MOG - usedwigs's Posts

Best Rock Video Ever: “Burnin’ For You” by Blue Oyster Cult

usedwigs — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:30:19 GMT

Hell Yeah, America! - Obama-Inspired Mix Tape

usedwigs — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:52:32 GMT

Just press "Play" button on cassette to enjoy some Obama-loving goodness.

Featuring: Sufjan Stevens, Onelinedrawing, Nada Surf, Earth Wind And Fire, Ed Harcourt, Aquabats, The Jealous Sound, Bob Mould, The Postal Service, The New Pornographers, Naughty By Nature, Gomez, Johnny Nash, The Clash, The Frames, Operation Ivy and Fishbone. View Artist and Song list here.

More: www.usedwigs.com

Stuyvesant

usedwigs — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:21:45 GMT

I recently went deep into my old CD collection and pulled out some vintage power-pop-punk goodness like Big Drill Car, The Doughboys and Overwhelming Colorfast. I’m so happy I did, you can’t help but feel good — invigorated, I dare say — after listening to these bands. Ahhhh… musical memories… of delicious, fleeting youth…

Songs like BDC’s "Let Me Walk", OC’s "Everyday Saturday" and absolutely everything off The Doughboys’ "Whatever" are crunching blasts of pure melody and emotion. These tunes and the overall Cali punk vibe from that era still hold up strong and this made me wonder if anyone is still making this kind of music?

Sure "power pop" is back but most is way too refined and saccharine, and there’s a tad too much of the Brit pop variety. I need me some monster Mould-like waves of distortion, insanely tight drumming and a bit of self-deprecation to temper the sweetness of all the "la la las" and girl trouble topics.

While contemplating my needs, I was more than surprised and excited to find out about Hoboken’s own Stuyvesant. After one listen to the song "Victorian Lawns" I was hooked. Completely. "Party on my lawn?" Why yes, let’s!

Thanks to our pal Dave Hill of Valley Lodge who turned me on to the band in one of his hysterical emails. Stuyvesant will be sharing the bill with the Lodgers at The Mercury Lounge in NYC this Wednesday on October 8th.

While Stuyvesant evokes the aforementioned bands, their sound is fuller with big, layered vocals and many unexpected musical diversions from the pop rock norm (killer harmony break in "Hang Five"). Almost all the songs on "Linden Calling" build to an impressive emotional outburst like on "Tape Hiss," a song that could be a massive hit if commercial radio actually played anything resembling good music.

Stuyvesant puts legit power in their pop and can rock out with the best of them ("Yahweh from Rahway"). When I hear a song like "Liars Poker" I can’t help but be reminded of the old and underrated 80s band The Producers (based on the palpable high energy, not the outfits). "I Repent At Stuyvesant" and "Hang Five" have the nice gravelly edge of Armchair Martian and "Forgotten Two" evokes Ted Leo at his hyper-melodic best. "Bullshit Away" is rollicking little ditty that puts a "let’s slow it down and take a breath" capper on a extremely fun and rewarding record.

So if you’re like me and need a change of pace from the predominant and precious, skinny-guy-with-the-big-beard low-fi music that’s all the rage in the blogosphere, Stuyvesant should do the trick.

Website: www.stuyvesantrock.com

Free MP3s:

"Victorian Lawns" - Stuyvesant [MP3]
"All of My Loving" - Valley Lodge [MP3]

- Jeff Lyons

Saturday Night Shut-in Club: Best Romantic Rock Video and Love Songs

usedwigs — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:23:33 GMT

Not a lot of posting happening on a Saturday night, most webbies are busy getting their funs on. Bully for them. Me, I always seem to have a free moment on this popular night, so here's my inaugural post for the "Saturday Night Shut-in Club," where I will broach a music topic and dazzle you with my limited knowledge and pedantic presentation.

In a welcome turn of events, my 4-week-old took a break from her nightly 45-minute scream-fest which kicks off once her mom leaves the room and ends when mom is done gently putting the 3-year-old to beddy-bye. So, baby girl decided to nap in my arms instead of wailing — awesome — and I took advantage by watching a bunch of music videos On Demand.

I was instantly disturbed by all the teens they showed in the "young lovin'" videos made by the alternative, indie and punk bands. You would think these not-in-the-popular-crowd kids would have made a point to cast authentic looking, alterna-teens in their little narratives, but oddly, most did not. The majority of these actors were chiseled and tanned "One Tree Hill" model types who threw on some Hot Topic clothes, some fake tats and a healthy dose of black eyeliner to fit the part. Ugh.

This got me thinking, "What is the most realistic video portraying teens in a boy meets girls story?" The answer: "Used for Glue" by the almighty and short-lived Rivals Schools . The beauty of this 3-minute mini masterpiece is the fact that the song is not a love song. It's epically rocking and a love motif is not expected. The band Rival Schools is playing a happenin' summer party where normal kids are just chilling, skating, drinking and eyeing each other up for some possible hook ups and procuring of digits.

The girl is cute: no make-up, no fancy clothes, just an air of sweet normality and hope. The boy, pretty much the same. That's the set-up, now behold the majesty:

Perfect ending, right? Great kiss, great song, great vibe, great connection... simple and honest elation. This brings me back to the too-few nights of my youth where something magical like this actually happened. Where the stars align and a girl surprisingly takes you up on the offer of one of your warm cans of Busch and you chill out together innocently while everyone else buzzes about around you and you just tune them out. You're both in a giddy haze, time stops, and you just connect . Ahhh... thank you beer for the assist!

So that's my favorite romantic music video? How' about you? Comment? Since we're all in the loving mood now, here's a quick list of my favorite indie rock love songs (plus one classic rock gem):

"Sweet Avenue" by Jets to Brazil
"Always Love" by Nada Surf
"You Are The Everything" by R.E.M.
"The Dress Looks Nice On You" by Sufjan Stevens
"Think (Let Tomorrow Bee)" by Sebadoh
"Skyway" by The Replacements
"Chesterfield Kings" by Jawbreaker
"The Way" by Bonnie Prince Billy
"The Reasons" by The Weakerthans
"Let My Love Open The Door" by Pete Townshend

More Music and Pop Culture Musings on www.usedwigs.com

Langhorne Slim Interview

usedwigs — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:59:12 GMT

Guests: Langhorne Slim and a Man Who Admits to Going on a John Mayer Cruise.

Playlist: Canadians, Tapes ‘n Tapes (Daytrotter Session), The Annuals, Langhorne Slim, The Quarter After.
Preview: Langhorne Slim to Todd: "You’re complimenting me, yet, I’m offended."
Play Now: http://www.usedwigs.com/pod/podcast47.mp3
Subscribe: iTunes

Carbon/Silicon featuring Mick Jones

usedwigs — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:17:18 GMT

I miss Joe Strummer, we all do, but please don’t forget about Mick. After the demise of The Clash, Mick Jones put out some stellar records with Big Audio Dynamite (BAD), trading in the punk for some funk.

Mick is now a member of Carbon/Silicon with Tony James of Generation X and they sound quite good, a nice progression of the BAD vibe with the politics of the Clash. "Why Do Men Men Fight?" will give you a good taste.

Read More and SeeVideos>

Thanks NBC for Ruining a Great Song

usedwigs — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:03:06 GMT

Like most networks, NBC is hurting for scripted programming. There are only so many dim-witted game shows hosted by washed-up comics you can foist upon the public without a major revolt. (I’m not looking forward to the live-action “Hungry Hippos” hosted by Rosanne… oh snap!) In a somewhat expected move, the network looked to where the teens and college kids watch TV and will broadcast an internet series called “Quarterlife” on prime time. Yawn.

Normally, I wouldn’t notice or care, but much to my horror I saw a commercial for the innocuous, 20-something series (that looks and feels a lot like a WB show) and heard one of my all time favorite songs blasting over the silly, hipster dialogue. This really angered me.

The song is called “Pavement Tune” off the 1999 album “Dance The Devil” by The Frames and it rules. I thought this little pop-rock masterpiece was safe from the greedy hands of Hollywood, but I guess with the popularity of “Once” ― which starred the charming and talented front man of The Frames, Glen Hansard ― someone went through their back catalog and found a winner. Drat.

An Odd Mix of Videos Played on MTV Back in 1981

usedwigs — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:31:30 GMT

This old fella has been feeling very nostalgic lately, especially for the sweet, sweet mindless TV watching of my youth. In particular, I have been gathering a lovely batch of videos MTV played during its first few months of existence. Some fabulous, some scary bad; but oddly enough, I loved them all.
When ever you mention very early MTV in a group discussion, your loudest (and lamest) friend or office-mate will no doubt jump in and ruin the conversation with, “Video Killed the Radio Start… Video Killed…!” No shit pal, that’s novice talk.
I’m not taking about the usual crap you hear hack comics discussing on VH1’s Best of The 80s (Michael Jackson, Pat Benatar, etc.). I’m talking to you — my friends and fellow Fourth-Level Dwarves with hit points to spare — the basement-dwelling, video-obsessed music nerds who watched the once-great video channel from day one (August 1, 1981) and who thoroughly enjoyed seeing the eclectic mix of artists and songs like “No Time to Lose” by the Tarney-Spencer Band and “So Long” by Fischer Z played at least six times day, every day. MTV sure had a lot of time to fill, here are some standouts:

“Too Late” by The Shoes

Zero stage presence, but these mop tops produced some of the best melodic power pop ever. Also check out the equally brilliant “Tomorrow Night”.

View all the songs and Videos Here

(i don't want to embed all the videos on MOG)

Favorite Modern Holiday/Christmas Songs

usedwigs — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:26:18 GMT

A bit tired of hearing that Waitress's "wrapping" song and Bruce babbling on about Clarence getting a new sax for Christmas? Us too. Here's a holly jolly roundup of some little-known originals and some well-known classics done by some of our favorite modern (mostly indie) artists. We've also found some Free MP3s (bottom of page) to boot! Songs with Links to CDs:

"Do You Hear What I Hear" – Duvall
"This Christmas" - The Dismemberment Plan
"Only at Christmas Time" – Sufjan Stevens
"Silent Night" – Alexi Murdoch
"On A Day Like Christmas" – Cliff Hillis
"Sometimes You Have to Work on Christmas (Sometimes)" - The Long Winters
"The Christmas Song" – Adam Arcuragi
"Christmas Vacation" – Descendents
"Home For Christmas" – Last Train Home
"Yeah, I Know, It's Christmastime" - Andrew Dost
"Snow Day" - Matt Pond PA
"Hanukkah And Christmas Hand In Hand" – Huffamoose
"What WE Do On Christmas" – Atom and His Package
"You're What I Want For Christmas" – Chris Stamey & Cathy Harrington
"Fairytale Of New York" – The Pogues
"Fuselage (It’s Starting to Look Like Christmas Once Again)" – Centro-Matic
"Let Me Sleep" – Pearl Jam
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" – Coldplay
"Christmas Time Is Here" - Chomsky
"Frosty the Snowman" – Man or Astroman
"Feliz Navi-nada" - El Vez
"Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)" – The Ramones
"It's Christmas Time Again" – Blink 182
"Just Like Christmas" – Low
"When I Get Home For Christmas" – Snow Patrol
"Waiting for Christmas" – Adventures of Jet

Free MP3s

"This Christmas" - Tiger Baby
"Seasons Greetings" - Robbers on High Street
"Happy Christmas (War is Over)" - Damien Rice
"That Was the Worst Christmas Ever" - Sufjan Stevens
"Egg Nog" - Luna
"Christmas Time is Here"- Snowden

Pinback - Autumn of the Seraphs

usedwigs — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:56:10 GMT

This seductively brilliant rock band from San Diego has been making genre-defying, innovative music since the late 90s. Their new CD “Autumn of the Seraphs” is the most musically satisfying and complete album I’ve heard all year, by far. While all the members are clearly masters of their instruments, I must single out the drummers (two fellas played on the CD) because a snare drum has never sounded better, crisper or more emphatic. Add the soulful, hypnotic and slightly menacing vocals of Rob Crow and Zach Smith that alternatively cleave to and wander from the finely constructed and oddly beautiful arrangements (”How We Breathe” is simply breathtaking) and you have a CD for the ages. “Blue Harvest” is a nice homage to early Police, when Sting wasn’t so goddamn full of himself.

With so many indie bands deconstructing music to a bare bones mess of low-fi nonsense, Pinback reminds me just how swell well-orchestrated music can make this jaded music snob feel. This gem is a must for fans of Jai-Alai Savant, Modest Mouse and all those delightful (yet slightly over-hyped) Canadian bands on the Arts & Crafts label.

Check out their video for "From Nothing to Nowhere":

Bob Mould - "Circle of Friends" DVD

usedwigs — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:48:22 GMT

I've seen Bob Mould perform many times over the past 20 years and I can honestly say I have never seen him smile. Not before, during or after a show. Not once. Never. I did however, witness some trademark Mould wit after a Philly gig at the Northstar Bar last year. He asked the crowd to buy some CDs at the merch table so he could have some gas money for the trip back to DC. The half-joking plea came without a smile.

This lack of mirth is why I've always considered him one intense fellow. Intimidating is a better word. Listen to anything from his extensive catalog and there aren't too many care-free gems. Bob Mould is a singer/songwriter/performer who mainly deals with the crushing pain and lingering ghosts of past relationships (and thankfully at times, he does offer a glimmer of hope and peace). His songs are presented – both recorded and live – with pure, raw emotion. Witnessing the vein-popping wincing and cathartic howls during this brilliant live performance (filmed at the legendary 9:30 Club in his hometown Washing DC) will put serious shivers down your spine.

About half-way through this DVD, Bob did something unexpected. He cracked a little smile after playing (probably his most popular solo song) "See a Little Light." It did my heart good. While I don’t know this man personally, I was thrilled to see him happy and enjoying himself. I'm not a guy who has idols or heroes, though I admire many people in the music biz. Bob Mould is as close as it gets for me in the realm of "heroes." So if this review sounds a bit fan-boyish, please forgive me.

The last few years I've only seen Bob play solo with just his acoustic. While the shows were more than satisfying, I dearly missed the giant waves of distortion, the frenzied electric noodling (he's a very under-rated guitarist) and melodic backing vocals that contrast Bob's Townshend-esque delivery and punctuating growls. For this tour (from Fall 2005), Bob put together an extremely tight and kick-ass group of friends/musicians. Jason Narducy had all the spirit and licks of Husker bassist Greg Norton and his additional vocals were subtly and perfectly injected, especially on favorites like "Changes" and “Hoover Dam” where his and keyboardist Richard Morel’s vocals added a completely new dimension to the songs.

Morel’s restrained keyboards and calming demeanor anchored down the band nicely. When I discovered Brendan Canty of Fugazi/Rites of Spring fame, was manning the kit, I was ecstatic. Canty is a punk rock legend and true technician with quiet flare. While not as booming as the thunderous Sugar drummer Malcolm Travis, Canty was on fire and very cheerful, which added great vibe to the show.

The band ripped through the first nine songs (lots of Sugar and solo classics) at a brisk pace and slowed it down with the euphonic “High Fidelity.” When I heard the opening chords to the next song, it got a bit emotional for this lad. I first heard Husker Du’s "Hardly Getting Over It" back when I was 16, I was floored at the time to hear something so quietly effecting amidst the maelstrom of beautiful punk distortion. The song is a simple rumination on loss and death. The two lines that stuck out right away were:

"My parents, they just wonder when they both are going to die / And what am I to do when they die?"

At that young age I wondered, "Yeah, what the hell would I do if my parents died?" Obviously Bob thought about it a lot.

My parents our now deceased; my dad ten years ago, my mother just recently and unexpectedly. Despite loving this song, I now fear it. It completes wrecks me, but I have to listen. By the end, it oddly brings me comfort because it makes think of my mom and dad at a happy time when they were both with me.

Mould slowed down this version even more than the original and it was a thing of beauty. Thank god, he quickly followed it up with another all-time favorite, "Could You Be The One?" (as close as the Huskers got to a pop rock hit), because I was a complete puddle. To keep the Husker Du goodness going, Bob sped through a down and dirty version of "I Apologize" from "New Day Rising." "I’m Sorry" songs do not get much better than this.

The fun continued for Husker Du fans with the unexpected "Chartered Trips!" I never saw Husker Du perform anything from the epic Zen Arcade, but this insanely rocking performance was as close to the swirling chaos and explosive energy that permeated the classic record. Zen Arcade continues to astound me every time I listen to the double-CD. Many in the know will tell you this is a landmark album in indie music. So please check it out.

With the exception of a few tracks from his latest solo CD “Body of Song,” the set list was basically a greatest hits of Mould’s, including "If I Can’t Change Your Mind," "Helpless," "Man on The Moon" and other beauties.

Middle age fits him well. Mould looks and sounds great and he seems to be at peace. While the rage that fueled many of his earlier songs is still present, he now seems to be enjoying himself as he performs. It doesn't seem like a chore he must rush through. Right before he rips into the penultimate song of the night, "Makes No Sense at All," he laughs quite a bit as he exchanges glances with his band mates. Laughing? Wow, even better than a smile.

Tom Morello Interview

usedwigs — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:08:46 GMT

On my latest podcast, I was lucky enough to chat with rock icon Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman) about music, politics, activism and most importantly, concert T-shirts and covering Rush in concert! Morello is a truly inspirational and funny guy and does a lot of good for many people.
Please take a listen here!

Listen on iTunes

UsedWigs Mix Vol. III - Free MP3s

usedwigs — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:46:31 GMT

Looking for a new soundtrack for the love making or your bi-weekly BowFlex workout? Well friends, I got it right here. Here's a solid selection of FREE MP3s, ranging from astoundingly sonic to sublimely sweet. The Jai-Alai Savant, Maximo Park, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Youth Group, Heavens and more great bands you'll dig. Just download the tunes, burn to a CD and you have a kick-ass new Mix to impress your friends with.

UsedWigs Mix Vol. III

Classic Uncle Tupleo Video

usedwigs — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:55:24 GMT

Behold the raw, unbridled brillance of early Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar. Uncle Tupelo was a groundbreaking band that help usher in alt-country rock back in the early 90s. Their CD "Still Feel Gone" comfortably sits in my top ten of all-time favorite albums. While I tired of Wilco quickly, I always throroughly enjoyed all of Jay Farrar's work with Son Volt and his solo work. His sad tales, no-fuss delivery and sincere vocals - quietly brooding and powefully emotive - can reduce a tough guy to tears within seconds (after a few beers, of course). Enough yapping, enjoy:

Son Volt's Latest CD was excellent, a bit more spirited than earlier offerings. Check out this video:

"How I Remember" - Favorite Simple Song of 2006

usedwigs — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:01:42 GMT

Perky is not usually associated with the former Pedro The Lion mastermind, but it seems this spiritual fellow added a little caffeine to his diet and the result is quite stimulating. Going it alone in a home studio, Bazan serves up a lovely (and slightly morbid) little ditty with a so-simple-its-brilliant retro keyboard riff and the hypnotic chorus, "That's how I remember." So simple, so perfect.

Take a listen: How I Remember

"Harnessed In Slums" Songs Don't Get Much Better

usedwigs — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:51:54 GMT

Archers of Loaf, an amazing band of yore, never sounded better.

Check out video for Harnessed In Slums:

I really miss these guys. Eric Bachmann's current band Crooked Fingers is also very good, mellower vibe, but still the same earnest intensity.

Check out video for New Drink for the Old Drunk:

Makes me weepy every time.

Lemonheads in Philly - December 13, 2006

usedwigs — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:17:11 GMT

Lemonheads Northstar Bar, Philly December 13, 2006

I got a late start, had to watch "The Biggest Loser" finale and see how much weight those fat bastards lost. Holy cow, they looked amazingly fit and trim, guess some old-timey charlatans are still out there selling tapeworms. Anyway, I got my elderly ass to the show right before the second band was about to take the stage. I was by my lonesome so I went up to front of the stage (left side) with my Stella Artois and an empty bladder, quietly watching the scruffy, sinewy alterna-roadies lift amps three times their weight. Impressive.

A few minutes before the band took the stage, this dude with longish, dirty hair in his face comes rushing through the crowd and stands right next to me, uncomfortably close. "These guys are awesome dude," he said pointing to the stage with one hand and tapping me on my chest with his other. "They're Vietnam! They're so fucking good!" he continued with the sincere glee of a kid on Christmas morning. I simply responded with, “Cool, where are they from?” He replied, “Originally from Philly, but moved down to Virginia…”

After a couple seconds of listening to this very animated and scraggly chap, I realized it was Evan Dando. A couple seconds later, so did everyone else in the fucking place. This fat, ex-frat boy and his annoying pug-faced wife elbowed their way up to him and bothered the poor rock god relentlessly. Dando, being a proper music geek, just wanted to watch the band, but he was insanely sweet and accommodating to all who approached and bent his ear.

A few other pests, mostly women — way past their prime, with "It's a Shame about Ray" dancing in their heads — came up to say how much they “love him” and asked "remember me from the New York show back in blah blah, blah." Again, Dando was super nice and quick with a hug. Fat Fratty and wife came busting through the crowd again, handing Dando another beer, which he happily accepted.

The band started to play. Dando was dancing in place, entranced by Vietnam and their loud, dirge-like, jam band monster rock. He was oblivious to the gawkers around him who were not watching the band, but staring at the happy, bouncing rock star like mental patients after their morning pills. Completely ignoring the concept of being respectful and fully embracing the concept of being douchebags, the gawkers clumsily attempted to snap photos of Dando with their half-a-minipixel camera phones.

Being the most considerate music fan alive, I did not say boo to Evan, yet he still leaned into me every so often saying, "I told ya, they are soooo good!" I once watched an entire Superdrag set standing next to headliner Lou Barlow of Sebadoh without pestering him once. At the end of the set, Lou clapped vigorously, looked at me and said, "Pretty sweet!" acknowledging the band. I came back quickly with the uber witty, "Um, yeah!"

After being assailed by the same female fan for the sixth time, Dando went downstairs to rest (read: smoke and drink). When The Lemonheads finally came onstage, he was very scattered and very chatty. I was devastated to find out that his backing band on the new album — Karl Alvarez and Bill Stevenson of the Descendents — were not on tour with him. Two other no-names were the "Lemonheads' for the night, decent musicians but they were helpless trying to keep up with Dando's inconsistent performance. The glass-eyed performer stopped between almost every song to tune his guitar and gab semi-coherently with the audience.

He played some classics ("Confetti," "Ride With Me", "Into Your Arms"), some new ones ("Pittsburgh," "No Backbone," "Let's Just Laugh") with mixed results, and even pulled a guy onstage to sing the atrocious "Mrs. Robinson" song. The guy didn't know the words, but Evan didn't care. He was having a ball playing guitar and pushing the fan as he tried to sing.

“Amusing Clusterfuck” is probably most concise way to describe the night. Despite the poor sound, Evan's inebriation and complete lack of flow from the band, it was an oddly enjoyable show. Half of the packed house seemed happy just to see their favorite slacker live, while the others congregated at the back bar voicing their displeasure.

Dando is like the sweet special kid you know who stares at his sneakers most of the day humming to himself — lots of energy, talent and huggy charm — but who can't remember to shower daily or say NO to something that might be a little too "fun!" It’s hard to get angry with him.

The band played a very long set, with a meandering acoustic break of about five songs. Many fans started to leave just when the other two band members hopped back onstage unexpectedly. Dando busted out his best stuff and gave his most solid performance (guess he sobered up a bit). Watching Evan and the band pump out inspired versions of “Stove,” "Great Big No" and “Rudderless” made up for most of the hijinks and nonsense and I went home happy.

Mostly Modern Holiday Songs I Enjoy... You Should Too

usedwigs — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 01:38:07 GMT

"Here Comes Santa Claus" - Los Straitjackets "Christmas Vacation" - Descendents "Home For Christmas" - Last Train Home "Hanukkah And Christmas Hand In Hand" - Huffamoose "On A Day Like Christmas" - Cliff Hillis "Silent Night" - Alexi Murdoch "Fairytale Of New York" - The Pogues "Do You Hear What I Hear" - Duvall "Christmas Time Is Here" - Chomsky "The Christmas Song" - Slowride "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Coldplay "Only at Christmas Time" - Sufjan Stevens "Jingle Bell Rock" - Hall and Oates "Frosty the Snowman" - Man or Astroman "2000 Miles" - The Pretenders "So This is Christmas" - John Lennon "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" - The Ramones "The Christmas Song" - Adam Arcuragi "Let Me Sleep" - Pearl Jam "Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy" - The Mag Seven "A Wonderful Christmas Time" - [DARYL] "You're What I Want For Christmas" - Chris Stamey & Cathy Harrington "It's Christmas Time Again" - Blink 182 "Just Like Christmas" - Low "When I Get Home For Christmas" - Snow Patrol "Fuselage (It's Starting to Look Like Christmas Once Again)" - Centro-Matic "Waiting for Christmas" - Adventures of Jet "What We Do On Christmas" - Atom and His Package "One Little Christmas Tree" - Stevie Wonder "Father Christmas" - The Kinks

Paint It Black

usedwigs — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:06:50 GMT

While the barking, aggressively urgent vocals of Dan Yemin lack melody in the classic sense of the word (read: no effete emo falsettos or studio-enhanced polishing), Paint It Black's music definitely does power along atop glorious, quick bursts of well-orchestrated melody. For the most part, it's purposefully hidden under layers of brutal, pounding, vintage NYC Hardcore riffs that change tempos when you least expect it and abruptly end just when you're completely digging the high-volume vibe and are preparing to chant along. Sometimes the melodious energy put forth by Colin McGinniss (Guitar), Andy Nelson (Bass) and David Wagenschutz (Drums) just can't be contained and busts through to the surface, check out the inspired openings of "Pink Slip" and "Ghosts" the brilliant guitar work on "Athiests in Foxholes," it's darn near pretty!

"Paradise" is an expert mix of Bad Brains manic speed crashing into the heavy heart of early Black Flag, exploring the intense pain of an unjust war as well as personal hell like crumbling relationships and a near death experiences (Dr. Dan Yemin had stroke a while back). This J Robbins produced slab of ferocity is not for the meek and that makes me oh so happy. It's a personal treasure just for me (probably not you) that spews a hearty "eff you!" to all the weak-kneed, violin-accented faux punk that the kids suffer through today.

Between songs, someone jokingly asks, "Is this too manly? This could get some one pregnant!" Take a listen to "Exit Wounds" and if that doesn't foment the happy anger inside of you, then don't bother with the rest of the CD. Paint It Black isn't just the best hardcore band in Philly (that's quite obvious), they're the best true hardcore band making music today. BTW, if you don't have it, definitely pick up "CVA," their Jade Tree Debut. It's equally outstanding.

Portastatic - And now for something completely different...

usedwigs — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:31:53 GMT

Mac from Superchunk using his Portatstatic moniker does sweet justice to a gentle but moving film soundtrack, "Who Loves The Sun." This is what serene sounds like, making you feel all hazy-happy like you're drinking lemonade on the front porch of a big old white house overlooking some verdant midwest grasslands while the cast of "Little House on The Prairie" prances about and Pa asks if you'd like to join them on their big trip to Mankato. (Yep, a little fantasy of mine). Enough of the cut-rate imagery, take a listen and enjoy. A must for fans of The Twin Atlas and those who need to chill.

Discover Mogwai

usedwigs — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:52:26 GMT

Need killer music with no pesky words? I’m talking real music expertly crafted and performed with a “we know we rule” attitude. The kind of music that will pervade your soul and compel you run to a mountain top, strip off your clothes and sway joyfully with your hands in the air. Okay maybe not that last bit of euphoria, but if you are tired of the 3-chord, chop-chop guitars or retro, kitschy keyboards, then do I have a record for you. Meet “Mr Beast,” Mogwai’s latest CD. Once you’ve been introduced follow these directions: Put on some headphones, turn the volume up enough to drown out all external noise, close your eyes and just sit back. “Acid Food” will warmly welcome you in to their world. By the time “Friend of the Night” rolls around you will be in a blissful state, fluctuating between calm and awe, wishing you continued with piano lessons back in fifth grade. When “Glasgow Mega-Snake” hits and rattles your relaxed bones, you will understand why no words are necessary for this powerful and majestic music. These proud Scotts have been delivering the deafening goods for many years and have eased up the sonic shock a bit for a more meditative and accessible offering without compromising their hypnotic grasp.

I know they have a new Soundtrack CD out now, but check this one and really any of their prior releases should make you an instant fan. Definitely for fans of: Explosions in the Sky, Rachel’s, Tortoise, Russian Circles, Sigur Rós and Don Caballero.

Brian Seymour

usedwigs — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 03:17:13 GMT

One of the most distinctive and emotive voices to come out of Philly, Seymour delivers some much-needed heft to the singer/songwriter genre. His earthy and melodic rasp and heartfelt and clever words can power along a song just fine, but he gves us so much more by adding quitely sonic arrangements that evoke Radiohead and Pete Yorn. Check out "Are You Still Here" and "Happy Landings" for his trademark slow-builds that crescendo perfectly and "Ruby" and "Vinyl" for some more upbeat fare that, in a perfect world, would be mega-hits on the radio.

The Long Winters - A Joyous Reminder of What Really Good Music Sounds Like

usedwigs — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 02:40:46 GMT

If you don't have satellite radio or the free time to sniff through the web, it's extremely easy to forget what really good music sounds like. In most cities terrestrial radio is a god-awful mess of absurdly limited playlists oozing with the latest dreck and mold-ridden classics. Philly is hands down the worst (except for the venerable WXPN), unless you love Ozzy or need to be welcomed to the jungle every hour on the hour.

It's depressing. You just want to give up on music altogether and flip on talk or sports radio so you can hear Anthony from Darby bash McNabb and marvel at his ability to put a letter "t" at the end of the word "cousin."

Thankfully, there is some succor for those who desperately need a healthy dose of uplifting, feel-good euphony.

"Putting the Days to Bed" by The Long Winters is a joyous reminder of what well-made pop rock should sound like, bursting with creative arrangements and the effusive and commanding vocals of John Roderick, who can effortlessly sell each emotion better than any vocalist in the biz. The band — equal parts playful and serious — quashes any hint of pretense and just pumps out stellar, sparkling tuneage that brings to mind everything from Sgt. Pepper's era Beatles to the latest from The Pernice Brothers. Adding to the grandeur, Roderick has a deft touch with his words and phrasing — poetry I dare say — the kind the everyman can easily grasp and fully appreciate.

It's difficult to pick a standout track with the instant sing-along-ability of "Pushover" to the hushed beauty of "Clouds," but "Ultimatum," in all its vibrant, slightly over-the-top glory, takes the cake. This is a song for the ages. Please note Winterheads, this is a different, livelier version than the more ballad-like cut on the 2005 EP. Either way, "Ultimatum" is a soul-pleasing classic.

Lagwagon - "Resolve"

usedwigs — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 02:36:59 GMT

Lagwagon sits high and happy in the upper echelons of punk rock royalty, flawlessly mixing razor sharp metalish riffs, stop-on-a dime tempo changes, keenly emotive vocals and a sense of humor and self-deprecation on par with the masters NOFX and The Descendents. Frontman Joey Cape has one of the most recognizable voices in punk, at times snide and bratty, other times polished, sincere and especially on the emotionally-charged track "Resolve," deeply touching. Sadly, a founding member and good friend of the band, Derrick Plourde (Ataris, Bad Astronaut), took his own life in 2005 and his loss is this inspiration and driving force behind the entire CD. Lagwagon's last record was solid, but nowhere near the heights they achieved on earlier efforts. It seems this tragedy had at least one positive effect: invigorating a band to make serious music in honor of their fallen friend.

Fast-paced, fierce and full of unanswerable questions and aching anger, this tribute is a tear-inducing affair but without one ounce of sappiness or "poor me" sentiments. It's more of a therapy session for band and listener alike. "The Worst" deftly deals with the rage and bewilderment felt by loved ones and the final track "Day of New" gives a glimpse of hope and acceptance. The CD actually ends quietly and pensively with a secret track, an acoustic version of "The Chemist," a suitable song considering the circumstances. The combination of blistering guitar bursts, pummeling rhythms, impassioned vocals and thoughtful lyrics propels Lagwagon back to fine form and gives comfort to those who've suffered similar losses. For a nice visual tribute to Derrick, check out the video for "Heartbreaking Music."

Armalite... Philly's own punk super group

usedwigs — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 02:32:17 GMT

From the ominous, warped bass intro to the explosive vocals of "Entitled," you get that comfy, nostalgic DC punk feeling coursing through your veins, compliments of this vibrant Philly side project featuring Atom Goren of "His Package" fame and Dan Yemin from the almighty Paint It Black. Armalite is the happy medium between Atom's pop sensibility and caustic humor ("Metastic!") and the full-on hardcore assault that Dan practices oh so well. No slick Pro Tools magic snuck its way in this production, the basement dwellers kept it simple with raw, jangly distortion and bristling vocals delivered by "fuzzy bear sounding" singer Mike McKee and "6-year-old off-key sounding" Atom. This CD is basically an homage to the punk bands that the members grew up on. One second your hearing the criminally underappreciated Gray Matter ("When Nice People Think Dumb Things, Attack and Vote"), the next, Husker Du's "New Day Rising" is unearthed from your senses when the appropriately titled "Husker Dave" starts playing. This track also contains a very telling line that these fellas are no spring chickens and with age comes responsibility, "When you're a parent, that means no committing suicide."

The "getting old" sentiment of playing on and being true to punk while being ignored by the music industry continues with the strongest track "Other Entertainers." Scratch that, I can't say strongest track, honestly, every song is quite fantastic and each has its own immensely enjoyable flavor. "New Wave" ends this phenomenal trip with a big-ass Naked Raygun dueling with Pegboy blast of epic punk goodness.

We Dance On The Ruins Of The Stupid Stage

usedwigs — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:27:20 GMT

Remember way back when that popular wuss-metal band boo-hooed about missing "Home Sweet Home" and you just wanted to smack the lip gloss and eye shadow off their dumb clown faces? Of course you do, it's impossible to feel bad for a mega-selling band that makes millions dishing out sinfully bad music in between banging slut-gutted groupies. It is much easier sympathizing with hard-working, self-effacing blokes with day jobs who rock out in their free time and can write a killer song (with a killer sing-a-long chorus) about their true passion with tongues planted firmly in cheeks. "We Dance On The Ruins Of The Stupid Stage" is simply outsanding. You definitely want to buys these lads a beer or two when they come through your town. You dig NMB? Then you must check out New Mexican Disaster Squad and Shook Ones.

Alt-Country Goodness

usedwigs — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:12:34 GMT

What do veteran punks do when they retire from the scene? They move to Colorado, grow a lot of hair and get back to their countrified roots. Armchair Martian's Jon Snodgrass, All's front man Chad Price and Casey Prestwood from Hot Rod Circuit have teamed up to make sincere, gimmick-free country music with just a pinch of attitude and laid back humor, the kind we rarely get to hear up here in the Northeast. From the sweet "Leavin' In The Morning" to the spirited "Me & Joe Drove Out To California" to the haunting "Beautiful & Damned," Drag The River dishes out a diverse plate that all goes down well together. Also check out Richard Buckner, Chad Rex & the Victorstands and Last Train Home.