Audiosurface

Blu(e).

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Who is Blu?
Blu is a 25 year old rapper from California. XXL recently named him one of the Top 10 Freshmen of 09'. Not sure exactly how they define freshman, since to date, he has released three full-length albums, one under the name Blu, one with the group C.R.A.C. Knuckles, and one with Johnson & Johnson.

He just released a mixtape entitled HerFavoriteColo(u)r which can be found via zShare and Mediafire

HerFavoriteColo(u)r is basically a laid-back, hip-hop pastiche of Billie Holiday, Wes Anderson, Charlie Kaufman, Ella Fitzgerald, Radiohead, among other well-chosen source material.

This is definitely some of the freshest production and rhyming I've heard in a while. Also, no autotune or Lil Wayne, which is turning out to be a major plus.

KRIL RADIO

noreply@blogger.com (dylan) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:12:00 +0000

Hi guys, just wanted to let everyone know that the cool dudes/dudettes from The Red River have a radio station which can be accessed via the internet, making it a podcast? What, I don't know how the internet works these days... it all seems ready to implode on itself from being too big. OH WELL.

http://shakeemloose.com/radio2009.html

Happy Melted City

noreply@blogger.com (dylan) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:53:00 +0000

Boy, the title of this blog should be something like, Black Moth Super Rainbow stand-in for twitter. Too bad suckaz! It ain't!...Well, for now anyway... Beta Carnage, the guy responsible for the visuals in the Tobacco dvd made a video for "Happy Melted City," a "dope" track off of Bonus Drippers that is a perfect visual representation of how you should feel inside while listening to this. It's so trippy, especially the part where a father and son somehow gave the mom the idea it was okay for her to play football with them, trippin hard yo.

Rockwell, Mysto & Pizzi and... ... ... Geico?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:02:00 +0000

While watching the Blazers drop some bows on the Jazz tonight, a commercial for Geico came on using a raved-out remix of Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me," done by Mysto & Pizzi. Normally this kind of thing could be pretty cool but the original has got that special something that (cough, MICHAEL JACKSON????) just makes it undeniably good. Plus the video is just all 80's horrored out and corny. Well, anyway, you be the judge.

VS

Amid Much Fanfare, Undoubtedly.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Every Saturday night from 8pm to 9pm, I'll be playing some songs on the radio. Go to KWCW.net and click the "Listen In" link (located directly below the webcam image). If you're in the Walla Walla area, tune into 90.5 fm. Hip Hop Hooray, ho.

Am I Someone Worth Loving?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:52:00 +0000

(Yep, looks fun to me)

Teenagers From OuterSpace is two dudes from Cypress, Cali laying down some pretty good party jamz. The two songs on their myspace are off of their first album, Summer In Space, which comes out Feb. 17th. The synthed out booty bass and handclaps (think high-fives) seem a little early for 2009 but maybe they are on to something... Maybe in the future and in space people will realize how tight bands are that put out summer albums in the dead of winter just because they feel like it.

Vacuuuuuuuuuuum

noreply@blogger.com (dylan) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:35:00 +0000

So what do you do with 2012 looming in the not so distant future? Some may run for their lives and others may run to the nearest gun store but the Austrian-born Christian Fennesz, mostly credited as just Fennesz, seems content to just stand there and provide the somber soundtrack for everyone. Vacuum, the third song off of Fennesz's latest release, Black Sea, is like most of his other songs in that it's fuzzy and ambient but this one is just so full of emotion... okay it's corny to fall for this stuff but what's great about the song is that while it is pretty bleak the warmth and fuzz of it all counter that as little blips and zips tinker around in the background like diamonds in the rough. If you like epic stuff definitely get this album, it's like one big epic soundtrack to a life that...wait, what am I even talking about?

Snooze News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Remember how Mum's last album Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy came out not too long ago in '08? According to some myspace rumblings they have finished a new album and plan on playing many shows this year. And in case you were wondering about their feelings on the status government in Iceland–"The Icelandic government has resigned after a civil uprising in Reykjavík last week. We are very happy that this small battle has been won, but we acknowledge that this is is only a small step towards a fair democracy." In addition they added this helpful bit of info: 'múm' sounds like 'moon' but doesn't rhyme with spoon. It rhymes with doom and gloom. Oh, the dark side of the múm.

yeah, if I get to drink kool-aid and listen to this all day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:20:00 +0000

One of my all time favorites, Black Moth Super Rainbow, has a new single out on the Mexican Summer label. The A-side off the single asks: "Don't You Want to be in a Cult?" Pretty standard fare as far as BMSR are concerned with wacked out vocals and a beat that's always a hair off. It's the harpsichord and super clean digital strings in this one that set it apart from their older stuff. At this point I'm amazed that a band can have so many variations on what is essentially one theme and still keep it interesting. BMSR could keep making songs like this for the next five years and I think I would gobble 'em up as fast as they could dish them out.

So Many Kinds of Evil!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:58:00 +0000

That's what I thought when I listened to Mastodon's new single, Divinations... And I was going to post a link to that song... But then I remembered that we don't really post metal on this blog. So instead, I've this song called "Courage" by The Whitest Boy Alive, one of the many projects that Norwegian disco/lite rock superstar Erlend Oye finds himself in these days. This one is just real good, it starts off as though it might want to be a Kings of Convenience track with the choppy rhodes and guitar but around 1:20 a super staccato synth melody comes and everything makes sense as Erlend begs that you show some "courage, courage, courage..." New The Whitest Boy Alive album, titled Rules, drops March '09.

Show Review: Breakfast Mountain, Atole, Truckasaurus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:48:00 +0000

As embarrassing as it was to get lost in a part of town you are familiar with, I also paid the price and missed most of Breakfast Mountain’s set, but that’s okay, because Zack Osterlund, the mastermind of a set that one member of Truckasaurus dubbed “filthy,” is (full disclosure) an old friend from High School and I’m sure he understood. I have a feeling though that if his last song was any indication of the rest of his set that it was indeed “filthy”–he had the whole crowd yelling, “Fuck tha police, fuck tha police, fuck!”

This was the first time I got to see Atole play live with Marius Libman a.k.a. Copy, a.k.a. DJ Copy, trudging along on bass. The addition of Marius gives Atole’s somewhat wobbly live sound a more solid foundation so that the drums can really lock in. Two things struck me that hadn’t before: their songs began to take on a soundtrack element to them as I imagined high-speed car chase scenes and shady drug deals a la Superfly. The second thing was that with the bass they now sound like a relevant version of the Chemical Brothers–breathing much needed life into a genre many now consider to be in its last throws, much in the same way lead singer Manny juices up the crowd by showcasing his signature dance moves as he slides through the audience.

Who knew that when you combine a truck and a dinosaur you get an electronic act from Seattle? It’s hard to know where to begin when all I can think about is how rad and/or gnarly their name is. What was happening visually seems like a good place because perhaps more so than any other genre, electronic music often relies on visual elements in live settings to keep the audience engaged. Enter found footage splicing/mixing bonanza featuring all of the following: the famed match between Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, American flags flying through space, skiing, explosions, helicopters, 80’s computers, motorcycles, some questionable dancing, Jean Claude Van Damme, trucks drag racing, and the obligatory guy humping hay and a dude who poured beer on his head and vomited on himself.

As far as the sonic elements were concerned their set was perhaps one of the most legitimate electronic music live shows I’ve seen. No laptops, just synths, sequencers, drum machines–they sport a Roland 303 and 808 live, and a few Gameboys (if handheld gaming devices aren’t legit I don’t know what is) plugged in and making bleeps and bloops. It felt like I was living in a nine year-old’s dream world. The similarities to Aphex Twin and other staples of electronic music’s past were there but Truckasaurus is definitely more accessible and more importantly, fun. Their energy spilled out into the audience, who, for the most part, danced it up or at the very least, nodded along, raising their beers and cheering when Truckasaurus ended their songs with the sounds of explosives.

Merriweather Post Pavilion (Tues. Jan. 20th)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:56:00 +0000

As if Animal Collective wasn’t already one of the most talked about bands existing in the realm of “indie-whatdoyacallthis?-rock,” they had to go and make what is likely to be one of the best albums of the year. This should not only prove to a big year for them (they are touring Europe for three months straight starting in January) but considering how amazing I found (am still finding) this album, I think it’s going to be a big year for everyone who hears this.

The opener “In the Flowers” comes in like a spaceship taking off. These bizarre parallels or quasi-contradictions characterize the entire album, which seems to leave only to come back louder and more bass heavy than before and with more vocals layered as well. The lack of any sort of discernable guitars on the first track also sets the rules for the rest of the album which relies oh-so-heavily on sampling, synths, drum machines and layering, layering, layering and more layering.
The layering of vocals on the third track “Also Frightened,” is especially effective in creating a sort of paranoid happy feeling as multiple voices ask repeatedly “Are you also frightened?” and minimal percussion skitters about here and there between bass beats. Considering all the electronic elements that make up this album, it sounds remarkably organic¬–as though the lab this was produced in had been entirely overgrown by vines and foliage, the result of some sort of natural catastrophe.
The icing on the cake has to be the lyrics, which often address charming existential dilemma’s such as “am I really all the things that are outside of me?” Out of context this may seem like puzzlements reminding us of “how am I not myself?” but when lines such as that are in their element it is hard to deny them.
In the wake of the Panda Bear’s immensely successful album Person Pitch, Merriweather Post Pavilion is a testament to Noah Lennox’s (as well as other vocalist Dave Portner’s and producer Ben Allen’s) ingenuity, both creatively and technically in terms of the wizardry that goes into making songs like these. Occasionally while listening to this album I asked myself questions like, “where am I?” (oh right! I’m driving, whoops...), “Is this the future of music?” (surely it must be, it sounds like the music I imagine space makes!), “ How did they do THAT?!... Is that even possible?” “Why do I feel like I am underwater and in space and in a rainforest all at the same time!?”
I think the answer to all of these questions is positively “yes!,” especially in the instances where that answer doesn’t even make sense.

Aaaaaaand were back!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:11:00 +0000

EDIT Jan 18th: Kyle is alive and well! He just finished his comprehensive English exams and is going to be posting soon and perhaps working on some layout stuff. Stay tuned!

Expect posts, postings, posts about posts, post posts etc. Tell your friends and your friends mom's, ya' heard?

p.s. I don't know where Kyle is or what he is doing, hopefully he is happy and well and all of that.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:21:00 +0000

http://court13.com/electricfeel.mov

2007-2008 Visualized

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:42:00 +0000

i was poking around last.fm and found a compelling add-on available for download. after a short install and configuration, this beauty popped up. i was reminded of andrew kuo's work in that it is as much aesthetically pleasing as it is nerdy. click here for the application (in zip file). unfortunately, if you're a mac kind of person, it ain't gonna work. i propose this, however, if anyone reading this has a last.fm profile and a mac as well, i will make one for you (you only need to enter a username). i'm going to assume the number of people that applies to is less than 5. keep it hood.

-awed eo sir fass

Band: Passion Pit

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:32:00 +0000

I tried to blog about the new Sigur Ros album this morning, but patently incapable of figuring out simple html code, I was overcome with an insurmountable mountain of fail. That's okay, we blog about Sigur Ros a lot. You know the drill, cop that leak.

Let me tell you about this other band named Passion Pit. I got the inside scoop from our new reporter in the field (Chicago, to be specific). Apparently, this band is the hottest act in Boston right now, opening for the likes of Girl Talk and Death Cab for Cutie. They make soulful lo-fi electro-jams, and I for one, am digging it. Recent college graduates, these guys seem to have a lot of upside, with substantially less hype than some other bands. so, give them a listen and feel it like this guy feels doug martsch.

bum flame monster

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:17:00 +0000

remember menomena? torn jeans, plaid shirts, early 90's? well, everybody's favorite heavy metal supergroup made a muxtape of b-sides and rarities. take a look.

oh, and on a semi-related note, the ongoing r. kelly trial sounds bananas.

much ado about everything

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:49:00 +0000

people ask me all the time, "how much do you think the average baby panda weighs?" having no idea how to respond, i blurt out something regarding a hot new band i like or cautionary tale about poisonous berries. considering it's usually the former, i figured i'd relate the same information without the rigmarole of waiting for someone to ask me to estimate the measurement of the gravitational force acting on a baby mammal. as my one-time roommate from minnesota might snarkily assert, "it's basic zoology." indeed, my ice-fishing friend, indeed it is.

recently, there have been a number of records that made me go, "oh, i wish i had a blog to write many great things about this record!". moments later, i realize i do, indeed, have a blog for that specific purpose and promptly drop whatever i'm doing to buy myself a celebratory confectionery treat.

Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning
classic BSS.

Chris and Mollie - The Palm Tree
thanks grace

David Ramos - This Up Here
a little bit folky, a little bit hip hop. a big sound with a dash of cuteness.

The Dodos - Visiter
from what i've heard, they put on a great live show. i can see why -- fun, fierce songs.

First Aid Kit - Plaits
uncluttered arrangements laced with top shelf vocals. each song seems to unfold into a beautiful, sprawling gem. riyl múm (and i know you do)

Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
get really excited, then prepare to be broken down by scott hutchinson's sad scottish warble. great album.

Islands - Arm's Way
i like islands a lot. just try not to imagine yourself riding a jetski through flaming hoops and lassoing evil laser sharks while listening to "the arm"

New Sigur Ros Album Art! ... WTF!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:27:00 +0000

The album titled, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, meaning, wait... I don't know what that means, maybe it has something to do with this awesome cover. Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it's Icelandic for, "lets take off all our clothes and run through a field?" I hope so. Album is coming out June 23rdish?

We Own the Sky

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:28:00 +0000

For people that know me well it is no secret that the only band I really listen to is m83. I got to see them live at the Doug Fir for the first time about a week ago. The show pretty much blew me away. They played a mix of songs from all of their albums except digital waves (which is an excellent ambient record, mostly because it doesn't have drums). The song I listen to most off of the new album, Saturdays=Youth is called "We Own the Sky." They started playing it while I was in a bathroom stall pouring a beer from my backpack into a Heineken that my friend from one of the opening acts got me. Anyways, it wouldn't all fit into the bottle and the head was going everywhere. My only option left was to just chug my beer in the bathroom stall and run back out there. Pretty Awesome.

Bon Iver Illustrated

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:40:00 +0000

I have this friend, her name is Ariel Kitch. We went to school together and also worked at the radio station. She's basically great. Case in point: she is now an intern at NPR's "All Things Considered" and recently created a series of drawings based on her experience attending a Bon Iver/Black Mountain show in Washington DC.

Click to see slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:32:00 +0000

Okay guys, let me just start by saying Kyle is in Italy doing really cool Italian things like dancing to Italian disco and eating Italian ice cream and pizza and wine and stuff. I'm in my room most of the day reading books that have nothing to do with music and thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life. Anyways, what I am trying to say is... I will try to post soon and keep it up.

stay classy
+ love,
Dylan

No Kids - For Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:44:00 +0000

Whether they acknowledge it or not, every blogger is perpetually in search for... dare I say it? "The Next Big Thing." Opinions of what exactly this means will of course vary from listener to listener but they are united in that common goal. Is Vampire Weekend worth the hype? Ehh. But as soon as you listen to these guys that question won't even matter. You'll be so happy and thrilled that you heard this stuff that sleeping and working will appear to be annoying pauses during which you can't listen to No Kids. I don't think I need to say more at this point, so here's some essentials: The full-length, Come into my House, comes out on Tomlab on February 19. Spring is around the corner... and this is the first single off of their album:

02 For halloween.mp3

We Brave Bee Stings and All

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:07:00 +0000

Her name is Thao Nguyen and she was raised in Falls Church, Virginia. Today, she can be found in Washington DC making beautiful music with her band The Get Down Stay Down. And she's coming to Portland on March 7th with Xiu Xiu. That should about do it. Click below to become a fan.

Beat (Health, Life, and Fire)

Swimming Pools

Daytrotter Session
More songs and tour dates

Wanna drum like Kickball?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:29:00 +0000

(This isn't the band Kickball... but this dude is pretty awesome.)

Well now you can! Lisa, or "Drummer" as she is often called, is curating a website called www.video-drumming.com. She is going to post a new video each day and it will have original content on it as well. This will include lessons that she has filmed with her friends and cool stuff like that so now you too can drum like a pro!

Kickball!