Music for Perfect People

Atmosphere on the Road

February 25, 2009

Slug and Ant are hitting the road in early April for the “God Gives You Ugly” tour.

From Atmosphere’s MySpace page:

“When God Gives You Ugly” TOUR DATES:

w/P.O.S as Direct Support
04.09 Missoula, MT Wilma Theatre
04.10 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
04.11 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
04.12 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
04.14 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum Theater
04.15 Tempe, AZ Marquis Theatre
04.17 Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
04.18 Indio, CA Coachella Music and Arts Festival
04.19 Santa Cruz, Catalyst
04.20 San Francisco, CA Warfield Theatre
04.21 Lake Tahoe, NV Montbleu Resort and Casino
04.23 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
04.24 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo

Without P.O.S
04.25 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
04.26 Victoria, BC Element
04.28 Edmonton, AB The Starlite Room
04.29 Calgary, AB MacEwan Ballroom
05.01 Saskatoon, SK The Odeon
05.02 Regina, SK The Riddell
05.04 Thunder Bay, ON Rockhouse
05.06 Toronto, ON The Phoenix
05.07 London, ON Music Hall London
05.08 Montreal, QC Theatre Plaza
05.09 Ottawa, ON Ritual Nightclub
05.10 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
05.12 Portland, ME The Asylum
05.13 Boston, MA House of Blues
05.15 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero Theatre
05.16 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
05.17 Richmond, VA Toad’s Place
05.18 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
05.19 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
05.21 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
05.22 Omaha, NE Slowdown

Gomez PRE-ORDER

February 25, 2009

Click here to pre-order their new CD .. http://gomez.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=1119_16103

First 500 pre-orders get a signed booklet by the band .. make that first 499 since I got mine already suckas

Click here to listen to one of their new tracks they released ..

http://www.imeem.com/people/ym7IW3p/music/1J9fklaz/gomez_airstream_driver/

Breaking News

February 25, 2009

The AP is reporting that Steven Page has left the Barenaked Ladies. The news is especially shocking considering Page is leaving the band several years after most of their fans did.

Morning News SmackDown

February 25, 2009

First up, your movies you never thought would be adapted to the stage that will be adapted to the stage news. Daily Noise is reporting that a Spider-Man musical with a score from Bono and The Edge will debut on Broadway February 18th of next year. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone is announcing that “Star Wars: A Musical Journey” will eventually make the move from London to Broadway. However, no definitive dates have been set.

Jambase announced yesterday that Drive-By Truckers will be cancelling some shows in the South and Midwest. Word is lead singer Patterson Hood has walking pneumonia and needs to get himself right. If you were planning on seeing the Truckers in Lexington, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Memphis, or Tuscaloosa your shows have been rescheduled. Jambase has the new dates.

It looks like Kanye is taking his traveling circus to VH1. Stereogum reports that Kanye filmed what should be the most amazing episode of Storytellers ever (seriously, the show may cease to exist after Kanye is done with it). The episode airs this Saturday at 9:00 EST.

I’m two days late and a few dollars short with this one, but I thought I’d bring it to your attention that MTV2 is premiering a documentary about the five elements of hop hop this week. Each portion of the documentary will focus on one element (Hip Hop DX tells me that the five elements are emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying, beat boxing and graffiti) and they will air at 4:00 and 8:00 each day this week. I’m sorry you missed Monday and Tuesday’s episodes.

Song of the Day 02.25.09

February 25, 2009

From the late, great J Dilla + the lyrical theatrics of Busta Rhymes

The Waters Warm .. Jump on IN

February 25, 2009

Welcome back you rascals … Rather than give a huge blurb as to whats been going or where Ive been moving around to, lets just jump right into this ..

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A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to partake in an event that always makes me a happy happy man .. sitting around for a couple hours, sipping on some cheap brews and disussing music with good friends. My buddy Andy, who works for this sweet label you should all SUPPORT (http://www.originalsignalrecordings.com/), showed me a large amount of new music in the time we sat around … one such band was APES & ANDROIDS. Now I havent been able to find a lot of information about this NY group other than the fact that they are a NY based group and are well known for their crazy live shows filled with lights, synths, and folk in costume dancing around stage and in the crowd. Let’s let the music speak for itself .. it reminds me of 2001: A Space Odyssey + Nintendo + Sex … weird combo? may be. Music for everyone? May be not. Give it a listen and taste something new .. not everyone likes every flavor of tunes.

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Another band that tickled my fancy based off my musical conversation was CAGE THE ELEPHANT. This group from Kentucky has been a highly marketable band from the get-go and have been traveling pretty heavily back-and-forth from the UK to the US, and vice versa, for shows promoting their album Back Against the Wall. Now this doesn’t seem like a band I would normally typically enjoy but their songs all have very different influences and shows somewhat of diversity … the bands name came from the fact that each day people see bleak headlines in the newspapers revolving around death and whatnot and that the media makes people believe that there is no hope .. there is in fact hope and you cant Cage the Elephant folks …

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One song that has always rocked my jollies was a jam the RX Bandits used to throw in between their songs … it has been referred to with many names but for these purposes, it is called THE STORY. Check it out and love the live performance … nothing beats live music and the emotions that are put into the music created.

“Here’s the story Ive been told that as you finally grow old you’ll never love someone like you did first .. “

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So I figured to wrap up this little segment I would give you a little bit of insight to the man behind the Mangtooth mask …

Here is a self-portrait I drew up of myself a while back …

Mangtooth 2008

It may not be evident based on the picture but music consumes my life .. it is a blessing to be able to be so heavily connected to something that is essentially man made (this is of course a questionable statement but roll with it) .. as far back as this fella can remember, music has played a huge part in my life. It is associated with random memories in my life .. I can remember the exact parts of certain songs when certain family members have passed on, when great things have occurred, etc, etc … now I know you may be saying to yourself “damn dude … stop being a Nancy and pull up your panties” .. unfortunately I cannot, I am going commando on this one and throwing it out to the masses. Thanks for supporting this beautiful website that I, along with all the other writers have enjoyed as an outlet for our passion .. Find that passion and love wherever it may be hiding in your life and keep on checking in on us .. We’ll be here.

With much love and respect,

Mangtooth

Morning News SmackDown

February 24, 2009

Good news for all you Canucks out there! Neil Young just announced a string of shows that will be taking him through Canada in April. You can see a full list of tour dates at NeilYoung.com. I hope for your sake that he is dancing around with a set of headphones plugged into an apple.

Band Of Horses also announced some tourdates yesterday. My fellow New Yorkers can look forward to a June 11th show at Carnegie Hall. Band of Horses done came up! You can see a full list of tourdates at Brooklyn Vegan.

J.J. Cale releases his new album Roll On today. It looks like he will be driving up the PCH from Santa Monica to Victoria, British Columbia to support it in March and April. It’s nice to see that the old guys are showing Canada so much love. You can find the tourdates at JJCale.com.

Motions by John McCain and the RNC to halt a lawsuit by Jackson Browne have been denied by a District Court in California. It looks like Browne will be able to continue his legal actions against Senator McCain based on McCain’s unauthorized use of Browne’s song Running On Empty in a campaign commercial during the 2008 Presidential race.

JamBase.com is reporting that Booker T’s new album Potato Hole is set for release on April 21st. Mr. T. wasn’t fooling around when he chose his backup band. Neil Young and The Drive-By Truckers rock out in place of the MGs.

We reported last week about Tinted Windows, a supergroup combining the diverse talents of Taylor Hanson, Bun E. Carlos, James Iha, and Adam Schlesinger. The group is set to debut at SXSW next month and released a promo video yesterday. My girlfriend (who at one point had her bedroom wallpapered with Hanson posters) tells me Taylor was always known as the talented one.

We LOVE you … Show some LOVE back!

February 24, 2009

mixtape1

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Song of the Day 02.24.09

February 24, 2009

So I go to do my taxes yesterday and I notice up on my accountant’s wall is two plaques from REDMAN and METHOD MAN .. he told me that they came to him with a very large check about 15 years ago and have been doing business ever since … in honor of my tax return and the lyrical workings of Shaolin’s finest I present to you M-E-T-H-O-D MAN!

What Exactly Did the White Stripes Do On Friday?

February 23, 2009

The White Stripes played the final episode of Late Night with Conan O’Brien on Friday. At first I didn’t like the performance. It was their first live gig in over two years and it seemed extremely under-rehearsed and just kind of bad. However, I came across a comment on youtube that proposed a pretty interesting theory. The comment is copied below. Check the videos out for yourself and let me know what you think.

***************************************************************************

ghstflame (12 hours ago)
Wow, I just realize — they were singing it differently because it was in Tune to Conan’s lullaby he often does when he sings to put babies to sleep at night!!! Die Hard Conan fans know what i’m talking about! That’s crazy.

copy past so more people get a chance of reading this
they did this performance FOR Conan, not for themselves and trying to gain fans, they did it for their friend

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Radio Raheem’s Afternoon Get By

February 23, 2009

Well, I have nothing of true importance to write about, so in honor of the late great Radio Raheem I’m just going to throw up a handful of songs that are helping me get through my day.

Note: Songs sound best coming out of a gigantic radio perched upon your shoulder.

Keep It Thoro-Prodigy

If you’re feeling extra tough this morning listen to Prodigy rip this Alchemist beat. Try to maintain a sneer in the corner of your mouth for the entire track then punch a co-worker in the face.

Live At the Barbecue-Main Source featuring Nas and Akinyele

Main Source remains one of the most overlooked groups ever. Their albums are worth the listen for Large Professor’s production alone.

This track, however, is more about Nas than Main Source. Live At the Barbecue was the worlds introduction to the Queens MC, who was just 18 at the time. Nas takes advantage of the shine and recites one of the best and most well known verses in the history of hip-hop.

Side Note: This also features Akinyele of “‘Put It In Your Mouth” fame.

Deception-Blackalicious

Blackalicious’ cautionary tale of fame and money from Nia.

Props to Gift of Gab for being both really good at words and having diabetes.

Buck’em Down-Black Moon

Listen to this. Buck’em Down is the epitome of early 90′s New York hip-hop, and why that era was so special for the music. The track is a perfect marriage of the styles of the time, blending the grimy tough talk of artists like Kool G Rap with the breezy production of A Tribe Called Quest.

98′ Freestyle-Big L

This is the full Big L freestyle from the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito show. The first verse was later lifted for The Big Picture, Big L’s posthumous release.

The verses are filled with great punchlines that showcase why Big L was on the verge of becoming very popular right before his murder (the rumor is Jay-Z wanted the Harlem rapper on his Roc-A-Fella roster badly, although L always maintained he wanted to stay independent and build his own version of Hov’s empire).

From the Streets of Brooklyn … P.TM

February 23, 2009

Now I know I have spoken a lot about the fellas in PORTUGAL. THE MAN … but now Spin Magazine is also .. check out the link below for a video of the band playing their song “And I” from the streets of Brooklyn ..

You can enjoy the acoustic guitars, beautiful vocals, and TOY PIANO at http://spin.com/articles/portugal-man-play-brooklyns-streets

Screenshot of the video

SpinTV won’t let me post the actual video .. I do apologize for the inconvenience .. once I figure out how to get around thier bullshit, ill post the video fo’ reals …

Morning News SmackDown

February 23, 2009

The SXSW Music Player is up. You can stream music from most of the bands that will be in attendance. The South By SouthWest Music Festival runs from March 18th to March 22nd. You can find a full list of bands and show times here.

Jeff Beck announced a string of tour dates late last week. If you like gambling and music you are in luck; Beck plays the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Casino on April 11th. You can see a full list of tour dates here.

Paul McCartney, Moby, Eddie Vedder, Donovan, and Sheryl Crow announced they will take part in The World Harmony Concert at Radio City Music Hall on April 4th. The concert will benefit the David Lynch Foundation which aims to teach one million children about the power of meditation.

BrooklynVegan is reporting that Relix and JamBands.com have been purchased. There had been rumors that both would cease to exist due to parent company Zenbu Media’s financial woes. While Zenbu continues it’s slow death march, it looks like Relix and JamBands.com will survive for the time being. This is pertinant because it will enable yours truly to continue to rip off stories from JB.com.

Song of the Day 02.23.09

February 23, 2009

Pop Shit #1

February 23, 2009

Why Taylor Swift is Better Than Your Favorite Songwriter

(Hello friends. At the behest of some of the wonderful folks here at Music for Perfect People, I’m going to be writing a column on Mondays. It will be about “pop music”, whatever that happens to mean to me when I sit down to write it. Hope you like it.)

I would wager that in my current demographic (let’s say young white male urban college graduates in their 20s, or, for brevity’s sake, 23/m/nyc), no genre is as quickly dismissed as pop-country. Though I don’t doubt that my colleagues’ reasons for wanting me to turn off CMT are as various as the sun is bright, I have a few obvious theories. First, there is the disconnect between NY dudes and the music’s perceived audience, the southern and/or rural masses who drive to WalMart to cop the millions of CDs by Taylor Swift or Kenny Chesney or whoever. Then there’s the spectre of authenticity that looms over the “pop” of pop country, the mass-produced, autotuned-to-shit, Nashville assembly line that isn’t as “real” as Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard, icons that hard-drinking young men like myself and my contemporaries identify with, even if country isn’t usually their thing.

I’m not here tell you that demographics and lack of authenticity are stupid reasons for disliking something (we’ll get back to those issues in future columns, I’m sure) and, again, those are by no means the only two reasons you might not want to listen to pop-country. What I will tell you, is that if you do dismiss anything on CMT off hand, you’re missing out on one of the finest young songwriters in the world.

Taylor Swift’s album Fearless was the 3rd best selling album of 2008. Her 2006 self-titled debut, was the 6th best selling album of 2008. She’s 18 and a huge, huge pop star, but manages to write amazingly believable, detailed, and catchy songs about being a regular American girl. Her persona is that of your small town friend, your high school gf, your little sister (who happens to have a crystal encrusted guitar). She updates her MySpace and Twitter constantly. Lyrically, her songs work because even if you can’t always identify with her demographically, she sounds like a real, likable person, with real emotions and a real voice (Taylor’s a good singer, but unlike Miley Cyrus, who kinda butchered Taylor’s “Fifteen” at the Grammy’s, she doesn’t have a powerful enough voice to over-sing things).

That’s “Forever and Always”, which is about the Taylor’s break up with Joe Jonas (Taylor is the kind of pop star that admits who her songs are about in public). First of all, the girl has a real ear for melodies, as is evident (to me at least, few things are more subjective than the relative worth of a melody) in the unexpected rise of her voice at “baby what happened”, a perfect melodic reflection of the singer’s emotional state, some next level shit if you ask me.

Lyrically, notice how even in this intensely personal song, she switches perspective briefly in the pre-chorus.

[verse]
…
Baby what happened please tell me
cause one second it was perfect
Now you’re halfway out the door

[pre-chorus]
And I stare, at the phone
He still hasn’t called
And you feel so low you cant feel, nothing at all
And you flashback to when he said
Forever and always

Throughout, the song is in first-person and the second-person, the you, is the ex (the Joe Jonas), but in the pre-chorus, Taylor (who often writes in second person anyways) switches so that the “you” represents not Joe Jonas, but the listener identifying with her about the loneliness brought on by the “he” who still hasn’t called. It’s a minor touch, but one that demonstrates how in tune she is with making sure the listener identifies with the emotions of the Taylor Swift character (I say “character” not cynically, just respecting the line between narrator and author, which admittedly with Taylor is so blurred as to become completely non-existent).

One last thing, this time about super-hit single “Love Story” and intertextuality, a favorite subject of mine even if MS Word won’t recognize it as a real word. Mike Barthel has already written a great piece about this so I won’t rehash it too much, but I cannot emphasize enough how much I love the idea of changing the ending of fucking Romeo & Juliet to fit your needs, and most of all the idea to emphasize this with a big old key change before the last chorus. That’s smart, interesting, witty songwriting. It gets me every time.

So yeah. Pop Shit. Mondays. Don’t worry, they won’t all be about pop-country. Here’s to hoping that at least a few of the tracks will make your days a touch happier. xoxo.

Atmosphere on the Road

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