade Fire: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
12) Piebald: Long Nights
13) Dressy Bessy: Electrified
14) Sufjan Stevens: John Wayne Gacy Jr.
15) Colin Meloy: Bridges and Balloons
16) Morrisey: Last of the International Playboys
17) Merit: Man on a String
18) Call and Response: Rollerskate
19) Matt Pond PA: Brooklyn Stars
20) Belle and Sebastian: Century of Fakers
21) The Dears: This is a Broadcast
22) ELO: Mr. Blue Sky
23) The Faint: Birth

If you have any suggestions about what we should add let us know!

We talked about Rob's trip to Montreal, Alysa's trip to the hospital, The Harry and the Potters concert, the skill share in town, and More.

This Saturday from 4-7pm
at Knights of Columbus in Oswego, NY there is a Skill Share/Girl Rock Show
Bonfire Madigan (Celloist, and singer)
Evil Robot Us (Girl Fronted Rock Band)
+ learn about herbal medicine, home beer brewing, building bikes, and much more!
It is $3 for students/$5 for non-students

P.S. Coming soon to a town near you from Montreal, the newest band:

The Fish Mongers!!!

A Useless Dolphins Production

2005-10-05T16:41:00.000-04:00

It has been a while kids, but welcome to the new semester. We are about to launch this site with all sorts of information that is going to make your brain explode. Lets start it off with a review of the awesome show that Alysa and I put on last week. We hosted a Independent Music and Art Exhibition, which featured some musicians and artists if you couldn't infer that from the title.

The show started off with Alkutezio, which is the solo effort from former Good Morning Reality, bassist Garrett. His solo work is pretty new and this show was his big debut in which he did quite the awesome job. You can check out some of his music at Alkutezio's Myspace

Next up we had Jon Crocker who is an indie-folk artist from Ventura, CA. Jon is traveling the country in support of his latest CD with little or no fanbase; but he gained a few new fans that night. There is no way that you couldn't be amazed by the talent this man showed during his 30 minute performance. Starting his set off by playing a mandolin, and walking around the room singing without a microphone was something that amazed the crowd. He then cut through 7 more songs that shared tales of his travels around the country without his beloved make shift box drum, which broke during the second song.

As you can see here, he solved this problem by inviting some crowd members up to play some unconventional instruments. Yours truly played a mean pipe, and the other kiddies played a tamborine, maraca, and egg beater/pan. Jon ended the show by once again playing the mandolin, and debuted a new song that was as he said, "about shoes". This man is no short of genius, and if he wanted to become a house hold name I do not think he would have a problem doing so. You can check out his website and buy some cds Here. He also has a myspace site with some songs on it that you can visit.

The show concluded with a local band that is no stranger to the area named Between Walls. Their gritty pop fused sound recalls bands such as Piebald and early Cursive. The crowd was not dissapointed as the band played their hearts out during their 10 song set. You can hear songs on their site.

The show also featured art from upper level students on the SUNY Oswego campus. Some of the art was a bit craaazy as you can see here, but it provided a very cool environment for the show.

We would like to thank anyone that played the show, helped put on the show, and most importantly, that came to the show.

Kanye West: "Bush Does Not Care About Black People!" OMGZWTF

2005-09-03T13:29:00.000-04:00

Kayne West just dropped his new album "Late Registration", which Pitchfork gave a 9.5 beating the 8.2 they gave "College Dropout" . West is not only releasing new albums but is making strong political statements on live TV. Last night at the Red Cross benefit for Hurricane Katrina, Kanye West obviously improvising his own little spiel, interjected while appearing on TV with Mike Myers that, "George Bush does not care about black people," and was immediately cut off. You can see it for yourself Here.

We send our best to all those effected by the Hurricane, and to all those helping with relief efforts.

Welcome Back.

2005-09-02T12:32:00.000-04:00

During the past week Glassjaw have made a triumphant return after a 2 1/2 year hiatus. Yes, I know, this is an unusual band to be featured on this blog, but there are some bands you continue to believe in even if your musical tastes change. Glassjaw has tried to return a few times in the past few months but each time they were stopped by lead singer Daryl Palumbo's (also of Head Automatica) battle with Chrons disease. Finally things went Daryl's way and they lit up the stage twice at a small venue on Long Island (right near my house) named The Downtown for secret shows earlier this week. They also got to play at a bigger venue w/ The Used (whose tour they were supposed to be on) in New York City. Reviews from the show have been good and the set lists have looked something like this:

Tip Your Bartender
Mu Empire
Star Above My Bed
Pretty Lush
Ape Dos Mil
Cavalcade
Natural Born Farmer
Two Tabs Of Mescaline
Siberian Kiss

Some really old stuff on the set list along with one unreleased song. From the pictures it looks like there was lots of energy at the shows, and I hope that they head into the studio soon to record a new album. You can read more about the shows at
Glassjaw Networks's forums. Photo cred goes to Justin_Sweet from the board.

MP3
Glassjaw: Ape Dos Mil (Live and Acoustic from the Apple Store on 2/5/2003 (Follow Link to SaveFile).

Gretta Leaves Cursive and other News

2005-08-24T11:08:00.000-04:00

An official statement on Saddle Creek's site announces that cellist Gretta Cohn is leaving Cursive. The statement is as follows:
"Cursive regrets to announce the departure of cellist Gretta Cohn. After four years in the band, Gretta has decided to leave Omaha to pursue other interests and projects, including a potential solo album. The split is very amicable: the band wishes her well and she in turn eagerly anticipates the new Cursive material to come. Cursive will not be seeking a replacement."

According to this statement Cursive will continue on without a cellist, which means they will perhaps return to the sound of their earlier recordings. I am unsure how to feel about that because the cello just added something different to the sound of the records. First the cellist (Eve) from Matt Pond PA leaves and now Gretta from Cursive leaves. Guess the cello playing buisness is going through hard times.

In some other Saddle-Creek news, three new albums were released yesterday. First, Broken Spindle's "Indie/Absent", which is the third album from Joel Peterson (who is also in the Faint and Beep Beep). Orenda Fink's "Invisible Ones" comes a few months after the other half of Azure Ray (Maria Taylor) released her own album. Finally, Critera's "When we Break", which is fronted by Stephen Pederson who was a former member of Cursive was released. This is the second release from the band, but it is their first release on Saddle Creek.

As I mentioned in an earlier post last week a Cursive B-sides album was released and so was a Saddle-Creek DVD. You can check for more info on all this stuff at their
official site.

MP3's:
Cursive: There's a Coldest Day in Every Year
Oredna Fink: No Evolution

Dreamlily

2005-08-14T23:37:00.000-04:00

Word up to music from Deerfield, IL that isn't the Redwalls! Reprezent! Dreamlily which is comprised of Greg Smith and Random Sleeping Kid, can most easily be placed in the electronica genre, but they have instead created a genre of their own to best describe their music: Yojne. Yojne is described by RSK as, "a genre which essentially varies elements of all parts of the electronic genre." RSK and Greg Smith currently only have a couple tracks available to the public, which are pretty impressive and well developed considering the short amount of time they have been together. Currently Deerfield High School students, Smith and RSK have only been writing tunes for four months and currently do not forsee any future in the profit sense, but are instead more dedicated to their fans and will continue hosting songs for free on their website. Deriving influences from such varied artists as: Neutral Milk Hotel, TaQ, Orbital, Against Me!, Say Anything, or King Crimson; their sound is more comparable to the likes of Four Tet or Caribou.
Here are a couple tunes from Dreamlily, and you can check out their website, which is still in the beginning stages.
MP3: Dreamlily: Illithid
MP3: Dreamlily: Dances With Robots

You Really Oughta Know...

2005-08-09T17:01:00.000-04:00

About the Confabulators

Specifically relating mostly to news/reviews, etc in the music sense, the site does not limit themselves to just that. With a handful of contributors, the site is updated multiple times a day and usually by different people. If you are looking for a media source that is fresh and new, I highly suggest you check out the Confabulators.

New Death Cab For Cutie Has Leaked!

2005-08-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

That is right. It has leaked. Not the demo version with crappy audio, but the real thing. It's pretty good and definitely sways to more the Postal Service side...which is a good thing and a bad thing I suppose. I do miss some classic Death Cab that is not very prevalent on this CD, but the product isn't disastrous. I am highly highly HIGHLY nervous about putting up the whole CD for download because I really do not want to take that risk of getting in major trouble now that we all know that Death Cab has joined the league of being part of a major label. But I will post a few songs that are on the CD that I haven't found on other blogs:
MP3:Death Cab For Cutie: Your Heart Is An Empty Room
MP3:Death Cab For Cutie: Summer Skin
MP3:Death Cab For Cutie: Crooked Teeth
The MP3s have been fixed and now work

ENJOY

Rufus Wainwright!

2005-08-05T22:44:00.000-04:00

The Canadian music site: Maple Music is going to have a Rufus Wainwright DVD available on August 10. There was a pre-sale for the DVD but it appears to be currently sold out; which is INCREDIBLY unfortunate because there was a limited time offer in which the first 100 DVDs that were ordered came autographed by Rufus! (swoon!). The DVD documentary is entitled A Portrait of Rufus Wainwright and includes interviews with Elton John, Sting (and others), 13 live performances and many more Rufus goodies!
Check it out here

Here is a track from Rufus Wainwright's last effot, Want Two...
MP3:
Rufus Wainwright: Hometown Waltz

Rufus Wainwright is coming to Ravinia (Highland Park, IL) where I graduated and I am not going to be there! Well...I went last year.

Jeff Magnum with Olivia Tremor Control Video

2005-08-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

Spin Magazine just recently posted a video on their website of Neutral Milk Hotel's Jeff Magnum singing with Olivia Tremor Control in NYC a couple days ago. You cannot hear him very well and the video is very brief. There is a lot of dancing around and happiness...which I suppose is a good thing. It's just crazy to believe that its Jeff Magnum, on stage singing...a couple DAYS ago. What is next!

Here it is!: Check Out the Video

Also...I heard the a demo for Well That Was Easy at fd5000 from the up and coming new Franz Ferdinand album,
You Could Have Had It So Much Better...With Franz Ferdinand. Its just okay, but its typical fun Franz.
MP3: Franz Ferdinand-Well That Was Easy

BONUS: Sufjan Stevens appeared on MTV August 3rd for an appearance on the You Hear It First segment. While I did not catch the apperance, you are able to see it in full courtesy of MTV.
Sufjan Stevens: You Hear It First

Summer Tunes! Version: Alysa 2.0

2005-08-03T20:29:00.000-04:00

I am glad to see that people appreciated my compilation of songs, it IS indeed pretty rocking. Before I deliver the second half of my list let us check up on the huge story that is creating much much buzz all over the net...in the indie world respects.
-JEFF MAGNUM appeared in New York City with Olivia Tremor Control and nervously sang two songs. Words of a come back is buzzing all around the net with it being known now that Magnum had shown interest in appearing at Intonation and re-released the two Neutral Milk Hotel LPs. LETS HOPE.

Now for the list!
Le Tigre: TKO:I really like Le Tigre and even though my favorite song of theirs is Deceptacon, hands down this song comes in a close second. I saw them perform it on Conan and it makes me want to see them live even more!
Les Savy Fav:Tragic Monsters: As you may not have read in previous entries, I wimped out at Intonation; driven off by the heat and the crowds. While I would have loved more than anything to see the Decemberists, the performance I am most upset about missing was Les Savy Fav. Crazy overweight dude pouring beer down his pants! Now thats my moneys worth.
Letting Up Despite Great Faults:Maybe I'll Hide With You Sometime: While it may not be my favorite song on the list, I advise you to download this song and check out LETTING UP DESPITE GREAT FAULTS, because they are an up and coming band that is absolutely amazing. Please. Take my word.
Magnetic Fields:Absolutely Cuckoo: I love this song. And I love Magnetic Fields. If you haven't heard them or this song, you are truly doing a disservice to your ears.
Mountain Goats:No Children: I am ashamed to say that I only started listening to the Mountain Goats towards the end of spring. It's a real shame that I started listening this late because I am just enamored by them.
The New Pornographers:Twin Cinema: This song is the title of The New Pornographer's new CD...which is great by the way; this song is no exception.
The Sea and Cake: Hotel Tell: This is an older Sea and Cake song, but a great one. A lot more upbeat and fun than their other songs, they prove that they are able to make versatile music.
Sleater-Kinney:Jumpers: The second of the two CD's I received for my birthday (the first being Andrew Bird's Mysterious Production of Eggs, was Sleater-Kinney's The Woods. And yes, believe the hype...it is that great. Besides the fact that Carrie Brownstein looks like shes going to devour a baby when she sings, girl power genius!
Sufjan Stevens: Casimir Pulaski Day: Man...talk about a guy who has been getting NO blog coverage. Well this man here, Sufjan Stevens released this little CD called Illinois and is absolutely amazing...like you don't know/haven't heard. This song is beautiful and is one of many on Illinois...so if you haven't bought it...DO.
----------------------
Okay well that pretty much does it for my list. I hope it was enjoyed!

Summer Tunes! Version: Alysa 1.0

2005-08-01T23:40:00.000-04:00

As the summer is coming to a rapid close, I felt the need to compile a list of some of my favorite tunes of the season. See, unlike most youthful teenagers who enjoy partaking in outdoor activities and the such, I am the one who usually retreats to the comforting solitude of my computer entertained not by a game of volleyball, but instead by my iTunes playlist. So I thought I would kick this off with a portion of my list and will add more within the next couple days. Enjoy!

-A.C. Newman: Drink to me Babe, Then: Hmmm. A.C. Newman is awesome, need I say more? I am more than excited for the release of the new...New Pornographers album, Twin Cinema.
-Action Action: Photograph: Action Action was very lovely live and I am glad I had the opportunity to see them after several missed ones over the year. This is probably one of the better songs of the album.
-Andrew Bird: Skin Is, My: This whole CD is probably one of the best CDs I own in my collection let alone this year. Though it is against stiff competition (Illinois, Picaresque, The Woods, etc), I cannot seem to take it out of my CD player
-Anu Malik: Chunari Chunari: Okay. I love Punjabi Pop. And I love Monsoon Wedding. Don't judge before you try it!
-Architecture in Helsinki: One Heavy February: Architecture in Helsinki is so great, I am just disappointed I didn't get to see them live when they were in Chicago. This song isn't actually off the new album In Case We Die and instead off their last album Fingers Crossed, but it is one of the cutest songs everrrr!
-Art Brut: Emily Kane: Art Brut is so fun, and their CD is absolutely great. It's just this raw rock that is extremely fun to listen to.
.
-Boy Least Likely To: Warm Panda Cola: This has to be one of my favorite songs of the summer, if not my favorite one. It is really fun and its only flaw is that its not longer.
-Decemberists: Engine Driver: Um...The Decemberists are my favorite band. There hasn't been anything that they have created that I do not like. This is no different :-)
-Dungen: Panda: Best thing out of Sweden since ABBA.
-Head of Femur: Elliott Gould is in California Split: Head of Femur is a really great band and I am sorry that they are so underrated because they deserve a lot more credit for the great music they are making.
-Joanna Newsom: Peach, Plum, Pear I really did not like Joanna Newsom at first. But like Devendra Banhart, I think she is an acquired taste. Now that I have gotten used to her Lisa Simpson-esque voice, I can't get enough of her!
-Ladytron: Playgirl I actually first heard Ladytron on an episode of The L Word and absolutely fell in love with them. This is the song that was on the L Word.
--------------------------
Alright, not bad for part one. Part Two coming soon!
Find out more information and purchase CDs:
Action Action
A.C. Newman
Andrew Bird
Architecture in Helsinki
Art Brut
Boy Least Likely To
the Decemberists
Dungen
Head of Femur
Joanna Newsom
Ladytron

Dungen-Panda Video

2005-07-30T21:39:00.000-04:00

I'd have to say that out of the many new artists and bands that I have been introduced to this summer, Dungen has to be one of my favorites. I know that I am not alone in expressing my love for this Swedish rock band, but am not joined in my enthusiasm by my partner in crime, Rob (who went to Siren but didn't see them!). Though I share in the guilt because I let the extreme heat and crowds of Intonation drive me off before I had the opportunity to see Dungen. Anyways, Dungen surged the Indie scene with an incredible buzz after the release of their CD: Ta Det Lugnt (Take it Easy in Swedish).
Dungen has recently release a video for the first single from Ta Det Lugnt, Panda.
Download the video here:Panda Video
AND!
If you like the song (which is a great one...) here is that as well: Dungen- Panda

For the rest of the summer until early September, Dungen will be touring throughout Brazil and the UK.

Dungen's Website- where you can purchase CDs, posters, T-Shirts, etc.

Men, Women, & Children/Nightmare of You

2005-07-29T20:02:00.000-04:00

Hell Blog Folk,
Today I am here to tell you about two bands, the first of which is Men, Women, & Children. This band just finished recording their debut album with none other then Mr. Mike Mogis. Producing almost every Saddle-Creek band ever it is interesting to see him branching out. Apparently Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace (a band which I loved in my youth) also helped on the album. Looking at these names you dont expect the band to sound like they do. The band has a dance-funk sound that has become all the rage these days. The guitarist of the band, Todd Weinstock, is the former guitarist from Glassjaw. It seems that all the members got sick of hardcore and just want to dance. The band is in the same vain of Head Automatica but I think it has the energy that most of HA's songs lacked. Though they do suffer from repetitive vocals it is impossible to not want to dance once the opening beat of "Dance in My Blood" kicks in. Look for the bands debut album on Warner Brothers this fall.
MP3:Dance in My Blood

Brendon Reilly is the former guitarist of the Long Island punk band The Movielife. The Movielife never became as popular as similar bands like New Found Glory but were responsible for those bands becoming popular. Since breaking up there are two bands that have come out of the Movielife. I am the Avalanche features the familiar voice of The Movielife's lead singer Vinnie Caruana but it is Nightmare of You who are trying to distant themselves from being the ex-Movielife band. I have seen Brandon's songwriting mature over the past two years at various shows and they are now getting ready to release their first album on September 13th on Stolen Transmission records. Brandon's crooning voice and honest lyrics provide the centerpiece for the band. I have provided a older demo MP3 for your listening pleasure.
MP3:Yuengling

Here comes the tie-in kids. The two bands are heading out on a short tour together and you should go if they come near you! I am planning on heading to the Buffalo show.

The dates as of right now for the "Try and Find Us Tour" are:

08/02/2005 07:00 PM - Club Crannell
6 Crannell Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 - $10
08/03/2005 08:00 PM - The Living Room
23 Rathbone Street, Providence, RI 02906 - $8
08/04/2005 08:00 PM - Great Scott
1222 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02134 -
08/06/2005 08:00 PM - Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 - $12
08/07/2005 08:00 PM - Pontiac Grille
304 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 - $10/ $12 day of
08/09/2005 07:00 PM - Mohawk Place
47 East Mohawk Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 - $7
08/10/2005 08:00 PM - Empress Ballroom
155 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810 - $10
08/11/2005 08:00 PM - Ottobar
2549 North Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 - $7
08/12/2005 08:00 PM - Cafe Metropolis
94 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 - $8

Drove To Chicago, All Things Go! All Things Go!

2005-07-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of update here as in my absence I was not able to update the blog. Despite our advertised location being New York, my hometown is that of a little suburb north of Chicago called Deerfield (hometown of Walgreens too!). I am spending the summer here in New York but me and my friend Shannon decided to take the long drive down to Chicago where many fun festivities ensued.
Getting in early Saturday morning (like 3am), the plan was to go down to the city for Intonation...which we did:::

Half of my face on the right looking slightly inebriated...which I wasn't! Shannon (in the middle) and I went with my friend Stephanie (left) down to the festival. Earlier that day we had scored some FREE Harry Potter glasses which we preceeded to wear for a good portion of the rest of the day:

Ahem!

Anyways, despite missing the first train down to the city, getting off at the wrong stop in a shady neighborhood...we finally got to the festival. Due to the intense heat and the massive amounts of people, we only ended up staying for two acts: A.C. Newman and Four Tet.

I ripped this image from Pitchfork because I didn't take any pictures that were worth while. A.C. Newman played a really good set and was joined on stage by Andrew Bird during the last couple songs. I believe he got up there during my favorite A.C. Newman song, Drink To Me Babe Then...
A.C. Newman: Drink To Me Babe Then
Despite his good performance it just could not make me stay. I was just as extremely excited as the next person was for Intonation but I found it to be completely unenjoyable. The great thing about Independent music is that you are able to go to small intimate venues and see your favorite bands. I suppose the bottom line really is just that...festivals are not for me.

Even though I ended up not attending most of Intonation festival, my trip to Chicago was not all musically void in the concert sense. Towards the end of the trip we went to go see Action Action at the Metro. Action Action put on a lovely show! Even though 75% of the crowd was 15 and/or had a lip ring it was a rocking good time. Playing a majority of songs from
Don't Cut Your Fabric To This Year's Fashion, I was dissappointed that no new songs were played because it has been quite a while since their previous (and first) CD was released.
Action Action: Drug Like
Waking Ashland and Great Gatsby's American Dream opened for Action Action and Spitalfield who were headlining (thought we did not stay for them); were two bands that I had never listened to. Waking Ashland was sappy Christian rock whose lead singer was hitting on skanky girls in front of us in the line to get in. Great Gatsby's American Dream, on the other hand, put on an AMAZING live show. While I do not enjoy their music the stage presence that they have is phenomenal!
Overall, it was a great trip and I had an amazing time. While there, my brother gave me both Andrew Bird's Mysterious Production of Eggs and Sleater-Kinney's The Woods for my birthday which provided for great driving music on the way back.
Sleater-Kinney: Entertain
Andrew Bird: Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left

Garbage, Weed, The Ocean and Hot Dogs

2005-07-19T15:52:00.000-04:00

That is what Coney Island smelled like to me, and I think it would make a damn good perfume. Here is my review of Siren, which is a bit late due to my lazyness.

Continue Reading...

My friend and I sat in traffic on the Belt parkway for about a half hour then found a parking lot where it wasnt $30 to park for the day. The sketchy guy with a still mysterious accent took my keys, and I was certain I would never see my car again. We then followed the girls with huge glasses and beaded necklaces to the festival. It was sad to see Coney Island in the state it is in because it has so much history. I cant imagine it back in the 1940's when it was the place to be. Well Siren was the place to be for hipsters who couldnt make it to Intonation. So we headed over to the first stage where Ambulance LTD. were finishing up their set. I have heard so much about this band and never heard more then one song by them. From where we were standing we couldnt hear them and were unsure how to make it up front for the Dears.

We managed to get much closer for The Dears and were amazed at the size of the crowd behind us that had formed in a matter of 10 minutes.

The Dears were by far the best music I heard through out the entire day. Everything sounded amazing and I was surprised because it was outdoors and such. Murray (the singer) was probably the only singers voice who you could hear clearly out of the bands that I saw. The guitar player was simply amazing, and kept me in awe throughout their entire 45 minute performance. During one of their songs they all chant the same thing with serious looks on their faces. I hadn't listened to much of them before because they didnt impress me on CD. Now I have been listening to them almost non-stop. They add a lot to their live show rather than just simply playing the songs live. Here are some pictures from their set:

After The Dears played we held our ground for Q and not U. As most of you know already the band has decided to disband. Alysa thought they were amazing when they opened for Interpol in Chicago, but I thought they were simply okay. They had lots of energy but I just expected it to be even more energetic. They played almost every song I knew, and only a few I didnt, which was nice. Most of the crowd was shaking their groove thing during most songs, but there were a lot of hipsters talking politics and other crap during their set. The singer made his anti-war/military comments, which got people cheering. Here are some pictures from their set:

After them we decided to head over to the Stillwell stage because I didnt have much interest in Dungen, and heard okay things about VHS or Beta. My friend wanted to check out Saul Williams so we did so from a distance. He was pretty good but his agenda got old after three songs. Those not there for the festival seemed to pay more attention to him, and VHS or Beta, which I will talk about in a minute.

I had read that VHS or Beta were similar to the Faint, and being a big fan of the Faint I decided to check them out. What I didnt know was that they were like the Faint except they had bad lyrics and Japenese mullets. They were absolutely terrible, and I dont understand what people enjoy about them. It also seemed like at this point the Stillwell stage was populated by far too drunk people with mullets. I was wishing I was back in the crowd of hipsters listening to Brendan Benson, but I wanted a good spot for Mates of State. During VHS or Beta's set there was a inflatable incredible hulk flying amongst the crowd, which was the most entertaining thing during that half hour.

It was finally time for Mates of State, which was the reason I made this trip. I decided to skip Spoon all together to get the best spot for Mates of State. We wound up a bit further back then we were for the Dears, but it was still good. Before they came on the fog grew desnser (see first picture) and there was a sort of humid mist, which was gross. That didnt dampen the spirits when Mates of State came on. They played many of the songs I had hoped to hear and were just as fun as I expected them to be. They were smiling and laughing at each other while they played, which was nice to see b/c some bands take themselves too seriously. I would like to see them in a more intimate venue because the outdoor sound didnt do them justice. Kori kept asking if it was raining because she was too scared to say anything else I think. It was a great way to finish off the day.

Thankfully my car was still in one piece when we get back, and the only money I spent was on gas and a Mates of State t-shirt. Even with the heat and the crowds it was not a bad time at all like some people said about last year. I think it was a bit less crowded, but that made it a bit more comfortable. Finally here is the obligatory Cyclone shot (which we didnt get to ride), and a picture of us (myself and my friend Kimmy) looking very un-hip between The Dears and Q and not U in the crowd.

Brookyln Vegan and Stereogum both posted their reviews, and have better pictures than me. My pictures (which were mostly taken by my friend Kimmy on her camera since I dont have one) give a feel for what it was like to be in hipster central.

More truck stops in Omaha?

2005-07-15T23:10:00.000-04:00

Alysa just called me from the road on the way to the almighty Intonation festival in Chicago, which also happens to be her home town. Our friend Shannon called me to let me know they encountered a large group of Amish people at a rest stop in Ohio. I am not sure if they are heading to Intonation, but you never know! I myself will be heading to Coney Island, while Alysa is at Intonation. This is probably the only blog that will have first hand coverage of both, so stay tuned!

Now some Saddle Creek News
- Saddle Creek Records has been busy of late. A DVD is being released (late August) that is said to document their 10 year anniversary. There will be footage of a speckled Mr. Oberst whining with former band Commander Venus and live footage of all the bands on the label. In addition there will be interviews with musicians, friends, industry people, and perhaps your Uncle Sam in Omaha talking about how Saddle Creek has changed the indie scene. The trailer looks pretty good and you can see it at Plexifilm's Official Site. They are the same people who bought you the new Death Cab DVD (out July 26th), Ted Leo documentary, and the history of the moog (which I have been meaning to see).

- In other Saddle Creek news Orenda Fink is set to release her own solo cd. One half of Azure Ray, her CD is said to be a response to her travels to India, Cambodia, and Haiti. She says on Saddle Creek's Official Site, " I was drawn to issues like spirituality, oppression, and the mystical and interminable spirit that underlies the human condition". I am sure it is going to be nothing short of amazing, because both these ladies know how to write some beautiful lyrics. Maria Taylor (the other half of Azure Ray) recently released her debut 11:11 on Saddle Creek and is currently touring in support of it with Criteria.

- I guess Two Gallants are the newest addition to the already stellar Saddle Creek roster. This multi-instrumental two piece band made up of two childhood friends (how convenient) are very different from any other band on the label. The creeksters have always signed bands that are quite diverse in their sound. From the songs on their site they seem to have a grassroots/irish sound to them, but dont worry they sing about alcohol, and the war because we wouldnt want it any other way. (check out "My Madonna" on their site for a feel of their sound).Pitchfork gave these guys last cd The Throes an 8.5, which is pretty high for you pitchfork bible readers out there. They will be playing CMJ with Maria Taylor, Orenda Fink and Surprise Guests. Could it be Oberst, Kasher, or perhaps Baechle we shall know in September.
- Finally, I am sure you heard that Saddle Creek is opening up a bar/venue and who knows what else in Omaha called Slowdown. There was some protesting by angry Omahaians that said the kids will cause a ruckus. They then played the residents Fevers and Mirrors to prove they had nothing to worry about. Just a bunch of depressed kids sulking in their sorrow. I am sure it will be a cool place to hang out and escape the cattle town.

MP3's: Orenda Fink: Bloodline
Maria Taylor: Song Beneath the Song

Happy Intonation and Siren Festival to everyone!

Mates of State/Siren Festival

2005-07-13T22:11:00.000-04:00

If you haven't heard of this band then I feel very sorry for you. Mates of State are just so damn happy you kind of just want to punch something but at the same time want to dance. The band consists of organist Kori Gardner and drummer Jason Hammel. You are probably thinking that is an odd combination of instruments and not many members. It gets even better, they are married to each other. Everyone say "Awwww". Their lyrics seem cute and the music creates a unique sound that well only an organ and drums can make. It doesnt matter if you have no idea what they are harmonizing about in certain songs because it still sounds amazing.

Though their lyrics are quite complex, at least I can not figure out what they are singing about half the time, they are the band I go to when I am feeling a little gloomy. The couple are currently working on their fourth full length album, and have also released a DVD. Two of Us gives some insight on what it is like to be married on the road and how they work on writing songs together. I have yet to see them live but I am hoping to catch them at Siren Festival 2005

This years lineup consists of headliners Spoon in addition to Mates of State, Q and not U (who are disbanding after this summer), Dungen (who are currently visiting the US on a short tour), The Dears, Brendan Benson and many more. Though it doesnt seem to pack the punch the past years have, which I didnt get the chance to attend, it seems like it will be a good time. Not to mention it is free and at the always interesting Coney Island.

MP3: Mates of State: Ha Ha

Visit Mates of State's Official Site for some fan-made videos for their songs.

Decemberists on Conan O'Brien-7/12/05

2005-07-11T21:05:00.000-04:00

EDIT!-Someone on the Decemberists message board posted a link to the performance:::
They performed 'We Both Go Down Together', and if you missed it you can download it here

Could there possibly be a more winning combination? Tomorrow (Tuesday) night, the Decemberists will be appearing as the musical guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien performing...who knows! In their newsletter a trivia question was provided in which the correct answer drawn at random would receive a pair of tickets to tomorrow's show. Unfortunately, I did not win and I am sorry I did not bring this to you sooner so readers could take part. Nate, the bassist of the Decemberists posted on the message board, cluing in to which song that they would be performing, said he would be bringing with him the upright bass to the taping. With that being said, we are able to rule out 16 Military Wives which would be a popular choice considering it is the single; I am hoping for the Engine Driver though.
The Decemberists (well really just Colin Meloy) recently contributed a track to McSweeney's monthly publication the Believer, covering Joanna Newsom's Bridges and Balloons.
MP3: The Decemberists- Bridges and Balloons

Also...

I have been spending a lot of time here, which is a new Sufjan Steven's forum that was just set up a couple days ago and it's truly great. In addition to lots of Sufjan's news and the such, there is a members only section in which active members have access to rare live performances, etc.
From Sufjan Steven's Christmas album, Hark! Songs For Christmas::::
MP3:That Was The Worst Christmas Ever!
And! a live track::
MP3:Check out some live Sufjan tracks at Welcome To The Midwest, a great blog!)

Parting Ways...

2005-07-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Recently it was announced that Eve Miller, the cellist of Matt Pond PA, has decided to leave the band due to the toll of excessive touring. While I know that Matt Pond will continue to make consistently good music because the band member line-up changes so frequently, I am completely bummed because Eve was my favorite! Matt Pond and his PAers are currently searching for a replacement cellist, so head on over to the site if you are interested and qualified. Rob and I were lucky enough to interview Matt Pond last semester in Ithaca...we must get around to posting that even though it is really just me nervously laughing a lot and Matt Pond dissing Pitchfork.
MP3: Matt Pond PA- Graves Disease

Secondly, it has been announced that after seven years Q and Not U decided to disband citing that, "they feel they have accomplished all of their shared goals and are ready to move on to other projects in life." They have five more dates to play that will go to the end of September and then shall be no more. I saw Q and Not U open for Interpol in Milwaukee and was incredibly amazed at what a fantastic live show they put on, definitely surpassing the quality of a show that Interpol put on which was also very good. They shall indeed be missed.
MP3: Q and Not U- Hooray for Humans

Things To Look Forward To
Well next week I will be heading back to the homestead (Chicagoooo) for Intonation and the such. Can the line-up be any better? (Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Wrens, Four Tet, Les Savy Fav, Dungen, ETC!!!). Also I will be catching Action Action as well while I am in town. I will be taking some madddd pictures and will deliver a full report when I return. The Decemberists just announced their fall dates here and it looks like, due to convenient scheduling, I will be able to catch them in Toronto.

All is not lost!

Music for Movies

2005-07-05T20:48:00.000-04:00

So now the Useless Dolphins shall post their first review of a show.

I (Rob) attended the Music for Movies benefit on Thursday and it was a nice little show. The reason for the show was to help contribute towards keeping the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, NY open. You can Check out the Cinema Arts Centre's website here it is the only Independent theatre I know of on Long Island. It was a nice little place and the concert was held in their cafe, which features an assortment of vegan and organic food for the indie kids to consume.

There was a slide show being displayed behind the artists, which consisted of images from various independent films. Occassionally a more popular film would get some vocal appreciation from the crowd or cause some bantering amongst friends. In addition the room was decked out in candles and the such but anyway onto the music. We were really only there while two bands played.

The first was a band called Slingshot Dakota who had some good male-female harmonizing similar to Mates of State but with a more rock feel than pop. Though their vocals were a little too low though they showed some promise and according to their myspace they are currently on tour. They also have some songs to listen to on their Myspace site, which seems to be the craze these days. You can find out tour dates and hear songs here

Now the reason we went to the show was to see this man here:

Kevin Devine whose new album I ranked number three in my Best of 2005 (so far) list was headlining the bill but played second to last for some reason. Kevin was formerly the frontman of the band Miracle of 86, which has since disbanded. Kevin played this show solo and delivered yet another oustanding performance. Though only playing 8 songs he performed better than the three other times I have seen him. Playing a song from his first CD "Letting a Good One Go" was a nice treat, also an Elliott Smith cover (the song title escapes me right now), and acoustic versions of many tracks off the new cd composed a quiet and relaxing set. He kept commenting on how quiet the audience was, and how nice that was. If you havent heard Kevin Devine PLEASE go listen. He is a great artist and also continues to be an activist for independent music in the New York/Long Island scene. You can see his tour dates and listen to some music on his myspace

An MP3 for the listening: No Time Flat

Also, if you live on Long Island check out a movie at the Cinema Arts Centre its a really great place!

Jon Crocker

2005-07-02T00:48:00.000-04:00

Jon Crocker is a very talented musician who I happened to stumble across on one of many daily jaunts on over to the Decemberists Message Board. He creates some great music and is also a very nice fella!
Nobody is quite sure where Jon Crocker was born, or to whom he was born. A basket containing the infant Crocker was found on the steps of a monstery in Le Puy, which is located in modern-day France (in what was then part of the Holy Roman Empire). Being brought up by monks caused Jonathan to be more introverted than most (another cause of this introversion is thought to be the vow of silence upheld by each of the monks in the monastery), though he did delight in two things more than most: the construction of pottery (hence his given surname), and the singing of Pope Gregory's chants. The latter was particularly important to the young man, as it was his only chance to express himself vocally (the only verbal sounds permitted in this particular monastery were to be chants). But soon, Crocker could not contain himself. He began composing his own chants, ones that would venture out of their given mode, ones that contained melismas unlike any other. And once he had composed his first chant in the Locrian mode, news of this young composer had made its way to Pope Gregory, who became infuriated upon hearing that somebody was daring to write new chants without his permission, let alone chants in the Locrian mode. Crocker was excommunicated immediately.
A touching story indeed. Now located in Ventura, California-Crocker has quite a knack for making some lovely music and is thoroughly versed in playing about a dozen instruments. Unable to complete the Canadian leg of his summer tour (because he got kicked out! pfft), Jon is currently planning an extensive U.S. tour which will commence in September; so keep on the look out on Jon's website for a date in your area (the tour will consist of roughly 50 dates). If you have not heard Jon's music before-it is truly great, here is a song available for download off of Jon's new CD-Songs About Trains and Other Things:::1922
If you like what you hear, go on over to Jon's website, where you can purchase the CD (for $7!)

Robs Top Albums of 2005 (so far)

2005-06-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

So Alysa's choices were pretty damn good if I say so myself. If you are reading this then you should comment with your favorite albums. Like Alysa said, my tastes are a bit different and my list is going to contain some artists you don't see mentioned on most blogs. I havent had a chance to check out many bands in depth (architecture in helsinki, of montreal, etc.). Those albums just didnt catch on quickly for me (but are all still very good) and these did. So here goes nothing:

#8. Letting Up Despite Great Faults: Demo

The only reason this band is at #8 is because right now there is only a demo out. That being said I am addicted to listening to these four songs. The songs are orchestrated so beautifully. For me, the songs have a very innocent sound, and makes me think of children playing in a playground with no worries. One of things that I like most about the songs are how they abrubtly go silent for a couple of seconds and kick in. The musician responsible for these amazing songs is Mike Lee. I suggest you all check them out and we will have a feature on them soon.
Maybe I'll Hide with you Sometime

#7. M83: Before Dawn Heals Us

This one was easy because I agree with Alysa. Therefore I will offer the same song do to my laziness. But this is their big "buzz song" right now. To describe this CD I would say if I had to do acid then M83 are my choice music. Their songs are individual dreams that can either be relaxing or a nightmare. "Dont Save Us" kind of like the name implys gives a feel of the world going down and you just dont have the energy to give a damn.
M83: Don't Save Us From the Flames

#6. Annie: Anniemal

So if you read other Blogs then you know about Annie. Bubble-gum pop for the indie kids to dance to. Let me tell you these beats are amazing, and the lyrics are just so playful and silly that they are good.You just cant help dancing to any of the songs on this cd. You just want to turn the speakers up full blast and hope no one else is listening. Though you know everyone else is doing the same thing. So download this song (its only good for 7 days) and dance your heart out.
Me Plus One

#5. Neva Dinova: The Hate Yourself Change

Neva Dinova is in the extended family of those crazy Saddle Creek kids but is on Side Echo Records. In the same vain as Conor he is a songwriter who expresses his emotions through vivid songs. Jake Bellows expresses his thoughts in a much mature manner though. This is most evident in the satarical last song "I've Got a Feeling". Where Bellows and the Saddle Creek family sing "the world's a shitty place and I can't wait to die" then after a bit of noise Bellows says "just kidding world, you know I love you".

#4. Copeland: In Motion

So now onto bands you wouldnt expect to see on an Indie Blog. Copeland is emo music and there is no getting around that. They fit all the stereotypes of the typical emo band, but they are good at it. Their lyrics are heartfelt and you can tell that they are singing about something they care about. They don't sing about breaking up with their girlfirend but chose more important issues like how to emotionally deal with losing someone close to you. Their new cd is very catchy and as heartfelt as their first cd. They are just coming off a tour with Rainer Maria, who are in fact acknowledged by many indie blogs. Their songs are the most emotionally draining of any band that I have heard. Check out this You Send It link to check out their first single from In Motion No One Really Wins (yousendit)

#3. Kevin Devine: Split the Country, Split the Street

Kevin Devine is another one of those singer/song writer types with an acoustic guitar. When he has his Goddamned Band with him, as he calls them, he has a much more fuller sound. Either way his songs put you in the song, and force you to remember that time you stared at a stranger across the way and wondered if they were interested in you too. On his latest cd he also offers his political stance in addition to his descriptive love or anti-love songs. The song provided below are his feelings about the uncertain future of our country. I think it is much more creative than any of Conor's straight up protest songs. Not to mention that he takes a song about a relationship and tunrs it into a party mid-song. That is talent!
No Time Flat

#2. The Decemberists: Picaresque

I agree with my fellow dolphin Alysa in that this CD is amazing. But I do not find it as pleasing to the ears as their earlier work. I cant figure out what it is. That aside this CD is the music we all wish we could write. Colin is not only a lyricist but also a literary figure in his own right. He is the only person who could have me wanting to climb inside a whale, or sing about male prostitutes from decades past. This cd is an escape from your problems and puts you in a world where everything seems so much cooler, in a Decemberist kind of way.
The Decemberists: Engine Driver

#1. Armor for Sleep: What to Do When Your Dead

So, number one! You are all probably thinking, why would this be number one? I will tell you why, because from the day I heard this CD I have not been able to stop singing it. I am not claiming it to be some great piece of musical history. The main purpose of music is so that it engages you. This CD does that in a way that no other CD can. I can listen to it over and over. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the music or the cliched lyrics. A concept album about life after death sounds great on paper, but one would think it would turn out horrible. This band manages to use the CD to tell a story about wanting to die, getting your wish, then regretting it. Every song on the CD has me singing along. I also think that the lyrics are simple and to the point. They get across the message without trying to be too philosophical about it. The CD displays raw emotions of depression, regret, remorse, lose, and love. For me this is the CD I have been able to listen to for the entire half year almost every day. So therefore it deserves to be #1
Car Underwater

So now you have both our lists. If you listen to our radio show you will see that even though we have two different tastes in music it makes our show and lives that much better. Variety is the spice of life, eh? Isnt that what they say. So comment and post your own top lists. We want to know what everyone has been listening to. Here is to a great second half of 2005!

Alysa's Top Picks Of The Year...So Far

2005-06-26T15:35:00.000-04:00

As it seems, the blog community has come to a silent consensus on making posts featuring their top albums of the year so far. Never the ones to conform, Rob and I are deviating from our strange ways to participate. My picks:

#8. Caribou: The Milk of Human Kindness

Dan Snaith's first project released under his new name-Caribou. I've only gotten into Caribou within the past couple of months, but I really enjoy it and am quite disappointed that I wasn't able to see Caribou when he came to Cornell last spring
Caribou: Hammerheads

#7. M83: Before Dawn Heals Us

M83 is a great band and their record resembles somewhat of a soundtrack to a dream. While there are a few tracks on the CD that I end up skipping (Car Chase Terror freaks me out...), it is overall a strong album.Very psych-trance electronic music which can be over done and monotonous, is just the opposite of what this CD is.
M83: Don't Save Us From the Flames

#6. Of Montreal: The Sunlandic Twins

While I thought it to be not as strong as other records such as Cherry Peel, Sunlandic Twins is far from disappointment. In typical Of Montreal fashion, all of the songs are very fun and upbeat (plus is comes with a bonus EP!). Like all of the albums that Of Montreal has put out, the album artwork is done by lead singer-Kevin Barnes.
Of Montreal: Oslo in the Summertime

#5. Eisley: Room Noises

This is Eisley's first full length CD and they definitely deliver a very strong record. Gaining some popularity after the release of their CD, Eisley played at Coachella and were on tour with New Found Glory (hmmm). Eisley (who used to be called Moss Eisley and were forced to change their name) mainly consists of siblings from the same family I believe save for one. Right now, they are headlining a summer tour.

#4. The Boy Least Likely To: The Best Party Ever

I LOVE this band. This record is so fun. Their songs are a tad weird and kind of remind me if like, me and my friends would seriously sit down and write songs about all of the stupid crap we talk about and magically it turns out sounding really really good! Yeah...like that.The Boy Least Likely To: Warm Panda Cola (yousendit)

#3. Architecture in Helsinki: In Case We Die

After Fingers Crossed, I did not seriously think that Architecture in Helsinki could come out with a better album...but they did. Despite their name, Architecture in Helsinki are an octet hailing from Austrailia. I find their sound to be very unique and the album is so instrumentally rich, I wish they would have included more instrumental tracks.
Architecture in Helsinki: Do the Whirlwind

#2. The Decemberists: Picaresque

Well. Yeah. As much as I would like to give the number one spot to the Decemberists, I couldn't. It was very close though, the Decemberists are most definitely my favorite band and did not in any means disappoint with their record. It is probably their most mature record to date. An EP is due out pretty soon featuring the B-Sides of Picaresque which will be entitled Picaresquities.
The Decemberists: Engine Driver

#1. Sufjan Stevens: Illinois

Wahoo! We made it! This album may not only be one of the best records of the year, but for me, one of the best records ever. It is so amazingly beautiful there is no way I could give the number one spot to anyone else. The album is not out in stores until July 5th but you can order it right now at Sufjan's label Asthmatic Kitty.
Sufjan Stevens: Casimir Pulaski Day

Yes, so that's about it for now. I have seen the Spoon album on a lot of lists, and could not put it up there because I really did not find it to be all that great. There is still another half of the year to go and I am sure by then this whole thing will be revamped, but I hope you all enjoyed my choices!

Sage Francis

2005-06-22T22:07:00.000-04:00

Whats good my friends?

It has been a while since the last post but I hope you all had a chance to check out Bjorn. He is a pretty awesome solo artist and has a popcorn buisness. What more can one want in a artist? If any of you want to hear more of the artists songs or the links we provided expired drop us a comment and we will try to accomodate your requests. Also if you are reading this, leave us some comments!

So now onto another artist for you all, Sage Francis.

Sage Francis has been a household name in underground rap for a while now. Though I was only recently introduced to him by a friend, I have since become engaged in the world of Sage or as he calls it "the heartbeat of Sage". Of course at first my reaction to him was that he was a rapper and I stopped listening to rap music in 9th grade. My friend explained this was different and turned it on. Immediatley I was taken back at how amazing both the beats and lyrics were.

Pitchfork has given love for Sage and describes his style as, "If you have something to say, you say it, even if it means losing the beat for a minute". Which I find most refershing, Sage says what he feels and that is what most rappers lack. My friend described him as the "Conor Oberst" of the rap world. "She left me for dead but death didnt want no sloppy seconds. I'm certified fresh. Our freedom kissed the French for their political dissent," Sage raps on the first track off his latest cd A Healthy Distrust.

During many songs you can picture the same views and thoughts being expressed using an acoustic guitar and some depressing lyrics but Sage's no hold bar approach makes his point much more evocative. Unfortunatley there are some cliches during the cd such as name dropping dead rappers, and some weak lyrics but overall it is a nice break from the sound of the acoustic guitar that we praise so much.

Check out:
Sage's Official Site
Pitchfork's Review of A Healthy Distrust

A Song for you all to check out: The Buzz Kill

Bjorn Quenemoen!

2005-06-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know you probably have not heard of him, but you should have and you probably will sometime soon. Bjorn Quenemoen hails from Minnesota and attended Bard College (where he has played a few shows) where he produced three albums. His last CD, Living Cheap, was released in July 2003 and is available for purchase at his site: www.bjornquenemoen.com Bjorn is a great folk musician who has opened for the likes of Sufjan Stevens and played at the Minnesota Folk Festival. Playing mainly dates around the New York city region, I would not be surprised if Bjorn (whose voice similarly resembles James Taylor) emerged as Indie music's next best thing.

Bjorn also has a popcorn business based out of Brooklyn (where Bjorn currently lives) on the side cleverly named: BjornQorn. Bjron is going to try fusing his popcorn endeavors at future shows, so be on the look out! No dates are currently scheduled at this time, but two shows will be played in July according to his site. Note: Bjorn has scheduled his first show in July on the 9th at Pete's Candy Store at 11pm.

Bjorn's Site (CLICK) has a multitude of great songs avaliable for download including some live unreleased songs.

Here's a song for all of you to download
MP3: Bjorn Quenemoen: Worst At That

BONUS TRACK:
Here is a bonus track called "In the Wild" thats unreleased as of now: Download it here

Those Who Left and Those who Stayed

2005-06-08T23:16:00.000-04:00

Dont let the picture fool you, this isn't your typical goth rock band. If you have ever dreamt of living in an old western town where the devil storms into the local saloon; then you and Adam Turla have something in common. His lyrics on Murder By Death's lastest cd, "Who Will Survive and What Will be Left of Them" places you in the middle of a classic good (citizens of an old western town) vs. evil (the devil) tale.

The band not only has powerful lyrics but the music that accompanies them creates a picturesque setting that at times is eerie and at other times is enchanting. Sarah Balliet is mainly responsible for creating the dramatic atmosphere on the cd with her cello skills. Using the cello as the dramatic centerpiece in most of the songs gives them a unique feel. Though the lyrics at times seem far-fetched (i.e. zombie children on "Killbot 2000) they seem to engage the listener into the tales of horror and debauchery being expressed. If you are looking for an escape from reality then I reccomend you step into the world of Murder by Death.

The band just finished an extensive tour with anarchist-punks Against Me!. They are playing two shows in their hometown of Chicago next week to benefit a new all ages venue. I saw them last month and they shared that they were writing their new album, which is going to be based on the classic tale of Dante's Inferno. What do you expect, an album about teddy bears? The new songs were amazing and showed much growth from the last album. I suggest if they are in your area you go see them live. Their 10 minute instrumental finale is not to be missed.

For your listening pleasure, from the bands first CD "Like the Exorcist but More Breakdancing": Im Afraid of Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolfe

For more information visit their Official Site

Sufjan Stevens

2005-06-07T14:08:00.000-04:00

Alright kiddies, first post! Well first real post besides a mere welcome. Even though our show is not starting until next semester, Rob and I could not hold off on starting the blog.

Well Sufjan Stevens who hails from Michigan is continuing his 50 states project, in which he plans to make a record about all 50 states (Michigan being the first). Mr. Stevens will be coming out with his second record which will feature Illinois (represent-what what)outwardly named: Illinois, which is due out July 5th. Though the album is not out for another month or so, it leaked a while ago and is being critically hailed on a multitude of blogs for being one of the best albums of the year.

The 22 track monolith of a record is avaliable in a special pre-order offer right now on Asthmatic Kitty for a mere $10!! And while, I haven't had the financial availability to order it, I have heard it comes with a nifty Come On! Feel the Illinoise! post card...can't beat that.

Along with the album, Sufjan has totally re-vamped his band. With the release of Greetings from Michigan, the Great Lake State, the band that accompanied Sufjan was respectively called: The Michigan Militia. Now, to go along with the Illinois album the band has now been cleverly coined: The Illinoisemakers.

Sufjan has some dates planned in accordance with the relase of the Illinois album. I highly doubt this tour is complete as it does not have any Illinois dates listed...so far.

July 15, 2005
San Diego, CA - Belly Up Tavern - * w/ Bunky
July 16, 2005
Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theater - * w/ Bunky
July 18, 2005
San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall *
July 19, 2005
San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall *
July 21, 2005
Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater *
July 22, 2005
Seattle, WA - Triple Door *
July 23, 2005
Seattle, WA - Triple Door *
July 24, 2005
Vancouver, BC - Richard's on Richards *
July 27, 2005
Boise, ID - Neurolux *
July 28, 2005
Salt Lake City, UT - Lo-fi Cafe *
July 29, 2005
Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater *
July 30, 2005
Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen *
August 01, 2005
Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room *
August 02, 2005
Tuscon, AZ - Plush *
August 19, 2005
New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

Here is a live track of Sufjan's (50 States) which isn't available on any albums, its great!
MP3 (only avaliable for seven days, click the link to download)
Sufjan Stevens: The 50 States (Live-Lee's Palace)