COPE - Manchester Orchestra live at Emo's 4/22/14

When I heard that Kevin Devine and the Manchester Orchestra were going to tour together in the spring, I plunked down money in early February to assure my attendance for the show.

As the date approached, my excitement had sorta tempered a little bit and that had a lot to do with a disappointing show I caught earlier this year when I saw Against Me! perform in San Antonio.

I never penned a proper write up for the Against Me show because it genuinely bummed me the fuck out....  the more and more I think about it, I think I'm going to revisit that night again and work out the issues I had with the show.

Drove out to Austin and before visiting the new (well, new to me) Emo's location, I decided to spend some time at End of An Ear.  I didn't get a chance to visit on record store day and I always find great stuff in the racks.   

I got a text from a friend of mine asking where I was in the crowd...  I informed her I was still across town getting records.  She then broke the news to me that Kevin Devine performed first.  They altered the line up order and Balance and Composure played 2nd.

I seriously considered skipping out on the Manchester Orchestra show all together.  I opted to go however because I wanted to hear a number of the songs live.

I'm insanely happy that I did, because it was one of the best performances I've seen in a while.  It actually reminded me a lot of seeing Built to Spill circa 2000.   The band has 4 albums worth of material that they play through and the crowd was incredibly supportive of them.  The band was in top notch form and they had an incredible light show to accompany the performance.  If you get a chance to see them on this tour or in the Fall, make it a point to do so.

the Weakerthans - Left and Leaving

When I got up this morning, the skies were grey and I decided to pull out one of my favorite albums to listen to when its gloomy out.

I don't really know why I associate this Weakerthan album with "gloom"...  the album has always had a very unique tone and color to it. The very first song on the record (Everything must go!) sorta sets the mood for the following 52 minutes.

Earlier this year, I talked about John K. Samsons lyrical prowess...  on this record, the Weakerthans really sunk their hooks in me with their song structures.  I listened to this album at work this morning with headphones on and I couldn't stop swaying back n' forth as I followed along with the bruising roar of the rhythm guitar and drum fills.

The sun is out this afternoon and it's a little hard to get back into the gloomy mood I had this morning.  Here's to hoping for late April showers in central Texas...

Artists: The Weakerthans
Album: Left and Leaving
Producer: Ian Blurton
Label: Sub City Records
Recorded: Private Ear Studio

The New Pornographers - Electric Version

When you pen entries about albums in your music collection every single day, you begin to worry about saving something special to say for albums that mean the world to you.  While visiting Austin last night, I stopped into End of an Ear and picked up one of my all time favorite albums by the New Pornographers.

An album I purchased, listened to and didn't quite get the genius of it until I had a memorable evening with it in South West Detroit.  It was one of those nights where you meet someone through a mutual friend and you never see them again for the rest of your life.

I ended up in someone's house one night and helped make 1" buttons for a friends band.  A girl on the South West Side of Detroit, had a home business where she printed and pressed buttons for a very reasonable price.  I was given a pair of scissors and I participated in a 4 hour discussion that covered a variety of subjects.

During said exchange, this album got slipped on and while cutting out hundreds of logos - it occurred to me that this album was one of the best albums I had ever heard.  What tripped me out was that I knew I had it at home and I wasn't listening to it enough. 

If you've never heard this album, I beg that you stop everything you're doing to give it a listen.

Stand out tracks:

Artists: The New Pornographers 
Album: Electric Version
Producer: The New Pornographers
Label: Matador
Recorded: ?

The Promise Ring - Very Emergency

"I got my body and my mind on the same page
and honey now
happiness is all the rage"

The opening lyrics to the Promise Ring album I have hate listened to for nearly 15 years now...  I purchased this record the day it was released.  I would be lying if I said it didn't disappoint me upon my early listens... 

It was indescribably different from their earlier stuff.  I mean, the Promise Ring always had a pop-sensibility to them, but this felt formulaic tho'.   I don't know if this was their attempt to gain "mainstream" interest or if the band was genuinely looking to unload a number of songs that had a bubblegum feel to them.

A number of these songs are amazing to hear live.  Take for example the Deep South.  Not only is it one of the albums best songs, but its possibly one of the best songs that the band every penned.

I just recall feeling a certain level of excitement after listening to the Boys + Girls Ep - right before this album dropped and I genuinely felt like they were going to be the R.E.M. of my 20's.   They've always sorta been in my little mind and heart... they just didn't exactly knock it out of the park.

This album has a number of infectious songs tho'.   

Artists: The Promise Ring
Album: Very Emergency
Producer: J. Robbins
Label: Jade Tree
Recorded: Inner Ear Studios

Depeche Mode - Music for the Masses

Depeche Mode came up in conversation on Sunday, so I decided to listen to MUSIC FOR THE MASSES while getting ready for work today.

I can't remember the last time I listened to this record from beginning to end, but I'm pretty sure I was in college.   Music for the Masses has always been referenced as a "favorite" album by a number of my friends, but I have a stronger affection for Black Celebration and Violator.   Albums that were released before/after Music for the Masses respectfully.

The album is one of my favorite albums to listen to with headphones on.   It's not heavily layered... but every track has a number of samples that sorta interlock atop one another perfectly to produce a number of very memorable tracks.  Example: Strangelove

I didn't recall the album being so dark until I head it again this morning.  Especially the second half of the album...   If you've never heard this album, but have an interest in listening to Depeche Mode - I would recommend starting with another record.  This is a little more rewarding for those who want to revel in deep cuts.

Stand out tracks:

Artists: Depeche Mode
Album: Music for the Masses
Producer: Depeche Mode, David Bascombe
Label: MUTE
Recorded: Studio Guilaume Tell

Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band - Matter of time: KD & GDB Tour EP 2012

In roughly 24 hours, I will have the privilege of catching Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band again. The show is in Austin and I'll also get a chance to see the new Emos.  Well, new to me at least.... 

I wish this were available on a physical format

I haven't really listened to this EP in a while.  It was a staple of sorts last year when I was listening to a lot of KD...  but when 2014 rolled around, I went out of my way to avoid it in fear that I might burn out on the EP.

In my opinion its possibly their best collection of material.  It's a pretty good collection of KD's work, but a little more "electric".   I can't say enough about how these guys sound live.  This was recorded as a "live" take so it gives you an idea of what they sound like live.

Shame this isn't available outside of a digital format.

Stand out tracks: The Entire Album 

Artists: Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band
Album: Matter of Time: KD & GDB Tour Ep 2012
Producer: ?
Label: ?
Recorded: ?

Seahaven - Reverie Lagoon: Music for Escapism Only

Of all the new bands I've discovered in recent months, I am really falling hard for a California band called Seahaven.   A dreamy-indie-pop record that is really great to listen to on rainy grey days... 

I have a tendency to try and find a bands earlier material when I discover a recent release, but I've opted to focus (obsess) on this album instead.   I just confirmed this morning that they're going to be coming to San Antonio at the end of May.  Looking incredibly forward to seeing them live and not have to drive out to Austin to do so.

It's really hard to describe this album because I haven't fully charted my emotions on the record just yet.  There's a number of very soft numbers on the album all lasting under 2:00 minutes that sorta weave the record in and out as if you were listening to a Doves album, without really having a "DOVES" sound?

I kinda liken the listening experience to floating on your back in a secluded pool of water.   You're not exactly alone with your thoughts long enough because you're kinda focusing on breathing right to not down - but you're totally calm at the same time?   

Stand out tracks:

Artists: Seahaven
Album: Reverie Lagoon: Music for Escapism Only
Producer: Kyle Soto
Label: Run For Cover Records
Recorded: ARC Studio

Invite Only Costume Party & all things The Challenge Reality Fantasy Week 2

Saw the show on the night that it aired, but I haven't had a chance to recap the show until this evening.   I can't stress how much I love the shows new format.

I ride and die with Camila 

It has completely turned the house upside down.  It's completely turned the Reality Fantasy League upside down!   The best team in our league just had 2 of her characters face off in the elimination challenge and of them (Frank) has been sent to the "Jungle" for a second consecutive week.

CLICK HERE for: Updated Scores and Rules

It almost makes sense to have weaker players on your roster because teams are going to continue sending the best players into the elimination to make it easier to complete the game.

I fucking LOVE this show.

Ballerz of the Week

Nany - 65 points
Nany, had a quality game and if she continues to perform well in the challenges, I think she has chance to lead the league in scoring.  She picked up 25 points for throwing a swing and slightly connecting on my Reality Fantasy Boo - Camila.  10 points for verbally fighting with CT and my Boo.  5 points for Crying... 5 points for kissing and 20 points for being drunk enough to start all the problems I described above.

Camila - 45 points
What's great about Camila is that we can always count on her having an emotional outburst like we saw in last weeks episode.  I can't believe that she didn't hook up with anyone after attending the Costume Party in a Catwoman costume.  Camila picked up 20 points for being wasted.  10 points for telling us that she's not on the show to make friends. 5 points for crying and another 10 points for verbally fighting with CT and Nany.  

 

Future Islands - Singles

In 2011, I discovered a small band that by the name of Future Islands and listed their album On the Water as my favorite release of the year.

I had heard some rumors at the end of 2013 that their new album "Singles" would be something to keep an eye out for.   The album dropped a few weeks ago and it's been a staple of sorts in my listening rotation.

I fucking love this album cover

I managed to somehow get their upcoming Austin Show (Mohawk, April 23rd) confused with another show that I'm catching on the 22nd (Manchester Orchestra/Kevin Devine) and I passed up on getting tickets.

Fast forward a few weeks... they have a monstrous performance on Letterman and they killed it at Coachella last weekend.  They're now *the band* to catch live and I'm seriously considering paying 80 dollars on Stubhub to see them perform on Wednesday.

I spent a good part of my morning looking at #futureisland tags on Instagram and all I want to do right now is listen to this album between now and Wednesday and be in attendance for what I think will be one of the best shows of 2014.

But enough about the show on Wednesday, the thing that has surprised me most about the album Singles is how freakishly danceable it is.  That and the lead vocalist is so freakishly emotive that I can't have this album on in the background and not give it my full attention.  

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite albums of 2014.  Please seek it out!

Stand Out Tracks

Artists: Future Islands
Album: Singles
Producer: Chris Coady
Label: 4AD
Recorded: Dreamland Studios