Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

We all wanted to be superheroes when we were kids. If only it were as easy Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. This acoustic-pop indie band from across the pond has taken up a special place in my playlists. The newest release Searching For The Hows and Whys features a mix of slow-paced finger-picking ballads and downright up-beat pop songs (with screaming and horns and everything). They're a little bit like Oasis meets Iron + Wine with a horn section. Check out a few tracks below including a guest spot by Kate Nash.

MP3: Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Postcards From Catalunya

MP3: Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Better Things feat. Kate Nash

Video: Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Find The Time

Black Keys: Attack and Release

After I heard Rubber Factory, I didn't really care about hearing anything more from the Black Keys. That's probably why I didn't buy, or even listen to, any of the albums between it and Attack and Release. After seeing the video below at My Old Kentucky Blog, I decided that this album would get at least a full listen. It was worth it. While the Keys early work was nothing but simplistic blues, this new album is developed, layered and multi-instrumental. Changes in tempo and style offer a wider range of sounds and really test what the Keys can do. When this comes out tomorrow (4/1) you should buy it, or at least give it a good listen. For now, check these out.

MP3: The Black Keys - Strange Times

MP3: The Black Keys - Psychotic Girl

Video: The Black Keys - Strange Times

One Tooth Records Showcase

I made this. Aaron Raitiere's record label, One Tooth Records, is throwing down at 3rd and Lindsley. Its April 10th, I know its a school night, but surely you can throw caution to the wind just this once, right? You can buy tickets here, and check out some Aaron and Smoked Mullet below.

MP3: Aaron Raitiere - Money's Our God

MP3: Aaron Raitiere - Tonya The Lawnmower

Flight of the Concords

I don't know when there will be new episodes, but there is a full length album coming out in mid-April. I saw these posters today and just had to put them up. If are familiar with the show then you know why they are great, and if you aren't, there is nothing I can do for you.

The Breeders: Mountain Battles

The Breeders have released "We're Gonna Rise", the first single from Mountain Battles due out April 8. Their first full-length album since Title TK, it doesn't have the same youthful angst as Last Splash and I don't think there is another "Cannonball" waiting anywhere on Mountain Battles, but it is still Kim Deal cooing over melodic guitar and great drums. I was listening to my iPod today and I heard The Breeders and Stephen Malkmus back to back and I was suddenly 15 again. I guess my review of this album would be that it's The Breeders, and I like The Breeders.

MP3: The Breeders - We're Gonna Rise

Gnarls Barkley: The Odd Couple

I never expected there to be another "Crazy" from Gnarls Barkley, but I did expect something at least close to St. Elsewhere. The Odd Couple is a mix of bubble-gum beats with dark organ and CeeLo's soulful pipes. While CeeLo bears his soul more, the album just doesn't pop....ever. I keep waiting for something to happen, and it never does. It has a few redeeming tracks. One of which I will give you below.

MP3: Gnarls Barkley - Going On

MORE DODOS!!

I can't get enough Visiter, so here's some more for you.

MP3: The Dodos - Ashley

Sun Kil Moon: April

Mark Kozelek has put out another album with Sun Kil Moon called April. Its not anything revolutionary, but if you were already a fan, you'll like this addition to the series. 11 tracks of radio-unfriendly acoustic, and haunting electric guitar with Kozelek's signature drone. Simple, beautiful and slightly depressing.

MP3: Sun Kil Moon - Heron Blue

The Raconteurs: Consolers of The Lonley

Whether or not the quick-release formula will work sales wonders for the Raconteurs is yet to be seen, but it did keep critics from over analyzing it before anyone had a chance to hear it. Now that I've heard it all the way through a few times, I have found it far superior to Broken Boy Soldiers. With that album, even though I enjoyed it, I kept wishing it was the White Stripes. Not the case with Consolers of the Lonley. Tracks like "Old Enough" and "Top Yourself" have no problem carrying the Jack White energy in a unique package. Check it out. Thanks to You Ain't No Picasso for bringing the video to my attention.

MP3: The Raconteurs - Old Enough

Radiohead Rarities

I've fallen in love with Radiohead again. I was rooting through the music I had been listening to for the past few months and ran across the bonus disc to In Rainbows. It reminded me of all the great Radiohead songs that are released on EPs, 7", and bonus discs. In honor of all of this, here are my favorite Radiohead Rarities.... Or at least semi-rarities.

MP3: Radiohead - Lozenge of Love (My Iron Lung EP)

MP3: Radiohead - Polyethylene (Parts 1&2) (Airbag/How Am I Driving EP)

MP3: Radiohead - Last Flowers (In Rainbows Bonus Disc)

Raconteurs New Album

You Ain't No Picasso reports there will be a new Raconteurs album next Tuesday. This has been confirmed through their website here. Cool huh?

ANR: Awesome New Republic

Awesome New Republic or ANR refer to themselves as post-crunk in the the title to their newest album Post-Crunk and Hard as Hell, and that's probably the label they would fit under best. This trio was brought to my attention by a friend of mine (who went to college with the guitarist) this morning, and I immediately enjoyed the indie-dance grooves they be pumpin'. You can check out my favorite song below, or hit up their MySpace page to check out some others. Awesome New Republic is just that... awesome.

She and Him: M. Ward + Zooey Deschanel

I've been really keen on music from movies lately (i.e. Eagle v. Shark, Rocket Science, Juno, etc.), so I have one last tie-in between music and film before I leave this topic for a while. M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel are now She & Him, and they have an album out called Volume 1. I'm sure you already knew that, but if you didn't, you should check it out. You can download a free song from their MySpace page or just check out the stuff below.

Radical Face

If anyone reads this, they would notice my absence for the last week or so, so I will apologize just in case anyone does. Midterms were a real bitch and I just do this for a hobby, so when something had to get cut out of the schedule, this was it. So if you missed me, sorry. Here's something cool I've been listening to, it called Radical Face. I was really into the Dodos for a while and this reminds me of them a bit. I'm excited for Visiter from the Dodos, but you should check out Ghost from Radical Face... pretty good shit. Sorry this is kind of spastic, I'm still a bit fried...from midterms.

RADICAL FACE!!!!!!

The Moldy Peaches

Hopefully Juno can do for The Moldy Peaches what Garden State did for the Shins, becuase I want to hear more of them.

Eagle vs Shark

Jemaine (if you say Jermaine with a New Zeland accent you don't need the R anyway) Clement delivers a knockout performance as the socially awkward, lovable asshole in Eagle vs Shark. This kiwi wonder is about two misfits and the long strange trip toward understanding one another. Its funny and full of heart. The humor, accents, and musical whimsy are reminiscent of Clement's previous work on the HBO series Flight of the Concords, but quirkier. The soundtrack heavily features the Phoenix Foundation with oringinal songs and work from artists like M. Ward (doing a bowie cover) and the Reduction Agents sprinkled in. It flows incredibly well with the movie, but stands just as stoically on its own. Here are a few tracks and videos.

I'm trying a new MP3 host so see how you like it with "Apples and Tangerines". It is my favorite.

MP3: Apples and Tangerines - The Phoenix Foundation
boomp3.com
Click here for download.
Trailer


Cool clip with M. Ward (Bowie Cover)


Phoenix Foundation video for "Going Fishing"

Gnarls Barkley

I thought "Crazy" was going to forever ruin Gnarls Barkley for me, but luckily its been gone long enough for me to enjoy "Run". Its the single from their April release The Odd Couple. In late January the Smoking Section reported that it was among a pool of 40 to 50 songs being considered, so it will be interesting to see what makes the cut. I am just excited about a full length release from the new Oscar and Felix.

New Bonnaroo Additions

Cat Power is playing Bonnaroo, that's totally cool, but let's face it: Cat Power is a bit of a downer. Fortunately, Chromeo and MSTRKRFT have also signed on to rock the roo. You may remember Chromeo's Feist remix (Sealion Woman), but their new Fancy Footwork album compels you to demonstrate its title. Check out a couple of tracks below and/or if you want a pretty nifty, rather humorous, description of the band, check out the Bonnaroo site. The Disco Biscuits and Zappa Plays Zappa (or ZPZ) have also signed on to do the roo.

"Ad" Rock: Yael Naim

Rolling Stone magazine recently suggested in a review of Yael Naim's "New Soul" that "ad rock" should have its own musical genre. I tend to agree, and in honor of this new genre, I would like to present my Top 5 "ad rock" tunes for the past 12 months.

1. Pete Droge's "Whichever Way The Wind Blows" (Toyota Sequoia Ad)



2. Yael Naim's "New Soul" (MacBook Air Ad)



3. Feist's "1234" (iPod Nano Ad)



4. The Weepies' "Stars" (Old Navy)





5. Wilco's "Either Way" (VW Bug Ad)



Honorable Mention:
Man Man's "10lb Moustache" (Nike Women's National Soccer Team Ads)



Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros' "Johnny Appleseed" (not Really an "ad" but they played it in ads for the show John From Cincinnati and the opening credits)

Mountain Goats

I've recently been into rhythm-heavy acoustic indie-pop, like the Dodos and Eef Barzelay. Luckily the Mountain Goats' album Heretic Pride fits the bill quite well.

The Whigs: Mission Control

Among all the hype about the Beach House record and Ghostland Observatory's Robotique Majestique this week, and the recent releases from Vampire Weekend and Nada Surf, it would be easy to miss the release of The Whigs' Mission Control. I am here to ensure that doesn't happen. This Athens, GA band is a rock and roll ride with a California feel and catchy melodies that shouldn't be overlooked. Check out "I Never Wanna Go Home" below, watch the "Right Hand On My Heart" performance, and check out their website for some more free MP3s.

MP3: The Whigs - I Never Wanna Go Home

Black Mirror Interactive Video.

Its like the "Neon Bible" page they did a while back, but you get to control the music you hear by pushing numbers 1-6 on your keyboard. I dropped the drums and backup vocals, then the bass, then brought the bass back in, it was so fucking rad. Oh and the video is creepy/cool as well.

Darkroom

Darkroom develop a crafty mix of spacey guitar rock and indie melancholy that brings to mind what VHS or Beta could have been. Before the pushback fashion mullet ruined it all. Plus these boys are from right across the river in Indiana. Love for the neighbors. Its groovy like Dredge, but aloof like Minus the Bear. See what you think it sounds like.

Stephen Malkmus

I'm a sucker for drums, and drummers. I've also been rocking Pavement since middle school, so when I head Janet Weiss (of Sleater-Kinney) was playing said drums for Malkmus now, I couldn't resist checking it out.

Malkmus and James Mercer (of the Shins) recently played a benefit show in their Hometown of Portland. All proceeds from the show went to the Buckman Elementary School Arts Program.

Stephen Malkmus' new album Real Emotional Trash hits shelves March 4, but until then enjoy this little gem called "Baltimore" and listen for Weiss. You can also grab a copy of "Cold Son" from the aforementioned album at Pitchforkmedia.com

Atmosphere

Another quick hip-hop note for you. Atmosphere are touring (no stops near KY of course) in anticipation of their new album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold on April 22. Their last "album" Strictly Leakage is available for download here. Check out some key tracks below.

Blue Scholars North By Northwest

Just in case you forgot about hip-hop, Blue Scholars is back to remind you what its all about. They are on tour with Del and/or Hieroglyphics, and are doing a special show with Tha GZA (where he will perform the entire Liquid Swords album) in San Diego.

Tegan and Sara

My favorite lesbian sister duo is back on the road. In addition to Bonnaroo, they are mounting yet another tour in the months leading up to the Manchester, TN gig. The 2007 album The Con is chocked full of goodness, but I have to say, Dark Come Soon is definitely my favorite. Check it out below, and Kentucky/Ohio area peoples note the Bogart's date.

Mike Doughty

My main man Mike. Doughty, that is. Alliteration aside, Grand Turismo fans will remember him "taking the elevator to the mezzanine" with his former band Soul Coughing, but his new solo album Golden Delicious is a little slower and more acoustically based. His trademark voice and circular melodies, however, are ever present.

Bjork Wanderlust Ratatat Remix

Ratatat lends their distinctive style to Bjork's Wanderlust. This plus 3 other remixes will be out on CD and 12" EP on April 18.

The Dodos Fools Video

I have decided to stop blogging about politics entirely and focus on music. This will probably change soon, as it is my whim, but for now, all rock.

The California duo the Dodos (formerly Dodo Bird) are a rhythm-based psycho-folk explosion in your mouth. The combination of blues fingerpicking and heavy drums make the music driving and addictive. The new album VISITER is out March 18, but for now you can check out a couple of tracks from it, and download some older work, at their MySpace page.

I recommend Trades and Tarriffs for downloading and be sure to check out the video (for a high def version go here) to Fools from the new album VISITER below.

The Dodos

fools - dir. by Matt Amato

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Zach Galifianakis @ Bonnaroo

Still excited about seeing him at Bonnaroo.

WGA Strike

Its over.... Apparently.

Vampire Weekend is Everywhere

They are going to be at Bonnaroo and their songs are stuck in my head. I actually look forward to waking up so I can hear Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and kick my day off right. Its fucking catchy, I'll give them that. The catchiest tunes I've heard since Feist. Hope they are still able to deliver the goods live this summer.

Strong indication follows. Peep the Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa at the beginning and end.

#80.1 - VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Mansard Roof
Uploaded by lablogotheque

Bonnaroo

Bonnarroo 2008 appears to be shaping up nicely. Pitchfork announced the performer list this morning followed closely by Bonnaroo.com.

One thing, besides all the great music, that I am excited about is Zach Galifianakis in the comedy tent.

Zach

Rocket Science: Eef Barzelay

This is what I'm into now.

I just watched Rocket Science, which was nominated for the Grand Jury prize, and won the best Director award at Sundance. Its a smart comedy about high school and well whatever, if you are interested in a synopsis, go here. The whole time I was watching I was enjoying the hell out of the soundtrack. Turns out the movie was scored by Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide. I am currently taking steps to acquire both the Rocket Science Soundtrack and Eef's album Bitter Honey, but until then I have been enjoying these free MP3's.

I have been holding out on Vampire Weekend, but I listened to their entire album today, and I am officially on the bandwagon. I like this band. Check out a couple of cool performances here, and grab a couple of free tunes here.



Eef Barzelay



Vampire Weekend

State of the Union

I know its a little late, but I thought I would respond to the State of the Union Address. I wrote down some notes as I watched it, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to actually organize and present those notes.

The whole address was pretty upsetting, but the think that bothered my most was Bush's plan to subsidize "faith based" educational opportunities to help "save" children who are "trapped in failing public school(s)". So instead of making our public schools a good learning environment, we'll just give scholarships so kids can go to the Christian Academy or the Catholic School. Suggesting that the only thing we need to do to fix education is to ship our kids to private bible schools is very representative of Bush's personal politics, if you can privatize it and inject it with Jesus, it must be better.

I was raised in public schools, I even went to a public preschool, and I am currently in a public college, so I have a bit of a soft spot for public schools to start with. The real problem I have with this is watching what is happening where I live. In my hometown, they are currently building a MASSIVE Christian Academy. They are doing this even though the 2 public schools in town are not overcrowded, not educationally inferior, and have state championship caliber athletic programs. So why do they need a new place for their children to learn? Because, according to these parents they want their children to be taught "in an environment consistent with their faith and beliefs". Yeah, your god forbid that your children learn differing viewpoints or REAL SCIENCE at a public school. QUICK GET THEM ALL UNDER THE SHELTER! The umbrella of Religion will only keep out the "bad" people for a while, eventually we all have to deal with them. Fortunately for me, I was raised in public schools, I know how to deal with them.

Other things I found mildly amusing about the Address were:

1) The theme of the speech was "Trust", but he made a huge push to extend the Government's already atrocious wire-tapping and surveillance powers.

2) Called for Congress to remove ear-marks and promote honesty and transparency, all while he corrupts the executive branch by extending its power and secrecy.

3) Balanced budget by 2012. Our projected deficit for next year is $400 billion, before tax breaks and stimulus packages. I'd like to see the math on how its all going to even out in the next 4 years.

Writers Strike

Just a follow-up note from Seth MacFarlane to sum it all up.



The writers strike is going to help me kick television.

WGA Strike

I wanted to watch the Office tonight, its one of those things I look forward to at the end of a long Tuesday. However, tonight in my neck of the woods, there was a storm. With my neck of the woods being so deep in the woods, my satellite TV proved useless.

"The Internet" immediately sprang to mind. I knew there had to be some way to watch just one episode on the internet - legally of course - for free. NBC.com has Season 4 episodes for streaming. Sweet. Right?

Aside from the countless banner ads and pop up advertising you would expect from the internet, there are 15 second commercials every 10 minutes or so in the episode, and 25 second click banners peppered in there for good measure. And the creators (aka the writers) aren't getting shit for it. Meanwhile the corporations pay out the ass in money and favors for the advertising rights. Where the fuck does all that money go? Why shouldn't the people who thought of it get a chunk of the chitlins?

I just wanted to be able to enjoy some simple escapism, without being railroaded. But don't download illegally, its wrong.

Tea Pot Agnostic

A TEAPOT AGNOSTIC'S MANIFESTO

Hello. I am the Tea Pot Agnostic, and this is my blog. I know what you are thinking: What the hell is a Tea Pot Agnostic? It's a borrowed phrase, that I am borrowing again. Richard Dawkins used it in his TED speech in 2002, but it originated from an analogy by Bertrand Russell which centers on the philosopher's views on the existence of God. If I were to claim that there were a tiny tea pot orbiting mars, that was so small that it couldn't be seen, but I could prove with an ancient book that had been translated and edited thousands of times, the burden of proof would still be on me to prove that it existed, not on the skeptics. That isn't true however with religion. A tea pot agnostic is an atheist in the sense that he doesn't believe God exists, but can't prove that he doesn't. Just like I can't prove that there isn't a tea pot orbiting mars, I can't prove there isn't a god. I give the possibility of their existence equal merit.

That pretty much sums me up, I am a militant atheist who works for a Christian organization.

So what the hell is this blog going to be about? Mostly politics for the next few months, but in general, Me. My life and views, particularly the political and religious atrocities committed daily by the U. S. Government and Major Corporations and their effect on our lives.

Here's a taste of what you're in for:

There are a few major corporations who control the entire media, movies, television, music, newspapers the whole 9 yards. Sony, AOL Time Warner, GE, Disney, Viacom, and News Corp control 90% of all U. S. media. They have entire buildings full of Lobbyists in Washington, and they tell you what to think, buy, and know. On that note, Denis Kucinich was banned from an NBC debate in Nevada. There was some dispute about a contract, and a court decision about the validity of that claim, but that isn't irrelevant. What is important is that NBC is owned by GE, which owns GE Healthcare, an $18 billion dollar company, and a rather large Nuclear Power investment. They get to pick the people who run for President, where's the fucking freedom in that.

I also LOVE the internet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36A8DV3dk24

The US is an Endemic surveillance society, right there with China, Russia and Great Britain.

Bill Maher is on, I wish I could figure out how to watch it without a TV. I'm with the writers, fuck the corporate media and all that jazz. If they were really smart they'd just shoot webisodes or something with the writers and all, avoid the TV all together. Bill Maher, if you are out there, holla, we'll work this out.