Gonzo's Music-o-Rama

Gonzo news

2011-06-28T23:42:00.003-04:00

What was previously sparse blogging has become practically non-existent. I shall try harder, friends.

One reason for inactivity is that I've been devoting my blogging energy to Popblerd, an excellent collaborative music/pop culture blog. Lots of content, kept up to date (which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for the Music-O-Rama as of late!). Check it out! For the time being, I'll continue to focus my blogging there, but will also try to revive this blog a bit.

I've also stopped posting my radio playlists, mostly out of pure laziness. On that note, dear readers I regret to inform you that my show on WIUP will cease at the end of July (exact date TBD). Time for a break, that's all. Keep on listening though, the station continues to improve - and I think this will continue in the coming academic year (we've already had some great show proposals).

Selah,

-Dr. Gonzo

Dr. Gonzo's MJ tribute 6/26

2011-06-26T23:52:00.002-04:00

So I've been bad about posting playlists lately. But I thought I'd share the set from hour 2 of this week's show, as it was devoted to MJ. I tried to steer away from too many obvious picks, which made it more fun. DAH.

J5-ABC
J5-Feelin' Alright (live)
J5-Stand!
J5-Maybe Tomorrow
J5-Dancing Machine
Jacksons-Blame it on the Boogie
MJ-Off the Wall
Jacksons-Lovely One
MJ-Baby Be Mine
MJ-PYT
MJ-Another Part of Me
MJ-Who is It
MJ-They Don't Care About Us
MJ-Whatever Happens
MJ-This is It

untz untz untz untz

2011-05-23T14:37:00.000-04:00

Gonzo on the air, 5/15

2011-05-16T00:05:00.002-04:00

INXS-Guns in the Sky
The Cure-Hot! Hot! Hot!
Deerhoof-I did Crimes for You
Alina Simone-Sun Kissed Slashes
The Beatles-Rain
Peter, Bjorn & John-Dig a Little Deeper
Smith Westerns-Fallen in Love
Kurt Vile-Smoke Ring for My Halo
Big Star-Battle of El Goodo
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti-Can't Hear My Eyes
Echo & The Bunnymen-Heaven Up Here
Jesus & Mary Chain-Taste of Cindy
The Vaselines-Son of a Gun
Vivian Girls-Trying to Pretend
Foo Fighters-Baker Street
Faith No More-Falling to Pieces
David Bowie-African Night Flight
Blondie-X-Offender
Thao & Mirah-How Dare You
Tom Tom Club-The Man with the Four-Way Hips
Rainbow Arabia-Blind
Stereo MCs-Deep Down & Dirty
Poly Styrene-I Luv Ur Sneakers
Jamie Lidell-Little Bit of Feel Good
Alan Wilkis-It's Been Great
Raphael Saadiq-Stone Rollin'
Stevie Wonder-Another Star

Stone Rollin'

2011-05-15T11:14:00.001-04:00

Caught this on VH1 Classic yesterday. I wasn't gaga over Saadiq's last disc, though I appreciated the retro soul vibe. His latest single hit the spot, however. Possible early contender for my summer jam.

Modernaire, Modernaire.

2011-05-06T00:19:00.000-04:00

Gonzo on the air, 5/1

2011-05-02T00:12:00.002-04:00

Pixies-Bone Machine
Arctic Monkeys-Don't sit Down 'Cause I Moved Your Chair
British Sea Power-Mongk II
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists-Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?
The Brutes-Last Man Left Hungry
Hot Hot Heat-Middle of Nowhere
Pains of Being Pure at Heaert-My Terrible Friend
Yeasayer-I Remember (request)
Bright Eyes-Shell Games (request)
Laura Jansen-Wicked World
The Cars-Since You're Gone
The Kinks-Where Have All the Good Times Gone?
Roxy Music-Editions of You (request)
Phantogram-Bloody Hands
Peter Gabriel-Shock the Monkey
Bat for Lashes-Trophy
Royksopp-Senior Living
AnaRobik-Communicate (Aquazoo Project remix)
Add N to X-Murmur One
Duran Duran-Notorious
UNKLE feat. Nick Cave-Money and Run
Nikka Costa-Can'tneverdidnothin'
Scissor Sisters-She's My Man

Gonzo on the air, 4/24

2011-04-24T23:51:00.001-04:00

Queen-Play the Game
Brother-Darling Buds of May
Neon Legion-Wicker Men
Jookabox-The Eyes of the Fly
Florence + the Machine-Howl
Band of Horses-The Funeral
Explosions in the Sky-Last Known Surroundings
Jenny Lewis-Godspeed (request)
Iron & Wine-Tree By The River
Taj Mahal-Queen Bee
The Decemberists-Down by the Water
Local Natives-Wide Eyes
Puro Instinct-Slivers of You
Wild Nothing-The Witching Hour
The White Stripes-Death Letter
Sonic Youth-Is it My Body?
T. Rex-Solid Gold Easy Action
The Stooges-1969
Rainbow Arabia-Nothin' Gonnna Be Undone
New Order-Age of Consent
Cut Copy-Need You Now
Chromeo-Openin' Up
Justice-D.A.N.C.E. (request)
Errors-Julomo
Kraak & Smack-Never Too Late

Gonzo on the air, 4/17

2011-04-17T23:41:00.003-04:00

Foo Fighters-Band on the Run
New York Dolls-I'm So Fabulous
13th Floor Elevators-Wait for My Love
The Raveonettes-Recharge and Revolt
Pains of Being Pure at Heart-Even in Dreams
TV on the Radio-No Future Shock
Tapes n Tapes-Badabing
Pink Floyd-Arnold Lane
Raw Milk-Itchy Nose
Ladytron-I'm Not Scared
UNKLE (feat. Nick Cave)-Money and Run
Peter, Bjorn and John-Second Chance
Adele-Rolling in the Deep
Amy Winehouse-You Know I'm No Good
The Noisettes-Never Forget You
JR Walker and the All-Stars-Good Rockin'
Ray Charles-Leave My Woman Alone
Prince and the Revolution-Mountains (12" Mix)
Joker & Ginz-Re-Up
Justice-Civilization
Kylie Minogue/New Order-Can't Get Blue Monday Out of My Head
Dizzee Rascal-Bubbles
Medeski, Martin and Wood-We Are Rolling

"When Eye Lay My Hands On U "

2011-04-13T21:23:00.004-04:00

Among the many unreleased Prince projects is the High album from 2000. The disc was complete and ready for production, but Prince pulled the plug and opted to release it via his then-burgeoning (and now defunct) online music club.

As Uptown writers note in the exhaustive chronology The Vault, the album is accessible and straightforward, likely another attempt at a commercial comeback (1999's Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic had a similar intent, but ultimately failed.

By and large, the music on High is far more compelling than anything on Rave, and with smart marketing and single selection, I believe it could have had significant commercial impact. Alas. Many of the songs were later repackaged in the second incarnation of Prince's online music club, but spread across a few releases, losing any sense of consistency as to what the High album may have sounded like in its initial configuration. [Note: many of the tracks were also initially released via 2-track singles sold on the 2000Hit N Run tour.]

To that end, here is the original tracklist:

1. U Make My Sun Shine
2. My Medallion
3. Supercute
4. Golden Parachute
5. High
6. When Eye Lay My Hands on U
7. When Will We B Paid
8. Gamillah
9. Underneath the Cream
10. The Daisy Chain

Standout tracks here are "My Medallion," "Supercute," "The Daisy Chain" and "When Eye Lay My Hands on U." All are accessible yet interesting enough that they could have seen some success in the musical climate of 2000. But I digress.

The main motivation behind this post is a recent late night spin of volume 5 from the mind-bogglingly comprehensive The Work set of unreleased material. I haven't heard the High tracks in a while, and I was quickly reminiscing about bumping these tracks in my Cavalier (via Discman with cassette adapter, naturally) that summer. Suddenly, it's July 2000.

More importantly, "When Eye Lay My Hands on U" is a track that blows me away. There are so many layers here, not to mention the blistering guitar work. Take a listen:

And here's a great live take from the Montreaux Jazz Festival in 2009:

Prince Montreux 2009 When I lay my hands on You by madonnacelebration

"The White Stripes Lesson"

2011-04-12T00:05:00.002-04:00

2011-04-04T01:25:00.001-04:00

Kembrew McLeod and Ben Franzens' excellent documentary Copyright Criminals is now out on DVD. I made a brief post about it last year when it aired on PBS as part of the Independent Lens series. The doc is still getting some much deserved attention, most recently via a very cool performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. In a one-off performance, we have ?uestlove, Black Thought, Chuck D,. Eclectic Method and Clyde Stubblefield, the man behind the kit for many of James Brown's best known jams. Ladies and gentlemen, the Copyright Criminals All-Star Band:

Gonzo on the air, 4/3

2011-04-03T23:46:00.002-04:00

We Became Actors-Swimming Pools
The Clash-Tommy Gun
Sick of Sarah-Kick Back
Vivian Girls-Dance (If You Wanna)
Guards-I See it Coming
The Greenhornes-Shelter of Your Arms
Morphine-Whisper
Wanda Jackson-Shakin' All Over
The Black Keys-Tighten Up
Jucifer-Amplifier
Sonic Youth-Sugar Kane
Commerce-Need Heart Rate
The Byrds-My Back Pages
John Lennon-Nobody Told Me
Cut Copy-Take Me Over
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion-Do You Wanna Get Heavy?
French Soler-Demons (Alan Wilkis remix)
Funkadelic-Cosmic Slop
Holy Fuck-Red Lights
Crystal Castles vs. HEATH-Crimewave
Ikonika-Idiot
Santogold-You'll Find a Way (remix)
Kid Sister-54321
Goldfrapp-Ooh La La
Stevie Wonder-He's Misstra Know-it-All

"You might think I'm crazy, but I'm serious."

2011-03-28T23:35:00.001-04:00

If I look that good in a skin-tight bodysuit when I'm 44, life will be grand.

It's been a while since I've done any sort of writeup for a show. In fact, it appears that the last show I blogged about was when I saw The Ravonettes in October of 2009. Rest assured, there have been shows in the interim - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Yeasayer, Beach House, Lady Gaga, Crystal Castles, Hall and Oates, and probably a few others that I can't recall at the moment. This is all to say that I've been a bad music blogger. So I'm here to remedy with a report on this weekend's Janet Jackson show at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

The Borgata Events Center is shockingly small. I expected an intimate venue, but we're talking about 2,000 seats, maybe less. That being the case, I imagine that there wasn't a bad seat in the house, but the 14th row was still a good place to be (albeit not in the center section). In reality, it could have been General Admission on the floor, but I digress.

At each show on this tour, Janet dedicates a song to that city. This seems to me a simple way of giving something distinctive to each performance, though I wonder what real value the gesture has. What this amounted to was being teased with the video for "The Pleasure Principle" just prior to Janet taking the stage.

Then the band launched into their live rendition of the track, one of my favorites from 1986's Control LP.

After that, it was pretty much hit after hit, which was to be expected given that the tour is promoting her Number Ones collection (I pointed out the punctuation error while we waited for the show to start). I can't find a full setlist but they were pretty much all there - "Control," "Miss You Much," "If," "That's the Way Love Goes," "What Have You Done for Me Lately," "Nasty," "Rhythm Nation," "Escapade," "Together Again," ""You Want This," "Alright," "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," and more that I can't remember. There was even a bit of "Scream." Good stuff. There was also a nice little segment of ballads including "Come Back to Me," "Let's Wait Awhile" and "Again," the latter of which never fails to remind me of eighth grade dances. The only jams I really wanted to hear but were absent were "Black Cat" and "Go Deep." Alas and alack (though they have popped up on other dates).

At these pop shows, I'm always critical of lip syncing. It was one of the things that most bothered me about the Lady Gaga show, though it was expected. I watched and listened closely to Miss Jackson ('cause I'm nasty), and had a difficult time distinguishing whether or not she was singing live. These leads me to believe that either a) she was singing live or b) is adept at masking the fact that she's lip syncing. My guess is that ultimately, it was a mix of both.

While some of her dancing duties were relegated to the troupe of backup dancers she had on stage, Janet really brought it at key moments with the iconic moves from her signature videos ("Miss You Much," "Rhythm Nation," "If," for example). I was a little saddened that "Miss You Much" was done sans chair routine, though.

In short, it was a great show, well worth the ticket and the trip.

Gonzo on the air, 3/28

2011-03-27T23:59:00.002-04:00

New York Dolls-Fool For You Baby
Phoenix-Lisztomania
Quadron-Slippin'
Iggy & The Stooges-Gimme Danger
Gogol Bordello-Wanderlust King
The Dead Kennedys-Let's Lynch the Landlord
British Sea Power-Stunde Null
Low Anthem-Smart Flesh
Billy Bragg-A New England
The Decembrists-Rox in the Box
Camera Obscura-My Maudlin Career
Sia-Clap Your Hands
Lily Allen-LDN
Dresden Dolls-Coin Operated Boy
Roxy Music-If There is Something
Rush-Spirit of Radio (request)
The Soft Pack-Down on Lovin'
Dirty Projectors-Stillness is the Move
MGMT-Electric Feel (immuzikation remix)
Groove Armada-Paper Romance
Rainbow Arabia-Without You
Fever Ray-If I Had a Heart
New Young Pony Club-The Get Go
Jamie Lidell-When I Come Back Around
Four Tet-Angel Echoes

"We Don't Get No Sleep: A Janet Mix"

2011-03-24T02:25:00.000-04:00

This weekend, my sis and I are heading to Atlantic City to see Janet Jackson. While I should have seen her on The Velvet Rope tour and recently drooled over the setlist for the Rhythm Nation tour, I'm still way excited. Doubly so, as she's playing smaller venues, which will be groovy.

Anyhow, after a few St. Patty's cocktails, my sister implored me to make a Janet mix for the drive. Never one to turn down the opportunity for a good mix, I got to work a few days later, and this is what I came up with.

It's 90 minutes. Maybe that's breaking some sort of commandment of mixmaking, but I couldn't get it down to 80. And you know what? Back in the day we always made 90 minute mixes, because that was the standard cassette length. So there.

It's a legit, continuous mix. Her early albums haven't been remastered (to my knowledge), and I wanted to include some of those iconic segues, which often meant mixing the album segues with the Design of a Decade remastered tracks.

Nothing from her last few records, simply because I'm not that familiar with them. The last album I bought was All for You, and the last album that knocked my socks off was The Velvet Rope. And while there are some more mid-tempo tracks, there are no slow jams. Not that Miss Jackson doesn't make some sexy slow jams, but I viewed this as a dance mix of sorts.

There are also a few mixing flourishes that I'm kind of proud of. Most importantly, I tried to vary it up a bit and include some alternate mixes.

Enough blathering. Here's what I came up with:

Control intro
Control
If
Let's Dance (segue)
Miss You Much (Mama Mix)
All for You
Say You Do
What Have You Done for Me Lately
Nasty
Black Cat
Go Deep
That's the Way Love Goes
Someone to Call My Lover
Together Again
Pleasure Principle (Ultimix)
Rhythm Nation
Runaway
Escapade (Got it Made 7" mix)
Alright (12" R+B Mix feat. Heavy D)
When I Think of You (remix)

P-Funk Hall of Fame, 1997

2011-03-24T01:29:00.002-04:00

As an institution, I think the Hall of Fame is bullshit, but those ceremonies do produce some interesting moments.

Bootsy!

2011-03-22T22:32:00.002-04:00

"Hurry up and bring my space bass. I got to hurry up and play before I come on myself."

It's also worth noting that Bootzilla will be on Jimmy Fallon tonight. Bootsy jammin' with The Roots? Oh lawd....

Gonzo on the air, 3/20

2011-03-20T23:59:00.002-04:00

Arctic Monkeys-Brick by Brick
Grinderman-Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man
The Raconteurs-Broken Boy Soldiers
New Shouts-Kiss 4 Fun
The Easybeats-Friday on My Mind
Clinic-I'm Aware
Eric McKeown-Cinematic
Jessie Lee Mayfield-Grown Man
Koop-Koop Island Blues
Bird and the Bee-Again and Again (request)
The Brutes-yourspace
Lightspeed Champion-Marlene
XTC-Paper and Iron
Blur-Parklife
Beach House-Used to Be
Pains of Being Pure at Heart-Heart in Your Heartbreak
Fleet Foxes-Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
Danielson-Grow Up
Soul Coughing-Casiotone Nation
Rufus Thomas-Do the Funky Chicken
Dr. Octagon-Earth People
El Michaels Affair-Bring the Ruckus
The Roots-Walk Alone
Anarobik-Is it Real?
Client-Drive
Annie-Hey Annie

The Wisdom of Kool Keith

2011-03-20T13:07:00.003-04:00

I finally received Kool Keith: Global Enlightenment Part I from Netflix. It's too damn short (35 min), but it's a stellar trio of interviews with Kool Keith - a sort of "day in the life" kind of document. At any rate, I promptly ordered a copy of the dvd for $1 via Amazon Marketplace. It has gems and life advice such as the 98 Year Old Fridgerator:

Kool Keith had a great run of albums in the late '90s, both under the Kool Keith name and a series of other monikers that he wove into a complex and ongoing storyline (Dr. Octagon, Dr. Doom, Black Elvis, etc.). Matthew was the last Kool Keith record that I really enjoyed. He resurrected Drs. Doom and Octagon in the last decade, but it seemed a little desperate to be honest.

For the funk of it, here's one of my favorites from the Black Elvis LP:

"Go Deep"

2011-03-18T17:05:00.002-04:00

Absurdly underrated latter-day Janet jam, from her last great album (The Velvet Rope).

And for the hell of it, a nice mash with 2Pac:

Gonzo on the air, 3/13

2011-03-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

Spoon-The Way We Get By

Belle & Sebastian-Come On Sister

Elvis Costello and the Attractions-High Fidelity

The Decemberists-Don't Carry it All

British Sea Power-Living is So Easy

Rolling Stones-No Expectations

She & Him-This is Not a Test

Spinal Tap-Big Bottom (request)

Kiss-Do You Love Me?

Thin Lizzy-Jailbreak

The Misfits-Some Kind of Hate

Also-Unloaded

Lykke Li-Youth Knows No Pain

The National-Bloodbuzz Ohio

Puro Instinct-Stillyagi

Steely Dan-Bably0n Sisters (request)

Tapes n' Tapes

Surfer Blood-Harmonik

Love is All-Wishing Well

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-Ballad of Sin Eater

Rainbow Arabia-Without You

Cut Copy-Take Me Over

The Police-Man in a Suitcase

Men at Work-Underground

Prince and the Revolution-New Position (request)

Aceyalone-The Lonely Ones

Sleigh Bells-Rachel

"I wrote this song in '94"

2011-03-11T00:11:00.001-05:00

Gonzo on the air, 3/6

2011-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

pre-recorded this week, featuring 5 very long songs.

Frank Zappa-The Adventures of Gregory Peccary
Negativland-Helter Stupid
Morton Subotnik-Silver Apples of the Moon
The Blue Up?-h. sidakr of loops
Mogwai-The Singing Mountain

Gonzo on the air, 2/27

2011-02-27T23:58:00.001-05:00

T. Rex-Jeepster
Wanda Jackson-Nervous Breakdown
The Detroit Cobras-My Baby Loves a Secret Agent
Clinic-Milk and Honey
Twin Sister-Lady Daydream
Sonnymoon-Soft Shoulders
The Beatles-It's Only a Northern Song
Deerhoof-The Merry Barracks
Florence + the Machine-Dog Days Are Over
Prince and the Revolution-Mountains (12" mix)
A Sunny Day in Glasgow-Fall in Love
Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith-Not in Love (request!)
Siouxsie and the Banshees-Dazzle
Twin Shadow-Shooting Holes at the Moon
Radiohead-Lotusflower
Also-Unloaded
Ween-The Stallion pt. 3
The Ting Tings-That's Not My Name
Nancy Sinatra-Bang, Bang
The Doors-Queen of the Highway
Tapes n' Tapes-Desert Plane
Yuck-Operation
Faith No More-Last Cup of Sorrow
Mazzy Star-Fade into You
Portishead-Only You (live)

Bang Bang

2011-02-25T23:14:00.002-05:00

No really, I'm trying to be productive on a Friday night. But in doing so, I was listening to Nancy Sinatra's classic How Does That Grab You? LP, which ends with this favorite, put to good use in Kill Bill.

Just because.

2011-02-23T21:26:00.002-05:00

Poor video quality (due to the rip; this looks to be from the proshot Parade warmup gig at First Ave.), but what the hell. Still a jam.

Between the sudden urge to hear/see this and Pete's post about the excellent Makings of Rain dvd, I think it's time for me to dust off those Prince bootlegs.

Chromeo turns Conan into a Hot Mess

2011-02-23T01:57:00.001-05:00

Gonzo on the air, 2/20

2011-02-21T00:04:00.002-05:00

The Raveonettes-Aly, Walk with Me
Bright Eyes-Firewall
Mogwai-Mexican Grand Prix
LCD Soundsystem-I Can Change
Cut Copy-I Need You
Midnight Oil-Put Down that Weapon
Jessie Lea Mayfield-Blue Skies Again
Bird and the Bee-Polite Dance Song
Ducktails-The Razor's Edge
Thought Gang-A Real Indication
Was (Not Was)-I'm in Jail
Cee-Lo Green-Bright Lights, Bigger City
Robyn-Indestructable
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti-Can't Hear My Eyes
Gary Numan/Tubeway Army-Are Friends Electric?
Kraftwerk-Radioactivity
Time Hecker-The Piano Drop
Parliament-Funkentelechy
Gap Band-I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops)
NWA-Express Yourself

breakin' up is hard to do

2011-02-15T23:23:00.002-05:00

Hot on the heels of the White Stripes' recent breakup, indie dance crew LCD Soundsystem is also about to hang it up. After only three albums, it's a little sad to see them go. But kudos to James Murphy for going out on a high note. Last year's This is Happening was one of my favorite discs of 2010, and retains its replay value after nearly a year of incessant playing. I'd like to catch the last run of shows in NYC (a series at Terminal 5, leading up to the grand finale at MSG), but I doubt I'll make it. Alas.

Murphy and co. stopped by the Colbert Report recently to chat and perform one of This is Happening's standout tracks, "I Can Change."

Gonzo on the Air, 2/13

2011-02-14T15:14:00.004-05:00

Tennis-Baltimore
Stone Roses-She Bangs all the Drums
Dinosaur Jr.-Out There
Grinderman-Heathen Child
Johnny Cash-Rusty Cage
My Bloody Valentine-Loomer (request)
Phantogram-Bloody Palms
Cage the Elephant-Right Before My Eyes
Paul Westerberg-Things
Iron & Wine-Free by the River
Tame Impala-It's Not Meant to Be
Patti Smith-Gloria
The Damned-New Rose
David Bowie-Oh! You Pretty Things
Cut Copy-Take Me Over
YACHT-Psychic City/Voodoo City
Sly and the Family Stone-Loose Booty
Brick-Dazz
France Joli-Gonna Get Over You
Moloko-Party Weirdo
Yoko Ono-You're the One (Bimbo Jones remix)
oOoOO-PCKRFCRMX
Brian Eno-2 Forms of Anger
Autechre-Acroyear 2

"Fade into You"

2011-02-08T00:46:00.003-05:00

There are two possible scenarios when I go the used cd store. 1) I have a list of specific titles to seek out; 2) I randomly poke around to find some treasures. I've noticed that each of these scenarios shapes what I walk out of the store with. In scenario 1, it tends to be more recent items. In scenario 2, I end up filling gaps in my collection. My most recent trip was the latter.

Among those discs that I should already have owned is Mazzy Star's breakthrough, So Tonight That I Might See. I always loved "Fade Into You" (their biggest hit, topping out at #44), and my college roommate hipped me to the rest of the album. At any rate, I finally got around to rectifying this album's absence in my collection.

"Fade Into You" is a sublimely beautiful song, undoubtedly one of my favorite singles of the 1990s. It also is one of those tunes that very quickly gets the memory machine churning out all of the personal and temporal associations you might have with the song. The album as a whole is quite good, and holds up very well in 2011. It was also the perfect aural driving companion on a rainy, gray Monday following a Super Bowl loss.

There were two versions of the video. Watching the black and white clip, my thought was "this is the one that I remember." Watching the color clip, I thought "Wait, I remember this one too." Hypothesis: both were in rotation on MTV that year, or at least on 120 Minutes.

And for good measure, here is a performance from 120 Minutes.

So long, White Stripes.

2011-02-02T21:02:00.003-05:00

As announced via the band's official website, The White Stripes are calling it quits. I don't find this new particularly surprising, and although they're one of my favorite bands of the last decade, I'm kind of glad they broke up before allowing the quality of their material to deteriorate. Get while the gettin's good, as they say. Plus, it's become increasingly clear that while the White Stripes were once Jack White's primary musical outlet, the band has in essence become a side project, or one of many side projects (the Dead Weather, the Raconteurs, the production work, the Third Man label/shop, etc.). As much as I love the White Stripes, in a way it seems like Jack is at the top of his game when his hands are in various creative pots. At the very least, it's a more interesting situation.

I admittedly came to the White Stripes party a little bit late. It wasn't until my time in Iowa that I got heavily into their music. Ergo, that time and place in my life will probably be my dominant memory association with their music. At any rate, I think it was my growing interest in garage rock (and devouring the Directors' Label Series of video compilations)that led me to look beyond the White Stripes' singles, digging into their first three albums in late 2004. The following summer they released what I still argue is their best album Get Behind Me Satan. Man, I listened to that album at least twice a day every day in the summer of 2005. I was even more stoked when I secured tickets to see them in action at Minneapolis' Orpheum Theater that fall. I remember being incredibly impressed by (mainly Jack's) ability to utilize effects and playing style to make up for the obvious lack of overdubs - and it worked.

I'm sure Jack White will continue to not sleep and compete with ?uestlove for busiest man in the music business, and I'm sure his work will continue to be interesting. End of an era for sure, though!

Someday the band will inevitably release a compilation of music videos, and they've had some great ones. Here's one of my favorites:

Gonzo on the air, 1/30

2011-01-31T00:17:00.002-05:00

The B-52s-Planet Claire
Candie Payne-I Wish I Could Have Loved You More
Wanda Jackson-You Know I'm No Good
Iron and Wine-Me and Lazarus
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros-40 Day Dream
Tennis-Baltimore
David Lowery-Raise Up On Honey
Buffalo Springfield-Expecting to Fly
Simon and Garfunkel-America
The XX-VCR
Bat for Lashes-What's a Girl to Do
Yeasayer-Madder Red
Miike Snow-Burial
Bjork-Joga
Ikonika-Idiot
Phonecia-JPACE
aTelecine-It's All Write
Throbbing Gristle-Convincing People
Coil-Tainted Love
Elastica-Line Up
Santigold-Unstoppable
Sleigh Bells-Rill Rill
Duran Duran-New Moon on Monday
Cee-Lo Green-Bright Lights, Bigger City
Thomas Dolby-Airwaves

Gonzo on the air, 1/23

2011-01-24T00:20:00.002-05:00

Wiz Khalifa-Black and Yellow
Brazilian Girls-Jique
Broadcast-Papercuts
Twin Shadow-Tyrant Destroyed
Daft Punk-Armory
Robyn Hitchcock-So You Think You're In Love
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart-The Contender
New Shouts-Save Me
Belle & Sebastian-I Want the World to Stop
Tapes n' Tapes-One in the World
Loretta Lynn-Have Mercy
Ani Difranco-What How When Where (Why How)
Delorean-Real Love
Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith-Not in Love
Scissor Sisters-Kiss You Off
Chromeo-When the Night Falls
Dam Funk-Mirrors
ElectricType-Watt is it to Love Someone
Indeep-Last Night a DJ Saved My Life
Herbie Hancock-Rockit
Run DMC-Peter Piper
LL Cool J-Big Ole Butt
Sheila E-Holly Rock
Cameo-Candy

No Doubt salutes Macca

2011-01-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

Their take on "All My Loving" is particularly tasty. As is Gwen, but hey - par for course.

These types of events always seem so incredibly awkward for the person being honored.

J'ai Claque La Porte

2011-01-19T02:53:00.002-05:00

This song has become one of my favorites off of Chromeo's Business Casual LP from last year, and I just stumbled across an excellent stripped down version from a CBC broadcast:

And for good measure, here's the original:

Gonzo on the air, 1/17

2011-01-16T23:58:00.002-05:00

All soul show to round out the semester break:

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles-Mickey's Monkey
Otis Redding-Shake!
Wilson Pickett-Ninety Nine and a Half Just Won't Do
Percy Wiggins-It Didn't Take Much for Me
The Impressions-You Must Believe Me
Jay and the Techniques-Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie
The Shirelles-Sha La La
Martha and the Vandellas-Jimmy Mack
Bob and Earl-The Harlem Shuffle
Ray Charles-Don't You Know
The Delfonics-Trying to Make a Fool of Me
Aretha Franklin-Ain't No Way
Jimmy Radcliffe-Long After Tonight is Over
Sam Cooke-Good Times
The Staples Singers-Respect Yourself
The Velvettes-He Was Really Saying Something
Joe Tex-You Said a Bad Word
Clarence 'Frogman' Henry-I Ain't Got a Home
Chairmen of the Board-Give Me Just a Little More Time
Marvin Gaye-Wonderful One
The Stylistics-Betcha By Golly Wow!
Roberta Flack-To Love Somebody
Isaac Hayes-Soulsville
Jackson 5-2, 4, 6, 8
Shirley Ellis-The Hand Clapping Song
Troy Sams and the Lala Wilson Band-A Thousand Miles Apart
The Parliaments-Look at What I Almost Missed
Sam and Dave-You Got Me Hummin'
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings-The Dap Dip
Al Green-Love and Happiness
James Brown-Ain't That a Groove
Jo Ann Garrett-Goin' Man Huntin'
Stevie Wonder-Heaven Help Us All

Gonzo Reviews Michael Jackson's "Vision"

2011-01-14T01:50:00.005-05:00

For years, I've bemoaned something that Prince, MJ and Madonna all have in common: Each has at least one video collection on the market, but none of the 1980s triple crown of pop has a definitive collection. That tide appears to be shifting. While it's still not "complete," Madonna's 2009 collection Celebration is a fairly comprehensive 2 dvd set covering 1983-2009 (still no "Gambler?" For shame). Prince's incredibly slim The Hits Video Collection remains his only career-spanning collection, and lacks many of the Purple One's promo films (too many to bother listing).

And then there's Michael Jackson. The artist who rather early on redefined music video as an art form and MTV as a cultural force. 1992's HIStory collection gathered the hits, some in truncated form (on the VHS release anyway). The companion volume repeated some of the hits from volume 1, along with videos from the HIStory album. 2001's Number Ones DVD rehashes the big hits, most in their edited forms.

So despite it being an obvious effort to cash in on posthumous Michael Mania, I was excited to get wind of Vision, a 3-DVD career spanning set of MJ's videos in original, unedited form.

The set chronicles Michael's career as a visual artist from Off the Wall through Invincible. And to have the full-length, unedited versions is a treat, as I hadn't seen many of these since their original MTV premieres. The 18+ minute version of "Bad," for example. Or the 9+ minute cut of "The Way You Make Me Feel." Or the 9+ minute version of "Smooth Criminal."

There is one censored cut, however. While the full 11 minutes of "Black or White" is here (zipper pulling, crotch grabbing, Simpsons' outro and all!), it is not the originally aired version, which included some graffiti-ed racial slurs in the dance segment. I believe that version is still available on Dangerous: The Short Films, however, so chalk one up for cashing in on those with completest tendencies (moi?).

It's also great to see the lesser known cuts, like "Another Part of Me," "Liberian Girl," "Give in to Me" and "They Don't Care About Us." It seems they were really going for a definitive collection here.

So much so that the bonus disc includes 7 videos that don't strictly fall under the banner of Michael Jackson - "Enjoy Yourself," "Blame it on the Boogie" and "Can You Feel It" (all by the post-Motown Jacksons), "Say Say Say" (the so-cheesy-it's-good duet with Sir Paul), Spike Lee's alternate "prison" cut of "They Don't Care About Us," "Why" (with nephews 3T, though none of them are Jermajesty) and the previously unreleased "One More Chance."

It wasn't until this bonus disc that I recalled a few cuts that are in fact absent. If we're talking Jacksons videos, absent here is "Torture" (which is in fact, a pretty torturous cut) and "2300 Jackson Street." If I recall my Pop-Up Video correctly, MJ didn't actually appear in the "Torture" clip, but they borrowed a wax figure from Madame Tusseaud's (!). Wikipedia also claims video clips for "Dreamer," "Goin' Places," "Even Though You're Gone," "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and "Body," though this is all news to me. My guess is most of these were clips from Bandstand and the like that aired on outlets like The Box.

Oh wow...there is definitely a video for "Body!" (Though again, no MJ.)

Thank god for YouTube. And of course, I had to check all of the others. There is a video for "Dreamer" [embedding disabled by request. BOOOOOO]

"Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" -

"Even Though You're Gone" -

"Goin' Places" -

Of course, some of these may actually be pulled from the Jacksons Variety Show.

Despite the absence of some of the Jacksons cuts, the collection is quite comprehensive (though I believe the video for "Gone Too Soon" is different than what I remembered).

It's a good thing that I bought this set over a semester break, because I ended up watching the bulk of it in one sitting. It does suck you in, particularly on the first disc. Sure, there's a dropoff point on disc 2, but if even the lesser videos weren't included, people like me would be quick to point out the omissions.

All told, this is the Michael Jackson video collection we've been waiting for. Given that it only touts 7 cuts, the bonus disc could have been padded with a number of other clips (the aforementioned Jacksons material, "We Are the World," etc.") But I'm splitting hairs here. Vision may be a bit of a rush job, but as the estate floods the market, this is one of the items that most fans actually want.

The sad thing is, I don't think we'll see anything like this from Prince until he dies, but that's another story altogether.

Gonzo Review Michael Jackson: The Experience

2011-01-13T22:44:00.003-05:00

In the late 1980s, I pumped a lot of quarters into Moonwalker at the local arcade. You got to dance, hear midi-versions of MJ hits, turn into a robot and even Bubbles was in the game!
It was the one regret I had about choosing a Super Nintendo over Sega Genesis (although, I felt vindicated years later when I learned the Genesis version paled to the arcade game).

When Michael Jackson: The Experience was announced, I was both excited and skeptical. But as gameplay videos began to leak out in the fall, I knew I'd have to get it sooner or later. The game has met with mixed reviews. Personally, I think it's a hoot. Following on-screen guides, you use your Wii-mote to replicate MJ's on-screen moves. Greater accuracy garners higher point values. It's a great party game (especially after a few beverages), and you will work up a sweat. All tracks are the original masters, although a couple are edited for length.

I will say that the track collection could have been stronger. The most iconic cuts are here, but there are also a few very questionable choices. For example, "The Girl is Mine:"

Other headscratchers include "Dirty Diana," "Heal the World," "Will You Be There" and "Money." For a dance game based on an artist known for high octane pop, these ballads are neither challenging nor particularly interesting to play. I would gladly have foresaken these cuts for "Jam," "PYT" or "Scream," all of which are excluded from the game. The upcoming PS3/XBox versions will have two extra cuts however. The equally pointless "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" and "Blood on the Dance Floor," which could be interesting.

Ballads aside, the game is a blast. One edge the Wii version has over the PS3/Xbox versions (at least from the press material I've seen) is that the Wii game puts you inside of the iconic videos for MJ's hits, while the other versions put players on a concert stage. For an artist whose popularity rests largely on music video innovation, it seems odd to forgo drawing on that familiar imagery.

On the other hand, the Xbox version is likely to have the best control. I haven't used a Kinnect, but the with one hand held Wii-mote as your only measure of movement, you can bs the moves if you really care to. Hell, you could stand still and simply move your hand in the appropriate directions and get the points (similar to the vocal in Rock Band being based on pitch and rhythm rather than actual phonetics). But that defeats the purpose, no? Might as well go all out and burn a few calories.

In sum, the song collection could be better, but other than that, I think that most Michael Jackson fans will enjoy the game, and that cocktails will be spilt on many a living room rug as players dance the night away.

Up next: review of the Michael Jackson's Vision dvd box.

Tom Tom Club on Fallon

2011-01-12T21:37:00.001-05:00

Also, Chris Frantz reflects on "Genius of Love," 30 years on.

Gonzo on the air, 1/9

2011-01-10T15:16:00.003-05:00

The Creation-Making Time
Flash and the Casuals-Uptight Tonight
The Starlites-Everybody Needs Somebody
Gore Gore Girls-Astral Man
The Sonics-Do You Love Me
The Time Stoppers-I Need Love
The Eyes-I'm Rowed Out
Them-Half as Much
The Yo-Yo's-Leaning on You
Pink Floyd-See Emily Play
The Count Five-Psychotic Reaction
The Mourning Reign-Evil-Hearted You
The Detroit Cobras-Cha Cha Twist
The Brogues-I Ain't No Miracle Worker
The Animals-Baby Let Me Take You Home
The Monks-Oh How to Do Now
The Kinks-Louie Louie
The Chesterfield Kings-Baby Doll
The Fleshtones-The Girl from Baltimore
The Action-I'll Keep on Holding on
Dave Clark Five-Any Way You Want It
The Rolling Stones-I Wanna Be Your Man
The Balloon Farm-A Question of Temperature
Yankee Rebels-Hey Girl
Paul Revere & the Raiders-Kicks
Love-Seven and Seven Is
The Pretty Things-Rosalyn
The Swamp Rats-It's Not Easy
Davy Jones and the Lower Third-You've Got a Habit of Leaving
Lyres-Don't Give it Up Now
The Who-Lies
Les Fleur de Lys-Circles
The Standells-Dirty Water
The Nerves-One Way Ticket
The Golliwogs-Fight Fire
The Strangeloves-I Want Candy

Gonzo on the air, 1/2

2011-01-03T00:07:00.004-05:00

Still on a Fela Kuti kick coming off of seeing Fela! The Musical a few nights ago. Ergo, this week was devoted entirely to Fela.

Monkey Banana
Sorrow, Tears and Blood
Water No Get Enemy
Zombie
Fear Not for Man
2000 Blacks Got to be Free (w/ Roy Ayers)
Authority Stealing

Check out the Fela reissues from Knitting Factory Records

2010-12-25T03:59:00.001-05:00

2010-12-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Pardon the Disney backdrop.

Beach House on Conan

2010-12-21T18:44:00.002-05:00

From Dr. Gonzo's favorite album of 2010, here's Beach House performing "10 Mile Stereo" on Conan last night:

Gonzo + Marc Morrison on the air, 12/19

2010-12-20T00:10:00.003-05:00

Our second annual year-end show!

The Bird and the Bee-Heard it on the Radio
Zeus-The Renegade
Local Natives-Sun Hands
Gorillaz-Stylo
Yeasayer-Ambling Alp
The Books-A Cold Freezin' Night
Surfer Blood-Floating Vibes
Spoon-Who Makes Your Money
Twin Sister-Lady Daydream
Callers-Glow
The Mynabirds-Let the Record Go
The New Pornographers-Crash Years
She & Him-Thieves
Maps & Atlases-Living Decorations
Grinderman-Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man
The Dead Weather-No Horse
Broken Bells-The High Road
Miniature Tigers-Bull Fighter Jacket
Vampire Weekend-Giving Up the Gun
Field Music-Measure
Beach House-Zebra
Soft Pack-Pull Out
Ariel Pink's the Haunted Graffiti-Round and Round
LCD Soundsystem-I Can Change
Robyn-Dancehall Queen
New Young Pony Club-Lost a Girl
Sleigh Bells-Infinity Guitars
Crystal Castles-Vietnam
Goldfrapp-Rocket
Chromeo-Night by Night

RIP Don van Vliet a.k.a. Captain Beefheart

2010-12-17T18:09:00.002-05:00

1941-2010

Captain Beefheart was one of the true originals in music. Like many, I discovered his music via that of Frank Zappa. While Beefheart is probably best known for the Zappa-produced Trout Mask Replica, his ouvre goes well beyond the scope of the Zappa-esque tunes on that album. While he retained elements of the Trout Mask sound, Beefheart might be best described as a blues man first, but one with his own unique style. I always liked to think of him as a demented Howlin' Wolf.

From the great Safe as Milk LP, here's "Sure 'Nuff 'n Yes I Do" -

And another favorite from that album, "Electricty" -

There's also a great documentary from a few years ago titled simply Captain Beefheart: Under Review. Well worth checking out - a very in depth look at his career.

As someone put it on Twitter, "Live fast, die bulbous." RIP, Captain.

2010 Mix

2010-12-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

Well, here we are again. There's snow on the ground, presents being bought, and a half-completed stack of finals on my living room floor. Yes friends, it's that time of year, when your old pal Gonzo compiles what he thinks represents some of the best music released in the last twelve months.

2010 was an excellent year for music. By April, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of good releases hitting shelves each week. That pace ebbed and flowed for the remainder of the year, but golly - this was surely one of the better years for music in recent history. As always, trying to narrow it all down to 80 minutes or less proved a challenge. But with perseverance and geeky obsession, I accomplished the mission. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you:

PRESENT COMPANY EXPECT IT:
GONZO'S 2010 MIX

1. LCD Soundsystem - "Dance Yrself Clean" This is Happening (Virgin)

Somehow I knew in June that this would end up kicking off the 2010 mix. I love the build in this song. For the first three minutes, you can barely hear what's going on (a la "Long Long Long"). Suddenly you're suckerpunched with that sixteenth note leading into a solid four-on-the-floor beat with some groovy synth punctuation as James Murphy's vocals become more soulful. And then there's the seemingly arhythmic break down which always throws me for a loop as well. I admit that I can't quite wrap my head around Murphy's lyrics, which critique the same hipster subculture that his career depends upon. Nevertheless, This is Happening was a winner with me from the moment I streamed it on the band's official website, and it is certainly deserving of all the attention that it's received this year.

Official Website

2. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - "Round and Round" Before Today (4AD)

Official Website

I'd never even heard of Ariel Pink until the buzz around Before Today began to circulate. Fellow WIUP DJ and occasional co-host Marc Morrison chose this one week for our summer program First Impressions. Upon first listen, I wasn't completely taken in by the album, but I could tell that it had room to grow on me. Turns out, I was right. A few late nights of writing spent with Before Today swung my opinion more fully. "Round and Round" remains my favorite track from the disc, and is very representative of the album's overall sound. It's indie rock meets AM Gold meets something slightly haunting (ergo, the name?). It's a catchy number, and I can't be the only one who thinks that the bridge pays homage to Julian Lennon's "Too Late for Goodbyes, can I?

3. Vampire Weekend - "Giving Up the Gun" Contra (XL)

Official Website

2010 was perhaps the year of Vampire Weekend. They got quite a bit of attention for their 2008 self-titled debut, but the buildup and eventual success of Contra pushed them into the mainstream spotlight. The album is great, though I know many people have tired of it, claiming it wore its welcome pretty quickly. That may well be the case. I can no longer tolerate "Holiday," thanks to the excessively-run Honda ad featuring the track. I would have pegged them for a Target commercial, actually. Anyhow, the fact of the matter is that Contra is still a great album, even if we're sick of it. More than any other song from the album, "Giving Up the Gun" sticks out primarily because WIUP student DJs gave it heavy play. But it also has a lot going for it - a catchy melody, a stop-start chorus, and a relative lack of pretension (which can't be said for many VW songs).

4. Yeasayer - "O.N.E." Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian)

Official Website

I believe my introduction to the new Yeasayer was actually Alan Wilkis' remix of "Ambling Alp." The original version of that track was up for consideration on this mix, but "O.N.E." beat it out, in part once again because a few WIUP DJs gave it heavy play in the spring. It's surely the most dance-oriented track on the disc, which sees the band generally moving into a poppier realm. Odd Blood still sports a good deal of the darker, weirder elements of All Hour Cymbals, which is great. But I have to say, it's the poppier tracks that stand out. I also got to see them live back in September, and they put on an excellent show.

5. Twin Sister - "Around and Away We Go" Colour Your Life (Infinite Best)

Official Website

A totally random discovery that happened to pan out. I stumbled upon Twin Sister over at Gorilla vs. Bear, who had posted a few tracks from the band's then-upcoming EP. Twin Sister put the entire EP up for free download, so I gave it a shot. And boy howdy, did it pay off. Twin Sister have a light, almost dream-like sound, but maintain a pop sensibility throughout. You can almost hear a bit of Tom Tom Club in there. There's also something rather charming about lead singer Andrea Estella's accent. It doesn't really sound like a New York accent (the band hails from Brooklyn), but I can't quite place it. They've toured extensively, though sadly not anywhere on my radar. Nonetheless, Colour Your Life is one of my top picks of the year - you know it's good when you download it for free (legally) yet make an eventual CD purchase as well. I'll be interested to see where Twin Sister goes from here.

7. Beach House - "Norway" Teen Dream (Sub Pop)

Official Website

I'd heard Beach House's previous release (2008's Devotion) and liked it well enough. But it cannot hold a candle to Teen Dream. When I heard Teen Dream in January, I billed it as "an early contender for album of the year." While there have been a number of worthy challengers, I say with conviction that Teen Dream is hands down my favorite album of 2010. I've played the hell out of it for 11 months and it affects me just as deeply in December as it did in January. The album is so unbelievably gorgeous, so lushly arranged and produced. It was a perfect winter release, to be played at full volume in a warm abode while Snowmageddeon raged outside. To put things into perspective, by the time I get to ripping tracks for the year-end mix, I have a general idea of how it will take shape. In the interest of time, I'll rip 2, *maybe* 3 tracks from the pile of discs that I accrue. When it came to Teen Dream, I pulled 6 of the album's 10 tracks, because there are just that many standouts on the disc (though the other four tracks are good too!). "Norway" won out from those other 5 tracks simply for purposes of fit and flow. It was otherwise quite difficult to pick one track from this dynamite album. Victoria Legrand also has one of the most alluring, beautiful and unique voices in indie rock. Interesting range as well. I was fortunate enough to see Beach House over the summer, and they faithfully execute their material live, with the aid of a live drummer (which is generally a plus in my book). If this mix prompts you to buy one album, it should really be Teen Dream.

8. Band of Horses - "Laredo" Infinite Arms (Fat Possum)

Official Website

Band of Horses has been around, but I admit that I hadn't heard them until this year. I heard "The Funeral" on the radio and thought it one of the most emotionally intense songs I'd ever heard. After acquainting myself with their first album, I was intrigued to hear of the pending release of Infinite Arms, their third album. I can't speak for what their second album sounds like (it's on my "to buy" list), but Infinite Arms has a hint of southern influence, which isn't quite the case with Everything All the Time. That southern flavor is probably most evident on "Laredo," the album's second single. That said, the song is indicative of the general vibe of Infinite Arms. This album gets the award for "Best disc for driving on the highway in the summertime." Perfect road trip music. So I thank an unnamed WIUP alum as well as blogging pal Pete Icke for hipping me to this wonderful band.

9. Grinderman - "Worm Tamer" Grinderman 2 (Mute/Anti)

Official Website

Speaking of bands that somehow escaped my radar until this year, Grinderman's second album was a surprise favorite. Nick Cave (along with a few Bad Seeds) fronts this dark, loud, straightforward rock outfit with a raw power (pun intended) unparalleled in 2010 rock releases. I believe I only checked out the album on account of some of the online buzz around it's release, which panned out in the end. "Worm Tamer" is the album's second single, (preceded by the equally in-your-face "Heathen Child"). Check out this live in-studio performance from the RAK Sessions in London:

10. The Dead Weather - "Die by the Drop" Sea of Cowards (Third Man)

Official Website

2009 saw the introduction of The Dead Weather, yet another JW project. The band's debut hit shelves in July of last year. Sea of Cowards was in our grubby little paws by May. And let's not forget all of the touring in between! In some senses Sea of Cowards is more of the same brand of gritty rock and creepy blues established on Horehound, but it seems a bit more focused as an album, and in general an all around tighter execution. Seriously, when does Jack White sleep? This guy's productivity is reaching comical proportions. ?uestlove is the only other figure I can think of that might give White a run for his money, though I'm certainly not complaining. Word on the street is that 2011 will bring us a new album by country gal Wanda Jackson produced by White (they'll also be touring together), and who knows what else. I'm certainly looking (and listening) forward.

11. Sleigh Bells - "Tell 'Em" Treats (N.E.E.T./Mom and Pop)

Official Website

While there was a lot of great music released this year, Sleigh Bells was one of those rare albums that made my ears perk up as I thought, "Well this sounds different than pretty much anything else I've heard before." It definitely has some echoes of labelmate M.I.A., but they aren't copping her style by any means. Most notably, Sleigh Bells are a hell of a lot nosier than M.I.A. The sheer amount of overmodulation on the album is reminiscent of the Stooges' Raw Power, while the music is a clash of pop hooks, punk ferocity and guitars, and danceable beats. Wikipedia categorizes the band as "Noise Pop." Usually I ignore such labels, but this one actually fits. They've taken aggressive, distorted noise and placed it within the 3 minute pop format. And somehow, it works.

12. Crystal Castles - "Celestica" II (Fiction)

Official Website

The sophomore disc from Crystal Castles took a very close second to the Beach House record as my pick for album of the year. They were certainly my two most played discs, with Crystal Castles having the added element of extreme anticipation. And the band certainly disappoint - there isn't a bad track on the album. From the "fun facts" file, Wikipedia claims that Crystal Castles II was recorded "in various places including a church in Iceland, a self-built cabin in northern Ontario, a garage behind an abandoned convenience store in Detroit, and the London studio of Paul "Phones" Epworth (Bloc Party)." But I digress. The album showcases Crystal Castles in a variety of modes, but none too far of a stretch - dancier tunes (such as "Celestica"), noisier, more aggressive tracks ("Doe Deer"), and darker electro tunes that have earned them the rather absurd label of "electro goth" ("Vietnam," "Violent Dreams"). And they put one hell of a live show. Aside from the seemingly endless DJs that preceded them, Crystal Castles' show at the Electric Factory was by far the best (and sweatiest) live show I saw in 2010. The icing on the cake is a remix of one of the album's tracks, a cover of Platinum Blonde's "Not in Love," featuring Robert Smith on vocals. I admit, it sounded like a bad idea, but holy cow, it works beautifully - dare I say I like it even more than the album cut. Check it out:

12. New Young Pony Club - "Lost a Girl" The Optimist (The Numbers)

Official Website

You may recall that the New Young Pony Club's 2007 debut was a favorite of mine that year. That being the case, I was very much looking forward to The Optimist. It isn't as strong as its predecessor, but The Optimist is a solid effort in much the same vein as Fantastic Playroom. If ever there was a band that could be described as "hipster pop," this is probably it. I sure don't have a problem with it. I just wish they would tour the US.

13. Chromeo - "Night by Night" Business Casual (Atlantic)

Official Website

Oh, we're dancin' now! Chromeo came back onto the scene this year with the follow up to their 2007 breakthrough/automatic dance party Fancy Footwork. It's an admirable return that follows the FF format, but Business Casual does leave one wondering just how long Chromeo can ride the wave of retro-'80s synth funk. In any genre , the retro game is only interesting for so long (I'm looking at you, Jurassic 5 and Amy Winehouse). While Business Casual is a fine disc, it does suggest that Chromeo's next move is going to have to step out side of the (talk)box for them to retain audience interest. But to end on a positive note, the songs on Business Casual maintain a too-sexy vibe. "Night by Night" is a great example of this - and the video is every bit as seductive as the song:

14. Goldfrapp - "Rocket" Head First (Mute)

Official Website

Speaking of retro, there's also a clear 1980s influence throughout Goldfrapp's Head First. Some call it a return to roller disco. I believe my hetero life partner said "Rocket" sounded "like Flashdance circa 2010." I'll take it. I was not a big fan of Goldfrapp's previous effort, 2008's Seventh Tree - but I had to respect their move to play outside of the electro sandbox for a bit (though I'm thinking I ought to revisit that album). Ultimately though, Goldfrapp is at their best when they're making dance music. Their decidedly retro approach on Head First works very well, a more playful contrast to their previous work (such as 2005's Supernature).

15. M.I.A. - "XXXO" /\/\ /\ Y /\ (N.E.E.T./XL/Interscope)

Official Website

I didn't have much hope for M.I.A.'s third studio album (read: "Maya"). Her off-stage antics (most notably her feud with a New York Times writer) and schizophrenic Tweets seemed like she might be heading into Kanye territory. Upon hearing the album's stream via NPR's First Listen, I was pleasantly surprised. This is absolutely M.I.A.'s weakest album to date, but there are a number of gems scattered about. Quite simply, it would have been a great 10-track LP. Among those gems is "XXXO," which is apparently one of the biggest love-it-or-hate-it singles of the year (at least according to the blogosphere). I love it. One reviewer criticized the track for being so "club ready," but that's one of the things I like about it. It's a contrast to the multi-genre cultural amalgamation she's known for, true. But a welcome one, I think. I will say that in this track and others on the album, the references to Twitter, iPhone, the Internet, etc. seem incredibly forced. Maybe it's done tongue-in-cheek, I don't know. Nevertheless, "XXXO," "Born Free" (and it's controversial video), "Teqkilla," and "Tell Me Why" are standout tracks that make /\/\ /\ Y /\ a worthwhile album, if an overall less interesting one. She also loses points for not including a download code with the vinyl release (seriously?).

16. Robyn (feat. Snoop Dogg) - "U Should Know Better" Body Talk pt. 2 (Konichiwa Records)

Official Website

Ever since Bowie's canned Outside trilogy, I've instinctually been skeptical of any artist announcing a multi-volume project to be released over time. 2010 may force me to rethink this position. Erykah Badu released the second installment of her New Amerykah trilogy this year, and Robyn met her goal of releasing the three-part Body Talk set over the course of 2010...sort of. I can't help feeling that the third installment (simply titled Body Talk) was a bit of a copout, boasting 5 new tracks and 10 cuts previously issued on Body Talk pts. 1 and 2. Seriously? Of course I bought it, but that's beside the point. So is this little tirade for that matter. I digress. While 2005's Robyn received international acclaim, I found much of it fairly pedestrian, save the electro-infused tracks that opened the album. But those two tracks were enough to leave me thinking "She has a great album in her. This just isn't it." So I was very excited when I heard that among other people, Philly's own Diplo would be doing production work on the Body Talk project. "This is exactly what she needs," I thought. And while Diplo was only involved in a few of the project's tracks, collectively Body Talk is the album I've been wanting Robyn to make. Her pop tendencies aren't buried, but given a makeover that makes these albums stand out amid the sludge of contemporary dime-a-dozen dance pop artists. Pop, electro, dancehall (hi, Diplo!), acoustic ballads and Swedish folk combine for a consistently enjoyable toe-tappin', booty-shakin' listen. Here's hoping that Robyn continues to innovate and reinvent her sound in interesting ways.

17. Janelle Monae (feat. Big Boi) - "Tightrope" The Archandroid (Bad Boy)

Official Website

Being such a Prince fan, friends of mine will fairly often recommend an artist claiming, "they sound a lot like Prince." This was how I first learned of Janelle Monae. Skeptical, I gave The Archandroid a listen and wasn't that taken, especially after seeing her Prince tribute at the BET Awards. Her "look at me, I'm weird" shtick just seemed too contrived. Months later, I thought that I may have been too harsh, and gave it another listen.

I had been too harsh.

The Archandroid covers a lot of ground. It's soulful, it's funky, it's accessible yet unconventional. And guess what - I *can* hear the Prince influence on a few tracks. So all apologies to Ms. Monae - I was too quick to judge (this is why I try to give everything at least two spins before writing it off).

18. The Roots (feat. Dice Raw) - "How I Got Over" How I Got Over (Okay Player)

Official Website

Three words: "return to form." The Roots' body of work has been consistently good, but I admit that their last few records have been mixed bags. Not that they were bad, but they lacked the consistency of earlier discs like Do You Want More?!!!!??!, Illadelph Halflife and Things Fall Apart. How I Got Over is easily the group's best disc since at least 2002's Phrenology. There are some atypical guest appearances (Joanna Newsom, Monsters of Folk, that somehow work, sounding totally logical and natural. As always, the album is littered with social commentary. While the group's previous two records (2006's The Tipping Point and 2008's Rising Down) were generally dark in lyrical and musical tone, How I Got Over exudes a more positive vibe, one focusing on perseverance and triumph. Though I can't find the interview now, one Roots member (?uestlove or Black Thought, I believe) stated that The Tipping Point and Rising Down were reflective of the George W. Bush era, while How I Got Over is in some senses a snapshot of moving into Barack Obama's America. Musically, the album has a stronger soul element than previous efforts, almost a "Curtis Mayfield goes hip hop" sound. It makes perfect sense then, that The Roots' second project this year was Wake Up, a collaboration with vocalist John Legend (though I wasn't so taken with that album). As with M.I.A., The Roots lose some points for not including a download code with the vinyl edition, but I can overlook that given the quality of the music.

19. Cee-Lo Green - "F**k You" The Lady Killer (Elektra)

Official Website

Undeniably the viral hit of the year. Sure, it's a bit of a novelty tune. Sure, absent the F-bomb it wouldn't have reached the level of success that it did. But you know what? It's a great track despite a pretty blatant pandering to shock value. Plus, it's Cee-Lo back on his own, redeeming himself from the slop of the second Gnarls Barkley album. To Cee-Lo's credit, The Lady Killer isn't another retro-'60s soul album, but has a somewhat wider breadth. (though the catchiest tracks do fall into that category). However, the radio friendly version ("Forget You") sounds so forced and awkward, and its regrettable that they even bothered trying to capitalize on a clean version of a song that's appeal is largely it's use of expletives. Speaking of awkward and regrettable, there was that Gwenyth Paltrow performance of "Forget You" on Glee (which I would in fact like to forget):

2010 Honorable Mentions

2010-12-17T00:17:00.003-05:00

I'm about to unveil my 2010 mix. This having been a pretty great year for music, there were many regrettable omissions. These worthy contenders were cut for a variety of reasons - length, flow, quality of the overall album vs. individual songs, etc. But they bear mentioning as jawns that got much play in the Zackcave this year, and are also worth your time.

Erykah Badu - New Amerykah vol. 2: Return of the Ankh
The Bird and the Bee - Interpreting the Masters, vol. 1: The Music of Daryl Hall & John Oates
The Books - The Way Out
Brian Eno - Small Craft on a Milk Sea
Broken Bells - The High Road
Four Tet - There is Love in You
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Ikonika - Contact Love, Want, Have
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way
Lightspeed Champion - Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
The Mynabirds - What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood
The National - High Violet
oOoOO - No Summr4U
Quadron - s/t
Royksopp - Senior
Sade Soldier of Love
She & Him - Volume 2
The Soft Pack - s/t
Spoon - Transference
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
a telecine - a cassette tape culture

That's a lot of honorable mentions. What could possibly be left? Stay tuned!

Gonzo on the air, 12/12

2010-12-13T00:02:00.002-05:00

Grinderman-Worm Tamer
Neil Young-Walk With Me
New Order-Dreams Never End
Clinic-Lion Tamer
The National-Anyone's Ghost
Mew-Beach
The Raveonettes-The Christmas Song
The Walkmen-While I Shovel Snow
Lou Reed-New York Telephone Conversation
Tom Waits-Down in the Hole
T. Rex-Christmas Bop
John Lennon-Nobody Told Me (Request)
Beatles-Christmas Time is Here Again
Dr. Dog-Where'd All the Time Go?
Grizzly Bear-Two Weeks
Luge-All About Love
Big Dee Irwin & Little Eva-I Wish You A Merry Christmas
James Brown-Soulful Christmas Tree
Cee-Lo-It's OK
Aretha Franklin-See Saw
The Staples Singers-Respect Yourself
Prince and the Revolution-Another Lonely Christmas (12" mix)
Yesterday's New Quintet-Superstition
Beck-Nicotine and Gravy
Kid Cudi-Revofev
Clarence Carter-Back Door Santa
Run DMC-Christmas in Hollis
Kurtis Blow-Christmas Rappin'

2010 Disappointments

2010-12-09T00:43:00.006-05:00

Since mid-November, I've been listening (mostly re-listening, actually) to 2010 almost exclusively. This is of course in preparation for my annual year-end mix, now under production. I've decided to make a few preliminary posts leading up to the mix itself, and this is the first.

Why did I just spend three weeks straight listening to this music? I surely have a pretty good idea of what my tops pick would be. This is more a chance to catch things that fell through the cracks. More accurately, to give one last chance to albums that either didn't impress me, or perhaps didn't received enough attention. There are always a few releases that, upon this final review, I move from the "NO" pile to the"Maybe" or even "YES" pile. Overwhelmingly though, this re-review process leads to filling up the "NO" folder. No doubt, there's more bad music than good music released each year.

I'm not here to catalog what I thought were all of the bad releases that I came across this year. Instead, I'm going to share a few disappointments - albums that I legitimately looked forward to with anticipation, but ended up being (as Raoul Duke would say) "a lame fuck around, a waste of time."

Here then, are Gonzo's four biggest musical disappointments of 2010.

MGMT - Congratulations (Sony)

I remember it like it was Record Store Day. And it was! I admit, I approached the album with trepidation. 2008's Oracular Spectacular may be overexposed, but it's a damn fine album. As the hype machine for Congratulations began spinning, I was skeptical. It would be pretty easy for MGMT to not have another great album in them. But I started to buy into some of the hype. I mean hell, it had a scratch off cover! So on my first visit (of many in 2010, I might add) to Indiana, PA's Backstreet Records, I picked up the double LP on Record Store Day.

The album is...interesting. Truthfully, I don't think it's as horrible as many have cast it, but it sure isn't a winner either. I admire them for not trying to remake Oracular Spectacular. But Congratulations just isn't that interesting. I really wanted to like this record. And there are some decent tracks, but the whole affair reeks of mediocrity. "It's Working" is pretty much the only salvageable track here, and perhaps "Brian Eno" (though I fear this is interesting only because it's an ode to Eno). Maybe they can recover and put out another great record. But I'm sure not going to give it a blind buy.

.Jamie Lidell - Compass (Warp)

I first heard Jamie Lidell in the time between his Multiply and Jim albums. I loved both, thus Compass was much anticipated. It came out the same week as the Band of Horses and LCD Soundsytem albums. But the Lidell disc ended up being the odd one out. It lacks the musical diversity of Multiply and the tight, punchy, well polished sound of Jim. The album is a chore to get through. It's also lyrically a bit dark. It actually reminded me (in tone, not style) of Lenny Kravitz's Circus and Gnarls Barkley's The Odd Couple. By that I mean it appear to be Lidells "depression album.' That can be ok, but it simply isn't executed very well. The best songs on Compass aren't as good as the worst songs on its predecessors. "Telephone" standouts are "I Wanna Be Your Telephone" and "Enough's Enough," but these are fairly uninteresting in comparison to the tunes comprising Lidell's last two releases.

Prince - 20Ten (NPG)

It pains me to include a Prince album on a list of musical disappointments, but thems the breaks. Much of Prince's output in the last decade has had the Purple One going reflexively retro. Somehow, every time a Prince album is released, some half-baked critic hails it as "his best since Sign 'O' the Times or "as good as Purple Rain." Bitch, please. It's not a bad album, but it's Prince ripping off himself, and the result sounds horribly rushed and uninspired. As I said in my initial review of the album, Prince should probably stop releasing an album in year, going for quality over quantity. It's still better than Planet Earth, though.

Lil' Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being (Cash Money)

I won't say that I had huge expectations of Lil' Wayne's new disc, especially after Rebirth. But I thought perhaps we could forgive him for his questionable foray into the rock arena, and that I Am Not a Human Being might recapture some of the glory of Tha Carter III (perhaps this is because the album adapts one of my favorite tracks from the latter album). But nay, the album is a disappointment. Uncreative, lacking innovation, overly formulaic. Maybe I should give the guy a break. He did spend the bulk of 2010 in prison, after all.

These were probably the four most disappointing albums for me in 2010. Not the worst. But guess what - there was a lot of great music released this year. So much so that in my next post, I will briefly survey the runners-up to my year-end selections. Stay tuned...

Gonzo on the air, 12/5

2010-12-05T23:58:00.002-05:00

Steely Dan-FM
Bird and the Bee-Kiss on My List
Stereolab-So is Cardboard Clouds
The Ravenonettes-Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Vampire Weekend-Horchata
Jukebox the Ghost-Empire
George Harrison-What is Life
Local Natives-Sun Hands
Death Cab for Cutie-We Laugh Indoors
The Sonics-Santa Claus
Chuck Berry-Run, Rudolph, Run (REQUEST)
The Hold Steady-The Weekenders
Ty Seagall-My Sunshine
The Beau Brummels-Laugh, Laugh
Quadron-Slippin'
Blur-There's No Other Way
Capstan Shafts-Class War Tease
Royksopp-Tricky Two
Das Racist-hahahaha jk?
N.E.R.D.-Party People
Robyn-Indestructible
Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith-Not in Love
Scissor Sisters-Night Work
Devo-Don't Shoot (I'm a Man)
Lamb-Heaven

New Royksopp

2010-12-03T00:32:00.001-05:00

From the just released Senior LP.

Gonzo on the Air, 11/28

2010-11-29T00:20:00.002-05:00

Foo Fighters-This is a Call
Ra Ra Riot-Too Dramatic
Spoon-Is Love Forever?
Band of Horses-Compliments
Fleetwood Mac-Secondhand News
Warren Zevon-Excitable Boy
Violent Femmes-American Music
Spinal Tap-Big Bottom (REQUEST)
The Replacements-Lay it Down Clown (REQUEST)
Delorean-Endless Sunset
Phantogram-Bloody Palms
Twin Sister-Lady Daydream
Mynabirds-Numbers Don't Lie
Beach Boys-That's Not Me
Erin McKeown-Slung-Lo
Miike Snow-Animal
LCD Soundsystem-I Can Change
+/- - Queen of Detroit
Flaming Lips-Race for the Prize
Yeasayer-Love Me Girl
New Young Pony Club-We Want To
My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult-Hit n Run Holiday
Budos Band-Rite of the Ancients
La Roux-Quicksand
The Roots (feat Monsters of Folk)-Dear God
oOoOO-EGYPTYNLVR
Brian Eno-2 Forms of Anger
The Books-The Story of Hip Hop
Portishead-Only You

Happy T-Day

2010-11-25T18:24:00.001-05:00

Ow!

2010-11-23T15:31:00.001-05:00

Gonzo on the air, 11/21

2010-11-22T11:13:00.003-05:00

I was a little limited this week, as the computer was temporary off limits. Alas.

--
The Pixies-Hey
We Are Scientists-Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt
The Killers-Mr. Brightside
Black Keys-Tighten Up
Dead Weather-Die by the Drop
New York Dolls-Chatterbox (live)
Sleigh Bells-Infinity Guitars
Fugazi-Waiting Room
Jucifer-Superman
REM-Bang and Blame
Patti Smith-Because the Night
The Cure-Just Like Heaven
Belle & Sebastian-I Want the World to Stop
Sweet-Man from Mecca
Wolf Parade-Cloud Shadow on the Mountain
Barry and the Remains-Why Do I Cry
The Searchers-Needles and Pins
Frank Zappa-Joe's Garage
Aloe Blacc-I Need a Dollar
Cee-Lo-Cry Baby
The Miracles-Going to a Go-Go
Jr. Walker and the All-Stars-Road Runner
Robert Palmer-I Didn't Mean to Turn You On
Dam-Funk-Mirrors
The Whispers-Rock Steady
Stevie Wonder-Part-Time Lover (12" mix)
Erykah Badu- Agitation/Turn Me Away (Get Munny)
Luther Ingram-If Loving You is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right

Twin Sister: "All Around and Away We Go"

2010-11-20T16:39:00.001-05:00

New video for my favorite cut from one of my top picks of 2010.

Gonzo goes to Amoeba Music

2010-11-18T22:35:00.002-05:00

I've just returned from a trip to San Francisco. While my primary purpose in visiting was a conference and catching up with old friends, I was also stoked to visit the legendary Amoeba Music.

This is actually one of three stores Amoeba has in California, the others being in Berkeley (the original) and Hollywood. Amoeba consistently ranks in those "Best Records Stores" lists, and I've heard years of personal testimony. I never doubted, but now I can confirm that Amoeba Music is a) worthy of such praise b) really fucking big and c) totally overwhelming.

(Note: this image does not include the video department, the 45s, or the new releases).

Prior to entering, a long-time friend, music geek and current SF resident said "it's better if you have a list. Otherwise you'll get overwhelmed pretty easily." I did not have a list, and yes, I was overwhelmed. I would browse for a bit in one section, then think of something to look for somewhere else, rinse, wash repeat.

The prices seemed fair, but not incredible deals nor overpriced (I admit, my price-gauge on vinyl has been immensely spoiled by Jerry's Records in Pittsburgh). I did find some gems, however. It's rare anymore that I come across Prince 12 inches that I either don't have or are out of my price range (limited promos and such). But I filled two gaps there ("Diamonds and Pearls" and "Black Sweat"), as well as a remix 12" for MJ's "You Rock My World" - featuring Jay-Z! Didn't even know that existed. I also found a bunch of nuggets in the clearance bins, which are easy to miss. Mostly funk and r&b stuff (filling many Earth Wind and Fire gaps). The coolest thing that I found was a recent release of an old New York Dolls show:

The label touted it as the best-available recording from the era, plus you got a cd copy with the 180-gram vinyl. Count me in! I listened to the cd on the way home from the airport, and it is pretty great (though Johannsen's vocals are mixed a little low). It's not exactly a bootleg release, but from what I can gather it's a Russian company putting out some excellent reissues and previously unreleased gems from all over the musical map - the Dolls, the Cure, the Who, Stevie, Can, Bob Marley and many more. Something to keep an eye on.

Fortunately, my friend found me amidst the bulging aisles and gestured that we should leave. "I've found it unwise and financially unsound to spend more than an hour in here." Which is probably good reasoning (I did leave my place in line to check for one more thing).

Anyhow, if you're ever in Cali, Amoeba is a must. I can't imagine that being my local record store, though. Living in California is expensive enough as it is!

An old favorite

2010-11-12T10:40:00.001-05:00

(head asplodes)

Gonzo on the air, 11-7

2010-11-08T00:09:00.002-05:00

Thee Almighty Handclaps-Full Time
Gore Gore Girls-Fight Fire
The Drums-Me and the Moon
Surfer Blood-Anchorage
No Age-Glitter
Adam Ant-Goody Two-Show (REQUEST)
XTC-Generals and Majors
MGMT-Brian Eno
Love is All-Early Warnings
Hot Hot Heat-Le Le Le Low
The Blue Up?-Going all the Way
Twin Shadow-Tyrant Destroyed
Grinderman-Palaces of Montezuma
The Replacements-Skyway (REQUEST)
Big Star-Kizza Me
The Sugarcubes-Chihuahua
Iknoika-Millie
Brian Eno-Horse
Crystal Castles-Pap Smear
Rainbow Arabia-I Know, I See, I Love, I Go
Ratatat-Bare Feast
Film School-Heartful of Pentagons (Alan Wilkis remix)
Robyn-Criminal Intent
La Roux-Quicksand
AnaRobik-Communicate
Chromeo-Night by Night
The Time-Wild and Loose
Parliament-Fantasy is Reality

Gonzo on the air, 10-31

2010-11-01T15:52:00.002-04:00

Misfits-Halloween
Misfits-Hallween II
The Ramones-Pet Cemetery (live)
Siouxsie and the Banshees-Halloween
Ministry-Every Day is Halloween
David Bowie-Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
New York Dolls-Frankenstein
Rolling Stones-Dancing with Mr. D
Alice Cooper-Welcome to My Nightmare
The Sonics-The Witch
Gore Gore Girls-Where Evil Grows
Screamin' Jay Hawkins-I Put a Spell on You
Classics IV-Spooky
The Lollipop Shoppe-You Must Be a Witch
Fantomas-Rosemary's Baby
Zombi-Sequence I
White Ring-lxC999
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-Nightmare on My Street
Whodini-Freaks Come Out at Night
Fat Boys-Are You Ready for Freddy?
Yvonne Gage-Doin' it in a Haunted House
Rockwell-Somebody's Watching Me
Outkast-Dracula's Wedding
The Jacksons-This Place Hotel (live)
Michael Jackson-Off the Wall
Michael Jackson-Thriller

"$50 cool cash!"

2010-10-26T04:16:00.002-04:00

This is the best late-night YouTube find in a loooooong time:

Gonzo On the Air, 10/24

2010-10-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Paul McCartney-Too Many People
Spoon-You Got Yr Cherry Bomb
Ra Ra Riot-Do You Remember
Florence and the Machine-Kiss With a Fist
The Raveonettes-Last Dance
Best Coast-When I'm With You
Pains of Being Pure at Heart-Teenager in Love
M83-Kim & Jessie
Morphine-Scratch
Local Natives-Wide Eyes
UUVVWWZ-Shark Suit
Los Campesinos-Plan A
Primus-Have a Cigar
Nirvana-Scentless Apprentice
White Stripes-Ball and Biscuit
The Black Keys-Tighten Up
Twin Shadow-Tyrant Destroyed
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti-Can't Hear My Eyes
Quadron-Slippin'
The Cars-Since You're Gone
The Family-Screams of Passion (12" mix)
Terrence Trent D'arby-Wishing Well (12" mix)
Barry Adams-Something Wicked This Way Comes
Donald Byrd-Think Twice
Graham Central Station-I Believe In You

2010-10-24T15:25:00.001-04:00

I have a feeling this will haunt my dreams tonight.

Gonzo on the air, 10-17

2010-10-18T00:18:00.000-04:00

Taco-Puttin' on the Ritz (12" mix)
Radiohead-Idiotheque
Deerhunter-Revival
Belle & Sebastian-I'm Not Living in the Real World
Peter, Bjorn & John-Amsterdam
David Byrne feat. Santigold-Please Don't
Mission of Burma-That's When I Reach for My Revolver
The Replacements-Anywhere is Better than Here
Grinderman-Worm Tamer
Wolf Parade-Ghost Pressure
Young the Giant-My Body
The Clash-Straight to Hell
The Guards-I See it Coming
MIA-Born Free
Holy Fuck-Red Lights
Yoko Ono-You're the One
Chromeo-Don't Turn the Lights On
Robyn-We Dance to the Beat
Royksopp-Miss it So Much
Gnarls Barkley-Just a Thought
Fever Ray-Mercy Street
Blakroc feat. Mos Def-On the Vista
Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi-Tight Rope
Flo-Rida-Right Round (request)
Das Racist-Commercial
Jody Watley-Don't You Want Me
Val Young-Seduction

Playlists from Back 2 School Daze

2010-10-15T03:31:00.003-04:00

Back in September, my musical partner in crime and I deejayed together once again. This comes very late, but here is the rundown of what we spun in case you're interested:

------

Loose Joints - Is It All Over My Face (Female Version)
El Coco - Cocomotion
M.F.S.B. - K-Jee
Metro Area - Dance Reaction
Calvin Harris - Acceptable in the '80s
Charlie - Spacer Woman
Les Rhythmes Digitales - Hypnotise
Soviet - Candy Girl
David Bowie - John, I'm Only Dancing (Sax Version)
Roxy Music - Do the Strand
The Jam - Sounds From the Street
Blondie-Atomic
New Young Pony Club-Lost a Girl
CSS-Move
Midnight Oil-Beds Are Burning
New Order-True Faith
Midnight Star-Midas Touch (Hell Interface remix)
Felix da Housecat-We All Wanna Be Prince
Goldfrapp-Rocket
David Bowie-Modern Love
Quasimoto-Astro Black
Camp Lo-Luchini (A.K.A. This It It)
Nas-It Ain't Hard to Tell
SWV-Right Here (Human Nature Remix)
Big Boi-Shutterbug
Stevie Nicks-Stand Back
Kate Bush-The Big Sky
Sheena Easton-Sugar Walls
New Edition-My Secret (Didja Gitit Yet?)
Cee Lo-Fuck You
Style Council-Walls Come Tumbling Down
The Action-I'll Keep On Holding On
Stevie Wonder-Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Robyn-Don't Fucking Tell Me What to Do
MIA-XXXO
Chromeo-Night by Night
Rick James-17
Rockwell feat. MJ-Somebody's Watching Me
Lady Gaga-Monster
Duran Duran-Girls on Film
Neneh Cherry-Buffalo Stance (12" Mix)
Prince and the Revolution-1999
Lil' Kim-Crush on You
2Pac-I Get Around
EU-Da Butt
Salt N Pepa-Push It
Janet Jackson-Miss You Much
The Time-Jungle Love
Notorious BIG-Juicy
Bell Biv Devoe-Poison
Kelis-Milkshake
Gwen Stefani-Hollaback Girl
Run DMC-It's Tricky
Nas-Halftime
Digital Underground-The Humpty Dance
Public Enemy-Terminator X to the Edge of Panic
RZA-Wu-Wear
MJ-Billie Jean (12" mix)
MJ-Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Madonna-Dress You Up (12" mix)
New Order-Age of Consent
Jaylib-The Red
Peaches-Fuck the Pain Away
Spank Rock-Bumb
Amanda Blank-Might Like You Better
Lil' Wayne-Pussy Monster
Prince-Sister/Partyup

Pittsburgh represent.

2010-10-14T02:02:00.000-04:00

Runnin' Down a Dream

2010-10-12T02:22:00.000-04:00

I know I've been slack in posting much more than radio playlists as of late. The first month and a half of the semester did me in. But I've had this post brewing for a few weeks, and it's time to get it out.

I recently watched the Peter Bogdanovich documentary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream. I've always been a big fan of the Heartbreakers, and was curious as to what insight the documentary would provide. I was a little dismayed when the discs came from Netflix. This sucker clocks in at just under four hours. Now, I love me some Tom Petty, but that seems like overkill for a straightforward documentary on a pretty straightforward rock band.

But overkill it is not. I found myself drawn into the Heartbreakers' story for the film's duration, eagerly awaiting the insights and developments of the next documented phase of the band's career.

The film is rather comprehensive - following the boys from their youth in southern Florida to their stabs at obtaining a record contract, their rise to stardom in the 1970s, becoming video icons in the 1980s, the solo work, the Wilburys, the 1990s material - it's all here. And it's all told with such by the band themselves - every member was interviewed in depth, as were associates of the band (producers, former managers, family members, ex-band members, as well as a who's-who of rock stars from the 1970s through today).

And it is a surprisingly gripping story from the perspective of what was happening behind the scenes (infighting, substance abuse, family struggles, creative differences) and simply being able to see Tom and the band develop their craft over the course of 30 years.

Perhaps most interesting to me were the well chronicled battles between Petty and the music industry. I knew he was always an advocate for fans, but I never realized just how many times he went to bat against the corporate music biz (and he remains so today, critiquing the radio industry on The Last DJ, getting into hot water over offering free downloads, etc.).

To put it simply, if you're a fan of the music, the documentary is an absolute must. The four-disc set includes a DVD of the Heartbreakers' 30th Anniversary Concert in Gainesville, as well as a CD of rarities and outtakes. Rock on.

Check out the trailer:

And what the hell, here's one of my favorites:

Crystal Castles: "Baptism"

2010-10-11T19:06:00.001-04:00

New video for one of my favorite tracks off of one of my favorite discs of 2010:

Gonzo on the air, 10-10

2010-10-11T00:02:00.003-04:00

Sex Pistols-Holiday in the Sun
Frank Black and the Catholics-Bad Harmony
Ty Segall-My Sunshine
The Buzzcocks-I Don't Mind
The Black Angels-Telephone
Johnny Thunders-Daddy Rolling Stone
The Ramones-I Don't Want to Grow Up (live)
Luge-All About Love
The Hotrats-Damaged Goods
Spencer Davis Group-I'm a Man
The Greenhornes-Shelter of Your Arms
Lightspeed Champion-Middle of the Dark
The National-Anyone's Ghost
The Doors-The Soft Parade
Phoenix-Lisztomania
Ratatat-Mahalo
Plone-Plock
Sleigh Bells-Rill Rill
Tom Tom Club-Lorelei
New Order-1963
Solomon Burke-Cry to Me
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings-She Ain't a Child No More
Aloe Blacc-I Need a Dollar
The Roots-Walk Alone
Fela Kuti-Who're You

Gonzo on the air, 10/3

2010-10-04T00:03:00.001-04:00

Cinematic Orchestra-Evolution
Broken Bells-The High Road
Yeasayer-Madder Red
Eleni Mandell-Iowa City
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros-Home
The Walkmen-Stranded
Bruce Springsteen-The Promised Land
Credence Clearwater Revivial-It Came Out of the Sky
The Drums-Best Friend
Talking Heads-People Like Us
Justin Townes Earle-Harlem River Blues
Iron & Wine-Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car
Boss Hog-I Dig You
Sia-Clap Your Hands
The Ting Tings-We Walk
Four Tet-Angel Echoes
Chromeo-Night by Night
Robyn-In My Eyes
Goldfrapp-Alive
Whodini-Freaks Come Out at Night
Rockwell-Somebody's Watching Me
Kraftwerk-Musique Non Stop
Cibo Matto-Sugar Water
The Bird and the Bee-One on One

Duck Sauce: "Barbara Streisand"

2010-09-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

Kind of awesome.

Chromeo killin' it on Letterman

2010-09-21T02:04:00.002-04:00

Hell yes.

Gonzo on the air, 9/19

2010-09-20T00:55:00.002-04:00

Joni Mitchell-You Turn Me On I'm a Radio
She & Him-Thieves
Ra Ra Riot-Too Dramatic
Twin Sister-The Other Side of the Pillow
Bjork-Hyperballad
Delorean-Real Love
Dead Weather-Blue Blood Blues
Arctic Monkeys-Crying Lightning
Maps & Atlases-Carrying the Wet Wood
Butthole Surfers-Tongue
Stray Cats-Runaway Boys
The Jades-Ain't Got You
The Bangles-The Real World
Johnny Thunders-Great Big Kiss
T Rex-Baby Strange
Aceyalone-The Lonely Ones
Kim Weston-Take Me in Your Heart (Rock Me a While)
Booker T and the MGs-Chinese Checkers
Stevie Wonder-Light My Fire
Budos Band-Black Venom
Santana-No One to Depend On
Sly and the Family Stone-Underdog
Chromeo-Night by Night
Kylie Minogue-Better than Today
Justice-D.A.N.C.E.
Daft Punk-Around the World
The Carpenters-Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft

Wing: "Beat It"

2010-09-19T16:03:00.001-04:00

Via the fine folks at

MJ Experience Trailer

2010-09-15T21:19:00.002-04:00

I hate video game trailers that barely show the game. I also doubt that this game will "electrify the world," but I'm still curious. I hope the actual on-screen graphic can be MJ though (what's up with that?).

Gonzo on the air, 9/12

2010-09-13T00:06:00.001-04:00

Kate Bush-Running Up That Hill
Bat for Lashes-Daniel
Beach House-Zebra
Black Keys-Everlasting Light
Them-I Can Only Give You Everything
Los Campesinos-Romance is Boring
Gogol Bordello-Trans-Continental Hustle
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers-I Need to Know
The Chevelles-For Your Love
Thee Headcoatees-Wild Man
The Who-So Sad About Us
Man Man-Top Drawer
Fugazi-Exit Only
Faith No More-A Small Victory
Jukebox the Ghost-Schizophrenia
Love and Rockets-Haunted When the Minutes Drag
Siouxsie and the Banshees-Happy House
Crystal Castles-Violent Dreams
Mew-Tricks
Tobacco-Fresh Hex (feat. Beck)
Grandmaster Melle Mel, the Furious Five, Cowboy and Scorpio-Step Off (12" mix)
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-Brand New Funk
Gorillaz-Stylo (feat Mos Def and Bobby Womack)
MIA-XXXO
LaRoux-Bulletproof (Electrolightz remix)
Chromeo-Don't Turn the Lights On

Gonzo on the air, 9/5

2010-09-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

New Young Pony Club-Lost a Girl
We Are Scientists-Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt
Sleigh Bells-Kids
Surfer Blood-Floating Vibes
Wavves-Post Acid
Ra Ra Riot-Boys
The Capstan Shafts-Class War Tease
Arcade Fire-The Suburbs
Sufjan Stevens-All Delighted People (original version)
Animal Collective-My Girls
LCD Soundsystem-Somebody's Calling Me
The Bird & The Bee-Heard it on the Radio
The Breeders-Do You Love Me Now?
Pop Levi-You Don't Gotta Run
Wild Nothing-Gemini
Best Coast-Boyfriend
The Dresden Dolls-The Jeep Song
Jamie Lidell-Enough's Enough
Ratatat-Mandy
The Books-Thirty Incoming
anaROBIK-Outside
Kraftwerk-Autobahn

Ohyes,

2010-09-05T03:03:00.002-04:00

In three words: BIG BAM BOOM.

In two words: HELL YES.

Robyn Covers "Hyperballad," Bjork is nonplussed.

2010-08-31T01:37:00.001-04:00

Gonzo on the air, 8/29

2010-08-29T23:57:00.002-04:00

The Raveonettes-Love in a Trashcan
Dum Dum Girls-You Alone
Stray Cats-Runaway Boys
YACHT-Psychic City (Voodoo City)
Mynabirds-Let the Record Go
The Pretenders-No Guarantee
Ra Ra Riot-Foolish
Broken Bells-Sailing to Nowhere
Maps & Atlases-If This Is
Luge-All About Love
Los Lobos-Shakin' Shakin' Shake
Band of Horses-NW Apt
She & Him-Thieves
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs-Devil in the Jukebox
Marvin Gaye-Trouble Man
The Roots (feat. Monsters of Folk)-Walk Alone
Erykah Badu-Window Seat
Sade-Soldier of Love
Peter Gabriel-Games without Frontiers
Michael Jackson-Off the Wall
The Jackson-Lovely One
Michael Jackson-Billie Jean (ext.)
Janelle Monae (feat. Saul Williams)-Dance or Die
Groove Armada-Paper Romance

OK Go's Damian Kulash on Net Neutrality

2010-08-28T15:15:00.002-04:00

Those of you who are connected to me on Facebook, Twitter or real life know that one of my biggest pet issues in the last year or two has been Net Neutrality. I haven't said much on this blog, but it does merit attention on this forum for a number of reasons. In short, the fate of net neutrality affects:
1. Me as a blogger
2. You as a reader
3. The future of online music distribution, sale and consumption
4. The future of other related online music content: streaming, downloading, YouTube videos, etc.
4. All of us as users of the Internet

If you haven't been paying attention to this issue, you should. Net Neutrality is getting more press attention these days, which is a good thing. One of my favorite resources on the issue is SavetheInternet.com a sister site of media activists/watchdogs Free Press.

Prefatory remarks aside, OK Go frontman Damian Kulash penned a clear, concise and smart piece on the matter that will run in tomorrow's Washington Post. Read on, and I urge you to take action via FCC Comments (though I believe the filing period is closed), communicating with your legislators, etc. (SavetheInternet.com makes this very easy under their "Take Action!" page.)

Without further adieu, Kulash's editorial:

(You can also go to the original Washington Post page here.)

----

On the Internet, when I send my ones and zeros somewhere, they shouldn't have to wait in line behind the ones and zeros of wealthier people or corporations. That's the way the Net was designed, and it's central to a concept called "net neutrality," which ensures that Internet service providers can't pick favorites.

Recently, though, big telecommunications companies have argued that their investment in the Net's infrastructure should allow them more control over how it's used. The concerned nerds of the world are up in arms, and there's been a long, loud public debate, during which the Federal Communications Commission appeared to develop a plan to preserve net neutrality.

The FCC's latest action on the question came partly in response to a federal appeals court ruling in April that appeared to limit the agency's authority over Internet service providers. In May, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski issued a plan to classify the Internet under Title II of the 1934 Communications Act. In English, that means the agency would be legally recognizing a fact so obvious that I feel silly even typing it: We use the Internet to communicate. With that radical notion established, the FCC would have jurisdiction to protect the public interest on the Net, including enforcing neutrality. Since announcing its intent, though, the FCC hasn't followed through, and the corporations involved are trying to take the reins before the public servants do.

The first volley, earlier this month, was a proposal from Google and Verizon. The part they'd like us to notice, and the part I was thrilled by, is where they say there shouldn't be paid priority for the transmission of Internet content, meaning all legal data should be treated equally. Hear, hear, Googrizon! We, the stuff-making, freedom-loving, innovation-crazed citizens of the Internet, could not agree more.

Unfortunately, a couple of parts of the proposal radically contradict the noble principle outlined above.
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First, Google and Verizon would like to exempt wireless Internet, which leads one to wonder just how dumb they think we are. Everyone's heard that the future of the Web is all wireless, but in truth, the present of the Web is all wireless. We are already deep in the iPad/BlackBerry/Android era, and there's no going back. So limiting equality and fair play to wired territory would be kind of like civil rights legislation that dealt with bus seating but exempted schools, the workplace and the voting booth.

Second, the companies slipped in a doozy of an idea for what seems like a hypothetical "fast lane" apart from the "public" Internet. Big bucks could gain access to this separate, specialized service, guaranteeing faster delivery of corporate ones and zeros. Essentially they are saying: Don't worry, there would be no "paid priority," except in the instances where you could pay for priority. Words fail to convey my incredulousness.

Let me tell you why I take this so seriously, and so personally. I've spent a decade working in the music industry, a business in which the big guys block out the rest of us. Creativity and innovation take a distant back seat to money, and everyone loses, even the big guys themselves. They have insulated themselves from change for so long, they've dug their own grave.

Both as a musician and as a music fan, I've always wanted to see the best and most exciting musical ideas rise to the top. But we all know the story of the music business: Success is bought more often than earned. Smart money looks for low risks, so the safest, blandest music attracts the most investment, and only the safest, blandest music makes it to the airwaves and the shelves at Wal-Mart. Creative, innovative artists toil in obscurity, the public is fed rubbish, and, for decades, the industry contentedly made its way to the bank.

Music is subjective, of course, so you don't have to agree with my assessment of what's innovative and what's trash. But business is less so, and the past decade of the music industry is as clear an example as you can find of what happens when the depth of pockets, not the quality of ideas, is the arbiter of success. It's been like a corporate version of the Three Stooges: absurd flailing, spectacular myopia and willful ignorance of reality. Now that the big record companies have made themselves obsolete, bands such as mine can make a better living without their help than we can with it.

The lesson is that insider's clubs don't nurture the best ideas, which is the whole point of markets: Competition is supposed to keep everyone on their toes. Sure, it's a drag that the radio plays such bad music, but it won't sink our economy. Can you imagine, though, what would happen if we let the same thing happen to ideas themselves?

The Internet is the purest marketplace for ideas that the world has ever seen, and the amazing power of such a level playing field has revolutionized everything. Google knows this better than anyone. It started in a garage and became an industry leader by having great ideas, not mountains of cash. And it's wonderful: The Internet works! It rewards innovators such as Google, and it relegates protectionist, defensive, idea-squashing fogies such as record companies to the dustbin of history.

Now that the Internet has been around long enough to have developed its own giants, though, we need to make sure they don't ruin what's great about the technology that made them. We need to make sure they don't crush the idea industry the way the music giants crushed the music industry. I hope Google keeps succeeding (seriously, I'm a stockholder), but it must be because of the power of its ideas, not its power to tilt the playing field.

The Google and Verizon statement, which was roundly criticized when it was released, is unlikely to be the only proposal we'll see from the big boys. A week and a half ago, AT&T, Verizon, Microsoft, Cisco Systems and a trade group called the National Cable & Telecommunications Association met for closed-door negotiations on managing online traffic that didn't include the FCC or the public.

The good news is that the Obama administration has repeatedly promised that it supports net neutrality. Right now the FCC can lastingly protect freedom and equality on the Net. To establish that authority, the agency needs the support of three of its five commissioners. Two commissioners, Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn, Democratic appointees, have loudly backed the effort. What we need is for the chairman to join them and follow through on the plans he laid out months ago. Mr. Genachowski, we, the citizens of the Internet, are with you.

Damian Kulash is the singer for the band OK Go.

ATTN: Pittsburgh Party Peeps

2010-08-27T13:05:00.000-04:00

Fever Ray covers Peter Gabriel

2010-08-25T01:34:00.002-04:00

Just last week, I confessed to a friend that the inclusion of Fever Ray on said friend's 2009 mix was one of my favorite end-of-year discoveries. If you haven't heard Fever Ray's self-titled debut, I highly recommend checking it out. Very unique sound that is somewhere between electronica, ambient and pop.

Her upcoming 7" release of Peter Gabriel's "Mercy Street" has the Intertubes abuzz. Originally released on 1987's So album, Gabriel penned the song as an homage to tortured poet Anne Sexton.

[sidenote: getting interested in Peter Gabriel and David Lynch (also influenced by Sexton's work) my freshman year of college led to reading Sexton's collected poems. I admit I am not much of a poetry fan, but I recall liking her stuff quite a bit.]

Anyhow, here is Fever Ray's rendition. I think it is both true to the original, yet successfully stamped with Fever Ray's own identity and interpretation. I also sort of forgot how great this song really is.

Mercy Street by Fever Ray

Gonzo on the air, 8/23

2010-08-23T00:02:00.002-04:00

The Birds-So You Want to be a Rock and Roll Star
Wavves-Convertible Balloon
guards-I See it Coming**
The Noisettes-Don't Give Up
Love is All-Early Warnings
Roxy Music-Virginia Plain
Broken Social Scene-Chase Scene
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti-Can't Hear My Eyes
The Bird and the Bee-One on One
Best Coast-Boyfriend
Quadron-Slippin'
Mick Jagger-Memo from Turner
Mott the Hoople-All the Young Dudes
Dr. Dog-Shadow People
Arcade Fire-The Suburbs
John Lennon-Well Well Well
Crystal Castles-Pap Smear
Kid Cudi-Day n' Nite (Crookers remix)
Midnight Star-Midas Touch (Hell Interface remix)
Major Lazer feat. MIA and Busy Signal-Sound of Siren
MIA-XXXO
Scissor Sisters-Whole New Way
Snoop Dogg-Sensual Seduction (REQUEST!)
Vanity 6-If a Girl Answers (Don't Hang Up)
James Brown-Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved
Talking Heads-I, Zimbra
Prince and the Revolution-17 Days (For Pete!)

-----
**You can get guards' new EP in HQ for FREE at http://guards.bandcamp.com/. Good stuff, check it out!

All Afrobeat Special on Tonight's Music-O-Rama

2010-08-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight from 10pm-midnight EDT on 90.1FM in Indiana, PA - www.wiupfm.org everywhere else.

wanna be the president of Moscow

2010-08-04T02:07:00.002-04:00

Dusted this one off on the most recent radio show. Gotta love the B-52s for some summertime goodness.

?uest's record collection

2010-07-30T03:24:00.002-04:00

A recent discussion with Marc Morrison led me to dig up this YouTube classic.

Gonzo on the air, 7/25

2010-07-26T00:06:00.003-04:00

Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band-Diddy Wah Diddy
The Books-I Am Who I Am
LCD Soundsystem-Drunk Girls
Lightspeed Champion-Faculty of Fears
Los Campesinos-In Media Res
Men at Work-It's a Mistake
Elvis Costello and the Attractions-High Fidelity
Twin Sister-The Other Side of Your Face
Band of Horses-Factory
Beck-Lost Cause
Nancy Sinatra-Summer Wine
The Flaming Lips-Race for the Prize
The Morning Benders-Big Echo
Neon Indian-Deadbeat Summer
Ratatat-Neckbrace
Phantogram-Running from the Cops
Sleigh Bells-Infinity Guitars
MIA-Born Free
Cornelius-Count Five or Six
MGMT-Electric Feel (Justice mix)
Steel Pulse-Can't Stand It
Black Uhuru-Solidarity
Burning Spear-Marcus Garvey
Pato Banton-Bubbling Hot
Major Lazer-Good Enough (Cash Flow Dub)
Bob Marley and the Wailers-Time Will Tell

Rock.

2010-07-21T18:08:00.001-04:00

Watch the full episode. See more In Performance at The White House.

Carpenters' first TV apperance

2010-07-20T23:07:00.002-04:00

From this 1968 appearance (appears to be a talent show of sorts), I can't help but think that the Carpenters would have made a bang-up r&b combo.

[Complete, but lower quality]:

[Higher quality, but incomplete]:

Robyn on Letterman: "Dancing on My Own"

2010-07-20T13:22:00.003-04:00

As I confessed to Marc Morrison yesterday, Body Talk pt. 1 has quickly grown on me. Part 2 is slated for September, and here is the woman herself doing "Dancing on My Own" on Letterman:

Tonight on First Impressions:

2010-07-19T13:18:00.002-04:00

New music from Crowded House and M.I.A. are under review this week on First Impressions. As always, Marc Morrison and I will have music news, tomorrow's releases and more. Tune in from 8-9pm EDT on 90.1FM in Indiana, PA, www.wiupfm.org everywhere else.

Chairwoman of the Board

2010-07-19T02:52:00.001-04:00

Kylie's take on this soul classic. The video looks like 100 other videos from the early '90s.

Gonzo on the air, 7/18

2010-07-19T00:09:00.003-04:00

Iggy Pop-Fun Time
The Dead Weather-Hustle and Cuss
The Capstan Shifts-Class War Tease
Dum Dum Girls-Jail La La
The Vaselines-Son of a Gun
Sonic Youth-Kissability
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti-Round and Round
The Dirty Projectors-Flourescent Half Dome
Local Natives-Warning Sign
Broken Social Scene-Chase Scene
Cut Copy-Where I'm Going
Quadron-Slippin'
Camera Obscura-French Navy
Murder Mystery-Change My Mind
The Cure-The Walk
Gary Numan/Tubeway Army-Me! I Disconnect from You
Ladytron-Flicking Your Switch
AnaRobik-Outside
Robyn-Fembot
Crystal Castles-Celestica
Kano-Don't Try to Stop Me
The Roots-How I Got Over
Roger-So Ruff, So Tough
Smokey Robinson-Baby That's Bakatcha
Sly and the Family Stone-Somebody's Watching You
Chairmen of the Board-Give Me Just a Little More Time

"Do you know the difference between Dionysian and Apollonian art?"

2010-07-16T14:59:00.002-04:00

Review: Prince's 20Ten

2010-07-15T19:29:00.007-04:00

Another year, another Prince album. Just as we were starting to wonder if the Purple One was going to be releasing anything this year came the announcement of a new disc. As you may be aware, Prince is not releasing the album to iTunes or any other legitimate download service. And to date, there is not an official US release. The talk around the campfire is that former label and long-time foe Warner Bros. will distribute the album in the US, but there has been no official release date announced at this point.

Prince has however begun to release the album in Europe by slipping the disc into a number of print publications. Because the Internet is dead, obviously. Predictably, the album leaked online within hours of discs getting into the hands of fans overseas.

I have to admit, I wasn't all that amped for this album. Usually (to a fault, even), I get pretty psyched for new Prince discs. Maybe there just wasn't enough time between the announcement and release for anticipation to build. Maybe I was just a little nervous about how the new disc would sound. Maybe it was a little bit of both.

Pressing "play," I entered the album with low expectations. Those expectations were met, and perhaps even exceeded - but just barely.

As I've said many times, I don't expect Prince to do anything particularly new or innovative at this point in his career. The well is dry. The most that we can expect is competent and pleasurable albums, a la 2004's Musicology or last year's Lotusflow3r/MPLSound. Occasionally, we'll get a flash of brilliance (2006's "Black Sweat," for example). But the fact of the matter is that Prince is well past his creative peak. I think that's to be expected. For us to expect another groundbreaking album from the man is expecting too much.

So what's the score on 20Ten? It's been hyped as a return to Prince's sparse, synth-driven funk of the 1999 era. However, you can't just fire up the Linn LM-1 and call it "classic Prince." If this self-referential retro style is what Prince was going for here, he achieved it more effectively with MPLSound.

Some tracks do pull it off, however. The start-stop progression of "Sticky Like Glue" may be the most successful example. It actually reminds me of a specific Prince song, though I'm having trouble placing it. "Wonderful Ass," perhaps (though it is nowhere near as funky nor interesting as "Wonderful Ass"). Prince's faux-rap bridge is a little cringe-worthy though. "Lavaux" is another that somewhat successfully appropriates the aesthetic qualities of Prince's most successful 1980s material. It pales in comparison of course, largely due to the fact that the lyrics leave much to be desired.

Another track that's been getting some attention is "Future Soul Song." If the totally uncreative title didn't give it away, this is Prince in his baby-makin' mode, and it has rarely sounded more contrived. The chorus just seems forced: "This is a future soul song." It also reminds me of Planet Earth's "Future Baby Mama," which I'm not a fan of at all. The album's other ballads, "Walking in the Sand" and "Sea of Everything" are equally uninspired. Maybe part of the problem is that this is such well trodden territory for Prince. Some of the greatest R&B ballads of all time came from his pen - "Purple Rain," "The Beautiful Ones," "Nothing Compares 2 U," "Adore," "When 2 R In Love," "Do Me Baby," et. al. Perhaps he's exhausted the idiom, and the best that he can do are these sound-alikes that never quite get us to where we want to go (the bedroom?).

The album's official closer, "Everybody Loves Me" sounds like a joke. Maybe it is. It's so incredibly juvenile that I would give it a pass were it written for Happy Feet 2. It's jumpy pop groove is also not a far cry from 2009's "No More Candy for U," which closed out MPLSound.

Notice that I referred to "Everybody Loves Me" as the album's official closer. There is a hidden track (#77). I'm reminded of 1998's New Power Soul. Like that album, Prince has once again buried the disc's most interesting piece. "Laydown" is a dark, mid-tempo groove laden with synth flourishes and a female vocal brings to mind the sample in Jay-Z's "Lucifer." Despite the facepalm inducing lyric in which Prince refers to himself as "the Purple Yoda," it's a solid groove that has Prince putting his spin on contemporary sounds (it sounds very much in the vein of a number of club/hip hop tracks from recent years). This would probably be the cut that I would cherry pick from 20Ten.

In sum, the album isn't doing anything that Prince (or others) haven't already done. The bulk of the songs are good enough, but after a handful of listens, nothing on the disc is particularly compelling lyrically, musically or emotionally. One of the reasons it took me so long to write my review is that after giving it a spin on Saturday, I wasn't compelled to give it another listen. Not because it's bad, but because it's chock full of mediocrity. This is only underscored by the fact that 2010 is the best year for music in recent history. I was much more interested in repeatedly listening to new offerings from The Roots and M.I.A. than Jamie Starr.

For much of his career, Prince was releasing an album a year. The exceptions are 1983 (whilst Prince was occupied with the Purple Rain album and film), 1997, 2005 and 2008. Indeed, some years saw multiple releases. I can't help but wonder if Prince continues this annual release schedule to maintain his status as a prolific artist. I think Prince would do well to cut back to say biannual releases in the hopes that this would lead to higher quality product. With a lot of Prince's work in the last decade (and even a bit beyond that) I sometimes think that you can cull one great album from two that he released. I stand by my claim that last year's double disc would have made one great album. Same goes for 2004's Musicology and 2006's 3121 (though I enjoy both). Planet Earth remains a lost cause.

But the fact of the matter is that I don't direct Prince's business decisions, nor those guiding his career. I'll continue to buy his product, and catch him live when I have the chance. In the end, 20Ten is not a bad album, just one that as a unit, is thoroughly underwhelming.

On a standard grading scale, I'd give it a light C that teeters on the brink of a C-.

No really, I'M the one sending out an SOS here.

2010-07-12T21:26:00.001-04:00

Hey, let's drain all of the energy from a song and make it totally uninteresting.