Music Archives
Podboppin'
July 26, 2006 | 
1 Comments
Hey, so, I’ve been meaning to mention that I’m writing over a the brand spankin’ new Podbop Blog!
So, now you know. What you may not know is what Podbop is. Well, I’m gonna tell ya, so listen up.
Podbop is a great way to learn about good music via live shows. It’s a killer mashup of community, events listing and podcasting. Here’s how it works:
You hit Podbop, type in your city (or cities) and you’ll get a page that shows you concerts in your city. Many of these listings have MP3s you can listen too. What’s even cooler is you can them subscribe to your city’s podcast feed! That’s right! You’ll get a neat little concert listing in iTunes that’s updated as Podbop pulls events and matches them to MP3s.
It’s a great idea, conceived by Taylor McKnight and Daniel Westermann-Clark, and one you should certainly check out if you’re into music, live shows, or cool mashups. While you’re at it, stop by the blog and listen to new music, check out killer (and not so killer) photos, read reviews, get music news and more.
Filed under: Music | 
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Finding and Sharing Music With Pandora
January 13, 2006 | 14 Comments
Some of you may remember that I used to share lots of music right here on Asterisk. I realize it’s been quite awhile and as soon as I get off the rollercoster I could very well get back to that. In the meantime, I wanted to let you know about a great way to find, listen to and share music: Pandora.
Pandora allows you to create mini streaming Web radio stations based on artists and songs that you like. For example, you could create a station for Aesop Rock. Pandora will go out and pull songs and info based on that and start streaming. Here’s what my Aesop Rock station played:
- Ox Out The Cage by Cannibal Ox
- Stop Eating by Cex (I’ve never heard this, but it’s not bad, it reminds me of Paul Barman and Buck 65)
- Watch Me by 7L and Esoteric
- Rickety Rackity by Aesop Rock
- The Bonecrusher by Akrobatik
- Bad Man! by Murs
- Breakfast Club by Z Trip
It goes on. In any case, most of these tracks have something in common with Aesop Rock. Sometimes you’ll get a few songs or a station that doesn’t really have any accurate matches. If that’s the case you can tell Pandora you didn’t like the song and that it wasn’t a good match. You can also give a track a thumbs up or ask Pandora why it picked a certain song.
It keeps track of all this info and in that way educates itself about how different music is related. Most of the time it’s pretty accurate, or at least interesting, and that makes for some great listening.
Pandora is probably my favorite Web application right now. Even before Flickr. I know I use it more, and it doesn’t have quite the same time suck that Flickr does—I could spend all day on Flickr—because you don’t need to be actively engaged with it for it to work.
Check it out. It’s free (with some minor restrictions if you don’t register) and lots of fun.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
Coheed and Cambria, Dredg and The Blood Brothers
October 13, 2005 | 21 Comments
Last night I saw one of the best shows I’ve seen ever.
Coheed and Cambria, The Blood Brothers, Dredg and mewithoutyou at The Showbox here in Seattle. It was a truly classic rock show. Classic. Those of you who’ve talked to me offline might know I’m kind of a rocker at heart and I’ve been crowin’ about Coheed and Cambria for along time now. They’re the best rock band since Tool IMHO and they keep getting better. They’ve tended to go away from their “emo-ish” stuff (which is still good) into more deep, classic, guitar rock and they do it the best way possible live. Emotional, loud as hell, lots of audience participation, no bullshit…
I’d seen them before at SXSW and wasn’t that impressed. But then again, Claudio was losing his voice and the venue wasn’t that great, so I was looking forward to seeing them redeem themselves to my ears.
They did that. And exceed every possible expectation. It was…spine-tinglingly awesome. I wish I could explain it better, but they’re just something you’ve got to see for yourself. The Blood Brothers and Dredg we’re also very, very good. I’ve seen The Blood Brothers before so I knew what to expect, but as a relatively new fan of Dredg I was really, really impressed with their set. They’ve got kind of a Depeche Mode/Mission UK/My Chemical Romance thing going on which I really like.
Anyway, the show was awesome. Easily one of the top 2 or 3 I’ve seen in the last few years, and I’ve seen some good’ns.
If you can catch this tour in a smaller venue like that, you should do it. I can guarantee Coheed and Cambria are destined for arena rock in the near future.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus by Cloud Cult
September 30, 2005 | 3 Comments
The Artist: Cloud Cult
Featured Song: Living on the Outside of Your Skin
[Launch Player]
The Album: Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus
Released 2005
Recommended if you like: Arcade Fire, Pixies, Modest Mouse, Sufjan Stevens, Badly Drawn Boy, Decemberists
Let’s go with another band whose initials are C.C. and has a penchant for long titles.
I’m not really sure where to start with this one. I first heard Cloud Cult on KEXP a month or so ago. I don’t remember the song, might have been “Car Crash”, but I do remembering making a point to remember the band. I picked up Advice From the Happy Hippopotamus the next day and I’ve been digging it ever since.
The album isn’t new, and neither are Cloud Cult. I like them so much I’m kind of surprised I’ve never heard them before. They’re creative, fun, cover a multiude of genres (perfect for my tastes) and the album is one you can listen to and enjoy front to back.
Filed under: Album of The Moment | Permanent Link
Bumbershoot 2005
September 02, 2005 | 5 Comments
Every year in Seattle we have a crazy fun arts festival: Bumbershoot. It’s a bit hard to describe, but it’s all about art, fun and music. You’ll see all sorts of interesting things from amazing musical acts to design and art exhibitions and anything in between.
They’re drum circles, rap battles, dance competitions, amazing food, comedy shows, beer gardens, tons of people to watch and meet (I met Staci at Bumbershoot!) and lots of great music. For a taste I’ve done all bumbershoot artists for this week’s ipodarmy podcast.
I’m not going to be able to enjoy it the way I’d like as I’ve got a few other things planned this weekend, but I’m going to try my ass off. I’ll probably be dead tired by Tuesday, but it’s better than being at home digging out from piles of “stuff.” In any case, I hope to catch some great bands (Smoosh and Maktub are on my list today) and generally have a good time. Hopefully I’ll get some photos.
If near Seattle this weekend, you should check it out. It’s not for everyone, but for those into live music and who can handle crowds, it’s great fun.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
MTV Video Music Awards 2006
August 28, 2005 | 20 Comments
Well, I was supposed to be doing my IKNFFL draft tonight, but the stupid ESPN live draft applet is all screwed up. Guess they never heard of radical simplicity. Ah well, Rome is being recorded and so Staci and I are watching the VMAs.
I figured it might be fun to do a little commentary. So this is my attempt at live blogging the VMAs. Just for fun. You’ll see it doesn’t last too long.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
Pitchfork's 10 You Might Have Missed '05
July 18, 2005 | 1 Comments
Not sure if Pitchfork will have a permalink for this, so here they are, “a few albums we’ve all really enjoyed this year, but which— whether a result of a technicality, bad timing, or just bad luck— have managed to elude our Best New Music section.”
I’m not always down with Pitchfork, but there is some good stuff in here:
- Stars - Set Yourself On Fire (LOVE this pick)
- Feist - Let It Die
- Andrew Bird - Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs
- Roisin Murphy - Ruby Blue (the chick from Moloko, cool stuff)
- Beanie Sigel -The B. Coming
- Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy
- Various Artists - RWD Magazine Mixtape
- Mahjongg - Raydoncong 2005
- The Lucksmiths - Warmer Corners
- Hank -How to Prosper in the Coming Bad Year
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
Pitchfork's 10 You Might Have Missed '05
July 18, 2005 | 1 Comments
Not sure if Pitchfork will have a permalink for this, so here they are, “a few albums we’ve all really enjoyed this year, but which— whether a result of a technicality, bad timing, or just bad luck— have managed to elude our Best New Music section.”
I’m not always down with Pitchfork, but there is some good stuff in here:
- Stars - Set Yourself On Fire (LOVE this pick)
- Feist - Let It Die
- Andrew Bird - Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs
- Roisin Murphy - Ruby Blue (the chick from Moloko, cool stuff)
- Beanie Sigel -The B. Coming
- Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy
- Various Artists - RWD Magazine Mixtape
- Mahjongg - Raydoncong 2005
- The Lucksmiths - Warmer Corners
- Hank -How to Prosper in the Coming Bad Year
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
So Jealous by Tegan & Sara
May 20, 2005 | 5 Comments
The Artist: Tegan & Sara
The Song: Walking With A Ghost
[Launch Player]
The Album: So Jealous | Buy it from iTunes
Released 2004
Recommended if you like: Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, Eisley, Sleater-Kinney, The Killers, Lush
What’s the deal with Tegan & Sara all the sudden? In the last few weeks I’ve been asked about them several times. They’ve been around for a bit, they’re on their third album now, and I wish I could have featured them when I first got So Jealous back in November 2004 or so, as it’s a really, really great album.
I figured they’d have gotten a bit more attention for this one early on, but it seems like people are just now noticing. I’ve been hearing them more and seeing more press on them than ever before. It’s kind of strange for a band with an album 6 months old now.
Maybe it’s that they’re touring with The Killers, or maybe it’s their recent exclusivity on iTunes (iTunes link), but they’re finally getting some well deserved interest. Which is great. So Jealous is jam-packed with great songs and it was one of my favorites of last year and is still in pretty heavy rotation.
Filed under: Album of The Moment | Permanent Link
Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists
May 13, 2005 | 0 Comments
If you’re into hip-hop, or just looking for an interesting, funny and remarkably informative coffee table book, Ego Trip’s Book of Rap Lists is perfect.
I actually read it front-to-back, which should say something considering my short attention span and the fact that it really is more of a pick-it-up-read-and-discuss type book. It covers, in great detail, the history of rap, with all sorts of great stories, anicdotes and sidebars, from its origin to 1999 or so.
It’s been called “A must-have for any rap aficionado.” by Russell Simmons, and “The best book I’ve ever read-and I can’t read!” by Chris Rock.
Sounds like a good recommendation to me.
Filed under: Sweet | Permanent Link
Podcasting at iPodarmy.com
May 07, 2005 | 8 Comments
As you may have guessed I’ve been working away at a few different side projects over the last few months. I’ve got one big one, which is quite a-ways away, and a whole slew of smaller “mini” or “for fun” projects going right now.
One of these is my first ever podcast. It’s a music show, at least for now, where I showcase mostly Creative Commons licensed music and other tracks that won’t get me sued.
Along with that is the launch of iPodarmy.com, a site where I’ll host these podcasts as well as do some blogging on podcasting and related topics. I’ve decided that I don’t want to clutter Asterisk up with too much side business, so this is one of my “channels” to talk about something different.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
In Between Dreams by Jack Johnson
May 06, 2005 | 15 Comments
The Artist: Jack Johnson
The Song: Never Know
[Launch Player]
The Album: In Between Dreams
Released 2005
Recommended if you like: Donavon Frankenreiter, Beck, Ben Lee, Jason Mraz, Citizen Cope
You simply can’t go wrong with Jack Johnson can you? Just when I thought he was going to go down that boring, old, everything-sounds-the-same-lane, he releases In Between Dreams—a great album that, while not really offering up too much in the way of the new and unique, makes you realize that every Jack Johnson song is a good song.
Filed under: Album of The Moment | Permanent Link
Take One Punk Show and Call Me In The Morning
April 27, 2005 | 16 Comments
As many of you know I love music and I love live shows. Music is what keeps me going and seeing great music played live is probably my favorite thing in the world. I find that a great show leaves me energized, thinking positive and ready to take on anything. But it’s not always easy to remember that.
Over the last few weeks I’ve been feeling a bit run down. I’ve been really busy (I bit of a bit more than I can easily chew with my personal “projects”) and not feeling in the best of shape. My lower back has been acting up again and I’ve got the mother-of-all sinus infections (I’m probably surgery-bound, in case you’re wondering how bad it is). I’ve been trying to take care of myself, but just haven’t really had time to relax and take it easy.
Earlier this week I let Staci drag me, kicking and screaming, to a show. It was one I’d really wanted to see, but I just didn’t feel up to it. It was on a Monday and I was still tired and stressed from a long weekend in which I had to play a lead role in my buddies wedding.
(If you’re ever a Best Man or Maid of Honor, make sure and have lots of patience and a positive attitude on hand.)
I was just not in the mood for a show. I should have known better.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
The Futureheads
April 25, 2005 | 0 Comments
Quickly becoming one of my all time favorites, The Futureheads are no doubt in my mind one of the most engaging and entertaining musical acts to hit the scene in quite awhile. They’re sound is unique yet harkens back to the new wave and punk sounds of the early 80’s. Bands like The Kinks, The Jam and Devo.
They rock pretty darn hard and put on one of the most entertaining shows around.
What really sets them apart from the rest is their ability to harmonize and combine the creative talents of each of the four ‘heads. It’s quite clear that each brings something a bit different to the table and while you can see those individual styles emerging at different points somehow it all works and coalesces into something pretty amazing and downright fun.
A few of my favorite tracks of their debut (although they’re all pretty good)
- “Hounds of Love.” A great Kate Bush cover.
- “Decent Days and Nights.” The “single” on this one. Poppy guitar rock.
- “A to B.” The harmony on this one is spine tingling.
- “Robot.” Bring back memories of The Jam.
The Futureheads are highly recommended to anyone looking for some 80’s throwback that’s a bit different or anyone looking for a high energy fun sound. See them in concert if you ever get a chance.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link
Creative Commons Contest
April 19, 2005 | 31 Comments (Closed)
Ready for another contest in which you can win a free iPod Shuffle and a Flickr Pro account?
I know, it’s all the rage, but I’ve actually been wanting to do this for a few weeks now and well, I need some help. As you probably (don’t) know I’ve been pretty interested in Podcasting of late and I’d like to try my hand at it myself.
Thing is, I need some legal music, that I like to share and it’s been a struggle find it. Creative Commons is a great idea, but finding good artists under a CC license is difficult. This is something I hope to change, as soon as I can find some music worth promoting.
I’m hoping you can help me out.
Filed under: Music | Permanent Link