Neo-Audio

Ears have been busy these days- between live shows (Dimitri Martin, NinjaSonik, with other good ones on the horizion), new good headphones, and audiobooks have been keeping me stimulated "during times like these..."

These are the ones which have stood out the most over the last couple weeks:


The Road - Cormac McCarthy
Holy moly- this was an unexpected gem. From the author of No Country for Old Men, is the story of a man and his boy in a wretched post-apocalyptic world in which nothing is easy. Gritty, sparce, and affecting this story cut right to the core. I had avoided it mostly because of the Oprah book club status, but hey it also won the Pulitzer (much deserved.). The prose reminds me of Hemingway in that there is hardly a wasted word describing the wasted world. Despite the bleak terrain of the world McCarthy created there is a very cinematic quality to the text- it is very appropriate then that it is being released as a film with Viggo Mortensen (which i am really looking forward to). The narrator of the book has a rough voice which is still has a lot of heart and hits the characters pitch perfect. This is a book that everyone should read, and that shows how things could always be worse, but even then there are those out there who will carry the fire.



The Shawshank Redemption- Stephen King
While the classic film adaptation is what comes to mind when I first think of this story, King's book holds. The story of an innocent man locked up for the murder of his wife and his lover is wonderfully conveyed through the narration of a man named Red. Filled with many of the lines which made the film so compelling, it's also interesting to see where the book and film diverge in their retellings. A quick listen/read, it feels more like a five hour version of the movie. A must read for King fans or fans of the movie.


How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
This seminol text on ideal human behavior still is rather inspiring even though it was first published in 1936. A handbook on how subtly manipulate others in order to get your way and be popular- though this book wont tell you anything you dont know already if youre just a kind, self aware individual. The narrator is a classic talking head authoritarian voice, but engaging at the same time. Take or leave the advice that Carnegie lays out, but it's worth while to read and get a snapshot on Western Culture's large demands on people who subscribe to it.

1 post 3 reviews of stuff you may care about:

This post is a humble opinion piece on 3 of pieces of media i have read, watched, heard, and digested. Any feedback/debate is welcomed!


Animal Collective -Merriweather Post Pavilion:
The trap was baited and set for the all their rabid fans, and Animal Collective do not disappoint on one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2009. Merriweather Post Pavilion (their 9th release!) is at the bleeding edge of AC's sound, it is a dynamic record drawing from a host of different instruments, sounds, samples, and melodies. The beautifully trippy cover is a perfect representation of the lush recording that lays within. It begins with a looping beat coming through a layer or two of static on "In Flowers" and does not let up steam until the last beat of the album on "Brothersport". The Collective seems to have left behind much of the 'challenging' nature of their previous releases and have embraced a global-pop aesthetic. This seen very clearly on tracks like "Lion in a Coma" where what sounds like a didgeridoo and mouth harp combine to make a warbley backdrop for some hauntingly sweet vocals. The themes of many of the songs are uplifting and strike home to many things that go on in my own head such as materialism, friendship, love, and the like. This is an album for the NOW and proves once again why Animal Collective and their respective members have reached the level of noteriety and craftsmanship they have. Pick this one up immediately.




Synecdoche, New York: Written & Directed by Charlie Kaufman
Charlie Kaufman is a tormented genius much like the characters penned by the man himself, and then portrayed on screen. None more so perhaps than the protagonist of his latest project Synecdoche, New York. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Caden Cotard a Macarthur Grant winning playwright with an overly ambitious plan set in a crumbling world. He is obsessed with his own demise and the frailty of his form to the point that he ruins what time he has on this earth. The film works best when focused on the little details of Caden's life and gets a bit obtuse when trying to tackle the bigger questions regarding life and death. Kaufman's directorial debut made me wish it wasn't. He functions best when there is someone else around to pull in the reigns and add another perspective. Synecdoche was just ar too bleak and bleary for me to truely enjoy. Half way through i found myself waiting for Caden to just die already. Perhaps that's the point. Good cast, but not quite enough to keep this afloat. Wait for video on a rainy night for this bad boy.



Snuff: Chuch Palahniuk
This twisted look at the modern adult movie industry as only Palahniuk can tell it. Full of useful tidbits about human anatomy, celebrities, and pop culture it is more than just smut. The story revolves around a world record setting gangbang by a failing adult film star Cassie Wright. It is told from 3 perspective mostly - 3 very different men with their own reasons for attending. The tone of these voices is effective and drives the plot along at a lighting pace. There has to be over 50 fake ridiculous porn titles sprinkled throughout; as many chuckles as grimaces in disgust. Snuff is a great, quick read and shows that Palahniuk has not lost his edge or his touch. Pick this up softcover asap.

Video Music?

Well Pitchfork has put up a substantial list of what they deem the 40 best music videos of the year. On that list were a few i havent seen til now - i've pulled what i liked best from their list, all of which can be seen here.

Justice: Stress- Holy shit this was unexpectedly tense (despite the song's title and demeanor). Shot like a documentary and very possibly based off the French film Man Bites Dog, the viewer is forced to watch this anarchistic street gang in matching 'cross' jackets wreak havok on their dystopian future looking thing. Part Clockwork Orange, part nightly news. Sprinkled with audio from the spree at just the right time, this really is a killer video.

justice stress (official video)
by 75_prod

The Mai Shi: Run to Your Grave- One of my favorites of their album hllll yh. Hits the (coffin) nail right on the head as far as enjoying life and the fleetingness of materialism. A whole lot happens in front of this stationary cam, including some serious cameo action by some other LA bands. lots of energy and color- just like their live show.



Radiohead: House of Cards- This song articulated a feeling i had been having about modern society teetering on the edge of the void. Beautifully eerie video as well.



Sigur Ros: Gobbledigook (NSFW)- Ah to be young, good looking and nude. This video made in conjunction with the wunderkind Ryan McGinnley features a scenario of one of his naked roadtrips which suites the song quite well. strikes me as an orgiastic, Utopian lord of the flies.


Gobbledigook from Sigur Ros. from Bill on Vimeo.

Weezer: Pork n' Beans- Yeah we all know weezer isnt the band they once were, but this meta-youtoob-esque video they did shows they still have that killer sense of humor about the days we live in. its just the right amount of parody and quirky. but why the fuck k-fed is in it i'll never know.

Weezer - Pork And Beans
by rockenseine

Kanye West: Flashing Lights (NSFW) - Spike Jonze still has some good rap vids in him. A dark scene unfolds in the desert (with a healthy dose of T&A.)


Flashing Lights - Kanye West from Jarvis Smith on Vimeo.

The BPA (Feat. David Byrne & Dizzee Rascal) NSFW?- Hilarious concept executed flawlessly and a catchy tune at that. Black bar magic right here. i wish i was invited to this party.

List time:

So there's much buzz on the blog-o-sphere regarding 2008's best and worst records. This is both productive and limiting exercise- productive in that recognition goes where it deserves, and limiting because all too often its the same damn list derived of pitchfork's BNM (best new music) picks. It is also very fun to read the debate (if you want to call them that) threads on various blogs which are pretty ridiculous in their anonymous zealotry.
So here on the Wurlitzer i'm going to try and switch it up a bit and make it a little more interesting by trying to avoid the standards which will be on all the lists, and do a lil something i like to call:

The Wurlitzer's best you didnt hear in '08
(in no particular order because they span the spectrum of genre)

• The Samuel Jackson Five- Good Bye Melody Mountain: This one is for all you post-rock stoner fans who dont need words to make a song kick ass, just amazing slow builds to towering creshendos. Theyre from Oslo, Norway and yes, it was the name that got me into them. For fans of GSYBE! and explosions in the sky, etc.
• Longwave- Secrets are Sinister: Longwave have not had the smoothest career for the caliber of music coming from their crazy effects pedals and chugging bass and delicate vox. These brooklyn dudes have come out with the best album of their already distinguished, albiet underrated careers. Definitely give this one a listen. For fans of the national, ooooold U2, good ol' ny shoegaze.
  
• Zach Hill - Astrological Straits: I repped Zach a few posts ago, but this album totally deserves all the recognition it can get. It's challenging, technical, and interesting straight through. The drums are in the forfront of the mix and for good reason. For fans of people who like drums, free form jazz, and loud fast stuff.
• Joan of Arc - Boo! Human: Tim Kinsella continues to put out amazing records and Boo Human perfects his guitar skill with his snide but spot on lyrics. Featuring a killer ensemble of musicians (including brother mike, members of wilco, prefuse 73, and others). He also put on a great live show, Tim's best stuff is always yet to come.
• Look Mexico- Gasp Asp! EP- These guys have began coming into their own despite having a true kindred nature to the emotional rock of the late 90's - and i love it. Hailing from Florida and criss crossing the nation on tour, this EP was a great treat in '08 and makes me want '09 to come with their full legnth. For fans of American Football, oooold Jimmy Eat World, etc.
• WHY? - Live from Eli's Basement- I'm not quite sure if this is even for sale or just floating around online, but it features live renditions of Why?'s current 2008 line up which they played on a headlining tour with mt. eerie (live recording, but no crowd cheering/bad sound- more a test run before they hit the road). A great live show, and a great orchestration of great cuts of their also amazing (though too popular for this list) Alopecia. Features classic hits of theirs as well. Definitely hunt this bad boy down.
• CocoNot- Cosa Astral- This is the spanish group with the fella from El Guincho in it (also great, but his cd Alegranza will be lots of lists). I suppose that makes them like the spanish animal collective and El Panda Bear. Very good record, lots of different samples, instruments, and arrangements. Its good to hear how people around the world make kick ass music.
• The Jealous Sound - Got Friends EP: They're back! The Jealous sound were one of my high school favorites with their own brand of west coast pop-punk/emo thing going on. Its very melodic, relatable, with just enough edgy-ness that they dont come off as pussies. This is their first new recording in years since their masterful Kill them With Kindness.
• Human Highway - Moody Motorcycle: This Canadian supergroup's debut was a great end of summer pop gem. Fronted by Nick Thorburn of islands/unicorns/reefer and Jim Guthrie they put out a great guitar pop record with a tinge of meloncholy. It was great getting to see the play live, since who knows when the next time will be. But this record will hold up until that day.
• United Nations- S/T: A grindcore super group. This project was talked about for years and i never thought it would actually see the light of day. Featuring thursday's Geoff Rickly and Daryll Palumbo of glassjaw/head automatica, as well as members of the #12 looks like you, converge, and other hardcore staples, United Nations made a heavy record. But one that wasnt afraid to take chances, these guys have nothing to prove to anyone. It's also refreshingly political. Definitely find this one out on eyeball records.
• MGMT - Metanoia EP: By now MGMT are probably rolling in money and doing lines of scrooge mcduck's ass. But this 13 mintue epic song may be one the better things you havent heard this year. Its equal parts Queen, Of Montreal, and original. This is great if youre already sick to death of hearing kids or electric feel EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

I'm sure i missed something that i throw up later. in the mean while if there's something that should be getting more recognition than it is tell me about it....

Here's a pic from last week of Grails at Union Pool. It was a mixed bag, the show was more pricey than the flier said, it was packed, but the music was pretty cool. Live tunes to follow shortly. Also stay tuned for Owen (tunes/pics) and of Montreal (more intimate show at music hall of williamsburg)

keep it real kids.

Grails Live Tonight/Passion Pit in Studio Bloggin'

Tonight I also go see Grails- a great instrumental band from Oregon who aught to alter my state of consciousness at least for a bit. The band's master mind seems to be this fellow Zak Riles, who has a great solo record out now as well. Pretty excited, to hold you off on those live MP3's and Pictures take a look at passion pit's studio blog for their full length coming out (sooner than later i hope). Its got kooky youtoob vids and lil updates. Enjoy.

Here is the video for their great song sleepyhead.

Friday Night in NY

Well it's beginning, as it usually does, as procrastination. With my thesis due day looming (12/9) all i can do really is try and avoid thinking about it!

I just got off the line with Hayden over at 95BFM and we had a pleasant chat about all the good stuff: weather, music, and meta-blogging which is going into effect as you read these words.

So I was very lucky to go to Death by Audio (small ramshackle venue in a loft space in my neighborhood) to go see Zach Hill of Hella fame. He is a man who marches to own beat, quite literally.



Before Hill two local Brooklyn acts warmed up the crowd... sort of. Openers was this band Necking (i dont even want to link them, if you wanna hear em so bad, google them yourself!)- who i've seen twice before (once opening for Health, and once opening for a Dodos secret show) and both times ive been extremely disappointed at their lack of technical skill, and obtuse "artsy" aesthetic. Their schitck is distorted screamed vox, and 2 drumsets facing one another. It's pretty lame. I dont like to rag on bands much so i'll just leave it at that.

Then Fiasco came on, who are young band who show alot of promise. They have a great youthful energy which a band cant fake. They are all more than proficient at their instruments, which they play their brand of loud, fast post-rock. My favorite part of their sets are when they do a very tribal like chanting session. I was also glad to see that they will be opening for Vampire Weekend at one of their 3 New York shows at Terminal 5. That place is pretty much the opposite of Death By Audio, one of the group's main haunts and it will be interesting to see how they hold up. I suppose it's also worth noting that their bassist is actor Steve Buscemi's son (of Reservoir Dogs, Ghost World, Armageddon, Fargo, and Big Lebowski fame). I have not yet seen him at a show.

Then Zach hit the small stage armed with nothing but his drum kit and a shitton of drumsticks (see photo). It was quite a sight to see--- limbs flaying, sticks cracking, ears bleeding (well almost). I would highly recommend seeing him if possible. He owns his instrument, like i said to Hayden, only he knew what was coming next and I knew i couldnt wait for it. I dont know how anyone could drum after him, it seems more like a force of nature than music. Hill was also a part of the 88 Drummers in LA this past summer- and on his new album Astrological Straights, he collaborates with the likes of No Age, Primus, and others.

Now for everyone who stuck around this long is a couple Fiasco Live songs from CMJ. And Photo. Photo Credit: Me.

Unfortunately I dont know the name of this song, but here it is for your listening pleasure.
Fiasco Live

Alrighty then...

I know is been forever since posting (in fact I've removed stuff more lately than added), but I'm planning to change that finally! I wont bore you with the excuses for not posting but rather, will titillate you with the reasons why I will be posting:

• I've been going to tons of shows these days, the only thing where I can catch a moments peace.
• Almost because of this fact I've been a New York Correspondent for this awesome New Zealand radio station 95 BFM. You should check me out Friday evenings (Eastern Standard Time) or Saturday afternoon if you live in the future (AKA 'not in this timezone'). My good pal Hayden East presides and plays the good stuff, lots of which is tough to come by up here.
• I need a way to vent/channel/sublimate/meditate/whatever-you-wanna call it during these stressful days, and what better way to do that than share great stuff with whoever may stumble across these pages.

And my pledge to you good people who care enough to spend your time here:

I intend to add more concert info - what good are all these shows if i gotta go to them alone?
I will upload photos and live audio from shows I go to (if i could only remeber that damn recorder and camera more often.
I will be giving some reviews of tunes I find of noteworthy goodness or crappiness.
I will host some good Mp3's as well.
I will provide good interweb content I stumble upon- Like this:
The Decemberists: The Tain (hope you got 18 minutes to spare for this one, it's worth it.)



It is a new day, a new chance to live, experience, learn, grow, and blog about it. Wont you join me friend?

Suk & Hek....

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Project

Ethnographic Film Project:

Bridge & Tunnel (2007)

Something more people should know about:

Every once in a great while does something really make you scratch your head with genuine curiosity. One of those things for me, which I am more than happy to share with everyone out there is the enigma that is Macho Man Randy Savage's album BE A MAN (2003). Yes, that's right, the voice of slim-jims has a CD out. Not just any genre either, a RAP-METAL CD.

I first heard Be A Man early on in my collegiate career where I discovered it on the school's local direct connect hub (Remember that?). My morbid curiosity was what lead me to click that download button. What I got was certainly not what I expected.

Part of what makes this so perplexing is that the record itself isn't half bad when looked at in its context. The production isn't shoddy - its got original beats, some neat samples, and what sound like real singers/rappers accompanying him. The content is also like a modern rap CD--- hype men, beef tracks (against former friend Hulk Hogan in the title track of the CD)---


look at the lyrics here:
They call you Hollywood (hugh hugh) don't make me laugh
Cuz your movies and your actin' skills are both trash
Your movies straight to video the box office can't stand
While I got myself a feature role in Spider Man

sensitive dude track (What's that All About?), the "dead homie song" (My Perfect Friend - for Curt "Mr. Perfect" Henning - subtle homo-eroticism - check- does it make you feel sad - yes.) party song (Macho Thang) ... etc.

And the even weirder thing is that Macho Man ain't half bad at rapping. I don't know if he took a lot of lessons, payed someone to write the tracks - I'm totally in the dark. In fact I don't know how he got the idea in his head in the first place. The lyrics are almost laughable at times, but Savage delivers them with his normal gruff intensity.

I also wonder who was the intended audience for this release? Insane Clown Posse fans (Juggalos)? WWE fans? Rap fans? Metal fans? I am really intruiged by all these questions, like what are his concerts like? Who goes? Is this vaguely racist? Why am I listening to this? Is this serious or tongue in cheek? Where did he find these (decent) rappers to accompany him?

Oh it makes my brain hurt. Well here are some tracks for you to decide for your self. And if you have any answers to any of these questions or some of your own, please let me know!

[try to] ENJOY!

Intro:

What's That All About?

Ru Ready

Be a Man


PS: Sorry for the delay in posts, it's mid-term season in the real world. Also stay tuned in for OWEN and more Brunettes action. coming soon.