Get Ya Freak On.

[Yeahduff]

"...and baby mamas are going crazy
and the leader all around crackin up.
We go rich, we fly.
Cost of livin in a shanty town just seems very high.
But we still like T.I...."

bitch is the shit, kk??

and she was in atlanta, but no one i know has heard of her. granted when Kenny Chesney rolls into town, there's no parking for miles.

Haha.

Girl has the potential to be huge. Taking hip-hop conventions and flipping them, referencing The Pixies and New Order, bringing in all sorts of international sounds, putting it all together to make incredibly accessible and fresh dance music, not to mention how beautiful she is, in a completely not fake, plastic way. I can see a lot of people all over the world getting behind this. Man, I think I'll have to drop thirty bucks on her.

Haven't heard it yet, but I hear good things about it. Kind of a return to form with just a touch of that rawness from Grinderman, is that an accurate description?

Why return to form, he's in a very good form already. I guess people expect him to start singing murder ballads again, but what's the point, he's been there, done that, moved on.
Lazarus is ok, rawer than "Abbatoir blues", but I find songs themselves, particularly harmonies, somewhat predictable. I've only listened to it a few times though.

I don't think people have been complaining about where he is, just saying it's less the rockin' out kinda thing he did last year.

My Nick Cave experience is limited. Where's a good place to start?

And there are far worse things than The Raconteurs, it's true. I really liked Satan as a departure, and definitely listen to it more than Broken Boy Soldiers, which I got tired of really quickly. I imagine I"ll still end up with this new Raconteurs record anyway, and if Jack needs something to keep him busy, that's cool, just so long as the Stripes keep putting out records.

Satan was a departure only in instruments used, while songs themselves were the same stuff they did on previous albums. That's what I didn't like, if he was going for a change, I didn't think that just switching guitar for a piano was gonna do, he had to change something in songwriting ("Icky thumps", I think, was more of a departure if only in kicking overall lunacy up a notch). "Satan" has some good songs on it, but listening to it just makes me wanna listen to "White blood cells" and "Elephant" where there are better versions of the same musical schemes.

Hm. Thought about it and I just disagree. There are always the bread and butter White Stripes Songs (tm) on every record, and stuff like Doorbell and The Denial Twist would fit into your assessment, but stuff like The Nurse? Little Ghost? White Moon? It's just a whole different sound when you slow things down and start throwing in marimba. Icky Thump is weird and awesome, though.

[McDuffies]

I don't think people have been complaining about where he is, just saying it's less the rockin' out kinda thing he did last year.

My Nick Cave experience is limited. Where's a good place to start?

If you want classic Cave, love, death, murder etc, I'd say "Tender Pray", "Henry's dream" and since it's you we're talking about, "Murder ballads". Follow that with "Good son" which is one of the best but not representative since it's mostly ballads, and "Let love in" which I don't like as much as others since I find it a bit too "catchy" if you know what I mean, but it's still good.
If you want new, milder Cave, "Abbatoir Blues/Lyre of the orpheus" is both good and critically aclaimed, specially "Abbatoir" part. "No more shell we part" is an excellent album which critics didn't like very much, but what do they know?
If you chew through all that you can go on with "Your funeral my trial" which is an excellent album, but rather unaccessible, and "Kicking against the pricks" which is all-covers album. And there's also "Boatman's call" which is maybe most critically aclaimed of his albums, but that's just because critics like when a singer-songwriter sits alone with his instrument and plays slow, tender ballads for entire album.
They say "Grindeman" resembled early "Firstborn is dead", as they're both violent and bluesy. I think that "Firstborn" was more chaotic though, still having traces of "Birthday party's" trash-rock. It's not something I'd reccomend unless you're a top fan.
Finally, if you can't get enough of Cave, get the debut, "From her to eternity" and his weakest, "Nocturama". There's also a 2 or 3-disc compilation of b-sides and stuff, which has some very good stuff that wasn't on albums, like "I'll love you until the end of the world" which was the sole reason I bought "Until the end of the world" soundtrack several years ago.

[Yeahduff]

You are quite the authority.

If you had to recommend one new record, it would be....

[McDuffies]

New as from later period, or new as one you haven't heard before?

[Yeahduff]

Oh, a record that's come out this year, not necessarily by a new artist.

That's an open question, by the way. I'm talking to you, Keff.

Haven't heard many albums this year. Was able to hear Van Hunt's new one, which is killer. He does the whole rock/soul thing, very Prince, but makes it his own. Obviously the record companies are witholding it. If you can find his last record I recommend it strongly.

Looking forward to Gnarls Barkley and Erykah Badu as well. Was skeptical of both, but no longer. Gnarls had a rather scorching performance on Saturday Night Live last weekend, so now I gotta hear the rest of it. I thought Ms. Badu was over but her new stuff is supposed to be this dense rockin sorta thing, like npthing she's done before. People are going pretty crazy for it.

[Keffria]

That's an open question, by the way. I'm talking to you, Keff.

Haw, I have been summoned! One album? I'd say just don't bother with anything new this year until of Montreal releases Skeletal Lamping in October, but that would make me sound like a disgusting fangirl... Which I am and I could gush forever on the merits of this-or-that album.

...

But seriously, while you're waiting for that, definitely get the new Gnarls Barkley album. I wasn't sure what to make of it for the first couple of listens, but it really grows on you. Going On is the best track in my most un-humble opinion (love that hook), but unlike St. Elsewhere, there is no particular track that stands out as "weak" (I'm sorry, but I just can't listen to Transformer when it comes up on shuffle).

Also, in spite of all the hype, that Vampire Weekend LP that everyone's been talking about is pretty good. It has an Afro-pop flavour (durrr, of course it does, that's their gimmick, although I use gimmick in the joking sense, because it's a good sound etc. etc.) that's a nice change from the folksy twee indie garbage I've mostly been listening to. The pretentious-college-grads lyrical aspect adds to the appeal. ("Who gives a fuck about an oxford comma? / I've seen those english dramas too" ahaha)

The new Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin album, Pershing, has been out for a bit. I've listened to it repeatedly and it still disappoints. Too polished and summer-y, haha. Listen to Broom (2006) instead and think about what might have been. ;_;

Finally, I would offer my opinion on Tokyo Police Club's newest offering, Elephant Shell (FINALLY A REAL LP!), but I just got it and I haven't listened enough to have anything useful to say. Just thought I'd point out that ZOMG FINALLY AN LP ZOMG AWESOME CANADIAN MUSIC IS AWESOME.

Secret confession: I never got into The White Stripes, nor The Raconteurs...

Damn, I wish I could go to the cookout just to gab about music garbage with you folks.

[Yeahduff]

Transformer, huh? Gotta admit, one of my favorites on the record. Just an assault from start to finish. I can see people finding it grating, though, Cee-Lo's voice definitely does not need to be sped up artificially. But from what I hear, Odd Couple doesn't have a Crazy on it or anything. That said, Who's Gonna Save My Soul's been in my head for the past two days.

And yeah, Vampire Weekend's cool. Shame about that backlash, though, it's not like they're selling out arenas or anything. I'm sure they'll come out just fine. I might catch them at Pitchfork Festival this summer.

Hadn't heard Tokyo Police Club had an actual record out (or that they were Canadian), that's pretty exciting. Sometimes they feel like hte total indie rock template, but fuck it, still sounds pretty cool.

I'm pretty excited about Ladytron's record in June. Not supposed to be a huge departure or anything, but that's fine, because Witching Hour was classic. Good dark dance music for your more gothy evenings.

Y'know, Nanda doesn't care for the Stripes either. Makes me wonder how good a judge of character I am.

edit/ Yeah, me and Sublet were hoping you'd make it. But we're like next door and not even sure if we can make it, so it's not like we can bitch.

[Doll]

My friend's brother's band just released an album over here, and it's fantastic. This song is my favourite!

[Keffria]

Transformer, huh? Gotta admit, one of my favorites on the record. Just an assault from start to finish. I can see people finding it grating, though, Cee-Lo's voice definitely does not need to be sped up artificially. But from what I hear, Odd Couple doesn't have a Crazy on it or anything. That said, Who's Gonna Save My Soul's been in my head for the past two days.

I don't know; I like Transformer alright when it's in the context of the album, but as soon as it's pulled out and stuck in the middle of the rest of my collection, it's just grating, if that makes sense. I really appreciate an album that has that sense of cohesion, actually, so in a way, it's a point in St. Elsewhere's favour. But yes, I'm with you on the issue of Cee-Lo's voice. And no, Odd Couple doesn't have anything that immediately strikes me as a MASSIVE HIT song like Crazy was, but I don't think that's a bad thing; by the time the local radio stations were done with that song, I pretty well hated it. Now it comes up on the easy-listening station at my workplace and I die a little inside each time.

Aaaand, I also totally agree on Tokyo Police Club. They aren't really doing anything new, but I like their music, and I don't care whether it's old-hat. But yes! They're from Newmarket, which is just a few hours away from where I am, and that probably contributes to my support. They played at a local grimy old bar a month or so ago, but the venue was so small that I don't know of anyone who managed to get in. (This made me feel better about not going.) It's nice to see them getting bigger.

As for the White Stripes, it may be just that I haven't taken the time to sit down with their discography and learn to appreciate them. I like some of their songs, but I've never been a fan.

Huh. I'd completely forgotten about Ladytron. I'm pretty sure I had a list of garbage to look forward to in 2008 but damned if I know where it got to. Gah, but I was crushed to hear The Format is dead; I was hoping to see a follow-up to Dog Problems this year. ;_;

edit: Yeah, I'm too low on funds right now to make it down to St. Louis. Seems like the case for a lot of the "regulars," even -- it's a pity.

edit 2: Well! I may have to investigate that band, Doll.

[K-Dawg]

I'm here to talk about the latest Gnarls Barkley CD as well. I've had this chat with Jan already about how awesome Transformer is and how she must be wrong for not liking it.

But anyways yeah what she said about this new Gnarls album is correct, it flows really really well together. I find it really hard to flip to different tracks, it just all melds into each track so well. I will disagree with her on what the best song on the album is. I personally think "Little better" is the best track on the whole album; it finishes off the album so perfectly.

As for albums left this year that I'm interested in...the new N.E.R.D. album. They are never something amazing lyrically but I find their music fun as hell, and have not been disappointed with the two albums they've come out with so far.

[Keffria]

I will forever associate N.E.R.D. with being made fun of on the drive back from the cookout.

P.S. A Little Better is also awesome. It was hard to pick just one track I liked most.

[Phact0rri]

I need to go on another record buying spree there's a few records I desperately want. I am looking forward to picking up the new We Are Scientists record. The New Kooks record comes out tommorrow in the US, from what I've heard is it has a lot of the same sunny english charm, with heavy accoustic leanings which is right down my alley. The Presets have a record coming out soon, I don't care for much electro clash, but they've always interested me. Not sure what other new releases I'm looking forward to in the Indie-garages but...

Temple Scene's new record Choose your Own Adventure is pretty tight. It has a very tight accoustic style. http://www.myspace.com/templescene check these guys out.

As to The Vampire Weekend, I felt they were kinda translucent, I do however find myself enjoying The Teenagers a lot. Thier record Reality check is good for a few spins if you like sugar coated music.

oh and I been obsessing over the Foals lately. <3

[McDuffies]

I'm always a bit behind on newest records, understandably. I knew that I had to puck up new Cave, Gnarls, REM and Racounters, but I'm generally not familiar with things that are announced or just out.
Beirut's "Flying cup club" or Ween's "La cucaracha" are relatively fresh (as in: from last year), otherwise I usually listen to things that are two or more years old. I guess I could do a research on which bands that I like are announcing a new record, but I'm too lazy.

White Stripes seem to split the public really sharply. Which is ok, I honestly wouldn't have faith in a group that everyone likes. I think that they have a capacity to be remembered as one of the most important bands of this era: they're different from anything else, highly individual, inovative, they've been unoficcial learers of minimalist rock revival, and they even have a visual style and a kind of urban mythology surrounding them. It's rare that you have both efective marketing strategy and oldfashioned good songwriting in one place, as they do.
And if you want to force yourself into listening to them, start with "White blood cells". It's their "pop" album.

[Risky]

Hey these are all cool bands you guys talk I guess cause I think I heard of one of them once but may I recommend "Scissor Sisters".

That is all.

[K-Dawg]

I will forever associate N.E.R.D. with being made fun of on the drive back from the cookout.

P.S. A Little Better is also awesome. It was hard to pick just one track I liked most.

With that said I can resume being your buddy, guy.

[Phact0rri]

With that said I can resume being your buddy, guy.

Kdawg take off Joel's Fedora. It only brings shame.

[McDuffies]

Does anyone else check this out?

[Yeahduff]

I'll look at that when I get home, McDuff.

I liked NERD's first record a lot. Didn't care for the single on the second one, so didn't check it out. But looking forward to the new one. Man, Brain is still a fantastic song.

Scissor Sisters aren't my thing (shocka) but I love their cover of Comfortably Numb. Any opportunity to subvert Pink Floyd, that's what I say.

In a related story, went to a wine shoppe in Boystown about a month ago and the while we were browsing, the clerk was sing along and dancing to Mika. One of the more stereotypical things I've witnessed this year.

I've been looking everywhere for Daft Punk's Discovery lately and I can't fucking find it. How the hell did we let THAT go out of print?

I've had a friend recommend The Kooks to me, and I believe she'll be forcing it upon me pretty soon. Well, not forced, they sound interesting.

Good call on St. Elsewhere, Keff, one of the more unified albums I've heard this decade.

Just found out Alkaline Trio has a new one coming out this summer. I'm sure no one else cares but this homer's pretty excited.

[K-Dawg]

I am gonna have to cosign on "Brain" I still listen to that album to this day.

Dooo I really even love youuuuuu? Or do I really love your...BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIINNNNNNNNN!

[Keffria]

Oh yes I do enjoy that song.......

Does anyone else check this out?

Sadly, I am not indie enough to know who many of those names are, but I always appreciate recommendations.

That list reminds me, though, the new (erm, first) Los Campesinos! album - "Hold On Now, Youngster..." - just came out in Canada a little while ago, and it's great. I wish I could spend more time appreciating it, but it's occasionally full of shouting and just generally loud and upbeat, and therefore not suited to study-time. -_-

Ahh, and I know it's not a new release, but I just got my hands on Andrew Bird's "Soldier On" EP (2007) and it's worth it just for "The Trees Were Mistaken." I absolutely adore that guy. He's been at the top of my playlist for months. Seriously, I sometimes just put all my Andrew Bird music on in a big long chain of mellowness (currently ~3 hours, haha). <3 <3 <3