This is the type of shit that music journalists stack orgasms to…as well as hip-hop heads. “the Recipe” has the radio friendly egotism (Dre references having enough loot to buy an ocean) and exuberance to coax listeners into countless subconscious replays. But “The Recipe” also leeches itself, around the point where Kendrick raps about Jason Vorhees, to the renaissance of ignorance and consciousness coexisting in hip-hop.

While i feel this is merely the tip of the Lamar and Dre collab iceberg, contextually it’s one of the most exciting songs in recent history. The fact that anything actually came into fruition is enough to give this music snob a massive ear-rection. And while i could continue onward indefinitely about how awesome this is I’ll refrain (only because i’m half drunk and a few hours away from my “day ob”). Enjoy

“The Recipe” – by Kendrick Lamar & Dr. Dre

**UPDATE** 3/22

Wounds were opened when Jack White recently told NME that he and Meg, barring severely needing cash, will never play together again. Claiming that when they released the statement that spelled out their end, they meant it.

“Absolutely no chance. I couldn’t see any reason to ever do that. I’m not the kind of person that would retire from baseball and come out of retirement the next year. I mean, if we went to all the trouble of telling people we’re done, we meant it, you know?”

While I am saddened to read this, I can count at lease 4 bands that have uttered the same exact words and ended up on tour somewhere down the line.

On the bright side, Jack’s playing White Stripes tunes on tour and that my friends, is better than nothing.

from February 20, 2011 -

**Unless you live in a bomb shelter, are still holding out on getting a twitter account, or you actually went to work today, you’ve probably heard that The White Stripes broke up. Today. This is sad news. So sad that I couldn’t come to write anything new, but instead hand over this thing I wrote about how I first came to hear their amazing first record that is so full of fury that I almost went on a crime spree. Almost. RIP/Respect**

Sometimes-a lot of times- when hearing an album for the first time something about it communicates to your brain.  You think “I would love to do…while listening  to….” or “this album is a perfect soundtrack for…”  A prime example of this would be Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. I’m sure there are a lot people out there that said upon hearing the chaos that greets you at the front door of “Speak to Me,” ”Whoa, someday, I’m gonna level myself with cheap booze, pot, and maybe mushrooms while l listen to this.” Now, while most people believe it is/was the perfect soundtrack to nod off in a drug filled haze or hazes to it is obvious that the album was specifically made to be played over the the audio track of  Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

In thinking about my own connections to this idea there are multiple examples of when this has come into play in my life, but there is one specific instance that won’t let me write about the others.  Crazy thing is that it wasn’t me that made the connection.

I was a teenage know-nothing that hung out in a smokey cafe that played nothing but loud and sometimes obnoxious music that just made sense.  It was often hard to hear yourself think in that place, or breathe, but we went there because the music was loud, the coffee was strong, the food was fantastic, and it  was off the yuppie grid. I don’t even think the word barista was in circulation yet. Anyway, this one particular evening I was sitting there with one of the staff, a friendly kid but a kid that always had a blank and dumb look on his face. I scribbled Kerouac or some other beatnik flavor of my teens into a pocket-sized pad while Frank fed his gullet with one hand and dragged off of his Export-A with the other.  Meanwhile the speakers were just PUMPING something that I had never heard before.  Screeching guitar, a screech-ier voice and HUGE but simple drumming.  Speed began to pick up and the rapid snare hits were now accompanied by high pitched yelps. “Wooo, wooo, wooo, wooo, wooo.” I wasn’t even sure if I liked what I was hearing (yet) but this music was the utter definition of raucous. A powerhouse of sound.

As the album continued to play  I would briefly lift my eyes up and look at Frank lazily bobbing his head while his feet stomped the fuck out of the floor. I couldn’t help but get into it as good as  I could.  I knew nothing of this band. This sound.  It was fresh to me.

“Fucking Detroit.”

“Huh,”  I said.

“Only Detroit could produce something like this. Shit’s maniacal”

“Yeah. I don’t know what it is but I kinda dig it.”

“Whenever I put this tape on, all I really wanna do is pull some kind of a heist. You know, break down a wall, grab whatever it is were taking, get back in the car and drive away as fast a the car will go.  This tape is the perfect fucking music for some shit like that.”

At that point I was a little taken aback by what he said. A heist? What the hell is he talking about a heist? Maybe this kid is as goofy as he looks.

But. In this cloudy room that reeked of stale smoke, onions and coffee it didn’t take more than mere seconds to realize that The White Stripes self-titled 1999 debut was just that.  If I were ever to get involved in “some shit like that,” Frank was right. That would be the perfect fucking soundtrack.

Caught a track from Brooklyn via Sydney three piece High Highs on the radio yesterday and it clung to me like Alien. The vocals, calm organ, and simple percussion were the perfect recipe for … something special.With tinges of Radiohead in the soft vocal that blends with the beautiful muffle of Grandaddy and flashes of the warm fuzz of Broadcast, their first EP is four songs that are truly undeniable. Give it a listen over at their Bandcamp.

If they’re not on it already, put these guys on your radar.

Listen to this!

On top of an exciting and limited 7 inch Record Store Day Exclusive release featuring Oklahoma’s favorite freaks The Flaming Lips collaborating with Mastadon, Wayne Coyne and co. have also teamed up with an impressive list of guests for a double LP titled, THE FLAMING LIPS AND HEADY FWENDS.

Collaborations I’m looking forward to feature Bon Iver, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Biz Markie, Nick Cave, Erykah Badu and a track titled “Is David Bowie Dying” featuring Neon Indian.

Look for this one at your local record shop this Record Store Day 2012 – April 21st

Here’s the full tracklist:

Side 1:

2012 (featuring Ke$ha and Biz Markie)

Ashes In The Air (featuring Bon Iver)

Helping The Retarded To Know God (featuring Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros)

Side 2:

Supermoon Made Me Want To Pee (featuring Prefuse 73)

Children Of The Moon (featuring Tame Impala)

That Ain’t My Trip (featuring Jim James of My Morning Jacket)

You, Man?  Human?  (featuring Nick Cave)

 Side 3:

I’m Working At NASA On Acid (featuring Lightning Bolt)

Do It! (featuring Yoko Ono)

Is David Bowie Dying? (featuring Neon Indian)

Side 4:

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (featuring Erykah Badu)

Thunder Drops (featuring New Fumes)

I Don’t Want You To Die (featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay)

Oh, and since our calendar is having some issues, if there’s some shows that you don’t think we, or the rest of Milwaukee, should miss this week- drop a comment at the bottom. Cheers.

Monday March 19

David Wax Museum at Cactus Club | 9 pm w/ Nick Stuart (Wildbirds) and Allen Cote

I know very little about this band but the fact that Paste Magazine called them out as the 8th Best Live Band of 2011 is enough to make me more than contemplate heading over to one of Milwaukee’s most intimate venues.

Check out all you’ve ever wanted to know about David Wax Museum or the limited amount of information contained on the webpage I linked to.

Thursday March 22 

Delta Spirit at Turner Hall Ballroom | 7 pm w/ special guests Waters

Fresh off of releasing their third album, Delta Spirit are not to be missed. Lead singer Matt Vasquez’s lyrics are as crushing as the emotion that can be heard in his unique vocals. Newcomers will be introduced to what may be their new favorite live act by the ned of the night and fans that have been seeing them since ODE TO SUNSHINE will be treated to live versions of new material.

*Megafaun at Cactus Club | 10 pm w/ Field Report and DJ Erin Wolf of WMSE*

I’ve been looking forward to this show since Megafaun’s last time thru Milwaukee. The band is super tight and their harmonies are awe inspiring. Little more can be or needs to be said. I’m equally as excited to see Field Report and WMSEs own Erin Wolf! Don’t miss this one!!!!

They’ll also be in Madison at High Noon Saloon on Friday 3/23

Friday March 23 

Logic and Raze at Cactus Club | 10 pm w/ Automatic, DJ Optimist, DJ Loveless, and DJ Fuzzy Logic

A great night for hip hop heads in Milwaukee as Logic and Raze reveal their new video for Eye Gee Oh (Oh Eff Eff).

Henry Rollins at Turner Hall Ballroom | 7 pm

I’ve never been to one of these performances but it’s honorable mention bucket list for me at this point. I’ve heard some great things and I’ve heard some not so great things. Fact is, everything I’ve heard has enticed me. I’d really dig it if I was at a show where he aborted spoken word mid performance and launched into stand up comedy. Right?

Saturday March 24 

Andrew Bird at The Riverside Theater | 7 pm w/ Eugene Mirman

As if Andrew Bird’s songwriting, vocal, and whistling skills weren’t enough incentive to see him at one of Milwaukee’s finest places for live music, each ticket comes with a copy of his heralded new album, BREAK IT YOURSELF. Another one not to miss this week!

Cursive at High Noon Saloon [Madison] |  9:30 pm w/ Cymbals Eat Guitars and Conduits

This one’s not in Milwaukee but it’s definitely worth the 80 and change miles that it takes to get to one of my favorite venues in the state. While the headliner, fronted by one of my favorite lyricists – Tim Kasher, will definitely offer up some amazing energy, look for Cymbals Eat Guitars to amaze some ears.

The Cure vs. The Smiths Danceparty at Mad Planet | 9pm

DJs Frank Straka & Megan Minya <- All the info I’ve got. Sounds swell! 

Record Store Day makes us crawl out from wherever we’ve been hiding for the past year, put on [semi] clean clothes, and leave the house in search of rare and limited releases to fill our makeshift record cabinets. It also gives us a reason to stop listening to the Ramones.

This year look for us to hatch from our awkward cocoons to hunt down and take aim on local record shops on Saturday, April 21st  

Hot off the presses is a [Ramones-less] list of limited RSD 2012 releases from Warner Brothers and affiliated labels -

The very special releases are as follows:

 The Black Keys: El Camino (Deluxe vinyl album)

A stunning and highly collectible deluxe vinyl issue of the critically acclaimed 2011 album from The Black Keys. Cut for vinyl from the master tapes at Bernie Grundman Mastering and pressed at Pallas for sonic perfection. This album will never sound or look better. This RSD exclusive package also contains a bonus CD, a limited edition poster, and a two song 45 rpm 7″ single featuring previously unreleased live tracks:“Sister” and “Money Maker.”

Gary Clark Jr.: Gary Clark Jr. Presents HWUL Cuts Vol. I (12″ vinyl single)

A RSD exclusive contains two previously unreleased live tracks, “If You Love Me Like You Say” and “Bright Lights” capture over twenty minutes of music from one of the most anticipated guitar players in music today. This first-ever vinyl release from Clark is sure to be sought out by fans and collectors alike. Cut at 45 rpm by Bernie Grundman Mastering for the very best in analog sound quality and presentation.

Eric Clapton: Blues (Deluxe Vinyl Album Box Set)

Released to critical acclaim leading up to RSD’s Back To Black Friday 2011, this limited edition box set is close to selling out.  The set includes all three of Eric Clapton’s seminal blues albums, From The Cradle, Riding With The King (with B.B. King) andMe And Mr. Johnson, remastered from original source material for vinyl.  First time vinyl versions of these albums afford the listener an absolutely stellar new audio experience. With little more than 1,000 box sets left it’s time to get your hands on this audiophile treasure.

Common: The Dreamer/The Believer (12″ vinyl album)

A limited edition offering featuring exclusive album art of Common’s ninth studio album for Record Store Day. The Dreamer/The Believer reunites Common with producer No. I.D., who produced the rapper’s most acclaimed CDs. Robust tracks revere and update the past, such as the retro-soul, Curtis Mayfield-influenced “Lovin’ I Lost” and tremulously beautiful “Gold.”

Wilco / Billy Bragg: Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions (3 CD and 1 DVD)

On April 21, 2012 Nonesuch releases Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions, which includes: Mermaid Avenue; Mermaid Avenue Vol. II  (re-mastered); Mermaid Avenue Vol. III, comprising 17 previously unreleased recordings made during theMermaid Avenue sessions; director Kim Hopkins’ 1999 film Man in the Sand, which documents those sessions; and a 48-page booklet with new liner notes by Nora Guthrie, full lyrics, archival photographs, and facsimiles of lyric sheets and sketches by Woody Guthrie.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr.: We Almost Lost Detroit EP (12″ vinyl EP)

A Record Store Day exclusive containing three remixes and three covers, including Madonna’s “Like A Prayer,” “I Think Of You” by Sixto Rodriguez (both exclusive to this release only) and the memorable Gil Scott Heron cover “We Almost Lost Detroit” from their debut album IT’S A CORPORATE WORLD and remixes by Stepdad, Phantasmagoria, and Chuck Daniels. This six-song single disc is cut at 45 rpm by Bernie Grundman Mastering.

Disturbed: The Collection (Vinyl Album Box Set)

We are proud to announce the definitive Disturbed vinyl box-set edition, THE COLLECTION. A five-album, six-disc offering of the band’s complete studio album discography featuring The Sickness (2000), Believe (2002), Ten Thousand Fists(2005), Indestructible (2008), and Asylum (2010). A career retrospective spanning ten years and 18 Billboard Top 100 hits of sophisticated and life-altering heavy music. For this box set, each album has been carefully mastered and pressed on 140-gram vinyl for the very best in audio quality. Each album has been meticulously showcased in a stunning art presentation that is unique and exclusive to this release. This is a limited edition box of only 2500 units worldwide.

Dr. John: Locked Down (Vinyl album)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted boogie and blues pianist with an inimitablegrowl of a voice, Dr. John’s most enduring achievements have fused New Orleans R&B, rock, and the Mardi Gras party spiritto come up with his own brand of “voodoo” music. Dr. John’s new album, Locked Down (due April 3^rd), is a bold statementproduced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and will be Dr. John’s first for Nonesuch Records.

Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac (Deluxe and Standard vinyl editions)

What can be said about this classic album that has not been said before? Originally released in 1975 and representing not only a rebirth of the band, with the edition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, but really a second debut for a group firmly rooted in the rock genre, now reinventing themselves into a pop rock force in a way that few other artists can lay claim to. The album includes the iconic songs“Rhiannon,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Over My Head.” Cut for vinyl at Bernie Grundman Mastering from the original analog tapes and pressed in both 33 rpm and 45 rpm for the very best in audio presentation. A collectible and definitive version for any generation.

Jeff The Brotherhood: Upstairs at United Vol. 3 (12″ vinyl EP)  This release is a 3 song EP of JEFF The Brotherhood as a 5 piece band (recorded live to tape) performing “Master Of The Universe” by Hawkwind (from the album of the same name), a brain-melting new track called “In Space, Nobody Can Hear You Scream”plus a reprised  ”cover” of  “I’m A Freak.” Pressed at 45rpm for greater sonic impact at United Record Pressing and distributed by URP Music Distributors and 453 Music. You have no idea what you’re in for…

Kimbra: Settle Down (Deluxe CD EP)

International newcomer Kimbra’s digital EP is being re-released as a physical CD just in time for RSD and her tour with Gotye. The five-song release, which now includes the sultry “Good Intent,” also features title track “Settle Down” as well as a remix of“Cameo Lover”.

Metallica: Beyond Magnetic (12″ color vinyl EP)

Beyond Magnetic consists of four outtakes from the 2008 Death Magnetic sessions and is available for the first time on silver vinyl just for RSD. A potent and exceptionally well-produced example of Metallica’s most recent work, which can hold its own with anything within their vast heavy music cannon. Previously unreleased on vinyl and includes a limited edition Metallica sticker.

Mastodon / Feist  ”A Commotion”/ “Black Tongue” (7″ vinyl single)

A very exclusive and highly anticipated RSD pressing features Mastodon covering the Feist song “A Commotion,” while Feist covers Mastodon’s “Black Tongue.” A unique and highly buzzed-about Record Store Day prize

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Stadium Arcadium (Deluxe 180 Gram vinyl Box Set) 

On April 14, 2012, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and to commemorate this historic event, this classic Deluxe box set of the band’s first number one album will be specially priced for Record Store Day.  The Deluxe package was mastered for vinyl by Steve Hoffman and includes two 16-page booklets - “Jupiter” and “Mars.”  The Red Hot Chili Peppers won four Grammy®Awards for Stadium Arcadium including: Best Rock Album, Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package in addition to Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for their chart-topping, record-breaking single “Dani California.”

Ximena Sarinana: Maps / La Llorona (7″ vinyl single) 

A two-song 7″ from an exceptionally original and emerging artist, featuring two audio tracks: “Maps” (a Yeah Yeah Yeah’s cover) from Rolling Stone Live and “La Llorona”(a Latin America folk song) from KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”  A special release to celebrate her Coachella 2012 appearance.

Regina Spektor:  “The Prayer of François Villon (Molitva)”/ “Old Jacket (Stariy Pedjak)” (7″ color vinyl single)

A RSD exclusive features two b-sides from Regina’s upcoming album What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, due in May. This single on white vinyl, mastered by Bob Ludwig, features two songs originally penned by Russian Poet/Musician Bulat Okudzhava, and are performed completely in Russian.

Tegan and Sara: Get Along (12″ color vinyl album)

A Record Store Day exclusive – never before on vinyl.  Featuring music from the 2011Get Along release, comprised of 15 favorites like “Alligator,” “Call It Off,” “Monday Monday Monday,” and “Sentimental Tune.” This single live disc, pressed on 12″ white vinyl, finds the duo waltzing through its 15-year career with the kind of ease and amiable confidence that can only come from longtime friends who also happen to be siblings.

Side by Side 2012 Series:

A continuation of the well-received Warner Bros Records “Side by Side” series, which was initially introduced in 2011. All are exclusive for Record Store Day on uniquely colored and extremely limited edition 7″ vinyl singles, featuring Warner artists covering other historic and personally influential iconic artists. This year’s series includes:

The Flaming Lips / Mastodon: “A Spoonful Weighs A Ton” (7″ baby pink vinyl single)

The mighty Mastodon faithfully covers the Lips classic “Spoonful Weighs a Ton,” fromThe Soft Bulletin album. Ferociously beautiful!

Sara Watkins(Featuring Fiona Apple) / The Everly Brothers:

“You’re The One I Love” (7″ olive green with blue/black splatter vinyl single) 

Sara Watkins covers The Everly Brothers classic “You’re The One I Love” and features co-vocals from a very special guest, Fiona Apple. From Sara’s new full-length album, Sun Midnight Sun, available later this spring.

Michael Bublé / Ray Charles: Georgia On My Mind(7″ Georgia Peach vinyl single)

Michael Bublé’s first ever 7″ vinyl release featuring a cover of Ray Charles’ classic“Georgia On

My Mind” on “Georgia Peach” colored vinyl.

Carolina Chocolate Drops / Run-DMC: “You Be Illin’” (7″ Coke-bottle green vinyl single)

The Run-DMC classic rendered in an entirely new way by old-time string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The Drops’ version was recorded at the same sessions as their February 2012 release Leaving Eden, which was produced by Nashville legend Buddy Miller.

MC5 / Afrika Bambaataa:  ”Kick Out the Jams” (7″ White with red splatter vinyl single)

The incendiary original coupled with a cover version from the pioneer of The Electro Funk Sound.

Otis Redding / Aretha Franklin: “Respect” (7″ gold vinyl single)

The seminal classics meet for the first time together on vinyl.

NEWS FLASH!  Expect exciting news from The Flaming Lips regarding their very special, limited RSD exclusive release. Stay tuned!

A word to the wise – avoid watching the video with other people around if you can, it’s a tad NSFW.

We weren’t poor but sometimes we sure did act like it.

As we tried hard to mask the delinquent thoughts that percolated under the yarn balls of our hats, a flurry of conversation flew past my ears. Three or four entered and quickly exited as I had a hard time keeping up with what must have been the most exciting, enlightening, and engaging collection of words put into sentences and then orated that I had ever been privy to.

That was a common occurrence for me during that time, though. Everything was interesting. Everyone I met I wanted to learn something from. Everyone excited me and everything was an opportunity.

“What the fuck do you mean, he’s in town tonight? How could we not know that?”

“Yeah, man. Word is it’s sold out but…I don’t think we’d have a problem getting in.”

“Fuck. I don’t care who I came here to see, I’m going to see him if he’s here.”

“For sure!”

I halted and grasped at these words. I calmed down and started to pay attention. My ears perked up at the passion and elevated excitement that was coming from these two kids that had just glided into our group. The clean/dirty dichotomy of their presence commanded they be taken serious as straight shooters who quite possibly could know where it’s at. They were firecrackers. And they had just been lit by something sure to be astounding. Clearly.

And besides, I had no idea who the ‘he’ in the conversation was.

It was 1999 and my friend Erica and I had driven an hour and some change to see Trey Anastasio on his first solo tour. It was to be an intimate show in front of a small audience where he ‘d play a set of Phish songs and a second set of covers and new originals. I was more than excited and up until this exact moment, had I not had tickets, I would have stowed away in dude’s guitar case just get in the building. Or done anything within reason, I guess.

But now there was something else. Something that could be more exciting or more of an experience than seeing a dude and a guitar that I’d be seeing with his band in July. The fast talk and ear-to-ear smiles of some kids I never knew had completely enveloped and coerced me to forget about what I came to do and to do something completely different.

So I thought to myself so what. Sweet. Let’s do this. Let’s skip Trey and see…

Tom Waits.

Up to this point I hadn’t knowingly heard of Tom Waits, his music, or seen him in films. I had no idea who he was, how old, what instrument he played. Nothing. I only knew that some people I was hanging around exploded at the sound of his name. I had no idea if I would like him more or less than the man I had worshiped as a guitarist. I had no idea at all.

This Tom Waits could’ve been a cellist, a rapper, or a flutist. He could’ve been a Satanist, a rapscallion, or a stand up comedian. I knew absolutely nothing about Tom Waits on that cold May day except that I was going to see him that night!

….