I got nothing but this...

This morning I discovered the blog: Chris Walker Versus. This is an interview blog conducted by Chris Walker who is a guy from Reno, Nevada. Chris is always doing an interview with someone -- hence the versus in the title of the blog. Over the last few weeks, his nitch has been Chris Walker vs Bands and Booze. Some of the bands he has interviewed during this time are Silversun Pickups, Division Day, Birdmonster, The Nine Black Alps (he posted their video "When I wake up" back in May of this year). To read the great interview Chris did with Drew (who went to my high school) the lead singer of Wintergreen go here.

(mp3) Fall Apart - Wintergreen


This is completely unrelated but I wanted to share with you if didn't know already that Wendy's now has vanilla frostys available here in the US!! I was informed that in the land north of us (aka Canada) that they have had them there already for years. Has anyone had one yet? If so, was it delicious? It sounds great!

Fast Fwd Ireland!

Those of you who read our blog from time to time might recall that we are going to Ireland. Well yesterday marked t-minus two weeks. Yes two weeks from now we will be in Dublin, Ireland enjoying some needed paid time off, meanwhile you all will be toiling away at school, work or whatever else it is that you do to pass the time. Seeing as how we are about to part for Ireland in the very near future I thought I'd share a short film that my brother in law Paul made and recently posted on youtube.com.

Back in June of this year Paul participated in the Fast Forward Ireland 24 Hour Filmaking Festival. The guidelines of this festival were that you had 24 hours to shoot and edit a 3 minute short film. Paul's end result is "A story of Aliens with mind controlling Mobile Phones and a Boyband reunion. Note the appearances by my sister Becky (his wife) and their dog Honey.



(mp3) Sharp Briar (demo) - The American Analog Set (doesn't really have anything to do with this post but seems like a good song on a dreary day like today)

appealing to the senses

Today everyone seems to be dragging @ss it seems to be just one of those days where you can't get anything done. If you are bored at work like most of us are, here are some things to past the time.

Unbeknowst to me Bill Mahr now has an interview program on Amazon.com called "Amazon Fishbowl" you can't download the program but you can view it using flash or windows media player. Some of the guests he has had so far on the show are Stephen King, Morgan Spurlock, Jon Faverau, Dixie Chicks and recently Chuck Klosterman. Last night when Kelly and I were looking for info about Chuck Klosterman's new book we came upon the interview. You can view it here. By the way the new Chuck Klosterman book " Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas" is now @ Borders according to Ryan. The release date is September 5th, I plan to get a copy asap.


While we reading the world news today, I came upon a recent study in Australia that say if you watch less t.v. , do crossword puzzles and eat fish once a week you will increase your memory. Now I realize that is not earth-shattering news, what I thought was interesting about the article was they provided you with a link to the results of the study and the actual test the applicants took. Alot of people tell me that I have a great memory so I took the test and I didn't do that great, I did about average. You should take the test here for yourself and see how you do.

And now something for your eyes and ears. Check out Nouvelle Vague performing Love will tear us apart @ Glastonbury this year.

On a Sunday...

Here is something for you to do today. Starts @ 12pm runs till 8pm. There will be food, bands, art shows and motorcross demos. What more could you want? Kelly and I went two years ago and I am sure it will be even better this year, now if only the rain would stop. For more information check here.

Thursday's are not so bad

Last weekend we saw Little Miss Sunshine, which was a really great film that we both really enjoyed. I know a lot of people are hyping it up but it was very funny and is deserving of the praise. The next film we are looking fwd to seeing in the theatre is Half Nelson. This film stars Ryan Gossling as a school teacher who is a drug addict and when one of his students discovers this about him they develop an unlikely bond. Much has been made about the performances in this film of Mr.Gossling and how it is a breakout role for him as well as for newcommer Shareeka Epps (no relation to Omar). Not to mention, Half Nelson recently won the jury prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.

Also, there has been some good rumbling about this film's soundtrack which features three songs by Broken Social Scene as well as songs by Billy Brag, Ryhmesfest, and The Somnambulants. Here is just one of the many places you can buy the soundtrack. The movie is coming to c-town here @ The Cedar Lee on 9/22. And, Broken Social Scene are coming to c-town on November 10th @ the HOB w/ Do Make Say Think.

Some songs from the soundtrack:

(mp3) A New England - Billy Bragg (my favorite song by him)

(mp3) Shampoo Suicide - Broken Social Scene

(mp3) Comforts of Absence - The Somnambulants (I put this song on mix cd for Kelly over a year ago)

Definitely take a moment to check out Half Nelson's Trailor:

Tuesday shiz

Right now we are in the midst of another exciting week at work. Thankfully there is good new indie rock out there to help break up the montony. Assembly Now have a great new remix available for download for their song "It's Magnetic" the remix was done by Luke Smith who was a guitarist of the recently broken up London band Clor. Next Monday (August 28th) the lads will be releasing their first single "It's Magnetic" on Kids Records.

(mp3) It's Magnetic (Luke Smith remix) - Assembly Now

Asobi Seksu are currently getting ready for their fall tour which starts next week, (sadly no cleveland date) to promote their awesome sophmore release "Citrus". If you have not checked out their video for "Thursday" from that album check out this video that perfectly matches the song with it's dreamy imagery.



Lastly a few weeks ago on Entourage I heard "Luchini (This Is It)" by Camp Lo. I had not heard this song in years, as a result it made me smile (which i don't do that often) and now I am going to share this awesome old skool hip hop jam with you. In appeared in the episode from this season where they went to Vegas it was when Vince and Turtle were first walking thru the casino. On a sidenote back in college we used to cruise with this song blasting.

(mp3) Luchini (This is it) - Camp Lo

here is a funny clip from the show

Tonight: Bishop Allen @ The Beachland Tavern

For the past month or so, we both have been really looking forward to seeing Bishop Allen play in the intimate setting of the Beachland Ballroom's Tavern where they will be opening for Chris Mills. Also worth noting is Cleveland's own Nicholas Megalis being the first opener, reminding us much of Sondre Lerche with his theatrical melodies.

Kelly's Selection:
[Mp3] Bishop Allen - The Monitor

Jose's Selection:
[Mp3] Bishop Allen - Little Black Ache

Bonus:
[Mp3] Nicholas Megalis - I Will Say No

Wanted: Pancakes, Crepes, and a little Sunshine

I don't know how the weather is by you, but here in Cleveland it hasn't stopped raining all morning -- and it doesn't look like it is going to stop anytime soon. . .

So, to cheer ourselves up, Jose and I are going to The Original Pancake House to enjoy their absolutely fabulous Crepes and (of course) Pancakes. Following breakfast, we are heading over to catch the matinee showing of Little Miss Sunshine at Cedar Lee. If you haven't seen the trailer for this endearing movie yet, definitely do so here. The soundtrack also looks very cool, featuring songs from DeVotchKa and Sufjan Stevens.

Top 5 Songs (for a rainy day like today):

5. [Mp3] Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes (Live at Moonshine Festival)
4. [Mp3] Sambassadeur - If Rain
3. [Mp3] Belle & Sebastian - Song for Sunshine
2. [Mp3] Tori Amos - Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Live)
1. [Mp3] Emiliana Torrini - Sunny Road (Live Acoustic)

Tonight!

After Jose and I head downtown for Kaleidoscope's Multicultural Event, we are going to try and stop by B Side's Retail Industry Party. This summer, we have been taking advantage B Side's new patio while enjoying their always excellent music selections and drink specials. So, if you have not yet had the opportunity to check out B Side this summer, tonight is the perfect night to do so (two words: mojito specials)!

Belfast comes to Cleveland

Tonight @ 9pm @ The Beachland ballroom is when the Oppenheimer show starts. The openers are Bad Flirt and The Twilight. Here is a recent live performance from Oppenheimer. for more info see our last couple posts on them.

Top 5 songs of the week

Gotta get out there and enjoy this sun but first some songs for your listening pleasure:


5. (mp3) Venice Isn't Sinking - Living in Polaroids This 16 year old girl from Long Island has a lot of talent and a pretty voice, reminding us of Azure Ray in this song

4. (mp3) Boat Song - Elephant Parade Peaceful bedroom pop that will make you smile

3. (mp3) Forever Lost - Magic Numbers Kinda like The Shins with a girl singing along (we normally are not fans of this band, but this song is an exception!)

2. (mp3) Call it Ours - The Legends A live version by this Swedish pop band was captured beauitfully by Bradley's Almanac

1. (mp3) We do not fuck around - Viva Voce This song gets stuck in Jose's head so easily it is just great and the chorus reminds us of The Pixies, anyone else feel the same?

Alive with Pleasure

It looks like is going to be a great weekend here in C-town which makes me feel alive with pleasure. Actually the reason for the title is the Viva Voce song of the same name. A few years ago I made Kelly a mix with that song on it and at the time I just figured that this duo was from somewhere in Sweden it just seemed like a good fit, just like how seem people think that Stellastarr* and Midlake should be from England. In reality they are from Oregon via Alabama which is great because it makes it a lot easier for them to tour the states. As luck would have they are coming to Akron on October 18th @ The Lime Spider with The Silversun Pickups.




(mp3) Alive with pleasure - Viva Voce


As far as the haps this weekend. There is some good stuff going down like:

Tonight there is the monthly Tremont Art Walk which starts @ 6pm

Tonight @ The Cedar Lee "I'm Your Man" will start showing. It is a documentary about Leonard Cohen that features performances by Rufus Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker, Bono, Nick Drake, Beth Orton and others.

Tonight @ The Lime Spider DJ Kardiac (Kevin from Music Saves) will be spinning with other local record stores owners , DJ Trophy Bass (Dave from Square Records) and DJ Charles (Charles from My Mind's Eye) . This well take place on the patio starting around 9:30-10pm.

Starting tomorrow down in Little Italy is the annual Feast of the Assumption starts @ 12pm and runs thru Tuesday the 15th

Also tomorrow is The Great Lakes Brewery : Burning River Fest @ Wendy Park on Whiskey Island starts @ 11am.

This Sunday marks the last Sunday for The Walk and Roll down @ University Cirle on MLK Blvd starts @ 11am.

Lastly Sunday night if the tickets are not too rich for your blood Tom Waits is playing a late night show @ 12am the HOB.

Like the linen

I woke up this morning with The Editors song "Bones" in my head. I could not find a live version anywhere , but I did find this nice performance of the song on youtube. Also if you have not checked out the daytrotter this week, I would advise you to do so. This week Sean has Thao Nguyen, if you have not jumped on board when it comes to this girl you should. You may recall we posted about her back in Feb of this year.

Girls just wanna have fun

This morning I bring you the music of Greg Laswell. Right now he is about to start a national tour for his second record "Through Toledo". Infact if you are home today @ 12pm central time he is going to be on WGN- TV out of Chicago doing a live performance. He is coming to C-town this saturday @ 8pm @ The Winchester. He will be opening for Tim O' Reagan who was the former drumer of The Jayhawks and now has his own band. Greg is a native of San Diego who has been compared to "Lou Barlow with a sweeter voice". I think he makes beautiful music and you should check out his cover of "Girls just wanna have fun".

(mp3) Girls just wanna have fun - Greg Laswell (Cyndi Lauper cover)

Tv Torso live

The weather has finally cooled today, it is nice to finally have a day where it is less 80 again. This makes me smile much like SOUND Team does. I missed them last week @ Kuyahoga fest because we did not want to wait out the rain. They are coming to C-town next month with Midlake & The French Kicks on September 14th @ The Grog Shop sound be a great show alas I will have to miss it because Kelly and I will be in Ireland holdin it down with Becky, Paul and Honey!





If you have never checked out there awesome WOXY.COM Lounge Acts performance you should check it out here

Young Folks

Happy Monday, to everyone. This morning I am feeling the effects of a good time. Last night Ryan, Lauren and my friend Zack came over to celebrate Ryan's birthday with us. We had a good time playing trivial pursuit and drinking a few bottles of wine while enjoying the delicious cake that Lauren made for Ryan's birthday. This summer Kelly and I have been totally in love with the song "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn and John. Yesterday I found the video on YouTube so I thought I'd share it with you.

The Return of the top 5 of the week!

As you may have noticed the last few weeks we have taken our top 5 off for various reasons mostly just being too busy and or lazy to post. Well this week have returned so here goes! This is going to be a list of songs Kelly and I have been talking about lately. Also everyone should be sure to wish Ryan a happy 23rd Bithday today, Happy Birthday Ryan!!

5. (mp3) I'm Already Gone - The Pleased This San Francisco indie pop/rock group has Joanna Newsom as member of their band. check out their performance from KEXP back in 04.

4. (mp3) I get the sense - Our Lady of the Highway This San Francisco band recently was featured on Pitchfork's download of the day. they play layered, jangly, indie rock with beautiful sad lyrics.

3. (mp3) Yours to keep - Teddybears STHLM This song is a great driving song and is known to cause people who can't dance to want to get down. Annie is featured on this track.

2. (mp3) America - Razorlight this song came on on shuffle on the iPod yesterday. We were surprised that it was this British band because they have come along since "Rip it up" and like the change.

1. (mp3) 6000 Shipwrecks - Kite Flying Society this San Diego band make great indie pop in addition to having a name that is a great Rushmore reference.

Good to go!

Here is some new regarding bands we have mentioned on our blog before. First off congrats to c-town's own Blazer, they recently announced that on August 21st they have a gig at PIANO'S NYC. They will be playing that night with Oppenheimer, Bad Flirt and Lifestyle. The boys also went to in the studio recently to record their first single so congrats to them.



Speaking of Oppenheimer who we have posted about a few times. They are coming to The Beachland Ballroom (in the tavern) on Monday August 14th with Bad Flirt and The Twilight opening. The show starts @ 9pm tickets are $6. So come out and support this great Irish band. You can purchase their album here. Coming up on August 17th @ 4:30pm they are going to have a Lounge Acts session on WOXY.COM. You can see how their tour is going so far on their live journal here.




The Hourly Radio were recently featured as spin.com's band of the day. Also the boys will be playing CMJ in November this year and they have an August residency starting @ The Annex in NYC starting August 17th. If you have not already done so go and buy their debut full length on iTunes it's great.


The Slack Republic have a new song up for download on their site and they also were recently featured in an interview on SHOUT!. They will also be playing The Midwest Music Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11th. Other bands playing the summit include : Dr.Octagon , Margot and The Nuclear So and So's , Page France, The Sun and Russian Circles.



And lastly R.I.P. to Arthur Lee the lead singer of the great 60's band LOVE. I was saddened to hear about his passing. I am not going to claim I am some indie snob who has known of them for forever. I honestly did not discover them till I saw Bottlerocket and I heard the song "Along Again Or". I did afterward check out their amazing album "Forever Changes" based on my friend Jeremy's recommendation.

Here is Love doing Alone Again Or live back in 2003




and here is Calexico doing a cover of Alone Again Or

Vote Pronk : Redux

You might recall right before the MLB All-Star Game this I urged you all to Vote Pronk. Well we as fans have more chance to get him the recognition that he deserves, so I am urging you once again to Vote Pronk when it comes to voting for the Century 21 Hank Aarron award. Each Year since 1999 (which marked the 25th Anniversary of Hank Aaaron becoming baseball's all-time home run leader) they have chosen in each league a winner of this award for the best offensive peformer. Pronk is nominated against some pretty stiff competition including : David Ortiz, Ichiro and Vladimir Guerrero. If you compare the stats you will sign that he is in top 10 in almost every major catagory when it comes to offense. I know that he can come out on top if we all do our job and VOTE PRONK!

In case you didn't know

Tonight marks the second month of the Summer Restaurant Tour here in Cleveland. This is a great fundraiser that donates a certain percentage of your bill at some of the hottest local area restaurants to the GLBT ( Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community center of Greater Cleveland). For instance, if you go to The Old Angle Tavern on W.25th street tonight and say you are with the STR (summer restaurant tour) they will donate 40% of your bill to the cause. Some of the restaurants that will be participating this month include Boulevard Blue, Parallax, Momocho and The Grovewood Tavern. For more information check out the site here.

Tomorrow, unless you live under a rock you know that the 1st annual Kuyahoga Festival will be going on at Blossom. The gates open @ 3pm with local indie poppers Six Parts Seven kicking off the side stage @ 3:15pm. Unfortunately, Blossom only allows you to bring camaras when you are going to see the Cleveland Orchestra, so sadly Ryan will not be able to take any of his awesome photos. Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing The Flaming Lips for the first time and to finally getting to see what all the hype surrounging Sound Team and The Go! Team is about.

(mp3) Your eyes are liars - Sound Team

(mp3) Bull in the heather (sonic youth cover ) - The Go! Team

Lastly, this Sunday August 6th and the following Sunday August 13th the "Walk and Roll Cleveland" event will be taking place. This event takes place from 11am - 5pm on MLK drive for a 2.1 mile stretch it will allow all of us here in C-town to have the opportunity to walk this stretch of road and appreciate the beauty of the area that is often missed out on. Many people here in C-town do not ever explore the amazing Cultural Gardens located in his area now is your chance to do so. Some of the activities that will you can participate while at this great event will be: an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, Yoga + Tai Chi, Chalk festival, Music and a History of the Cultural Gardens.

Riding low, Riding faster

Last night we attended the Phoenix show with Ryan, Lauren and Mike. It was the first time that Kelly and I had been to a show since July 9th when we saw Cat Power. We had been feeling quite burned out on shows and music in general so it was really nice to take a little break. Kelly and I were remarking last night on the way home how it is rather funny that not only were the last two shows we have seen both free, but they were two of the best performances we've witnessed this year.


As far as the show last night -- we missed the local opener The Very Knees but arrived just in time to catch all of The French Kicks set. With their new improved tighter sound I can see why Vagrant picked them up. If you have not already done so, go to daytrotter and get The French Kicks tracks from their great daytrotter session. Now on to the "main event" -- simply put, they were awesome. Phoenix had great stage presence, they were tight and cohesive as a band and had a phenomenal sound that left us wanting more. It was so amazing to see a band that normally plays arenas these days playing only 2 feet away from us at one of my favorite venues. Their set consisted mostly of new material from their most recent release it's never been like that. Luckily for us, during the encore they played the song we most wanted to hear which was "Too Young" best known from the Lost in Translation soundtrack and also on their album United. For more insight and some pics from the show check Ryan's post.

(mp3) Too Young - Phoenix

Tonight!

Interested in seeing Phoenix and The French Kicks in Cleveland this evening but can't seem to get your hands on tickets for this "Invite Only" show? Don't lose hope - just call Music Saves (or msg them on their myspace) and/or The Beachland Ballroom to see how they can hopefully hook you up.

Either way, you can always at least feel like you were at the show and check out Good Hodgkin's pictures and recap tomorrow :)