Record Store Day

Just wanted to inform you if you didn't know and remind you if it slipped your mind that this Saturday, April 17th, is Record Store Day. In this age of digital downloads and throwaway music, the idea is simple: get out and support your local record store. Buy some real music with cover art, liner notes and hardware you actually have to place into or on a player to hear. Talk with fellow music lovers or pick the brain of those special employees who are the curators of our musical past and present. As our friend Mr. Waits says, "Folks who work here are professors. Don't replace all the knowers with guessors. Keep 'em open, they're the ears of the town." You don't have to have a turntable to participate (though it helps). Go out an pick up that new CD you've been curious about and forget about iTunes for the weekend.

The link below will tell you all you need to know. There's a huge list of participating artists releasing limited edition, one-day-only stuff. If you're in a city, there are festivities happening all day at your local record stores involving giveaways, refreshments and in-store appearances and performances by your favorite bands (folks in the Twin Cities should venture out to the Electric Fetus to catch Dr. Dog).

I've decided that this will be a holiday in our house henceforth. I'll be buying my daughter a selected LP for her first RSD and every RSD to come. Let's all show our support so she can find out what's so special about our record stores first-hand someday, rather than hearing me tell her about how it used to be.

http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home

Geography 101

I always enjoyed Geography in grade school but in retrospect, something was missing... good music. Below I have ranked the best "Geographic" bands and the respective reasons for their rankings.

10. Asia - The largest continent in the world and quite possibly one of the worst bands. "Do you know how I know you are gay? You have a poster of Asia on your wall." Not that this quote from "The 40-year-old Virgin" sums up the band, but it does show a little disrespect towards this group hailing from... England? Featuring members of the brilliant progressive rock bands King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Yes, Asia is not necessarily a force to be reckoned with compared to the geographic region covered mainly by tundra, or all that brilliant, despite it being a "supergroup". They had one single that people remember, "Heat Of The Moment" yet were able to produce a few "Greatest Hit" albums. Must have been to fulfill a record label contract. Do any of you have an Asia album? If you do, please stop reading this blog.


9. Berlin - The capital city of Germany and the reason "Top Gun" was an international phenomenon. Berlin is from America and produced the single "Take My Breath Away" (aka 'Love Theme from "Top Gun"') which still gives me Goose-bumps and recalls imagery of Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis in one of the steamiest scenes caught on film (OK, a little puke just came up while writing that.) Recently, Berlin was featured on VH1's Bands Reunited and obviously that did not lead to anything productive or memorable.


8. Chicago - The Midwest metropolis, birth place to Jake and Elwood Blues and an American rock band from, well, Chicago oddly enough. Fronted by Peter Cetera on bass, Chicago has sold over 120 million albums and is second only to the Beach Boys as the most successful American rock bands in terms of albums and singles. Initially, Chicago was a good band. They produced the hit singles "25 or 6 to 4" and "Saturday In The Park", then went on to produce garbage like "You're The Inspiration". Chicago is dead to me now and anything but an inspiration.


7. Europe - Birthplace of "Western Culture" and legendary arena rock band. Exported from Sweden, this band brings you instantly back to the 80s. Europe produced the megahits "The Final Countdown" and "Carrie". The band went on to sell 3 million copies of "The Final Countdown" in the US alone. Some nights I dream that Europe was from Poland.


6. Nazareth - Childhood home of Jesus Christ and 70s Scottish rock band. Nazareth released "Hair Of The Dog" and "Love Hurts" from the album "Hair Of The Dog" in 1975. "Hair of the Dog" soon became the Hell's Angels theme song; "Now you're messing with a son of a bitch". The band didn't do much more after that. But being the city which reared the central figure of Christianity, they move up on this list.


5. Alabama - Home of the Crimson Tide, Bo Bice, and the country music juggernaut. Regardless of if you like country music or not, Alabama is extraordinary. Alabama is one of the most commercially successful American bands of all time. Alabama has produced 23 studio albums, 32 number one singles and 2,789 cases of oral cancer secondary to 8.6 billion cans of Skoal chewed. Their most notable singles include "Mountain Music", "Roll On" and "If You're Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band)".


4. America - Land of the free, home of the brave and 70s folk-rock band. Sons of American fathers and British mothers, their fathers being military personnel stationed at a United States Air Force base in London, America was a great band who blended folk and rock perfectly. Their harmonizing was unmatched (only Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young could compete.) Just listen to the singles "A Horse With No Name", "Sister Golden Hair", and the brilliant "Ventura Highway".


3. Kansas - Referenced in Oz and American progressive rock band from Topeka. Kansas rise to fame occurred in the 70s with such notable hits as "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust In The Wind" and "Point Of No Return." Just listen to "Carry On Wayward Son" again... that's why Kansas is number 3.


2. Portishead - Coastal town in Somerset, England and trip-hop pioneers. Portishead first hit the scene in the mid 1990s with the release of their debut album "Dummy" in 1994. The band formed in Bristol, Eng, just 8 miles east of Portishead and have since helped to develop a new type of music. Frequently being cited as despising the term "trip-hop", Portishead, along with Massive Attack are primarily responsible for creating a style of music that blends electronic music with a slow tempo and driving beats. Being #4 on my "Best Albums of the 90s" list, "Dummy" is a monumental record. Being somewhat reclusive, the band has only released two other studio albums; "Portishead" in 1997 and "Third" in 2008.


1. Boston - Baked beans, tea party's and classic rock royalty. Boston was the brain child of Tom Scholz whom first started writing music in 1969 while attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston's debut self-titled album, released in 1976, has gone platinum 17 times and is the second best-selling debut album of all-time in the US following GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction". Their singles include "More Than a Feeling", "Peace of Mind", "Foreplay/Long Time", "Rock and Roll Band", "Smokin'", "Don't Look Back" and "Amanda". Overall, Boston has sold over 31 million albums in the US alone. Despite the death of original lead singer Brad Delp, Boston continues to rock.

Midnight at the Movies

Justin Townes Earle's "Midnight At The Movies" I decided to let simmer for a while; always a good thing to do, in my opinion, when listening to something new. It didn't grab me on first listen and based on PD's high praise I knew there was more to appreciate. After tucking it away for a few weeks and then giving it another day in court, I'm starting to hear it. The first thing I thought on those initial few spins is that this guy sounds a lot like a countrified Mason Jennings (not helped by the similar 'I've Been Workin' on the Railroad' sentiment of both Empire Builder and John Henry). The problem I had with that was that much like Mason Jennings' work, I could see the talent and the knack for writing good songs, but I didn't feel like any of them would stick with me for more than a week or two, fairly forgettable stuff. The more I listen, the less similarity I hear and the more I'm realizing there are some really outstanding tracks. The album starts with the title track, a dreamy song that sounds like it was written and performed in those hazy wee-hours with which the subject matter is concerned. I like the lonely story of the aimless singer and the imagery as he describes the darkened movie theater as if it's his home away from home and perhaps a place to escape whatever's waiting for him when he steps out the front door as the closing credits roll. As a big movie and movie theater buff I feel like I've been there a time or two myself.

The second song on the album is possibly my favorite one. It starts out with an old-timey lilting piano and steel guitar melody with the banjo keeping time. JTE's voice starts out sounding exactly like some old singer whose voice I can clearly hear in my head, but whose name I'll probably never know. (Seems like they may have used his voice in commercials at some point if anyone has any idea who I'm talking about and can help.) There's a whistle solo thrown in and some nice harmonizing from the backup singers, but it's the main hook that makes this one of my favorites. That "I need to know right now" of the chorus is what I find myself spontaneously singing even when the song isn't playing. It's a short and simple tune, but something about it sticks with me. As I suspected, I underestimated the staying power of this album on first listen.

I also like the nice slow build of the next short and sweet track "John Henry," as he starts with guitar and layers on fiddle, then banjo, then bass. There's a solid honky tonk vibe to "Poor Fool" and the driving "Halfway to Jackson," with a harmonica line that is reminiscent of one of the greatest titled songs of all time, the Stones' "Turd on the Run." The ballad "Someday I'll Be Forgiven For This" is beautiful and obviously a very personal song, but it's the concluding track "Here We Go Again" that's a knockout. I place it with the likes of "Can I Stay" by Ray or "I Better Be Quiet Now" by Elliott Smith in a category called 'If I could write one song about a girl in my whole life I only wish it could be a fraction as awesome as this one.'

The one place the album goes astray for me is the cover of the Replacements' "Can't Hardly Wait." It doesn't translate to JTE's style well and I find it boring. However, the fact that the one stinker on this album is the cover track, to me, is a good thing. More originals please.

I rate this album one big ol' shiny steel guitar (out of five stars)

"Some shine and some don't"

For those who have ever wondered what it would be like to venture into the mind of a schizophrenic on LSD while spontaneously combusting, have I got an album for you; Shining's "Blackjazz". Shining is a band hailing from Norway and have a sound comparible to Nine Inch Nails, Buckethead, Ministry, John Coltrane and more importantly Mike Patton's Mr. Bungle and Fantomas. It is very hard to actually categorize this type of music, this album in particular, as it is jazzy, loud, chaotic, dark and suprisingly extremely catchy. Shining's frontman, Jorgen Munkeby, used to front the progressive jazz outfit Jaga Jazzist, but broke away, obviously because he wanted a band that turned things up to 13 (that's right folks, this one goes to 13!) "Blackjazz" is a perfect title for this album as Shining has created their own genre by that name. The album kicks off with "The Madness and the Damage Done" which may scare most people away with it's 'cookie monster' growls, however it's unrelenting assault on your inner ear makes it impossible to take off the headphones as they quickly melt to your face. The next track, "Fisheye", probably has the most 'pop' feel to it as it could fit on any NIN or Filter album. You will be singing along with the chorus "1, 3, 7, 5... 1, 3, 4, 9" by the end of the song. I have NO idea what those numbers mean, nor do I think Shining do. "Exit Sun" follows in a similar vein as it pummels it's listener into wanting more. The songs builds on a quick guitar track with bombastic drums that leads to the sound of a mob chanting. The song then segways into a brutal 1 minute drum and synth instrumental closer. The next track, "HEALTER SKELTER", is a personal favorite. Instead of lyrics, Mr. Munkeby plays his barisax much like Steve Vai plays his guitar; technical and shredding. Shining have turned jazz into something a metalhead would be proud of. This album is so much more than a musical masterpiece it is the mother of all auditory mind trips. I guarantee you have never heard anything like this before. This album will most definitely be polarizing; either you love it or you misunderstand it. For those who get it, you're welcome... but thank Shining.



"Some shine and some don't" - Dick Hallorann

Rating 13

Get Yer Bone On!

On Friday, March 12th, I got the opportunity (again) to see the best funk/jazz/rock band in New Orleans, Bonerama. This trombone quartet (now trio) played at the Orpheum theatre in Sioux Falls, SD. After seeing them live in New Orleans at the world famous Tipitina's and at an outdoor music festival in Michigan, this was quite the change in venue. For those who have never been to the Orpheum in SF, it is a nice concert hall with plush seats, balcony seating and plenty of blue hairs; more on that in a moment. Bonerama was brought to Sioux Falls by the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society as a part of their concert series. Upon entering the venue, one couldn't help but notice many of the spectators dressed to the nines and appeared ready for a evening of sophisticated, elegant, contemporary music. Unfortunately, Bonerama are non of those. The band was introduced by the master of ceremonies, who ended with "typically the doors close following the start of the concert, however, tonight the doors will remain open and people should feel free to frequent the concessions for drinks", one has to wonder if this was changed upon request of the band. The lights dimmed and the band took stage. Within seconds, the band was greeted by piercing whistles, frantic clapping and hollering from the balcony, specifically row 6, seats 5 through 10 (those occupied by none other than myself, my wife and our rowdy compatriots). In retrospect, I cannot help but think the septuagenarians sitting directly in front of us lost a little urine upon this greeting and throughout the concerts entirety due to our raucous escapades. Bonerama started with a slow ballad the three trombonists played in harmony. Following this, they blasted into a 7 minute tribute to The Meters. This song was brilliant and truly let the funk out! They continued to rock the house with their staple songs "Shake Your Rugalator", "Baronne", "Mr. Go" and a killer rendition of Led Zep's "Ocean." During the show, they gave props to the people in the balcony (we are going to take credit for that one). To close, Bonerama played a encore medley which included "When The Saints Go Marching In", and by that time the crowd was entirely into their trademark groove. Bonerama plays one of the best shows you will get an opportunity to see. Do yourself a favor and check them out next time you are in Nahlans. Bone up!

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times, the End Times

E Works (1-19-10) "I pushed the bed against the window today, so there'd be only one side," states Mark Oliver Everett on "Unhinged". This is only one of many poignantly morose lyrics that can be heard on the Eels recent release, "End Times". Don't get me wrong, I've always had a keen appreciation of dark and downright depressing music. However, after listening to this 40-minute opus of misery, even I needed to step outside and see the sunshine. A majority of "End Times" was recorded on a four-track, which gives the songs a characteristic grainy quality. Considering the album's content, this seems only natural. "End Times" is in some moments beautiful, other moments irreverent, and in all instances unapologetically filled with pain and regret.

Everett, most often known as "E", leads off with a song aptly titled "The Beginning", a lyrically uplifting tune being told in hindsight by a sad, reflective narrator. E's raw, smoky voice coupled with a delicate guitar melody make this the most compelling track on the album, and may remind some listeners of a favorite of mine, "Gone for Good" by Morphine. Next is "Gone Man", an up-tempo bluesy rocker telling of a man coming to the realization that his self-defeating behavior is subconsciously pushing away his lover, as if his "true-self" has wanted to be alone all along. "Paradise Blues" is a resentful ditty in which there's an analogy comparing a heartbreaking woman to a suicide bomber, accompanied by a steady bar-room beat. The sadness continues with "Unhinged", a scathing condemnation of a past love, a love who has apparently become the antithesis of a woman who was once cherished. One last track to check out is "Little-Bird", a lovely Dylan-esque tune that is both soul-bearing and simple.

The Eels are at their best on "End Times" with the quiet, contemplative ballads that highlight E's soulful voice. Their faster-pace offerings are also catchy, though a tad bit depressing. Those who enjoy Elliott Smith's catalogue will likely dig this album, as the unbridled emotion contained in "End Times" rivals the works of the late singer-songwriter. And if exercising the demons of past relationships gone wrong is your thing, then this CD will be right up your alley. Just do me one favor, though, and don't save it for a rainy day...this disc is dark enough on its own.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Hazards of Love

Following in the footsteps of Tommy (The Who), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (David Bowie), The Wall (Pink Floyd), and Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day), the Decemberists' 5th studio album, the Hazards of Love, is a rock opera (coincidentally released on the same day as Crack the Skye by Mastodon, another rock opera). Hazards of Love is the story of a love affair between a young woman named Margaret and a shape-shifting beast named William, the misfortunes they undergo during their relationship, and the tragic end that befalls their forbidden romance.

The challenge with a rock opera, at least for the listener, is hearing only one continuing story over the course of an album, oftentimes with a congruous musical theme from beginning to end. Thus, if an artist is unable to capture the listener's ear with the first few tracks and the main hooks, they run the risk of the listener losing interest long before the conclusion. Thankfully, in the case of Hazards of Love, my curiosity was peaked enough from the initial song to keep me attentive throughout the entirety of the CD.

The 1st track, appropriately titled "Prelude", sets the tone with spooky synthesizers in the style of Phantom of the Opera. Track 2, "The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone", opens the story of Margaret and William with moody acoustic guitar and vocals remiscent of Automatic for the People-era R.E.M. or Death Cab for Cutie. This is followed by "A Bower Scene", the short but edgy tale of Margaret conceiving William's child, which is paralleled by sweetly-soft guitar picking alternating with stomping rock chords. "Won't Want for Love" consists of guest-vocalist Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond) decrying the wonders of infatuation with her nymph-like vocals, and lead-singer Colin Meloy echoing those sentiments with punching declarations of "Can you hear me love?". Another notable track is "Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid", a bluezy back and forth duet between Meloy and Shara Worden (My Perfect Diamond), emphasized by Worden's sultry vocals, which are temptingly reminiscent of Grace Slick. Also of note is "The Rake's Song" an angry, morbid soliloquy telling of the hope created by a new marriage, the loss of a wife in childbirth, the killing off of the remaining children, and the resulting freedom from the whole mess. Though disturbing in content and a little difficult to digest, "The Rake's Song" is clearly the best "rock" track on the album. Hazards of Love concludes with "The Drowned", beautifully detailing the final spirited reunion of Margaret and William before they meet their watery grave.

Upon my first distracted listen to this disc, Hazards of Love came off as rather redundant and somewhat whiny. However, after three more spins in conjunction with a careful inspection of the lyrics, I was surprised at how catchy it became. This album is a gentle roller-coaster of musical story telling, and is definitely worth a listen. And if you've never listened to the Decemberists before, this would be a worthy place to start.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Brew Tunes

There is almost nothing I enjoy better than listening to good music. However, enjoying a good beer ranks up there with a great record. Below are some of my favorite brews and albums that go well with them.

Surly Brewing Co. "Furious" goes great with Grinderman's "Grinderman".


This is quite possibly the greatest beer ever crafted. Brewed in Brooklyn Center, MN, this American Pale Ale (as best described) created with Simpsons Malt and four American hop varieties goes well with any occasion. Nick Cave's side project Grinderman compliments it nicely. As opposed to his Bad Seeds catalog, Grinderman has a rawer, nastier, more 'furious' feel than much of the Bad Seeds' outtings. Choice tracks include "Get It On", "Man In The Moon" and "Depth Charge Ethel."

Dogfish Head Brewery "60 Minute IPA" goes well with Pink Floyd's "Atom Heart Mother".


Dogfish Head, hailing from Milton, DE, brews "60 Minute", "90 Minute" and "120 Minute" IPAs. More expensive, the more minutes, but the "60 Minute IPA" has the best flavor without the strong hopped aftertaste. "Atom Heart Mother" is Pink Floyd's most underrated album (and the bands least favorite as they have been quoted as saying they wish they never made the album) and musically one of their most complex. While the album clocks in at just under 60 minutes, drinking enough of this IPA will send anyone on a psychedelic trip. Choice tracks include "Atom Heart Mother Suite", "Fat Old Sun" and "Summer '68."

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. "Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale" bodes well with Danzig's "Danzig".


Made in Chico, CA, "Bigfoot Ale" is only available from January through March (if you can find it that late). This is NOT your "Mother"'s beer, it has a 10% alcohol content. RECOMMENDED ONLY for those who enjoy a very hoppy brew. Listed as having 90 bitterness units (Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has 37 bitterness units), this beer is about as bitter as Glen Danzig's persona. It is only fitting pairing the two as Mr. Danzig looks similar to a Sasquatch. Beware of drinking more than 2 as this beer may [subsitute may with WILL] prevent you from enjoying the record. Choice tracks include "Evil Thing", "Twist of Cain" and "She Rides".

August Schell Brewing Co. "Grain Belt Premium" fits perfectly with ZZ Top's "Tres Hombres".


This beer used to be brewed by the Minneapolis Brewing Company, who's building is now on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. Grain Belt has made several ownership changes until landing in New Ulm, MN, in 2002. This golden lager is similar to other mainstream lagers such as Coors and Miller, but has it's own distinct flavor. The light flavor and easy drinkability makes it perfect for any hot summer day. ZZ Top has made their own name as a working man's band and have been seen at such summer events such as the Sturgis Bike Rally. While spinning ZZ Top's "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" one can't help reaching for some suds. Choice tracks include "La Grange", "Waitin' For The Bus" and "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers".

DISCLAIMER: Please drink in moderation and turn it up to 11!

\m/ \m/

Crack the Skye

It would be disingenuous to refer to myself as anything more than a casual fan of Heavy Metal, but I believe I can appreciate good music regardless of genre. That being said, Crack the Skye by Mastodon is the type of album which can appeal to almost anyone who enjoys hard rock. Brann Dailor, the band's percussionist, stated Mastodon was going after a "creepy, classic-rock sounding record". The resulting tracks are an unrelenting flow of technically precise and deeply layered Metal musicianship, highlighted by intricate solos seemlessly interwoven with stock progressive riffs.

The album begins with "Oblivion", a song with a prelude of gradually escalating guitar jousts building to an ignition of pain-filled vocal wailings during a rare vocal turn from Dailor. Next is "Divinations" a speedy, comparatively short rocker that begins eerily with a banjo in a possible homage to Deliverance by the Atlanta-based foursome. "Quintessence" is the most mainstream track on the album with alternating guitar blasts surrounding Brent Hinds' Ozzy Osbourne-esque vocals. For the true die-hard Metal fan, the title track "Crack the Skye" delivers the classic sludge riffs and growling, demonic vocals that have so often characterized Heavy Metal.

The magnum opus of Crack the Skye is the 13-minute epic "The Last Baron", christened in the first minute by Hinds' declaration, "I guess they would say, we could set this world ablaze". The song burns through three minutes of steady rock, before evolving via a rapid-fire barrage of percussion segueing into a jagged back-and-forth ambush of dueling guitar chords. Another blowout transition occurs at the eight-minute mark, followed by one final melt-your-face-off solo that caps off this monster of a track.

Overall, Crack the Skye is a very steady and intriguing rock album. I would still have to rank it behind Blood Mountain, as I feel the latter is still their best work to date. Nonetheless, this latest effort is more universally appealing than their previous recordings, and quite possibly has the most musical and lyrical depth. If you're curious about Heavy Metal, you should definitely give Mastodon a listen. And if you happen to be in Omaha on May 15th, you can see them rock the Midwest at Sokol Auditorium for only $25.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Dragonslayer for Dummies

Being the resident "Metal" expert and not much of a fan of "indie rock" it was an interesting task to review an album given to me from our "Independent" guru. The genre (albeit a very broad, generic category) as always seemed a little boring and repetitive, with most of the artists sounding exactly the same with an inbred sound. And the vocalists all suffering from life threatening sinus infections. With that being said, my task is to review Sunset Rubdown's latest release "Dragonslayer". Upon first listen, this album treads on very familiar territory sounding like the Thom Yorke led 'fictional' band Venus In Furs from the wonderful 'movie that rocks', "Velvet Goldmine." The opening of the first track "Silver Moons" could have fit perfectly in that movie. "Velvet Goldmine" was loosely based on David Bowie and Sunset Rubdown's lead man Spencer Krug has obviously been influenced by the androgynous hero. The next track "Idiot Heart" has a killer guitar riff to start and continues to gain momentum throughout the song. Overall, fantastic tune. You can listen to a brilliant acoustic version on Daytrotter which only solidifies this song as a classic. The next song "Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!" starts off with Nintendo-style keyboards which continues throughout the first half of the track. Deeper into the song at 3:25 a catchy guitar solo takes off and definitely has my attention. Another strong track. The next two songs "Black Swan" and "Paper Lace" sound similar but fit well with the theme of the album. "You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)" again starts with an electronic keyboard solo that you would hear on old school Sega Genesis games. Spencer Krug's voice sounds less and less like Bowie upon repeated listens as he has his own distinct voice dissimilar to most 'indie' front men. The next track "Nightingale/December Song" is a cool track with a great acoustic guitar riff. Sunset Rubdown does a great job of adding sounds and layers to this tune adding to it's appeal. The keyboards and piano are great. The album has a definite early 80s glam feel to it and NOT in a The Darkness kind of way. To end the album, Sunset Rubdown closes with a 10 minute opus entitled "Dragon's Lair". The song title itself deserves props as it reminds me of something Ronnie James Dio would pen. For 'Indie' fans this album delivers.



Stand out tracks: Idiot Heart, Nightingale/December Song, Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!

Rating: 15 out of 23 spiders from Mars

Morning Becomes Eclectic

I was playing some music for my daughters over the weekend and settled upon my collection of CDs from the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" radio show from KCRW in Santa Monice, CA. If you haven't stumbled upon the MBE radio show or any of the CDs generated by the radio station over the years, I suggest poking your head around their internet cite. A handy link to that page is here: http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb Here is a link to all of the CDs the show has generated over the years: http://www.kcrw.com/music/kcrw-cds

The Morning Becomes Eclectic show is a music show from the KCRW radio station based out of Santa Monica College in California. For the past decade the show was hosted by Nic Harcourt and became known for his introduction/finding of several up and coming artists. Some bands he has been given credit for helping to launch their careers are Coldplay, Norah Jones, Dido, Damien Rice, etc. The show is technically categorized as an adult alternative radio show. Aside from playing the typical tracks from an album, the show also has some of the artists stop in the studio and record one or two of their songs while on the air (and to be later released in CD format if deemed worthy). The songs are not edited after they are played on the air. As a comparison, think of Paul's Daytrotter find only with a radio station/music show tied into it. Recently Nic Harcourt stepped down and handed the show over to Jason Bentley. The show is still pulling in great "in-studio" talent. In October of 2009 they had Monsters of Folk record a couple tunes.

I can't remember how I stumbled upon one of the "Sounds Eclectic" CDs generated from the show. But when I did, I couldn't stop playing it. I have subsequently picked up most of the albums (skipping the "Sounds Eclectico" CD). Dig around the albums on the website and you'll see some great tracks from Nick Cave, R.E.M., Radiohead, The Swell Season, The Flaming Lips, My Morning Jacket, Fran Ferdinand, Zero 7, Spoon...just a ton of great artists.

Who says you need to buy a guitar?

While we're on the topic of movies that rock, I finally got a chance to see It Might Get Loud. It's a documentary whose premise is getting three guitar legends from three different generations together in a make-shift living room in a big warehouse and seeing what happens. What happens is awesome. The discussion/jam session is intercut with narratives on the back story for each guitar hero; where they started, how they became who they are. The three masters are Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. The film does a great job demonstrating the innovative style of The Edge, the technical chops of Jimmy and a little of both from Jack. It's been stated on this blog before that I have strong feelings for Jack and I have new-found respect for The Edge after watching this film, but it's clear who the electric messiah is here. Just look for the awestruck smirks on the other two's faces when Jimmy starts playing the Whole Lotta Love riff.

This will serve as a great warm-up as we anticipate the release of Under The Great White Northern Lights, the White Stripes live DVD, arriving March 16, 2010. More to come on that...

Wilco Rocks

I am admittedly not a huge fan of Wilco (the Album) just yet, but that doesn't mean they don't still put on one of the best live shows around. I had the great fortune of seeing them again last night here in Portland. They brought their usual high-energy show with an excellent mix of their catalog, with lots of Tweety-isms sprinkled in between songs. I always hate it when their show is over and I always look forward to the next one.

Stereogum had a blurb on it today with a video clip of the first song of the encore, Neil Young's "Broken Arrow"