MOG - darmuzz's Posts

Just Call Me Deadsy!

darmuzz — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:28:01 GMT

Well, who'd have thought our very own Lizzie was so...deadly? I have to admit I egged on my assassin by requesting a hardcore mix theme. Miss GreenEyes put a clever spin on this by sending a CD that included hard songs, songs with hard and threatening titles, and lots of death-themed tunes. Who could survive this onslaught?

Vamos Intro - Pixies

This is Hardcore - Pulp

Punk Rock Caveman Living in a Prehistoric Age - (Desert Sessions)

Ghostflowers - Otep

Screaming at a Wall - Minor Threat

Circles - Dag Nasty

Kiss the Devil - Eagles of Death Metal

My War - Henry Rollins

Assassin - Muse

Drop Dead Don't Blink - Shudder to Think

I Swallowed Hard, Like I Understood - 65daysofstatic

The Guns of Brixton - The Clash

Repeater - Fugazi

Takin a Ride - The Replacements

Becoming - Pantera

Monster Hospital - Metric

Dead Souls - Joy Division

Lizzie totally PWNs because death was delivered to my door before I could get a mix out to my intended victim, so now that Mogger gets to survive for another round!

If you have any illusions left about Lizzie being anything other than a cold-hearted killer, listen to this:

Of course, she did say, "This hurt me FAR MORE than it hurt you, well, except for the whole now you're dead thing!!!"

Congrats on your first kill - sez this Dead One!

Incidentally, I hear that some Moggers' children are disturbed by their parent's "death." Mine laughed with glee - she loves Otep...I guess I should have taken that parenting course after all :)

Non-Metal Metal Songs

darmuzz — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:20:59 GMT

I just noticed I have a few tracks in my iTunes which reference heavy metal but aren't metal. In fact, they are kind of ironic, acoustic, alt-country-ish tunes that poke fun at metal, but in an affectionate way. WTF?

I wonder what other songs out there have lyrics that are about a different genre of music than the one being played.

Check out the cute lyrics.

Wilco - Heavy Metal Drummer

I still miss those heavy metal bands
She used to go see on the landing in the summer
She fell in love with a drummer
She fell in love with the drummer
She fell in love
Shiny shiny pants and bleach blonde hair
A double kick drum by the river in the summer
She fell in love with a drummer
Another & another
She fell in love
I miss the innocence I've known
Playing kiss covers
Beautiful & stoned
Unlock my body and move myself to dance
In long liquid flowing blowing glass
Classical music blasting
That's still ringing in my ears
I still miss those heavy metal bands
She used to go see on the landing in the summer
She fell in love with a drummer
She fell in love with the drummer
She fell in love
I miss the innocence I've known
Playing kiss covers
Beautiful & stoned
I miss the innocence I've known
Playing kiss covers
Beautiful & stoned
Playing kiss covers
Beautiful & stoned
Playing kiss covers
Beautiful & stoned

The Mountain Goats - Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton (Texas!)

the best ever death metal band out of denton
were a couple of guys, who'd been friends since grade school.
one was named cyrus, and the other was jeff.
and they practiced twice a week in jeff's bedroom.

the best ever death metal band out of denton
never settled on a name.
but the top three contenders, after weeks of debate,
were satan's fingers, and the killers, and the hospital bombers.

jeff and cyrus believed in their hearts they were headed
for stage lights and leer jets, and fortune and fame.
so in script that made prominent use of a pentagram,
they stenciled their drumheads and guitars with their names.

this was how cyrus got sent to the school
where they told him he'd never be famous.
and this was why jeff,
in the letters he'd write to his friend,
helped develop a plan to get even.
when you punish a person for dreaming his dream,
don't expect him to thank or forgive you.
the best ever death metal band out of denton
will in time both outpace and outlive you.
hail satan!
hail satan tonight!
hail satan!
hail hail!

Dethklok: at least this cartoon metal band plays metal (they actually RAWK, in fact!)

Belated Canada Day Playlist

darmuzz — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:10:55 GMT

I just realized that all of my favourite Canadian songs are commercial sing-along hits. Except for one hardcore track that snuck in! I feel so girly!

Building a Mystery - Sarah McLachlan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AFDHia51Do

Black Black Heart - David Usher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFJorMzya2M

Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk - Rufus Wainwright

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6N0sNMKFO4

Mushaboom - Feist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=ZDZwThM7vAg

I Would Die for You - Jann Arden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PG7W0oCLz4

The Grace - Neverending White Lights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0FyN72Phc

No Transitory - Alexisonfire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMkwxd2fSg4

Perfect - Danny Michel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE1w2CUyTJ4

Head Over Feet - Alanis Morissette

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iuO49jbovg

Walking With a Ghost - Tegan and Sara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4THv5SYfBo

Honourable mention (because it's a cover):

Cry Me a River - The Cliks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiDojIWcjiM

For a real blast of Canadian loudness, you'll have to check out Robin's list here:

http://mog.com/RobinH/blog_post/170687

The combined force of our music collections is awesome!

I think that creating an American playlist for Independence Day is too big a task for me. Happy 4th!

darmuzz

Across the Ocean

darmuzz — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:00:26 GMT

Alas, my extended meet-up with Robin H had to come to an end - for now. The good part is that in another way, it's just the beginning...as we are determined to be together and to merge our musical minds!

Here's a video dedication from my current favourite band, to which Robin introduced me since I'd missed them the first time around.

Every time I think of you it's like the last beat of my heart
The memory of leaving you is tearing me apart
No waves, no tears, no backward glance
But I'll always hold you dear
Never regret but I'll never forget
cos there's not enough heaven here

Hands across the ocean, reaching out for you
Across the waves, across the water
Hands, across the ocean
Ocean

And every time I'm missing you I just can't let it show
And every time I want to cry, I just can't let it go
Wine and song and masquerade and refuge holds me dear
Ribbons and lace and daisy chains
But there's not enough heaven here

Hands across the ocean, reaching out for you
Across the waves, across the water, reaching out for you
Hands across the ocean, reaching out for you
Across the waves, across the water
Hands, across the ocean

Bangles, beads and lipstick games
And comfort holds me dear
Velvet and lace and perfumed sheets
But there's not enough heaven
Not enough heaven here

Hands across the ocean, reaching out for you
Across the waves, across the water, reaching out for you
Hands across the ocean, reaching out for you
Across the waves, across the water
Hands, across the ocean
Ocean
Ocean
Ocean

Hands across the ocean, reaching out for you
Across the waves, across the water
Hands, across the ocean

(Robin - u know u rock!)

Transatlantic Mog Match!

darmuzz — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:43:47 GMT

Some of you are aware I've been planning a long-distance seduction - er, I mean MOG MEET - for some time now. Time flies when you're having fun...a year of Mog mail and two months of serious flirtation have landed my Most Trusted Mogger, Robin H, on my doorstep!

Robin and I couldn't help but hit it off when we both noticed each other's Miyazaki avatars - he is Totoro and I am Shishigami - which led to our first contact. We soon discovered we had musically come of age at the same time and have a vast shared history of punk and metal, especially first-wave UK punk and NWOBHM, as well as old-school rock like Thin Lizzy and UFO. Whenever we emailed each other, we kept hitting that reply button long after the subject was exhausted, and it seemed there was a definite spark there. Unfortunately, being an English gentlemen and a polite Canadian, it took a while for either of us to "crack" and get real personal, but suffice to say, it eventually happened, and a transatlantic meet-up transpired!

I'm going to go sketchy on the details, but this says it all: we were so confident we'd hit it off, that we both booked off two weeks' vacation to enjoy each other's company. We're now on Day 3 of "sightseeing," "going to shows," and "watching concert DVDs" ;) I know I will not be wanting to see this Mog Meet end, and the future is oh so bright.

I'll leave off by saying: life is luscious, Thanks MOG!, and go visit Robin's page!

http://mog.com/RobinH/blog_post/166325

Ride 'Em Cowgirl

darmuzz — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:17:40 GMT

For only one person would I post Madonna ... I love the little pauses in this track. Plus, it makes me want to put on my boots and kick up some dust. Enjoy!

Don't tell me to stop Tell the rain not to drop Tell the wind not to blow cause you said so, mmm...

Long Snake Moan

darmuzz — Sat, 17 May 2008 22:38:16 GMT

This one goes out to my slithery friend.

Um-hmmm

Dunk you Under Deep salt Water Bring me Lover All your Power I'll be No hell Out of Your spell Over Under Die of Pleasure Hear my Dreaming You'll be Drowning Hells no God above All drunk On my love You wanna hear my long snake .... moan! You oughta see me crawl my .... roar! Dunk you Under Deep salt Water In my Dreaming You'll be Drowning Raise me Up lord Call me Lazarus Hey lord Help me Make me Marvel You wanna hear my long snake ... moan! You oughta see me crawl my... roar! Is my voodoo working Moan

Shredding Fantasy

darmuzz — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:03:42 GMT

Playing DragonForce's track "Through the Fire and Flames" in expert mode will earn you bragging rights as a supreme champion of Guitar Hero III.

Since I have neither guitar nor Guitar Hero, my shredding fantasies could go either way...I choose to imagine I can play it like Herman Li:

This post is dedicated to the Metal Force that inhabits me! \m/xxx\m/

Intent to Seduce

darmuzz — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:21:44 GMT

If I were to declare my intentions for someone by posting a song for him here on Mog, I wonder if it would have the desired effect?

You Said WHAT?

darmuzz — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:57:48 GMT

How's your hearing? Be good to your ears and don't crank up the volume on your headphones to do the test :)

Dallas Green = City and Colour

darmuzz — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:24:57 GMT

Why is there always room for another singer-songwriter with an acoustic guitar? Must be something about the familiarity of the instrument, the sincerity of the words, the simplicity of the vocals. From Brett Dennen to Chris Carrabba, Kimya Dawson and Amy Honey, there always seems to be a voice and a finger-style that connects to people in a genuine way.

City and Colour’s first album Sometimes was a phenomenon in Canada, with two music videos, sold-out club shows coast-to-coast, and a subsequent live album and DVD. Dallas Green piqued interest, in part, because he is one of two vocalists in “post-hardcore” band Alexisonfire, who have a rabid fan base. As an Alexisonfire fan, when I first heard the City and Colour single “Save Your Scissors,” (“So save your scissors/ For someone else's skin/ My surface is so tough/ I don't think the blade will dig in”) I resisted the call. It was the song by a tattooed rocker that everyone’s mom liked. But by the time “Coming Home” was released, I had joined the mom parade. Resistance was futile.

Part of it was that, going back and listening to Alexisonfire, I realized that his singing counterpoint to George Pettit’s screamo gave the band its distinctive sound. Seeing them live established this further. Mr. Green is extraordinarily humble and celebrity-averse, and he continuously sloughs off the starry-eyed adoration of his fans.

Sometimes was a break-up album, with every song chronicling the lovelorn artist on the road: “You told me life was a risk/ But I have just one last question/ Will it be my heart or will it be his?”

Enter the new album Bring Me Your Love, released this week. I had thought that since Mr. Green is now in a high-profile relationship with a MuchMusic VJ, that he would have cheered up and entirely changed the character of his music. Au contraire , it appears that Dallas is experiencing a profound depression and that Leah is his saving grace. You might think that he wanted to further mine the concept of sorrow to add to his previous success. Maybe he has a manipulative talent that makes me believe he has a bleak existence. But I truly do not think so. The way he catalogues his sad, withdrawn and anxious behaviour tells me that he has experienced it. (“My dreams are nothing like what they were meant to be and I’m breaking down ...”) In fact, I don’t know of any other artist who has explored this topic well, other than perhaps Elliott Smith, but his lyrics have more cynical humour. In fact, the first time I listened to this album all the way through, my first thought was, “I hope he lives to make another one.”

I am not one of those people who is attracted to the dark side. For example, I don’t especially like and admire Ian Curtis. Luckily this album has two other dimensions I can get into. The first is that the melody lines stick in your head and after a few listens, I found myself singing along to the songs. The second is that the album has an unacknowledged guest artist – the space in which it was recorded! The music was made with used and vintage instruments, played in a church that was converted into a studio, and captured “live off the floor.” The lead track "Forgive Me" has some white noise that I later found out was the whirring of a fan. I don’t have many studio albums in which the sense of place is distinctive. (Cat Power’s latest is one, though.)

Two more thoughts before I close: Dallas Green knows how to do him some writin’ wit' good grammar (“the happiness for which you long is washed away”) and I’m a sucker for that. And if you made it this far, I’ll blow my credibility (if I had any) by telling you that Dallas Green is my only really major rock star crush, because how could I not love his buff bod and cute feet?

I've Been Foal-arized!

darmuzz — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:27:20 GMT

I am always on for some cheery indie pop. By all means let's spend a few Vampire Weekends...but then go listen to Foals! I don't always like bands with what I call a "cold wave" vocal, but these Oxford lads sound to me like a mix of Battles, Klaxons and Hot Chip - bleeps and blurts, get yer freak on, and dance yer socks off! As of yet they only have a couple of EPs and singles, but an album is due in March. To tide you over, take a listen to "Astronauts and All," or watch the video for "Mathletics".

I know you will not hold the NME hype against them...and if you are super-geeky, check out the oscillator video on their MySpace page...

I Am One!

darmuzz — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 02:40:45 GMT

It’s my Mogiversary – I am now ONE in Mog Years!

L'il Darmuzz

All in all, I feel very humbled by the fine company I keep here at Mog. I will perpetually be a musical toddler…y’all know that my musical tastes are wide-ranging and quite appalling really. While you have expanded my horizons and introduced me to all sorts of new music, I still have an innate preference for punk, metal, hardcore and – gulp – emo, which you have not yet managed to exorcise! But now I have more than a passing acquaintance with indie-world.

Before Mog, I spent the previous year trolling for new music by reading Under the Radar, Exclaim! and AP magazines, listening to bands on their own websites and MySpace, and checking the details at allmusic.com. Fortunately I never got into Pitchfork :) Since then, Mog has become my homepage, my daily first stop on the web, and my only stop if I’m in a rush!

I would like to apologize to the Moggers whom I didn’t add as my Trusteds because I was too intimidated by your uber-popularity, and I was certain you would never take any notice of me. There are still a few of you out there, heh! I would like to thank all of the fine folks who welcomed me when I was even more of a newbie, like dj ivi and Sturgell, who are not nearly as bot-like as MySpace Tom. And above all, my best regards to David Hyman for building and funding this place and keeping it afloat, even when we are whiny ingrates.

I love you, Mog!

Get With The Program

darmuzz — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:23:33 GMT

I am very late posting thanks to my Secret Santa, matt cleveland. I have a reason, I hope justifiable.

Throughout the year, I noticed that Matt was promoting a program. I thought that he, like many other Moggers, was promoting his own radio show or podcast. I am always short on time and I usually don’t follow those links from anyone’s posts. Well, this was certainly my loss. It turns out that The Program which Matt refers to is really a “personal listening plan.” He and his buddy, Mogger bendblock, select an album a week and listen to it “like you used to listen to music in high school.”

Matt wrote: “Each week we agree to listen to one album (we agree on the same one) as though we had spent our hard-earned money on it, that is, listen to it as much as possible in a given week (at least 3-5 spins). The only other restriction is that you can't listen to anything else "new", that is, an album you haven't heard yet, while you're listening to the album of the week.”

Matt sent me a 2-CD mix in his Secret Santa package, one of Christmas tunes by rock artists, and the other a compilation of 2007 favourites from The Program . Hence my reason for delaying this post – I have taken the past few weeks to really listen to these songs!

The Christmas songs were very timely. I had put up my Christmas tree while listening to chamber pop because I just couldn’t bear to pull out the old-timers’ Christmas classics one more time. Then what should appear but a mix with seasonal songs by The Flaming Lips, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann and more!

The 2007 mix had 18 tracks, only two of which I’d heard, and none of which I owned. The mix transitions really well among genres, mainly indie pop, alt-folk, and alt-country. I was thrilled to hear, at my leisure, so many hand-selected songs that were completely new to me. (And I also noted that there were some hard-to-find and non-album tracks.) Here’s the playlist:

Ragoo – Kings of Leon You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb – Spoon Seahorse – Devendra Banhart Carried Home – Iron and Wine Four Winds – Bright Eyes Blue Hotel – Ryan Adams Simple Twist of Fate – Jeff Tweedy To the Dogs or Whoever – Josh Ritter The Way I Am – Bonnie “Prince” Billy Kookaburra – John Vanderslice Challengers – The New Pornographers Plus Ones – Okkervil River Goin’ to Acapulco – Jim James & Calexico Don’t Fade on Me – Magnolia Electric Co. In Our Nature – Jose Gonzalez Fake Empire – The National North American Scum – LCD Soundsystem The Thanks I Get - Wilco

I had to conclude that this Secret Santa match was very inspired. You see, I too am always feeling overwhelmed by the amount of new music to keep up with. I bought 13 and “previewed” 13 releases from 2007 throughout the year…an average of one every two weeks. And I committed myself to “really” listening to them and getting to know them, so they were all listened to with full attention at least 3 times. So I was on The Program and I didn’t even know it! So cool to find a kindred spirit out there!

The Beautiful People

darmuzz — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:46:35 GMT

In which I reveal my extreme shallowness, er, aesthetic sensibility...here are my votes for the most beautiful, cool, crush-able and do-able people in the music world. I'm sure you'll tell me who I've forgotten!

Darmuzz’s Behind-the-Times Year-End List

darmuzz — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:45:28 GMT

I like to buy albums I’ve been anticipating, or “preview” albums selectively…I find if I download everything that catches my ear, the music doesn’t get a fair chance because I’m too overwhelmed. So about 25 new albums were added to my collection this year. I thought about making a Top Ten list, but realistically, I was still catching up on 2006 albums all year, and even some 2005s. So here are the Top 15 albums I loved this year:

2007 Releases

1. Tegan and Sara – The Con 2. The Cliks – Snakehouse 3. The Klaxons – Myths of the Near Future 4. The Fiery Furnaces – Widow City 5. Art Brut – It’s a Bit Complicated

2006 Releases I Bought in 2007

1. The Dresden Dolls – Yes Virginia 2. My Chemical Romance – Black Parade 3. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black 4. Regina Spektor – Begin to Hope 5. Cansei de ser Sexy – Cansei de ser Sexy

2005 Releases I Loved This Year:

1. Death Cab for Cutie – Plans 2. Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning 3. Mew – And the Glass Handed Kites 4. Sufjan Stevens – (Come On Feel the) Illinoise 5. Imogen Heap – Speak for Yourself

And finally, like Tybees, I feel the need to acknowledge the songs that were stuck in my brain this year:

My Fave Songs of 2007:

1. Cry Me A River – The Cliks 2. The Hives – Tick Tick Boom 3. Golden Skans – The Klaxons 4. You Don’t Know What Love Is – The White Stripes 5. Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now – Joss Stone

Thank you to the Moggers who helped me find these – you know who you are :)

Metal Top 10 for 2007

darmuzz — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:53:11 GMT

Exclaim! magazine has printed its top 10 albums in its "Aggressive Tendencies" (metal and metal-ish) category. It's getting hard to tell the difference between metal and hardcore - not that I feel the need to.

They are: Baroness - Red Album Municipal Waste - The Art of Partying The Locust - New Erections The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works Between the Buried and Me - Colors Every Time I Die - The Big Dirty Pig Destroyer - Phantom Limb Graf Orlock - Destination Time Tomorrow Torche - In Return Jesu - Conqueror

I couldn't imagine that a new year could surpass the end of 06 when Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall and Lamb of God all had new albums.

I took a long breather from metal and am now happy to return. Thanks to Moggers Robin H and River Lethe for helping me back into the metal fold!

Where I Mog

darmuzz — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:03:44 GMT

Controlled chaos...

My Most Played Song Ever!

darmuzz — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:02:38 GMT

I have heard this almost every day for the past five years!

See comments...

Welcome to the Big Comfy Couch

darmuzz — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:09:42 GMT

Halloween is not only for zombies, vampires, pirates and ninjas...

Churched in Tegan and Sara

darmuzz — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:35:27 GMT

I was psyched that I got to see Tegan and Sara this week! This show was a departure for me because I had been going to hard rock shows like Billy Talent and Rise Against all summer. I didn’t know what to expect at an indie pop show…busted up laughing to see Sara in a Cancer Bats (hardcore band) Tshirt!

Sara and Tegan put together a solid set that included most of the songs from The Con, the best known tunes from So Jealous and If It Was You, and two songs from their first record. They covered Rihanna’s Under My Umbrella as an encore, and made it all moody indie girl – very credible!

First off, I should say that Tegan and Sara are not a band; they are a duo. Although they have played with some musicians like Ted Gowans both live and in the studio, the three male touring musicians played effectively, but stayed out of the way.

You’ve probably heard that Tegan and Sara are known for their onstage banter – all of which was edited out of their concert DVD, “If It’s Not Fun, Don’t Do It.” In this show, Sara seemed to be always chatting while Tegan laid low.

I saw the show in a big wooden church with box pews and stained glass windows. Sara launched into a story about going to a sleepover at age 6 and being told by their friend’s family that they would burn in hell because they didn’t know Jesus. During the show, she returned to tales of her mom, her sister and their childhood several times.

If you know their music, you know that until recently, each song was written and recorded by EITHER Tegan or Sara, and they would later work out how to perform them live together. Their song writing styles are distinct, with Tegan going for more straight-out hooky rock songs, and Sara going for more of a layered indie sound. (I think they should do a double album next time, like Andre and Big Boi did with Speakerboxx/The Love Below!)

The DVD of The Con shows how each song was arranged with producer Chris Walla. (You can hear “just this much” Death Cab influence on the record.) I have watched the DVD over and over – it has taught me a lot about how music is recorded, and the way the team works together is too cute for words! See a clip of it here:

I bought The Con on its release date and have been playing it constantly since. If you look at the musical history of T & S, I’d say the first two albums have an acoustic folk-rock sound and traditional song structures with wordy lyrics. The next two albums have tighter songs with short, impressionistic lyrics and much more pop sensibility. The Con is a darker, more intricate album. Their concert showcased the album and was centred around performance of the songs, rather than shout-outs to the audience.

The most striking thing about the show was that the audience was almost 90% female. I have never been to a show with that kind of grrl energy! It was cute, polite and hipster at the same time.

Tegan and Sara are touring Canada and the US with Northern State, a Long Island hip-hop trio. These young women were pop-oriented and sing-songy, until they pumped it up with their single “Sucka Mofo.” After their set, they spent the rest of the evening at the merch table, winning over many hearts.

Tegan and Sara live exceeded all my expectations. I got into their musicianship and their ability to make the songs shine bright.

New Wave Wednesday - Joe Jackson

darmuzz — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:38:10 GMT

A nice chunk of New Wave for me was the group of UK artists who evolved out of pub rock, like Graham Parker, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds. And this bloke, Joe Jackson:

Note the clever use of an ergonomic office chair in a live show :)

I Am Me? Them? It?

darmuzz — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:25:19 GMT

What's with this habit of calling yourself by a band name? I hear of all these new bands only to find they consist of one person. It's not a new development but it sure is flourishing:

St. Vincent (Annie Clark) Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) Beirut (Zach Condon) Bat for Lashes (Natasha Kahn) Maps (James Chapman) My Brighest Diamond (Shara Worden) The Streets (Mike Skinner) Aesop Rock (Ian Bavitz) Miracle Fortress (Graham Van Pelt) Badly Drawn Boy (Damon Gough) El Perro del Mar (Sarah Assbring) City and Colour (Dallas Green) LCD Soundsystem (James Murphy) Lavender Diamond (Becky Stark) Iron and Wine (Sam Beam) Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. (Sam Duckworth)

El Perro del Mar

Some of these names represent individuals, some are "projects," and some are loose-knit collaborations. Each of them seem to be "masterminded" by one person, who makes all of the creative decisions.

I can think of a few reasons why someone might do this:

1. If your project fails, you can start over using your real name 2. If your band fails, you don't drag the other members down with you 3. If you succeed, you can claim all the glory 4. You can recruit, hire and use any musicians you want for any length of time, and not have to give them any significant credit 5. You can make up a name that sounds cooler than Ian Bavitz or James Chapman 6. You can create a new project name for every mood of music you want to make (like AFI and Blaqk Audio)

This little conceit makes me more appreciative of artists who use their own name and change up their style when the mood strikes: like Chad VanGaalen, Sondre Lerche, and Pop Levi (now there's a real name if I ever heard one).

Then there are collaboratives like Bright Eyes and Broken Social Scene who are hinged around the talents of one central person...er, coordinator.

My real pet peeve is those bands who are named after their front-person, like Sam Roberts and Patrick Watson. Both would say they are not solo artists but are real bands. Personally I would not want to be the bassist or drummer who has to speak up and say, "I'm in Sam Roberts!"

Sigur Ros Update

darmuzz — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:27:37 GMT

I'd heard that Sigur Ros was releasing an acoustic album this Fall, and also their concept/tour DVD Heima. Turns out they are linked.

This from the blog on Sigur Ros' MySpace:

'Hvarf-Heim', the companion record (to the DVD) is more cousin than sister release. It has two titles because it is in effect two separate, but complementary, entities, with...two front covers and a limited edition run of two discs. Open it one way and it's 'Hvarf' ("disappeared" or "haven", a five track electric studio record comprising mainly unreleased rarities from Sigur Rós's back-pages, none of which is on 'Heima'. Open it the other way and it's 'Heim' ("home"), a six track acoustic record, comprising delicate new unplugged versions of some of Sigur Rós's best moments, which have never been performed before.

Release date for both is November 5.

Patrick Watson wins Polaris Prize

darmuzz — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:51:56 GMT

Much rejoicing this morning chez moi, cuz Patrick Watson has won the Polaris Prize! This is Canada's equivalent of the UK Mercury Prize, and is awarded solely on artistic merit. The ten nominees included Arcade Fire and Feist. Now that lesser-known artists have won two years in a row, it seems that artists at this level of international success are not the judges' favourites. There were several standout nominees including The Dears, Miracle Fortress and Junior Boys.

In the Toronto Star, Patrick Watson (the artist, not the band) was quoted as saying, "I really didn't want to win...I was hoping Chad would, " referring to Chad VanGaalen. Meanwhile Chad said of the awards ceremony, "I had a lovely free dinner and everyone (was) totally nice to me."

Here is a performance of Drifters by Patrick Watson:

You can also find on YouTube a few videos of Patrick Watson playing with Cinematic Orchestra.

Midnight Chill Out Part 2

darmuzz — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 01:56:13 GMT

Here is the Kronos Quartet cover of the Sigur Ros song mentioned in my last post...it is over 15 MB so if you really like it, Mog-Mail me and I will refer you to the full version...

Deepest Chill Out Cover

darmuzz — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 01:33:29 GMT

Sigur Ros goes acoustic soon?

If you are a late-night Mogger and have about 17 minutes to spare, you can chill to this majestic, post-rock, classically-inspired song, and a cover version. The title translates as "Fly's Saviour." I just found the cover of it by the classical combo Kronos Quartet, which was produced for NPR and recently released on iTunes. As a string quartet, they don't attempt the Icelandic vocals...interestingly, Kronos Quartet specializes in new and minimalist music.

The original by Sigur Ros:

The Kronos Quartet version is in the following post.

Someone on YouTube set the Kronos version of the song to scenes from Winged Migration, but the song was not used in the movie and doesn't appear on the soundtrack.

See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZHpckYExUc

Happy midnight listening!

News Flash: Sigur Ros are rumoured to be releasing a full-length ACOUSTIC album in October!!

Polaris Music Awards 2007

darmuzz — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:22:54 GMT

Now that The Klaxons have won the Nationwide Mercury Prize, we can all turn our attention to the 2007 Polaris Music Prize!

"A $20,000 prize for a full-length Canadian album, judged solely on artistic merit, without regard to genre or record sales."

You may remember that Final Fantasy (aka Owen Pallett) was the inaugural winner last year for his album "He Poos Clouds," which was recorded on a budget of $8000. He was up against higher profile acts like The New Pornographers, Metric and Broken Social Scene. I hear the award money was used to pay off his boyfriend's student loan. I heartily approve.

This year's nominees were released between June 2006 and May 2007:

Patrick Watson - Close to Paradise Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection

(I would put money on one of those two, but what do I know?)

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible Feist - The Reminder Besnard Lakes - Besnard Lakes Junior Boys - So This is Goodbye The Dears - Gang of Losers Joel Plaskett Emergency - Ashtray Rock Miracle Fortress - Five Roses Julie Doiron - Woke Myself Up

In the news: Arcade Fire were the lone hold-out when the nominee compilation CD was released this week. They have a "policy" of not releasing any of their songs on compilations. They say they would have made an exception but the comp CD had already gone for pressing.

Meanwhile, you can hear songs from all of the nominated CDs (including Neon Bible) at the Polaris website: http://polarismusicprize.ca or the CAN - Polaris 2007 radio station at Yahoo Canada music.

The jury of 170 music types includes reps from Canadian radio stations, magazines (such as Chart and Exclaim), newspapers, TV (MuchMusic, MusiquePlus, The Hour) and a few freelancers and bloggers.

The winner will be announced on September 24.

I have already posted on Patrick Watson so here is Chad VanGaalen's "Sing Me to Sleep" - a break from his more electronic-inspired stuff. I dig the recorder solo!

Foo Fighters Cover Arcade Fire

darmuzz — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:12:02 GMT

Found this novelty on Stereogum. Foo Fighters performed this on BBC Live Lounge. What do you think?

I've never heard an Arcade Fire cover before, but the site says Calexico has done "Ocean of Noise"!

Shower Iggy Off Me!

darmuzz — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 01:56:30 GMT

Just read the new bio of Iggy Pop "Open Up and Bleed." Think I'll hop in the shower and get that decadence off-a me! Needless to say I could hardly put the book down. Great photos too! Not much needs to be said about the influence of Iggy and The Stooges. I am impressed by his "indomitable spirit," as the saying goes. Not to mention physicality, which seems to keep getting more pumped up, the older and more sober he gets!

Here are a couple of clips from his mid-career single "Lust for Life," followed by use of the Pop/Bowie song in a TV commercial. Since Royal Caribbean is not a hedonistic cruise, I trust they didn't bother looking into the lyrics:

Here comes Johnny Yen again With the liquor and drugs And the flesh machine He's gonna do another strip tease. Hey man, where'd ya get that lotion? I've been hurting since I've bought the gimmick About something called love Yeah, something called love. Well, thats like hypnotizing chickens.

Well, I'm just a modern guy Of course, I've had it in the ear before. I have a lust for life cause of a lust for life.

I'm worth a million in prizes With my torture film Drive a GTO Wear a uniform All on a government loan. I'm worth a million in prizes Yeah, I'm through with sleeping on the sidewalk No more beating my brains No more beating my brains With liquor and drugs With liquor and drugs.

Iggy in Lust for Life video for movie Trainspotting:

Lust for Life used in TV ad for Royal Caribbean cruises:

And a 1991 live performance at the young age of 44:

Long live Mr. Osterberg! And, er, stay clothed now & again...

T-Shirt Wearing Protocol

darmuzz — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:11:55 GMT

I have to wear business casual during the week and I can't show off my secret rock star self. I usually wear a music-related pin like "Much Loud," "Kerrang," or "The Specials" man. It is the rare soul at work who recognizes any of them. But maybe that's because it would be inappropriate to get six inches from my chest to read them.

I have a very few rock T-shirts that I wear on my off-time, especially Saturdays record-shopping. I have re-released shirts of The Ramones and CBGBs. I was a fan of the early 70s New York scene. Even though I missed it by about 5 years, I listened to the records when the artists were still vibrant.

I have enough sense not to wear any rock shirt I actually bought back in high school.

I know there are a few T-shirt rules:

Don't buy a shirt at a concert and put it on Don't go all "emo-boy hoodie & T" (if you are over 30) ::I break this rule all the time cos it makes me laugh:: Don't buy a shirt from a band you've never heard of because you like the design Don't wear a shirt from a well-known band you've never listened to Don't think that wearing The Beatles or Johnny Cash makes you retro-cool

I would not wear this!

On the other hand, is it really necessary to distress your concert Ts to make them look faded and old? Or to buy a vintage tour shirt online with KISS 1976 tour dates on the back?

Do all rock shirts have to be black to be credible?

I recently bought two new T-shirts, and when I wear them, my friends and co-workers don't know how to react: am I trying to be funny, ironic or sincere?

I would wear this!

There is a lot to be said for not needing T-shirts to establish your musical tastes. But on the other hand, it is great to get that flash of recognition when someone "gets" the logo on your shirt...kind of like connecting with someone on Mog...

What are your T-shirt rules?

Indie's Greatest Hits - Results

darmuzz — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 03:33:26 GMT

Hey all,

After all of your thoughtful help, here is our "Indie Hits" playlist. No special order - good for shuffling! I narrowed it down a bit:

Indie = quirky pop/rock
Focus on accessible "breakthrough" songs
Year 2000 or later
Only 1 song per artist

Here is our top 50:

Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies) Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor Art Brut - Bad Weekend Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life Broken Social Scene - 7/4 Shoreline Camera Obscura - Lloyd I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken Cansei de Ser Sexy - Off the Hook Cat Power - The Greatest Cold War Kids - Hang Me Up to Dry The Dears - Ticket to Immortality Death Cab for Cutie - Soul Meets Body The Decemberists - Engine Driver Deerhoof - Milkman The Dresden Dolls - Coin-Operated Boy Feist - Mushaboom The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part 1 Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out Head Automatica - Graduation Day Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms) Hot Chip - Over and Over Interpol - Slow Hands Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot Kings of Leon - On Call The Klaxons - Golden Skans Ladytron - Seventeen Le Tigre - TKO Metric - Monster Hospital Mew - Special Modest Mouse - Float On Nada Surf - Always Love The National - Mistaken for Strangers New Pornographers - Twin Cinema OK Go - Here It Goes Again Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah The Postal Service - Such Great Heights Rilo Kiley - Portions for Foxes The Shins - New Slang Shiny Toy Guns - Le Disko Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye Regina Spektor - On the Radio Stars - Ageless Beauty The Strokes - Last Nite Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Me & Mia Tegan and Sara - Walking with a Ghost Tokyo Police Club - Cheer It On! TV on the Radio - Staring at the Sun Rufus Wainwright - Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk White Stripes - Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground Wilco - Heavy Metal Drummer

Since this list is kinda "Indie 101," I'll be saving more songs for 201!

Indie's Greatest Hits?

darmuzz — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 01:59:52 GMT

Sure could use your input, y'all! My sister has just bought her first MP3 player, a 4GB iPod, and she wants me to stuff it fulla music for her! She asked for "songs we used to listen to in high school" and "songs to work out to at the gym." Now my sister does not buy or download music. At all. Any songs she knows would be accidentally, from the radio. So I will humbly try to meet her request, while also mercilessly trying to change her tastes. Or rather, establish some tastes!

So here is my quest. I have decided to put together a playlist of "Indie's Greatest Hits" to introduce her to the modern age. I would like to include some "popular" or cross-over or break-through indie. The definition of indie really doesn't matter much in this case...here's what I came up with so far.

Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies) Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor Feist - Mushaboom Death Cab - Soul Meets Body Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks Hot Chip - Over and Over Modest Mouse - Float On The Shins - New Slang OK Go - Here It Goes Again Tegan and Sara - Walking with a Ghost Rilo Kiley - Portions for Foxes Tokyo Police Club - Nature of the Experiment Shiny Toy Guns - Le Disko Head Automatica - Graduation Day Camera Obscura - Lloyd I'm Ready to be Heartbroken Hellogoodbye - Here in Your Arms Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life
What else should I add?

Digitizing for Dad

darmuzz — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:24:12 GMT

I was off MOG for an entire weekend, for the first time since I signed up in January. Here's why...

I saved about 50 LPs from my collection of about 250. After moving with them ten times, I finally said, "No more." All said, I have very few regrets about the ones I turfed. And I am very happy to still own The Ramones, Clash, Sex Pistols, Rezillos, and other old-school LPs. Over the years I have replaced quite a few albums on CD, but I kept a turntable and I do listen to vinyl now and again.

I have always wanted to import some of my records into iTunes, but after messing with Nero a few times, I gave up. Learning the software was on my long list of Things I'd Like To Do Someday. It would have stayed there, except that my dad showed me a peculiar machine in a sales flyer. It had a turntable and cassette deck, could burn your records and tapes to CD, looked like a vintage record player in a wood-tone console, and cost $500. Well I would be damned if I let my dad buy one of those things, so I went home and learned to use the f'ing Nero software!

My test LP was The Pretenders' first album, one of my all-time favourites. I spent a couple of hours recording it and playing it back in real time and deciding on a format for saving files. The original audio files are huge: a 3-minute song created a 30 MB wav file! Not for the faint-of-hard-drive. After recording all 12 songs and converting them, I tried to burn them to CD with great trepidation, but...it worked!

So now I get to start on my dad's collection. I've decided I will alternate one of mine, one of his, one of mine, one of his. So my next few conversions will look like this:

The Pretenders John Denver The Ramones Anne Murray Patti Smith Demis Roussos

My dad and I had fun sorting through all his records this weekend and choosing his favourites to digitize. Among his old vinyl records were a few that my brother, sister, and I had forgotten about...everything from Abba to the Grease soundtrack to...an original copy of The Beatles Yesterday and Today album!!

Life is good. I even had time left over to go see Danny Michel again (one of my favourite indie singer-songwriters) and to see the new Fantastic Four movie. If I don't watch out, I might find that I am getting a life!

Happy Mogger

darmuzz — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:19:20 GMT

Mog is responding well to all the tasks I am giving it today. Purr!!

Thank you, Mog crew.

Mon the Biffy?

darmuzz — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:53:44 GMT

I am just discovering this Scots rock band whose new album "Puzzle" is out in the UK this week. How could I resist this song title? Be sure to watch the video past the 1:30 mark where they really start to rock out.

The Biffy boys claim to be influenced by Weezer. You hear some musical complexity here and there, and a lot of crunchy loudness. So refreshing!

The intro to this song may test your patience but I love the proggy bit before the first verse kicks in!

Tobey Oberst?

darmuzz — Mon, 21 May 2007 20:03:49 GMT

Was it just me, or does the Dark Spiderman in 3 look like Conor?

i feel so...incomplete

darmuzz — Sat, 12 May 2007 12:26:50 GMT

Do you have everything your favourite artist ever recorded? Tell me who you collect!

I just realized that I do not have the complete works of anyone! I guess I am a "sampler" at heart and not a rabid collector. I have about 400 CDs and no more than 5 of any artist. I will never be any band's ultimate fan because I don't collect vinyl, or EPs, or buy movie soundtracks, or track down alternate versions and live sessions. I am always finding new stuff to listen to. I guess that prevents me from going in too deep with the artists I already have.

I have the major studio releases of 3 artists, but not all of their hard-to-find stuff: Sarah Harmer, Rufus Wainwright and David Usher. Maybe I will start with these 3 and try to go back and find everything they ever did...wish me luck!

David Usher

Don't Grow Up on Me

darmuzz — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:31:22 GMT

(photo from their official website: www.arcticmonkeys.com)

I have been listening to the Arctic Monkeys' "Favourite Worst Nightmare" repeatedly, trying so hard to like it. Media reviews have said that it is darker and more mature than their debut. Dammit, they are right! As you know, my favourite music right now is cheerful, immature punk. Yes, this album has a lot of their recognizable themes and riffs, but it's so...adult! In fact, it very much reminds me of the difference between the Strokes "Is This It" and "First Impressions of Earth." I was hoping I would want to play this album constantly, but instead I find myself gravitating toward brasher stuff like The Bicycles, Be Your Own Pet, and You Say Party!We Say Die!

I must be a BAD PERSON because I don't want my favourite bands to grow and change. At least until I do, heh!

Meanwhile I was fascinated to come across this cover of "You Know I'm No Good." It really made me re-think Amy's song, and I heard all kinds of things in the lyrics that I hadn't picked up in her version.

Courtesy of Exclaim! (www.exclaim.ca)

Ever So Dead

darmuzz — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:12:38 GMT

You will notice I am not looking well. That is because I was captured by an ALIEN known as "iseemonsters" and beamed up to her otherworldly territory! It was a fascinating flight into the beyond. This is what we listened to:
Summertime - Clara Rockmore Sweet Lorraine - Uriah Heep Holes - Mercury Rev Funeral Song - Sleater-Kinney Gold Mine Gutted - Bright Eyes Guitar - Cake Odalisque - Decemberists Little People - White Stripes All the Way Up to Heaven - Guster Invincible - Muse Steel Guitar - Fred Eaglesmith Whole Lotta Love - Dread Zeppelin I'm No Superman - Lazlo Bane Shot Shot - Gomez New Project - Athlete Back on a Roll - Super Furry Animals

I thought I was being clever when I requested that my Mog assassin kill me with a mix CD of theremin music. Well, the joke was on me because an amazing assortment of artists have messed with the eerie and esoteric theremin!

If you are new to this delight, it was an early electronic instrument, and it creates a weird, spacey sound effect that was widely used in hokey sci-fi movies. You'll know it when you hear it:

I am enjoying my new life beyond. Lotsa Moogs and glass harmonicas!

Classic Rock = Dangerous Driving?

darmuzz — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:08:35 GMT

Rock classics drive motorists over limit Thu Apr 12, 8:47 AM

LONDON (Reuters) - Want to stay safe on the roads? Then avoid listening to Guns N Roses, Meat Loaf and Bruce Springsteen behind the wheel.

::I could probably manage this::

The trio are among the artists featured on a top 10 of tracks that get people's blood pumping and in the mood to drive aggressively.

Some 1,700 voters have so far responded to an online poll run by Electronic Arts and AOL to mark the launch of a new racing videogame, "Burnout Dominator."

The resultant shortlist of tracks that get people revved up - and that drivers should avoid listening to in the real world - spans more than 30 years of chart favorites, although none of them actually reached number 1.

It includes classic rock tracks, such as Meat Loaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" and Springsteen's "Born to Run," as well as tracks such as Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" and Guns N Roses' "Paradise City."

More modern tracks, including The Killers' "When we were Young" and Feeder's "Buck Rogers" also featured, as did - perhaps fittingly - "You Will Be Under My Wheels" by dance act the Prodigy.

::I have commented elsewhere that I avoid listening to soundscapey music when I'm driving, like Sigur Ros and My Brightest Diamond - too likely to zone out::

Today's commute: listened to Rise Against and Placebo - arrived safe!

Standout Performances

darmuzz — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:01:49 GMT

There were two standout performances at tonight's Juno Awards in Saskatoon. First of all, Patrick Watson on national TV! Later, DJ Champion and his g-strings took the roof off with their show-closer live rave-up of No Heaven.
Here is the link to Patrick's performance of "Luscious Life:" http://www.ctv.ca/mini/junos2007/static/acuvue/player.html
DJ Champion's performance didn't get posted to the CTV website, but here is a link to their video:
http://www.djchampion.net/en/video.php?video=8
DJChampion : In their live shows, there are so many people on stage, it's like Broken Social Scene!

And here is a YooToob of Mr. Patrick:

Anyone who has looked at my page will also know that I liked seeing Billy Talent (3 awards), Three Days' Grace and Alexisonfire on the broadcast as well...not to mention my rock star crush, Dallas Green as City and Colour...

Welcome to Hardcore

darmuzz — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 12:38:48 GMT

[Props to mogger Dale who also blogged about his, er, "un-youthful" concert-going experiences]

Last night I went to my very first hardcore show. The only screamo-ish album I own is Alexisonfire, so really the whole genre is new to me. I had to psych myself up to go to this because it was an all-ages show and I am over 40. And my 14-year-old kid refused to go, not being into hardcore, so I couldn't pose as a chaperone!

My adventure began well, standing in line in the cold for half an hour. I was getting some looks, but at least not eye-rolling and sarcastic remarks. I think the kids were trying to figure out whose mom I was. I was thinking I should have taken a clipboard and pretended to be a reviewer. At the door, admissions guy did a double-take and asked who I was there to see. When I walked in, a local band, Get Tested, were already playing.

Dee from I Hate Sally - photo lifted from their website

I Hate Sally played first on the triple bill. They do a punk/metal hybrid thing and their singer Dee is wicked cool. The bass player thrashed like a maniac, the guitarist played a few shredder lines to let you know he could really play, and there were hints of genius from the drummer too. Dee was out selling Tshirts for the rest of the night and at times it was so slow, she played cellphone games. Ah, the glamorous lives of rock stars.

Next up was This is Hell. I have to be honest - these guys really didn't do much for me. The singer chatted a lot between songs and it dragged. There were a lot of tempo changes which interfered with the moshing. One kid got knocked out in the pit and she came to in a couple of minutes. I just couldn't find a groove and get into them. But what do I know, as a complete newb to this music - the high school kids liked them well enough, and they sold a lot of shirts. First things first.

Between sets, I didn't need to go to the washroom with my friends or buy chocolate bars and pizza, like the rest of the crowd, so I felt very...conspicuous. The admissions guy came over and asked how I was doing. Which made me feel very senior indeed! As did the earplugs which I wore for part of the night - I have slight hearing damage, and I want to be able to enjoy more shows in the future.

Comeback Kid

Comeback Kid were doing their first headlining show in town. They were definitely ready for it - they took command of the stage and took everything up a notch. I was surprised to find out that their singer, Andrew, has only been fronting the band on his own since last summer. Some of the lyrics are quite personal and bits and pieces are sung instead of grunted, providing a nice contrast (but not nearly so overt as Alexisonfire.)

CBK are returning for a punk festival in July with Rise Against. After my initiation last night, I think I will have the courage to attend...

The show ended by 10 p.m. and I hopped in my car and drove home. Here's the clincher - I could have gone to see them at a 19+ show at 11 p.m. - but that's past my bed time!!

Does Your Library Rock?

darmuzz — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:01 GMT

Pic from Northport/East Northport NY Public Libraries - not my library :(

I work at a public library, and I've had good luck finding and reserving weird, wonderful and backlist CDs. Sometimes the inserts have not even been stolen yet! I like listening to a whole album by someone new to me, rather than just downloading a few tracks. Which good titles have you found at your library?

Here are some of my finds this year. It begs the question of why I didn't own any of these in the first place, but hey, I can only afford so many. Kudos to the music selector who bought these with our tax dollars!

Songs the Lord Taught Us – The Cramps Final Damnation (Live) – The Damned Not a Pretty Girl, Dilate, Knuckle Down – Ani Difranco Think Tank – Blur Digital Ash in a Digital Urn – Bright Eyes A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar – Dashboard Confessional Sonic Nurse – Sonic Youth Arcade Fire (2005) – Arcade Fire Strong Persuader – Robert Cray Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell – Flaming Lips U2 – War How It Feels to Be Something On – Sunny Day Real Estate Back to Me – Kathleen Edwards Get Behind Me Satan – White Stripes Extraordinary Machine – Fiona Apple Make the Music Go Bang (Best of) – X Want Two – Rufus Wainwright Back Room – Editors Nolita – Keren Ann Summer Sun – Yo La Tengo F#A# (Infinity) – Godspeed You Black Emperor Twin Cinema – New Pornographers It Dreams – Jakalope From a Basement on the Hill – Elliott Smith Grace – Jeff Buckley (!) Arab Strap – Red Thread

Music - to remember or to forget?

darmuzz — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:40:12 GMT

I was reading Chucky's post: http://mog.com/chucky/blog_post/47657 and I realized I had the opposite tendency of just about everyone who commented. I don't really like to listen to music to call up memories of times past. If anything, I use music to completely obliterate the past!

Here's how it starts: at some point in my life, maybe in a relationship, I am listening to certain artists or CDs or songs. And then life changes. So what works for me is...to start listening to new music that has no connections to the past. It doesn't have to be a new release, just something I haven't connected with before. Usually I spend some time alone scouring the Internet or vinyl shops or used CD stores to find new stuff. I am filled with the energy of new discoveries. I go to shows I wouldn't have gone to before, and talk music with people I wouldn't have met before. Pretty soon my old life and my ex have gone right out of my head and all is right with the world!

Later I can go back and listen to my old music and convince myself it is MINE and it doesn't "belong" to my old life, my old city, my old job, etc. It's a part of MY experience and I own it!

Sure I have some good musical memories...but the best one is the feeling of having a wide-open future that I get when I listen to brand-new music!

"out with the old, in with the new"

Brit Awards Winners

darmuzz — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:33:50 GMT

The Brit Awards aired tonite in the UK. They weren't shown in my home country but here are some of the winners:

British Group: Arctic Monkeys Breakthrough Act: Fratellis Female Solo Act: Amy Winehouse (nominees included Corinne Bailey Rae and Lily Allen) Male Solo Act: James Morrison (nominees included Paolo Nutini and Jarvis Cocker) Live Act: Muse Album: Whatever People Say I Am... Single: Patience by Take That (reunion chart-topper by 90's boy band) International Breakthrough Act: Orson

Here's the complete list: http://brits.co.uk/winners/2007/

I was wild about the Arctic Monkeys this year so I'm a happy grrl.

Indie and Alternative - Meaningless Words?

darmuzz — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:27:44 GMT

Recently I visited Sam the Record Man, a big CD store in Toronto, and they had a rack of CDs labelled "Independent." Upon closer inspection, these were actually emerging artists, mostly local, who were recording on...independent labels.

I was pleasantly surprised because "indie" has come to mean a style of music and (gulp) even a style of dress. All the young'uns know what you mean when you say "an indie kid" - it's a fashion statement.

It reminds me of the very early 90s when alternative music was actually an alternative to the mainstream, until the market got saturated with it. Are we there now with indie?

At least you can say that Death Cab, The Decemberists, The Shins, Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire etc. had independent roots and maintain artistic control - nothing to scoff at.

Do bands get bonus points if they stay on an indie label like Saddle Creek? What if the indie label gets huge, like Sub Pop?

There will always be a new alternative and a new independent - what do you think the buzzword will be for the next wave?

What would you pay?

darmuzz — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:54:37 GMT

What's the most you have ever paid to see a show? Including tickets (scalped or otherwise), travel, time off work etc.

Have you ever taken your entire annual vacation time to see a show?

And most importantly, was it worth it?

It would be cool to take a major music-themed vacation, decide who to see and where.

Disclaimer: the ticket shown was sadly not mine...

Gift Music for Music Snobs

darmuzz — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 01:42:57 GMT

Everyone on Mog is a music fan or a music snob, right? Here's my question - how would you rate the music that other people give you? Mix CDs, gift CDs, iTunes selections or whatever. Do you have friends and family who know your tastes inside out and can make good selections for you? Do you get real duds - or does everyone think you are impossible to buy for because you're so picky (or you "have everything")? Do you tell people directly what to get for you?

It would be fun to hear from people who got atrocious music as gifts - especially if the giver thought you would love it: e.g. I like The Hives and Be Your Own Pet, but somebody bought me Il Divo (just kidding!)

Cover Cover Songs?

darmuzz — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:47:06 GMT

The first time I heard the song Hallelujah was when I saw the Leonard Cohen film "I'm Your Man" last summer, and it was performed by Rufus Wainwright. I had not bought "Want Two" yet at that time, which has Rufus performing the song on the bonus DVD. Turns out that his cover of the song appears on the soundtracks of The L Word and (gulp!) Shrek, as well as an import version of his album Poses.

Since then I have, of course, listened to Jeff Buckley's version, but I had become so attached to Rufus' version that I much prefer his.

I think a lot of people like whichever version of a song they hear first, and we are then unconvinced by the original artist (in this case, Leonard himself.) I am a major fan of Leonard Cohen on paper - poems, lyrics - but had not explored his recordings much. Shame on me - I have lapsed in my patriotic duties!

I'd be interested to hear from people who heard cover songs, then went on to prefer the version by the original artist!

Hoofin' It - Tx!

darmuzz — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:13:00 GMT

Thanks to all you weird and wonderful Moggers. I kept seeing Deerhoof all over the place on Mog so I looked them up. I just started listening to stuff like Yo La Tengo and Godspeed You Black Emperor this year, so of course I would like Deerfoot. A great discovery!

Happy Punk - What's Next, Happy Goth?

darmuzz — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:56:53 GMT

I got into punk because there are punk bands whose songs MAKE ME HAPPY! And I mean giggling pogo-ing happy.

Old punk that's happy on purpose: Ramones, Rezillos

Old punk that makes me happy even if they didn't intend it: Sex Pistols, Clash

New punk that's happy on purpose: Hives, Be Your Own Pet

New punk that is happy in its evil corporate way: Simple Plan, Blink-182

Anger has its place but in punk I have found joy!

I Need an Alt to Alt-Country

darmuzz — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:19:42 GMT

I realize that a lot of indie rockers want to be just that - independent - and don't want to be pigeon-holed as rockers. I have to wonder, though, why so many of my favourite rocker women are doing alt-country when they do a solo project. Neko Case, Amy Millan, Jenny Lewis...I loved their work with their respective bands The New Pornographers, Stars and Rilo Kiley. The only alt-country act I liked before was Cowboy Junkies, and that's probably because they covered the Velvet Underground!

Seems that when guys do alt-country, it is usually their first love and not a side project...like Wilco or Ryan Adams. Not sure if this applies to Bright Eyes. Sarah Harmer fits here too because she has done bluegrassy and folk stuff before/during/after her more pop-oriented stuff.

BTW, what is it with alt-country and foxes? Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, Portions for Foxes, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot...

I try to keep an open mind and listen to a bit of everything, but if anyone can convince me to hop on the solo-girl alt-country bandwagon, I will mog-trust you 4ever!

Grueling Project Complete

darmuzz — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:11:45 GMT

I added all my music to iTunes in 02/2006 and I decided to listen to all 4200 songs over the last year. Just finished...so now all the playcounts will reflect what I actually WANT to listen to. I took plenty of breaks to listen to my faves such as HIM, My Chemical Romance, Billy Talent and Say Anything. I almost always listen to an album at a time. Just the way I was raised, I guess!