tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54368533821110838492012-01-24T05:12:56.809-05:00Music News & ReviewsVolume Knobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12432125194273055946noreply@blogger.comBlogger7671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-82815514155770215992012-01-14T22:43:00.006-05:002012-01-16T16:58:22.425-05:00

...and why, by contrast, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor is today's Mozart. Challenge accepted! You’re probably most familiar with Mussorgsky’s most popular piece, “Night on Bald Mountain." However, I was always drawn to his later work, “Pictures at an Exhibition” from 1874. It’s a very musically literal piece, as are most of his works, but this is about as literal as you can get: The composer

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-4326667171846586202011-12-03T18:52:00.009-05:002011-12-03T23:44:13.818-05:00

We're not even a week into December and I feel like I've already overdosed on year-end list-making/reading. As a freelance contributor to Paste, I was asked to turn my lists in BEFORE Thanksgiving. (It was culled with about two dozen others to create their master list of best albums of the year.) But here's the thing. Before you even tell me my list is WAAAAAY OFF, I'll tell you straight-up, it

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-32857790055256064212011-11-21T14:49:00.007-05:002011-11-21T20:23:03.788-05:00

Let's talk about triple bills. Sometimes it's so annoying having to wade through hours and hours of openers when all you want to do is rock out to the main act. I can think of a few notable exceptions to this rule, however. The best being the Okkervil River/Titus Andronicus /Future Islands tour that took place earlier this year. Seriously if you missed it, you missed the awesomeness of three

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-24835293646611105162010-12-22T22:56:00.000-05:002010-12-23T03:55:25.527-05:00

For maximum effect, play these songs over this video :)I love holiday music, I really do. Primo examples of my favorites and why they deserve a place by your hearth this Yule.1. Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Carol of the Bells.mp3A powerful, joyous song in a minor chord. Too short for me... love it so much I always have to listen twice!2. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Greensleeves.mp3Just a beautiful,

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-42917021744937633382010-12-12T23:36:00.010-05:002010-12-13T00:19:29.303-05:00

"I'm not sayin'... I'm just sayin'... I'm not sayin'. Know what I'm sayin?"In the Words of the Governor.mp3I would call this Punk if Sufjan weren't trying so hard to rap. Movement IV: Traffic Shock.mp3Maybe it's because I've watched the BQE a lot this year, but the music playfully illustrates the movement of traffic along the BQE at night, from different POV's. A fun blend of the synthetic and

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-68079129767287343212010-10-23T00:03:00.005-04:002010-10-23T00:59:57.440-04:00

I have the same reaction to your musicThe Age of Adz is not a "middle finger" to fans, but it IS a dividing listeners into two groups: those who wish for "the old Sufan" of his Illinois or Michigan days--and those who are taking this schizophrenic future and running with it.For the nostalgic, the acoustic love intro "Futile Devices" may not be enough balance to sit through the distortions,

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-22034734860227732972010-09-07T17:12:00.008-04:002010-09-07T20:24:20.405-04:00

First, a VK announcement:I'm still a bit overwhelmed from the 3-day musicfest here in Seattle, and have many more awesome concerts on deck in the next month. Reviews will trickle out as my brain sees fit.Upcoming reviews:Joanna Newsom,Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes),The XX,Sufjan Stevens,Vampire Weekend,Ra Ra Riot,The Decemberists,Neko Case,Bob Dylan,Plants & Animals,The Flaming Lips,Neutral Uke

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-19484942680253244822010-08-16T16:07:00.003-04:002010-08-16T16:27:30.472-04:00

This new Okkervil River song is simply divine. Will Sheff played a rendition of "Lay of the Last Survivor" last week at a solo show. I can't wait to hear how it will sound fleshed out by the full band, but in the meantime the core melody sounds great stripped down as do most of Okkervil's songs.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-36321156709605239472010-08-15T11:40:00.005-04:002010-08-15T12:08:10.003-04:00

Hope you got your tickets to Sufjan's North American tour this fall already! Tix are still available at most venues. (Seattle kids, I'll see you there!)I'm not even going to wait for the tour to actually start or see him before the blogosphere is being flooded by show reviews and critiques, so instead I present:-----Generic Sufjan Stevens Concert Form Letter-----Well folks, I just got back from

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-84277127989675323682010-08-03T10:07:00.011-04:002010-08-03T10:18:27.655-04:00

It's here! OMG guys, it's here! The first video from Peter Peter Hughes epic Fangio album is out! It's for "My God is an Angry God". We've already gushed enough about it in previous posts (is it bad that when I hear New Order now, I think "WOW that sounds just like Fangio?!" instead of the other way around?), so just enjoy the video. The Fangio LP is officially out September 7.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-72325382606072504352010-07-29T20:22:00.005-04:002010-07-29T21:10:28.189-04:00

[Ed. note: this is a special guest post by friend and journalist Tara Nelson, who recently had the opportunity to talk with Hickman about the newest Cracker album, "Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey," in Bellingham, Wash. Matthew Ward contributes.]Q: Hi Johnny. It's funny, ever since your publicity agent said I'd be interviewing you, I had the song "What You're Missing" stuck in my head where

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-5174058931805955692010-07-27T19:31:00.007-04:002010-07-27T20:16:20.667-04:00

Last Sunday, a small room of maybe 50 people tops, were treated to an awesome lecture by former lead Silver Jew, David Berman. It was part of an Open City writing program. But really Berman spent two hours bashing his father, you know the evil PR guy who represents the interests of big tobacco, alcohol, tanning beds and anything with high fructose corn syrup and fights against MADD, the humane

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-26626623129591231712010-07-24T12:44:00.003-04:002010-07-24T12:49:32.939-04:00

I know Jess loves few things more than cats, especially dancing cats...Clearly, Keyboard Cat has found a more accessible path for his music. Though the debut release was stripped down and intimate, this year's release shows Keyboard Cat growth, with a more diverse assortment of instruments, some interesting new beats, and finally lending some vocals to what was previously an instrumental only

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-52121097638547981942010-07-12T19:36:00.004-04:002010-07-12T19:45:39.701-04:00

We're well into Summer, which means it's music festival time. If my luck holds, I'll be at Pitchfork all day this Saturday, so drop a comment if you'll be there, too. I'm looking for another pair of tickets, if anyone has a lead on one. See you there!Young Fresh Fellows - Sittin' On A Pitchfork

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-24108420576742649602010-07-11T22:39:00.003-04:002010-07-11T22:47:33.868-04:00

Gregg dropped a note on Facebook today that a new, unnamed album will be out by the end of this year! I was unconvinced that anything could boot his last album, Feed The Animals, out of rotation and mashup favor, but this might just do it! Keep your ear to the rail for more info...Girl Talk - Set it Off.mp3

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-63543041588222312002010-06-28T19:30:00.005-04:002010-06-28T21:39:37.426-04:00

So I just got back from a whirlwind trip to London. I was technically there for educational purposes (I was taking a course on e-publishing), but between the tours of libraries, museums and other antiquities I managed to squeeze in a some time for music and music-oriented musings. Here are the highlights: -I finally saw the Avett Brothers live. Of course it's only logical that my friends and I

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-67583076754376431062010-06-11T19:52:00.005-04:002010-06-11T20:28:24.466-04:00

...That's what she said.onethirtybpm.com just released yesterday this jewel that I have been waiting to hear for months: New Sufjan Stevens album!!While they sort of dismiss his work on Songs for Christmas and The BQE (a big mistake, because it is even more well-done and epic compared to 2005's Illinoise) it sounds extremely promising. Many of the new songs were debuted during last fall's tour

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-11799197123504293502010-06-10T22:15:00.004-04:002010-06-10T22:34:18.199-04:00

Happy birthday to me!Here's a gift for YOU:Sondre Lerche - Happy Birthday Girl.mp3

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-69855607103905995522010-06-09T20:20:00.006-04:002010-06-09T21:32:52.093-04:00

The Love Language is by far and away the most underrated band on Merge Records. While well-deserved I'm kinda sick of Spoon and the Arcade Fire getting all the love (how bout their upcoming Madison Square Garden gig, eh?). Last year, I wrote at length about their debut self-titled album which is a lo-fi folk lover's paradise that vacillates wildly between upbeat, orchestral party pop and

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-12701245732550929602010-06-06T21:29:00.001-04:002010-06-07T00:34:27.553-04:00

I'm still alive!Apologies for all but leaving our belov'd blog behind while I ran away to culinary school in Montpelier, Vermont and then home to Seattle, but now that life has some pauses I intend to fully make good with the MP3s and such! So let's find a basic starting point: What're the fresh and ripe picking for ears this season?Some might say I've taken a turn to the dark side with a

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-37409814283385866572010-06-04T15:39:00.001-04:002010-06-04T16:34:25.229-04:00

Thought So craft the kind of music rarely heard from New York buzz bands. You know the kind -sparkling alt-country. The kind of music that's twangy yet still polished but not overly-produced. It's refreshingly untrendy americana much in the vain of the Avett Brothers or old school Wilco. In other words it's the kind of music we here at the Volume Knob rather enjoy. They only have one EP so far

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-83451505182894752962010-06-04T09:51:00.003-04:002010-06-04T09:54:27.700-04:00

Here's (half) a new Of Montreal song to get kick off your weekend. Gotta love Kevin Barnes spoken word interludes.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-70833973337788767562010-05-20T19:42:00.003-04:002010-05-20T19:50:18.115-04:00

Hey look, the characters in Iron Man quote the Mountain Goats almost as much as we do!

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-11716822987004130922010-05-19T21:58:00.003-04:002010-05-19T22:08:24.436-04:00

The Sleigh Bells album, Treats, is finally out! You can get it on iTunes for a whopping $6.90. Go, do, right away! Stream some of it here, on their Myspace. It's really, really good, and I'm not big on Electronica, which is not to say that I'm not enjoying the new LCD Soundsystem album, This is Happening, also out yesterday, and available at the Buy More ... I mean the Buy'n'Large ... I mean the

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-17408304930183170712010-05-08T22:21:00.003-04:002010-05-08T22:51:48.703-04:00

Sometimes I buy albums for all the wrong reasons. Instead of buying that album my friend enthusiastically and perpetually recommends or buying the EP from that stellar opening band, I buy the album that has that song that's titled after my name. I'll admit that's what initially piqued my interest in http://www.myspace.com/avibuffalo">Avi Buffalo's debut self-titled album. But it wasn't just the

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-18836300423328977232010-05-04T18:35:00.003-04:002010-05-04T19:00:19.445-04:00

I'm not sure what else I can say about Titus Andronicus' stellar album The Monitor that hasn't already been said. It's about the Civil War as much as it is about New Jersey as much as it's about disaffected youth. That is to say it is about a lot of BIG things. That is also to say it's gonna take a lot of listens before I can unpack it all. But that's a beautiful thing, because it sounds about as

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-1590061730286282142010-05-01T11:43:00.003-04:002010-05-01T11:50:39.190-04:00

This is a Spring anthem of sorts. I won't give anything away, but let's just say its dedicated to all the horny college kids out there. It's a damn beautiful day so grab the one you love (or just the one you think is really hot) and start making out on the quad.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-3900321854983505402010-04-19T01:28:00.003-04:002010-04-19T02:10:34.567-04:00

Hipster Kitty is right. The more we talk about it, the less stigma there is. That being said, I have nothing to say for myself. Quod Scripsi Scripsi.Justin Bieber - Up.mp3

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-65045830445967182692010-04-17T13:27:00.004-04:002010-04-17T14:08:01.697-04:00

Just a reminder: today is Record Store Day 2010! Swing by your local independent record store and pick up some goodies, like the Mountain Goats' "Life of the World to Come" DVD which is also released today. Only 1,500 copies were made, and distributed throughout the U.S., so call and visit to snag a copy!Here's my personal favorite track off the latest album by the same name:the Mountain Goats -

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-58975669366566967652010-04-14T12:52:00.005-04:002010-04-14T12:57:43.681-04:00

Ah yeah, it's that time again. Today is going to be an all-Glee mix at work. While you're Enjoying Sue Sylvester's spoof of Madonna's iconic "Vogue" video, check out some fantastic amateur tributes to the show. I present to you Seattle's Glee Flash Mob!

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-48430238507286953412010-04-13T20:15:00.002-04:002010-04-13T20:18:03.105-04:00

Not that this really has to do with music per se, but I stumbled upon this belt buckle that reminds me of this beloved blog:Oh yes, it goes up to 11 as well!

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-88794458422526541292010-04-12T13:07:00.004-04:002010-04-12T13:19:09.657-04:00

Dear Music Artists,As you may/may not know, the recession has hit those of us who do not have "touring" in our job description rather heavily.The plus side is that all of your lovely VK ladies have since returned to graduate school and/or gotten recession-resistant jobs.The bad news is that grad school + these jobs suck up almost all our time, and we're still broke.It's a delight when you tour

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-42979269527392986472010-03-25T22:56:00.005-04:002010-03-28T19:51:59.010-04:00

Of all the new music I got this week, the Weakerthans' Live at the Burton Cummings Theatre CD/DVD is by far my favorite. It would serve as a great introduction to the band, if you happen to need one, or a great rehash of all your old favorites, if you're already acquainted. For me, it serves to make me feel much, much better about the concert of theirs I missed a few years back.And now, the

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-57314070148446735312010-03-24T18:40:00.003-04:002010-03-24T18:44:34.642-04:00

Via Flavorwire, it's music review bingo! And yes, it totally captures the vocab of VK. Well done, indeed.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-50345323523927417702010-03-17T22:10:00.003-04:002010-03-17T23:55:40.379-04:00

We are saddened to have to write this blog post about yet another super-talented song-writer dying. Alex Chilton, you know the guy from classic 70s band Big Star has passed at only 59. If the dude only sang "Thirteen" that would have been more than enough to solidify his immense talents. I mean that is THE purest, most innocent declaration of young love EVER. His trembling voice is the

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-83055681872238981112010-03-11T19:29:00.005-05:002010-03-11T19:39:35.908-05:00

The best National songs make me want to punch holes in walls. Even when they're elegant restrained there is still such unbridled angst and anger amongst the beauty. And dear God is "Terrible Love" beautiful. The slow-boil crescendo percolates to such awesome heights, I get shivers. Shivers, I tell you! Mark your calendar's for May 11's release of High Violet. We sure have. Terrible Love - The

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-22194664214235171822010-03-07T21:28:00.003-05:002010-03-07T21:32:18.331-05:00

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-38518239035612089632010-03-05T12:25:00.001-05:002010-03-05T12:26:57.577-05:00

I have no timely reason to post this song, except because it's beautiful and got stuck in my head in the shower this morning:

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-19930580540797331052010-03-01T22:32:00.003-05:002010-03-01T22:35:46.965-05:00

You guys! The rabbits are sad! I know this because they are in cages and are listening to Morrissey! Factory farming never seemed so cruel.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-88539343640131791922010-02-28T15:54:00.003-05:002010-04-12T13:39:23.960-04:00

If you live in the northeast than you've probably survived a blizzard this weekend. But have you survived Blizzard Man??Ok so that was parody, and um be forewarned this isn't. The lovely boyfriend and I are taking up a collection to get the Mountain Goats to sing this at the next Zoop:

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-8941700470799419522010-02-23T19:00:00.006-05:002010-02-23T19:26:57.646-05:00

Looking to get rid of your crappy old albums (not that any of our readers own crappy albums, no, of course not) and get something less-crappy in return? Oh and want to see some awesome bands AND help combat AIDS and homelessness? Well I sure do. Therefore this Thursday I be at Housing Works Bookstore. I will plunk down my five bucks, a donation to the aforementioned causes of course, and a bushel

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-90407384055929350112010-02-18T20:18:00.008-05:002010-02-18T20:23:36.252-05:00

Looking for something to do tomorrow (it's a Friday in New York, so of course you are)All proceeds go to help some cool kids write a pretty cool book. Basically they're take a road trip across America and Mexico next month in search of where music and the music industry stands in 2010, how we got here, and where we're going. The book is called Sound through Sight. Here the deets.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-34407903813660171622010-02-14T11:36:00.004-05:002010-02-14T11:43:29.578-05:00

Valentine's Song - The Felice Brothers

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-17207740487189079022010-02-12T12:19:00.004-05:002010-02-12T12:24:04.576-05:00

Here's a beautiful way to start your weekend. In honor of a pre-murderous Phil Spector, The Morning Benders perform their song "Excuses" with choir of their friends. It's just that their friends all happen to be a who's who of the San Fran music scene. We got the Nicest Guy in Indie Rock (TM), John Vanderslice, plus the guy from last years breakout band of choice, Chris Owens' of GIRLS and the

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-83542483507144204112010-02-10T14:02:00.002-05:002010-02-10T14:06:43.456-05:00

You know what I did instead of watching the Superbowl last Sunday? I saw MC Frontalot rap his ass off. To the uninitiated he is the reigning king of nerdcore. That basically means he raps about Star Wars and internet and it is all sorts of awesome. Here is a video of a song on his upcoming album, the brilliantly entitled "First World Problems":

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-51520885237129798582010-02-06T10:22:00.007-05:002010-02-06T10:39:27.351-05:00

So I hung out in this adorable comic book shop last night. While perusing the shelves I stumbled upon this book entitled "Ballad of the Two-Headed Boy". That has got to a be a Neutral Milk Hotel reference, right? I mean it came out in 2000 and even the black and white sketches seem Aeroplane-esque. Just thought I'd throw that out there and if anyone knows for sure, hit us up in the comments. Also

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-6417153763538243522010-02-03T20:38:00.005-05:002010-02-03T22:02:44.293-05:00

I'm probably the only one who likes Joanna Newsom but does not love Ys. Sure, it's alright I guess. I mean I dig the harp and even her girly sometimes overly affected vocals. But with the exception of maybe "Emily" I simply didn't enjoy the overly ornate orchestral arrangements and rambling song structures. It was a total 180 from the homespun charm of her debut album The Milk-Eyed Mender and I

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-25574931567044254642010-01-31T20:44:00.007-05:002010-01-31T21:51:36.306-05:00

This man (dressed as a monkey):played this venue (an opera house): Ok, let's back up a little. For those of you who've never experienced the spectacle of a Les Savy Fav show, Friday night's show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music opera house (BAM) was an unconventional place to start. These art-punk guys have been at it for over a decade and are consummate pros at infusing rock with DIY theatrics

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-89145032872688925912010-01-30T19:21:00.007-05:002010-01-30T19:44:40.760-05:00

So last Saturday my friend Thom and I double-dosed on Britt Daniel. We caught the Spoon frontman twice in one night - once at an in-store at Sound Fix and then later that night at the Brooklyn Vegan Haiti benefit show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. And best of all Thom recorded BOTH. Enjoy!Download the Sound Fix show here:01. The Mystery Zone02. [tuning]03. Written in Reverse04. The Beast and

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-20894665943963990972010-01-25T22:24:00.007-05:002010-01-25T23:13:09.346-05:00

Brooklyn Vegan's Haiti Benefit concert basically doubled as a cover lover's paradise. Here's the rundown:-We got swoonworthy Spoon man Britt Daniel covering John Lennon's "Isolation". (How I'd love to run my hand's through his perfect bedhead. -My Brightest Diamond took on Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" (Dear God that voice, it's so sexy that as a 100% hetero-woman, I want to sleep

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-72920935211447868452010-01-23T17:29:00.008-05:002010-01-24T14:55:12.565-05:00

Finally! Crooked River, the 2006 Swiss documentary by Kaleo LaBelle about his childhood friends, brothers Sufjan and Marzuki Stevens, is coming available stateside!In the trailer, you can see glimpses into the daily life of music making, running, crafts, Pac-Man, and a long road trip from NY to Boston over to the Great Lakes and home to upper Michigan, to reunite with their estranged father.

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-85306905575039406482010-01-22T21:44:00.006-05:002010-01-24T10:34:52.831-05:00

Because my brother finally got around to giving me my Christmas present I found myself yesterday with some money to spend on new music, yay!I've been rather poor of late, so it's been a while since I've had the chance, here is what was going down in my brain:me: wow, look at all this new music! Oh, so shiny, what shall I get?brain: why, look at this album here, OK GO.me: OK GO? Nah, I don't

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876559175758718853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-54029572008695954892010-01-22T11:12:00.003-05:002010-01-22T12:10:06.821-05:00

Yay, new She & Him! You know the drill: "In the Sun" is um, sunshiney indie folk with a tinge of twang and Zooey Deschanel's oh-so flirty voice. Oh and Tilly and the Wall contribute some back-up vocals too for just an extra bit of adorableness. Be on the lookout for Volume 2 March 23. Oh and hey they're playing the Bowery Ballroom the day before my birthday. Who wants to buy this blogger some

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-42107544456982991512010-01-19T22:09:00.002-05:002010-01-19T22:12:53.815-05:00

All I ask of you is to please don't make 80's-esque album covers that immediately make me think of Garth Brooks' shirts.Thank you. That is all.Love, June

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-12694624379736336212010-01-18T19:43:00.004-05:002010-01-18T19:50:15.013-05:00

One of the most anticipated releases of the year, Romance is Boring Los Campesinos! is streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. (Wow, MySpace is actually good for something!) Listen HERE. It's probably worth noting it features what is likely to be my most quoted lyric of of the year "I think we need more post-coital and less post-rock". Bloody brilliant, right? But here's the catch:

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-4055791759845713212010-01-17T09:46:00.003-05:002010-01-17T10:06:35.275-05:00

Sorry for the dearth of posts lately. I've just been busy settling into a new place in the indie mecca that is Brooklyn. YES, I've finally moved to Brooklyn! And I'm having trouble hiding my elation, It's only been three days but I've fallen in love with my neighborhood (and I'm not even living in a trendy area, take that Williamsburg!), have a part-time job lined up and most excitedly am

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-36568072490781592272010-01-15T11:16:00.002-05:002010-01-15T11:20:43.051-05:00

You're probably aware of the PANTS ON THE GROUND phenomenon. And if you're not get yourself acquainted ASAP: But let's take it a step further and imagine Neil Young covering that catchy little ditty. That's what Jimmy Fallon did, and man is it downright poignant:

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-3083099118598391852010-01-12T02:09:00.002-05:002010-01-13T18:23:41.676-05:00

Oh man, I'd laugh if this wasn't exactly how I explain music to people ALL THE TIME. (Also, I would totally buy that album)

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876559175758718853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-34860007247518211472010-01-11T15:55:00.008-05:002010-01-11T20:54:13.722-05:00

In less than two days I am moving to Brooklyn, which is probably why the Rural Alberta Advantage's debut album Hometowns is so appealing to me right now. Like the title implies there is a great emphasis on place and that paradoxical loving/loathing relationship you cultivate over time with the space from which you come. It's about moving on and out but also knowing that no matter where you go for

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-45997464365742280432010-01-09T17:14:00.001-05:002010-01-09T17:18:16.749-05:00

Michael Cera freaks out on drugs with Islands, enjoy. No You Don't - Islands

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-5340333443583632972010-01-06T00:27:00.007-05:002010-01-06T17:57:17.315-05:00

So, and this is going to shock you guy seriously, but when it comes to writing about music I'm a gusher. If I love an album I am incapable of writing calmly or with any kind of reserve, it's all 'best album EVA!!!!' and 'oh my god I may as well stab my ears out right now because this it it guys this is the pinnacle of all music!!!! On the other hand, if something doesn't seem that great to me I

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876559175758718853noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-5916442023363165752010-01-04T21:28:00.007-05:002010-01-04T22:01:26.367-05:00

Check out this AWESOME Genesis cover!!If for some reason you don't believe me that they're the new "Reynaldos," then please preapare to be proven wrong when you watch Viral Video Film School on InfoMania!Because Brett Erlich is a genius AND a cutie pie.(Thursdays @ 10 pm on Current TV)

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87661384918247689562010-01-04T18:55:00.003-05:002010-01-04T19:23:25.172-05:00

Upon exactly one listen, I can tell you the second half is a lot stronger and "Giving Up the Gun" is the best song on here. Stream Vampire Weekend's Contra in its entirety at the band's MySpace HERE.And download Cousins

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-85867347311877484782010-01-01T13:00:00.011-05:002010-01-01T14:37:41.388-05:00

Happy 2010, VK readers! Here's your collection of songs to kick the year (and decade) off right:Neil Diamond - Headed For the Future.mp3Flight of the Conchords - Robots.mp3Zager and Evans - In the Year 2525.mp3Death Cab for Cutie - New Year.m4aJeff Buckley - New Year's Prayer (remix).mp3Massive Attack - Future Proof.mp3Future Bible Heroes - Doris Daytheearthstoodstill.mp3Elvis Costello - Good

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87909394240830874002009-12-31T20:30:00.002-05:002010-01-01T12:54:15.488-05:00

What follows is my excessively long list of the best albums and otherwise from the decade that began with 2-0-0. I will spare you the links and the pictures. Let's start with not quite ringing in the millenium in the Year Two Kay. (I danced naked around a bonfire. What did you do?) IMHO, the best albums of 2000 were as follows:05/02/00 clem snide - your favorite music09/05/00 ryan adams -

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-44935107928846986872009-12-31T13:37:00.002-05:002010-09-09T15:20:54.789-04:00

An apt farewell for the last year of the Naughts.See you in 2010!

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-76268527436994974242009-12-30T09:43:00.000-05:002009-12-30T10:47:51.634-05:00

Here's a rundown on my year in music:Best/favorite albums:Mountain Goats - The Life of the World to ComePhilippians 3:20-21.mp3A.C. Newman - Get GuiltyFalling Over.mp3Andrew Bird - Noble Beast/Useless Creatures (Deluxe Edition)You Woke Me Up!.mp3Flaming Lips - EmbryonicThe Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine.mp3Various Artists - Weezer: The 8-bit AlbumOxygenStar - In the Garage.mp3Islands -

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-72976688078263486382009-12-28T12:00:00.003-05:002009-12-28T18:21:14.538-05:00

This is a real jewel. Here's a 40 minute-long video interview with a 26 year old Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips from 1988. I was 3 years old then and as cool a toddler as I was, I was too busy with Big Bird to care about the Lips. Whodathunk that 21 years later this band is STILL chugging along just as vital as ever and releasing epic, highly relevant albums. Enjoy! Wayne Coyne Interview 1988

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-78650491855830753642009-12-23T12:04:00.004-05:002009-12-23T12:07:20.558-05:00

Keyboard Cat was probably the most viral video of 2009, but before we let him play the year off, let me share one more music video for your consideration:SUDANESE RAPPERS!Now that my love of Kanye has fallen through, I only hope that Bangs will be in attendance for next year's Grammy's. Now if only there was a mash-up of this song and "Gucci Bandana" by Soulja Boy/Shawty-Lo and I will be in 2009

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-80132137264410675002009-12-22T19:11:00.004-05:002009-12-30T10:44:21.876-05:00

So as you may or may not know, Julian Koster (of Neutral Milk Hotel(!!!!) and The Music Tapes fame) is gracious enough to perform Christmas carols in random strangers home across the country with his magical saw. And magical it is. Along with two of his bandmates and a set of plastic nutcrackers, illuminated sheep and strands of holiday lights, they play the classics (sing-along fave Jingles

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-86715456743842152622009-12-22T02:36:00.005-05:002009-12-22T14:36:25.160-05:00

Oh hi there readers! So here's the skinny: Way back in October for my birthday my awesome real life buddy Inez bought me, among other cool gifts, Death Cab For Cutie's 'open door' ep. But! Disaster! I already had a copy of that particular ep, which I loved very much. If two copies could double the loved I'd be set, but sadly it doesn't work that way. Which mean I appear to have an extra copy of

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876559175758718853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-57668194388556773522009-12-21T08:55:00.004-05:002009-12-21T12:09:37.094-05:00

"Fangio, Juan Fangio" paper cut-out art by Trystan NielsenFrom the ever awesome Fayettenam Records website:"Some exciting news: early in 2010 Fayettenam will be releasing FANGIO, a new album by Peter Peter Hughes. You may know Peter Peter (minus one "Peter") as bass player for the Mountain Goats and Nothing Painted Blue, or as the frontman of the late, great DiskothiQ. FANGIO is pretty different

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876559175758718853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-10797612391069836512009-12-20T11:03:00.008-05:002009-12-20T16:15:08.018-05:00

I've compiled a largely personal, largely random, and mostly just large list of the albums that I consider to be the best of the aughts. And this isn't it! Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of solid candidates that didn't quite make the final cut, so, by way of practice, I offer them up to you here, my five also-ran's of the last ten years, in loose chronological order.JACK JOHNSONJack Johnson's "

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-13168273329339603742009-12-19T01:35:00.006-05:002009-12-20T11:01:53.314-05:00

Do you guys realise it's been ten years since every time you turned on the radio that 'we're gonna party like it's 1999' song was playing? I can not tell you how thankful I am that no 80s rockstar decided to write a song about '09. Could you just imagine the Bon Jovi ballad, 'it's already 09 and we still don't know what to call this crazy decade?'In the absense of that smash hit, let me share

Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876559175758718853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-50786080242203422962009-12-16T20:40:00.011-05:002009-12-20T11:02:11.073-05:00

I've spent a fair portion of my free time in the past few months working on my Best of 2009 list for publication on this 'ere blog. From a semi-finalists list of about thirty, few of which would probably come as a surprise to you, I've underlined, struck through, italicized, put in bold, categorized and recategorized those albums that I perceived to be this year's contenders. I've listened and

Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766017061409181637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-77422569099424563802009-12-15T18:41:00.005-05:002009-12-15T18:52:12.123-05:00

Just because Volume Knob is run by a bunch of shiksha's doesn't mean we've forgotten about our Jewish friends. Here is the Mountain Goat's lovely ditty "Hanukkah". Yes, way before he was writing songs titled after Bible verses he burst out a little hava nagila. EnjoyHanukkah - the Mountain Goats

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87334589728879176492009-12-12T15:23:00.005-05:002009-12-20T11:02:34.226-05:00

By "Top" I mean most frequently played by yours truly. This is what I like and have continued to like for the past 12 months. Songs for download from each album follow:15. 'Em Are I - Jeffrey LewisOk so this is a very top-heavy album, but I'll be damned if the first four songs on this album weren't among my most played of the year.Broken Broken Broken Heart14. Actor - St. VincentI finally fell

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87538330877081145022009-12-11T15:48:00.005-05:002009-12-11T17:04:40.322-05:00

Yes, all of these happened this year and if you told me so last year, I would have done a spit-take:-I called Nikki Sixx on the phone (as part of a temp job?!?!).-My cat was featured on Pitchfork. My cat is a hipster.-I bought a Lady Gaga album.-I was published! In a book! Cassette from My Ex is in stores now. I hear it makes a lovely holiday gift. /shameless self-promotion.-While waiting in line

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-33619857383190299112009-12-09T16:15:00.004-05:002009-12-09T16:27:59.238-05:00

Deck your tree with this silver trembling fetus. A christmas-sweatered Wanye impores you in the video below.Can the lips please host a holiday special with confetti canons and dudes dressed as rabbits? On Mars of course.Silver Trembling Hands - The Flaming Lips

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87963081442617020962009-12-08T10:18:00.004-05:002009-12-08T12:45:04.468-05:00

I just rediscovered my favorite way to discover music - mixes. Especially when you don't even glance at the tracklist before listening, because sometimes just the sight of a certain band name or even a word, say "crystal-bear-and/or-wolf" can give way to a whole set of pre-conceived associations, some of which are bad. I like my listening to be as devoid of context as possible, which is usually

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-46116273798329544382009-12-04T14:24:00.006-05:002009-12-04T15:51:22.569-05:00

So there's this band called the Mountain Goats that we've seen, oh well over a dozen times and tend to obsess over a lot. Their latest tour just wrapped up this week at Brooklyn's insanely intimate Bell House. If you failed to see them, well then you truly failed. Here's what you missed:1. Bare feet! Sometimes musicians like Final Fantasy or Andrew Bird play in their socks, mostly because they

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-4643119307805176532009-12-03T11:27:00.005-05:002009-12-04T09:24:19.961-05:00

Here some tunes to play while you hoist the Festivus pole!Christmas Card From A Hooker in Minneapolis - Tom WaitsYou should know this one by now. If not, shame on you.Cold White Christmas - Casiotone for the Painfully AloneSad song about spending Christmas alone in St. Paul. Dude, what is up with all these songs taking place in Minnesota? Remind me not to spend the holidays there, k thanks.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-11159702561203494932009-11-29T15:31:00.002-05:002009-11-29T15:42:50.491-05:00

I can't believe we got scooped on this one! But the trailer for the upcoming movie "Babies" features the song "The Perpetual Self, Or "What Would Saul Alinsky Do?"" by Sufjan Stevens, off his album The Avalanche. Kind of surprising and refreshing to have a pick from that album! (Oh, and even though I'm not a big fan of babies, this movie looks really cute and interesting!)And of course, here is

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-52723107178641813672009-11-29T14:27:00.004-05:002009-11-29T15:15:05.350-05:00

Though this came out in July, I am ashamed to admit, dearest readers, I did not know it existed until just this morning. It is absolutely incredible, and it is now your imperative mission to download this FREE album in its entirety. Here's a link to the page! Go nuts!!Weezer: the 8-bit cover albumThat's right, it's a compilation of your favorite Weezer tracks. Covered by great, unknown artists.

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87358534105517830732009-11-28T20:49:00.002-05:002009-11-28T21:08:52.821-05:00

Ok so I just gotta pimp this awesome cover project. 34 Mountain Goat fans picked out the songs they most wanted to hear covered and then were randomly assigned one of those songs to cover themselves. Here is the result. All songs are up for free download. All they ask is that you donate a few a bucks to the Farm Sanctuary if you find yourself enjoying it. Sounds like a fair deal to us. (Oh and

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-49400069595835441422009-11-26T11:32:00.003-05:002009-11-26T11:54:58.016-05:00

This cat macro is lovingly dedicated to fellow blogger Jess and her poor terrified cat, MudpieHappy Thanksgiving to all our U.S. readers! Here's a grab-bag of songs from some very thankful musicians:Dido - Thank You.mp3The Flaming Lips - Thank You Jack White.mp3Alanis Moressette - Thank U.mp3the Mountain Goats - Thanks For The Dress.mp3Neil Diamond - Thank the Lord for the Night Time.mp3ZZ Top -

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-27761553469473725412009-11-24T17:32:00.004-05:002009-11-24T17:49:32.487-05:00

Dear Readers,The indie-verse works in mysterious ways.It's been a loooooong two days. Yesterday I flew down to Florida to visit my grandma for the Thanksgiving holiday, with the intent of catching the Mountain Goats show in Orlando. However upon deplaning I was greeted by the most saddening voicemail ever from co-blogger Julie: the show was canceled on account of John Darniele getting sick!

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-6731043531607979472009-11-22T20:12:00.003-05:002009-11-22T20:42:35.680-05:00

Ramshackle, lo-fi production? Check. Surf pop melody? Check.Detached, old-school Liz Phair vocals? Check. Lyrics about hating to sleep alone? Check.When I'm With You - Best CoastListen to more by the Best Coast here.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-18950515735273750232009-11-20T14:18:00.003-05:002009-11-20T14:34:07.330-05:00

Yes, I'm dragging my boyfriend to a cat show tomorrow. In honor of that I'm posting my favorite song about cats EVER. Plea From a Cat Named Virtute - The WeakerthansAnd speaking of the Weakerthans, John K. Samson just released a three-song solo record City Route 85 for Anti. We quite like it as well!Also the above cat is my gal Mudpie. She needs a LOL caption, don'tcha think?

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-36892301765701645172009-11-17T22:46:00.004-05:002009-11-17T22:59:49.058-05:00

This band played like 87 CMJ shows and guess what? Leave it to us to miss ALL of them. Beyond that we don't know much about Surfer Blood (besides the fact that they just opened a bunch of shows for Art Brut). BUT I am completely enamored with their latest single "Swim". It's kind of shout-y, pounding bit of power-pop but in a totally catchy, deceptively simple way. And there's also that little

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-30366881084896939492009-11-16T18:15:00.003-05:002009-11-16T18:53:47.422-05:00

We're quite bummed we missed the epic Slumberland Records 20th Anniversary concert last weekend at the Bell House. Thank God however, for bootlegs because thanks to nyctaper we've got a live recording of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart's entire set which includes the premiere of a brand new song. "Say No to Love" contains everything we've come to love about the Pains - jangly guitar, breathy

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-72774184904451149022009-11-14T11:03:00.001-05:002009-11-14T11:05:20.228-05:00

Most adorable Sufjan cover ever. It's almost enough to make me want to have kids. Almost.

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-39960362561299388522009-11-12T19:55:00.004-05:002009-11-14T11:09:48.550-05:00

So at this point it's pretty obvious what songs will top the best-of-09 lists this year. Two "No, Duh" contenders are Animal Collective's "My Girls" and the Dirty Projectors "Stillness is the Move". They're all swell and pretty and all but we think the more important question is which cover version is better. Earlier this year we brought you Taken By Trees re-gendered, stripped down, Pakistani

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-3485066430655077852009-11-11T20:13:00.006-05:002009-11-12T15:10:43.952-05:00

We've been writing a lot about Nana Grizol lately, but deservedly so. I caught their set at the Cake Shop last Sunday and it reaffirmed my love for the Athen, GA indie pop collective tenfold. First off their sound expands like WHOA in the live context. The six band members practically spilled off the stage, while their two dueling drummers rev up the rhythm section for a rollicking, punk-ier

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-8472531521537049452009-11-09T15:46:00.003-05:002009-11-09T16:52:24.562-05:00

Maybe you've already read my many fangirlish tweets about it, but yes I stood just inches away from Jeff Mangum, aka Mr. Neutral Milk Hotel last night. It was at the Cake Shop, an itty bitty NYC venue, decked out with Christmas lights and tinsel. Athens, GA-based band Nana Grizol was performing (truly an outstanding live act, by the way). Several of Nana's members were in Neutral Milk Hotel so

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-6449654120177239092009-11-08T15:56:00.004-05:002009-11-09T06:59:15.610-05:00

You've probably heard about Yo Gabba Gabba, that trippy kids show with the monsters and hip indie bands. Well the show is finally releasing an full length album and it features this new little ditty by Of Montreal. "Brush Brush Brush" as you probably guessed is our new favorite song about the glamtastic awesomeness of oral hygiene. But it begs the question: do you really want your kids taking

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-26414992106821441112009-11-05T21:34:00.002-05:002009-11-05T21:45:07.479-05:00

I finally get an excuse to post about The Office and man I'm psyched about it. Here's an awesome ditty by everyone's fave office ditz Kelly and receptionist Erin aka Subtle Sexuality. There first single "Male Primadonna" features the Nard Dog (oh Andy we love your smooth dance moves) and introducing Mr. Understanding (two words: rapping Ryan!). While this is obviously a parody, it veers

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-89331049300217359502009-11-04T17:52:00.004-05:002009-11-04T18:44:32.801-05:00

I promised myself I would do my best not to reference Sufjan Stevens when describing Freelance Whales, but there's simply no way around it. After countless false starts writing this post I surrender. Maybe it's the banjo, or the angelic, breathy vocals or the grandiose arrangements with harmonium and glockenspiel or the occasional flourishes of electronic blips and bleeps that make such

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-87391290688423365662009-11-02T17:48:00.003-05:002009-11-02T21:10:58.979-05:00

Yup the title pretty much says it all. Enjoy!Where Eagles Dare (Misfits cover)- Of MontrealCrown of Love (Arcade Fire cover) - This is Ivy LeagueWater Runs Dry (Boyz II Men cover) - Jens LekmanCape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (Vampire Weekend cover) - Hot Chip & Peter GabrielDreams Come True Girl (Cass McComb cover) - Girls

Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05638334175782769022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436853382111083849.post-84634266693018423692009-10-31T08:33:00.024-04:002009-11-02T09:13:16.699-05:00

Here's your trick-or-treat, dear readers! A fresh mix tape by Yours Truly with some surprises. The following stats will give you some hints:22 Tracks1:19:41 (yep, fits on 1 regular audio CD!)shortest track: 1:31longest track: 6:313 covers1.5 spoken word tracks1 instrumental1 live version1 mash-up1 old skool rap1 song from VK's namesake artist1 song for all you WRIMOS starting tomorrow (good luck

Junehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623328508678082201noreply@blogger.com0