Life On This Planet

This Week In Music. Album Playlist #25.

2012-02-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

In the age of digital music, we tend to skip through albums, listening to one or two tracks - missing some of the deeper cuts that may be brilliant. I am a big fan of the album format, and love to experience the entire album the way the artist intended. Listening to one or two songs is like randomly reading a few chapters of a book and expecting to understand the completed work. Like any music lover, I love to share what I'm listening to and discover some new things from friends. Here's a portion of my playlist for this week. Please put your lists in the comments below, or interact at the Life On This Planet Facebook Page.

Of Montreal - Paralytic Stalks

The brand new album. This one is going to take some time, not as immediately accessible as their last couple.

The Lemonheads - s/t

A much under-appreciated album by The Lemonheads.

The Lemonheads - It's A Shame About Ray

Just saw them perform this album in its entirety a few days ago. Be sure to catch this tour.

The Big Pink - Future This

The Big Pink's second LP just keeps getting better and better for me.

Die Antwoord - Ten$ion

Wow. The South African group's second album. Insane.

Wilco - Summerteeth

One of the two best Wilco LPs.

James - Laid

One of my favorite albums of all time.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
Fantastic double album - one of the Best of 2011.

Gin Blossoms - New Miserable Experience
I can't believe this album turns 20 this year.

A Place To Bury Strangers - Onwards To The Wall

Their brand new 5-song EP.

Song Of The Day 2012: Grimes - Genesis

2012-02-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

On February 21st, the 4AD label will be releasing the latest LP from Grimes - the stage name for Canadian performer Claire Boucher. Performing and releasing since early 2010, Visions will be her fourth release overall - and first for the legendary 4AD label that's given us killer bands like Bauhaus, Pixies, The Big Pink, etc. Grimes will be touring the States in February / March 2012 - tour dates at the link below.

Now onto the song 'Genesis'... you are in luck, because 4AD is offering this Song Of The Day as a free download! Click on the link below. In the meantime, be sure to pre-order your copy of Visions.

Download 'Genesis' at the 4AD site - it's FREE!

Pre-order Visions - CD/Vinyl

Song Of The Day 2012: Meredith Sheldon - Can't Explain

2012-02-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Last night, The Lemonheads performed at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix. There were a few openers that weren't listed on the bill, so I was unsure of who was even on stage at the time. After a quick search this morning, I realized that the group I really dug was the Meredith Sheldon band. The Northampton, Massachusetts musician just released a self-titled, 6-song EP - available on CD and Download (you set the price!). She is on tour all the way through mid-March, so be sure to catch a show. Check out today's featured song, 'Can't Explain.'

Purchase EP here

Meredith's Official Site - link

By the way, The Lemonheads were rad - performing the entire It's A Shame About Ray album, as well as a ton of other gems. :)

This Week In Music. Album Playlist #24.

2012-02-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

A Place To Bury Strangers - Onwards To The Wall

This 5-song EP comes out on Tuesday, February 7th, but I already received my vinyl copy. :)

Placebo - Black Market Music

Placebo's third LP. 'Slave To The Wage,' 'Black-Eyed,' 'Special K,' etc...

Iggy Pop - Sister Midnight

Really strong live album from Iggy Pop, in support of The Idiot LP. Hey, that's David Bowie on keyboards!

Come On Feel The Lemonheads

The Lemonheads are currently on tour, playing It's A Shame About Ray in its entirety. While working on the 15 Songs Named After Famous Musicians list the other day, I ended up listening to this one.

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

The more I hear it, the more I'm lovin' it. New favorites are 'Radio' and 'Dark Paradise' - rad.

Zola Jesus - Valusia EP

Just saw her perform this past week in Phoenix. Spectacular. This 4-song EP is a great introduction to her music.

The Fairchilds - Our Revolution
The debut album from France's Cyril Niccolai. Great, memorable melodies.

15 Songs Named After Famous Musicians

2012-02-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. It's time for a Life On This Planet List. Today we're looking at songs named after famous musicians. Now, some of these musicians may not be 'famous' in the way of say.... Mick Jagger's fame, so I've given you a little background on each entry. I hope you enjoy this - be sure to join me over on Facebook at the Life On This Planet Blog page. Cheers.

The Replacements - Alex Chilton

The 'Mats - as they are called by their hardcore fans - are notorious for being one of the few bands to have been banned from Saturday Night Live. If you read my blog, then you already know that I am huge fan of the late Alex Chilton. Getting his start in The Box Tops as a teenager, he went on to front one of my favorite bands, Big Star. He passed away in March 2010.

U2 - Elvis Presley & America

I doubt you need an introduction to either Elvis or U2, but I will say that this is one of the most under-appreciated songs in the U2 canon. Appearing on 1984's The Unforgettable Fire, the drums were taken from another track on the LP, 'A Sort Of Homecoming,' and then slowed down - then Bono improvised a vocal melody and some lyrics. Due to producer Brian Eno's persistence, the track was left as-is, and released as a first take.

Sun Kil Moon - Glenn Tipton

Sun Kil Moon is the guise of former Red House Painters' Mark Kozelek. Glenn Tipton is a beautiful track from SKM's debut LP, 2003's Ghosts Of The Great Highway. Give up on who Glenn Tipton is? He's been one of the lead guitarists in Judas Priest since 1974. :)

MGMT - Brian Eno

Brian Eno is one of the most respected producers in the music business. His credentials: original member of Roxy Music, a pioneer in ambient music, has worked/produced David Bowie, U2, Talking Heads, James, etc etc etc. MGMT? You've heard 'Kids' haven't you? Or 'Time To Pretend'? If not, head over to the youtube now. :)

David Bowie - Song For Bob Dylan

Here's two more names that don't need an introduction. 'Song For Bob Dylan' appeared on Bowie's 1971 LP, Hunky Dory - amazing.

Weezer - Buddy Holly

Charles 'Buddy' Holly was only 22 years old when he died in a plane crash along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. On what would've been Holly's 57 birthday - September 7th, 1994 - the relatively-unknown band Weezer released their song 'Buddy Holly' - which of course became a huge hit.

Heatmiser - Antonio Carlos Jobim

First things first - Heatmiser. This early 90s Portland band featured the late, great singer/songwriter, Elliott Smith, as one of the two lead singers. Antonio Carlos Jobim? Jobim was a Brazilian songwriter / multi-instrumentalist, whose most widely known work is perhaps 'The Girl From Ipanema.' In addition to his large body of work, he recorded a couple of brilliant albums with Frank Sinatra.

Audra - Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett, as you may know, was the original singer of Pink Floyd. In 1968, he left the band due to his inconsistent behavior, as a result of drug use. Regardless, both his early Floyd material and solo work, are both pretty brilliant. Audra? An amazing band from Arizona. :) The track 'Syd Barrett' appears on 2009's Everything Changes. Check it out. :)

The Jesus And Mary Chain - Moe Tucker

Maureen 'Moe' Tucker was the drummer of The Velvet Underground. Moe is known for playing drums from a standing position - keeping a pulsing beat on the kick drum by turning it upright and striking with a mallet. She also sang lead vocals on 'After Hours' - a nice little ditty from the third VU LP. One of the greatest sibling bands, Scotland's The Jesus And Mary Chain, released the song 'Moe Tucker' on their final album, 1998's Munki.

Kraftwerk - Franz Schubert

Kraftwerk, the German electronic pioneers, showed some love for Austrian composer Franz Schubert, on their celebrated, 1977 record, Trans-Euro Express.

The Dandy Warhols - Cool As Kim Deal

Kim Deal, as you may know, is the bass player, sometime singer, of Pixies. The Dandy Warhols are from Portland, Oregon, having released eight albums to-date. 'Cool As Kim Deal' appears on 1997's ...Dandy Warhols Come Down.

L.A. Style - James Brown Is Dead

Everyone knows the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. In 1991, Dutch electronic group L.A. Style released a huge dance single called 'James Brown Is Dead.' I remember hearing this one so much back then at techno clubs. Good times.

The Lemonheads - Rick James Style

She's super freaky! You know who Rick James is, right? He wrote 'Super Freak,' which MC Hammer then turned it into 'U Can't Touch This.' The Lemonheads featured a song called 'Style' on their sixth LP. A few tracks later, the song appears again, re-worked and slowed down in the style of... well, Rick James. AND, take a guess who is on backing vocals? Yep, Mr. James himself.

The Cult - Nico

Nico was a member of The Velvet Underground for just one album, singing lead vocals on only three tracks of their amazing debut record. After leaving the VU, she went on to have a solo career - releasing some outstanding LPs like Desertshore and The Marble Index. She passed away in 1988. The Cult released their tribute on 2001's Beyond Good And Evil.

Mogwai - I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead

The Doors frontman gets a name check in the title of this instrumental from Scottish band, Mogwai. 'I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead' is the lead-off track on their sixth LP, The Hawk Is Howling.

Song Of The Day 2012: The Cranberries - Tomorrow

2012-02-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

New Release 2012: The Cranberries - Roses LP

'Dreams,' 'Linger,' 'Zombie,' and 'Ode To My Family' are just four of the brilliant songs that The Cranberries released early in their career. If you fell out of touch with the band over the years, they've just returned from a hiatus - not having released an album since 2001's Wake Up And Smell The Coffee. On February 21st, the Irish quartet - fronted by singer Dolores O'Riordan - will be releasing their sixth full-length, entitled Roses. The new album was produced by Stephen Street, who not only worked the band's most successful material, but also produced The Smiths. Check out the first single, 'Tomorrow'. Please enjoy.

Song Of The Day 2012: Die Antwoord - I Fink U Freeky

2012-01-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here is another band whose upcoming release appeared on my Most Anticipated Albums of 2012 guide.

Die Antwoord. Wow. Where do I begin? I first became aware of this indescribable, South African musical outfit with the release of their insanely rad track 'Enter The Ninja' back in 2010. On February 7th, their second full-length - Ten$ion - drops. Today, they've graced the world wide web with the second video from the upcoming album - a track that I've heard several times already, and love. It's called 'I Fink U Freeky.' If you are familiar with Die Antwoord, then you are no stranger to the bizarreness of their music and videos. Check this one out on their Youtube Channel.

Ten$ion will be released on CD/Vinyl/MP3 on February 7th, 2012.

David Bowie's 1999 LP 'Hours...' Gets Reissued Today

2012-01-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Approximately thirteen years ago, David Bowie released his 21st album, Hours... Although it contained some beautiful compositions like 'Thursday's Child,' 'Seven,' and 'Survive' - it was the first Bowie LP to miss the Top 40 since the release of Ziggy Stardust back in 1972. Hours... is/was a more acoustic-driven, slightly nostalgic album - a sonic departure from the beat-heavy Earthling from just two years prior.

Hours... has been out of print for quite a few years, and today Friday Music has re-released it as the 'Collector's Edition.' This version includes the original album, along with 5 bonus tracks - two of them remixes, a demo of 'Seven,' a film version of 'The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell' and 'We All Go Through' - a song that only appeared on the Omikron: The Nomad Soul video game. The complete track listing appears below.

Track Listing:

01. Thursday's Child

02. Something In The Air

03. Survive

04. If I'm Dreaming My Life

05. Seven

06. What's Really Happening?

07. The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell

08. New Angels Of Promise

09. Brilliant Adventure

10. The Dreamers

Bonus Material

11. Something In The Air (American Psycho Remix)

12. Survive (Marius DeVries CD Single Remix)

13. Seven (Demo Version)

14. The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell (Stigmata Film Version)

15. We All Go Through

Check it out on Amazon:

Song Of The Day 2012: Leonard Cohen - Darkness

2012-01-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

New Release 2012: Leonard Cohen - Old Ideas LP.

Tuesday, January 31st marks the release of Leonard Cohen's 12th LP - Old Ideas. It's also been almost 45 years since the release of his first album back in 1967. Don't know who Leonard Cohen is? Have you ever heard the song 'Hallelujah' that everyone seems to cover? He wrote it. Give a listen to 'Darkness' below - that deep, rich vocal tone is one of a kind. Please enjoy.

This Week In Music. Album Playlist #23.

2012-01-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Magnetic Fields - Holiday

Picked up the new vinyl reissue this week at one of my favorite local shops - Hoodlums. Wow, just an excellent album from Stephen Merritt and company. Do yourself a favor and get this.

Alex Chilton - Free Again: The 1970 Sessions

The late Alex Chilton gets his post- Box Tops / pre- Big Star recordings reissued.

The Big Pink - Future This

The brand new, second LP from The Big Pink. Been enjoying this one a lot since it's release last week. No sophomore slump here.

Bauhaus - This Is For When

Thanks to my friend Tom for reminding me that this was finally released on digital format. This live show from November 9th, 1981 - recorded at the Hammersmith Palais - originally appeared alongside the Mask album in the 2008 Omnibus Edition. [It also saw an expensive vinyl release] Now you can grab it in all of its glory - this is a fantastic show. You don't need me to tell you, click on the title.

Brian Eno - Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

Eno's second solo album. Contains 'Third Uncle' - a rad, frantic track that Bauhaus covered.

Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska

The Boss's all-acoustic record from 1982. Originally recorded as demos for a full band effort, Springsteen decided to release as-is, a decision that would establish it as one of his best albums.

Tyrannosaurus Rex - My People Were Fair...

The 1968 debut from Marc Bolan. Produced by Tony Visconti, who later went on to work with David Bowie, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney, etc.

The Flying Burrito Bros. - The Gilded Palace of Sin

After leaving The Byrds, Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons created The Flying Burrito Brothers. The Gilded Palace Of Sin is their amazing debut. The band only lasted for one more LP before GP went solo.

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

The cool thing seems to be to rip on Lana Del Rey, however that's not going to happen here. 'Video Games', 'Blue Jeans' and 'Born To Die' - all three tracks I immediately loved upon the first listen - how often does that happen? And even more, I'm digging the whole thing - 'National Anthem' and 'Diet Mountain Dew' - rad. Haters gonna hate.

Iggy Pop - Lust For Life

Such a killer album. Features the rhythm section of Hunt and Tony Sales - who would later go on to be bandmates alongside Bowie in Tin Machine. If you don't own this LP, buy it now... seriously.

The Legendary Pink Dots - A Perfect Mystery

Hadn't listened to this one in years. From 2000 - it's a strong album in The Dots' extensive catalog.

David Bowie - The Man Who Sold the World

As you probably know, I am a huge David Bowie fan. This week I enjoyed Starman - the new Bowie biography that my Dad got me for my birthday back in September. I also listened to every single Bowie record from 1969-1980 while reading. I picked The Man Who Sold The World here, because it features Tony Visconti producing and on bass guitar - just the week before I read his biography. Check out the links for both books below.

David Bowie: Starman Biography

Tony Visconti Biography

Song Of The Day 2012: Bruce Springsteen - We Take Care Of Our Own

2012-01-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

New Release 2012 - Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball LP.

I have to say that I was pretty blown away by The Boss's new song - and accompanying video - when I saw it on a friend's Facebook page yesterday. 'We Take Care Of Our Own' - the first single from Wrecking Ball, Springsteen's upcoming 17th studio LP - features a simple, yet powerful, montage of images and the song's lyrics. Interpret the words as you may, but nonetheless... it's pretty brilliant. The single is now available via iTunes, Amazon, etc. - and the album drops on March 6th. Check out the links below.

Buy 'We Take Care Of Our Own' on Amazon

Pre-order Wrecking Ball on CD/Vinyl

Song Of The Day 2012: of Montreal - Dour Percentage

2012-01-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here is another band whose upcoming release appeared on my Most Anticipated Albums of 2012 guide.

of Montreal's eleventh LP, Paralytic Stalks, will be released on February 7th on Polyvinyl Records. The couple of tracks that I've heard - including today's featured song 'Dour Percentage' - indicate that this is going to be a pretty rad record. The band will be hitting the road in March with a US tour - check out all of the dates here.

Pre-order of Montreal's Paralytic Stalks - CD / Vinyl

Song Of The Day FRANCE: Air - Cherry Blossom Girl (featuring Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star)

2012-01-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

Last week, my girlfriend and I watched the fantastic Woody Allen film, Midnight In Paris. It was then that I knew the subject of this week's musical feature: music from France. Please enjoy.

In 2004, the French music group Air released their fourth LP - Talkie Walkie. 'Cherry Blossom Girl' was the first single released - and one of the extra tracks on the single was an alternate version, with none other than Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval on lead vocals. This version also strips away the electronic elements, and would fit right in on one of her solo albums. Up until today I didn't even know this existed, so I'm quite happy with this find. :)

Buy 'Cherry Blossom Girl' on Amazon

Song Of The Day FRANCE: Serge Gainsbourg & Brigitte Bardot - Bonnie And Clyde

2012-01-16T12:44:00.002-07:00

Last week, my girlfriend and I watched the fantastic Woody Allen film, Midnight In Paris. It was then that I knew the subject of this week's musical feature: music from France. Please enjoy.

In 1968, French singer Serge Gainsbourg recorded a batch of songs with his girlfriend at the time, actress/model/singer, Brigitte Bardot. One of the results was 'Bonnie And Clyde' - today's featured track. I absolutely love Bardot's vocals on the chorus, especially when she hits the low notes, which trigger Nico in my mind.

Buy 'Bonnie And Clyde' on Amazon

Song Of The Day 1983: The The - This Is The Day

2012-01-13T10:43:00.001-07:00

This week we're going back to the year 1983. What's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of 1983? Return Of The Jedi. I remember my mom and sister taking me to see it on my birthday. :) Well, each day of this week I'll be taking you back to good ol' '83 for a song-a-day. Please enjoy.

'This Is The Day' is a fantastic track from the often, over-looked UK band - The The. Led by Matt Johnson, along with a cast of revolving musicians (Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Sinead O'Connor, etc.), The The released their debut LP, Soul Mining, in 1983. I saw them live 10 years later, opening for Depeche Mode at Veteran's Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, and they were pretty brilliant. Around that time, the band recorded an updated version of today's featured track called 'That Was The Day' - but here we're looking at the original - listen, love and buy it! :)

Buy 'This Is The Day' on Amazon

Song Of The Day 2012: A Place To Bury Strangers - So Far Away

2012-01-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here is another band whose upcoming release appeared on my Most Anticipated Albums of 2012 guide.

NYC's A Place To Bury Strangers really impressed me with their second LP, 2009's Exploding Head - check out 'In Your Heart' from an earlier blog post. On February 7th, the band will be checking-in with a 5-song EP, entitled Onwards To The Wall [pre-order links are further down the page]. The first video has made its way on the world wide web for the track 'So Far Away.' Check it out below - it was assembled by a series of digital photographs from frontman Oliver Ackermann's phone. Rad.

Pre-order 'Onwards to the Wall' - CD/Vinyl

Vinyl

Song Of The Day 1983: Tones On Tail - Burning Skies

2012-01-12T13:31:00.001-07:00

Tones On Tail was formed in 1982 as a side-project for Daniel Ash during his time in the first run of Bauhaus. Along with Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins and their roadie, Glen Campling, the trio recorded a slew of singles and one full-length LP. Tones On Tail's most recognizable track is of course Go! - which has been in lots of movies, TV shows and even a car commercial. Today's featured song is called Burning Skies - it was released as the title track to their 1983 EP. With its slinky bass and haunting vocals, it's a rad piece. Listen below and buy immediately. :)

For my fellow vinyl enthusiasts, Beggars Banquet recently released a double LP called Weird Pop - it's also available on MP3. I've provided a link further down the page.

Buy 'Burning Skies' on Amazon

Song Of The Day 2012: The Magnetic Fields - Andrew In Drag

2012-01-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

As you may have read in my guide to The Most Anticipated Albums of 2012, The Magnetic Fields have a new record coming out in March. Yesterday, the glorious first single dropped. 'Andrew In Drag' is just over two minutes in length, and I find myself hitting repeat over and over again - the melody in the chorus is just so damn catchy, and reminds me a little of Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs). Check it out below.

Love At The Bottom Of The Sea - their upcoming tenth LP - will be released on Merge Records on March 6th. Click on one of the links below to pre-order on CD or Vinyl.

The Magnetic Fields - Andrew in Drag by MergeRecords

Pre-order CD

Pre-order Vinyl

Song Of The Day 1983: Pulp - Blue Girls --- First 3 Pulp Albums to be Reissued

2012-01-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

In the early 80s, Pulp were a long way from headlining huge festivals and achieving international acclaim with singles like 'Babies,' 'Disco 2000' or 'Common People.' In 1983, singer Jarvis Cocker - and a cast of musicians that wouldn't return for the next album - released their debut, simply titled It. If you're familiar with Pulp in the 90s, you'll hear a band in its charming infancy, such as with tracks like 'Blue Girls' - listen below.

In February, Fire Records will be reissuing the first three Pulp albums - It, Freaks and Separations. Featuring lots of bonus tracks and new liner notes, all three albums will be available on CD and Vinyl. Check out the track listings for all three below, along with links to pre-order.

Pulp - Blue Girls by FIRE RECORDS

[2012 Edition Track Listing]

1. My Lighthouse

2. Wishful Thinking

3. Joking Aside

4. Boats and Trains

5. Blue Girls

6. Love Love

7. In Many Ways

8. Looking for Life

9. My Lighthouse (Single Version)

10. Please Don't Worry

11. Blue Girls (Alternative Mix)

12. Sink Or Swim

Pre-order It on Amazon

Freaks

[2012 Edition Track Listing]

1. Fairground

2. I Want You

3. Being Followed Home

4. Master Of The Universe

5. Life Must Be So Wonderful

6. There's No Emotion

7. Anorexic Beauty

8. The Never Ending Story

9. Don't You Know

10. They Suffocate At Night

Disc 2

1. Little Girl (With Blue Eyes) (BONUS)

2. Simultaneous (BONUS)

3. Blue Glow (BONUS)

4. The Will To Power (BONUS)

5. Dogs Are Everywhere (BONUS)

6. The Mark Of The Devil (BONUS)

7. 97 Lovers (BONUS)

8. Aborigine (BONUS)

9. Goodnight (BONUS)

10. Tunnel (BONUS)

11. Manon (BONUS)

Pre-order Freaks on Amazon

Separations

[2012 Edition Track Listing]

1. Love Is Blind

2. Don't You Want Me Anymore?

3. She's Dead

4. Separations

5. Down By The River

6. Countdown

7. My Legendary Girlfriend

8. Death II

9. This House Is Condemned

10. Death Goes To The Disco (BONUS)

11. Is This House? (BONUS)

12. Countdown (BONUS extended version)

13. Death Comes To Town (BONUS)

Pre-order Separations on Amazon

Song Of The Day 1983: The Church - Fly

2012-01-10T11:40:00.002-07:00

Back in 1983, Australia's The Church released Seance, their third LP. While this album has been criticized for its bizarre, machine gun-like, snare drum sound - courtesy of producer Nick Launay (Lou Reed, Virgin Prunes, PIL) - I find that this record clocks a good chunk of time on my turntable, and is one of my favorite records by them. Today's featured track is the ethereal, album opener 'Fly' - check it out below. You can also visit my 15 Best Songs of The Church list here. Please enjoy.

Buy 'Fly' on Amazon

Song Of The Day 1983: Adam Ant - Strip

2012-01-09T10:36:00.002-07:00

The other night I was watching the Adam Sandler comedy, You Don't Mess With The Zohan, when the song 'Strip' came on during one of the film's many ridiculously-funny scenes. Back In 1983, Adam Ant released his second solo album, featuring the rad title track. A little research on 'Strip' reveals that Phil Collins was the drummer, and one of the girls from ABBA performs the female, spoken-word vocal parts. Cool.

Buy 'Strip' on Amazon

Song Of The Day 2012: Zola Jesus - In Your Nature (David Lynch remix)

2012-01-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

How amazing would it be if David Lynch remixed one of your songs? Well, that's happened to Zola Jesus, who just released one of the best albums of 2011. 'In Your Nature' - my favorite track from her latest LP, Conatus - just received the remix treatment from the man behind Twin Peaks, Lost Highway and Eraserhead. I have never been much of a fan of remixes, but Lynch succeeds by pushing back some of the electronic elements, pushing Nika's vocals forward and adding some cool guitar textures - overall, it's pretty amazing.

ZJ's record label, Sacred Bones, will be releasing the remix - and the original version - as a single on February 21st - pre-order the 7" now directly from the label. In the meantime, the folks over at Pitchfork have it streaming - check it out here.

Check out the Zola Jesus catalog at Amazon

Color Me Obsessed. 5 Questions with Gorman Bechard - Director of The Replacements Documentary

2012-01-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

"It's fun to be one of the people who knows."

Back in October, I had the privilege of watching what I would consider one of the best music documentaries I've ever seen. Featuring over 140 interviews with friends, members of the music press and fans - obsessed fans - this is the story of one of the greatest bands, told in chronological order by the people who were there, and those that were touched by music of The Replacements.

Currently playing in various cities across the globe, Color Me Obsessed is a must-see for any fans of The Replacements, or for that matter, anyone who likes music - period. Random fans, journalists, members of bands like Husker Du, Babes in Toyland, Ramones, The Decemberists, etc. pour their hearts out - it's quite a touching testament to the power of music.

Director Gorman Bechard was kind enough to sit down for a short interview with me for Life On This Planet. Visit the Color Me Obsessed site to see when it's playing in your town. Please enjoy.

1. Unlike other music documentaries, there are no band members ever shown, nor is there any of The Replacements' music included. I personally think the film greatly benefits by this. Was this your intention from the start?

Yes, absolutely. I'm not a fan of music docs made after a band has broken up. They play like VH1 "Where Are They Now" specials to me. I honestly don't know of an exception. So, when this film fell into my lap, I quite literally was lying in bed one night thinking about what I could do to make it different, to make it the doc the band deserved. I realized that I didn't believe in god, but I believed in The Replacements. Other people believe in god without every seeing or hearing him. Could I make people believe in The Mats without ever seeing or hearing them. The more I thought about it, the more I became obsessed with the idea. This was a band that bucked tradition at every turn. They deserved a doc that did the same thing. And I knew I would either fall on my face, or succeed...in the Mats tradition.

2. There are well over 100 people interviewed in the film, which I imagine was insane to coordinate. How did you go about selecting/finding everyone... and why not include manager Peter Jesperson, or Peter Buck?

A number of great co-producers in different parts of the country arranged the interviews. We'd all brain storm names, and put together that master wish list and go after them. We'd put out a call on Facebook, contact agents, anyone we knew. Jan Radder especially, in Minneapolis, brought in around 50 interviewees, including some of the amazing fans. Plus, once people realized what we were doing, one interview lead to another, and so on.

We tried for Peter Buck. Couldn't get him. And Jesperson really was the fifth member of the band, he was almost too close. But he did help with facts and figures.

3. After watching the film - which by the way, compliments on creating something that forced me out to a public theatre for the first time this year - I immediately ran home and listened to every single 'Mats album. Why did you make this film, and what does this band mean to you?

I had always wanted to make a documentary, but I knew it would have to be on a subject I was insanely passionate about. The Replacements are certainly one of the great passions of my life. And I felt their story needed to be told. It's the ultimate rock n roll story. I mean, rock n roll is not about hitting your light cue on stage. That's musical theatre. And rock n roll is in such a sad state right now. Bands like Vampire Weekend and their ilk have cuts the balls off rock music with a dull butter knife. People need to know what rock was, and what it could be. And fans of bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and virtually every rock band of the last 20 year NEED to know their bands don't exist without the Mats. They were, quite simply, the band that redefined rock and ultimately that saved rock (at a time when even the punks from England had turned to synths). Are they the greatest rock band of all time? Yes. No one is even close.

4. The film is currently making its rounds at various film festivals across the globe, when can we look for a DVD release?

Most likely in the first quarter of 2012. Expect a single DVD with some extras, then eventually a double DVD set with a boat-load of extras, including the entire Grant Hart interview.

5. Okay, I have to ask. Top five Replacements songs?

In no order: Here Comes A Regular, Color Me Impressed, Can't Hardly Wait, If Only You Were Lonely, Favorite Thing. Though I reserve the right to change my mind at the drop of an empty beer bottle.

Be sure to check out the Color Me Obsessed Official Site for show dates, merchandise and lots of other rad features

The Replacements Discography on Amazon

Official Trailers

Song Of The Day 2012 via 1970: Alex Chilton - The EMI Song (Smile For Me)

2012-01-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you that only know the name Alex Chilton by-way-of a song by The Replacements, allow me to quickly give you a crash course. Chilton was a teenage, hit-maker in The Box Tops - later fronting the amazing, Memphis band - Big Star. He passed away in early 2010, but not before leaving behind a large body of solo LPs and a reunited Big Star.

Back in the late 60s, after leaving The Box Tops, and prior to the formation of Big Star, Chilton recorded a batch of songs. On January 10th, Omnivore Recordings pays tribute to the man, with a beautiful release of these recordings. Free Again: The '1970' Sessions collects 20 songs on the CD version, and if you order directly from Omnivore, you can get your hands on a special 7" that comes with the LP version - check that out here.

If you read my Most Anticipated Albums Of 2012 Guide, then you know I am anxiously awaiting this record. I immediately fell in love with the first track released from it - 'The EMI Song (Smile For Me).' Please enjoy it below.

Buy 'Free Again: The 1970 Sessions' on Amazon

Song Of The Day 2011: Iron & Wine - Godless Brother In Love

2012-01-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes more than a couple of listens to really appreciate an album. I listened to Iron & Wine's latest album, Kiss Each Other Clean, a couple of times this past year - and except for a couple of tracks, it didn't really register with me --- that is until my brother put it on while some of us were hanging out at his house on New Year's Eve. The whole thing made way morse sense to me and I really got into it.

Today, the band released a new video for the track 'Godless Brother In Love' - check it out below and be sure to pick this album up. Cheers.

Buy 'Godless Brother In Love' on Amazon