sys64 :: BE READY WITH BELLS AND DRUMS

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, I humbly present ... "Be Ready with Bells and Drums":

 

1. Motion City Soundtrack - "Her Words Destroyed My World"
Ever since "The Future Freaks Me Out" first rocked the original, on-air incarnation of "Don't Tell a Soul," I've championed this Minneapolis band. Needless to say, it fills me with great pride to know that they've amassed such a dedicated following. This explosive, impossible-to-resist track's parent album, "My Dinosaur Life," debuted in the top 15 of the Billboard 200 when it was released last month.

2. Harvey Danger - "Cream and Bastards Rise"
The boys in Harvey Danger have been considered a one-hit wonder by some because their only tangible success came as a result of the song "Flagpole Sitta," but, like Nada Surf and their mock-high-school-drama hit "Popular," they turned around their careers and became bona fide critical darlings. It's easy to hear why.

3. OK Go - "Oh Lately It's So Quiet" [acoustic vers.]
I can't argue that OK Go is served best with a mountain of sugar, but, even in its quietest moments, the band manages to dazzle.

4. Drew Danburry - "Gas Masks at the Barbecue Beach Party Make-Out Session"
Everyone makes fun of Marc Gartman for being ever-so-prolific, but, somewhere in Utah, he has an equal. Luckily, they're both terrific songwriters and, as I actually have firsthand knowledge of this, terrific conversationalists.

5. Starlight Mints - "Eyes of the Night"
Before they went off the deep end and made their "drug album," these Oklahoma kids knew how to craft intelligent, Electric Light Orchestra-worthy pop singles that even fans of "Barnyard" and, perhaps more relevant, needless "Van Wilder" sequels could enjoy.

6. Ima Robot - "Sine Your Life Away"
Have you ever bought a house/witnessed the future of your "fun money" completely wither away in front of your eyes? Well, this isn't a song about that, but it might help you get over that disgusting feeling in your stomach nonetheless. (p.s. Did you know that, upon disbanding Ima Robot, the voice you're now hearing* went on to form Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros? Quite a change of pace ... like OK Go going all MGMT on us.)

7. Luckyiam feat. Aesop Rock and Slug - "Borrowedtime" [FREE MP3]

With terrific supporting players, Lucky (whom I was *ahem* lucky enough to meet at Pizza Luce a few years back) crafts one of the most relaxing/paranoid downtempo hip-hop tracks in some time -- wouldn't have been that out of place on "Unsolved Mysteries."

8. Aceyalone feat. Chali 2na and Bionik - "Eazy" [FREE MP3]
... And miles away from "Borrowedtime" is "Eazy," one of the most battery-draining jams to ever assault your system. (Listen to at maximum volume to get the full effect.)

9. Semisonic - "Erotic City" [Prince cover]
Hearing members of this squeaky-clean Minneapolis group sing along to one of the Purple One's naughtiest jams (and that's saying a lot)? Priceless.

10. System of a Down - "The Metro" [Berlin cover]
Say what you want about "Not Another Teen Movie," but it had quite the soundtrack.

11. Self - "KIDdies" [FREE MP3]

A dark moment from the Self mastermind Matt Mahaffey, for sure: "Let's go trick-or-treatin' dressed up like Marilyn Manson / Snatch up all the kiddies and then hold 'em all for ransom."

12. Sid Six - "20one"

As heard on the "Dawson's Creek" episode "Promicide," this is sincerely the most obscure rock gem I've ever heard on such a made-for-the-masses forum. It's worth seeking out this track, to be sure, as it's most definitely not on either of the show's soundtrack releases.

13. Idlewild - "As If I Hadn't Slept"
While these Scottish rockers' songs never really caught on over here, I've always been a fan of their earnest, workmanlike brand of rock 'n' roll. (And I was fortunate enough to catch them in Fargo while they were opening for Pearl Jam back in '03.)

14. Spoon - "Who Makes Your Money?"
Believe the hype: "Transference" is a killer album, and you'll be enjoying it for years to come.

15. Bjork - "I Miss You" [Original Mix]
Have you ever stopped to think what the world would be like without Bjork? The Icelandic phenom has to be one of the most creative individuals ever to call this planet home, and I, for one, will never grow tired of her genre- and boundary-pushing ways.

16. Digital Leather - "Kisses"
Question: Do you like the Raveonettes and the Butthole Surfers (circa "Electriclarryland" in particular)? You're absolutely going to dig this radio-ready slab o' fuzz.

17. Vic Chesnutt - "Society Sue" [FREE MP3]
Speaking of recommendations, if you like where Bob Dylan has been taking his music over the last couple albums (and who doesn't?), check out this free gem from the late/great Vic Chesnutt.

18. Earlimart - "Interloper"
While I appreciate this song for what it is, I must remark on its recording quality: It's simply phenomenal -- yes, even for an MP3! Recommended if you like Jason Lytle's more a-wanderin' sonic experiments.

19. Islands - "EOL"
On the flipside, if you like the compositions that the aforementioned now-solo Grandaddy frontman pumps out which sincerely knock you over because of their sheer pop perfection, this Islands track (which is, perhaps, an homage to ELO) will absolutely win over your heart.

20. Bran Van 3000 - "Problems"
Musically, this is great (per usual), but it's the fantastical lyrics that immediately draw me in: "I live in a frequency / Where action rules / That god is me."

21. The Smashing Pumpkins - "Disarm" ["Earphoria" vers.]
I've really been on a Pumpkins kick lately. (In other words: What's left to say about the genius of Billy Corgan? Even the albums he's put out of late are great. Not timeless, mind you, but great nonetheless.)

22. The Pixies - "Blown Away" [Live @ Winnipeg's Burton Cummings Theatre, April 14, 2004]
I went. I saw. I wrote a column about nearly getting stuck in the Great White North. (With a little help from my friends, of course.)

23. Cursive - "Making Friends and Acquaintances"
Omaha has a certain sadness to it, so it only makes sense that its most exciting export sometimes conveys that. (Same goes with the films of Alexander Payne -- chief among them "About Schmidt" -- of which many are based in the city.)

24. Dealership - "Nerdy Girl" [FREE MP3] 

I've known a few. 
... But you know what? I love them all. (Seriously. One girl actually turned me on to the "Fatal Frame" series. How cool is that?)

25. Air - "Remember"
Songs don't get much more beautiful than this. This is one dreamy French soundscape that will forever be stuck on repeat in my humble abode.

*If you're "playing along at home," that is.

Thus concludes your sixty-fourth dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

Avett Brothers coming to Bayfield, Wis. ... seriously!

The Avett Brothers will make their Big Top debut Friday, July 9, 2010. Tickets for the show are $42.

There is no harmony like brotherly harmony. Something indelible in the weave of voices and play of sensibilities is stamped into the fraternal DNA and also stems from a lifetime of shared experiences. You can clearly hear fraternal magic at work in the songs of Scott and Seth Avett, better known as the Avett Brothers, as well. That magic is abundantly evident on I and Love and You, the Avett Brothers’ big-label debut. Its 13 songs are delivered in a style that defies pigeonholing but might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop - even a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there.

Big Top Chautauqua information, schedules and ticket prices are available at www.bigtop.org or by calling 888-BIG-TENT (888–244-8368). Big Top is located 3 miles south of Bayfield, WI.

~Information courtesy Big Top

El-P: 'As a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus.'

Hip-hop visionary and Definitive Jux founder confirmed some rumors on the label's Web site today. (For a taste of what Def Jux is all about, follow this link for Definitive Jux Free Amazon Sampler [Explicit], a free MP3 sampler on Amazon.com from the label's top acts.)

From http://www.definitivejux.net/news/jux-crew/1628:

Dear Inter-web, fans, friends and JUX family,

People keep asking me what's up with JUX. There's been some talk, there have been some rumors. Some half true, some way off. Reports of our demise have been mildly exaggerated. Here's what it really all boils down to: (read on)

This year, a decade after starting DEF JUX and after overseeing the releases of some incredible albums including the forthcoming release of my dear late and great friend Camu Tao's brilliant "KING OF HEARTS" LP, I'm stepping away from my duties as artistic director for the label to concentrate on what I love most: being a producer and an artist full time. This is something I've been contemplating for a few years now, and can't think of a better time or, with the eventual release of Camu's record, a more poetic way to transition into a new direction.

This means change for JUX. Of course we'll still have our website, we will still sell our catalog, merch and more as well as bring you news and updates on all our projects and artists. We will be releasing "KING OF HEARTS", a DEF JUX remix compilation, a 10 year anniversary retrospective and some other goodies. But then as a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus. We are not closing, but we are changing. The process is already underway, and the last several months (for those wondering what the hell we've been up to) have been spent dealing with the technical aspects of wrapping up the label in it's current form and re-imagining our collective and individual futures.

In 2000 starting a traditional record label made a lot of sense. But now, in 2010, less so and I find myself yearning for something else to put my energy into. I also see newer, smarter, more interesting things on the horizon for the way art and commerce intersect, and as an artist and an entrepreneur, I'm eager to see them unfold. The evolution of this industry is, in my opinion, exciting, inevitable and it would be nice to see the DEFINITIVE JUX brand be a part of it. In other words, maybe we can turn this hoopty in to a hovercraft.

All business aside, and regardless of what form JUX may inevitably take, my focus for the immediate future is going to be back-to-basics. The fun stuff: sitting in the studio and immersing myself in music, performing it for for my fans when the time comes and whatever (or wherever) else might be out there creatively for me. Thats how it all started and that's how the next phase will begin. The days of me dedicating the majority of my time and energy into providing JUX with a constant stream of physical releases from multiple artists are on hold for the time being. My heart (and what little common sense I possess) is telling me to simplify my focus and it has always been my policy to listen to my heart.

Truly, DEF JUX has been amazing to be a part of. So many good people. So much fun. I feel very lucky to be friends and collaborators with people who have affected and continue to affect my life and work deeply and indelibly. Working with the likes of Amaechi Uzoigwe, Jesse Ferguson, Jason Drake, and Katy Eustis at JUX as well as allies like Kathryn Frazier (biz3), Michael Bull and Lisa Socransky-Austin (to name only a few) has been incredible. These are people who worked for generally meager wages because they loved what they did and they believed in the artists and the idea of DEF JUX. Anyone would be lucky to have worked with even one person as dedicated and passionate as all of them are. They are true champions of indie music and they (and too many others to mention here) have my gratitude and loyalty forever.

None of it would have existed, though, if not for the artists. Artists who rolled the dice on us the same way we did on them, and were there with us as we battled it all out. CAMU, MR LIF, AESOP ROCK, MURS, CAGE, ROB SONIC, HANGAR 18, CHIN CHIN, CANNIBAL OX, THE PERCEPTIONISTS, RJD2, DESPOT, SA SMASH, YAK BALLZ, CRAYZ, THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS, DIZZEE RASCAL, DEL, P.F.A.C, ACTIVATOR, COOL CALM PETE ... the list goes on. I consider them all geniuses at what they do. Every victory that they have had and will have will always feel like a victory for myself and all of us at JUX. It's been a joy to create and even struggle with them all. It has not always been easy, but it's almost always been fulfilling. I only hope the work we put in together helped build a path to their collective futures. They have my sincerest well wishes and genuine respect.

Lastly and most importantly are the fans... holy shit THE FANS! Our fans are no joke. I can't tell you how humbled I am to have felt the love and respect that they have shown us all. Even when we did things they didn't like, they stuck around. This was their label as much as ours. We answered to them, and yet they respected that we did what we loved, nothing more and nothing less. We always will. You are why we do any of this, and I'll never be able to express how much your support means to all of us. I think I speak for all of us Jukies when I say I love making music for you and can't wait to make more.

Until then, on behalf of everyone here at JUX and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

EL-P
Founder/Artistic Director/Recording Artist
DEFINITIVE JUX

Grieves signs to Rhymesayers, reissues '88 Keys and Counting'

NYC-BASED RAPPER AND PRODUCER DROPS CD REISSUE MARCH 2nd, NEW STUDIO ALBUM DUE FALL 2010

US TOUR DATES SUPPORTING P.O.S. BEGIN 2/4 IN COLORADO SPRINGS, SXSW APPEARANCES TBA


The New York City-based rapper, producer, and multi-faceted performer Grieves has announced the reissue of his breakout sophomore album, 2008's 88 Keys and Counting, coming March 2nd on Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Since his birth in Chicago, IL, Benjamin Laub (bka Grieves) enjoyed a diverse musical upbringing, exposed at an early age to the city's local jazz and blues clubs by his father.  After relocating to Fort Collins, CO and eventually Seattle at age 19, Grieves had broadened his array of musical influences to include punk rock and eventually became completely immersed in Hip Hop as an art form.

Following his debut album Irreversible in 2007, Grieves began collaborating with local Seattle-based producer Budo, a talented multi-instrumentalist that helped complete the organic-yet-intense sound of 15 melodic, sample-free tracks that became 88 Keys & Counting.  Following rave reviews of the album's mainly digital release, Grieves and Budo hit the road once again to set up shop in New York City, where they are currently at work on the follow-up to 88 Keys, due for a Fall release this year on Rhymesayers.  Untethered to common restraints of the hip-hop genre, the combination of Grieves' singing and rapping with the refreshing horn, guitar, and keyboard driven production by Budo presents Grieves strongest work to date.


* supporting P.O.S
** supporting Brother Ali
*** festival date

*2/04/10                        COLORADO SPRINGS, CO            BLACK SHEEP
*2/05/10                        DENVER, CO                                    THE MARQUIS THEATRE
*2/06/10                        SALT LAKE CITY, UT                        KILBY COURT
*2/07/10                        SALT LAKE CITY, UT                        URBAN LOUNGE
*2/08/10                        BOISE, ID                                                NEUROLUX
*2/09/10                        MISSOULA, MT                                    BADLANDER
*2/11/20                        VANCOUVER, BC                                    THE BILTMORE CABARET
*2/12/10                        SEATTLE, WA                                    NECTAR LOUNGE
*2/13/10                        PORTLAND, OR                                    BERBATI'S PAN
*2/14/10                        EUGENE, OR                                    WOW HALL
*2/16/10                        RENO, NV                                                TONIC LOUNGE
*2/18/10                        SAN FRANCISCO, CA                        BOTTOM OF THE HILL
*2/19/10                        LOS ANGELES, CA                                    TROUBADOUR
*2/20/10                        SAN DIEGO, CA                                    THE LOFT
*2/21/10                        POMONA, CA                                    GLASS HOUSE
*2/22/10                        SCOTTSDALE, AZ                                    CHASERS NIGHTCLUB
*2/23/10                        TUCSON, AZ                                    CLUB CONGRESS
*2/24/10                        ALBUQUERQUE, NM                        THE LAUNCHPAD

**3/02/10                        COPENHAGEN, DENMARK            RUST
**3/03/10                        LUND, SWEDEN                                    MEJERIET
**3/04/10                        GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN            PUSTERVIKSBAREN
**3/05/10                        OSLO, NORWAY                                    LIVING ROOM
**3/06/10                        STAVANGER, NORWAY                        NYTORGET

***5/02/10                        NEW RUTHERFORD, NJ                        BAMBOOZLE EAST


~Information courtesy Biz 3

R.I.P. J.D.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/books/01/28/salinger.obit/index.html?hpt=T1

sys63 :: PITHY & DYNAMIC

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, I humbly present ... "Pithy & Dynamic":

 

1. Beulah - "Score from Augusta"
In anticipation of Beulah frontman Miles Kurosky's upcoming, highly anticipated solo debut on Majordomo, I thought I'd return to his larger-than-life, hard-to-beat roots.

2. Tenacious D - "Master Exploder"
A nod to one of those fake-plastic-guitar games for getting me hooked on this hilariously rockin' tune from Jack Black and Kyle Gass.

3. Dios - "See How They Run" [FREE MP3]
Forever and always one of the world's most underrated bands. Download their free new "single" (actually two songs) on Buddyhead and find out what you're missing.

4. Doomtree - "Coup for the Kings"
From the Twin Cities' pre-eminent hip-hop collective comes one of the most addictive "joints" of all time, featuring rhymes by Sims and P.O.S. and beats by the infallible Lazerbeak (who was *trivia time* the frontman for the now-defunct Plastic Constellations).

5. Bran Van 3000 - "Rainshine"
Canada, you've finally made up for "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You."

6. RJD2 feat. Kenna - "Games You Can't Win"
I like RJD2, I do, but what really drew me to this lush soundscape was the addition of Neptunes/N*E*R*D-supported singer Kenna. He really deserves more fans.

7. New Vaudeville Band - "Winchester Cathedral"
Recently heard on one of those cheesy TIME LIFE collections that have infomercials that religiously play after "Saturday Night Live" on those dreary Sunday mornings. Oh, the small hours....

8. Mos Def - "Quiet Dog"
I didn't think I'd ever call myself a Mos Def fan after the dreadful "The New Danger" (which had less than a handful of memorable tracks), but my favorite DJ, KUWS's Walt Dizzo, told me "The Ecstatic" was well worth my time. Was he right? He always is, man.

9. Cordalene - "Last Breakup" [Live on WPRB]
Of all the largely-unheard-of bands I champion, this is one of my all-time favorites. Right up there with Dealership. Oh, that's right. So take a listen and see what you think; fans of the Pixies' more melodic, less angst-y moments should find much to love here.

10. Mason Jennings - "Nothing" [Live]
Though this track's "parent" EP, "Living in the Moment," is somewhat hard to come by, I'm sure glad I picked one up when I had a chance. (Especially since it was signed by Mason himself!)

11. Decembers Architects - "Peloria"
One of the great, now-defunct bands that emerged from the St. Cloud-by-way-of-MPLS scene that gave us Nothing Jive About Jupiter/reru (and, eventually, Best Friends Forever), Building Better Bombs (yep, that P.O.S. "side project"), the Plastic Constellations and ... I know I'm forgetting a few names, but, if you like real math rock, I know you're going to dig this.

12. Dashboard Confessional - "Don't Wait"
And ... I don't know what to say for myself right now, but I find this overtly "pretty" song hard to resist. My apologies.

13. The Wannadies - "Little by Little"
Back on track, here's one of my favorite Swedish groups. Refer to what I said about Cordalene if you want to get a feel for why I love these guys oh so.

14. The Red Hot Valentines - "You Sang to Me"
Like Motion City Soundtrack, these guys took their Weezer pills growing up, ran with it and made something rather enjoyable out of it. It's hard not to smile when you hear stuff this delightfully poppy.

15. Supergrass - "Nothing More's Gonna Get in My Way"
Fresh off my review of Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey's cover band Hot Rats for the Budgeteer, I thought it prudent to pay a little respect to the group which allowed them to record such a vanity (though highly entertaining) side project.

16. Botch - "Spaim"
Not to steal Brick Tamland's thunder or anything, but ... "LOUD NOISES!"

17. Nirvana - "Dumb"
Compared to Botch, this is f------ Beethoven.

18. Pedro the Lion - "I Am Always the One Who Calls"
David Bazan's "Curse Your Branches" made my top albums of 2009 for the Budgeteer, and here he is shining with his former mates in Pedro the Lion. Love it.

19. Superdrag - "My Prayer"
It's funny; had the boys in Superdrag not decided to cover this one up with blown-out amp fuzz, they would've had quite a nice ballad on their hands. Oh, well, at least we have this one.

20. The Bouncing Souls - "Say Anything"
Always one of my favorite band names and ... wanna know a secret? I'm pretty sure this is the first time these punk faves have made one of these here mix tapes. And I've only made about 12,000 of them, so I'm feeling kind of bad right now.

21. Self - "Fliptop Box"
All hail the mighty Matt Mahaffey!

22. Pain - "Adam's Apple"
Found this gem on a random ska-punk compilation my girlfriend gave me. Lord only knows why she had it, but I'm sure glad she did.

23. Fuzzbubble - "Don't Let it Get You Down"
Like Redd Kross? So do these guys, apparently. I love it!

24. Major Lazer - "Pon de Floor"
Another must-hear '09 track introduced to me by Sir Walt Dizzo. Thanks again, man; my apologies to Michna, but there is no sound sweeter than Diplo and Switch fiddling around in the studio.

25. The Revolution Smile - "I Wish I"
A bittersweet masterpiece in the key of Failure. Melancholy never tasted so optimistic. (By the way, this is the version from "We Are in This Alone," not "Above the Noise." I don't know if there is a difference, but one can only assume since they are two very different records.)

Thus concludes your sixty-third dose of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul."

Slug hosts Rhymesayers' Haiti benefit Feb. 9 at First Avenue

RHYMESAYERS ENTERTAINMENT TO HOST CHARITY BENEFIT FOR HAITI, TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9TH HOSTED BY SLUG OF ATMOSPHERE AND FEATURING PERFORMANCES FROM BROTHER ALI, FREEWAY & JAKE ONE, SAGE FRANCIS AND MORE AT MINNEAPOLIS' FIRST AVENUE ALL PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS OF HAITI "This is one if the greatest tragedies of our lifetime. It's time for all of us to help the people and families who are suffering." -Brother Ali Rhymesayers Entertainment & friends are proudly coming together this February 9th, in a time of dire global crisis, to organize a benefit for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. With an all-star lineup assembled for an epic night of music for a good cause, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to charity! Featuring performances from Brother Ali, Freeway & Jake One, Sage Francis & B. Dolan, I Self Devine, Sims, Muja Messiah, Toki Wright, BK One, DJ King Otto and Kevin Beacham, the night will be hosted by Minneapolis' own, Slug of Atmosphere. All of these incredible artists are donating their time and coming together for what will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable nights in 2010. For the bargain price of $20, Rhymesayers will be giving their fans an easy and rewarding way to donate, with all proceeds going to Oxfam America, Doctors Without Borders and Yele Haiti, a foundation started by Grammy-Award winning musician and social entrepreneur Wyclef Jean. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, January 27th at 11:00am through Ticketmaster, Fifth Element, First Avenue and local ticket outlets. Rhymesayers Presents: A Benefit For Haiti Tuesday, February 9th 2010 First Ave (701 North First Ave, Minneapolis, MN) 7:00 pm / 18+ Hosted by Slug of Atmosphere. Performances by Brother Ali, Freeway, Sage Francis, Jake One, I Self Devine, Sims, Toki Wright, BK One, B. Dolan, Muja Messiah, Kevin Beacham, and DJ King Otto $20 "It's embarrassing to admit how unaware I've been of the living conditions in Haiti. And that's before the earthquake hit. I'm honored to be involved with this fundraiser and I'm thankful for the conditions that allow me to be on the giving end of this charity. I trust that our fans feel the same way." -Sage Francis "The great people of Haiti live in the poorest nation in our hemisphere and have been impacted by the largest disaster in our hemisphere this century. This isn't about charity, this is about respect for humanity." - Toki Wright "At this moment Haiti needs the world's assistance. It's a privilege to be a part of something so special. Not only should we assist with donations for aid, food, and water, but let's come together 6 months, a year from now and help with the rebuilding process." - Muja Messiah ~Information courtesy Biz 3