Volume 002: The Indie Avalanche -- Review

Upon receiving the Volume 002: The Indie Avalanche CD from an eager Platform One intern, I expected the album to be yet another wishy washy indie album full of the bands with minimalist instrumentation and sad lyrics. After listening to the 12 song collection, I was surprised to find a compilation of bands on the alternative and emo/acoustic rock side of the spectrum. The first band, Plushgun, reminded me the most of what would be on an "indie rock" compilation. The band has electronic instrumentation and the song "Dancing in a Minefield" featured light, airy vocals and an energetic chorus.

The second band, The Flight Station, reminded me of so many bands that I have seen frequent the likes of tours such as Warped Tour or other pop-punk concerts. While the sound is not my cup of tea since I personally graduated high school, there is nothing unpleasant about the tracks recorded by them for the album.

Eleven Fingered Charlie reminds me somewhat of a 311/post-Sublime influence band that appear quite frequently amongst college campuses such as this. I would like to hear songs such as "Poverty Dub" as background music at a lounge, however, I would not find myself buying an album of this sound for its lack of a diverse sound.

Patrick Bass features the emo-acoustic songs that I had previously described. With much resembelence to acts such as Daphne Loves Derby, I can see his music featured on the newest MTV shows such as The Hills. The unfortunate truth for artists such as Patrick Bass is that they are a dime a dozen, no matter how good their lyrics are.

The remainder of the album features songs by The Atlas Life, Sheesh, and Sun 200--all whom fit the same descriptions as the rest of the artists on the compilation. All in all, Volume 002: The Indie Avalanche is a cd that I will leave in my car for some entertainment, but it just features bands that I have outgrown the sound of. I recommend this to all high school students everywhere.

Listen here: http://www.platform-1.com/compilation.html

the setting for this record is disaster

This year, SCOPE will be producing the 10,000 Show concert featuring OK Go at the Englert Theatre on April 22nd. OK Go was perhaps my first favorite rock band. I saw them when they were opening for The Donnas in support of self-titled debut at a gymnasium in my home town. They would go on to become a group of paisley-clad YouTube darlings, a distinction that would later help them snag a Grammy.

Today I was strolling down memory lane, reading through the band's press kit. I was sucked in by a band-written explanation of every song on their newest release, Oh No. It starts out by explaning to the reader: "The setting for this record is disaster." Now these are my kind of people.

One of my favorite songs on this album is called "Let It Rain," a beautifully sung ballad with a chorus to die for. On the song the band writes:

"This song is about the joy of having a nervous breakdown. There's a kind of deep existential relief that comes with emotional collapse, and we wrote this for a friend who had just tipped from the high-tension anxiety of maintaining control to the glorious, but heart-rending chaos of losing it."

Reading this extended definition made me fall in love with this song all over again and cross my fingers the band will be playing it during the show. This meaningful tune prooves the band is so much more than their gimmicky image.

OK Go - "Let It Rain"

Cover Me!: Too Little Too Late

OMG you guys! I can't believe I didn't remember to put out this gem earlier. But it makes a fine addition to this lovely little recurring segment of covers. And, just like Deer Tick's cover of "Beautiful Girls", this one takes the indie to those shiny top 40 hits. This time, Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen puts the freaky folk threads on teeny bopper JoJo's "Too Little Too Late." While on paper, this might seem like a surefire recipe for disaster, let me assure you, it is not. This is perhaps a perfect example of just how subjectively we can be when judging what is "good/bad" in music and just how malleable the pop genre really is.

Either way, download this right now to listen to while you get ready for the night and notice how your tail feather begins to involuntarily shake as you straighten your hair/shave your back.

DOWNLOAD: Daniel Rossen (of Grizzly Bear) - Too Little Too Late (JoJo Cover)

BONUS: Click here to see a video of a brand spanking new Grizzly Bear song.

The Calm Before The Storm

As most of you are already thinking of the many drinks you'll be drinking and the many mistakes you'll be making in the coming hours, I thought I'd leave you with a mellow, beautiful song to calm the ears and soul before you ravage the mind and kidneys with alcohol, that sweetest of poisons. Dude's name is Scott Matthews and he's a singer/songwriter from Wolverhampton, England. The best comparison would possibly be a less prolific Jeff Buckley writing ballads. While that description might not incite a lot of interest, it really is great tune, filled with gentle strumming and ethereal vocals. Listen, enjoy, and then embark on a few days worth of bad decisions.

DOWNLOAD: Scott Matthews - Elusive

Meet Your SCOPE Radio Show DJs

Allie S., Chris, Alli W., Willie

Playing the newest, hippest, and hottest in Rock n Roll. Well actually--indie rock, hip hop, and all things good in music. Listen to us on KRUI 89.7FM or online at www.kruiradio.org/listen from 10 am till noon on Thursdays.

Here were the tracks from today's show:
Keep Your Eyes Ahead The Helio Sequence Keep Your Eyes Ahead Feb 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Mobile Part 3 Glenn Kotche Mobile Feb 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Knife Grizzly Bear Cover Born Ruffians Born Ruffians Feb 28, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I Am Warm And Powerful Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Broom Feb 28, 2008 at 11:52 AM
O Katrina Black Lips Good Bad Not Evil Feb 28, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Wrestlers Hot Chip Made In The Dark Feb 28, 2008 at 11:40 AM
McFearless Kings Of Leon Because Of The Times Feb 28, 2008 at 11:35 AM
The Funeral Band Of Horses Everything All The Time Feb 28, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Cattle And The Creeping Things The Hold Steady Seperation Sunday Feb 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM
You Got The Style Athlete Vehicles And Animals Feb 28, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Grace (Studio Demo) Jeff Buckley & Gary Lucas Songs To No One 1991-1992 Feb 28, 2008 at 11:16 AM
My Moon My Man Remix Boyz Noize Oi Oi Oi Feb 28, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Young Love Mystery Jets 21 Feb 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Evil Earth Japanther Master Of Pigeons Feb 28, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Someone Great LCD Soundsystem Sound Of Silver Feb 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Beautiful Girls Deertick Covers Feb 28, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Seventeen Years Ratatat Ratatat Feb 28, 2008 at 10:48 AM
For Emma Bon Iver Emma Forever Ago Feb 28, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Strange Times The Black Keys Attack And Release Feb 28, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Good To Sea Pinback Autumn Of The Seraphs Feb 28, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Paper Planes MIA Kala Feb 28, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Always Where I Need To Be The Kooks Konk Feb 28, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Campus Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend Feb 28, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Gold Watch Lupe Fiasco The Cool Feb 28, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Jigsaw Falling Into Place Radiohead In Rainbows Feb 28, 2008 at 10:13 AM

For All the POPular fans...

I know there are quite a few readers that are not aware about a lot of the music that is written on this blog. Well I have a few new things for you pop tarts to listen to. If you like top 40, then here is an artist that deserves to be there, but isn't: Emerson Hart. He is the lead singer of Tonic ("If You Could Only See"), and topped the charts not so long ago. If you like Gavin DeGraw, Sara Barielles, and singers of that nature, you should have a listen to his myspace (www.myspace.com/emersonhart). He writes the type of heart-felt lyrics that suck you right in. I wouldn't say that he is a guilty pleasure of mine, because I don't really feel all that guilty about listening to a well-produced and smooth sounding pop song. At least he has more talent than the other lame stuff that is out there. Listen to him.


...I mentioned Gavin DeGraw up above. He just [finally] released a new single. "I'm In Love With a Girl." I must admit, the first time I heard the song title, I turned it off. I was scared to be disappointed. Then I caught it in the middle when I was home in Chicago over the weekend on the radio. I think it's kind of impossible to hate Gavin DeGraw. He might not get that artistic cred for being pop-ish, but it's not unpleasant music, in the least. He has a good voice and plays piano with a band. But as far as this song stacks up to Chariot, I don't see it fairing well. I saw him live in 2005 and he did the best cover of "Let's Get it On" that I have ever heard. Girls literally threw their bras on stage. Oh well, those were the days. Listen yourself... www.myspace.com/gavindegraw

p.s. Gavin, if you read this, I am sorry for betraying you. Write a song about me and then you can have me back.

That's my pop fill for the day. Snider, I hope you read this.

Keep Your Ears to the Ground

More of a heads up than anything else, but UK music mag NME (the equivalent of a music version of US Weekly), is releasing a special disc of sorts, featuring current NME faves covering other contemporary artists, and the one that has got me all hot and bothered is the Kooks covering Peter Bjorn and John's "Young Folks." This could be pure bliss. Or it could be like watching a bus full of puppies catch fire and launch off a cliff into a valley of cacti. My love for the Kooks is no secret, and, if SCOPE had a blog back then, you'd probably have heard me ranting and raving about the perfection that is PBJ's "Young Folks" (along with its subsequent remixes and reworkings [including its inclusion on a Kanye mixtape]). So will the combination of two of my great musical obsessions yield an audio orgasm for the ears? Or will the Kooks end up repeating their unfortunate covering luck a la Ace of Base's "All That She Wants"? Only time will tell, but here's to hoping for the former.

BONUS: If you haven't heard "Young Folks" yet, get on the wagon. Highest of recommendations.
DOWNLOAD: Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks

Back When I Wasn't Allowed to Watch MTV...

...it was awesome. Especially to a sheltered girl in the suburbs. They had Singled Out AND they actually played music videos. My BFF Heather and I would crouch in front of the television, watch it on silent (or on volume level one) and pray that neither of our moms would catch us. There are two specific videos that I remember watching. "Doin' It" by LL Cool J and "No Diggity" by Blackstreet. I think that Blackstreet came a bit later, but the little marionette doll that played the piano was quite humorous at the time. "Doin It" was one of the most sexual things I had even seen, there were massive bosoms in my face and a rapper looking at strippers through a coin slot window. Oh me oh my, what it was like to have my eyes opened to such a world. But then Heather's mom would tell us to go outside and we would preoccupy ourselves by climbing around a multilevel playground with our eyes closed (Man on Chips) down the street. May I also add that I memorized all the words to "No Diggity" and was the hit at all the skating parties when the "DJ" would play it at the rink. I could skate AND MC at the same time. Yep, those were the sweet, sweet days of fifth grade.

This is one of the reasons I really appreciate this new Klaxon's cover of "No Diggity." Have a listen and see if it stirs up any memories for you as well...

Klaxons - "No Diggity (Blackstreet Cover)"

To Download: Right Click or Ctrl Click and Save As

Cover Me!: Beautiful Girls

OMG you guys! It's like falling in love all over again, and its perfect to get us ready for spring. So I'm sure you all remember Sean Kingston's summer anthem "Beautiful Girls." Whether it was a secret guilty pleasure or a love you proclaimed from the mountain tops, the tune's catchiness was inescapable. And now it's back, but with a new set of threads. Here, Deer Tick does the honors, and, as MOKB puts it, puts a 50's pop sheen on it. It feels like a classic. For fans of pop from any decade, this one's for you. I personally dedicate this one to my rushcrush Parker.

DOWNLOAD: Deer Tick - Beautiful Girls (Sean Kingston cover)

Pants Off Dance Off (pt. 6: "the gloves are off")

The gloves are off...and so are my pants! Because I want to dance!! I finally got around to picking up the Hot Chip Made In The Dark vinyl that Real Records ordered for me, and I'm thinking I waited waaay too long. This mofo is packed with the jams. I'd write a proper album review, but I'd end up writing too much and you'd probably lose quite a bit of interest. So instead, I'm just gonna drop this lovely little nug on y'all.
Kind of a poppy slow-grind type song (feels a little "Remix to Ignition"-y), "Wrestlers" rubs me in all the right spots.

For one, the song makes wrestling an analogy for love and, to be honest, this is how I've always felt about love: me vs. you, lots of pain, scissorholds, large hairy men in speedos, my head buried between a set of oiled up thighs....

Second of all, it starts off this amazing analogy with a string of wrestling references that would seem porno-worthy ("we'll tag team, double up, hit you in the sweet spot") if they weren't so preciously juxtaposed by singer Alexis Taylor's geekishly sweet vocals and bouncing melody.

Third of all, when Joe Goddard's vocals come in at about the 00:52 seconds mark, it's impossible not to think of Flight of the Conchords' Jermaine's breakdown at about the 2:18 mark in "Leggy Blonde," which basically sealed the deal for me.

Pick up your copy of Made In The Dark right meow.
DOWNLOAD: Hot Chip - Wrestlers

Bonus: Leggy Blonde Video

All Hail the Foo Fighters: Part Three

Why should you love the Foo Fighters? Because if you are a fan, they love you. Attending the concert last night at Allstate Arena in Chicago, I have never been so convinced that Dave Grohl is THE rockstar of my generation. He shreds on the guitar, has the long locks and the reckless facial hair, and good vocals that can turn to a sexy--yes, sexy---scream. I am having a big of trouble putting into words the feeling that I got from the Foo Fighters performance. The first the response that comes to mind when people ask me "how was the show?" is "it was rock n' roll, man." I don't even talk like that, but it was. It was Rock music as its finest. Great instrumentation, incredible energy, and the drive to please the fans. Towards the beginning of the concert, Dave told the crowd, "I'm here to please every single one of you," in a slightly taunting manner. They also closed the concert with a negotiation via night vision camera about the number of songs that the crowd was demanding for the encore.

One of the best parts of the performance...there was no shame felt or portrayed by the Foo for playing their hits. "Learn To Fly" absolutely rocked; but so did "But Honestly," a track off of Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace, their newest album. Each song, whether it was acoustic, extended, or altered--rocked. It just really rocked. That's all I can say about it until I think of a more intelligent manner in which to portray my passionate feelings about the Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl.

p.s. Taylor Hawkins will probably be my next tribute.

Where do they stack up? (#1 of... a lot)

Sitting in my apartment tonight, I am once again surfing the never-ending interweb and dreaming of the next SCOPE event (Ben FRIGGIN Folds, this Sunday, people), and once again, I am NOT doing the overwhelming amount of homework I'll inevitably be up until 3AM doing. And once again, I'm looking over the bands of my youth, reminiscing about times when I listened to a far less eclectic, far more mainstream, set of artists.

Now looking back, I ask you all, how do some of the bands of my childhood (and... subsequently, my early teenage years) stand the test of time? First up for discussion? The always catchy, always in key, and, according to many in the music business, always stoned Rob Thomas and "Matchbox Twenty":

Formed in 1995 in Orlando, Florida, Matchbox Twenty hit it big with their powerhouse debut album "Yourself, Or Someone like You". Featuring the hits Long Day, Push, 3AM, and Back 2 Good, the CD sold over twelve million copies in the United States alone, packing more of a punch than Mike Tyson.

Their follow-up, the critically acclaimed "Mad Season", released in 2000, was not as well accepted as fans, but with singles Bent, If You're Gone, Mad Season, and Last Beautiful Girl, it still went platinum several times over.

Immediately after the tour for "Mad Season" finished, Matchbox Twenty went back to the studio, and began recording songs for their next album, a harder, slightly less main-stream sounding "More Than You Think You Are". The 2002 album, also several times platinum, featured the singles Disease, Bright Lights, and Unwell.

For awhile afterwards, Matchbox Twenty went on hiatus, releasing an unnoticed EP in 2005, followed closely by Rob Thomas' first (and hopefully, only) solo album.

In 2007, Matchbox Twenty reunited with "Exile on Mainstream", which had to take a small break from recording in order for Thomas to record the single Little Wonders for the movie Meet the Robinsons.

So... my question for you is, how do they stand the test of time? Let's review the singles:
Long Day, Push, 3AM, Back 2 Good, Bent, If You're Gone, Mad Season, Last Beautiful Girl, Disease, Bright Lights, Unwell, How Far We've Come

Are they just another 90s/00s pop-rock band? Are they something that can still be listened to sparingly? Are they still a favorite of yours?

PUSH - Live (From Matchbox Twenty - A Night With Matchbox Twenty)


HOW FAR WE'VE COME - Live


UP NEXT TIME ON 'WHERE DO THEY STACK UP?': 3rd Eye Blind

Preview/Review: The Black Keys

An early review, or preview, if you will, of the Black Keys' new album Attack & Release. We gave you all a taste of what was to come when we let you all listen to first single "Strange Times." Not too many readers then, so we weren't quite sure what you all were thinking. I'm going to have to put it out there and say that a lot of long time Keys fans will be a little put-off by this album. It is the first with a flashy producer, the first in a full studio, and the first to add noticeable instrumental flourishes on most tracks (organ, flutes, etc.). But for what it's worth, I still hear the same ass-kicking, balls on fire, guitar and drums band from Akron, Ohio.

Overall, the album has a much more laid back feel. That's not to say the album doesn't have it's fair share of blistering bluesy rock tracks (see "I Got Mine", "Strange Times", and "Remember When (Side B)"), but some of the strongest tracks are the ones that move at their own pace. Of these, two standouts are "So He Won't Break," and "Things Ain't Like They Used To Be." The former sounding like the perfect musical companion to a scene in a gangster movie that involves either blow or strippers, or, ideally, both. The latter pulls itself off as one of the most beautiful tracks the Keys have ever written. Bittersweet, simple, and exemplifying everything the blues are really about: women and broken hearts ("she's got the kind of love I need, the kind that's never good on me").

A super-short, super-preliminary review, but if I had to, I'd highly recommend going out and buying this album on April 1st.

Kookie for Cookie Crisps

Yes. Worst blog post title ever. Plus, I'm not even sure if that's the right catchphrase for Cookie Crisp cereal. The point is that there are more than a few Kooks fanatics in the SCOPE office
and I'm just about as excited as (if not more excited than) anyone else out there for the Kooks sophomore effort, Konk, out in the middle of April. To tide you over, we've got the first video and first live late night performance for the album's first single, "Always Where I Need To Be." Not much to the video. Just a couple o' Kooks being kooky in New York.

Goldfrapp DELIVERS! ...Again.

British electro-pop princess Alison Goldfrapp spews out another winner with her brand new release Seventh Tree. Goldfrapp's first new music release since 2006 brings everything you expect from the angelic voiced English songwriter.

Goldfrapp burst onto the scene in 2000, with her debut album Felt Mountain. Praised by critics, the album was labeled "smarmy and seductive, yet elegant and graceful". After a three year hiatus, she returned in full force with the release of Black Cherry, an expedition into electronica and dance anthems, reaching #19 on the US Electronica Charts, and going platinum in the UK.

Her first single, A&E, off the newly released (we're talking today... people) Seventh Tree, is a step an entirely different direction for Goldfrapp. With smooth vocals covered artistically by a bone-chilling backtrack heavy in stand-up bass and acoustic guitar, A&E is mellow and catchy, something that could as easily be listened to laying in bed as on a dance floor.

Seventh Tree is already garnishing rave reviews: 4/5 on Billboard, an 83% on Entertainment Weekly, and a 9.1 on Metacritic.com, the internet's definitive source on newly released music.

The Week In New Music: February 26th

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).

US Releases for Tuesday, February 26:

Erykah Badu "New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War)�"
Beach House "Devotion" recommended
Cheri Dennis "In and Out of Love"
Farmer's Market "[Title TBA]"
Goldfrapp "Seventh Tree"
Janet Jackson "Discipline"
Dolly Parton "Backwoods Barbie"
Pete Rock "NY's Finest"
Punch Brothers "Punch"
Rocket From The Crypt "RIP"
Webbie "Savage Life 2"

I'm F*cking Ben Affleck > I'm F*cking Matt Damon

After the Oscars on Sunday night, Jimmy Kimmel admitted to his cheating girlfriend, Sarah Silverman (who is f*cking Matt Damon), that he was too f*cking someone else-- Ben Affleck. Now most would agree that Matt Damon > than Ben Affleck, based on looks, acting ability and star performances, BUT... the I'm F*cking Ben Affleck video truly surpasses the I'm F*cking Matt Damon video.
One, because Jimmy Kimmel and Ben Affleck are gay and seeing Ben in a tight glittery spandex shirt and Kimmel in jean cutoffs is priceless. And two, the cameos are endless and utterly hysterical. I won't give away who's in it, just watch for yourself...

Death cab to release new album

Narrow Stairs:

01 Bixby Canyon Bridge

02 I Will Possess Your Heart

03 No Sunlight

04 Cath

05 Talking Bird

06 You Can Do Better Than Me (But I Can't Do Better Than You)

07 Grapevine Fires

08 Your New Twin Size Bed

09 The Remainder

10 Pity and Fear

11 The Ice Is Getting Thinner

that's right, these are the 11 new track to look forward to off of death cab for cuties highly anticipated new album, narrow stairs, set to release may 13. A Narrow Stairs tour, meanwhile, is inevitable but not yet announced. For now, we'll have to settle for appearances at choachella and bonnaroo. those dates are as follows...

04-26 Indio, CA - Empire Polo Field (Coachella)

06-12-15 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo

Cute Cab of DEATH, you slay me

And The Oscar Goes To...

"Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture. I am not going to lie and say that I have been loving this song forever, but I always pay attention to this award the most at the Academy Awards (go figure). I listened to it as I saw it was nominated and fell in love. You can tell that it is perfect for a movie within the first few seconds. I have yet to see the film, Once, but this song has me convinced. Plus the plot revolves around music, it would make sense for it to win.

I really appreciate the songs that have a climax and peaceful ending from time to time. I know it's so traditional, and so many things about indie music push those buttons and draw the lines further, yet this song is even better for not doing that.

Another reason that I am a sucker for this song is the BEAUTIFUL lyrics. It highlights the tale of a love struggling amongst a complicated life. It gives me hope for love and its chance to prevail over life's complications. That statement right there is a reason for my obsession with music. It's an amazing experience to listen to a song that can result in an emotion or an action as strong as hope. I don't believe that the song spells out that the romance wins in the end, but maybe the love does, I think the music itself tells the conclusion...

"Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won"


Have a listen and let me know if you agree. I know I made some bold statements there, but I want to know if fans of other genres appreciate this score as well.



Wow. I really want to see this movie now.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová - "Falling Slowly"

To Download: Right click + Save as OR for Mac: ctrl + click then save as

Against Me! Why? What did I do?

Today is the eve of Foo Fighters Day. Well, at least in the book of my life. As I have been listening to countless repeats of Foo Fighters since the day I got the tickets for my birthday, I did not really pay much excitement towards the openers. Serj Tankian and Against Me! are opening up for the Chicago date of the tour. I think I was disillusioned because Jimmy Eat World was the opener on the first leg of the tour. My cries of injustice did not do any good with convincing them to stick around, so I finally let up on my always stubborn attitude, and listened to Against Me!

I have had the cd since over the summer when we used to get tons of promo cds in the office of my internship. I liked a couple songs, but then I listened to a radio DJ from Q101 talk about how "kick ass" they are, over any other band, and it turned me off. I wasn't a fan of the DJ and therefore no longer included it on my rotation. Upon my reconsideration, I find it quite entertaining. The lead singer, Tom Gabel, possesses one of those voices that could be easy to get sick of, however I have yet to reach that point. The lead guitar kicks in with such a strong manner at times that counteracts the pop-like catchiness of some of the songs off of the New Wave album.

I have a feeling that I will be singing along with them tomorrow night...quite a bit.

T minus 23 hours till Dave Grohl meets his future (third) wife.

Against Me! - "Stop"

Pants Off Dance Off (pt. 5: "kickdrum on the basement floor")

Yes, you've gussed right. It is yet another installment of the much ballyhooed Pants Off Dance Off posts. With soooo much garbage STILL being blasted onto the dancefloors of every club and bar in America (Iowa City bars being especially guilty), I will tirelessly strive to provide musical alternatives to act as the soundtrack to which y'all can rub your nasty bits on each other.

This time, we got Britt Daniel of Spoon's remix of Feist's flawless rootsy romp "I Feel It All." Stereogum says it best: "think sexy, dusky, dancefloor." I'm gonna grab a gal and a Guinness and bounce around to this for the rest of the night.

Editor's note: There is a strong chance that the author of this post will have little to no luck finding said "gal" to grab, and will fill that emptiness with more Guinness.

DOWNLOAD: Feist - I Feel It All (Britt Daniel Remix)

My Oscar Predictions:

Sorry, but did you really expect the theatre major not to give his two cents about the upcoming Academy Awards? For a while there, I was very worried there wouldn't be any bald, expressionless, naked men (why on earth is THAT the award given for accomplishments in movies?) handed out this year, but, with the writer's strike ending a little over a week ago, it appears as if everything will go on as scheduled.

Best Supporting Actress:
*Cate Blanchett - I'm not There
*Ruby Dee - American Gangster
*Saoirse Ronan - Atonement
*Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
*Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton

WHO WINS?: Blanchett. A solid choice, and Oscar voters LOVE Blanchett, but she appeared to be more of a caricature than a real person to me.
WHO SHOULD?: Ryan. Her portrait of a drug-addled woman fighting with addiction and the loss of her daughter is amazing.

Best Supporting Actor:
*Casey Affleck -The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
*Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
*Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War
*Hal Holbrook - Into the Wild
*Tom Wilkinson - Michael Clayton

WHO WILL WIN?: Javier Bardem.
WHO SHOULD WIN?: Bardem. He plays a ruthless killer with a heart of stone, and he plays it to a T.

Best Actress:
*Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
*Julie Christie - Away from Her
*Marion Cotillard - La Vie En Rose
*Laura Linney - The Savages
*Ellen Page - Juno

WHO WILL WIN?: Laura Linney. Linney's been close to a statue before, a couple times in fact. I think the Oscar voters give her a nod for another stellar performance.
WHO SHOULD WIN?: As much as I want to say Ellen Page (who I really wish would have MY out of wedlock babies), I'm going to have to say Cotillard's performance as Piaf was the best of the year. Of a couple years, actually.

Best Actor:
*George Clooney - Michael Clayton
*Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will be Blood
*Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
*Tommy Lee Jones - In the Valley of Elah
*Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

WHO WILL WIN?: This year is JAM PACKED with great candidates. I can't see them picking anyone but Daniel Day-Lewis, who is probably the best actor in a generation.
WHO SHOULD WIN?: As big of a fan of Johnny Depp as I am, I have to give it to Day-Lewis.

Best Director:
*Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
*Jason Reitman - Juno
*Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
*Joel & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
*Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will be Blood

WHO WILL WIN?: Coen Brothers. They've been short-changed at the Oscars too many times to keep it going. I think The Academy gives them their due.
WHO SHOULD WIN?: Tony Gilroy. Michael Clayton was the movie nobody saw that had STELLAR performances out of everyone in the cast. The director is the one to thank for this.

Best Picture:
*Atonement
*Juno
*Michael Clayton
*No Country for Old Men
*There Will be Blood

WHO WILL WIN?: No Country for Old Men. This movie is everything the Academy voters look for in a movie, and more.
WHO SHOULD WIN?: Depends. If the category were "best made picture", I'd say There Will be Blood. If the category were "picture with best acting" it would be Michael Clayton. If the category were "most enjoyable picture" it'd be Juno. If it were "boring waste of time" it'd be Atonement.... that movie was terrible. Since the award is actually considered a mix of "best writing, directing, acting, and cinematography", I'd say No Country for Old Men is the hand's down winner.


Sorry, I know this post was about 5000 words too long, but somebody had to say it.
The Oscars air this Sunday at 8? Maybe 7? Eh, look it up.

Why I Love Music

It would be utterly impossible for me to fully explain why I love music. Not enough words in the dictionary nor paper in the world. On top of that, I think my reasons are endless. Music can make us smile, make us cry, warm our hearts, give us chills, console us, enrage us, make us dance, and give us soundtracks by which to bone. But whatever way you slice it, music moves us. And I never feel this more than when I see a small child dance. It may sound corny, but watch the video and try not to smile. The following performance is from the geniuses at La Blogotheque and their much acclaimed Take Away Shows (where they take great indie artists and throw em into elevators or buses or courtyards and have em perform).

Menomena "Wet and Rusting" note: if you're not smiling by about 2 minutes and 40 seconds in, then you're probably a robot.


DOWNLOAD: Menomena - Wet and Rusting

More Cheeky Brits

Those readers that check other blogs on a regular basis will find this post to be a few days late, but I'm a sucker for a well crafted top 40 hit, and even more so when you bring something a little "alternative" into the mix. This is Rihanna and the Klaxons performing "Umbrella" at the Brits. If for nothing else, watch this for the ridunkulous laser show.

R-R-R-Reeeeemix

Author's note: this remix is not very gangsta, if you will. But a remix need not be gangsta to be awesome. A remix is always an interesting way to see how a song would look/sound in a different set of clothes, so to speak. In this case, the remixers at Camp America give the song "Hurricane" by britpoppers Athlete a Postal Service-esque set of indie clothes, more specifically, tapered jeans and a pastel American Apparel t-shirt one size too small. The perfect pop song to pick you and your liver up after a forgotten night of unforgettable drinking. Happy Friday, Iowa City.

DOWNLOAD: Athlete - Hurricane (Camp America Remix)

Opening Pandora's Box

So for the past two years I've spent my summers working in a bike shop (freshman year back in my hometown, last year here in Iowa City), and one of the staples of my experiences at the shop was Pandora Radio, cranked up full blast.

If you don't know about Pandora (http://www.pandora.com), it's a streaming music website which creates play lists based off of songs (or artists) you type in. For instance-- If I were to type in "Konstantine", It would select songs for playing that all have similar qualities to the song "Konstantine", by Something Corporate (in this instance, a lot of songs with mellow rock qualities, piano accompaniment, and vocal harmonies).

Anyway, Pandora is great not because it cycles songs from your favorite artists, but because it introduces you to artists you may not have heard of before, assuming you’ll like them based on your already established taste in music. Most of the time, they assume correctly. Don’t worry if they don’t, you can simply veto a song, and it will be forever removed from your playlist.

Pandora has introduced me to some amazing bands I would have never heard of before. Here’s a list of some of the bands Pandora has so gracefully introduced me to:

Elliot Smith Radio:
Heatmiser - Plainclothes Man, The Miles Hunt Club - Amongst the Old Reliables, Sun Kil Moon - Dramamine

Kings of Leon Radio:
The Last of the Bad Men - Get in Line, The M’s - Big Baby Bottoms, The Cribs - Mirror Kissers, Rock Kills Kid - Are you Nervous?

Konstantine Radio:
Missy Higgins - Nightminds, Rosie Thomas - Farewell, Aqua Lung - Brighter than the Sunshine, Collin Herring - Into the Morning

Rodrigo y Gabriella Radio:
Lara & Reyes - El Castillo, Georges Street - The Tartar Frigate, Rafael Canizeras - A Tu Vera, Gypsy Kings - Faena

Something Vague Radio:
Junior League - Nameless, Black Lab - Run Circles, Sean Hayes - Calling all Cars, Blue Rodeo - It Makes Me Wonder, Straw Dogs - All the Things, James - The Shining, Days of the New - The Down Town

Wilco Radio:
Paul Brill - New Pagan Love Song, David Gray - Nightblindness, The Go-Betweens - Crooked Lines, Son Volt - Back into Your World

I’ve included some songs to listen to, as well, because it would take me FOREVER to link a bunch of songs/videos. You’ll have to do some detective work to make up for my laziness. But it’s worth it.

Thursday is Ska Day

Let's cut to the chase--I miss ska. If you've forgotten about this genre of music, let me talk to you about two of my favorite ska bands of all time:

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones--

If Fall Out Boy had been formed in the early '90s, they probably would've sounded like the Bosstones--an assimilation of hardcore punkers and a horn section, these guys are catchy as hell and their big single, "The Impression That I Get" is an example of fantastic music.


Dance Hall Crashers--

DHC was formed by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman of Operation Ivy and Rancid fame. They've got a dual-female vox front, great harmonies, and they bounce. DHC was originally a pure ska outfit, with a horn section, but they gravitated toward the punk side of things later in their career. They have a definite No Doubt thing going on, except they never wrote a ballad and they lacked Gwen Stefani's fashion sense so they never quite cracked the mainstream charts.


Enjoy!

All Hail the Heartbreaker(s)!

No, I'm not referring to the catchy Spill Canvas tune from two years ago... Okay, maybe I am, a little... But in light of my most recent valentine-less Valentine's day (yeah, it was a week ago, but I'm bored now), I've decided to spend a little time today canonizing the ever under-appreciated heartbreaker.

What exactly is a heartbreaker? Well, Merriam-Webster defines it as 'one who causes crushing grief, anguish, or loss'. Looking back at that definition, I would say it is more than fitting for what I initially thought a heartbreaker was. However, my mind has since been changed. I see the heartbreaker as a needed and important facet of society. An unparalleled and undeniably instrumental portion of my, and everyone else's, every day life.

Heartbreakers make us laugh, make us cry, make us smile, but most importantly, they make us feel. A world without heartbreakers is a world I wouldn't want to live in. Appropriately so, I was more than delighted when they took the stage at the Super Bowl this year. Despite Tom Petty's Grizzly-Adamsesque beard, the Heartbreakers sounded just as marvelous as they did in years past, and went above and beyond, throwing out hits that everyone in attendance (along with those watching on TV) were yearning to hear. Finally the Super Bowl got it right.

And so, I say to you: ALL HAIL THE HEARTBREAKER(S):

Mike Campbell -- Possibly the most underrated lead guitarist of all time.
Ron Blair -- A master at manipulating the bass, thank GOD they brought him back to the band
Steve Ferrone -- The replacement of Stan Lynch is really Lynch 2.0, better soloist, that's for sure.
Benmont Tench -- C'mon, with a name like that, what else could he be, besides a keyboardist?
Scott Thurston -- A later addition to the band, his rhythm guitar brought a whole new sound to the Heartbreakers.

And of course: The original Heartbreaker himself:
Tom Petty -- He needs no introduction. Stop reading... NOW.

Fans of the 90's Rejoice: Here Come The Whigs

Feeling kind of like a more muscley Catfish Haven fronted by a vocal-range-restricted Jim James , this Athens, Georgia-based band is getting me sort of amped for some warm weather boozing. Don't know why, but I get a major 80s/90s-era garage vibe from this band ("Hot Bed" is reminiscent of the Pixies), and I mean that in the best possible way. This feeling is probably compounded by the fact that the video sort of reminds me of the intro to Nickelodeon's "The Adventures of Pete and Pete."

DOWNLOAD: The Whigs - Right Hand On My Heart

Video:


Pete and Pete:

The Teenagers

Well, I'm not really too sure what to say about this track. I really like it, but I'm not quite sure why. Great Bloc Party-esque post-punk instrumentation with boy/girl spoken lyrics that are downright filthy. I think what draws me to the song is that the story so perfectly typifies the worst aspects of the stereotypical gal (naivete in love and attraction to scummy dudes) and guy (horny and attempting to bone everything [including potential relatives]). Enjoy?

to download: ctrl/right click the link + download linked file
DOWNLOAD: The Teenagers - Homecoming

Elton John and Ryan Adams - CMT Crossroads (Part 3)

CMT Crossroads

Some music for thought here....
I know how you all love country so much and enjoy watching Country Music Television..but I think there is a show you may be interested in watching. It's called "Crossroads" and what it entails is one country act playing a concert with an artist from another genre. They split an 8 song set with around 4 songs from each artist, usually sung by both performer. Such artists that have already been on crossroads are brad paisley (with john mayer), ryan adams (with elton john), dave mathews, bon jovi, robert plant, etc. The music is awesome and it is very interesting to see how the different genre's sound together. You can see youtube videos of almost all of these including a really good video of brad paisley and john mayer performing "why georgia"
My questions now are, what do you think about the idea of these musicians playing together, do you like it? And also, if you could see any two musicians on one stage sharing eachothers songs, who would you like to see???? I am going to post a youtube video of ryan adams and elton john playing tiny dancer, hopefully you will alll enjoy!

the boys are back in town

In case you weren't satisfied with chocolates, convo hearts, or teddy bears on Valentines day, your fav's, The Police, decided to use the loving day to announce a return to North America this summer. On top of that, an additional 30 dates were confirmed... and who's joining them?? A recent Iowa City guest, Mr. Elvis Costello. Here's your chance to see him if you missed SCOPE's Amos Lee, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello show this fall. The Police worked their magic in '07 selling over 2.5 million tickets and winning Major Tour of the Year in Pollstar Magazine and Top Selling Tour of '07 in Billboard. Tickets go on sale this weekend... Catch the tour at Chicago's Allstate Arena on May 1oth, or Milwaulkee's Marcus Amphitheatre on July 25th.

STING, whata hottie, I'd love to give HIM some convo hearts...

A Teddy Bear Snow Day

Le Sigh...

The Mystery of Margot...

So I was perusing the February issue of SPIN magazine today when I happened to cross an article entitled “Who’s Next?”, showcasing bands on the verge of being the “next big thing” (I’m sure if SPIN had been around in 1982, Wham! would have made the cut). 2008’s version of “Who’s Next” included acts Black Tide, The Wombats, B.O.B., and the always fantastic Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s. SPIN labeled Margot “Cello-Laden Folk Rock” an appropriate title for a band that blows me away each and every time I get my hands on something new: a bootleg, a live release, whatever it may be.

I stumbled upon Margot (named after Gwenyth Paltrow's character in The Royal Tenenbaums) in 2006, shortly after the release of their album “The Dust of Retreat”. One listen, and I was hooked, the crooning of front man Richard Edwards, the beautiful vocal harmonies of Emily Watkins, and the amazing play of band members Andy Fry, Chris Fry, Erik Kang, Tyler Watkins, Casey Tennis, and Hubert Glover. This talented octet offered up variety, and depth in music that SPIN cleverly labeled “Sex Folk”.

In 2008 Margot will be releasing their next studio album “Animal!”, which SPIN claims is a small retreat from “sex folk” and into “panic pop”, whatever that means. I can assure you, I will be first in line to pick up the new release (due out this summer, courtesy of EPIC records). The track-list has been guarded heavily, and one can only guess which songs will appear on it, for now, you’ll have to listen to the old Margot I learned to love in years past:

Hump Day Cartoon Time!

Okay, I won't talk your ear off--this is an oldie but a goodie, and one of the funniest viral videos of all time. Please enjoy.

CIC... Revealed!

Yes we were in California for a whole week of confrences. But that's not what the evidence shows...

TAKE NOTES: These are the kind of guys I'm attracted to.

Since all you single men out there are dying to know how to win over my heart, I decided to put together a list of qualities that I am attracted to. (This list is probably agreeable to most girls that are cool and have a soul.)

1.) Disheveled hair. It's hot and it shows that you don't give a WHAT.

2.) Decent sense of fashion... but not too fashion forward. No cool girl wants a 'tro. ('tro= metro in case you aren't down on the lingo. Skinny jeans on a guy is a definite yes in my book... but not TOO skinny... Seeing jeans that tight on a guy just makes me think of- number one, them trying to get those on in the morning.. kind of weird.... and number two, i think of if we possibly hooked up and that awkward 30 seconds of me standing there while he tried to get his pants off... ick. I like to see some effort put into a guy's wardrobe. If you care about your clothes and how you look that shows me you'll care about me. I think it works like that...

3.) MOST IMPORTANTLY: You're somewhat of a dork. Now I don't mean dork in a negative way. I believe I am really only attracted to nerdy guys. I really don't know how to describe how to spot a dork... but I guess it's just because they don't have big muscles and they look innocent and they are actually nice. And I am a dork and I like when guys like nerdy cute things.. like Star Wars books, Abraham Lincoln and puppies. Also, dorks like sweet music. Non dorks like T-Pain and Nickelback... which in turn makes them a dork... in a negative way.

3.) I really don't feel like explaining myself anymore so I'm just going to post a video of my new favorite dorkies, Vampire Weekend. If I saw them on the street, I definitely want to bone slang.
I know other people have previously posted about Vampire Weekend but I don't care. I'm not really an 'indie guru'... meaning I'm not searching out for new different bands every day and trying to make them my favorite. (Not that doing that is a bad thing)
I just started listening to them and I am really impressed. I have heard people talking about them for the past couple months and I just assumed they were a Fall Out Boy-like band repeat.
So when I heard them I was pleasantly surprised and refreshed by their sound. It's refreshing to hear an 'indie' band not scream WE'RE SO INDIE through their music and lyrics. (besides the name Vampire Weekend... vampires seem to be the latest hipster craze right now... *cough*CortneyAmandaKappy*cough*)
Vampire Weekend sounds like if The Police, Dispatch and a keyboard had a brilliant love child.
I dig it. I'd probably date that baby.
Here's a video of my dorkies performing my favorite song off their self entitled album... Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. (i hope this video works...)

Rockumentary provides in depth look to The Flaming Lips

Brad Beesley, filmmaker and childhood friend to Flaming Lips front man Wayne Coyne, provides a rare glimpse to the humble beginnings of one of musics most independently influental psyco-billy rock bands. After combing 400 hours of footage that includes a decade of home movies, personal interviews, live shows, music videos, and behind the scenes of Christmas on Mars, The Fearless Freaks is at last realized. From the grips of stardom to the depths of depression and addiction, The Fearless Freaks is a beautifuly and brutally honest protrayal of a group of kids from Oklahoma who accidentaly stumbled upon somthing great.


"Although I am certainly excited and ready to share this film with the world I have to admit it's bitter sweet. I can't image not filming a Lips concert, a Drozd brother jam session or the Coyne family Christmas. I am forever grateful to Wayne, Steven and Michael for their patience and trust. Without the unbelievable access that the band allowed this film would just be another okay rockumentary. Instead, together we have created an insightful and personal piece of cinema." -Brad Beesley

New TBLLT

The U.K. twee duo The Boy Least Likely To looks set to be releasing some new material in the near future. Here's a sampling of the new along with some of the old (an awesome cover of George Michael's "Faith").



DOWNLOAD: The Boy Least Likely To - A Balloon On A Broken String
DOWNLOAD: The Boy Least Likely To - Faith

C-Sides

Stereogum first turned me on to Chris Garneau back in the fall of '06, and with the recent release of his EP of B-sides, aptly titled C-Sides EP, I have found that my love is still strong. The songs remain relatively sparse with just piano, cello, and whispered vocals, but the structure serves the songs well as it draws focus to the beautiful, sad, and often painful lyrics ("I want to catch my death a cold because I'm scared I'm growing old"). Perfect music for those cold and/or depressing nights filled with doubt and self-loathing...I mean, if you ever experience that type of stuff...which I obviously do not.

From Chris' debut Music for Tourists
how to download: ctrl click/right click, download linked file
DOWNLOAD: Chris Garneau - Black and Blue

From Chris' C-Sides EP
how to download: just click the link
DOWNLOAD: Chris Garneau - Love Zombies

I Never Told You What I Do for A Living

If my senior year of high school had a soundtrack, it would have been My Chemical Romance's Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. The emo rock opera, which would later become the band's breakthrough CD, combines chugging kiss-offs and heartfelt ballads to create one of the most celebrated albums of 2004.

Now the New Jersey-based group is heading out on a "small venue" (3,000 capacity) tour with Billy Talent and Drive By opening.

I saw these guys live on the 2005 Warped Tour and my mind was effectively blown.

With members of the band getting married left and right, I feel like it's only a matter of time before these guys hang up their eyeliner in favor of a more suburban lifestyle. Catch them live before it's too late...

Mar 28: Tempe, AZ @ Tempe Music Festival

Mar 29: Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

Mar 30: Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint

Apr 3: San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre

Apr 6: Irvine, CA @ The Bamboozle LeftApr 8: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

Apr 11: Magna, UT @ The Great Salt Air Theatre

Apr 13: Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium

Apr 15: Kansas City, KS @ Memorial Hall

Apr 17: Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater

Apr 19: Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore at State Theatre

Apr 28: Austin, TX @ Stubbs Amphitheater

May 6: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

Your Last Chance to See Mr. Folds

The Ben Folds March 2nd concert in the IMU Main Lounge is SOLD OUT!! All hope is not lost however, there is one pair left! The only way that you can get them is by listening to the SCOPE Radio Show, THIS UPCOMING THURSDAY 2/21/08 from 10am-noon!

Listen intently to the show, because when you hear the first Ben Folds song we play--which ever song it may be--call into the KRUI Request Line at (319)335-8970 and be the first caller to win the LAST PAIR OF BEN FOLDS TICKETS FOR THE MARCH 2ND SHOW!

Besides the tickets, we have a pretty rockin' show, so you should listen anyway. Thursday will also bring about the announcement of the artist for the 10,000 Hours Eastern Iowa Concert, presented by SCOPE Productions. Listen on your radio at 89.7 if you're local, or listen online at www.kruiradio.org/listen

Jackie Moon

Didn't even have a chance to watch this yet (I'm in class), but I have a hunch that it will end up being hilarious.

Must Be Something in the Air, Because the Songs About Love Are Coming in Hot

SCOPE just got its hands on a 5-song promo for the Mystery Jets' upcoming album, Twenty One, and if these five songs are any indicator, boy howdy, this is gonna be one sweet piece of indie-pop magic. What's most impressive is that these songs stand so well on their own in comparison to the pop perfection that is "Flakes" (see earlier post), each one primed for hit single status. Evoking the early days (60's era) of perfectly crafted three and a half minute radio pop anthems, these tracks are sure to be the perfect companion for spring canoodling. Although potentially too sweet for much staying power, that's no reason not to drink it up while it's fresh. "Young Love" is the first single off the album, due out in March, and it puts a very sweet and romantic spin on what, in Iowa City, would usually prove to be a randy, sloppy, and regrettable encounter. Close your eyes, have a listen, and dream of warm days and pretty girls.

DOWNLOAD: Mystery Jets - Young Love

added bonus: check out the Mystery Jets' funky vibed cover of Bloc Party's phenomenal "Pioneers"

DOWNLOAD: Mystery Jets - Pioneers (Bloc Party Cover)

for those that don't know how to download
pc users: right click the link, then select "save target as"
old mac users: ctrl click the link, then select "download linked filed"
new mac users: two fingers on the mouse pad click the link, the select "download linked file"

The Week In New Music: February 19th

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).

US Releases for Tuesday, February 19:

American Music Club "The Golden Age"
Apes "Ghost Games"
Atlas Sound "Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel"
Bell X1 "Flock"
Big Sleep "Sleep Forever"
Bon Iver "For Emma, Forever Ago" (highly recommended)
Shauna Burns "The Moon And The Fire Circle"
A Cursive Memory "Changes"
Ray Davies "Working Man's Cafe"
Mike Doughty "Golden Delicious"
Mountain Goats "Heretic Pride"
Kula Shaker "Strange Folk"
Raveonettes "Lust Lust Lust"
Rick Ross "Trilla"
Time Again "Darker Days"

All Hail the Foo Fighters: Part Two

On April 25th, 2006, a mine collapsed in Beaconsfield, Tasmania, Australia. There were 17 people in the mine at the time; 14 escaped, one was killed, and two were lost in the mine and only discovered five days later by a remote controlled device, almost on accident, as they were blasting through the mine. When contact was finally established with the two trapped miners, requests were asked of the individuals. They requested magazines, blankets, food, and one miner asked for an iPod with the Foo Fighters on it.

Dave Grohl, lead singer of Foo Fighters, heard of the request and sent a personal message to the miners: "Though I'm halfway around the world right now, my heart is with you both, and I want you to know that when you come home, there's two tickets to any Foos show, anywhere, and two cold beers waiting for yous. Deal?" One of the miners took up this request and flew to a concert and shared a beer with Grohl, after surviving two full weeks in the mine.

On the latest, GRAMMY WINNING, album from the Foo Fighters, Echoes, Patience, Silence, and Grace, there is an instrumental track on the album entitled, "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners." Upon listening to it, I felt like it was taking me through a scene of struggle but then it ends with the most peaceful note ever. If there was ever the most appropriate way to commemorate the tale of the miners' struggle and perseverance, the "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners" is definitely it.

If the story of survival is not compelling enough, Dave Grohl's deed certainly is. He may be my definition of a rock star, but not just because of the face melting and gum chewing; he has a good heart. Dave Grohl, I honor you once again. There are so many lead singers, drummers, and even merch guys in this day in age that carry such an ego in the music industry. Even though they are making their money from the fans, few bands or artists truly take the time to give back to their fans. This isn't an example of a mere hello, this is going so far above and beyond that it amazes me that the event did not get more media attention. This stands for me as the perfect example of why I choose to believe in the power of music and why I will support Foo Fighters until their dying day.

Stay tuned for the next post, because I am going to see the Foo Fighters a week from Monday. More Foo hailing to come!

mp3: Ballad of The Beaconsfield Miners

Lover, You Should've Come Over

I thought long and hard for quite a while about how best to approach this post for two reasons: one being that I couldn't find an album version mp3 to accompany it, and the other being that no words that I could possibly conjure up would ever do justice to the song. In the end, I decided that it would be better to have said something, regardless of how inadequate, than to have said nothing at all.

The other week I was sending a friend in Chicago some new music and we were chatting about what we've been listening to recently, and he told me that he had been getting into Jeff Buckley pretty heavily lately. For whatever reason, this inspired me to revisit Buckley's only proper full-length release (as he accidentally drown in a Mississippi river tributary while in Memphis working his sophomore effort), the critically acclaimed "Grace."

I listened to track after track, gorgeous unique song after gorgeous unique song, until I landed on "Lover, You Should've Come Over." Gasp. Perhaps it's the patheticness of being alone on Valentine's Day weekend, or perhaps it's still being in the town where you met your first real love, or where you met the one that got away. But my God what a song. Perfect in every single respect. Not a single note or instrument out of place. And sweet Jesus, Buckley's ethereal voice, almost too beautiful for the ears on this planet to process. Then you get to the lyrics. The pitiable desperateness of rejected love made to seem so bittersweet ("my body turns and yearns for a sleep that won't ever come, it's never over, my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder").

Describing this song to someone who hasn't heard it is like trying to describe Van Gogh's "Starry Night" to someone who hasn't seen it. I can't explain why it's beautiful. I can't explain why it's important. But if any of you three blog readers out there read or listen to anything I've ever done on this blog, please let it be this.

Although I despise buying songs from iTunes with all their DRM bullsh*t, if you don't have this album, or at the very least this song, you absolutely must go get it. That is a command. For now, I leave you with Buckley's most recognized song, one which Time Magazine labeled as one of the best songs of all time, a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."

edit: I found an mp3 of "Lover, You Should've Come Over" so download it below...now.

DOWNLOAD: Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
DOWNLOAD: Jeff Buckley - Lover, You Should've Come Over

for those that don't know how to download
pc users: right click the link, then select "save target as"
old mac users: ctrl click the link, then select "download linked filed"
new mac users: two fingers on the mouse pad click the link, the select "download linked file"

A Band You Don't Know, But Should.

For all the people who have been waiting for a new Postal Service record since the last presidential election, I suggest you tide yourself over with Minneapolis band Halloween, Alaska. HA is a collective of musicians from around the Twin Cities, notably drummer David King from The Bad Plus and guitarist Jake Hanson, brother of Jeremy Hanson of Tapes 'N Tapes.

Unlike the Postal Service, HA uses all live percussion, and King plays his hybrid kit (electronic and acoustic percussion) so fast that on slower songs he drums on his legs to keep his metronomic beats locked in with Hanson's atmospheric guitar parts. HA's singer James Diers sings with a laconic, flexible rhythm that somehow always finds a place in the electro-pop surrounding him, and the band's choice of cover songs (State Trooper by Bruce Springsteen, and I Can't Live Without My Radio by LL Cool J) is impeccable.

Check out one of my favorite Halloween, Alaska songs, Call It Clear, and do yourself a favor and check out other songs at their myspace.

Call It Clear Halloween, Alaska Mp3

Myspace for Halloween, Alaska.

Late Night Brawl: O'Brian v. Colbert v. Stewart

Yet to meet a person under 30 who doesn't find each one of these guys hilarious. Cleverly set to Arctic Monkeys' "Brianstorm."


And, for good measure, the Monkeys performing "Brianstorm" at T in the Park festival.

My First Time...

No, I'm not talking about my first time with a woman (I'm still awaiting that fateful event). I'm talking about my first time seeing a music video...ever. Or at least the first video I remember seeing. And boy, was it a doozy. Now, for the most part, nobody questions the Beatles' greatness as a cohesive musical unit. However, some of their individual musical (mis)adventures may lead the listener to believe that the whole was quite a bit greater than the sum of its respective parts. This argument could be made about George Harrison's 1987 album "Cloud 9." And although it could be made, I would not make it. I liked the album and I loved this video. It had everything I want in a video: back flips and dancing furniture. I am proud to say that George Harrison and a singing taxidermic boar head accompanied me on one of the landmark moments in my musical development. I dedicate this to tonight's dream girl, the one whose glazed over eyes I will peer deep into come barclose, and slur the words "I've got my mind set on you."

Flakes

For the most part, alot of the things we alert you to (new music, videos, etc.) are things we found on other blogs and sites whilst surfing the interweb (one of the best out there is stereogum). We try and sift through all the madness and bring you what we think are the best or most noteworthy things out there. While doing such sifting, I stumbled upon an old favorite, "Flakes" by the Mystery Jets (and by "old" I mean about three or four months ago [but by internet standards, that's pre-historic]). "Flakes" is a flawless piece of pop perfection, timeless in its simplicity, feeling like a song you've known forever, or like that old sweatshirt that just grows softer and more dear with each wear. Please enjoy the song and the company of loved ones on this very special Valentine's Day. I will be alone, drowning my sorrows in tears and johnnie walker.

DOWNLOAD: Mystery Jets - Flakes

How To Win Ben Folds Tickets/Opener Added

If you listened to the SCOPE Radio Show this morning on KRUI (www.kruiradio.org/listen), you probably heard about our BIG announcement. The Ben Folds March 2nd concert in the IMU Main Lounge is SOLD OUT!! All hope is not lost however, there is one pair left! The only way that you can get them is by listening to the SCOPE Radio Show, THIS UPCOMING THURSDAY 2/21/08 from 10am-noon! We will announce a time to call in and then the tickets will be yours.

More news about Ben Folds--the opener has been announced! It's Eef Barzelay, formerly of Clem Snide, who will be performing solo. Hope you are as stoked as we are.

If you missed the radio show, here is what we played (in order most recent to the first played at the shift)

Pink Moon Nick Drake
On The Table AC Newman
Ballad For My One True Love Mason Jennings
You Know I Love You Pigeon Detectives
Four Winds Bright Eyes
Jimmy MIA
You Don't Know What Love Is The White Stripes
One Time Too Many Phoenix
The Shining Badly Drawn Boy
Skinny Love Bon Iver
Shadowplay The Killers
Let's Make Love And Listen To The Death From Above
Orange Sky Alexi Murdoch
Hey Muscles I Love You Muscles
One Big Holiday My Morning Jacket
You Are My Face Wilco
Bang This In The Club Girl Talk
Electric Feel MGMT
True Love Way Kings Of Leon
A Certain Romance Arctic Monkeys
Feet Asleep Thao With The Get Down Stay Down
The Night Starts Here Stars
I'll Believe In Anything Wolf Parade
Made In The Dark Hot Chip
Do You Love Me Still The Kooks
Cape Cod Kwassakwassa Vampire Weekend
Anyone Else But You Michael Cera And Ellen Page

All Hail the Foo Fighters: Part One

When I look back on my life at the age 50 and I think of rock stars, I know I will be thinking about Dave Grohl and his sick guitar playing and awesome gum chewing. I hate to dwell on the gum chewing because he is talented as so many more things, but it just raises his level of cool to another level.

The Foo Fighters were automatically predisposed to stardom with the ties to Nirvana. But one of the best things about them is that that they have never let their fans down. Starting with "Big Me" and its big statement into pop music and its coupled music video, it was evident that Foo Fighters were going to stick with fans for a long time. The Grammy's of the past week were the greatest evidence of that. The award for "Best Rock Album" had some stiff competition (Wilco's Sky Blue Sky, ahem), but Foo Fighters took the award that they were fully deserving of. They also brought the best performance of the entire night.

There is much more to discuss about the Foo Fighters, but for now, enjoy this blast from the past.



p.s. another reason why he is cool, he is quoted saying this about everyone's favorite rich girl in The Sun, “Paris is f*cking lame. She’s more offensive to me than anything. She’s a total, raging, disgusting, rich, lazy party slut. I pray that my daughter will not turn out like her.” :)