A Disillusioned Japanophile Deals Death to the Neocons with a Samurai Sword!

10 Great Christmas Videos

2006-12-25T02:37:00.000-05:00

David Bowie & Bing Crosby - The Little Drummer Boy

The Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)

Run DMC - Christmas in Hollis

Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas Time

The Pogues - Fairytale of New York

The Flaming Lips - Christmas at the Zoo

Sufjan Stevens - Put the Lights on the Tree

U2 - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)

The Kinks - Father Christmas (Live)

Scrubs - Scrubs Charlie Brown Christmas

Muse

2006-05-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit late with this, but here's some new Muse:

Muse - Supermassive Black Hole
Muse - Knights of Cyndonia (Live)

New album hits stores July 3rd. Enjoy.

Magic

2006-05-24T16:01:00.000-04:00

Pick Me Up

2006-05-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

I could chalk it up to being an addictive personality, but there has to be another reason why I've listened to The Format's "Dog Problems" three times this morning alone. Well, I guess it could have something to do with the fact that it's a great album, being heralded by some dude from somewhere on an Internet forum as the modern day "Pet Sounds." How appropriate, eh?

I'm not sure about all that, but I can tell you that this album has pulled me out of the gutter. I can also tell you that I feel this band deserves your money. I'm not sure how comfortable I would be offering two more songs from the actual disk, but I am happy to offer you these acoustic demos of songs that appear on the album in all their masterfully produced glory. As great as these are, I guarantee that each of these songs' album counterpart is an entirely new experience.
The Format - Pick Me Up
The Format - She Doesn't Get It
The Format - The Compromise
The Format - The Wind that Blows (Known on the album as "If Work Permits")
The Format - Snails

Most of these songs were available for free on the band's website, so I'll be able to rest easy over this one. As I said before, the band and their management have decided to put up a digital version of the album for online purchase a month or two before the album actually hits the streets. It's only $7.99 and you'll get CD quality non-rights protected MP3s with your purchase.

So What, So I'm Crazy!

2006-05-20T16:26:00.000-04:00

Claudio Sanchez has made it known on several occasions that he has an affinity for horror films. In fact, I recall the awkward frontman asking a rabid crowd of fans at one of Coheed's "Evening With" shows what they thought of Romero's latest zombie masterpiece "Land of the Dead."

Now there's even talk that the singer recently recorded his own music video for "The Final Cut" which features him chasing around his girlfriend with a chainsaw. Then several pictures surfaced on MySpace as a promotion for the singer's side project. Here's my personal favorite:

So, the question of the day is posed. Would you trust Claudio around your children? I know I sure would! I can't wait to see what this guy's got cooked up for us next, but something tells me it'll include a hearty helping of B R A I N S!

In the meantime, here's some old rarities from the band formally known as Shabutie and currently known as Coheed & Cambria:

Shabutie - Strong Short
Shabutie - Star Cecil

Dog Problems

2006-05-19T10:25:00.000-04:00

I haven't been posting nearly as much as I'd like to, but things have been all sorts of crazy as of late. I'm sure you understand, whoever you are. However, the whole point of this thing is to share the music that's picked me off my ass with the hope that it helps someone else.

Now that that's out of the way, how about some new tracks from The Format?

I fell in love with these guys the summer before my first year of college. I seem to remember a few of their songs really echoing the reservations I had at the time. All that aside, I found them all at once to be everything I loved about the now defunct Get Up Kids and pop-rock in general. With their new album "Dog Problems," the band has shown a startling amount of growth.

The elaborate production on "Time Bomb" can't help but remind me of Queen, while the album's title track stands on its own with an equally spectacular arrangement.

The Format - Time Bomb
The Format - Dog Problems

If you dig what you hear, I highly recommend heading over to this site and purchasing the digital album for $7.99. With that you'll get the entire album in a non-rights protected CD quality MP3 format. I've already purchased mine, which how I'm offering this little preview.

I guess this is the part where I promise to make an effort to update this thing.

Well...

I've Got a Bad Feeling About This

2006-04-19T13:41:00.000-04:00

Taking Back Sunday is offering something much closer to what I used to love about the band with their forthcoming album, "Louder Now." It's still a far cry from "Tell All Your Friends," but I must admit they've hooked me along for the ride. Everyone's entitled to a guilty pleasure or two, right?

Taking Back Sunday - What's It Feel Like to Be a Ghost?
Taking Back Sunday - MakeDamnSure

Purchase: Amazon

Achtung!

2006-04-13T11:58:00.000-04:00

Well, it would appear that more Angels & Airwaves material from their forthcoming debut album, "We Don't Need to Whisper," has surfaced. By that I mean the entire album has leaked, and what a solid pop-rock album it is! It's totally satisfying. Now, if only I could get my hands on some Plus 44, I'd have a bona fide blink-182 record.

Angels & Airwaves - Valkyrie Missile
Angels & Airwaves - Do It For Me Now

New Thursday on Friday

2006-03-31T16:46:00.000-05:00

Thursday - At This Velocity
How fast will we start the disintegration?

Thursday - Counting 5-4-3-2-1
Let's start a fire...

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Morrissey Blames Canada!

2006-03-28T14:47:00.000-05:00

What could Canada have done to invoke the wrath of the great and mighty Morrissey? Read on...

Canada.com Network: "That someone so handsome should care ...

National Post

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Morrissey, the former frontman of The Smiths, released the following statement to a fans' Web site yesterday:

"We will not include any Canadian dates on our world tour to promote our new album. This is in protest against the barbaric slaughter of over 325,000 baby seals, which is now underway.

I fully realise that the absence of any Morrissey concerts in Canada is unlikely to bring the Canadian economy to its knees, but it is our small protest against this horrific slaughter -- which is the largest slaughter of marine animal species found anywhere on the planet.

The Canadian Prime Minister says the so-called 'cull' is economically and environmentally justified, but this is untrue.

The seal population has looked after itself for thousand of years without human intervention, and as the world knows, this slaughter is about one thing only: making money. The Canadian government will stream all of the pelts into the fashion industry and this is the reason why the baby seals are killed with spiked clubs that crush their skulls -- any damage to their pelts is avoided. The Canadian Prime Minister also states that the slaughter is necessary because it provides jobs for local communities, but this is an ignorant reason for allowing such barbaric and cruel slaughter of beings that are denied life simply because somebody somewhere might want to wear their skin.

Construction of German gas chambers also provided work for someone -- this is not a moral or sound reason for allowing suffering.

If you can, please boycott Canadian goods. It WILL make a difference. As things stand, Canada has placed itself alongside China as the cruelest and most self-serving nation."

Well, it looks like our neighbors to the North will have to stop clubbing baby seals before Morrissey ever decides to grace them with his presence again. Meanwhile, I'm still looking forward to some more tour dates stateside, not to mention his rockin' new album "Ringleader of the Tormentors" which will hit stores on April 4th.

I really don't have any emotional investment in the issue, but I'm pretty sure that I'm not FOR the senseless massacre of MOST animal populations. I'm still a bit leery of those fuckin' gang raping dolphins.

That said, let's just soothe the radical animal rights activist within us all with some new Morrissey tunes, shall we?

Morrissey - The Father Who Must Be Killed
This track sounds very Smiths influenced, which is always welcome in my book. However, it's the chorus of children that sing alongside Morrissey that really make this one a keeper. Think Kids Bop: Morrissey Edition.

Morrissey - In the Future When All's Well
This may be the happiest I've ever heard Morrissey sound, and that's saying a lot. He's, like, actually thanking us with all of his heart in this song. If that doesn't get you pumped to save some baby seals, I don't know what else will.

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Can't Con an Honest John

2006-03-27T12:46:00.000-05:00

The new Streets album, "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living," is something of a metamorphosis for Mike Skinner. I remember the first time I listened to "Original Pirate Material" on the recommendation of a friend, and I couldn't help thinking that it was the perfect hybrid of hip-hop and some everybloke's delusions of Guy Ritchie film grandeur.

However, after "A Grand Don't Come for Free" Skinner is nothing short of a bona fide celebrity across the pond, and he's not about to profess that he's the same nerdy stoner he was before the transformation. The result is an album that draws the fine line between the good natured and pure ball-swaggery, the fine line between loser and geezer.

The Streets - Can't Con an Honest John
The Streets - Hotel Expressionism

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Gorillaz Live!

2006-03-24T10:13:00.000-05:00

Yes, live!

Gorillaz - Dirty Harry (Feat. Bootie Brown) [Live]
Gorillaz - Every Planet We Reach is Dead (Feat. Ike Turner) [Live]

Both songs have been ripped from the forthcoming "Demon Days Live" DVD which you can purchase at Amazon if that sort of thing interests you. I can't even begin to try and explain how that might work. I heard something about holograms?

Angels & Airwaves

2006-03-20T18:27:00.000-05:00

Tom DeLonge's self-hyped new band, Angels & Airwaves, are set to release their debut album "We Don't Need to Whisper" in May. I can only describe their music as an equation where the constant is Box Car Racer and the variable is any stadium rock band that you can think of. As promised by the man himself, you'll hear traces of U2, Pink Floyd, The Who, and even The Cure in their songs.

Here's some songs and clips to get you all caught up:

Angels & Airwaves - The Gift (Radio Rip)
Angels & Airwaves - The Adventure
Angels & Airwaves - Good Day

Angels & Airwaves - It Hurts (Clip)
Angels & Airwaves - A Little's Enough (Clip)
Angels & Airwaves - Valkyrie Missle (Clip)

What's Left of the Flag

2006-03-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

This truly is a no-brainer. It is St. Patrick's Day after all, and while I had every intention of posting a few Flogging Molly tracks and calling it a day, I feel like I should say something more. First, I'd like to say that today is far more than an excuse to get drunk. What started out as a religious observance has evolved into revelrous display of cultural pride. With that comes a reflection on our triumphs and mistakes.

This year we have even more reason to celebrate with the announcement this past July that the Provisional Irish Republican Army would put an end it's armed campaign. While there's still much work to be done, the people of Northern Ireland may finally have a long deserved bit of peace.

That said, I'll make with the Flogging Molly.

Flogging Molly - What's Left of the Flag
[From the album "Drunken Lullabies"]

Flogging Molly - If I Ever Leave This World Alive
[From the live album "Alive Behind the Green Door"]

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Lollapalooza 2006 Special

2006-03-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

The line-up for Lollapalooza 2006 has been announced! I am thoroughly impressed with what's in store for this year's three day show in Chicago's own Grant Park. I wasn't sure how to channel my hysteria, so I figured I'd do something different today by featuring some of the acts I'm most excited about seeing.

Kanye West & Common
Not only are they two of the best artists to come out of Chicago, but I'm confident in saying that their brand of soulful hip-hop is the best thing that's happened to the genre in a long while.

Kanye West - Touch the Sky (Feat. Lupe Fiasco)
[From the album "Late Registration"]
Kanye West - Diamonds of Sierra Leone (Remix) (Feat. Jay Z)
[From the album "Late Registration"]
Kanye West - My Way Home (Feat. Common)
[From the album "Late Registration"]
Common - The Food (Feat. Kanye West)
[From the album "Be"]

Death Cab for Cutie
I couldn't quite get into their new album "Plans," but I'll admit it has a few gems. I've been wanting to see this band live for awhile, so I really have no excuse now.

Death Cab for Cutie - Photobooth
[From the "Forbidden Love" EP]
Death Cab for Cutie - Soul Meets Body
[From the album "Plans"]

The Flaming Lips
"Q" magazine listened them as one of the 50 bands you have to see before you die, but don't take their word for it (cue the jingle from Reading Rainbow). I realize this band has occupied quite a bit of space in my blog as of late, but there's a reason for it. Get ready for a man falling from the sky in a giant bubble, Grant Park!

The Flaming Lips - The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song
[From the upcoming album "At War with the Mystics"]
The Flaming Lips - Enthusiasm for Life Defeats Existential Fear
[From the "20 Years of Weird" compilation]

The Shins
I'm not about to profess a wealth of knowledge about these guys, but I do know that their two songs on the Garden State soundtrack have never been skipped when they've show up on my iPod.

The Shins - Caring is Creepy
[From the Garden State OST]
The Shins - New Slang
[From the Garden State OST]

Coheed & Cambria
This addition to a line-up that is decidedly "indie" friendly really surprised me. It's no secret that I've been following this band with a rabid obsession for the past year now, but I can attest that they are one of the best live performances around. I can't wait hear to Grant Park erupt in the infamous choral chant.

Update: Well, the band's picture and name have been removed from the site. I wonder if it'll return. That's too bad, because they were a major selling point for me.

Coheed & Cambria - In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3
[From the album "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3"]
Coheed & Cambria - The Willing Well IV: The Final Cut (Live)

Sleater-Kinney
An all female group who puts all other all female groups to shame. They put a lot of all male groups to shame too. Simply put, they rock.

Sleater-Kinney - One Beat
[From the album "One Beat"]
Sleater-Kinney - Entertain
[From the album "The Woods"]

Broken Social Scene
Our neighbors to the north have been spitting out quintessential indie bands left and right, but Broken Social Scene is by far one of the most impressive. I look forward to possibly seeing seven more occupying a stage at once.

Broken Social Scene - KC Accidental
[From the album "You Forgot it in People"]
Broken Social Scene - Superconnected
[From their self-titled album]

The New Amsterdams
Another band I've been meaning to see for awhile. In the wake of the demise of The Get Up Kids the band has put together a new album. I expect they'll be playing some of that.

The New Amsterdams - Hover Near Fame
[From the album "Worse for the Wear"]
The New Amsterdams - The Death of Us
[From the upcoming album "Story Like a Scar"]

Mute Math
I saw these guys at Schuba's Tavern fairly recently. They put so much into their performance and their addition to Lollapalooza is welcome in my book. Their music is something of a Radiohead meets The Police sort of affair.

Mute Math - Stare at the Sun
[From their self-titled debut]
Mute Math - Break the Same
[From their self-titled debut]

Along with all these bands you can expect to see The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, Sonic Youth, Ween, and about a million more. OK, actually there's only (only) 130 bands playing and you can view the entire line-up at the show's official website:

http://www.lollapalooza.com

I'm still pulling for a few more bands to be added to this already monster of a show. Could you imagine if Arcade Fire returned to the line-up? What about a reunited Smashing Pumpkins? Well, that's it for today, but if there's any other breaking Lollapalooza news you can be sure I'll have something to say about it.

Good Good Things Happen in Bad Towns

2006-03-15T01:47:00.000-05:00

I rather enjoy these new tracks from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I realize I was more than a little late in catching on to this band, but the sad truth is I'm a bit skeptical of most female fronted groups. Perhaps its just a manifestation of my crippling fear of women in high school.

At any rate, it seems like the group as turned in favor of a more straight-forward brand of rock on their new album "Show Your Bones," but there are still plenty of musical surprises to accompany Karen O's riot grrl swagger. "Show Your Bones" will hit stores on March 28th.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Gold Lion
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Honeybear

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Three Cheers for My Morose and Grieving Pals!

2006-03-14T00:25:00.000-05:00

There have been whispers here and there that Brand New has been recording material for a new album ever since "Deja Entendu" was released in 2003.

However, impatient skeptics such as myself may have long given up their hopes of hearing anything new from the band if it weren't for nine studio outtakes that made their way to the Internet in January.

Now, it would appear that we have some confirmation that the new album is done:

Source: AbsolutePunk.net

In a recent interview with I Am The Avalanche, Vinnie had this to say about the new Brand New album:

Vinnie's quoteThey recorded their record, and their record is done. We heard some shit and it sounds incredible. They took a long time off, but you know when they come back they are coming back strong. I think that they are going to be huge, and this is going to be their most intelligent record. They are an incredible band; Jessie is an incredible songwriter and lyricist, and all around good dude.

Which brings us back to those studio outtakes. It's rumored that many of these songs won't be on the new album, but they do present quite a few interesting ideas. Here's a few of my favorites:

Brand New - Untitled Demo #2
Here Jesse channels his idol, Morrissey, while the rest of the band does their best to sound like The Smiths. The outcome is surprisingly pleasing.

Brand New - Untitled Demo #5
There's some sort of influence here that I can't place... Maybe Muse? Just listen and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Brand New - Untitled Demo #7
I love how the piano melody here compliments the almost hip-hop style drumming. No doubt, this is a very chill song.

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P.S.

Thanks goes out to my friend Phil for all the help with the blog's new design!

We Got the Power Now, Mother Fuckers!

2006-03-09T02:49:00.000-05:00

I picked up the new Flaming Lips single for "The W.A.N.D." while I was at Borders today. I just thought I'd share the psychedelic goodness. "The W.A.N.D." itself is one of the most empowering songs to come along in a long while. It's all about takin' the power back with a "tricked-out magic stick."

I think what they did with "You Got to Hold On" since it was first used in a Coke commercial is pretty brilliant as well. Honestly, just open your mind and jump in. That's all that can really be said with the Lips.

The Flaming Lips - "The W.A.N.D."
B-Sides:
The Flaming Lips - "You Got to Hold On"
The Flaming Lips - "Time Travel... Yes!!!"

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

The United States of Woe

2006-02-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

I think it was the summer of 2004 when I first had the pleasure of hearing Say Anything's "...is a Real Boy." It came at a time when I was growing tired of the music that had, for the most part, defined my musical taste (or lack thereof). Blink-182 had just released what would become their last album before their "indefinite hiatus," and while I was more than satisfied with their effort I had to wonder if there was someone out there just waiting to have their power-pop masterpiece unleashed upon the world.

All the while, Max Bemis had been waiting. Unsatisfied with any of his band's previous efforts, Bemis slaved away in the studio writing and recording all the material for "...is a Real Boy" with help of drummer Coby Linder. Bemis himself was responsible for all of the guitar, keyboard, and vocals on the album.

And in August of 2004, his album began with a song of rebellion. "Belt," the album's first track described a revolution of which Bemis wails, "We took up weapons, yeah, and we took off our clothes!" Many of the songs contain vitriolic responses to America's "alternative" culture while others, such as the albums lead single "Alive with the Glory of Love," spoke of love blooming amidst the most horrific of human tragedies.

The record itself was described as a "punk-rock musical", and thanks to the arrangements of Grammy nominated Broadway composer Stephen Trask "...is a Real Boy" was able to successfully produce what Green Day could only promise a month later. The album's musical and lyrical surprises (which often employed rallying gang vocals) are too numerable to mention in this post alone.

It wasn't long before the fanatically acclaimed record attracted major label attention. Before long the band was ready to embark on a headline tour in support of their album and to celebrate their signing to J-Records.

However, Bemis' paranoid delusions, which haunted him during the recording of the album, would return forcing the band to cancel two consecutive tour appearances and see Bemis in a mental hospital twice. His skepticism of the medication he was prescribed brought him to new lows and compromised the success of his career.

Flash to 2006 and it would appear that Say Anything was hardly set back by the incident. A series of hopeful entries to the band's website from Max brought with it news of the album's rerelease and a new headlining tour. The band recently recorded a video for "Alive with the Glory of Love" and was featured on MTV.com Live with Max performing acoustic versions of three favorites from "...is a Real Boy."

Yes, I look fondly on the revolution, and I can only hope that one day we'll be able to take up arms with Max again. So, what say you?

Say Anything's MTV.com Live Sessions:
Say Anything - "I Want to Know Your Plans" (Acoustic)
Say Anything - "Alive with the Glory of Love" (Acoustic)
Say Anything - "Woe" (Acoustic)

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Bigmouth Strikes Again!

2006-02-24T19:19:00.000-05:00

Morrissey: I was quizzed by the FBI:

Click the link to read the full story...

"SINGER Morrissey says he was quizzed by the FBI and Special Branch over his outspoken criticism of the US and British governments.

The former Smiths frontman, who has previously branded American President George Bush a terrorist and denounced the war in Iraq, said the experience showed neither country was a democratic society.

He told the NME: 'The FBI and the Special Branch have investigated me and I've been interviewed and taped and so forth."

Ah, Morrissey. When will they give this man his own sitcom? Honestly, the guy could be in congress with the Beast and he'd still be lovable. I think it's his acerbic wit that does it for me.

In honor of Mozalini, today's blog features a song from his upcoming album "Ringleader of the Tormentors" as well as a live performance of the classic Smith's song "Bigmouth Strikes Again." I especially appreciate the lyrical alteration in the latter. Way to keep the kids on their toes, Moz.

I wasn't absolutely sure what to think of the new song at first, but it's grown on me quite a bit. However, with the rumors that Morrissey worked with the legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone (Good, Bad, and the Ugly/Kill Bill fame) on his latest, I'm positive "Ringleader of the Tormentors" will be nothing short of amazing.

Morrissey - I Will See You in Far Off Places
Morrissey - Bigmouth Strikes Again [Live]

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Copeland

2006-02-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

I purchased two Copeland songs on iTunes last night as part of my vie to be the one to download the one billionth song. The grand prize was just too amazing to pass up the opportunity. The 20-inch iMac alone (not to mention the ten 60GB iPods that came with it) put me in the music purchasing mood. It turns out that some guy who bought "The Speed of Sound" by Coldplay for the billionth time (literally) is the winner. You know how I know he's gay?

So, I'm left with these two Copeland songs. What better way to solace myself by forcing you to listen to them as well.

Copeland is apparently apart of a new wave of Christian Rock that, well, rocks. Both of these songs exhibit expert pop-craftsmanship and the vocals sound like they're from on high. It took me awhile to appreciate these guys fully, but I'm just glad that Christian artists are emerging with music that not only transcends mediocrity, but also stands out on its own. Both songs are from their 2005 album "In Motion."

Copeland- Choose the One That Loves You More
Copeland - Pin Your Wings

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

Destroyer's Rubies

2006-02-22T00:10:00.000-05:00

There's a few things a listener might expect when listening to an artist named Destroyer. I'm almost positive the sonic images they conjure have little to do with a David Bowie-esque Canadian indie-folk singer. However, that's exactly what New Pornographers Dan Bejar contributor delivers in this set of songs from the album "Destroyer's Rubies."

Destroyer - European Oils
Destroyer - Painter in Your Pocket

I wish I could say more about these guys, but I'm only just getting into them myself. That's exactly how I intend to run this show!

Purchase: iTunes | Label | Amazon

You Can Turn it Up Even a Little Bit More

2006-02-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

This is the first post of what is to become a music/mp3 blog that I intend to update semi-daily. I'm not sure why I decided to utilize yet another medium to force my musical taste on others via the Internet, but here it is. Take a moment to savor all its majesty.

Jesus, save some majesty for the rest of the Internet. Thank you.

OK, there's this band called The Flaming Lips. You might have heard of them. Well, I've decided to christen this blog with two tracks from their forthcoming album "At War with the Mystics." This disk is intoxicating, so expect to see more tracks from them as this blog continues.

A haunting, yet uplifting melody almost gets "fuzzed" out on "My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion" adding an entire different dimension to the song. "It Overtakes Me..." gets a little crazy with Mr. Coyne reminding us that we can "turn it up even a little bit more" before the song relents to some eerie cosmic philosophy.

The Flaming Lips - My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion
The Flaming Lips - It Overtakes Me/The Stars Are So Big...I Am So Small...Do I Stand a Chance?

There will be some surprises along the way, so be sure to check back in the future. It'll box your fucking head off.