reIntonation

Hipsters are funny ... looking

2005-07-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've found a new reason to get up each Friday: Since DC's Williamsburg-wannabies only seem to leave their apartments once a month, it's nice to know that Tale of Two Cities serves up my weekly dose of scenester fashion snark. This week's crop is especially entertaining.

Jealous that your golden-girls tee/daisy dukes combo didn't make the cut? My Blog Is Poop has some tips for channeling your inner douche. Sunglasses at night. Ciggies. Cheek sucking.

But nothing beats a recent Black Cat sighting of a six-foot tall black woman in electric blue satin hot pants, heels and fishnets dancing like Tina Turner to New Order.

"Call me when your sac drops."

2005-07-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've never considered myself to be a quotable person. The rambling nature of my conversational manner generally precludes pithy sayings. However, my roomate will not let me live down a particularly crass comment I hurled at some unsuspecting indie rockers many moons ago.

I was frusterated with the lack of proverbial balls among the shy music types I tend to be attracted too. Walking up 14th past the Black Cat I looked across at a herd of particularly adorable music geeks and yelled, "Hey boys, call me when your sac drops." I have no idea what possessed me to say it. But there you have it. It's become my most quoted phrase.

I thought of it today when Stereogum posted this track:
"Indie Boys (Don't Deserve It)" by Queens of Noize. He says: "If you're an assertive scenester girl who is growing bitter after being burned by Seth Cohen and Conor Oberst types, then this is YOUR summer jam."

Fey isn't gay

2005-07-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

When I saw this headline "Queer as Rock: The Decemberists," I was elated. "Finally," quoth I, "an explanation for why Colin isn't currently making sweet literate love to me."

But alas, the column turns out to be case #6757855376 of a good writer getting stuck on a clever headline. The article itself is a pretty good read of the band's relationship with the Moz and Victorian culture. But she sets it up with that distracting GAY thing at the outset, a GAY move that ultimately distracts from the logic of the piece.

Further evidence about the lack of GAY in Decemberists land: this video! Our hero rocks community theater chic with his portrayal of a Model UN bully. SO NOT GAY.

Oh Canadia!

2005-06-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

I celebrated Brooklyn this weekend with a free concert in Prospect Park. Now I don't live in Brooklyn, but there must be many a Canadian there because this Brooklyn celebration had an awful lot of (insert stereotype here) canucks rawking the microphone. AND the one American who should have been in the mix was mysteriously replaced with one of the canuck's canuck nieces.

However, it's clear that God is down with Canadia because he turned the day's sweltering heat into a breezy dream of an evening just in time for them to take the stage. In spite of a generally lethargic crowd, The Sadies turned out some sugary alt-country goodness (I hadn't heard much of them before, but they had a sweet Jayhawks-y vibe).

Stars were quite possibly the most rag-tag group of dorky rockers I've seen in a long while. But from the midget Chris Martin lookalike to the lanky chick singer to the shirt-open-to-belly-button guido, I'll be damned if they weren't incredibly charming. Songs that were a bit wan on the album were playfully exuberant live.

The crowd finally got off their bums for The New Pornographers. Though I was concerned about the lack of Neko, AC's niece Kathryn Calder navigated her way through "Mass Romantic" and "The Laws Have Changed" admirably. Yeah, yeah, she can't belt it out quite like Neko, but it was nice to hear Kathryn and AC on equal vocal footing. They played quite a few tracks of their upcoming album as well as a personal favorite "Graceland" (off of Matador at 15). Killer chorus.

So though it can't compare to my favorite Canadia event of the year, I loved myself the Canadia/Brooklyn joyfest.

Check out photos and other reviews. Download "Graceland" here.

Come hell and haiku

2005-06-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Interview in verse,
Pitchfork bellyaching, "Why
didn't we do that?"

John Darnielle, question:
Do you pronounce with two, three?
Two, better haiku.

Hands claps and horn sections

2005-05-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

My Friday thus far: slept through my alarm, stuck in traffic for an hour and a half, soggy sneakers from run-in with puddle, tummy ache from pizza over-eating, general melancholy from shitty weather.

I should be down. But Jens Lekman won't let it be so.

This silly Scandinavian just jousted his way into my heart with his video for "You are the Light." There are flute-playing policemen, traveling horn sections and hand claps aplenty. If you aren't smiling by the end, you aren't human.

Those of you in Göteborg can check out Lekman at the Ukulelefestivalen i Flunsåsparken. I hear it's a great venue!

I'll show you mine if ...

2005-05-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Newsflash: Hipster aggression is on the up and up. I first caught onto the trend at a recent DC9 show when my otherwise mellow friend nearly got into a bar brawl with a swarthy boy in a Members Only jacket.

And it seems similar wars are playing out on the mean streets of the big city. But the NYC kids have abandoned words for music, launching iPod wars. Preemptive strikes on the L train mean there is something bigger to fear than subway robbery: getting caught bopping to Britney. And because the rules of the quick draw prohibit talking, you can't even explain that you were listening to her ironically. Oh the humanity!

Read this article from The Brooklyn Rail to figure out how to protect yourself (and your playlists).

And in related iPod news, Hip Clicks today linked to the top 50 things to do with you iPod. I'm a huge fan of the retroPod (turning your old Walkman into a iPod case).

Wes Burdine was never a rocker

2005-05-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have performed with some talented musicians in my day, but nothing compares to skipping down the yellow brick road with future rock star Wesley Burdine. He has put his scarecrow days (if not physique) behind him and is now rocking the Minneapolis music scene with his merry band of Librarians. Check out mp3s here and an interview/review of his new Jose Conseco EP here.

And if you're too lazy to click the link, read this excerpt: "If one thing was made abundantly clear by his solo debut last year, This Is How I Discovered Gold, it’s that Burdine, 23, was too busy poking at listener’s gray matter or tugging on their heart strings to worry much about making them tap their toes. That’s why my first spins of Burdine’s The Jose Canseco EP, recorded with his newly found backing mates the Librarians, caught me completely off guard. It’s the sunny pop music day that follows This Is How I Discovered Gold’s long and tormented night."

And the talkin' leads to touching...

2005-05-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Schedule your lunch break for 1pm. Rilo Kiley will be doing a guest DJ set on WOXY.com.

Man crush makes good

2005-05-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

So my friend Wes has had a man crush on this singer-songwriter Dennison Witmer for many a year now. The dude is talented, but hasn't been able to break through after many a year on the road. Well apparently his "years toiling in dive bars and incessant journal-writing are starting to pay off," because in addition to a new album featuring MY singer-songwriter crush (Sufjan!), Dennison has made his Pitchfork debut. You've made it big-D, you've finally made it.

Anyway, check out mp3s here and here. And be sure to pick up the new album - in addition to appearances by Sufjan Stevens, it features a song based on a Li Young-Lee poem.

Run for cover!

2005-05-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Everyone said Joanna Newsom's Milk Eyed Mender was one of the top albums of last year. Mixtape masters recommended her. All Songs Considered featured her. Modest Mouse Isaac Brock said she had one of the best voices in music today.

She's also one of the most covered new artists out right now. And to be honest, I would have never had the patience to listen past her voice to hear the remarkable beauty of her songwriting...or to listen even further to discover how that bizarre voice actually services the songs, had I not first heard Final Fantasy's cover of "Peach, Plum, Pear."

I couldn't get past the screechy childlike vocals and jarring harpsichord of her version without first hearing it through the shy tenor and jangling pizzicato (and eventually full string love fest) of Final Fantasy's version. God is it a good song.

Perhaps the reason so many musicians are covering her songs is that they know people aren't ready to put in the time it takes to have her voice scratch it's way into your musical vocabulary. They help you fall in love the songs and prepare you to take on the tonal harpy who created them.

So for those of you who have yet to be won over by Ms. Newsom, I give you one of your favorite artists covering her. You'll find something you like, I promise.

The good:
Final Fantasy covering "Peach, Plum, Pear"
The Decemberists covering "Bridges and Balloons"
M.Ward covering "Sadie"

The bad:
The Jesus Vibes covering "Bridges and Balloons"

The remixes:
"Bridges and Balloons with a Bagel on it Joanna Newsom Reggaeton remix"
Pocket remix of "Bridges and Balloons"

Going local

2005-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Forgot to post this earlier, but I did an interview with the lovely Laura Burhenn for DCist. She puts on quite a live show, so all you DC kids should try to catch her next gig at the Black Cat on Thursday May 19th. In the meantime, check out some mp3s here.

It's been a good year, baby

2005-05-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

In celebration of my one-year anniversary (with my iPod), I give you the best Pod-related products:

1. iPod shuffle Crucifix: I'd like to think JP II would have rocked the iPod were he still with us. Maybe the shuffle in this more holy form could sway Benedict to consider the listening to the devil's music. After all, the San Francisco Chronicle points out that Jesus would have some pretty rockin' playlists.

2. JamPod Guitar Amp Module: I can't vouch for the sound quality, but this is an adorably tiny little practice amp that lets you play along with your iPod. Personally, I'm waiting for a karaoke attachment.

3. Numark iPod DJ Mixer: Be the coolest kid at the next iPod DJ night. Speaking of, here's the tracklist from Wednesday's Cricklewood Massive set at Saint Ex.

4. iPod purse with integrated speakers: Let's hear it for functional fashion. Actually, it's really lame looking, but I'd imagine Tokyo hipsters could pull it off.

5. JCrew iPod cases: So perhaps you're more preppy than punk. Never fear, the madras doesnt have to stop with your new bermudas. JCrew is now hawking iPod cases -- one a patchwork of tacky blue prints, the other a hearty helping of Dad-plaids.

6. iPod Voice Recorder: This isn't particularly groundbreaking, but it's made this reporter's job much easier.

I am a writer, a writer of fictions

2005-05-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

In honor of tonight's Decemberists show, I present you with links so you can:

1. Learn the definition of palanquin straight from Mr. Meloy's sweet, sweet lips. Notice how NPR's Melissa Block giggles like a school girl. She so wants a piece of my man. The segment also explains why I insist on spelling the band's name wrong all the time. Apparently my dropping of the final "e" is in keeping with the correct Russian translation of the Dekabristi for which the band is named. They decided to add the extra "e" in because it fit with the band aesthetic of appropriating obscure historical references and making them their own, or something.

2. Relive your model UN and high school theater glory days (I rocked the security council, Godspell and Grease) with the video for "16 Military Wives."

3. Listen to "The Engine Driver," whose gorgeous harmonies have been in my head all day. I love the simplicity of the refrain -- Mr. Meloy knows that there's nothing like a short story to write out the demons of your past.

For those of you who have to miss out on tonight's festivities, you can catch a webcast of the show at All Songs Considered.

Speaking of Matador...

2005-05-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Stereogum for tracking the hilarious battle between the record label and Paste Magazine. Call me an indie yuppie, but I heart Paste. However, I'm a bit confused as to why they thought this ad for the new Malkmus album was so offensive.

Regardless, I'm almost happy they did, cause the Matador response is quite funny:

"Finally, we'd like to offer a shout-out (ie. "fuck you") to the cowards and thought-cops at the Ad Dept at Paste Magazine who have deemed our proposed advertisement for 'Face The Truth' to be beyond the bounds of "good taste." God forbid that anything might challenge the sensibilities of Paste's Yep Roc-loving, Starbucks-guzzling, Wes Anderson-worshipping readership. Seriously, if there's anything we or SM have done that is a poor fit with Paste's Ad Dept's narrow worldview, that is the highest compliment we've been paid since the last time Spin refused to run one of our ads."

In related news, I just picked up tix for Stevie and Jicks at Black Cat! This is the summer o' good shows!

Speaking of adorable indie darlings...

2005-05-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Neko, AC and the rest of the New Pornographers gang have posted "Twin Cinema," the title track off their upcoming album. Twin Cinema is expected out just in time for my birthday (hint hint friends and relations).

I was a bit concerned that the new album would be a departure from their sunshine pop goodness after reading this statement on the Matador Web site. Still no word on if they managed to get "some dub/white reggae in the mix, just as an intellectual exercise." But never fear kids, this track shimmers with all the bright guitars, athletic vocals and huge hooks you have come to expect from the band. Yay! Yay! Yay!

Only Jenny Lewis...

2005-05-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Could make dancing among animal carcasses hot. Check out the video for Rilo Kiley's "Portions for Foxes" here. Seriously though, as if I didn't already envy the way she parlayed her child star days into indie darling land - she just has to go and make this stellar pop song...and a video for it with positively fabulous dresses.

Thank you Stranger, for your therapeutic smile...

2005-04-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Book your tickets for Omaha kids, cause Conor's sad and needs some cheering. Click here for an invitation to the suprise hearts and smiles party. That adorable Jenny Lewis will be there. And M.Ward even promises to smile.

Why I should be a concert promoter...

2005-04-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

If you are located in the D.C. metro area, you best be getting yourself over to the Cat tonight for Federal City Five/Aqueduct/Metropolitan. Though I haven't actually heard any of these bands live, all the cool kids say Aqueduct rules (hell, they opened their Minneapolis show with "Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gangster"), and my friend Coburn plays in FCF. So it'll be a good night. I promise.

I'm sweetly retarded...and proud of it

2005-04-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

The latest flap on Jeff Tweedy? He thinks his fans are mentally challenged -- in a cute sorta way.

When asked in an interview to characterize Wilco's fanbase, he said, "I still haven't got them figured out. I would say a typical Wilco fan would be a really educated music person who tends to obsess about stuff like Smile bootlegs."

That may have been the case in the past. But as their fan base has grown, I think his second characterization may be more accurate, "Sweetly retarded people."

Good news boys and girls!!!

2005-04-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Usher is bi!!! It gives you hope for the future to know that this embodiment of deliciousness is willing to share the goodies with men and women alike.

Happy Decemberists Day!

2005-03-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Though thwarted in my attempt to purchase Picaresque at Tower this week (apparently it is lost in stock...whatever that means), I still managed to get a double dose of Colin Meloy goodness today. Hear a live performance on KEXP here. Or check out this fun (albeit poorly edited) interview on Amazon.

My trucker talk gets me in trouble...again

2005-03-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

Apparently using "smart ass" isn't family-friendly journalism. My mouth has gotten bad enough that I didn't even flinch to put it in this week's Apprentice column. Oops. Anyway, here's the cleaned up version. And for even snarkier Apprentice commentary, check out Whitney Pastorek's column on EW.com.

How can I plan for my retirement...

2005-03-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

With a new release Tuesday like this? Out tomorrow:

Bloc Party - The buzz band that few on this side of the Atlantic have actually heard.
Yo La Tengo - Twenty years and still kicking, the band celebrates with a two-CD career retrospective.
Brendan Benson - Yay! Yay! Yay! I've been waiting for another dose of his Beatles sunshine goodness for awhile. Preorder it today from InSound and you apparently get a "stacking card set" (whatever that is) and BB pin. Check out the new "Spit It Out" video here and mp3s of some new songs here. Or watch him on Conan O'Brien on April 1 (unless you live in D.C., in which case you'll be at Black Cat watching Metropolitan, Aqueduct and the oh-so-awesome Federal City Five).
The Decembrists - Hopefully this album will sell well so that the band can replace all their recently stolen gear before they play their D.C. show!

Happy buying people!

Rainy days and Sundays

2005-03-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

Those silly Carpenters - they meant to say Sunday, I'm sure of it. Mondays are tough and all but nothing can make ya melancholy like seeing your weekend drizzle to a close. And the only solution is a good book and a playlist. Currently in rotation we have:

Rilo Kiley - "Pictures of Success"
Andrew Bird - "Don't Be Scared"
Bonnie Prince Billy - "May It Always Be"
Jeff Tweedy - "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"
Iron & Wine - "Naked As We Came"
Elliott Smith - "Everything Reminds Me of Her"
Patrick Park - "Something Pretty"
Wilco - "Hesitating Beauty"
The Perishers - "Trouble Sleeping"
Jeff Tweedy - "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" (acoustic version)
Kristin Hersh - "Deep Wilson"
Death Cab for Cutie - "A Lack of Color"

Pure poetry: Living with the guitarist

2005-03-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

This is quite possibly the most lovely and endearing article I've read in a long time.

It reminds me of when my Dad -- a few years after being forced to hawk his fender strat to pay for a broken air conditioner unit -- started to sneak off once a month to play folk songs with some other old suits. Or in high school when my guy friends would come over and he would get to show off his beauty of a Martin and his twelve-string Guild. His eyes would twinkle and years would melt away and I would see him as he must have looked at my age - when he owned his music club and knew no joy greater than the feeling of a six string and the voices of friends.

UPDATE: Silly NYTimes archived the story, so ya gots to pay to read it. But I just may have a copy saved, so post a comment with your email and it may find its way to your inbox.

Japanese cliches make people angry

2005-03-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

I took my first stab at music reviewing for DCist. I should have known I was asking for trouble opening with Shonen Knife konnichiwa-ing and talking about the "rererease" of their first four records. But I didn't expect quite the torrent of responses that followed.

Pitchfork names it's music festival after our blog!

2005-03-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, not really. It's actually called the Intonation Music Festival. Incidentally, Intonation was the name I would have chosen for the blog...but it was taken by some dude that cares an awful lot about prezzie lincoln...and hasn't updated since '02. Ah well.

Anyway, the recent announcement of this festival virtually ensures the announcement of nuptials among close family or friends as I have weddings barring me from this summer's Coachella and Sasquatch festivals.

Fantasy becomes reality

2005-03-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

Although I'm still reeling from finding out that my favorite Canadian orchestra dork is "bowing for the other string section," I do have to celebrate little victories, like finally obtaining a copy of his cd! Previously available only through some convoluted Canadian money order system, Final Fantasy (i.e. - the dreamy Owen Pallett) has wised up and started hawking it through the good folks at Insound. Buy away people, and in the meantime, listen to his cover of Joanna Newsom's "Peach, Plum, Pear."

Indie rockers love Kelly Clarkson

2005-03-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

It was the second song that I purchased off of iTunes (after Ashlee Simpson's infectious 'Pieces of Me') - I listened on repeat. I went hoarse singing along. I knew I couldn't be the only one.

Turns out Teddy Leo is smitten too. Hear that sexy falsetto take on 'Since You Been Gone' here.

Snide comments

2005-03-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm all about judging books by their covers and the like. Perhaps that explains the order in which I'd rank the bands from Friday night's show at the Black Cat.

Coming in dead last is the lackluster Archer Prewitt (the one with the Sea and Cake guy). They served up the same ol' fare of indie rock in the same old uniform of tees and jeans.

In second we have headliners Clem Snide. Slightly more inspired than the Prewitt boys, Clem Snide snazzed things up in white tuxes embroidered with each band member's "animal spirit." However, the endearing nerdiness of lead singer Eef Barzelay didn't translate from recording to stage, and all those ejaculation jokes just turned me off.

But the truly inspired act of the evening was opening opening band, The Marbles - comprised of Apples in Stereo frontman Rob Schneider on vox and air guitar, a cardboard cutout of the robot from Lost in Space on standing there and looking pretty, Darth Vader on shoulder-strapped keys and a shit stereo on everything else. These boys know how to dress for success, and Schneider looked every bit the front man in a white jumpsuit, silver lame cape and matching metallic flip flops. He even did an onstage costume change with the help of a drunk girl in a furry vest!

Check out Marbles mp3s here.

Brains before beauty

2005-03-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

This week's Apprentice was downright scary. It started with Audrey talking about the cross that is beauty and wanting to "scar [her] face" to get rid of it. Sorry sister, you ain't that bangin'.

Then we pan to her team dressed like characters from Stephen King's It - Tana looks like Drag Queen the clown and Chris is scaring kiddies with his tobacco chew.

And presiding over the events is a plastic Ken doll named Ashley Cooper who is filling in for George. Not since Episode 3's cucumber porn have things been this disturbing.

But luckily the beautiful Audrey leaves us with some parting words of wisdom: "You know, in the end, those of us that walk away winning, win more than just a loss." Don't scar that pretty face, baby, you're gonna need it.

To be honest, I've been down ever since the Donald fired team CMO (Chief Morale Officer) and resident Kumbaya-er Danny. But I've just discovered that NBC gave him a gig writing weekly songs about each episode. This is classic stuff people. Hear him bust a rhyme about last week's graffiti wars or rock out about the cucumber cock bout. Oh happy day!

Screw Princeton Review, shove it Kaplan

2005-03-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Flocabulary is sending 1600s into the rooms of every hip hop loving boy and girl in the great US of A. From the people that bought you the internet's answer to Cliff Notes, comes P Diddy's answer to test prep. For eight dollars you get four tracks containing 193 SAT words with gems like:

"I'm just waitng for a variance,
and just a pittance would suffice of the spirit
of the times, you know the Zeitgeist."

And:

"If you follow me, we could travel surreptitiously,
you don't believe me, read my phsyiognomy, check my face.”

Honestly people, couldn't you just buy your kids a nice friendly Roots album? Then they'd know the meaning of Zeitgeist, AND be able to quote Achebe. And nothin' says college cool like that.

In the meantime, click here to start increasing your flocabulary for free. Check my face.

Musical underdogs of all breeds

2005-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

DJ Indiesoc playing at Saint Ex's Gate 54 tonight.

Slate: They do the reporting so I don't have to...

2005-03-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

So it turns out Jorge Drexler -- the Uruguyuan singer/songwriter who composed and performed the Oscar-winning "Al Otro Lado del Rio" -- was indeed screwed out of an Oscar performance. After being told he was a big nobody, he proposed Caetano Veloso to perform at the awards - the Acads offered Enrique. He counteroffered Beck (I would have wept with joy). He said he'd even settle for Beyonce (hell, at least she would have sung on key). But no, Banderas it was.

As a result, the flamingly hot Gael Garcia Bernal, who had been slated to introduce the number, boycotted the ceremony (which, lets face it folks, is the true tragedy here). Anyway, Slate tells it better than I do. Check out their article.

UPDATE 3/2: The Wall Street Journal (paid subscription only) did a more investigative piece on Drexler today.

Couldn't Zach Braff have picked an original song...

2005-02-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

So that last night's best song nominee performances didn't have to be so painful? (Though, hearing a blinged-out Beyonce butcher a Shins song just might have been the only thing more insulting than hearing her butcher THREE mediocre songs). I mean, was every French-speaking vocalist on the planet booked last night? You can't tell me that the random people who sang that random song noone has heard from the movie noone has seen wouldn't be thrilled to belt out a few bars for the Academy? And has Minnie Driver's music career taken off so much that she couldn't throw on a dress and take a stab at the Phantom song? And for the love of all that is good, I have to hear enough Josh Groban at Christmas, must I be subjected to it (with ANOTHER helping of Beyonce) without the reward of presents and egg nog? And don't even get me started on that Motorcycle Diaries song. Rumor has it the composer was originally supposed to perform it - but the Acad gave him the ol' heave ho' for Antonio Banderas.

Now I was under the impression that this award was for best original song in a movie. In other words, the Academy is rewarding a composer for creating music that is integral to the success of the film. And the directors/music directors/composers originally picked people to perform those songs who could create the sonic mood they wanted for the picture. Why then would you take all of the character and distinctiveness out of the piece and have one pop star do triple duty for the awards show? I'm really bewildered.

At least the dresses were pretty.

Click here to hear the original versions of the nominated songs.

Lego Thriller and Jackson fashion

2005-02-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

Not since spinning it on my MJ record player has Thriller excited me so. Click here to see the whole video - in legos.

Then check out USA TODAY's day-by-day analysis of Action Jackson's courtroom attire.

Hip hop hooray!

2005-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Between $1.20 De La Soul tix and a hip hop Apprentice, I didn't think my Friday could be more flavor flav. But then I found Gizzogle.com. Here's how they trick out my column.

Late Great ... thoughts on the Wilco show

2005-02-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

The tightness of this show is a sign that the latest incarnation of Wilco has really started to gel. With three members added in recent years and the experimental new direction of "Ghost is Born," the past few tours had the feel of a group working on becoming a band again. Don't get me wrong, these guys have the musical chops to put on a spectacular show regardless, but the summer 9:30 show and the fall Baltimore show seemed to lack cohesiveness -- the jams wandered a bit too long, etc. But this show just felt right -- youngin' Pat Sansone's swagger added flavor, but didn't pull focus. Nels Cline and Tweedy both put their best riffs forward, but worked as a seamless unit in sharing guitar duties.

Instead of the more overt political rants of the past few Wilco shows, Tweedy opted for jovial lefty banter (loved the "Not singing along to "Jesus, Etc." causes cancer. Bill Frist told me.") and two smooth covers of protest songs. The crowd ate it up. Check out the lyrics to Randy Newman's "Political Science" and to the show-closer cover of Thunderclap Newman's "Something in the Air." Gotta say, hearing all the boys belt out "We’ve got to get together sooner or later, Because the revolution’s here," made me wanna march right outta there and enlist in the army of Tweedy.

Float like a hummingbird, sting like a bee

2005-02-24T02:03:00.000-08:00

"We're excited to be back in the States. We just finished touring in Florida," Jeff Tweedy quips at tonight's sold out Wilco show. "I got in a lot of fights...psychologically...with myself."

They may have gotten out of FLA, but it seems those bar room brawls are not at an end: Midway through their first encore, a trio of shitfaced frat boys muscle their way to the front. Their shouting and bouncing provoke an 80-pound Kip Dynamite look alike and a verbal altercation ensues ("Just try and hit me Napoleon. Come down here and see what happens..."). "Are you from Florida?" Tweedy asks as the rabble rousers are escorted out.

I swear, Jeffy's wittiness grows with every live show (as does his mullet...coincidence?). I mean, how can you not love a guy in a shirt and tie of matching large print black and white houndstooth?

But "what about the music?" you ask. Of course, the music.

The boys were ON tonight (Check out the set list here). They're still digging on noise but it seemed like a return to the more focused noise on YHF. Even the epic Kidsmoke blazed along - Tweedy and guitarist Nels Cline (playing a hot 12 string electric) teased the audience through several minutes of soundscape to that explosive bridge. I'll post other highlights when I wake up!

In the meantime, here's a WilcoWorld webcast for those of you that missed the show. Or you can catch them on Talk of the Nation and in a live All Songs Considered broadcast of the Thursday show. We heart you NPR.

Nighty night.

A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll

2005-02-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

Turns out Paris Hilton's Sidekick isn't the only e-victim of a public's prying eyes. A Contra Costa Times reporter recently got inside G. Dub's iPod. Red state? Blue state? Seems like the white pod-nation is the only place our great country is coming together again.

So what's he got on his pod? Apparently his "favorite country singers: George Jones, Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson," as well as "Aaron Neville, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Van Morrison." Righty-ho. No surprises there.

Sasquatch all weddings!

2005-02-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

Now I was disappointed to find out that I would miss Coachella for the second year in a row because of my cousin's wedding. I'm downright pissed to find out that I have to miss George, WA's Sasquatch! festival for...you guessed it, a wedding! Come on people, can't you consult pollstar before scheduling these things?

But hey, I'll only be missing:

Mainstage
: Pixies
: Modest Mouse
: Kanye West
: Wilco
: The Arcade Fire
: Ray Lamontagne
: Jem
: Bloc Party
: U.S.E.

Plaza Stage
: Matisyahu
: The Frames
: Joanna Newsom
: Bobby Bare Jr.
: Be Good Tanyas
: Benevento Russo Duo
: A.C. Newman

Third Stage
: Visqueen
: Blue Scholars
: Smoosh
: Aqueduct

You sing like a girl

2005-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

I found my replacement soundtrack for rainy days and heartbreak. Move over Elliott Smith, there's a new girl on the block. And her name is...Jeff Hanson?

Yup, the same label that bought us good will hunting's bard of breakups is dishing out another helping of 3/4 dirges and shimmery Beatles harmonies -- only an octave higher.

About the only insult you'll be able to sling at this guy is that he sings like a girl. And according to this interview on Splendid, he really doesn't care.

His new CD came out yesterday. Check out mp3s here and here.

Taste of the poison paradise

2005-02-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

So it seems getting on a Seth Cohen or Zach Braff mixtape isn't the only way to jump start your music career these days. Local H hasn't seen much success since they "kept it copacetic" with '98's "Bound to the Floor." But they've scored big airtime recently with their cover of Ms. Spears-Federline's '04 hit "Toxic." Check it out here.

What started as a joke Christmas gift to fans has become a one-way ticket back to the airwaves. Gotta be honest - I don't think it holds a candle to the original - LOVE the britney synths and bollywood mojo. But the boys done good - I mean, why play the Bait Shop when you can bait 'em with former jailbait (sorry, I couldn't resist)?