THIS GUY'S MIX OF STUFF: A blog about the arts.

Nothing- Tired Of Tomorrow

2016-11-01T20:24:00.001-07:00

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I saw these guys play at the Shugazi festival in Long Beach a while back, and they were really something else. Nothing is a shoegazey band from Philadelphia and just released their new album, Tired Of Tomorrow, a few months back on Relapse Records. Not only is the album really good, they are even better live. They played on top of a parking garage, and their sound was so big that it cascaded all throughout Long Beach that night. I didn't realize these guys were such a big deal until I saw all the die hard fans screaming for them to play their favorite songs. The crowd they were playing for were, for lack of a better word, a bunch of "Cool Kids," so it was interesting to see the crowd get really loud and excited for them to play. You can purchase the album from Relapse Records here, or you can purchase on bandcamp.
Tired of Tomorrow (Deluxe Version) by Nothing

Swami Records Presents: Hardcore Matinee

2016-06-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

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This is something that I have been playing for quite a while now. I actually got this record during the 2016 Record Store Day back in April, and boy this record is a gem. With 22 local bands from San Diego, this compilation record has everything you can ask for. From Ghetto Blaster to Pinback to Octagrape, this compilation has something to fit every mood. I personally like to listen to it while driving down the beach. Tracklist is below. Be sure to buy it HERE

Side 1 1. Schizophonics-Red Planet (Motor City Shred Punk) 2. Octagrape- Rabalais (Benny Hill Punk) 3. Beehive And The Barracudas- Hey Stingray (I Won’t Love No Fishy Man) (Taco Meat Dub Punk) 4. Teenage Burritos - Inflamed Heart (Kiwi Cassette Punk) 5. Hot Snakes - Stay In School (Yawn Punk) 6. Gary Wilson- I Want To Hold Your Hand Tonight (Alone Punk) 7. WHA - Scream And Scream Again (Hawkwind on Helium Punk) 8. The Widows - Cut Yr Teeth (Teacher Punk) 9. Death Eyes La Lengua (Pretend Mad Punk) 10. Ghetto Blaster - Blue Angel Of Death (Gallagher On Angel Dust Punk) 11. Pinback - Thought Experiment (Clockmaker Punk)

Side 2 1. Plateaus - She Wants To Know (Pizza Punk) 2. The Soaks – Boyfriend (Tight Punk) 3. The Loons - Transparent Eyes (Paisley Punk) 4. The Heartaches - Purple Hearted Mind (Semi-Pro Punk) 5. Mrs. Magician - Sleep It Off (Bummer Punk) 6. The Creepy Creeps - Knife On A Stick (Land Of The Lost Punk) 7. Ale Mania- Warp Through The Other Side (Herbal Ecstasy Punk) 8. The Lumps - Now That You’re Gone (Leaf Blower Punk) 9. Shake Before Us - Nobody Wants To Know (Teamwork Punk) 10. Rob Crow - Ester On II (Puzzle Punk) 11. The Sultans - Hardcore Matinee (Costco Punk)

Rob Crow's Gloomy Place

2016-02-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

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New Rob Crow solo album is finally almost here! The new album titled, You're doomed. Be nice. will be available for purchase on March 4, 2016. He is also going to tour this album starting on February 29, and I will post the dates below. It's the first release since Pinback's Information Retrieved back in 2012, and it is definitely worth the wait. This album is the first solo album that was completed with a full band. Usually, it is just Crow writing all the parts, but this time he got ex Heavy Vegetable member Travis Nelson to help, along with other San Diego musicians. Every Rob Crow related show I have been to have been amazing. The songs are so technical and melodic that I get lost just watching. Please pre-order the album and go see the show when he stops by your town. He also hosts an amazing podcast that you should visit as well.

Pre-Order stuff:
http://shop.temporaryresidence.com/trr264
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/youre-doomed.-be-nice./id1059507533?ls=1
02-29 Phoenix, AZ - The Rebel Lounge
03-02 Austin, TX - The Sidewinder
03-03 Dallas, TX - Three Links
03-04 Fayetteville, AR - George's Majestic Lounge
03-05 St. Louis, MO - Firebird
03-06 Louisville, KY - Zanzabar
03-08 Washington, DC - Black Cat Backstage
03-09 Allston, MA - Great Scott
03-10 Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory
03-11 Philadelphia, PA - The Boot & Saddle
03-12 Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
03-13 Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe
03-15 Indianapolis, IN - The Hi-Fi
03-16 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
03-17 Omaha, NE - Reverb Lounge
03-18 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
03-19 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
03-21 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
03-22 Bellingham, WA - The Wild Buffalo
03-23 Seattle, WA - Barboza
03-25 San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill
03-26 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo
03-27 San Diego, CA - Casbah

Yesway

2015-06-21T10:17:00.004-07:00

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A friend gave me this Yesway LP a few weeks ago, and it has been on repeat in my house ever since. This band is perfect music to have with a few friends over or even just laying around the house. Yesway consists of friends Emily Ritz and Kacey Johansing. They use overlapping vocals, along with guitar and drums. They come up as folk if you look them up, but I don't think I would limit their genre to just that. It is more upbeat than some folk stuff out there. Their music can be purchased via their website below.

Yesway Band

Electric Peanut Butter Company Trans-Atlantic Psych Classics

2015-05-20T18:59:00.003-07:00

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Electric Peanut Butter Company was something I was a little hesitant to listen to. However, once I gave them a chance, they did not disappoint. These guys have some real hooks in their music. Very catchy, 70's cop theme songs. It could be an awesome soundtrack for going cruising down the street. There is a nice teaser of their album, Trans-Atlantic Psych Classics Vol. 1, below. They are a part of Ubiquity Records, and their music can be purchased via bandcamp.

Electric Peanut Butter Company Bandcamp

Geographer Ghost Modern

2015-05-18T20:35:00.002-07:00

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Geographer is back! After three years, their new album Ghost Modern is now available for purchase. Below is the link for their song "Need." Their music can be purchased through their website below.

Geographer website

Finally! Mew's album +-

2015-04-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

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I have been waiting six years for Mew to come back, and boy they came back swinging. They really brought their big guns with their new album, +-. This is the first album since 2009's No More Stories, and it is the first time with Johan back since 2005's And the Glass Handed Kites. This work is definitely more focused this time around. There are few long, rapid time changes this time around. However, they still are able to bring the signature Mew sound to it. I am not saying there aren't any long songs with multiple time changes; they have that with gems like Rows or Cross The River On Your Own. They were able to focus their sound in shorter lengths, like with Witness. All in all, I cannot talk about how great it is to be hearing Mew again. Their sound is so unique that I am always transported into a fun, mesmerizing world that is Mew. It is good to be back in that place after all this time. There album can be purchased via the link below.

www.mewsite.com

It's Gonna Blow!! Documentary

2015-03-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

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Bill Perrine has created a beautiful documentary that shows the music culture in San Diego from 1986-1996, and it is awesome. Back in those days, San Diego was characterized as being "The Next Seattle" music movement, which resulted in a bunch of bands from this area getting signed to major record labels. There is a kickstarter that is happening right now in order to get some funding for promotion. There are a TON of really rare items being put up as rewards for people who contribute. The link is below, along with a trailer for the film.

Kickstarter

Secret Fun Club

2015-03-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

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I can't believe I never spoke about this band before. Secret Fun Club is a band that generates some really hard, melodic greatness with a bass guitar and some drums. Not only do their songs sound great with some big headphones, they also are incredible live. It is always interesting to see them because they generate sound much sound from just two people, it's amazing. They have a record out on Three One G Records. If they ever come through your town, I suggest that you take the time and see them. You can purchase some of their music below.

Secret Fun Club Website
Skull with Antlers by Secret Fun Club

Little White Teeth

2015-03-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

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Little White Teeth have finally released a new album after four years. I had the pleasure of seeing this band at The Casbah in San Diego a couple of years ago. They were really fun to watch live. Their style is very low key and alternative, but not in a bad way. Some of their songs you can definitely dance to. This album, titled Songs The Attic Sings can be heard on their new website. You can purchase their music via the link below. Please do!

http://www.littlewhiteteeth.com/
little white teeth by little white teeth

Owen Pallett In Conflict

2014-06-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

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Four years ago Owen Pallett's Heartland was released and was considered one of his best albums yet. Pallett brings it in again for his fourth album, In Conflict. Just coming off of scoring the Spike Jonze' movie Her, Owen Pallett is holding nothing back with this new album. His sound is much more confident, and it shows when he goes out of his comfort zone in this record. Of course, the looping that he uses is what makes Pallett so talented, so expect some great jems on this record. Please go see him if he comes through your town this year. He is one of the most talented artists today. You can purchase In Conflict via the link here.

2013-07-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

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I was digging through some of my old CDs yesterday. Sometimes I shutter at the type of music I purchased 6 or 7 years ago, but I like to think most people look back at themselves from 7 years ago and just laugh too. What I was surprised to find during the mindless filing of old music was The Album Leaf. I had completely forgotten about how fun and relaxing this band was. If I ever needed to mindlessly get lost in some music while cleaning or just laying down, this band was perfect for that. The Album Leaf is a band that uses a lot of rhodes piano and synthesizer, but they do it in a way that leaves you in an harmonious trance. Created by Jimmy LaValle, The Album Leaf is filled with wonderful, melodic loops that leave you tantalized in the synthesizers. Their music was really good when I first listened to them, and after all these years, it still is. Give them a listen. You can purchase their stuff here...

http://www.thealbumleaf.com/

The Night Marchers- Allez Allez

2013-05-22T23:48:00.001-07:00

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The Night Marchers are a rock band from San Diego. Members included are John Reis, Gar Wood, Tommy Kitskos, and Jason Kourkounis. Reis is from Drive Like Jehu, Pitchfork, and Hot Snakes. Wood and Kourkounis used to be in Hot Snakes, and Kitskos used to be in CPC Gangbang. This is another one of those awesome, hybrid bands. The type of bands that you're always wishing would come together but never do. These guys have a lot of energy and their sound is the perfect mix of everything I have ever liked about their old projects. It's great because a lot of the other bands that these guys are in are no longer making music, so it's almost like a big reunion of stuff from the 90's scene in San Diego. Their new album Allez Allez, under Reis' Swami Records is a perfect blend of fun, alternative rock. Pick up their album today!

Octa#grape

2013-05-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

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Last month I saw Octa#grape. Listen to them, just do it. They were jumping around on stage and swinging their guitars around. When seeing a band play live, I always pay attention to the stage presence and chemistry between the members. Not because I'm trying to be analytical when seeing bands, but just because I like to see if they are having fun. Seriously, these guys have fun when they play. All of them had huge smiles on their faces while playing. You can tell that this band is playing because they just love playing live shows. They were even smiling when the singer's microphone went out and he had to lip sync one of the songs. It made me dig them ten times more. Eternal hair is really good listening. I put a link for the song down on the bottom. Look for Octa#grape because these guys don't do it for the fame. They're doing it because they love having fun.
Emotional Oil by Octa#grape

White Murder- Real Touch Chicks

2013-05-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

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I saw White Murder at The Void a week ago, and boy was it a treat. This band had some intense energy, and the two female singers really stole the show for everyone. They were out in the crowd singing, bringing up the timid crowd. Towards the end, these singers started wrestling on the floor. The whole experience was very entertaining. White Murder hails from Los Angeles, and I hope they release more stuff in the future. This band came out guns blazing that night. Safety in numbers and real tough chicks were my favorite songs they played. I wouldn't miss out on seeing this band.

Safety in Numbers b/w Real Tough Chicks by White Murder

Judgement Day and the Polar Shift

2013-01-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

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I went to a Pinback concert at The El Rey Theater last week, and boy was it awesome. It was especially awesome this time around because I FINALLY got to see Judgement Day live, who opened for Pinback, and they did NOT disappoint. Judgement Day are an amazing three piece string metal band from Oakland, California. The band members consist of brothers Anton and Lewis Patzner, along with Jon Bush on drums. I'm usually not a huge fan of metal bands. I don't know why, but I just never got into it. However, Judgement Day's violently distorted violin and cellos have turned me into a fan. They had so much energy and musical savior faire that it was impossible not to jump up and down in excitement. Their new LP Polar Shift just came out a few months ago, and I suggest you go pick it up!

You can purchase their albums here: http://www.stringmetal.com/judgementday/

Obits- Moody, Standard and Poor

2012-12-31T14:18:00.001-08:00

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It's New Years Eve and I thought I'd put up some good listening to celebrate. Obits are a rock band that originally formed in Brooklyn. The band consists of Rick Froberg (from Pitchfork and Drive Like Jehu!) and Sohrab Habibion, from the band Edsel. I guess they could be considered either indie rock or garage punk, probably some hybrid of the two would be more sufficient. They are playing a couple of shows in January, so check out their website for tour dates. Anyway, Obits' two albums I Blame You and Moody, Standard and Poor are both some really good records, so please give these guys a listen.

You can purchase their album here: http://www.obitsurl.com/

Apparatjik are back with a new EP!

2012-11-04T20:16:00.001-08:00

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Hello everyone, just a few short months ago Apparatjik released their new album, "Square Peg in A Round Hole." It seems as though we have not seen the last of this super band. Now, Apparatjik has returned in full force, alongside Canadian singer Lowell, with a mini album. This band just seems to be getting bigger and bigger, always adding new members. The new EP is called, “If You Can, Solve This Jumble”. You can purchase the EP on Itunes. There is a link to the song "Shake Him Off."

Anne Lenner

2012-10-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

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This thing (the site) has been going on a while, and I have yet to talk about the woman who sings my favorite song of all time. Anne Lenner was a female singer around the 1930's who did a lot of jazz and big band stuff in her time. Her song There Isn't Any Limit To My Love just has so much heart and soul in it. Musicians lack the heart and passion as they did back in the 1930's. There have been many versions of this song, but I believe Anne Lenner's version is the best. The melodic piano intro, along with Anne's beautiful singing voice, really lifts my spirits every single time I hear it. Seriously, I could listen to it a million times, and I would not get sick of that song. Personally, it is the perfect song to listen to while driving in the rain. Anyway, the link for the song is listed below.

NEW Pinback:Information Retrieved!!!

2012-10-20T18:54:00.003-07:00

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Well, after five long years, Pinback is back with a whole new album, Information Retrieved. Pinback consists of band members Rob Crow and Zach (ABSIV) Smith, both of which I talk about all the time on this site because they are constantly keeping busy with not just Pinback but other side projects as well. This band is so great because these two people are so different, yet they are able to make some of the best music that is released today. Rob's vocals and unusually catchy guitar arpeggios are always cryptic, yet very clear.. Zach is by far the best bass player out there. I see this band live at least twice a year, and seeing Zach play is amazing. What most people would need two bass players to do, Zach can do without breaking a sweat. Listen to Glide for an example. Being a San Diego native, just like Rob and Zach, listening to Pinback makes me feel like I am at home. With songs like Proceed to Memory, Drawstring, Glide, Sherman, and True North, it is an excellent way to start the fall season.

Purchase their stuff from http://temporaryresidence.com/artists/pinback

Bill Evans Trio

2012-10-03T21:23:00.001-07:00

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If you're a jazz fan at all, then you've probably heard of Bill Evans Trio. Arguably one of the best jazz bands of all time. Bill Evans Trio was created by Bill Evans, Scott Lafaro, and Paul Motian. The trio only released three records. Their album, Sunday At the Village Vanguard has been called one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time. A week after recording Sunday At the Village Vanguard, Scott LaFaro died in a car accident, and the band disassembled, leaving both Evans and Motian to continue with other projects. Please give this magic piece a listen.

I do not own the rights to this video.

Stars - The North

2012-09-21T14:47:00.002-07:00

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The Canadian band Stars have just come out with a new album called, The North. This pop band always leaves fans wanting more. With their electric drum kicks, and the perfect dualism that is Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell, Stars do not disappoint. You can purchase the album on their website below, or stream their album through soundcloud.

http://www.youarestars.com/home/

http://soundcloud.com/youarestars/sets/the-north

The San Diego Music Awards

2012-07-07T15:09:00.003-07:00

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Like 70's italian horror soundtracks? Then you will love the San Diego Music Awards!! Not sure when this band will come out with anything concrete, like a CD or anything, but they sound awesome! The band got into some legal trouble in 2011 and had to change their name because they are using the same name as The San Diego Music Awards, which is a real San Diego awards ceremony held every year. Ironically, one of the members is Rob Crow (Thingy, Heavy Vegetable, and Pinback) who is nominated for best album of the year from the San Diego Music Awards. Their music reminds me of Dario Argento movies, like Suspiria, and any other Italian horror film. Give it a listen! I do not own rights to this video.

Apparatjik Square Peg In a Round Hole

2012-05-27T23:28:00.002-07:00

You've probably heard of the band Coldplay; you've probably heard of A-ha; hell, you readers have all heard me talk about Mew, but you probably haven't heard of the super-band, Apparatjik!
Apparatjik consists of a member from each of those bands. Believe me when I say this, I would not imagine such a diverse group of people to create such cool, electrifying hits. They sound electric, with an intensifying echo (I know that's contradictory) of the amazing Jonas Bjerre. Not quite Mew or any of the other bands these members are in, but they definitely have a different sound than most bands. Their new album Square Peg In A Round Hole came out about a month or two ago. It's really great! Give it a shot and stuff!

You can purchase their stuff here: http://apparatjik.com/

The Avengers!

2012-05-03T22:13:00.001-07:00

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It is Thursday night and, for some reason, I am extremely tired. Not the kind of tired that follows a hard day of working out or manual labor, but the kind of tired where your body and mind are just exhausted for no reason. I do not know why I feel this way, and it could not come at a worse time because I am going to the midnight showing of The Avengers tonight. Yeah, that's right, The Avengers. I know you all are probably thinking, "Yeah, I've heard of The Avengers. Why are you talking about this?" I am talking about this because I want all of you to know that I know this movie will be good. Of course there's Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, along with Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and a bunch of others. What you all do not understand is that Joss Whedon wrote this movie. That is the number one reason why this movie will be good, not because of the action, not because of the humor, not because black widow is absolutely stunning, but because Joss Whedon wrote this movie.
This guy wrote and created HUGE hits like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, and he even helped write and produce the new horror film Cabin In the Woods. By the way, Cabin In the Woods was an incredibly awesome piece of horror that should forever be placed on the mantle of, "Horror Movies Everyone Should Watch Before They Die." Most of these shows have massive cult followings, especially Firefly, and Joss Whedon is considered a god at places like comic-con and other movie conventions. All in all, if you liked Buffy or any of those awesome shows, then that alone will tell everyone that this movie will be good. Don't worry, we are all in good hands, and I haven't even seen this yet!

The Avengers opens on May 4th.