MOG - ardyjormkiv's Posts

see you in september...

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:20:55 GMT

i'm off to china today and i wanted to say goodbye!

i'll be sure to come back with some strange, foreign music for you all :)

i'll miss you!

...acoustic tears for fears!? mixed musings plus a review...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:25:33 GMT

not the band, but today a market busker was playing "shout" across the street from my stand. i've never heard any sort of acoustic attempt of tears for fears...i think we should let it stay new wave.

it's been awhile since i've come up with any sort of decent post. i've had posts in my head, they have just never had a chance to make it to the interweb.

i could write about the vivid and stellar set by Annuals about a month back, in which i met the bass player and he gave me the yet unreleased album by their side project, Sunfold entitled "toy tugboats" (formerly Sedona - all the members of Annuals, yet written/headed up by Kenny Florence - i recommend the album!), but i won't.

i could also muse about the mind-blowing, gorgeous, and brilliant work "across the universe" which i saw about two weeks back for the first time, which features renditions of beatle's song that are quite lovely, and in fact i haven't enjoyed a movie as much for a very long time. but no. not that.

then there is are the 11 cds i bought for 25 dollars the other day when i stumbled upon a cute little store that was closing and i got things like okkervil river's "the stage names", johann johannson, neil finn's "try whispering this", and peter gabriel live, all one or two dollars each. but that's not enough.

instead, i'll give you an attempt at reviewing an album that i'm sure will be my number one when the year is up. i'm sort of biased, seeing as they are my favorite band (and i'm going to see them in october SUPER EXCITED) and i think everything they touch turns to beauty, but anyway...

"Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust" is definitely no exception to the fact that everything Sigur Rós puts out is quality piece of art. Even without understanding the lyrics (apart from track 11, which is sung in English!), they never fail to capture the essence of humanity and the beauty found in the epic and the everyday. Victory expouds from each note of "Við Spilum Endalaust" and hope from every phrase in "All Alright". This album shows their incredible range of expression, seen in the tenderness of "Góðan Daginn" to the nine-minute epic of "Festival".

Stand-out tracks include the previously released download "Gobbledigook" and its rousing ascension of "la-la-la-la-la-la" about two minutes and twenty seconds in. "Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur" keeps a fresh and triumphant pace, quite different from the Sigur Rós in "Takk..." transcending their traditional spectrum. Finally, "Með Suð Í Eyrum" is an enrapturing, aural journey into your deepest reflections, unafraid of reaching places you wouldn't dare to go alone.

The album art and accompanying videos are another thing altogether, featuring unclothed backsides frollicking about a field; despite the nudity, they escape perversity.

Altogether, Sigur Rós has accomplished a close to impossible feat: a fresh, beautiful, and lasting work of art, which seems to be increasingly rare these days.

and i'll leave you with that. it's frisbee time!

"High fuel prices put brakes on indie band tours"

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:58:44 GMT

link to the article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080622/ap_en_mu/touring_on_empty

this could be bad news for a lot of you moggers out there. or maybe it will keep local bands local?

well, i haven't made a proper post in awhile, and with dial-up on a computer that is not mine, i don't even have music to post. i hope to get something out soon...

okay!

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:42:55 GMT

i am DONE.

finals week ALMOST killed me but you'll be glad to know that i made it out...mostly in one piece.

i just finished up my last paper which marks the end of my third year. summer is a weird time. i'm not sure what i think about it yet.

i've been listening to mostly study-type music but especially this band along the way...

"okay".

a little band from fremont california. check out this track simply titled "my". the vocals have a rough edge to them...which i do really like...that gives a unique, strangely calming effect. yet there is still that simplicity.

i need to get out of the library now! although summer isn't looking to be very sunny this year...

my first plan for relaxation and clearing my mind? "heima"...

new sigur ros!....and a finals week rant. whoo!

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 31 May 2008 06:52:46 GMT

my birthday was wonderful and gorgeous. woke up at 430 to catch this:

[birthday sunrise from kerry park...]

walked around the sculpture park before work:

[nothing like a spinning ambersand in the morning]

[lovely city]

and caught the sunset from the fremont bridge...

plus much, much more.

and now one week until summer break! which, besides the fact that i won't be as insanely busy, i'm not all that looking forward to. help me out, guys. what am i missing? why should i be looking forward to summer? i AM going to china and that should be great but in the meantime, its gonna be a lot of work. and it also means my friends are off to their respective homes...most of them at least a state or two away! sigh.

LOTS of finals, papers, possible all-nighters to look forward to next week.

i'll take any STUDY MUSIC suggestions you have.

for now, i definitely have my sigur ros and other wordless wonders. this new single from them has a very different sound. i'm really excited for the new album; apparently jonsi sings a song in ENGLISH. weird.

all ages??

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 24 May 2008 05:54:10 GMT

ahh. i've been waiting for this day. the day i am no longer exempt from those venues that demand to be 21 and over.

how am i celebrating? here is a little playlist i started, ready to play on the ipod when i walk up the hill at 5 am to catch the sunrise: andrew bird - the happy birthday song birdie hilltop - party ryan carlton - red velvet cake muscles - ice cream foals - balloons the blank tapes - this is my day and etc...

it's supposed to rain a bit tomorrow, which is disappointing, and i am working for a bit, but otherwise i should see a few friends, hear some good music, and snack on a few goodies. so it shouldn't be too bad.

have an good weekend! especially all you headed to sasquatch. should be a good time.

one more thing... i created this video for a class at school. i've never done anything like this before (video editing) so i'd love any feedback you have. it's meant as a worship experience, but feel free to interpret as you will. thanks!

familiar with BEN GIBBARD?

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:25:19 GMT

first of all, let me say i understand and sympathize with the strikers. out of respect to my trusteds, i decided not to post this week (although i am not 'on strike'. i have found that, in my limited experience, every time i brought up a problem, it was catered to or assisted...i think most of my problems have had a lot to do with my poor wireless connection as well).

but something actually exciting and interesting happened today and i happened to be at the right place at the right time...

i entered bop street records in ballard hoping to find some nice colored vinyl. my friend, who recently had a birthday (i hope he doesn't read this...i haven't been able to give him his present yet) has a special affinity for colored vinyl. first thing, i saw a man and thought to myself "wow, that looks a lot like Ben Gibbard." of course, i live in seattle and a lot of people look at least slightly like ben gibbard. i dug through a box full of colored vinyl...

and then listened as this beautiful scene played out... the 'BG look alike' walked up to the counter to pay for his $50 or so worth of vinyl and the quirky, vinyl-impassioned owner said something about 'ben gibbard was buying those the other day'. he commenced to say, 'yeah, i'm ben gibbard'. i stood there laughing to myself and listened as the owner got a few (apparently 'more') autographs from ben and they chatted about vinyl. i tried to pay attention to what they were saying but i was trying to keep myself composed.

when he left and i was buying my records, the very talkative owner (who has been in that shop since the 80s and has thousands of records in that shop...it's an incredible sight) ended up giving me on of ben's autographs, which is just on a regular notecard, but now a more valuable notecard.

i didn't have anyone to tell but i knew you moggers would appreciate this story! i wish you all well, striking or not.

do you know any (or have you written any) good LOVE SONGS??

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:37:11 GMT

hey moggers! i would love your input...

for a class, i need to bring in a song and write down the lyrics of a favorite love song that is meaningful [not limited to romantic love]. so i'd like to hear some of your favorites before choosing...

here is a tentative list: the turtles - happy together franki valli - can't take my eyes off of you the beatles - all you need is love frank sinatra - l.o.v.e. josh groban - you are loved (don't give up) the cure - lovesong miracle fortress - this thing about you jamie cullum - everlasting love the frames - falling slowly

busted notification!

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 03 May 2008 23:09:09 GMT

read post below!

http://mog.com/ardyjormkiv/blog_post/159439

ps i really do like the coldplay single. it doesn't sound much like coldplay. hence, i like it.

Cantopop/Mandopop

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:01:53 GMT

hello friends!!

this quarter has been ridiculous. on top of the normal (classes, work, activities, sleeping?) i have also been in preparation for an upcoming trip to China with my school this summer.

of course, being associated with school, we get to do a big presentation and all that. i was assigned religion, but i've been spending more time researching chinese traditional and pop music!

anyway, in my random interneting, i stumbled upon Eason Chan, a huge Cantopop (cantonese pop, the other being mandarin pop) star who apparently has also acted in many movies and plays a plethora of instruments. this song in particular caught my ear and, despite the odd recording qualitiy, never fails to hit my ear the right way.

what i would love to hear from you moggers is about any overseas musical experience you have had, whether you understood the language or not, that you will never forget. i would also really appreciate any insight you might have into my upcoming trip (i have actually never left the country, besides canada). it should be quite the adventure as we will be in Beijing during part of the olympics, as well as Shenyang and Inner Mongolia.

national anthem...take 1

national anthem...take 2

it should be interesting, to say the least.

i can't believe it is MAY.

Helen STELLAR

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:04:21 GMT

[mostly unrelated and innapropriate!]

these self-described shoegaze indie rockers (three of them!) from LA have created an ethereal and beautiful song, capturing enough attention to be included on the 2005 film "Elizabethtown". i caught the movie this weekend when i happened to be at home and my mom had gotten a few movies from the library. the soundtrack is quite appealing and the movie quite quirky and intriguing. orlando bloom stars speaking in an american-english accent. this song in particular really entraced me...

i had it on repeat for at least two hours today while doing homework and walking around seattle. at times, i actually felt like i was in a movie. i also recommend "passing by" by ulrich schnauss. the rest of the soundtrack is stocked with the likes of tom petty, elton john, ryan adams, my morning jacket, and even pinback (on vol. II).

i haven't heard anything else from Helen Stellar, but i'm about to, as i just downloaded a few tracks from their myspace. i like this description of their sound (also from their myspace): "HELEN STELLaR draws comparisons to London's "shoegaze" movement of the early 90's with thunderous drums, thick-grooved bass melodies and distorted guitar bliss. But elements of their sound transcend the genre. For one, the vocals Jim's voice soars above these huge compositions with its emotive capacity, bolstered by heart spun lyrics"...

music video for IO...

trailer for elizabethtown...

birdie hilltop

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:31:22 GMT

my friend alec told me to go to http://birdiehilltop.com/index.htm where this singer-songwriter has a good chunk of music up for free download.

the recording quality leaves a bit to be desired, but if you can get past that, the music is quite intriguing. when he said 'singer-songwriter' i looked at him (semi-disgustedly), but he assured me it was more than just another acoustic act (not to say there aren't any good acoustic acts, just not many worth listening to).

i haven't heard it all yet, but i would recommend the song as posted.

jorm [as in the 'jorm' of ardyjormkiv!] dances to arcade fire...

tribal pride

ardyjormkiv — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:57:31 GMT

with the release of annuals split ep 'wet zoo' comes the video for 'sore'!

it's not on youtube so you actually have to go to the website. it's worth it though; you can also download the track [as well as a bunch of other places but still! if you haven't acquired it yet...you have no excuses].

http://stereogum.com/archives/video/new-annuals-video-sore-stereogum-premiere_008976.html

wouldn't a 'wet zoo' be considered an aquarium???

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:40:04 GMT

annuals, consistently one of my favorite bands, doesn't disappoint with their new split ep 'wet zoo'.

'split' being three songs by annuals and two songs by 'sunfold', a band made up of the same members as annuals, but fronted (written) by kenny florence instead of adam baker. the immense talent is still there, but the sound is entirely distinct.

i posted a track from the annuals side of the band, one i've already become enamored with. 'sore' is very representative of annuals' sweeping build of epic artistry. enjoy!

completely unrelated, here's some phonetic punctuation for you!

just a baby...

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:58:50 GMT

i am one mog year (yesterday...i missed my own mog-iversary. sigh.)

it has been a fun journey.

mog and i had a rough start. i had my commitment issues, he had his own set of confusing problems. we were sort of on and off for awhile, but thanks to the musical love and support of my fellow moggers, i have a feeling we are in for another good year... :)

seriously...

i've only stuck around because of the increibly insightful knowledge and tasty musical snacks provided by all of you.

i just saw 'horton hears a who'...and the music was surprisingly enjoyable.

shoot. i'm late. here's to another mog-year!

i've been trying to post since sunday...

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:41:12 GMT

so if you're reading this, mog finally let me post! despite the delay, don't expect much...

anyway...

chuck norris at his finest.

this song is so deliriously epic and quintessentially eighties that i couldn't help myself.

'the delta force' is definitely not a movie i would've watched on my own, but my brother was watching it and i kind of ended up liking it. and the theme is super catchy.

the video is a bunch of chuck in action with the theme in the background. try to make it to the end...the last shot is the greatest.

hope you had a lovely easter! (pretend that was part of my last sunday's post...)

frYars releases perfidy ep

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:19:54 GMT

i posted previously on frYar's 'the ides' ep. the odd capitalization seems to draw a lot of interest, or at least intrigue, and now he has two ep's to his name. releasing the 'perfidy ep' this week, ben garett finds himself in similar territory. i really enjoyed 'the ides' for its truly unique quality. 'perfidy' takes the same vocal talent but sets it to more repetitive music, making it almost dance or trance-like. the quYrk is still there, but i would hope for a bit more inventiveness. it is still highly recommended, howewver. the video for olive eyes...i'm not so sure i understand it at all.

one exam down...three to go...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:56:03 GMT

a video for "chemicals collide" from 'meaning of 8'. the video gives you bits of a live show...it is quite an experience!

Cloud Cult's new release, coming out on April 8th, following up to last year's "Meaning of 8", moves past death into the afterlife where Craig Minowa and company spend most of the album. The lyrics, though never exactly morbid int he past, speak of of angels and ghosts and conceptions of what happens to the body after death. Minowa's work is profoundly influenced by the death of his 2-year-old son seven years ago, and "Feel Good Ghosts" seems to be more of a resolution, although one still full of many questions and uncertainties, than anything we've heard so far, something like six albums later. He seems to explore a multi-religious and wide theological scope. The "story of the grandson of Jesus" watches as homeless man serves communion with cola and twinkies and asks, "will somebody show us the way?"

The story-telling in the songs and throughout makes for a cohesive album. At times, the song is a story in itself with a complex lyrical structure loaded with content. In other places, Minowa uses repeating chorus lines to instill a dramatic effect (i.e. "It's what you need!" repeatedly screamed in track 8). Musically, "Feel Good Ghosts" seems to follow more from "Meaning of 8" than "Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus", although it remains distinctly 'cloud cult' as it relies on interesting electronic elements and features the trademark yelping vocals.

The usual suspects were joined by a band of fresh aspects for the band. "The Tornado Lessons" evokes a haunted-house feel, complete with what can only be described as a ghost-punk/electronica frenetic frenzy, "teaparty through tornadoes in the middle of the night", leaving the listener, and Minowa, exhausted by the end. "Journey of the Featherless" has a plucky, almost-bluegrass sound. "The Ghost Inside Our House" features a pure acoustic, adding strings later, for a stripped-down, humble little tune, "we'll never give up wishing/that we live on in our song".

The most welcome addition to the fundamental strings, guitar, and electronic stability was the strong presence of piano on the album. "Hurricane & Fire Survival Guide" begins with a lovely showcase, but underlying piano on many other tracks adds great depth and layering.

The album ends with "Love You All", one of the most intriguing and furthest-deviating songs on the album. It starts out with cutesy, synthesized vocals, working up to a choir arrangement, being resolved in the organic, earthy tones of Minowa's voice in a lovely repetition of "I love my mother/ I love my father/ when it's my time to go/ I need you to know/ Love you all". Minowa finishes his contemplation on the afterlife by considering the earthly end and what is left behind. For Cloud Cult fans, this album provides a much-needed resolution to earlier works. The album works out very well as a whole concept. New fans will find an array of musical styles with a underlying theme to tie it all together.

"Love You All" and "May Your Hearts Stay Strong" stood out as the strongest tracks for me. I love the harmonies and instrumentation.

"May you lives be long/ And may your wishes all be simple/ And may your hearts stay strong"...

a fun interview! 'the lyrics are very visual'...

your final exam...

ardyjormkiv — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:42:20 GMT

i stumbled upon this haunting flash animation to an acousitc version radiohead's 'creep'.

discuss?

Cloud Cult

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:24:56 GMT

although i have a month and three days until the official release of cloud cult's new 'feel good ghosts (teapartying through tornadoes)' - that would make the release April 8th, for all you calendar-challenged people out there - i have been listening to a track posted on their website for download - 'everybody here is a cloud'.

it sounds like craig minowa is once again, using his late son Cayden's unexpected death at two years old, exploring the issues surrounding death, the body, the soul.

from the aptly-named album title, i'm guessing this one is going to be about ghosts.

from the sound of it, 'feel good ghosts' is going to follow in the vein of last year's 'meaning of 8', with more yelping and haunting melodies spewing from minowa's distinctive vocals. this track has a driving beat with a nice presence of strings throughout, which i've always enjoyed in cloud cult.

i'm excited for the new release, hoping it takes a bit more from 'advice from the happy hippopotamus'.

UPDATE: i couldn't help myself and i downloaded the album today, when i received an e-mail about the preorder. i have listened to it once, pretty thoroughly, and am planning to have a review out soon!! i'm definitely excited about it.

goodwatermusic

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:38:21 GMT

go here!

http://goodwatermusic.com/

and watch the video...

i am about to pull an all-nighter...

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:08:38 GMT

but first i need to tell you what i am listening to and what you SHOULD be listening to...

his actual name is sam amidon. he's from vermont. sam singing this beautiful song...

"and i think of pretty saro wherever i go..."

also on my playlist for the night:

noah and the whale - five years time someone still loves you boris yeltsin - modern mystery (off the forthcoming 'perishing'!) the ruby suns - tane mahuta cloud cult - everybody here is a cloud (off the forthcoming 'feel good ghosts (teapartying through tornadoes' set for release april 8th) switchfoot - only hope sigur ros - most everything i have

i've heard that sigur ros is better for you than a REM cycle...true or false?

and here's a little something else that definitely should keep me awake...this is ridiculous...

good night, friends. or good morning? does the day really end or begin if you don't go to sleep?

the ringing in my ears...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:07:52 GMT

...tells me this was a successful weekend.

friday night, on a strangely warm february evening, in a sweaty and college-kid packed venue, i had the pleasure of seeing menomena again, this time at the UW Hub with BOAT and blitzen trapper, joined by, incidentally, a good deal of old high school classmates that i haven't seen in awhile. as warned by amber, the acoustics aren't the best in that little place, but with menomena, even in the worst of settings, they left little to be desired. my one main complaint was the stage. with about one full foot of clearance off the ground, it was impossible to see much of anything besides the tops of heads. i was able to catch a 'puppy love' shirt and a nice head of curly, red hair on blitzen trapper, and the occasional hair flop and drum flail on menomena. i arrived half an hour late, not on my own volition, to catch about the last three BOAT songs. i enjoyed them more than blitzen trapper, which has a bit too much country-influence for my liking. they were both strong and consistent performances however. i hadn't heard much from either band, but they were fairly true to their recordings.

menomena brings a force of auditory pleasure unlike any other. my experience lacked in what i could see (which was mostly hair and shirts), but every song from 'boyscoutin' to 'evil bee', which opened and closed the set, brought a true air of menomena-ness. the energy, the vocals...not much deviation from the recording, but just enough to keep the intrigue. they played a good deal of 'friend and foe' as well as some strong tracks off 'i am the fun blame monster'. a very solid showing despite the visual obstacles!

saturday night brought me to the vera project for the speaker speaker cd release with lake of falcons (a bit of yelling), hungry pines (a female lead vocalist, not bad, but not my taste), and sole reason i went, the lonely forest. as you'll recall from an earlier post, this is john van deusen's band from anacortes. these young twenty-somethings bring an incredible energy and passion to their live shows. beforehand, i had the pleasure of speaking with eric, the bass player, at the merch table for quite awhile while john and brayden (the drummer) mingled with some patiently-waiting show-goers. they didn't have the cd on hand that i wanted to purchase, but he was nice enough to offer me a discount on their clothing choices. after a bellingham show the night before, they were apparently left with a limited selection of merch. their set went by quickly, with a good selection of older songs and limited dialogue. their presence on stage is both enticing and aesthetically pleasing, without distracting from the musical quality. they tend to be loud without being noisy, soft without being delicate, and strong without missing a note. they definitely don't sit still. standing one row out from the stage, the visual aspect of this show just added to solid, musical set. i tend to favor songs on the piano; john switches between keys and guitar and the songs tend to lack, for me, without keys. his vocal inflection and unique sound always make up for it though. i left with a new appreciation, in a personal and engaged sense, for the lonely forest, much unlike the disconnected show at the Hub.

the track i posted is off aurora's, another band from my school, self-titled release. i unexpectedly found their album at my local indie record store last week and have been pleasantly surprised. their debut is full of epically and softly melodic tunes. all thirty-five minutes are a lovely journey in the heart, through the mind, to the depths of the soul. please listen...if you're not sure at first, extreme, unprecendented aesthetic pleasure will reward you at 2:57...

it must be tired because its been running through my head all week...

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:20:46 GMT

i posted previously on 'the lonely forest', a three-piece band from anacortes, wa (i would call that 'local'). i received some negative feedback, but i press on...

i saw john van deusen, the keys and vocal force behind the lonely island, play a solo show at the q cafe last friday with andy davis and garage voice. the whole thing was good but this song, 'i blame us', in particular stood out to me. shortly after, i found it for download somewhere on the internetz, put it on the ipod, and left it on repeat for quite a while. i'm a sucker for emotive and extremely talented piano players, and although he gets melodically yell-ly [yes, i said yell-ly. its not quite screaming, so...] at times, for his vocals as well. good song, good message. he's amazing live and this recording doesn't quite do the song justice (in addition to the fact that it was recorded about 3 am, to his admission). i'm excited to once again see his band, the lonely forest, play this saturday night!

in addition, i had heard of/listened to 'the one am radio', the project of a guy with a really wicked name [Hrishikesh Hirway...kindergarten must have been hard for this boy], some time ago and was reminded when sam posted on him a while back. yesterday, at the sonic boom fremont-store-closing-sale (a very bittersweet event) i found his 'this too will pass' for $1.50. and it was well worth it, to say the least. i ended up getting six items (five cds and a dvd) for twelve dollars...but i will miss you, fremont store!) and enjoyed this one the most out of all of them. once i have a chance to listen to the whole thing a few more times, you may get a review out of me. but maybe not.

in order to keep this from getting too convoluted, i'm going to end this now...please check out john van deusen!

be mine? valentine?

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:26:42 GMT

after my last post, i was considering changing my name to ardYjormkYv. it seems to be quite a catchy phenomenon...

ahhh so its that time of year...when i look in store windows and down the specialty aisles and all i see is pink and red.

i'm sort of indifferent when it come to valentines day. i'm not bitter nor depressed. i enjoy giving my friends ridiculous cartoon-laden cards with silly phrases on them.

i'm planning on having a good day.

so annuals, a six-member band from raleigh, nc and one of my favorite bands (as well as one of my favorite albums - be he me) just came out with this video for the second track on 'be he me' entitled 'dry clothes'.

i have to say, i've never even pretended to understand what this song is actually about. i have my theories, but now, with the complement of this stimulating, to say the least, visual effect, i am more confused than ever.

if you don't mind cartoon blood-and-gore, watch this incredibly disturbing video...

...and tell your significant other that you appreciate their carnivorous tendencies, as long as they're not directed your way.

happy valentines day, mog!

recent obsession: frYars

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:00:38 GMT

i'm always impressed by people my own age (and younger!) creating intrinsically valuable and aesthetically impressive art that proves way past their years.

frYars is ben garett, a one-eighteen-year-old-man band from london. his four song ep "the ides" sat in my music library for at least a month or two before i had a listen. i can't get enough and now i am forced to make up for lost time...

his voice comes exactly as i like it - refined and tonal, but quirky (i've read comparisons to patrick wolf...but i have still to listen to him...and nick cave). there is also much questioning as to, 'why the Y?'. he may be a little dark, but i love him and you might too...

this is the video for "the ides"...

"you should've died that very night...good job i wasn't born a killer..."

SPU musicians taking over the world...or at least my MOG posts...

ardyjormkiv — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 07:16:39 GMT

i have one more really good track for you from "heliocentric". completely instrumental, definitely epic. i can see this being in some sort of intense, action flick. it sort of makes me feel invincible. a good bike-riding tune. of course, i don't do that anymore since my bike got stolen.

in addition, i finally gave in to popular culture recently and actually have been enjoying the sorts of top40 tunes i usually steer clear of...only two...rihanna's 'umbrella' and onerepublic's 'apologize'. sigh. i guess i can write them off as guilty pleasures? anyway, here's a friend of mine's band doing a cover of 'apologize'...i also learned the keyboard part yesterday so i've been having fun with that.

i actually really like some of the effects used in this video.

and finally...to sleep. good night, mog.

and another from the SPU vault...

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:32:36 GMT

our talent show was this last friday. it was QUITE the show. i always enjoy our musicians and artists, and they really surprised me this weekend. it was more diverse than i expected and our show included slam poetry, rap, michael jackson covers, and irish dancing. the irish dancers won the whole thing with an incredible performance.

the song i posted was performed with a fuller band, including strings which was charming.

my friend stephen played (highly recommended: download 'creation of innovation' at http://www.virb.com/stephenhartwell).

i also was greatly surprised and impressed by taylor neal (http://www.myspace.com/taylornealmusic).

that is all for today.

there is snow. but there is school. sigh.

yeah, this is what it's going to be.

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:21:07 GMT

playlist for right now, because right now is where i am.

kings of convenience - i'd rather dance with you

brothers and sisters - without you

the the - this is the day

the moldy peaches - anyone else but you

radical face - wrapped in piano strings

once soundtrack - once

scouting for girls - she's so lovely

and how are my lovely moggers doing??

more local!!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:13:11 GMT

and another one for you, straight from my humble little abode...or campus, as it's usually called.

i don't usually listen to purely instrumental and hardly ever EVER listen to acoustic. this song really surprises me. the flowing, intricate melody really sticks and it's quite obvious that he's really talented. give it a listen.

in addition, after seeing Juno (just yesterday!) i have been listening a bit to the soundtrack. i highly recommend the movie as well. it actually made me laugh out loud, which is increasingly rare these days.

wow. and in addition, sigur ros' 'heima' was worth every bit of my sonic boom gift certificate [in fact, i even would have payed money for it...]. the live performances are mesmerizing. and also reinforces my desire to travel to iceland...especially for 'iceland airwaves'...anyone want to come with me? if you haven't seen it, here is a reason or two for you to get your lookin' balls on the picture radio...the heima trailor...

vegetable orchestra...

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:58:20 GMT

apparently i need to youtube more. there's some crazy cool stuff. thanks for keeping me up on some good videos. so you've probably seen this before, but in case you haven't...

the local color...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:38:40 GMT

quick opening comment pertaining to my last post: i find it amusing that my most-commented post had no words or anything relating to music. heh.

so for the most part, i've been listening to local musicians. very local. most of them on my campus. in addition to music from musicians on my previous campus. so i might need your help in getting outside my local bubble and hearing music from elsewhere. i'm open to suggestions...as long as you'll listen to these. there are some very talented people around here.

two-thousand and eight is looking to be a rough year. seattle ended last year with a faulty space needle fireworks show and the shows from here on out aren't looking too promising either...reasons?

i could start with the unexpected, sudden closure of the crocodile cafe (r.i.p.) or the fact that everyone good came in the last four months (so they won't be around for awhile). sigh.

or maybe they're afraid of the rain.

so for now, i'm sticking to those closest to me. and i've always enjoyed local musicians and people i actually have met and talked to. i find it adds a whole new dimension to the listening experience - a very personal perspective. hearing the stories and circumstances behind songs.

at any rate, this guy does some crazy interesting stuff. he's from my other university, so he's a canadian local, not seattle.

in addition, i encourage you to leave your cozy headphones and get out on the streets. listen to the buskers (and tip them!). go to intimate and eclectic shows in smaller venues. they're usually more enjoyable (and cheaper!) anyway. experience the local flavor.

WTF??

ardyjormkiv — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:42:22 GMT

the last post of the year!

ardyjormkiv — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:24:36 GMT

anathallo! i had heard of them a few years ago but never happened upon any mp3's, which means i had never listened to them. until now.

the word 'anathallo' is derived from greek meaning "to renew, refresh, or bloom again" (thank you, wikipedia). i really like that.

so here's a good one for you.

and as most of you...i have been looking over a few top five/ten/fifty album lists for the year. i disagree with many of them (why do i keep seeing 'boxer' at number 1? i like it but...it just doesn't quite do it for me), so i think i'll give it a shot...keep in mind i still haven't heard many recent releases in their entirety (iron & wine, spoon, band of horses) so this is the best of what i have heard...

i'll start off with what almost made it... Le Loup - The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly (ridiculously long name) Say Hi - The Wishes and the Glitches (although hasn't officially been 'released' yet...so maybe next year?) The Most Serene Republic - Population Mike - Life in Cartoon Motion (i like it more for its danceable qualities...i actually can't stand a lot of his lyrics) and the arcade fire's 'neon bible' and the national's 'boxer' weren't far behind.

10. The Lonely Forest - Nuclear Winter -i have already heard from a few of you that you aren't huge fans :) (and its true, we can't like all the same music) but i enjoyed this album immensely, save from the few instances of yelling. i'm not much for that. seeing them play live last weekend really solidified their permanent place in my ears.

9. Frog Eyes - Tears of the Valedictorian -i enjoy this a lot. i still haven't listened to much of spencer krug's 'sunset rubdown' which has been on a few lists of itself.

8. Loney, Dear - Loney Noir -i keep coming back to this.

7. Cloud Cult - The Meaning of 8 -i had the pleasure of seeing cloud cult perform twice this year, in addition to a small acoustic performance at sonic boom.

6. Once Soundtrack - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova -yeah, whatever, i put a soundtrack on here. i like it more than the frames 'the cost'. although that's good too.

5. Radiohead - In Rainbows -i'm not a diehard fan...i didn't even listen to them much before last year. however i am constantly surprised by this album.

4. Sigur Ros - Hvarf/Heim -i usually am not much for live performances, but they really deliver.

3. Miracle Fortress - Five Roses -one of the more overlooked albums this year. and quite intriguing live.

2. Menomena - Friend and Foe -i always come back to this. and a stellar live performance.

1. Stephen Hartwell - Son of Innovation -okay so i understand most of you haven't heard this, but you SHOULD. it's been one of my most played albums by far this year (and it was only released in october!). you can listen to the album in its entirety on his virb: http://www.virb.com/stephenhartwell

hope you had an amazing holiday...and happy new year!!

i wonder what awaits us...anyone anticipating 2008 releases?

merry christmas!!!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 07:29:00 GMT

to everyone!! hope you had a great holiday. filled with great music, of course. i received a guitar and apparently will now be learning how to play. that should be fun. i've also enjoyed having more time for the piano lately.

i saw the lonely forest play on saturday night. they're a local band that SHOULD be better known...their performance was incredible as well as fun, very in-touch with the crowd. john van deusen and co put on a great show - good energy and lots of passion. i think it's safe to say it was one of the better shows i've been to this year, even though they didn't play my favorite song off "nuclear winter"...so i posted it for you!

the holiday

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:18:23 GMT

...it is my firm belief that a movie cannot be truly good unless it has a good soundtrack or score. conversely, or similarly?, i find that my favorite movie picks are greatly influenced by my taste for the music used in the movie. it can truly make or break a film.

the holiday, a heavily chick-flickified masterpiece of the season, has such a score, by hans zimmer. to all the guys out there, you might not like the movie, but how could you dislike this song?

the entire score is basically centered around the same melody, worked into different styles, tempos, and keys. it might be slightly repetitive, but it really works.

on the lookout for more holiday music favorites, always...let me know if you find a holiday music library necessity.

the lights...

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:44:40 GMT

please listen to the 'once' soundtrack if you haven't already. http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/ also, see the movie.

here's another christmas song for you. i have nothing more to say.

finals are over!!!

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:48:38 GMT

does this mean i have more time for mog? well, maybe. but i've been waiting to bust out the christmas music.

here's one for you. maybe it will make you want to get behind a sleigh.

effects

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:40:56 GMT

i'm so lame. it's been about two months, mog. how are you doing?

anyway i have actual internet here now so i might be able to post a bit more often. i don't have a lot of time now but...

there is a song you need to hear and an artist you need to check out! (well, there are a few but ESPECIALLY this one)

this kid is SUPER talented and he happens to go to my school (we're kind of a hotbed for artistic activity, it seems). his music is best described as experimental/ambient with a solid base of keyboard/piano mixed with lots of layers of sound. it's quite beautiful and is the epitome of music as art. i highly recommend checking it out: http://www.myspace.com/sonofinnovation

and here is the song that i can't stop listening to lately...

miracle fortress!

ardyjormkiv — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 03:51:03 GMT

love it.

the recent album from canadian multi-instrumentalist graham van pelt of 'think about life'. it's called 'five roses' and it flows perfectly as the soundtrack for the summer. check it out...

and one more thing before i'm probably gone again for a long time....

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:48:38 GMT

check this out!!!

burnside writer's collective (a portland-based collective of writer's with a different spiritual perspective than you're used to) has made a summer mix tape of a bunch of (unknown) artists and it's all free to download. a great mix for the summer drives with the windows down...

http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/reviews/music/s/summer_mix_tape_2007_10607.php

glowing sun....

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:29:53 GMT

hello mog, old friend. it's been a long time. did you miss me? dial-up internet, being at home, is quite a roadblock to getting anything done, especially a mog post. but here i am. and here we are.

recently, i found this great website which fed my sigur ros hunger - the lyrics to many of their songs in icelandic and also the english translation. i have always thought the lyrics must be as good as the music, and now i am sure the beauty is equal in form and sound. http://www.alwaysontherun.net/sigur.htm for this website!!

here is both the powerful music video as well as the english translation for my favorite song, glosoli!

Glowing Sun (Bright Sun)

Now that you're awake Everything seems different I look around But there's nothing at all

Put on my shoes, I then find that She is still in her pyjamas Then found in a dream I'm hung by (an) anticlimax

She is with the sun And it's out here

But where are you...

Go on a journey And roam the streets Can't see the way out And so use the stars She sits for eternity And then climbs out

She's the glowing sun So come out

I awake from a nightmare My heart is beating Out of control…

I've become so used to this craziness That it's now compulsory

And here you are...

I'm feeling...

And here you are, Glowing sun...

And here you are...

jonsi, the one with the other-worldly voice, also plays his guitar with a cello bow, which gives the unique sound!

there are also a bunch of free mp3's for many artists. check it out!

in addition, i really like this song from parts & labor. it was hard for me to decipher at first, so give it a few listens. it starts out with a bunch of "noise", but after listening to it many times, the vocals really got to me, and there are some impressive notes held for...well, a long time. try it out.

that's all i have for now. hope to see you soon again, mog.

pela!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:42:46 GMT

man i can't stop listening to this song. and i want to hear the rest of 'anytown graffiti', but it isn't at sonic boom. which is, admittedly, the only place i have looked. but still! they usually have whatever i'm looking for.

frog eyes!!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:28:18 GMT

love this band from victoria bc. this over nine-minute epic is from their latest release, tears of the valedictorian. its a piece of chaotic beauty.

window view

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:23:09 GMT

so this is another guy from my school...he's been making music for a long time and it just keeps getting better.

here's one of his more recent songs. for downloads (and they are all good oens), hit up his purevolume site: http://www.purevolume.com/windowview

the starlight mints

ardyjormkiv — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:05:27 GMT

who knew something so cool could come out of oklahoma?

ROBOTS

ardyjormkiv — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:57:34 GMT

apparently, i really like songs about robots. and even sometimes by robots. (haha the moog cookbook).

see what i mean? tokyo police club - citizens of tomorrow say hi to your mom - yeah, i'm in love with an android styx - mr. roboto robots for dinner - fire hydrant discreet robots - familiar trees

two decades...

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 24 May 2007 03:33:24 GMT

i am so old. but apparently not old enough to go see some really good live music. dang.

to celebrate, i will leave you with this ridiculous song by new kids on the block.

fake empire...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 22 May 2007 08:49:57 GMT

i just made a really good mix. this song is part of it!

i'm also wickedly excited about a cd made of recordings by various artists from my school. it is incredible. if i ever rip it to my computer, i will post the best ones. it's kind of ridiculous how talented people around here are!

who does that?

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 19 May 2007 21:21:19 GMT

i'm really in a rut as far as title names go. and i dont feel like just putting the band name. so you get "who does that?" which does nothing for this post. oh well.

i've been listening to a lot of good songs recently. but i only have room for one. here it is!

also, i got a postcard from sonic boom of dntel that gave a link to download "two bonus remixes". i went and it downloaded the entire dumb luck album instead. so now i have that. so thats cool.

electric soft parade!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 16 May 2007 04:51:47 GMT

hello little mog. it has been so long. i've been pretty busy lately, so this post will probably have to hold you all for a few days at least.

its a good one though. check em out!

hymns!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 09 May 2007 23:39:13 GMT

i tend to love it when a good band or artist remakes an old hymn. it gives me a new appreciation of it and allows it to be heard in a modern context which is always cool.

i really like this one and i absolutely love what sufjan did with it...beauty in simplicity.

so sunny...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 08 May 2007 20:49:05 GMT

i'm not a HUGE fan of benny k and everything he does, but i really like this song (and there's a few more gems hidden in there as well).

funny story: ben was here a few months ago and played a live in-store at sonic boom. he played a fun and interesting performance and afterwards, leaving the store my friend almost literally ran into him. hes a nice guy though.

we also had an interesting discussion: lots of girls think hes good looking or whatever, but if they were to see him on the street, they most likely wouldn't give him a second glance. its funny how fame does that to a person.

empty me out

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:37:49 GMT

my fellow moggers...

i humbly ask you to answer a question for me:

what is your take on emo (as a music genre, not the whole 'lifestyle' emo, although that's part of it)?

how would you define it as a genre? you can include examples such as bands or artists.

thank you. i have been trying to figure out a truly universal definition. in discussing it, i realized that there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding the emo. thanks for your input.

you'll get through this...

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:45:03 GMT

Norwegian Even Johansen single-handedly composes brilliantly beautiful music under the name "magnet". its more subdued than stuff i usually listen to but its definitely solid and has full sound quality. this is a favorite.

energy...

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 03 May 2007 20:51:00 GMT

meaning i have a lot of it. i never did get to sleep, but it hasn't stopped me yet. umm i realized i haven't posted on them yet...LOVE tokyo police club and especially this song.

i'm...gonna go ride my bike now.

long night ahead...

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 03 May 2007 09:04:17 GMT

just thought i'd post a quick song. i'm getting really lame in my posts and i apologize...just super busy lately.

anyway, this kid (dan hunter) wrote/composed all his stuff when he was 16 (although he's 17 now)...he's signed now, but he released all his music through myspace/purevolume and became an internet sensation! what fun. i've heard pretty much everything he's ever done. it's a bunch of fun electronica pieces. his lyrics might be a little weak (juvenile? might be a good word)...but most stem from the experiences of his past. anyway, i enjoy him a lot and thought i'd share one of my favorites...i love how it builds, adding layers until it explodes into scrambled lyrical bliss...

and with that, i'll also add its hopefully enough to keep me awake for at least a few more hours while i write this paper due in eight hours! oh boy.

actually, i'll leave you with a question to ponder: what is one (okay, or more) solid song that you listen to when attempting to stay awake??

sufficiently weird!

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:26:45 GMT

a 'story within a song' sort of thing...and a lot of fun...you could say triumphant, medieval battle cry of sorts. gets me amped...almost makes me feel like i'll actually be able to get through the night and finish this work i'm supposed to be doing...

well at least i'm sure about the song. the other, not so much.

anyway, enjoy.

running through my head...

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:22:37 GMT

seriously, for the three hours i was working...at least. pretty dang catchy. take a listen...

a solid show...

ardyjormkiv — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:40:04 GMT

so i saw the bill for this show and it's something that's never happened before - three bands, all of which i had heard before and liked. so i had to check it out.

the lonely h opened with a lot of youthful energy (all members are 18) and a LOT of hair - between those five boys, they have a good seven, eight feet of hair on them. one song had a franz-ferdinandesque danceable riff to it. they were definitely fun...there's a lot of potential there. all the hair...

what made milwaukee famous came next...i hadn't heard too much from them...i only recognized the song 'idecide' (mmm...it rocked) but i really enjoyed their entire show. i have their cd now (signed!) and i only wish i had heard it all sooner. solid indie pop. watching them, it struck me how different they all looked - four different styles, but one amazing sound. i don't know, i feel like in some bands, all the members could be the same person. i dont know if this makes any sense. my point is that they made it work. i was able to catch up with them outside - they even took a picture with me and all of them introduced themselves and shook my hand. definitely nice guys, awesome band. as i listen to their cd more, i'm really liking 'idecide' (ofcourse), 'the jeopardy of contentment', 'sweet lady', and 'bldg. a boat from the boards in your eye'...yeah. bff's...

aqueduct came next. they got the crowd moving for sure. i liked the strong keyboard presence in a lot of the songs. but the lead vocals were a little rough for me...not as melodic as wmmf. not that it was bad, but i just didn't get as into it.

so there you go. wmmf was definitely the highlight for me. i'll leave you with idecide...

cloud cult!!

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 22:08:12 GMT

oh man where do i begin...at the beginning?

we (being me and my friend vanessa) arrived at about 9, missing the opening act (jeff johnson...i think).

rewind...first of all, we went to sonic boom for cloud cult's in-store acoustic performance. they were half an hour late because they were doing sound check at neumos. while we waited, we spent our time looking at album art for a bunch of obscure bands. there is definitely some weird stuff out there. did you know there is a band called "the the"? i guess it was inevitable. they played about five songs - they being craig and a violin player (i think her name is shannon). it sounded so good for being so minimal, compared to their full band sound. it struck me as funny that craig's mannerisms when playing were very similar to john mayer - imagine the shoulder and facial contortions. it was fun to watch. he was really nice and signed my cd case afterwards.

back to neumos. first up was the winter blanket. i felt like they really lacked energy. not that they didn't get into it at all, but at one point it seemed like even they were bored. the lone girl didn't show much range in her voice. sum it up to say it was pretty decent indie rock, but nothing blew me away. there wasn't much intensity or dynamic to their music.

the night canopy was up next. it wasn't very memorable...i can't remember exactly what they sounded like. there were two lead females...i don't know. for some reason, i really am not into female vocalists. they had a pretty solid sound. the coolest instrument they played was this toy keyboard they played through a blow-tube...i really have no idea what is was, but it was pretty cool.

now to the good part...the set up...two blank canvasses with a projection screen between. no strong lighting was used because of the projected images behind them. a recording of the track "2x2x2" (although i was sad they didnt actually perform it) opened the show as the band entered the stage...fog machine and all that. unfortunately, the smoke from it really gets to me so my throat was burning the whole show. by this time, the room was packed! i had been leaning against the wall, but eventually i was pretty much permanently pressed against it. anyway, cloud cult sure knows how to put on a show. the live painting aspect was really cool...craig's wife connie was on one side while another guy (craig's self-described "twin sister") painted on the other. connie's live painting!

behind them, they projected computer-generated images...one of the most interesting was a series of company logos (including nbc, mcdonalds, disney) with a succession of religious symbols between. most of the images, though, weren't really original or 'artsy'...almost generic windows screen savers as vanessa described it. but all together, it was an intense spectacle. i enjoyed watching these incredible paintings unfolding...wow. they played a lot off 'the meaning of 8' - chain reaction, please remain calm, chemicals collide, pretty voice, brain gateway, deaf girl's song to name a few (or most). off happy hippo they played the intro, living on the outisde of your skin, and happy hippo (transistor radio at the in-store!). most of their songs translated really well...it wasn't always exactly as recorded, but they didn't lose any of their intricacy. living on the outside of your skin especially has a lot of layering on the album, but the live performance was very well done. this is getting long so i'll try to wrap up...connie took pictures of the packed house with her digital camera...i thought that was cute.

the encore was well-received - that man jumped out the window and take your medicine ended the show to chants of "second set!" from people in the crowd. the only disappointment was that he didn't play "your 8th birthday", but i can see how that would be a hard one to perform.

overall, it was highly enjoyable, danceable at times, mesmerizing at times...always good and more than i expected. see them live if you have a chance!

i couldn't get any really good pictures...i'll end with a really good song.

today is (officially) friday!

ardyjormkiv — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:34:52 GMT

which means tonight is CLOUD CULT and i am excited.

random musical things: there are no songs for download on electric president's myspace, but there is one here http://www.radicalface.com/electricpresident.html

umm if you have to listen to the radio, this is the only one worth spending any time with... www.kexp.org

and wow...i haven't posted anything on tv on the radio! one of my favorites for awhile...really intense live. tunde adebimpe (lead singer...wickedcool name) has this crazy left arm that he flails around while singing. i would highly recommend seeing them live if you have a chance. this is really hard...to pick just one song that epitomizes my love for tvontheradio...but i will choose to leave you with "dirty whirl", track 8 off their latest "return to cookie mountain" - an amazing album. but i really do love everything by them and would recommend also checking out their earlier work.

one last thing...

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:19:44 GMT

sorry for the multitude of posts all at once...i just don't want to forget anything good.

this band, under byen, is from denmark. the only way i can really describe their sound is an experimental/ambient feel that borders on the likes of sigur ros, bjork, and the album leaf - although that is really not a good description; under byen has a different sound from all of these. like sigur ros, they don't sing in english, but although i can't understand what they're saying, it's still beautiful.

sedona!!

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:03:35 GMT

since i have already given a fairly lengthy idea of my love for annuals, i will spare the reasons why i love sedona, which annuals was actually a side project of. the same members are involved, just the songs are written by kenny florence instead of adam baker. i'm sure there is more to it than that, but thats the gist of it. anyway, sedona has a distinct sound from annuals, especially apparent in this song which mixes a tropical feel. sedona doesn't have one style, but mixes many genres to create their unique sound.

J.A.C.K.

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:56:48 GMT

completly a capella and oddly, tragically beautiful.

on ace fu records with annuals.

take a listen.

WHY mog-o-matic, why??

ardyjormkiv — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:47:27 GMT

i actually have been playing music on my computer lately, but for some reason it is not being identified by my mog-o-matic. therefore, i seem to be musicless, although i am not.

well, here is another song i have been listening to recently.

moorea seal!

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:24:48 GMT

moorea goes to my school as well. check this out: http://www.myspace.com/mooreaseal where she even has three songs for download. OH BOY! show some love, buy her cd.

tyler eide

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:17:59 GMT

this kid goes to my school. he's an awesome performer. for more, check out his website: http://www.tylereidemusic.com/

say hi!

ardyjormkiv — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:24:48 GMT

so good tonight! say hi to your mom played at the vera project after three strong openers - the sea navy, sneaky thieves, and small sails. they seemed to build on one another.

i missed most of the sea navy's set, but what i caught at the end was a good warm-up for what was to come. i'll admit that i wasn't blown away, some good generic indie rockish type, but good nonetheless.

then came seattle natives sneaky thieves. lucky for me, their set included the two songs i had previously heard from them. they executed their songs pretty much as i would have expected, however, the droning, repetitive vocals were hard to understand a lot of the time. definitely a fun band to watch...they do a bit of switching up instruments, moving around on and off stage. quite good. unfortunately not too memorable.

small sails came next and from what i knew about them and had previously heard, i wasn't sure what to expect. their music is instrumental, without lyrics which usually turns me off from listening to too much. however, i won't be making that mistake in the future. their music is what i can best describe as an electro-ambient massage to your temporal lobe. "mezmerizing" is the word that came to mind from where i stood, unable to do much more than let the music wash over me and just absorb. especially intriguing was the variety of instruments played, my favorite being the xylophone and the perfectly complementary vocal instrumentation. behind the musicians, who rotated between and during songs to create an intricate soundscape, was an equally effective projected visual of moving images creating a fully trance-like atmosphere. the band has a unique style, musically and otherwise, as apparent by one member's teal otter sweatshirt. quirky and really fun to watch.

say hi to your mom! i saw eric elbogen play back in october, without a band, using a drum machine. the addition of two band members provided for a whole different show, without lacking the same energy. he likes to jump around, but it's more fun to watch what he does with his eyes and mouth while he's singing. their set felt short, but they played songs across the spectrum of his albums, introducing two with "this is a song about vampires" (from impeccable blahs). if you've never listened to say hi, it's a little bit more generic in a rock sense, but with distinctive vocals and repeated one-liners for a chorus that is usually the title of the song. i didn't stay around much to see if i could talk to any of them, but i had the previous time and he's a very approachable guy.

overall, it was a strong night musically. the vera project is a great place for shows - all ages, no bar, so everyone is there for the music. last night it was incredibly laid back and just enough people without being crowded. a hallmark of the night were two little boys with drum sticks walking through the crowd at points, tapping them in time to the music, even loud enough to get elbogen's attention where he commented "we have two additional percussionists wandering through the audience".

i'll leave you with small sails - seriously the perfect soundtrack for peace of mind.

i really need...

ardyjormkiv — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 23:33:36 GMT

to give a shout out to the wicked beats of menomena. this three-piece experimental outfit from portland (yep, oregon) makes it seem easy to match insane noise and a crazy sense of humor with some seriously thought-provoking lyrics.

their february release, friend and foe, is one of those that can easily get caught in your head and then cause you to search for meaning. i can easily recommend the entire album with no track lagging behind. but i will assert that nobody can't like the opening "muscle 'n flo". i also find myself repeating "the pelican", "my my" and "evil bee".

for even more fun, check out their website http://www.menomena.com/menu2.html disclaimer: i am not to be held responsible for any seizures that may occur in the viewing of this site.

i'm also seriously liking songs from may or may not's "colors only bees can see".

thanks for listening. i'm out like cheesecake at an overeaters anonymous convetion.

the meaning of 8...a further analysis...

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 23:29:23 GMT

after a couple more listens straight through, my enthusiasm hasn't waned a bit for cloud cult's new release, the meaning of 8. upon further investigation, the packaging contains an interesting explanation of "the meaning of 8", in which the meaning of the actual number 8 is explored as used in various cultural and religious contexts. it's quite interesting, but too long to reproduce here, and in addition, i would really encourage you to check it our for yourself and purchase the album! support the cause...as i've said before, earthology records is doing a great thing establishing plausible alternatives to help reduce waste through their earth-friendly methods of production. as well as the fact that it is a phenomenal album! not yet convinced? keep reading...i'll try my hardest.

in his beautifully lyrical and fully poetic songs, craig minowa weaves intricate stories, paints beautiful pictures, all contained in a rushing landscape of sound. he really draws you in from the first listen, the first song. the meaning of 8 infuses many instrumental elements, a surprisingly rock-driven influence on a few tracks, beautiful strings, and the lucious sounds you would expect from a cloud cult album.

the background vocals are brilliantly utilized throughout the album to minowa's greatest advantage, transforming his wavering voice from what could be a thing of weakeness to the pinnacle of strength. don't get me wrong, i fully appreciate the tracks on past albums, for example "beautiful boy" off aurora borealis, where that wavering voice creates a powerful and emotional presence. but here, the same voice is a force, conveying a powerful hope through the ashes of sorrow.

track 7, "your 8th birthday", is especially heart-wrenching. an obvious homage to his son, kaidin (sp?) who died of an unknown cause in his sleep at age two, would have turned eight this year. minowa explores what he could have been at age eight, but for me, the drawn-out cry of his name is enough to establish a strong emotional base without getting whiny or self-pitying. i've always been impressed by minowa's emotional presence in his songs, this track being the pinnacle of his style.

i encourage you to take a course of action: listen once, listen twice, listen to the lyrics (he really packs them in - it definitely takes more than one listen), and let this album establish a permanent spot in your brain until you can't get it out of your head. it's pretty much the only way to go.

notable lyrics: "it's beautiful, insatiable the way our chemicals collide..." - chemicals collide and that's really all i have for now. i haven't listened enough to really dig out my favorite lyrics. this one is a good, obvious start though.

i'm especially digging track four "pretty voice", track six "take your medicine" (LOVE the bell-like electronic[?] elements), and track 14 "2X2X2". but seriously...it's hard to choose. definitely will be in my running for best album of '07...we still have a long way to go, but i'm confident it will hold up in the top five at least.

seeing as my hard-drive won't hold much more, i can't actually rip the album into my library. however, i'll leave you with my favorite track from "advice from the happy hippopotamus"...enjoy.

can't stop listening...the 'f's

ardyjormkiv — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 05:00:32 GMT

i'm not done with the c's yet, but i have some f's to go along with those -

the frames - falling slowly fujiya & miyagi - in one ear and out the other field music - working to work frog eyes - caravan breakers frou frou - must be dreaming (might as well throw that in there)

(and always) five iron frenzy - world without end

so i never really listen to music on my computer. because of the ridiculously small size of my hard drive, my computer takes a long time to do things and the sound quality isnt good. so it seems like i never listen to anything because the mog-o-matic! doesn't show much. but really, if you really want to know, this week my top artist will definitely be cloud cult - i'm not really planning on taking that cd out of my stereo. there you go.

the meaning of 8...

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:37:55 GMT

so i've only listened to the first five songs off cloud cult's latest release (as of today) "the meaning of 8"...suffice it to say i'm ecstatic. i haven't heard a song that i don't like...even just a little bit. i love it that it still sounds like cloud cult, but it doesn't sound like every other song coming from them. craig minowa is a super musical genius that's for sure. also can't go wrong with the environmentally-friendly packaging of minowa's own earthology records. great album so far...more to come on later.

i rode my bike to the record store to buy cloud cult's album. in addition, this song is fun. hope you enjoy it. however, i can't seem to remember where i got this song, meaning that i can't figure out anything about them. does anyone happen to know??

can't stop listening...the 'c's

ardyjormkiv — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 23:26:21 GMT

droning vocals amongst an underlying trance-like beat.

i dont know what it is, but i go through stages where it seems like all the bands i am recently obsessed with all happen to start with the same letter. a couple of months ago it was 'a', and now i seem to have fallen into the 'c's...check out these songs, in addition to clinic...!

fiction - cortez the killer like it or leave it - chikinki take your medicine - could cult the day we woke up without mouths - the clock work army

and might as well throw a classic in there... lovesong - the cure

a little bit of a tribute...

ardyjormkiv — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 22:00:27 GMT

...to annuals...one of my personal favorites.

i can listen to "brother" over and over again...i have yet to be sick of it. it is definitely a song i would describe as epic and no matter how many times you listen, there is something new or different everytime. what begins as a calm and mellow, atmospheric-type beginning introduces soft and luscious vocals, suddenly escalating into an explosion of sound, full of intensity and emotion. give it a listen. or two. or twenty. and tell me you dont love it.

i highly recommend, if you have a chance, seeing their live show. my only disappointment was that i had to leave early due to transportation issues. while most of the band members wouldn't be able to attend some of their own (21+) shows, adam kenny anna nick zach and mike have more musical ability packed in their little fingers than in a lot of bands and artists you see today.

while "brother" is the stand-out track on the be he me album, i was also not disappointed by the rest of the album. try it out, straight through. it's catchy, but not after one listen. it's something to unravel, not to take in once. listen again and again to unpack the musical snacks imbedded into every song.

annuals...they may just be your new favorite band.