So, as you all may or may not know, I spent most of the last month abroad in Greece, studying maritime law and ouzo. Upon my return to my home television set, I found quite a bit of DVRness that I had to catch up on. And, as I did so, I was particularly pleased with what I heard on Greek, one of my regularly recorded programs. Yes, I watch Greek. No, I'm not ashamed. No, my nickname came before the protagonist of said show. Yes, I enjoy the coincidence. Anywho, the first pleasant surprise came with hearing some new Tokyo Police Club in the background of one of the scenes (bonus). The second (false) surprise came when I thought I heard some Kings of Leon. The vocals seemed so unmistakably Caleb. But, alas, it was an imposter. The band was American Bang, and the singer bore a striking resemblance, both vocally and visually, to Caleb Followill. Sounds sort of like if Caleb Followill fronted Plain White Tees.

This Week In New Music For Tuesday, July 1st

With so much new music coming out every week, keeping track of all the releases can become a little overwhelming. Feel free to stop over here at the SCOPE blog every Sunday for an extensive (although not exhaustive) list of the week's upcoming releases. And for those in the Iowa City area, be sure to support local businesses and pick up your brand spanking new music at Real Records (a phenomenal record store with an extensive collection of new and old CD and vinyl, located on the corner of Linn and Market) or the well known Record Collector (located near the corner of College and Linn).

Alkaline Trio "Agony and Irony"

Altruisms "Clusterbombs"

G-Unit "T.O.S."

Los Lonely Boys "Forgiven"

Night Ranger "Hole in the Sun"

"Where the Light" is Screenings

Yes ladies and gents, I have another John Mayer update for you. 

As you may or may not know, Mayer's new live CD/DVD "Where the Light is", featuring a live performance of all three aspects of his music; acoustic, blues trio, and full band,  releases this Tuesday, July 2nd. But John Mayer is going to give us a sneak preview at theaters nationwide. "Where the Light" is will be first shown in over 100 theaters tomorrow night only. Of course if you miss this opportunity, the CDs/DVDs hit stands Tuesday morning.  For complete theater listings and other information, go HERE. And if anyone needs a buddy for the Des Moines showing... you know who to call. 

i got a sweet tooth that'll never come loose

Check out the new single from Gym Class Heroes' forthcoming album, The Quilt due out sometime this fall. It's called "Cookie Jar” featuring The Dream and the tune’s sugary beats and confectionery comparisons to a lady’s naughty bits have me thinking singer Travis McCoy may have found inspiration for this one in his girl-kissing gf Katy Perry. Judge for yourself. (I’m sorry all I could find is a fan vid, the song's just that new.) As for me, I’ll be hitting up the Treats Truck after work.

I Punched Jack Johnson

Aside from the activism in my last post, I did actually get to experience some blogworthy stuff last weekend.

Namely, I punched Jack Johnson in the face...MORE

That isn't hyperbole in the slightest, so please let me explain:

I went to Somerset with the GF, my sister, and her BF, Joe, for a weekend of tubing, concerting, and generally chilling out. We got back to our hotel from tubing the Apple River early Sunday afternoon, and, being that it was unseasonably cold on Sunday, we were ready to hit the hot tub in order to turn our extremities back from blue to their normal paper white tone. Turns out, the musicians were staying at the same hotel as us, and who should be in the pool...? Yup, Jack Johnson, his keyboardist Zack Gill, and their little kids, playing with water toys in the shallow end.

Luckily, my years of experience maintaining composure around touring musicians while in SCOPE prepared me for the occasion and I feel that under the circumstances of being stripped to the waist and slightly buzzed in front of possibly my favorite musician since I got an early copy of Brushfire Fairytales way back in eighth grade, I kept it together remarkably well.

After my pulse got back to the mid seventies I moved to the deep end of the pool so I wouldn't be tempted to gawk. I thought things were going well, and I started occupying myself by teaching Joe how to float on his back (he swims like Zach Braff in Garden State). Alas, during my explanation I swung my arm back rather abruptly and cold cocked Jack Johnson, who had since made his way across the pool, holding his toddler son out in front of him, squarely in the jaw.

At first I thought I hit his kid, so I must've had a pretty horrified look on my face, but after he shook off the blow he gave me the nod and a "no worries" and went back to bouncing his boy across the water.

Okay, so maybe "punched" was a little hyperbolic, but given how chill the situation ended up being, I imagine there aren't too many people who can say the phrase "I punched Jack Johnson in the face." I'll never wash my left knuckles again.

Lazy Activism

So, I spent last weekend in Somerset, WI for a couple days of lazy river drifting and a stellar concert with Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings, and Money Mark (the Beastie Boys' keyboard wizard). I got an info card when I went through the ticket gate and when I got home I went to the website on the card for some free mp3s. In addition to the free music, I found that there is a link where you can register to vote and print the completed form in about three minutes (or 25 minutes if you're playing Super Mario 3 whilst typing).

Get on top of the game and do something that's both important and easy. At some point you'll be glad you did.

***Click here to register.***

Love In This Animatronic Club

The de facto 2008 summer jam combined with some childhood nostalgia. Enjoy.



There are other videos like this, including one set to MGMT's "Electric Feel," which I think explains why the animatronic bear made a cameo in the official "Electric Feel" video.

Album Preview/Review: Albert Hammond Jr.'s "Como Te Llama"

So about a month or so ago I put up a link for Albert Hammond Jr.'s (the best-dressed Stroke) first single, "GfC," from his forthcoming sophomore solo effort, Como Te Llama, and I boldly proclaimed my love. Having had a few days to digest the whole album, my love continues to burn strong. Although this album does not mark a huge departure in sound from his first album or the Strokes sound in general, his maturation as a singer and songwriter is still evident...MORE

AHJ's first album, Yours To Keep, relied heavily on the summery, Beach Boys influenced pop formula. On Como Te Llama, Albert takes that formula and combines it with just a bit more grit (see "In My Room," "Boss Americana," ), as well as indulges some of his reggae-esque leanings (see "Borrowed Time," "Miss Myrtle"). Don't fret, fans of the sweeter numbers, because this album covers those too (see the fabulous "You Won't Be Fooled By This," "Feed Me Jack..."), as well as tackles an instrumental track ("Spooky Couch") with the help of Sean Lennon on piano. There's even a stab at some dance rock with "Victory At Monterey," which, to be honest, comes pretty close to success. Vocally, AHJ seems to be lowering his register just a tic, and is not too far off from getting some Spoon frontman Britt Daniel comparisons, which really isn't a bad thing at all.

All things considered, fans of Albert's first outing will find plenty to like on this one, and fans of the Strokes will, at the very least, not be repulsed, and at the very best, love it. I think it's safe to say that, regardless of which side you stand on, we can all agree that this is better than another First Impressions of Earth.

Coldplay Visits Jon Stewart

"42"

Witty Banter + "Lost!"

Shocker

Not to bombard you with Sigur Ros posts or anything (I'm going to start getting attacked like the previous John Mayer posters)...In this article published by the Gazette in Montreal, the author T'cha Dunlevy compares Sigur Ros' new album to Coldplay. 

whhaaaa!?

Although Sigur Ros is still kept in the light, I am slightly offended by this comparison as a whole. Not to dis Coldplay, I have never been a huge fan, but I respect the band and the people who are fans, I just feel like Sigur Ros' music should be considered on a different level all-together. Their music is an unearthly experience, while Coldplay strings together cute lyrics in a slow pop rock melody to create catchy tunes. I can see how this can be effective, as I'm a huge sucker for horrible yet catchy music, but for these two drastically different bands to be compared as even slightly similar is something else. Thankfully only the first few paragraphs are about this, as it then goes on to reveal the drastic changes Sigur Ros has made in their music on this new album. I downloaded it from iTunes this morning, and I couldn't be happier with 1. the album as a whole, and 2. the change in their sound since the last album. 

Maybe an album review later on, if you're not sick of me yet.

EDIT: I don't mean to be hating on Coldplay. My disdain probably stems from my freshman year sitting in Hillcrest Marketplace trying to enjoy my meals while some Coldplay-obsessed worker got a hold of the sound system and put Yellow on repeat for more than a month. Enough said?

word on the street...er internet...

According to absolutepunk.net, The Shins will be releasing a new album in 2009! It will be "under frontman John Mercer's own label."  

Thoughts? Is his own label a good/bad idea?

Showdown Over U.S. Ticket Sales

vs.

First found here and later found here, here, and here, it would appear that Ticket Master and Live Nation are planning to break ties come 2009.

Some interesting points:

1. Ticket Master on their own will be in roughly 750 million dollars of debt.

2. Live Nation has already set in motion a plan to handle their own ticket sales.

3. Live Nation was worth 17% of Ticket Master's revenue last year.

Can't say I fully understand the implications of all this but maybe I won't have to deal with an $8 surcharge on a $24 dollar ticket for future House Of Blue's shows. Wishful thinking I know.

I wanted to go to the seaside

I had next year all mapped out...I was going to study abroad at a preppy british institution, travel across Europe, and catch every concert that came my way. Unfortunately, it never panned out, and I was left stateside wondering what could have been. Lucky for me the seaside is coming to Iowa in the form of the Kooks. I am, however, hesitant...MORE Their latest effort, Konk, left me far from satisfied. In my opinion, they suffer from the "sophomore slump" (see Say Anything, Pigeon Detectives, Taking Back Sunday, etc.). Yes I do know music is a matter of opinion, (p.s. sorry Shannon for throwing Taking Back Sunday into that mix) but really who can argue with the lack of creativity in the following lyrics?


But do you wanna Do you wanna Do you wanna make love to me I know you wanna I know you wanna I know you wanna make love to me Do you want Do you want to Do you wanna make love to me I know you want to babe I know you want to I know you want to make love to me Do you wanna Do you wanna Do you wanna make love to me I know you wanna babe I know you wanna I know you wanna make love to me [Repeat till end]

I don't wanna do anything but turn the album off for some of the better releases this year. Still I'm giving the album another chance and hoping a live performance might persuade me to keep the record spinning. At the very least maybe it will hold me over until a third record. Regardless this is all a round-a-bout way of saying they are coming to The People's Court in Des Moines on October 8th and I will more likely than not be there. You can find ticket information below.

Ticket Information

.

Santogold: Selling out?

Santogold is a relatively new, up and coming artist. And what better way to get your name out there then a few commercial uses of your song? We already saw her in the Converse campaign, and tonight for the first time I saw the Bud Light Lime commercial featuring "Creator". I'm not really sure how I feel about the aesthetics of this commercial... but I love this song.

New Album Alert: Kings Of Leon!

The other day I was taking a walk near a grapevine, and what should I hear on the other side? Well, I heard through said grapevine that the Kings Of Leon will be releasing their fourth full-length album, Only By The Night, on September 23rd. Color me excited.

Album Review: G. Love and Special Sauce

After weeks of waiting, days of counting, and minutes willing Best Buy to open, I finally have my anticipated new albums, G. Love and Special Sauces' "Superhero Brother" and Amos Lee's "Last Days at the Lodge" (review coming later). I am pleased to say that both albums were 100% worth the wait, and "Superhero Brother" may be my favorite release of the summer (except for next week's John Mayer release, "Where the Light Is", obviously)....MORE "Superhero Brother" was a perfect album to me, because you can see hints of older albums, keeping with past styles, and you can see where Garrett (G. Love) and band really pushed their music and went in new directions. The best decision they made when creating this album was leaving out guest appearances by other artists. I say this because it gave Garrett and the other members of the band a chance to show that they have really grown as musicians and songwriters and they needed to showcase this by themselves. Although "Rainbow" with Jack Johnson and "Beautiful" with Tristan Prettyman are really fantastic songs, the last album "Lemonade" focused on these guest appearances (also including Ben Harper, Blackalicious, and Marc Broussard) while the other songs on the album were just as good, if not better.

But "Superhero Brother" really goes above and beyond "Lemonade". With several funky jams, beutiful acoustic tunes, and the first single "Peace, Love and Happiness", it will be hard to find a better album this summer.

G. Love states that his inspiration for this album, and particularly "Peace, Love and Happiness" came from spending time in the slums of Rio de Janeiro with children. After seeing these children and the conditions they lived in, and seeing that they still had a positive outlook on life, how could he not be thankful for what he has and remain positive? The title track "Superhero Brother" also speaks about how superhero brother G. Love can rid the world of it's problems.

The opening track, which makes you feel like you are put in the middle of the song, "Communication" spells out what we all need a little more of. Bassist Jimi Prescott appears to have won his argument with G. Love from their documentary "A Year and A Night", about playing electric bass, which is heard in several songs on this album, despite G.'s strong feels against it.

The second song on this album is my favorite. "City Livin'" features a tropical sound with electric guitar and a brass section. The song points out that city living can bring a person down, but "whatcha gonna do when the sun don't shine on you? Keep on shining through." I could go on for hours about things I love about this song, so spare yourselves and just download it.

My other favorite song on this album is "What We Need" (is to pull it together now). The beginning is so funky it makes me think that Sly and the Family Stone are there jamming. "Georgia Brown" is quite the funky jam as well.

This album also includes a few songs that have been featured on past G. Love set lists, such as "Wiggleworm", which can remind you of the "wiggle while you jiggle" JELLO commercials, and "Who's Got the Weed", which really needs no explanation.

I love this album because Garrett stayed true to things he cares about in his songs, his son, the state of the world, Philadelphia, weed, and fresh rhymes. But musically the band expanded and the Special Sauce has finally hit their groove. This album is their best effort yet, and I'm sure the summer tour will be proof of that!

SONGS TO CHECK OUT:
(The whole album)
Peace, Love and Happiness
City Livin'
What We Need
Georgia Brown

Artist to Look Out For: Jackie Greene

So surfing the all-encompasing interwebs today I stumbled upon an act that I just can't help but share with the masses.

His name is Jackie Greene, and he's an alt-country, folk, blues act that is guaranteed to rock your eardrums. He plays the six-string effortlessly, and his sound enfuses some early Cream, The Byrds, Jeff Buckley, and some pretty rockin' Johnny Winter type electro-boogie blues riffs.

Hell, I don't need to sing his praises, I'll let you be the judge:
Jackie Greene: Mexican Girl

For a little something different, here he is on a softer number:
Jackie Greene: Don't Let the Devil Take Your Mind

!!!!!!!

In lieu of the Sigur Ros CD release day, tomorrow, I would like to announce that I am fortunate enough to be in Italy while they will be playing in the Boboli Gardens on July 11th! Keep updated for video\pictures and a sweet concert re-cap after the event. 

As many of you will be in the Iowa\Chicago area this fall, they have also announced a fall tour in the US and Canada, check them out September 24th in Chicago. Click here for an entire list of their upcoming European\US\Canada\world tour!

EDIT: Tickets for the show in Chicago go on sale Saturday (June 28th) at 12:00PM. If you are even considering going to this show, I would buy them as soon as possible, and it will be a definite sell-out!

The Week in New Music for Tuesday June 24th

With so much new music coming out every week, keeping track of all the releases can become a little overwhelming. Feel free to stop over here at the SCOPE blog every Sunday for an extensive (although not exhaustive) list of the week's upcoming releases. And for those in the Iowa City area, be sure to support local businesses and pick up your brand spanking new music at Real Records (a phenomenal record store with an extensive collection of new and old CD and vinyl, located on the corner of Linn and Market) or the well known Record Collector (located near the corner of College and Linn).

Callico Horse "Mirror"

Drive-By Truckers "Brighter Than Creation's Dark"

Dwele "Sketches of a Man"

Alejandro Escovedo "Real Animal"

G. Love and Special Sauce "Superhero Brother" 

Gorillaz "D Sides"

Amos Lee "Last Days at the Lodge"

Less Than Jake "GNV/FLA"

Los Lonely Bones "Forgiven"

Nelly "Brass Knuckles"

Safari So Good "Every Fight is a Food Fight When You're a Cannibal"

Sigur Ros "With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly"

Sam Sparro "Sam Sparro"

Superchik "Rock What You Got"

Three 6 Magia "Last 2 Walk"

Steve Tyrell "Back to Bacharach"

Withered "Folie Circulaire"

Coldplay Crooks? What Do You Think...

Saw this in the news, interested to see what ya'll think.

Brand New Show August 1st!!1!!1!

If you're heading down to lollapalooza and can't make the friday you may be in luck. There is a Brand New aftershow that night at the house of blues. Get your tickets here.

F'N MTV Gives a Fuck About an Oxford Comma

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

I don't know which is better: The lead singer's white dress pants (color me jealous) or the way MTV announcer/narrator Tim Kash talks.

A year ago, these four college buddies posted four songs on the internet that somehow cut through the digital infinity of information and tapped into the zeitgeist...

But, the indie rock crowd can be finnicky, suspicious even, of preppy kids with even peppier music...

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

I guess the actual video is cool too.

over and over again...

on the rare occasion a song comes along that fits your music tastes like a worn in glove (golf, baseball, snow mitten, take your pick) you find yourself listening to it every chance you can...sometimes you even use that round-a-bout repeat button...this summer i haven't had one of these mixes hit me like this until a few days ago...

amos lee's new album "last days at the lodge" out on the 24th is getting a lot of posts, but i figure one more couldn't hurt...his songs "listen" and "truth" are solid but "street corner preacher" has been my one and only tune lately...i don't know if it's the bluesy guitar riff, amos's southern jazz vocals, or the scat-like chorus that ella fitzgerald would get a kick out of that make it so good...see if it hits you like it hit me...

Amos Lee - "Street Corner Preacher"

GGGirrrrl TTalkkkkk

Feed The Animals

Name your price. Download. Discuss.

If you want a preview first go here.

so its two in the morning and i cant sleep...

so apparently im still in the college time zone where i dont go to bed until about three. therefore, i figured i would share my latest find with all of you lovely blog readers. 

recently, while i was watching some random episode of the hills, i came across a quite catchy song that i deemed google-search-worthy. my search yielded the song to be "be alone" by holmes. it is the first song i have heard by that band and for some reason it reminds me of another song i know/another band, but i just cant fig

ure it out. so if anyone has any ideas of what this is reminiscent of, holler at me.

(i would give you guys a video/the song but i cant find it anywhere but on itunes... happy searching ;) )

Happy Viva La Vida Day!

Finally, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends has arrived. Of course it has been available to stream on various websites for some time, but today was the official US release of  Coldplay's 4th studio album.  Even before today's official release, it was the highest selling album thus far on iTunes and the most anticipated release of the summer. 

With all of this background information, before listening to the album, I was skeptical. The band's first album, Parachutes, has always been my favorite and although the other albums were nowhere near disappointing, there is always that fear that they have reached their peak at the beginning and will continue downward.

I am happy to say that I was not disappointed by the album, however I don't think it exceeds any of Coldplay's past efforts. After a few run-throughs of the album, I  like it. There are some standout songs, and some parts of the album I may need a little more time with. Perhaps I will grow to love it, but at this point I would say this album ties bands 2005 release, X&Y as my least favorite out of the 4.

I am happy, however, that the band made some changes to their overall sound, with a more electronic feel, starting with the intro, "Life in Technicolor." They also added some new elements to their percussion, and definitely had more layers and complexity, not only to their music but to the overall theme and packaging (when opening up the paper case, you find the CD in yet another paper sleeve, ???). I also really love the orchestra element added in to a few of their songs. It would be interesting to see them live now, to see if they bring an orchestra or strings section with them, or how they adapt without this element. 

One of the biggest complaints of X&Y was the similarity of some songs to the 2002 release Rush of Blood to the Head, and lack of creativity in the new songs (Like "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound"). I felt this with some songs in X&Y, however the second half of that album, including songs like "A Message" "Swallowed in the Sea" and "Kingdom Come" were some of the most beautiful songs the band has done. 

They continued on this album with the same kind of "building ballads" if you will. That is what I have always loved about Coldplay, their ability to make a beautiful, simple ballad, and have it build with Chris Martins unique voice and a assortment of instruments, and end up kind of rocking. That definitely continues into Vida la Vida, with songs like "Cemeteries of London" "Violet Hill" and "Death and All His Friends". Out of these, "Death and All His Friends" is definitely my favorite. The piano part is really gorgeous and I think the kind of shouting/singing chorus is actually kind of nice. The way the song builds and fades makes it worth the 6 minutes and 19 seconds. I also really enjoyed Martin's vocals on "Cemeteries of London".

As far as rocking goes, Viva La Vida. is lacking. The two songs I think achieve rocking status, (for Coldplay, mind you) are "Yes" - which has an almost country feel with an orchestra at the beginning, and turns to an electronic rock session at the end, and the iTunes commercial song "Viva La Vida" which I happen to really like. After listening to the whole album, I think I can say it is my favorite song. It is a little disappointing that my favorite song was the single, but I'm getting over that fact.

However, true to Coldplay form, there are some hidden, beautiful songs on this album. The odd title of "Lovers in Japan / Reign on Love" makes perfect sense the first time you hear it, because it is really 2 songs in 1. The beginning of the song, "Lovers in Japan" definitely has a Japanese feel and a nice beat. Then the fade out to the ending, "Reign on Love", is a beautiful little ballad with a nice piano part.  

The lightest, most simple song on the album is "Strawberry Swing", another favorite of mine. Martin sings "it's such a perfect day", and reminds us that summer won't last forever (remember those days of walking to class in 0 degree weather with winds that could push you over!!!) and to try and enjoy it, despite all of the flooding and relax. (I'm sure that's EXACTLY what the band meant.) It pulls in a similar strings section to "Viva La Vida", and is really quite a lovely tune. 

These last 2 songs from this album were my least favorite. "Lost!" provides a cool percussion and rhythm, but that's about it. For some reason, the rhyming  in "42" really bugs me. The slow tempo combined with "Those who are dead are not dead they're just living in my head" makes me hit the NEXT button every time. If you can make it past the first minute and a half, the song is actually quite exciting, but so far I've only made it past once. 

Overall, I like this album, and think I will grow to really love some parts, however I feel that some  parts are completely forgettable. I'm glad Coldplay has changed their sound around so every album doesn't contain the same 10 songs, although those 10 songs are great. I like the electronic feel they have going with the album, and as always they have included a few hidden treasures. 

SONGS TO CHECK OUT:

Lovers in Japan / Reign of Love

Yes

Viva La Vida

Strawberry Swing

Death and All His Friends

Amos Lee Mentions Iowa City in Bob Dylan Shout Out

So I was looking through Amos Lee videos to try and find his performance the other night on a Late Show, and found this. He mentions sitting in Iowa City watching Bob Dylan perform. SCOPE...you are sweet. The song "truth" is sweet too.

Luck Be a "Lady"

Lady Antebellum is probably my favorite band right now. I can't stop listening to their self-titled debut country album that has garnered heavy press and newcomer awards everywhere. It is such a great combo of Southern rock and great country music. Here are a few things to check out and learn more about this relatively new Nashville band.

1) Their "Celebrity Playlists" on iTunes. Their inspirations will delight all of SCOPE and others alike. The trio each showcase the faves of each member, with clear favorites Augustana, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, and John Mayer.

2) Charles Kelley is the brother of musician and Katherine-Heigl's hubby, Josh Kelley.

3) They are sort of like a mix between Sugarland and Little Big Town, other notable and successful country groups.

4) The hooks on tracks like their first two singles "Love Don't Live Here" and "Lookin For a Good Time" along with my favorite ballad "All We'd Ever Need" are out of this world!

5) CMT and the concert circuit endorse the heck outta them. That's all I need to know.

6) The group features alternating male and female lead vocals. A nice change-up from the usual band formula.

6) They will be playing a FREE concert in Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair in August. What a catch at this point in their career!!

Hope you fall in love with this lucky "Lady" like I did.

Check This Out: "All We'd Ever Need"

or so the story goes

Like you haven't heard enough of these two...Bon Iver just did a La Blogotheque "Take Away Show" and it gave me goosebumps all over again.

Here they are doing one of my personal favs, "Lump Sum."

Is it acceptable to make your bro’s mix tapes, yes!

Have you ever been driving in your car, when out of nowhere a song comes over the radio and you think to yourself “Gosh, this sounds just like Chris's smile" or ”OMG, This was on the soundtrack to the first movie me and Bobby ever saw together!" (I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry)

Being a thoughtful person, your first impulse is to make them a mix tape of your favorite "Jams." But then your conscience comes into play. You remember that some people take this simple, kind gesture the "wrong way." So you don’t burn the CD, and forever wonder "what if?"

Well I’m here to tell you that’s stupid!

If you have a great idea for a mix tape for your bud, then you make that fucking mix tape!

So what? Let people talk!

It’s no big deal, that’s just what BFFs do. It's fun, it’s totally natural, and every time he plays it in his shower cd player, he'll be thinking of you! Let me give you an example. My friend who shall remain nameless, we'll just call him Jackbarf, was feeling really down. He just wasn’t being himself. I knew what I had to do. That day I put together the mix tape to end all mix tapes. We’re talkin Skynyrd, Stones, Styx, and of course The Boss! That night we were all at a party, when all of a sudden I cut the music and put in the Jams. As soon as the intro to “Thunderstruck” came on, I jumped up on a table, ripped of my shirt and said “This is me JackBarf! Take it or Leave it!”

Needless to say the rest of the party wasn’t very impressed, (Pshh. This isn’t the 1950’s people!) But I could tell it made all the difference to Jackbarf!

What’s that you say? You have a few good songs in mind, but lack the depth of music knowledge to really flesh out a “Zach Braff worthy" soundtrack to your best bro's life? Well! Look no further my friend. Follow these simple steps and your on your way to brightening ya boys day!

Step 1. Consider your intended audience. Surely there’s no point in making a mix of your favorite “songs to sleep to” if your friends an insomniac! Likewise, choose an eclectic mix of familiar and unfamiliar songs that you feel fit your BFF’s style.

Step 2. Consider if you want the mix to convey a certain message. To do this, Focus on a common theme or genre. For example, a mix tape that circles around the theme of “friendship” can really have an emotional crescendo with classic hits like “graduation song” or Green days’ “Time of your life” (WOW. Gettin a little choked up just thinking about it…..)_

Step 3. Figure out the track order. Rearrange. Revise. Repeat until your songs flow like the mighty Mississippi! I cant stress how important this step is. Did you know The Libertines split up over a track listing dispute between Pete Doherty and the rest of the band!? Pete realized you’re CD needs to be a journey. So grab your friends hand and take him on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and memories!

Step 4. Cover Art. This is where you let your creative flare shine! Choose unique patterns and fonts to show your friends you care. Inside jokes are also totally acceptable. Like this one time Jackbarf and I stayed up all night eating Ben and Jerry’s so we nicknamed each other after our favorite flavors. On the mix tape I gave him it said:

To: Chunky Monkey
From: Chubby Hubby

LOL

The best time to give a friend a mix tape is all the time. So jump on your computer, and let the mixin begin!

New TAI and a Bottle of Wine

A quiet dinner with the folks turned into a funny music story that I'm sure i've told some of you already. I was out with my parents when my mom noticed Adam T. Siska, of The Academy Is... walk in with his mother. She first thought it was his brother Jason, who was featured on the TV hit, Survivor. I turned around and informed her it was Adam, an old football teammate and school friend. He looked over and waived before coming over to say Hi. We talked for a bit about touring, the band, and old football memories (yes, this body roughed it on the gridiron). We kept it very short and polite, but then things turned ugly. He turned to shake my dad's hand with a "nice to see you again" approach, and knocked over our 3/4 filled bottle of red wine. Our table, food, and drinks were splattered everywhere. My mom looked like she took a bullet to her stomach. A bright red Adam apologized over and over insisting he pay for our meal. My dad explained it was not necessary and told him to enjoy his dinner. Moments later, our waitress came over to deliver a brand new bottle of wine, curtousy of the young man with the leather coat and tight jeans. The best news came after dinner while talking with him and his mom. Adam explained The Academy Is... just finished their 3rd album which should be expected out later this summer. Hopefully this album will be the best so far (previous albums Almost Here, and Santi).

Yes another video, but I thought this was particularly funny. Adam and frontman William Beckett talk about their days at Barrington High School and even throw a shot at Dave Mathews Lovers (which should be enough reason to watch as it is)...



I now ask, what about SCOPER's 5 song playlist of highschool? College playlist perhaps? What songs would you describe your experiences with...?

a little bit of country...

since the blog hasn't gotten a whole lot of country music love i feel that i might as well take it upon myself to change things...especially in the summertime when country music makes the most sense...


from gary allan's october 'living hard' album release comes his new music video 'learning how to bend'...i didn't think the video itself is anything special, just the classic country love struggle, but the tune sounds good to my ears...say what you will about gary allan/country but this summer try and open up and learn how to bend...

old kids on the block

new kids on the block are back! after almost fifteen years, they have decided to reunite; which doesn't really surprise me. The spice girls and the backstreet boys made comebacks, so why not new kids on the block? all i'm personally waiting for is nsync.

new kids on the block, for those of you who weren't quite old enough to listen to them their first time around (like myself), is comprised of "five now fully-grown men who forever defined what the modern boy band would look and sound like" (www.nkotb.com). their latest release, summertime, is pretty catchy and i have to admit it made it to my guilty pleasure summer playlist.

check out their video 

(i find it to be pretty lame...but the songs fun :) )

p.s. my favorite part is at the end when they pose on the beach in the sunset...

Jakob hits up Letterman

Mr. Bradshaw was quick to let us know about the upcoming album from Jakob Dylan. I went and baught the album yesterday and could not be more impressed. Here he is performing on Letterman this past Wednesday.

The Week in New Music for Tuesday June 17

With so much new music coming out every week, keeping track of all the releases can become a little overwhelming. Feel free to stop over here at the SCOPE blog every Sunday for an extensive (although not exhaustive) list of the week's upcoming releases. And for those in the Iowa City area, be sure to support local businesses and pick up your brand spanking new music at Real Records (a phenomenal record store with an extensive collection of new and old CD and vinyl, located on the corner of Linn and Market) or the well known Record Collector (located near the corner of College and Linn).

The Briggs "Come All You Madmen"

Coldplay "Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends"

Confide "Shout the Truth"

Anthony David "Acey Ducey"

Goo Goo Dolls "Greatest Hits Volume 2"

Ice Cub "Raw Footage"

MIGGS "Unraveled"

Judas Priest "Nostradamus"

The Notwist "The Devil, You + Me"

The Offspring "Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace"

Ride the Boogie  "Ride the Boodie"

Silver Jews "Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea"

Tilly and the Wall "O"

Siser Hazel "Before the Amplifiers, Live Acoustic"

Wolf Parade "At Mount Zoomer"

dan deacon returns to ic

Edit: Thank you anonymous poster for calling out my error. I guess in my excitement, I read the line up of the F Yeah Festival incorrectly...Dan Deacon will NOT be performing in IC. The show will still go on, but with different acts. Enjoy the song, anyway.

For those of you who missed Dan Deacon's electronica dance party when it came through town as part of last April's Mission Creek Music Festival, you can stop crying yourself to sleep. Deacon will be swinging back into The Mill on July 1st as part of the F Yeah Fest with Crystal Antlers and Monotonix. So brush off those dancin' shoes, this one's going all night.

Dan Deacon - "Wham City"

All Access: The Honda Civic Tour

So tonight I was privileged enough to obtain some all-access passes to the final night of the Honda Civic Tour in Anaheim, California. In case you weren't sure, here's what the tour was all about: Four bands (Phantom Planet, the Hush Sound, Motion City Soundtrack, and Panic at the Disco) got together promoting the new Civic Hybrid. The entire tour is built around the idea of environmental awareness, with part of the proceeds of every ticket sold put directly toward environmental causes.

So Kenny and I made it to the show a little late, and I was sad to find out we showed up exactly as the Phantom Planet set ended. We were actually walked around backstage as they excited the stage to cheers from the audience. To be perfectly honest, we were walking around a little confused, not sure where to go, and nearly ended up stumbling onto the stage ourselves.

So the show really started for us with the always fabulous Hush Sound. The energy was high and the fans (all 8,000+ of them) were ecstatic to see the Chicago quartet. They played a mixture of songs from both Like Vines and Goodbye Blues. Unfortunately, with a few bands left to perform, the Hush Sound played a rushed seven or eight song set.

The ending of the Hush Sound set was probably one of the coolest set finale's I'd ever seen. First they brought out the drummer from Phantom Planet (Jeff Conrad) to "help" with the drum part on the song "Lion's Roar". What they did was split the drum kit in half, with Hush Sound drummer Darren Wilson playing one side of the kit and Jeff Conrad playing the other side. I wasn't sure how it would work, but it ended up making the song rock that much harder.

Next, without so much as a moment's pause, the keyboardist from Panic, who's name escapes me at the moment, strolled out to take over on keyboards while Greta Salpeter strolled the stage crooning out fan (and personal) favorite "Wine Red".

(NOT FROM TONIGHT):


During the final song, the band was joined on stage by every single member of Phantom Planet, all clad in their underwear, dancing around the stage playing tambourines, wearing random super hero masks. Honestly, it was like Marvel Comics on acid.

As disappointed as I was to see the Hush Sound leave the stage, I was happy to see Motion City Soundtrack for the first time in three years. Last time I saw them they were a huge disappointment -- I didn't think their lead singer, Justin Pierre, could hit the high notes the album delivered on. Needless to say, I was expecting very little.

Motion City opened up with "When You're Around". Wow. Talk about a complete turn-around from last time I saw them. Talk about ON THE MONEY. Every note the band played was on, every pitch the Pierre belted was perfect. I could hardly believe my ears. They had restored the faith I had once had in them as a band.

Motion City, played only a slightly longer set than the Hush Sound did, and due to a shortened set, they were a little constricted to only doing the singles they'd released over the last few years. Among the noteable: "When You're Around", "Let's Get Fucked Up And Die", "Hold Me Down", "This is For Real", "Fell in Love Without You", "Even if it Kills Me", and "Everything is Alright".

(NOT FROM TONIGHT:)


There were two more songs they played that I thought were worth noting: First, Pierre dedicated one of those sappy, sad, heartbreak love songs ("It Had to Be You") off of their most recent release Even if it Kills Me to "the one that got away". The one that got away, he informed the audience, was Kiefer Sutherland.

Finally, their set ended with their first hit, the smash "The Future Freaks Me Out". The crowd happily sang along and the band got way into rocking out on stage (even displaying the first use of "rock and roll xylophone" I'd ever witnessed). It was a real highlight of the night.

And then the headliners, Las Vegas rock adolescents Panic at the Disco, took the stage. In a brilliant moment of concert coordination, they opened the show at precisely 9 PM with the first single off their sophomore release: Nine in the Afternoon. To be honest, I was really expecting the show to be theatrical and over-the-top, based on the their most recent singles. Completely not the case. It was a complete and total rock show, loud electric guitars and pounding drums.

To be completely honest, Brendon Urie can't quite hit the notes that he hits in the studio. Maybe it's editing, maybe it's mixing, maybe it's multiple takes, but he just can't quite hit the notes. Here's the thing though: It didn't matter. He was energetic, drew the crowd in well, and his voice wasn't bad at all. I was not complaining at all with his performance.

The band played a pretty even mix of old and new songs, probably every single off the old album (come to think of it- they really worked that album, releasing like 6 songs as singles), a few lesser knowns, then probably 6 or 7 songs from the new album.

The pleasant surprise of the evening came on the 5th or 6th song of the night: Ryan Ross, the lead guitarist, took over lead vocals for Urie on the song "Behind the Sea". His voice was actually better than Urie's, as far as vocal quality goes. But it's clear he was nervous, and he didn't have near the stage presence Urie possessed.

(NOT FROM TONIGHT:)


They ended their set with another new song "Northern Downpour", going so far to encourage crowd participation they actually put the lyrics up on the giant projection screen behind them. It was a brilliant ending to a set that rocked much harder than I thought it could.

Then came the encore. Kenny and I were headed to the exit when Brendon retook the stage, alone with an acoustic guitar. He added a whole new layer to their song "It's Time to Dance". It was much much different, in all the right ways.

At Mount Zoomer

Is where a band from Canada (Wolf Parade) recorded this album (Titled "At Mount Zoomer" (Sound studio (Too many parenthesis))). I'd classify it as folk rock so if you like anything remotely folk or rock give it a chance (After trying the Sigur Ros below).

Have you heard?

Fellow blogger Kappy made a mention about the new Sigur Ros album coming out earlier this month. I am here to tell you that you can listen to the whole album on www.sigurros.com Enjoy

Concert Review: Vampire Weeked

Seeing Vampire Weekend perform at Central Park was a lot like that pivotal river scene of The Notebook. It was absolutely pouring rain, emotions ran wild and then of course there was the part of the show when hottie frontman Ezra Koenig picked me up out of the audience, said "it wasn't over...it still isn't over" and whisked me to the dressing room. Well two out of three ain't bad ya know?

The concert was a homecoming of sorts for the boys, having not played a show in their native NYC in about six month. The crowd was equally ready for a party; about 5,000 people stood outside through an hour rain delay while thousands of others waited in line outside the venue, unable to come inside because capacity was reached early. Steam billowed off the hipster audience members, some of whom kept their Ray Bans on all afternoon despite the weather. Standing in the backstage VIP area, we were surrounded by the band's Columbia University chums, parents, girlfriends and siblings. (Hey, being a lowly intern has some benefits.) The environment was a little insight into how the band developed its eclectic sound.

VW hit the stage during a break in the rain, serenading the crowd with "Mansford Roof" to start. Despite playing on a large stage, all four band members were smashed together in the middle, as if unsure of how to scale the show for a larger audience. They were dressed nicely, wearing signature button downs and looking like all my awkward high school guys friends.

Simply put, the rumors about this band are all true. They live up to the hype of their phenomenal live performance. Koenig's voice was spot-on, wailing through "(One) Blake's Got a New Face" and "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa." They literally played every song on their self-titled debut and a cover of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More," with surprise guitar support by Andrew W.K. Yes you read that one right, partymaster Andrew W.K. Additionally, VW played a new untitled song with a non-lexical chorus yelped by all band members.

A mega highlight of the set was "M79," a proper-sounding homage to public transportation in the Big Apple. During the song, a four-piece orchestra joined the band onstage which helped the bridge soar. As the song ended, the downpour chased the instrumentalist off the stage, their sheet music left to melt away in the rain. Immediately following was "Ladies of Cambridge," the stellar B-side from Vampire Weekend and it stole the show. Unable to see the band through the rain, the audience turned the pit into a dance floor with drenched bodies bopping together in time with the frantic keyboard line.

The set ended with "Walcott," a song fans were begging for throughout the performance. It was the perfect song to end on and left me ready to "get out of Cape Cod" with the band in hopes of catching its live performance at every opportunity. VW is hitting the festival circuit this summer in lieu of a headlining tour and the performance would make even the priciest fiesta pass worth it.

Vampire Weekend- "M79"

Vampire Weekend- "Ladies of Cambridge"

just another day in paradise

Apparently today was quiz day at work and I didn't get the memo. I was holding my own, or so I thought, until my boss hit me with this trivia bit: "Which came first, blues or jazz?" My answer was met with a disapproving sigh and head shake. My punishment for the incorrect answer: an afternoon of listening to The Replacements, because apparently I also know nothing about eighties alt rock bands to come out of Minneapolis.

Just when my ears were about the start bleeding, the ipod hit me with "Bastards of Young." This song title is significant to me because it shares a name with a punk rocumentary that follows the careers of some of my favorite bands...The Starting Line, Midtown, Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday and Fall Out Boy (pre-From Under the Cork Tree, pre-Warped Tour, pre-Ashlee baby daddy OBVS). Check out the DVD preview here.

I can only assume the later was named after the former. That realization gave me an entirely new respect for the significance of this band. Check out the song below. And let me ask you this...which came first, blues or jazz?

The Replacements - "Bastards of Young"

"Hip Hop Saved My Life" -- And I Almost Died In the Process

Last night I went to the best concert EVER. It was the much hyped Glow In the Dark Tour featuring Kanye West, Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D. Trust me, it was amazing. Despite all of the flooding in the entire eastern Iowa area, which forced us to take a normal 1 hour ride home from the Quad Cities and turn it into a ridiculous 3 hour detour on backroads, we made it to and from the concert at the iWireless Center safely. Now on to the show.

First up was Lupe Fiasco. So legit. Having taken a Hip Hop Politics class that was obsessed with him in the spring semester, I was very familiar with his music, however, I had no idea just how good he was live. He started off a show that just expanded on itself, exactly like the concert as a whole. Some highlights for me were "Hip Hop Saved My Life," "Streets on Fire," and of course the permeating anthem "Superstar." He truly put on a great show with help from extraordinary vocalists Matthew Santos (my new obsession) and Nikki Jean. His high energy started off what was to be a night to remember with ferocity not often seen on stage, save for his tour mate Mr. West.

Next up was the incredibly talented Rihanna. She literally brought the house down! She started off with fan fave "Breakin Dishes" and came out in the most obnoxious/fierce black leather dress which she then ripped off showing her amazing body in a skintight leather unitard sort of thing. It blew my mind. After passing through early hits like "Pon de Replay" and "SOS," she slowed it down and did the duo of songs "Unfaithful" and current radio smash "Take a Bow." What came next I never could have expected. ATTENTION SCOPE: She did a cover of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." It pains me to say this, but it almost sounded better than the original. The gunshots never sounded so sweet :) From there she sang another perfect choice, Lauryn Hill's classic "Doo Wop (That Thing)," which also made the crowd go wild. Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, I realized just how wrong I was.

Towards the end of her set, after singing most of her ever-expanding catalog of singles like, there was one clear omission: "Umbrella." She started off, sounding flawless as always, and then the biggest surprise of the night came. None other than my personal idol, and her part time lover, CHRIS BROWN came on stage to perform with her!!! Ahhhhh!!!! Needless to say I freaked out.

At the end of her set, as she was thanking everyone (a little more than usual because Moline was the last stop on the tour - sorry if you wanted to see it) she announced N.E.R.D. wasn't there. This made me upset because they are one of my favorite alternative hip hop groups out there. Oh well....I saw Chris Brown.

After an extravagant set change, it was time for Kanye. Of course this was one of the most epic concerts of the year....or ever, and it certainly lived up to it's enormous hype. Kanye West took us into a world where he had just crash landed with his spaceship in an unknown planet and from then on never let us go. As I watched this performer, strategically the only one on stage, yet still commanding every eye in the place, I realized just how smart, talented, and crative he is. I had forgotten that with all of the ego-stroking and headline grabbing comments he makes. I also realized just how many hits he has had. I will spare you the list of all of them, but a few of my faves were "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," "Can't Tell Me Nothin," "Jesus Walks," 'Through the Wire," a ten minute rendition of "Good Life" which could have gone on for ten more easily, "Stronger," a hilarious "Golddigger" with an amazing electronic woman being played by the spaceship's computer on a large screen, and also "Flashing Lights." They all just blew my mind.

Kanye performed the entire time with the highest energy I have ever seen at a concert. No joke. I also really enjoyed and appreciated his comments towards the end where he spoke about using his creative energy in a constructive manner (maybe thats just the hip hop politics student inside of me) as well as reaching for your dreams. It was inspiring.

So even though I could have died in a flood coming home, and I-80 got shut down causing a 3 AM joy ride in the dark, I will surely never forget my experience Glow(ing) In the Dark.

Edit: I would also like to thank LiveNation for such a great concert ;)

Recent Flooding

As many of you probably know recent floods have devastated large areas of the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and surrounding communities. Find out how you can help here.

Thank You Sub Pop

Sub Pop Records have Fleet Foxes recently released Ragged Wood all over their front page. Even more they have offered a song off of the upcoming cd as an apology.

Sub Pop:

Due to technical (and a little human) error, the version of “He Doesn’t Know Why” from the brand-new, self-titled Fleet Foxes album that was available from the iTunes Music Store had two audio drop-outs. This has now been fixed and all purchases henceforth will be correct and defect-free, as the good lord intended. We apologize profusely for this inconvenience and would like to hereby offer a free MP3 of that song to anyone who would like it. Please accept both this song and our apologies for the mistake.

I'll take whatever I can get and would suggest you listen as well. Then if you like the song go out and buy the album here.

Fleet Foxes - He Doesn't Know Why

Counting Down Until June 24th

My summer days have been filled with work, high gas prices, and non-stop rain. (I mean, come on, it's JUNE already. I thought APRIL was supposed to bring showers?!) As a break from all of this, I of course have been emerging myself in music, and highly anticipating two particular album releases, besides Viva la Vida, obviously. And lucky for me, both of these albums are coming out on the same day. 

The first album coming out June 24th is G. Love and Special Sauce's newest album, Superhero Brother. G. Love and crew are the perfect addition to any summer day-- harmonica, funky beats, and simple lyrics. I can't think of a better summer album. If the first single; Peace, Love and Happiness, is any indication, I am expecting an excellent followup to the band's latest and best album, Lemonade. The older G. Love gets, the better songwriter he has become. Lemonade was definitely his best attempt, with songs like "Beautiful" and "Hot Cookin'". Although G's friend and colleague Jack Johnson is more famous, I would argue that although his music keeps the same simple, summer sound, he has more funky beats and more variety to his music. (And no "Chad-bro" association, mind you.)

First single: Peace, Love, and Happiness - G. Love

The second new release of my Super Tuesday is Amos Lee's third album, Last Days at the Lodge. With a title reminding me of Bon Iver's secluded Wisconsin cabin, his sound is just slightly more refined. Amos Lee takes this album in many directions, at times reminding me of the likes of Bon Iver, Ray Lamontange, and his song "Street Corner Preacher" has a very Ben Harper circa Both Sides of a Gun feel. Amos Lee keeps his same strong, soulful voice throughout the album, including some beautiful ballads such as Better Days (much better then the Goo Goo Dolls attempt at the same title). Similar to G. Love, I think his latest album, Supply and Demand, has been his best effort, and hope that this album will be an appropriate follow-up. 

First Single: Amos Lee - Listen

Be sure to check out both Superhero Brother and Last Days at the Lodge on June 24th, and expect a full review from me! 

Cover Me!: "Jimmy"

I've taken it upon myself to keep this featuring going while CK is away soakin' up the sun. Of Montreal's cover of M.I.A.'s synth-heavy, disco inspired song "Jimmy" treats the song to a little strip down. The slower beat in the remake forces the listener to focus on the words and gives the tune a more desperate feel. While background vocalists screaming "aja!" in the original version sound excited, they now haunt the chorus throughout the song. I'm recommending this song, I still prefer the original.

Of Montreal - "Jimmy (M.I.A. Cover)"

And if you haven't seen the music video of the M.I.A. song, it will blow your mind:

add this to your summer playlist NOW

I can't get enough of this song produced as a promo for Converse. Great for those of us who "just want to dance." Thanks, stereogum, for once again causing me to wear out the back button on my ipod.

N.E.R.D. featuring Santogold & Julian Casablancas - "My Drive Thru"

Concert Review: Death Cab for Cutie

In the interest of full disclosure you should know that I'm a massive Death Cab for Cutie fan. With that said, I'm going to try to keep this objective. I caught the band tonight in Brooklyn's McCarren Pool, which (as the name suggests) is a defunct swimming pool turned concert venue. Despite today's sweltering high temperature in the mid-nineties, over 6,000 fans turned out for the sold out show.

Rogue Wave opened the show with a spirited performance that outdid my expectations. The band played fan favorite "Lake Michigan" and "Lullaby" in album sequence, a decision that drew their biggest cheers of the set. While overall impressive, their performance seemed too simple for the large venue.

Death Cab for Cutie kicked off their set with "Bixby Canyon Bridge," the first track of their latest release Narrow Stairs. While this was the band's sixth studio album, it was the first to debut at number one on Billboard. Because of this success, I expected the set to be saturated with new material. Instead, DCFC hit the audience with a sampler of their entire catalog, although fans were especially receptive to songs off Narrow Stairs.

Of note was Cath, a song which found Ben Gibbard without a guitar singing to the audience as a true frontman. His confidence was surprising, not the wounded puppy one would expect when listening to his love songs. More could have been done with "I Will Possess Your Heart," as the long introduction leaves much room for artistic interpretation. The band, however, played the CD version of the song note for note.

Throughout the set, the level of intensity brought by every band member was astounding. Death Cab probably graces my sleep mixes more than any other band, but the live performance was high energy rock and roll throughout. I chalk that up to the sheer number of years these musicians have been playing together. They seemed at ease on stage together, focused on delivering a seamless performance.

The concert ended thirty minutes early as high winds started pulling the rigged lights down, a situation unsafe for band and crew. The last song Death Cab played was "The Sound of Settling." This is a completely average song, BUT something about the juxtaposition of the wind and the swirling purple clouds and the lighting made it seem frenetic and panicked. Immediately after DCFC left the stage, it started pouring big, sloppy raindrops.

It was obviously a bummer that the show ended early, but that also kind of made the concert perfect. I'm sitting here wondering which songs would have been played. Writing my own setlist means I'll never be disappointed by the concert. (Incidentially, my concert would have ended with "405," "Your Heart Is An Empty Room," "Transatlanticism" and "Brothers on a Hotel Bed.")

Death Cab for Cutie - "Cath (Live)"

Death Cab for Cutie - "The Sound of Settling"

Since a lot of SCOPER's are into hip hop this summer-

Hey I just thought I would introduce those of you not familiar with my favorite Swedish hip hop artist (pretty stiff competition) to the artist Adam Tensta. He has a very American style to hip hop, but with a clear European dance twist. I love it. He actually changed his last name from his birth name to Tensta which is also the name of the community he comes from. Keepin his roots. Lovin it.

This is such a legit video and song!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rMTB_LJKIh4

ADAM TENSTA - MY COOL

SUMMER FESTIVAL ROUND-UP!

So summer is here, and the festival season kicked off last week with Wakarusa in Lawrence, Kansas. Wakarusa featured 80/35 headliners The Flaming Lips, along with appearances from Emmylou Harris, Ben Folds, Cake, Keller Williams, State Radio, and Omaha tap-dancing standouts Tilly and the Wall.
However, Wakarusa is old news. Today I’m spending a little time discussing a few of the lesser known North American Festivals, as I’m sure everyone is just about sick of hearing about Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the two week long Summerfest.

Rothbury: July 3-6, Rothbury, Mich.: $245 4-Day Pass (Single Day Tickets Unavailable)
Rothbury is a 4-day festival in Michigan highlighting some of the country’s best music from a wide variety of genres. With a line-up of 85+ artists, some of the notables are: Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, 311, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, Michael Franti, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Black Keys, Yonder Mountain String Band, Of Montreal, Dresden Dolls, Atmosphere, Secret Machines, and Ingrid Michaelson.

Pitchfork: July 18-20, Chicago, Illi.: $65 3-Day Pass ($30 Single Day)
The Pitchfork Music Festival is the brainchild of alt and indie music’s most reliable music source, Pitchfork Media. The 3 day festival’s line-up includes 41 bands, ranging from big names like Vampire Weekend to up-and-comer (and SCOPE favorite) Bon Iver. Some notable performers: The Hold Steady, Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, Spoon, Dinosaur Jr, M. Ward, and Bon Iver.

PS… there’s a Public Enemy reunion scheduled to go down. Flavor Flaaaaav!

Mile High: July 19-20, Denver, Col.: $150 2-Day Pass ($85 Single Day)
Mile High (see what they did there?) is a jam band fan’s dream. It features some of the best bands to nod your head to. However, Mile High is beginning to attempt to reach a wider audience than the smoking population of the west half the country, bringing in artists like John Mayer and OneRepublic. Some notables: Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Citizen Cope, Gavin DeGraw, State Radio, OAR, Michael Franti, Spoon, moe., Lupe Fiasco, Andrew Bird, Black Crowes, OneRepublic, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Flobots, and another 80/35 headliner The Roots.

10,000 Lakes: July 23-26, Detroit Lakes, Minn.: $130 4-Day Pass (Single Day Tickets Unavailable)
Staying with the the jam band flavor of Mile High is Minnesota’s 10,000 Lakes festival. The festival runs for four days in the end of July, and though the festival lacks a wide variety of big names, the shows are guaranteed not to disappoint those in attendance, with an intimate venue and good jammin’ music: The Flaming Lips, Michael Franti, Leftover Salmon, Slightly Stoopid, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Dark Star Orchestra, Wookiefoot, and Lotus.

Pemberton: July 25-27, Pemberton, Brit. Col.: $260 3-Day Pass (Single Day Tickets Unavailable)
Canada was beginning to feel left out of the music scene, while the ‘big brother down under’ rocked out to some amazing festivals. This year, they looked to put a stop to it with the Pemberton Music Festival. The line-up is one of the best you’ll see this year, and well worth the high price of admission: Nine Inch Nails, Coldplay, Tom Petty, Jay-Z, Death Cab for Cutie, Interpol, Wolfmother, Metric, Secret Machines, Minus the Bear, My Morning Jacket, Flaming Lips, N*E*R*D, Vampire Weekend, Matisyahu, and the always fantastic Crystal Method running a DJ set.

All Points West: August 8-10, Jersey City, NJ: $258 3-Day Pass ($89 Single Day)
Something that the NE has been missing for years is a go-to summer festival. The New York area is one of the best scenes in the world for up-and-coming rock and hip-hop acts, but for some reason, they’ve been missing out on a summer festival to represent the talent of the area. This year, however, APW does not disappoint: Radiohead, Kings of Leon, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, New Pornographers, Michael Franti, Girl Talk, Duffy, Andrew Bird, Grizzly Bear, Metric, The Roots, Black Angels, K’Naan, Cat Power, Secret Machines, Rogue Wave, and the latin guitar playing gods Rodrigo Y Gabriela.

Virgin Mobile Festival: August 9-10, Baltimore, Mar.: Prices TBD
Another great festival on the East Coast this summer is the Virgin Mobile Festival. Expect prices to be fairly high, as what this lacks in a clever name, it makes up for in a talented line-up: Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Citizen Cope, Lupe Fiasco, Duffy, Foo Fighters, Wilco, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Chuck Berry, KT Tunstall, Offspring, Bloc Party, Cat Power, Lil’ Wayne, Taking Back Sunday, Iggy Pop & the Stooges, Black Keys, Paramore, Moby, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Andrew Bird, and SCOPE alum Bob Dylan.

Outside Lands: August 22-24, San Francisco, Cali.: $226 3-Day Pass (Single Day Tickets Unavailable)
This is probably my favorite festival of the summer. You can bet I’m disappointed I’ll already be back in Iowa City when it begins on the 22nd of August in San Francisco. The line-up this year is pretty sick as far as ‘indie-hipster’ line-ups go, and that’s exactly who this festival caters to: Radiohead, Beck, Black Keys, Cold War Kids, Tom Petty, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Primus, Steve Winwood, Lupe Fiasco, M. Ward, Devendra Banhart, Two Gallants, Jack Johnson, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Broken Social Scene, Andrew Bird, The Cool Kids, Bon Iver, Drive-By Truckers and probably the coolest hip-hop artist on the planet, K’Naan.

Bumbleshoot: August 30-September 1, Seattle, Wash.: $80-100 3-Day Pass ($35-40 Single Day)
The concert deal of the summer, in the alternative rock capital of the world: Bumbleshoot. It’s no wonder this festival (which is actually the best kept secret of the Seattle area) draws over 2,000,000 concert goers a year. The line-up this year has some local favorites, along with some of the nation’s biggest acts: Anti-Flag, Black Keys, Band of Horses, Bedouin Soundclash, Beck, Estelle, Dan Deacon, Fall of Troy, Ingrid Michaelson, Jakob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Keyshia Cole, M. Ward, Minus the Bear, Neko Case, Paramore, Ryan Bingham, T.I., and the recently reunited Stone Temple Pilots.

Monolith: September 13-14, Red Rocks, Col.: $110 2-Day Pass ($60 Single Day)
So one of the country’s most beautiful and historic concert venues, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, is hosting one of the most hipster festivals I’ve ever seen. The concert is full of bands that are up-and-coming, and it will be the concert that in 3 years, everyone will wish they went to. Here’s a small part of the 70 band line-up: Vampire Weekend, Neko Case, Fratellis, KaiserCartel, TV on the Radio, Band of Horses, Tokyo Police Club, The Kills, Tilly and the Wall, SCOPE alums and Los Angeles radio mainstays Atmosphere and the French DJ duo Justice.

Austin City Limits: September 26-28, Austin, Tex.: $170 3-Day Pass (Single Day Tickets Unavailable)
An epic line-up, a low price of admission, some amazing venues, and a great party town all add up to the perfect ending to a wonderful festival season. Over 130 bands will take the stage over the course of three days in Austin, Texas. With a line-up like this, I’m already considering a trip to Austin in late September: Foo Fighters, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Beck, John Fogerty, Raconteurs, Mars Volta, Gnarls Barkley, Conor Oberst, N*E*R*D, Erykah Badu, Tegan and Sara, Iron and Wine, G. Love and the Special Sauce, Neko Case, Band of Horses, Black Keys, Jacob Dylan, Okkervil River, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, Slightly Stoopid, Blues Traveler, Drive-By Truckers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Flyleaf, Jenny Lewis, Ingrid Michaelson, MGMT, Fratellis, M. Ward, Mason Jennings, The Kills, Louis XIV, and SCOPE alum Ryan Bingham.