This week's "Carolina Breakdown" (Friday at 4 p.m.) features music and talk with Chris Hillman, original member of The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers and other rock fame. He spoke with DJ Brendan Greaves, who hosts this week's show. Should be great, and the type of original stuff you only hear at our little radio operation.
All prior "Carolina Breakdown" shows are available via iTunes -- just go to the podcast page and type "Carolina Breakdown." Join our myspace page, also uniquely titled "Carolina Breakdown." The show now has more than 1,500 listeners worldwide, from Europe to Latin America to... Greensboro, spreading the WXYC gospel far and wide.
Meantime, enjoy this week's show. I'll host the next one, Feb. 14, featuring The Gavin Brothers, Irish fiddle virtuosos, as they team up with North Carolina fiddler Pat Skye, and also Carrboro's Workclothes joins us.
And stay tuned for details about the first live taping of the show, at the ArtsCenter, in April.
~john
WXYC 89.3 FM is the non-commercial student-run radio station of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We broadcast at 1200 watts from the UNC campus, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 1994 we became the first radio station in the world to rebroadcast our signal over the Internet.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
cue this up
The common thread that ties this organization is the simple fact that we have at one time DJ'd over the air of this area, and out onto the world wide web.
Here is another sort of DJing. Of course, this is nothing new to us. To modern music history however, it is a relatively new development. This half human/ half machine manipulation of music had such appeal that a Master of Ceremonies had to be added, and the rest is what we know of since our akward middle school (grind?) dances. The foundation for this music wasn't laid at a Bar-mitzvah however, but on the streets of South Bronx (which also happens to be home to Yankee Stadium-yeah the baseball hat thing). In this day in age it is my beleif that this craft has been trivialized and very under-appreciated. DJs in music videos might as well have be replaced by a paint spill on the green screen, as they were added quite literally as a prop (take the time to actually watch what they do). Anyways, when I cyber-stumbled upon this video on the information superhighway, I was pretty blown away. There are a kazillion videos like this, and thanks to what Time refers to as the year of 'You,' us can see this in it's true fashion. this is a 'prestigous ' dj competition from sometime before now. Enjoy.
much adulation,
Bryan
The common thread that ties this organization is the simple fact that we have at one time DJ'd over the air of this area, and out onto the world wide web.
Here is another sort of DJing. Of course, this is nothing new to us. To modern music history however, it is a relatively new development. This half human/ half machine manipulation of music had such appeal that a Master of Ceremonies had to be added, and the rest is what we know of since our akward middle school (grind?) dances. The foundation for this music wasn't laid at a Bar-mitzvah however, but on the streets of South Bronx (which also happens to be home to Yankee Stadium-yeah the baseball hat thing). In this day in age it is my beleif that this craft has been trivialized and very under-appreciated. DJs in music videos might as well have be replaced by a paint spill on the green screen, as they were added quite literally as a prop (take the time to actually watch what they do). Anyways, when I cyber-stumbled upon this video on the information superhighway, I was pretty blown away. There are a kazillion videos like this, and thanks to what Time refers to as the year of 'You,' us can see this in it's true fashion. this is a 'prestigous ' dj competition from sometime before now. Enjoy.
much adulation,
Bryan
Monday, January 29, 2007
Please Reconsider, Shania
Dear Shania,
I have received your message loud and clear, and I am sorry that you remain unimpressed by the positive qualities I have developed, as well as a full lifetime of substantial accomplishment. However, perhaps I have not stated my case clearly and explicitly enough, and for that I am sorry. If you are willing to listen, however, I would like to address each of your concerns, point by point. I think it will be a valuable exercise and that it is worth your time to read and consider my points closely.
While you may not be impressed by the fact that I am, in fact, a rocket scientist, I would remind you of all the hard work and dedication that it took me to get to this point. I labored for many years in school, straining under the weight of my expansive dissertation which eventually revolutionized many of the prevailing thought on next-generation propulsion systems. While the fact that I am a rocket scientist doesn't impress you, I would urge you to consider the positive implications about my character that one may arrive at by considering this accomplishment: it points to not only a keen intelligence, but also to a strong work ethic and acute ability to get things done. These abilities have seen me gainfully employed by NASA but also by a number of private sector companies whose names I can't tell you due to restrictive non-disclosure agreements. However, I assure you that I am well-compensated for my activities,and would be an excellent provider for the both of us.
Further, I would like to address your claims that I am vain, and despite my care for personal appearance, you are unimpressed by my all-American-yet-roguish good looks. I apologize for what you perceive as an emasculating attention to my appearance and my hair. Shania, I am no slob. I feel that an acute awareness of how I present myself is a positive quality that reflects my professionalism and that my attention to working out denotes my deep commitment to a healthy lifestyle. In an America that is growing increasingly obese, I would think that these qualities would be better received. And though you mention Brad Pitt as a byword for attractiveness, I would like to remind you who has achieved People's Sexiest Man Alive the most (Three times!).
Next, you attack me for my devotion to my car. I apologize for what you perceive as preening obsessiveness. I would like to remind you that my car is in fact one of a kind. As a rocket scientist, and one-time McLaren racing team consultant, I can assure that my car is the fastest one in existence as well as being quite stylish. Excuse me for having a little pride, Shania, in perhaps the most impressive achievement in automotives in many, many years. That you aren't impressed by it, seems to speak more to your continual lack of interest in MY hobbies than any failing on my part. Once again I would ask you to pause and reflect on the many positive traits and abilities I harnessed to develop this car, and consider all their positive applications for our soon-to-be rekindled relationship.
Shania, I know that in the past I have failed to impress you,primarily because of your doubt that I have "the touch." I'm not sure what you are explicitly referencing here, but you do seem to be questioning my abilities to keep you warm in the middle of the night. This reference to my alleged sexual inadequacies seems a little misplaced, and dare I say bitter. You know that in bed, I am a tiger, and unmatched paragon of virility and I dare say that you know it well. However, I am always ready for improvement, and with your suggestions, I know I will be able to fulfill you in every sense of the word. I will develop this touch that you describe. Considering my past accomplishments, I don't think you will doubt that I can succeed.
Shania please reconsider these things you have broadcasted to the whole world. I think that the evidence that I have brought to your attention will impress you, finally. I hope things will work out with us and the future and you will give me my second chance.
Sincerely,
Kellen
I have received your message loud and clear, and I am sorry that you remain unimpressed by the positive qualities I have developed, as well as a full lifetime of substantial accomplishment. However, perhaps I have not stated my case clearly and explicitly enough, and for that I am sorry. If you are willing to listen, however, I would like to address each of your concerns, point by point. I think it will be a valuable exercise and that it is worth your time to read and consider my points closely.
While you may not be impressed by the fact that I am, in fact, a rocket scientist, I would remind you of all the hard work and dedication that it took me to get to this point. I labored for many years in school, straining under the weight of my expansive dissertation which eventually revolutionized many of the prevailing thought on next-generation propulsion systems. While the fact that I am a rocket scientist doesn't impress you, I would urge you to consider the positive implications about my character that one may arrive at by considering this accomplishment: it points to not only a keen intelligence, but also to a strong work ethic and acute ability to get things done. These abilities have seen me gainfully employed by NASA but also by a number of private sector companies whose names I can't tell you due to restrictive non-disclosure agreements. However, I assure you that I am well-compensated for my activities,and would be an excellent provider for the both of us.
Further, I would like to address your claims that I am vain, and despite my care for personal appearance, you are unimpressed by my all-American-yet-roguish good looks. I apologize for what you perceive as an emasculating attention to my appearance and my hair. Shania, I am no slob. I feel that an acute awareness of how I present myself is a positive quality that reflects my professionalism and that my attention to working out denotes my deep commitment to a healthy lifestyle. In an America that is growing increasingly obese, I would think that these qualities would be better received. And though you mention Brad Pitt as a byword for attractiveness, I would like to remind you who has achieved People's Sexiest Man Alive the most (Three times!).
Next, you attack me for my devotion to my car. I apologize for what you perceive as preening obsessiveness. I would like to remind you that my car is in fact one of a kind. As a rocket scientist, and one-time McLaren racing team consultant, I can assure that my car is the fastest one in existence as well as being quite stylish. Excuse me for having a little pride, Shania, in perhaps the most impressive achievement in automotives in many, many years. That you aren't impressed by it, seems to speak more to your continual lack of interest in MY hobbies than any failing on my part. Once again I would ask you to pause and reflect on the many positive traits and abilities I harnessed to develop this car, and consider all their positive applications for our soon-to-be rekindled relationship.
Shania, I know that in the past I have failed to impress you,primarily because of your doubt that I have "the touch." I'm not sure what you are explicitly referencing here, but you do seem to be questioning my abilities to keep you warm in the middle of the night. This reference to my alleged sexual inadequacies seems a little misplaced, and dare I say bitter. You know that in bed, I am a tiger, and unmatched paragon of virility and I dare say that you know it well. However, I am always ready for improvement, and with your suggestions, I know I will be able to fulfill you in every sense of the word. I will develop this touch that you describe. Considering my past accomplishments, I don't think you will doubt that I can succeed.
Shania please reconsider these things you have broadcasted to the whole world. I think that the evidence that I have brought to your attention will impress you, finally. I hope things will work out with us and the future and you will give me my second chance.
Sincerely,
Kellen
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Gooey Synthesizer Melismas
It's thought that everyone is born a synesthete, but that most people's minds suppress any of this perceptual hyperconnectivity as they grow older. Presumably this is because there is a bad tradeoff between a sensuous existence and a perceptually lucid one. The limbic system is a more primitive beast, though, and it will not so easily be refused a teensy bit of hedonism.
TMNT III: The Manhattan Project is one of these. The track you hear as you totally demolish the stupid greenhorn foot soldiers in Level 1, in particular, has always rivaled post-coital endorphin in its ability to make me happy. I'm sure that for anyone who was between the ages of 16 and 30 in the electro-perfused late-70s and early-80s this is going to sound totally ridiculous, but TMNT III gave me my first exposure to what I choose to call the gooey synthesizer melisma. You've all heard it repeatedly I'm sure--it's that really thick variation on the "square" preset you had on your Casio keyboard, but set up so that it wiggles up and down between notes like Beyonce's being run through a vocoder.
Love and tears,
Stemlot
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
2006 IS OVER. DON"T BE SCARED.
Now that we're a solid month into 2007, I guess it's as prime a time as ever to question what the hell happened in 2006. Now that I'm finally getting used to writing 07 at the top of my notes and checkbook, I've come to realize that another year has slipped away. Youth is fleeting, and the cold reality sinks in. But I'll save the depressing life's reflections for another blog post. For now, I'll be content with considering 2006 as it progressed in terms of music. As always, it's hard for me to recall exactly what I did with my time and what I was listening to for a whole 365 days, but there are certain releases of course that stick out in my hazily distorted brain. The following is a list of records that I indulged in frequently, and reflect at least some of the things that I thought made 06 a decent year for music. It still seems to be lacking somewhat, though. Maybe we're on the brink of something. Maybe something will give soon. Whatcha got 2007, seven? Don't be gentle. We need a new movement.
200666:
1. MACHINE GUN TV: Go-> (Public Eyesore)
And odd choice for #1, maybe, but this album got more repeated listens in my stereo than any other this year, and for good reason. The infectious J-pop melodies were lodged in my brain for weeks, and completely assaulted thoughts with a deranged sensory overload. The sound conveys an image of one of those cute Japanese schoolgirls smiling seductively at you, all the while holding a machete and a stick of dynamite behind her back. Drum machine beats were buried beneath a mountain of sound and destruction, tearing apart song structures and erasing any trace of mediocrity. Theres so much joy on the brink of insanity, taking ecstatic anthems and sticking a rocket in the ass of the beholder. Im as clueless as you are, but I know that I like it.
2. SKULLFLOWER: Tribulations (Crucial Blast)
Matthew Bower collapsed solar systems with this release, from start to finish. This is what psychedelic music is all about, monumental and filled to the brim with jolting textures and a rumbling sea of electronic chaos. Theres no fucking around, no initial buildups, no time wasted. Mesmerizing and wholly uncompromising, Tribulations will swallow you.
3. CLOUDLAND CANYON: Requiems der Natur (Rough Trade)
I forget how I stumbled across this release, but as soon as I heard it, I was hooked. The tracks were all recorded by Simon Wojan & Kip Uhlhorn over the course of 2-3 years, and showcase a massively wide range of sounds, sonic manipulations and out-there odysseys. Beginning with traces of something that resembles free-folk fucking electronics, things take a turn for the weird as time progresses, incorporating a host of ghastly environments. This one made the walls bend for me, and I do love the feeling.
4. EKKEHARD EHLERS: A Life Without Fear (Staubgold)
Gravelly-voiced and gritty, crackling in a crockpot of scrapes and prophetic mutterings, Ehlers got down dirty on this one. The lyrics are a gem by themselves, and, combined with the lo-fi pool of bluesy guitar refrain make for an irresistible album of doomsday deconstructions. You can feel it down in your stomach, and it rises out to the top, lining up with a hum and whirl.
5. GIRL TALK: Night Ripper (Illegal Art)
Greg Gillis' show at the Local 506 last fall was one of the more amazing experiences Ive had at a live performance in a long time. The party immediately commenced from the first beat dropped, as drunken fans were invited to dance wildly on stage around a laptop and semi-naked man, showing that you can in fact rock out with a computer (see Jason Forrests show at the Nightlight as well). Some said Girls Gone Wild, and I can see the point, but it was still a blast. The fact that this album is completely comprised of works credited to other artists is a testament to the ability of the digital age to allow for the appropriation of existing music/thoughts/ideas to create something new, free from legal prohibition. Illegal Art isnt so illegal anymore, and that is progress.
6. THEO ANGELL: Dearly Beloved (Amish)
I still have no idea what the words to Sheost are, but it hasnt stopped me from singing along at the top of my lungs.
7. POREST: Tourrorists! (Abduction)
Peace.
8. ANLA COURTIS: Tape Works (Pogus)
9. WOODEN SHJIPS: Dance, California b/w Clouds Over Earthquake 7"/Shrinking Moon For You 10” (Sick Thirst/Self Released)
10. IDRIS ACKAMOOR: Music of Idris Ackamoor, 1971-2004 (EM)
11. LUC FERRARI: Far West News Vol. 2 and 3 (Blue Chopsticks), Son Memorise (Sub Rosa)
12. EXTREME ANIMALS: Music, The Great Communicator (self-released)
13. FOLKE RABE/JAN BARK: Argh! (Kning)
14. YIP YIP: In the Reptile House (SAF)
The above video is Yip Yip playing a high school homecoming dance. Priceless.
15. LOS GAITEROS DE SAN JACINTO: Un Fuego de Sangre Pura (Smithsonian Folkways)
16. BURIAL: s/t (Hyperdub)
17. LE VOLUME COURBE: I Killed My Best Friend
I have no idea where to hide all these bodies.
18. V/A: Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal (Numero Group)
19. PEDESTRIAN DEPOSIT: Vestige (Hospital)
Favorite act at No Future Fest last year, hands down. The record isn't as harsh as I expected, but in a good way.
20. MANDALAY MARIONETTES: The Magic of Burma: Mandalay Marionette Music (Blueberry Buddha)
Other Stuff that I highly enjoyed (in no particular order):
Halleleujah Chicken Run Band: Take 1, 1974-979 (Alula)
Mustafa Ozekent: Genclik Ile Elele (Finders Keepers)
Dan Deacon: Acorn Master (Psych-O-Path)
H.B.: The Great Apocalypse (Self-released)
Mohammed Jimmy Mohammed: Takkabel! (Terp)
Tim Hecker: Harmony in Ultraviolet (Kranky)
Comets on Fire: Avatar (Sub Pop)
Bird Show: Lightning Ghost (Kranky)
V/A: Big Apple Rappin'(Soul Jazz)
Oakley Hall: Gypsum Strings (Jagajaguwar)
Sic Alps: Pleasures and Treasures (Animal Disguies)
Ghostface Killah: Fishscale (Def Jam)
Gordon Monahan - Speaker Swinging & Piano Mechanics (C3R)
VA - Less Self Is More Self (Ecstatic Peace!)
Bob Sinclair: Western Dream (Yellow Productions)
Chris Watson/KK Null/Zev
Fe-Mail - Blixter Toad (Asphodel)
Create(!) - Sounds of Freedom (Sounds Are Active)
Oneida - Happy New Year (Brah)
Johann Johannsson - IBM 1401 - A Users Manual (4 AD)
Wolf Eyes - Human Animal (Sub Pop)
Peter Brotzmaan: Alarm (Atavistic)
Snakes Say Hiss: Ill Be Loving You (Famous Class)
Skygreen Leopards: Disciples of California (Jagjaguwar)
Flat Earth Society: Psycho Stout (Crammed Disks)
Dark Meat: Universal Indian (Cloud)
To Live and Shave in LA: Noon and Eternity (Menlo Park)
Peeesseye: Communicating Between the Surface and the Underworld (Evolving Ear/Pax)
Alec K. Redfearn & the Eyesores - The Smother Party (North East Indie)
Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury (RE-UP GANG)
Wzt Hearts - Heat Chief (Hit Dat)
Oakley Hall - Gypsum Strings (Brah)
Xela: The Dead Sea (Type)
Wang Changcun: The Mountain Swallowing Sadness (Sub Rosa)
Live shows that blew me away (I know there were more, but oh the memories come slow):
Jason Forrest (Nightlight)
Girl Talk (Local 506)
Gerbils (Little Kings, Athens)
Gutbucket/Ahleuchtastias (Nightlight)
Orthrelm (Wetlands)
Emperor X (Nightlight)
Pedestrian Deposit (No Future Fest @ Nightlight)
Dark Meat (Kings, Raleigh)
Extreme Animals (everytime is amazing @ Nightlight)
Belong (Duke Coffeehouse, I think that was this year)
Psychic Paramount/ITYOTP (Nightlight)
Up yours 06.
heart,
-Cole
Now that we're a solid month into 2007, I guess it's as prime a time as ever to question what the hell happened in 2006. Now that I'm finally getting used to writing 07 at the top of my notes and checkbook, I've come to realize that another year has slipped away. Youth is fleeting, and the cold reality sinks in. But I'll save the depressing life's reflections for another blog post. For now, I'll be content with considering 2006 as it progressed in terms of music. As always, it's hard for me to recall exactly what I did with my time and what I was listening to for a whole 365 days, but there are certain releases of course that stick out in my hazily distorted brain. The following is a list of records that I indulged in frequently, and reflect at least some of the things that I thought made 06 a decent year for music. It still seems to be lacking somewhat, though. Maybe we're on the brink of something. Maybe something will give soon. Whatcha got 2007, seven? Don't be gentle. We need a new movement.
200666:
1. MACHINE GUN TV: Go-> (Public Eyesore)
And odd choice for #1, maybe, but this album got more repeated listens in my stereo than any other this year, and for good reason. The infectious J-pop melodies were lodged in my brain for weeks, and completely assaulted thoughts with a deranged sensory overload. The sound conveys an image of one of those cute Japanese schoolgirls smiling seductively at you, all the while holding a machete and a stick of dynamite behind her back. Drum machine beats were buried beneath a mountain of sound and destruction, tearing apart song structures and erasing any trace of mediocrity. Theres so much joy on the brink of insanity, taking ecstatic anthems and sticking a rocket in the ass of the beholder. Im as clueless as you are, but I know that I like it.
2. SKULLFLOWER: Tribulations (Crucial Blast)
Matthew Bower collapsed solar systems with this release, from start to finish. This is what psychedelic music is all about, monumental and filled to the brim with jolting textures and a rumbling sea of electronic chaos. Theres no fucking around, no initial buildups, no time wasted. Mesmerizing and wholly uncompromising, Tribulations will swallow you.
3. CLOUDLAND CANYON: Requiems der Natur (Rough Trade)
I forget how I stumbled across this release, but as soon as I heard it, I was hooked. The tracks were all recorded by Simon Wojan & Kip Uhlhorn over the course of 2-3 years, and showcase a massively wide range of sounds, sonic manipulations and out-there odysseys. Beginning with traces of something that resembles free-folk fucking electronics, things take a turn for the weird as time progresses, incorporating a host of ghastly environments. This one made the walls bend for me, and I do love the feeling.
4. EKKEHARD EHLERS: A Life Without Fear (Staubgold)
Gravelly-voiced and gritty, crackling in a crockpot of scrapes and prophetic mutterings, Ehlers got down dirty on this one. The lyrics are a gem by themselves, and, combined with the lo-fi pool of bluesy guitar refrain make for an irresistible album of doomsday deconstructions. You can feel it down in your stomach, and it rises out to the top, lining up with a hum and whirl.
5. GIRL TALK: Night Ripper (Illegal Art)
Greg Gillis' show at the Local 506 last fall was one of the more amazing experiences Ive had at a live performance in a long time. The party immediately commenced from the first beat dropped, as drunken fans were invited to dance wildly on stage around a laptop and semi-naked man, showing that you can in fact rock out with a computer (see Jason Forrests show at the Nightlight as well). Some said Girls Gone Wild, and I can see the point, but it was still a blast. The fact that this album is completely comprised of works credited to other artists is a testament to the ability of the digital age to allow for the appropriation of existing music/thoughts/ideas to create something new, free from legal prohibition. Illegal Art isnt so illegal anymore, and that is progress.
6. THEO ANGELL: Dearly Beloved (Amish)
I still have no idea what the words to Sheost are, but it hasnt stopped me from singing along at the top of my lungs.
7. POREST: Tourrorists! (Abduction)
Peace.
8. ANLA COURTIS: Tape Works (Pogus)
9. WOODEN SHJIPS: Dance, California b/w Clouds Over Earthquake 7"/Shrinking Moon For You 10” (Sick Thirst/Self Released)
10. IDRIS ACKAMOOR: Music of Idris Ackamoor, 1971-2004 (EM)
11. LUC FERRARI: Far West News Vol. 2 and 3 (Blue Chopsticks), Son Memorise (Sub Rosa)
12. EXTREME ANIMALS: Music, The Great Communicator (self-released)
13. FOLKE RABE/JAN BARK: Argh! (Kning)
14. YIP YIP: In the Reptile House (SAF)
The above video is Yip Yip playing a high school homecoming dance. Priceless.
15. LOS GAITEROS DE SAN JACINTO: Un Fuego de Sangre Pura (Smithsonian Folkways)
16. BURIAL: s/t (Hyperdub)
17. LE VOLUME COURBE: I Killed My Best Friend
I have no idea where to hide all these bodies.
18. V/A: Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal (Numero Group)
19. PEDESTRIAN DEPOSIT: Vestige (Hospital)
Favorite act at No Future Fest last year, hands down. The record isn't as harsh as I expected, but in a good way.
20. MANDALAY MARIONETTES: The Magic of Burma: Mandalay Marionette Music (Blueberry Buddha)
Other Stuff that I highly enjoyed (in no particular order):
Halleleujah Chicken Run Band: Take 1, 1974-979 (Alula)
Mustafa Ozekent: Genclik Ile Elele (Finders Keepers)
Dan Deacon: Acorn Master (Psych-O-Path)
H.B.: The Great Apocalypse (Self-released)
Mohammed Jimmy Mohammed: Takkabel! (Terp)
Tim Hecker: Harmony in Ultraviolet (Kranky)
Comets on Fire: Avatar (Sub Pop)
Bird Show: Lightning Ghost (Kranky)
V/A: Big Apple Rappin'(Soul Jazz)
Oakley Hall: Gypsum Strings (Jagajaguwar)
Sic Alps: Pleasures and Treasures (Animal Disguies)
Ghostface Killah: Fishscale (Def Jam)
Gordon Monahan - Speaker Swinging & Piano Mechanics (C3R)
VA - Less Self Is More Self (Ecstatic Peace!)
Bob Sinclair: Western Dream (Yellow Productions)
Chris Watson/KK Null/Zev
Fe-Mail - Blixter Toad (Asphodel)
Create(!) - Sounds of Freedom (Sounds Are Active)
Oneida - Happy New Year (Brah)
Johann Johannsson - IBM 1401 - A Users Manual (4 AD)
Wolf Eyes - Human Animal (Sub Pop)
Peter Brotzmaan: Alarm (Atavistic)
Snakes Say Hiss: Ill Be Loving You (Famous Class)
Skygreen Leopards: Disciples of California (Jagjaguwar)
Flat Earth Society: Psycho Stout (Crammed Disks)
Dark Meat: Universal Indian (Cloud)
To Live and Shave in LA: Noon and Eternity (Menlo Park)
Peeesseye: Communicating Between the Surface and the Underworld (Evolving Ear/Pax)
Alec K. Redfearn & the Eyesores - The Smother Party (North East Indie)
Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury (RE-UP GANG)
Wzt Hearts - Heat Chief (Hit Dat)
Oakley Hall - Gypsum Strings (Brah)
Xela: The Dead Sea (Type)
Wang Changcun: The Mountain Swallowing Sadness (Sub Rosa)
Live shows that blew me away (I know there were more, but oh the memories come slow):
Jason Forrest (Nightlight)
Girl Talk (Local 506)
Gerbils (Little Kings, Athens)
Gutbucket/Ahleuchtastias (Nightlight)
Orthrelm (Wetlands)
Emperor X (Nightlight)
Pedestrian Deposit (No Future Fest @ Nightlight)
Dark Meat (Kings, Raleigh)
Extreme Animals (everytime is amazing @ Nightlight)
Belong (Duke Coffeehouse, I think that was this year)
Psychic Paramount/ITYOTP (Nightlight)
Up yours 06.
heart,
-Cole
Sunday, January 07, 2007
LET'S GET METAPHYSICAL
Artist: The Stapler
Album: Metaphysical Haircut
Label: Columbus Discount
Fuzzy Wuzzy was in need of a haircut. A "metaphysical" haircut, more specifically, one that would allow him to dance without distraction. He'd heard of the fuzzy tones being made in Ohio, so he traveled to Columbus where he met up with three rock and roll barbers that call themselves The Stapler. They played music that was so much fuzzier than Fuzzy that it sheared his locks in a distorted ruckus that shaved him clean, leaving him free to dance maniacally in the bright city lights. Jared Phillips of Times New Viking recorded the whole deal on a Tascam 8-track, and named it "Metaphysical Haircut" in dedication to Fuzzy Wuzzy. The record captured rock music constantly on the brink of collapse, with super-catchy riffs and hooks that surfaced long enough to hold things together underneath the heaps of chaos. Fuzzy was very happy with his new hairdo and he thinks you will be too. Especially if you like music that crinkles at the edges, crunches at the seams and careens out of control in sharp distorted harmony. Like Sonic Youth, like Dinsouar Jr., like late '80s, early '90s rawk with a new fun-filled approach to getting your ears lowered. Or your head caved in.
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