Top 5 Songs of The Week (It's Been A Loong Time Edition)

You may or may not have noticed that it has been A WHILE, since we last posted a Top Five Songs of the Week - it is not that we have not wanted to, it's simply that we've just been crazy busy.

Also, we wanted to add that one of the many reasons we have not been blogging nearly as much is that Jose was been asked to do freelance writing, submitting a couple of articles per month for the very awesome, Ohio Authority. If you are not yet familiar with Ohio Authority, we highly suggest that you check it out. It is an online magazine started by two editors of the now defunct Northern Ohio Live - it is the best place to go for the freshest info regarding the arts, food + drink, home + style, health education, and so much more.


Now onto the music :) Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and our Top Five Songs of the Week*

5. (mp3) Erik Gundel - Playing Lake on My Roof Erik Gundel plays guitar and pedal steel in the band Motel, Motel who we have posted about it before. This song comes from his solo effort a self titled ep that is now out. This song has has so much going on it, it is hard to classify, from the banging of the timpani drums to hand claps to orchestral chants to then echos and strings + horns plus throw in some catchy guitar riffs it is a true "coalescence of sounds." This is some real experimental pop, very avant garde.

4. (mp3) Hawksley Workman - Maniacs First off, going to give you fair warning you might be put off initially by the excessive yodeling on this track. Once you get past this you have a fairly stripped down piece basically just accompanied by just a drum kit and some synth noises. It is almost like taking the melodies from the Dirty Projectors and then having those backed up by the more chamber pop arrangements of Grizzly Bear. On a side note this track comes from his album, For Him and The Girls, which just came out in the U.S. - the original release of this album was actually back in '99. Jose played this album on the radio back in college and he could not describe it then either.

3. (mp3) Will Stratton - Who Will This is an exceptionally talented 22 year old singer/songwriter from Northern California/New Jersey now based out of Brooklyn. His second album just came out November 3rd titlted No Wonder. He has been compared to the likes of Nick Drake, Elliot Smith and John Darnielle. His music is truly the beautiful sound of lament backed by orchestral movements, indie pop and slide guitar. Perfect music for an overcast fall day like today.

2. (mp3) Finn Riggins - Wake (Keep This Town Alive) This trio are currently on tour with Built to Spill through the North West. They are from Boise, Idaho just like Built to Spill. The chorus of this track goes "Wah oh oh oh", instantly pulling you in and leaving you tapping your feet and bobbing your head along with each drum fill and guitar riff. The melodies that come from from lead singer Lisa Simpson work well this band's amalgamation of styles ranging from indie rock, post punk to an almost country fried funk.

1. (mp3) Surfer Blood - Swim (To Reach The End) When you think of music coming out of West Palm Beach, Florida you don't expect a band to sound like this. These guys just swung through town this week to play @ Now That's Class. We missed their show and we bet you guys did too. Once you listen to this track, you will see why these guys are currently creating a buzz everywhere they go. They are playing some of the best pixies-esque anthemic driven indie rock we've heard in quite some time. They make a beautiful mess of distortion and pop that you will want to put on repeat. They are currently touring with Japandroids - do not make the same mistake we did and miss them if they come to your town!!

TOMORROW: I Will Stay If. . . [Cleveland Edition]

Are you happy living in Cleveland??

Whether the answer is "yes" or "no", we're nearly positive you have something to say about what you want to be done so you continue to live and grow in our fair city.

Do not miss out on this opportunity to let your voice be heard tomorrow at SPEAKEASY (below Bier Markt) and make a compelling case with a memorable picture.

Who: You!

When: Tomorrow - Wednesday, November 18th [5:30 - 8:30pm]

Why: To spread your love and constructive criticism in support of shaping Cleveland's dynamic and prosperous future

Bonus:

• With a donation of only $5, guests receive drink discounts, ($3 Stella, Coors and Blue Moon) and a coupon for $5 Bianco pizza, raffle entry and participation in IWSI Photo Campaign.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS FROM:

• Councilman for Ward 17, Home to the NEW Gordon Square Arts District - MATT ZONE
• Policy Bridge Board Chairman and Co-Author of 'Rebuilding Blocks: Efforts to Revive Cleveland Must Start by Treating What Ails Neighborhoods' - RANDELL McSHEPARD
• Program Director for Architecture, Urban Design and Sustainable Development at the Cleveland Foundation - LILLIAN KURI

See you there*

For additional information or to RSVP, please visit http://iwsicleveland.blogspot.com

Another Reason to Visit The Maltz Museum (if you needed one)

In life, with all that is going on, one cannot help but get caught up in the day-to-day where we later realize that the things we once thought were important are retrospectively rather trivial.

Today was one of those days that caused me to sit back, reflect, and say WOW.

The reason for this time of self reflection is that that I had the distinct privilege of getting to hear a testimonial first hand from Betty Gold <--(check out this recent piece about her from The Plain Dealer) at The Maltz Museum, a survivor of The Holocaust, who lives right here in Cleveland. Ms. Gold told me and my fellow LeadDiversity classmates the compelling story of how her town of Trochenbrod, Poland was destroyed by the Nazis during WWII, which drove her and her family into hiding in the woods for more than two years in a constant battle to survive. Ms. Gold informed us that recently she was interviewed by CNN on a piece regarding the high incidence of cancer in holocaust survivors. She also is currently working with a crew to tell the story of Trochenbrod in a documentary.

If you are like us and feel like Trochenbrod sounds somewhat familiar - this may very well be a result of either reading the book Everything is Illuminated or seeing the film. In this story, the main character sets out to Treochenbrod after his grandmother had just died, who was from there. He goes back to try and find that town and in turn learns a lot about himself and the human spirit. It is a beautiful book, written by Jonathan Safran, and a great film, directed by Liev Schreiber while starring Elijah Wood. Having seen the film and read the book, it made Ms. Gold's story all that more compelling for me.

This was the second time that I have been to The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in the last week and my 3rd visit overall. There is such a wealth of information inside this museum you cannot possibly digest it all in one visit. If you have never been there, I strongly urge to to learn about the strong impact the Jewish Community has had on shaping the great history of Cleveland.

Bonus: View the Trailer of Everything is Illuminated

Chester French + Pitbull = Something Unexpectedly Good

If you are fan of Chester French like us than you know that they have a great sense of humor. Some of the things they did on their mix tape were just hilarious like calling each other brohan. These two guys also have a real knack for remixes, if you have never listened to their take on Shakira's "She Wolf" we urge you to check it out. There is something about their take on this song that is really absurd but at the same time pulls you in. They are back at again with more pop songs shenanigans, this time they have stroke gold with a remix of Pitbull's super sexy and banging track " I Know You Want Me" (Calle Ocho). Try not to get this one stuck in your head.

The original!

and Chester French's slab of hotness on that Calle Ocho culo!

Have you seen the Urban Yeti?

We were not familiar with the term and thus we had to consult the urban dictionary to discover the truth.

All kidding aside the reason for mentioning the urban yeti is that you actually see one in the new video from the band The Prairie Cartel for their catchy as hell track " No Light Escapes Here". The video was directed by the Chinese award winning film maker/animator Peng Lei. He himself is actually a musician and he plays in the band New Pants who's new wave/early punk style has made them one of the biggest bands on the pop scene in China today. Note as you watch this video his use of the image of Chairman Mao.



The Prairie Cartel themselves might not be a house hold name yet, but you might recognize them for having a song on the soundtrack for the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Probably you have heard of the bands they were in before this project, which include Local H, Fig Dish and Caviar. Given the vast differences between the aforementioned bands it is no surprise that The Prairie Cartel is a mix of the above. For us they sound like the lead singer of The National fronting The Klaxons.

(mp3) The Prairie Cartel - No Light Escapes Here

Did you get this song stuck in your head at the end of Gossip Girl last week?

This past Monday (October 19th) we were watching and enjoying another great episode of this 3rd season of Gossip Girl. Towards the end of this episode when the producers felt we had enough story for next week and giving us tide us over till next week we heard a the sweet sound of some whistling followed by a man and woman with a little bit of drawl singing these lyrics "Home, Let me come Home, Home is Whenever I'm with you..."

The lyrics and melody sounded so quite familiar we could not quite place it. We went back and scoured some of our recently listened to music. We discovered that this song was by none other than Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes, we promptly spent the rest of the evening listening their jam "Home" on repeat as well as several other of their tunes. As luck would have it this 10 piece whirlwind of a band from Los Angeles, is coming to our neck of the woods to play a show on November 12th during The Kent State Folk Festival. This one of those song you just want to listen to on repeat and let it ooze into your skull where it will it get cozy and bury itself and not leave anytime soon.

(mp3) Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes - Home

Have you tried VIA?

This morning, we headed into bold new territory as we sampled VIA for the first time. If you are not familiar with VIA, it is Starbucks first attempt at instant coffee. Now, some of you when it comes to your cup of joe may scoff at the thought of instant coffee, but for us (especially in these times) we like to maximize the benefit of every last coffee crystal. Which is why we have been huge fans of Taster's Choice Gourmet Roast for years now.

We don't take our coffee with any cream, milk, or sugar - just a smidge of sweet & low and we're ready to go.

Both of us have been fans of Starbucks for quite some time, but like most of you, we have chosen to scale back on this indulgence (although, wine will always win out over coffee for us). Upon watching several VIA commercials while working out, we both became excited at the possibility of instant Starbucks coffee. So, this morning, as we type this, we are drinking Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Italian Roast.

Upon first sip, while the aroma isn't nearly as strong as "real" coffee, it still smelled refreshing. From a preference standpoint, it was slightly bitter until we added our favorite sweetening agent. After combining the two, the conclusion is. . .it does taste better than our regular instant coffee - but nothing beats a cup of joe, piping hot, and served with personality. We look forward to trying the Columbian Roast next.

Bonus:
[Mp3] Roger McGuinn and Calexico - One More Cup of Coffee (Dylan cover)
[Mp3] Motel Motel - Coffee

Do You Know What The Green Eyed Fairy is?

Earlier this week on our twitter page we posted a link to latest video from Los Angeles via Ann Arbor soul boy-wunderkind Mayer Hawthorne. We have been fans of his ever since hearing him first croon this past summer. Speaking of summer F THIS COLD WEATHER!!. And now back to the post....Mayer Hawthorne's jam "green eyed love" is a pure and simple track to chill to. We in our ignorance thought this song was ode to another woman or perhaps something else that is green & sticky? but we were wrong it is infact about absinthe.


Not sure how many of you out there have tried absinthe. If you have never had the chance, you now one because coming up here on October 30th @ The Cleveland Museum of Art from 5:30 to 9 p.m there will be an absithe tasting. The reason for this tasting will be in celebration of the recently opened Gauguin: Paris, 1889 & Mr. Gauguin himself loved to drink the green eyed fairy. Also if you have not had a chance to view this exhibition (we went on the first day it was open.) we suggest you do so. Why would you not want to look at great art and drink absinthe? You have no excuse not to go :)

(mp3) Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love (Classixx Remix)

You Know What Girl Talk Can Do But Have You Heard What E-603 Can Do?

With the explosion of Girl Talk's popularity, you knew it was only a matter of time before other artists would start attempting to create mash ups on his unprecedented level. E-603 comes into the conversation because he is the first artist on our radar from the post Girl Talk mash up genre. Haters will probably say this is the same as Girl Talk, but this kid is taking that game to the next level. E-603, who's real name is Ethan Ward, hails from New Hampshire and has been touring for awhile now. He has toured with the likes of such taste makers as The Hood Internet, The Cool Kids and Yo La Tengo. He is currently on tour with Passion Pit (what a sweet tour that is).

When it comes to samples, you can't help but be impressed by an artist's ability to take someone else's art and make it their own. Part of the fun with this form of mash-up is seeing how many of the samples you can recognize on each one of his sonic collages. If you need some help there is a Wikipedia article listing the samples and how long it appears for on each track.

If you are interested in checking out the entire album, you can grab it here. Come on, you can't help but smile when you hear Dre and Snoop spitting on top of Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us" :)

(mp3) E-603 - Lights Out (from Torn Up, his latest album)

(mp3) E -603 - Money and Girls (from Something For Everyone) Love it on this one when Slim Thug is throwing bars down on top of Postal Service

Whatever You Like...Some Covers For This Friday

Recently, we had been made aware that the lovely and talented Ms. Anya Marina had done a cover and video, putting her own touches on T.I.'s hit "Whatever you Like" - this prompted us to share it with you. Really, who would have ever thought Anya Marina would take this song and sing it. . .and, in a sex shop no less??

In addition to Anya's unique rendition, you should take a listen to another cover performed by Rome, the new singer of Sublime. Now, whenever you take over for an iconic band and the lead singer has passed away, those are some tough some shoes to fill. However, we feel that Rome is most definitely going to help keep the flame of Sublime blazing strong.

Lastly, after watching these two videos - one should be sure to watch the original so you can gain some perspective and appreciate the different interpretations of this great song.

Whatever You Like - Anya Marina

Whatever You Like - Rome (of Sublime)

Whatever You Like - T.I.