Ted's Song of the Week - 9/12/06

There has always been a consistency problem with Ted's Song of the Week, but it never fails that I make up for it by throwing a bevy of music at the readers from time to time. On this occasion, I decided to use a theme to introduce the latest in my listening.

When I'm not busy doing my day job and/or listening to music, I watch a ton of movies. My tastes in film are similar to that of my music, which is to say diverse and weird at times. That being said, my latest songs of the week will focus on the soundtracks of some movies I have watched over the years. Some of the movies were great and some were only slightly alright, but the music that accompanied these films are solid gold in my collection. As always, enjoy!














Atomic
Sleeper
Trainspotting OST

First and foremost, Trainspotting ranks up there on my top ten list. Despite its disturbing subject material and colorful dialogue, the movie is a masterpiece of life on the other side of the tracks. A pre-Star Wars Ewan McGregor plays Renton, a drug-addled protagonist, who finds that kicking a heroin addiction is harder than it seems. Already sounds like something to watch with the family, doesn't it?

The Trainspotting soundtrack is already stellar with the contributions of icons like Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, but one of my favorite songs would have to be Sleeper's cover of the Blondie classic "Atomic." It comes on during one of my favorite scenes when Renton decides to pursue and seduce a mystery girl in the discotheque.

Sleeper - Atomic
















Maybe Tomorrow
Stereophonics
Crash OST

One of the best films of 2005 benefited from the second greatest closing song ever. Best closing song honors go to Orbital's "Halcyon + On + On" off of the campy video game film Mortal Kombat. However, "Maybe Tomorrow" does a fantastic job of summing up the spirit of this film with its optimistic attitude that things can get better.

"Maybe Tomorrow" has also been featured on the Wicker Park soundtrack, but since I haven't seen that film, I cannot honestly say if the song was utilized to its fullest potential. It probably doesn't matter, because the song is just that good.

Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow
















Talk Show Host
Radiohead
Romeo + Juliet OST

(sigh) Not one of my greatest choices in film-watching, but certainly not my worst. Baz Luhrmann does possess the unique talent of creating movies that are unlike any films being made in Hollywood. Moulin Rouge is a prime example of this observation.

Before Leo was launched into super-stardom with his performance in Titanic, he played the infatuated Romeo to Claire Danes' Juliet. While these starcrossed lovers battled the odds to be together, they were fortunate to have Radiohead contribute an excellent B-side to the soundtrack.

"Talk Show Host" is a slightly depressing track, but it was placed well within the film, as it serves to create a desolate mood when Romeo mopes around the boardwalk.

Radiohead - Talk Show Host

Kasabian's 'Shoot the Runner'

Wolfmother meets Jet, 'Shoot the Runner' is an athematic ditty contained on Kasabian's forthcoming Empire. Sounding very much like an Anglo bar jig, the lyrics are equally simple, but quite catchy all the same. The stream lies below:

Kasabian - 'Shoot the Runner'

Warped Super Mario Bros Picture

Here's a disturbing take of the cyberworld we all grew to love in the 80s:
(Click on the picture itself for a full size version)

Who knew that Mario and Luigi were so vicious?

A New Decemberists Track

Here is a track from the forthcoming The Crane Wife that is to be released by The Decemberists this October:

The Decemberists - 'When the War Came'

News from the Land of Deftones

Deftones have just announced the cover art for their upcoming 5th album, Saturday Night Wrist, due out on Halloween. The atmospheric art-metal band's first single is titled 'Hole in the Earth,' and is currently available for download on iTunes. The group recently finished filming a music video for the track, which is to be aired in the next couple weeks.

I always look forward to hearing new material from these guys, and can say that I am particularly fond of the faded, vinyl-style cover art this time around.

Can't wait til the end of October to hear the new material? Check out the official Deftones Media Player here.

The New Barbie: Gwen Stefani Dolls

It's what every Y2k kid will be yearning for this holiday season. No, it's not an iPod. And no, it's not a Playstation 3. It's dolls modeled after--you guessed it--ska/pop star Gwen Stefani! Stefani says of her new marketing ploy:

"I thought the dolls would be a good opportunity to capture some of the key looks from the album and the tour. The Harajuku girls and I wore such wicked costumes we had to share them with the world again."

Wicked indeed.

Radio Update

Today was spent updating our radio station, and we now have 30 new songs in the rotation. Check it out when you have the chance.

'Crocodile Hunter' Killed in Australia

Although this does not qualify as music news, it is indeed a sad story. 44 year old Steve Irwin, better known as The Crocodile Hunter, died today after being stung by a stingray. Irwin was filming a documentary in northeastern Australia when he was stung swimming over top of a stingray. The barb from the ray pierced his chest through his heart, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

From when he first came to fame in 1992, myself, along with many of you I'm sure, grew up watching his fearless antics and listening to his deep Australian accent. In a world sometimes full of pain and suffering, it was always comforting to know that somebody out there enjoyed life as much as he did. Much like the late painter Bob Ross (I'm a huge fan of his), he always brought a smile to my face when I would see him on tv. Although he would at times seem careless in his work, you always felt a sense of calm knowing he was in control. What you can't dispute was his love for animals and the outdoors. His name was synonomous with nature, and nature will sure miss his enthusiasm and love.

He died doing what he loved, and the world loved watching him do it. Rest in peace Crocodile Hunter. The world has lost a great man in Steve Irwin. Crikey.

Caught On Tape: Ray Parker Jr. - 'Ghostbusters'

The 1984 film, Ghostbusters, is recognized as one of the top box office comedies of the 80s, and its soundtrack features one of the most memorable themesongs of all time. Ask pretty much anyone about Ray Parker Jr.'s song, 'Ghostbusters', and you'll likely get a response of, "Who you gonna call?"

Parker's theme was a big hit on the charts, and his video received attention on the Mtv. But to a large extent, this video has since been forgotten. The music video, like the film itself, was directed by Ivan Reitman (Meatballs, Kindergarten Cop). Reitman's video features a number of celebrity cameos, who pop on screen at critical moments to mouth the name "Ghostbusters." Some of the easily recognizable faces are Chevy Chase and John Candy, but the roster also includes several celebs you never hear about anymore, and probably won't recognize if you were born post-1985.

Most of the set is filmed in darkness, illuminated by neon furniture and appliances. Ray Parker Jr.'s slick dance moves and eccentric facial expressions navigate the viewer through the haunted house as he stalks some poor young woman. I'm particularly fond of the parts where he slides out from under her bed and later chases her down the stairs singing "Yeah yeah yeah yeah!"

Really, some videos should speak for themselves. So, whether you loved the song or hated it, this video is one perfect slice of American pop-culture history.



"During the rectification of the Vuldronaii the Traveler came as a large and moving Torb. Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the Meketrex supplicants they chose a new form for him—that of a giant Sloar! Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloar that day, I can tell you." - Vinz Clortho, Keymaster of Gozer

Just some Revelations

Audioslave's newest album comes out next Tuesday, but that doesn't mean you have to wait until then to sample their newest creation.

Below I've included a stream to the title track off of Revelations. So far it's my favorite off the disc, although the entire album is pretty good.

However, you be the judge when the disc is released next week.

Audioslave - 'Revelations'

Labels to Offer Free Downloads?

Universal Music Group has announced that it will be licensing its digital catalog for free. So what's the catch? Users will have to listen to advertisements as the songs are downloading. I suppose I could live with that.

Read the full story here.

Ted's Song of the Week - 8/30/06

Red
Sister Soleil
Soularium

Every once in awhile, there are certain songs that somehow lodge themselves in my brain and make a permanent home there. More often than not, I never catch the name of the track or artist and am forced to suffer through the thought that I may never hear such music again. Therefore, on the occasion that I discover the true identity of the track, I hunt down a copy of it wherever possible. Believe it or not, you can't download everything.

Released in the late 90's, "Red" was a regional hit and found modest airplay on a radio station that my friends and I listened to often. The DJ's hyped up Sister Soleil to be the "next big thing", but this never came to be. This could be because the rest of the album was slightly mediocre. "Red" truly was the diamond in the rough on the album.

Long story short, after "Red" had long since disappeared from radio-play, I was left feeling slightly empty without the song in my collection. I spent almost five years tracking down a means to listen to it again. Of course, I wasn't losing sleep over it, but you know what I mean. I finally managed to find a copy of Soularium on Half.com for a reasonable price.

After hyping "Red" up this much, I imagine that one would think this song is one of the all-time greats. I'll have to stop you there, because you will be disapointed. However, the song is enjoyable and will remind many of bands like Garbage and Republica.

Sister Soleil - Red

In Another Meaningless Poll, Sgt Pepper Wins

There are so many music polls floating around, they start to not mean much of anything after awhile. In a latest survey of Britons conducted by BBC Radio 2, the nation's favorite album is The Beatles' Sgt Pepper.

That's not surprising, considering it is an incredible album. However, it did seem like only a few months ago that another group of Britons voted OK Computer as number one, and even a few months before that an even different group voted Oasis' Be Here Now as a favorite. But I digress.

The rest of the list can be seen here.

Acronym Song Title Mix

Mars Needs Guitars has a pretty cool selection of songs that utilize acronyms in their titles available for sample here. Check it out when you have the chance.

Beyonce #1 Around the Globe

Beyonce Knowles' number one smash 'Deja Vu' has taken on a whole new meaning as it reaches the top spot in many places around the world. Recently, the first single from B'Day has reached number one in Germany, Hong Kong and Japan, as well as in her home of the United States.

For those who haven't heard the song yet, it can be heard below. It's tasty:

Beyonce - 'Deja Vu'

Razorlight Shows Affected By Tom Chaplin's Drug Battle

Razorlight has been forced to postpone a few tour dates it had with Keane, due to Keane frontman Tom Chaplin's battle with drugs. Chaplin is now in rehab, meaning that Razorlight will have to reschedule shows planned for New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

(Razorlight and Keane have been touring together).

Bloc Party's New Album Heavier Than Last

Crossposted from MTVnews:

If Bloc Party were an actual block party, you might say they were broadening their guest list.

"This time around we've been more open-ended about our ideas, seeing them going in different ways," bassist Gordon Moakes

"It was about being quite conscious about saying, 'OK, we're known for those kinds of songs, but it's not necessary to keep doing them.' " — Bloc Party's Gordon Moakes said of the British dance rockers' second studio album (see "The Bloc Party CD Avalanche Continues — And A New LP Is Slated For '06"). "The first record was songs we'd been playing a certain way for a number of years. With this stuff, we've taken it heavier in places, more electronic in places, just wider-sounding."

Bloc Party have been writing new music since before their debut, Silent Alarm, even hit shelves, so the band entered the studio this summer with no shortage of confidence.

You can read the rest of the story here.

Caught On Tape: Ratt - 'Nobody Rides for Free'

After a lengthy absence, Caught On Tape returns with a vengeance! And to add to the intensity of this return, I have selected an intense video for your viewing pleasure. And when it comes to intense music videos, it doesn't get much better than Ratt's 1991 single, 'Nobody Rides for Free,' from the Point Break soundtrack.

Now, the video itself isn't especially original. Like most soundtrack singles, it features the band performing, and intermixes this with clips from the movie. However, the key difference between this video and all those others is that the movie is POINT BREAK and the band is RATT.

I was first introduced to this high-powered, surfer-cop action flick more than a dozen years ago, and have seen it numerous times in the years since. It's one of those movies that my father would sit and watch anytime he came across it on TV, no matter what point in the movie it was at. That's a statement I can't make about many movies.

Point Break is a tale of a cop who goes undercover as a surfer to catch a group of thrill-seeking bank robbers who dress up like ex-U.S. presidents. Patrick Swayze makes a standout appearance here, and Keanu Reeves fits his role to perfection. Swayze even did some of his own stunts for the movie's skydiving sequences. And as if all this wasn't enough to get your heart thumping, the soundtrack accentuates the excitement. Marking a time right before the decline of hair metal and the rise of grunge, Ratt's contribution to the soundtrack was exactly what any action audience could have asked for: a pumped-up rock anthem. With the high popularity of bands such as Guns n' Roses during this time, Ratt's loud-yet-catchy, 'Nobody Rides for Free' helped the movie stick in our hearts for years to come. Surf's up!

Google Music Trends

Google Labs, the playground of Google engineers, and the breeding ground for the company's new services, has launched a new program. Google Music Trends allows you to see the top songs and artists of the search engine's users. How does it work? From ZDNet:

Where does the data come from? Remember the new feature in Google Talk that lets users display what they are listening to in their status message? The new labs project proudly displays the text: "See what Google Talk users are listening to".

There is also a link that says "Participate in Music Trends" that doesn't have any content yet — but I'm guessing it will take you to a Google Talk download page eventually.

In a nutshell, it sounds like the data is compiled from Google Talk users who choose to share such information. What is the number one song as of this posting? 'Map of the Problematic' by Muse.

Joan Jett and Eagles of Death Metal to Tour

In an unlikely pair-up, it has been announced that Joan Jett and Eagles of Death Metal will be hitting the tour circuit together. Eagles of Death Metal will be opening up for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts beginning October 12 in Philadelphia, and will do so for 19 dates.

Jett and the Blackhearts will be performing in support of their latest release, Sinner, the group's first in 12 years.

Pete and Kate Not Getting Married

Just in case you had to know, the rumors purporting an impending marriage between Kate Moss and Pete Doherty are untrue. Paparazzi have caught pictures of Moss wearing what appears to be an engagement ring, however sources clarify that Kate has been wearing her "own ring." Although the singer of the Libertines/Baby Shambles and the supermodel split at the end of 2005, the two have been spotted together lately, spawning a slew of marriage rumors.

Austin City Limits Festival Announces Lineup

Some incredible bands are slated to perform the weekend of September 15 for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Notables include The Raconteurs, Gnarls Barkley and Muse.

The full lineup can be found here.

Ted's Song of the Week - 8/08/06

A Forest
The Cure
Seventeen Seconds

When I was still a fledgling Cure listener, I had received a copy of their greatest hits. While this may be seen as cheating to any die-hard fan, it is the quickest way to discover whether a band is worth further listening. Before this time, I had already dismissed the group as the catalysts of goth-rock, with an occasional fruity radio-friendly single. I was already acquainted with such hits as "Just Like Heaven" and "The Lovecats", but there was a majority of the band's catalogue I still had yet to hear. Fortunately, "A Forest" was the single that changed my perspective on the Cure within a matter of minutes.

For anyone who only knows of the Cure's later hits, I definitely recommend taking a listen to one of the group's early music. It's a haunting track that really highlights the versatility that the group is capable of.

The Cure - A Forest

Watch Cobra Starship's Video

What's better than Snakes on a Plane? The Snakes on a Plane official music video by Cobra Starship. Not only is the tune just as catchy and cheesy as the movie title, but it features soundbites of Samuel L. Jackson going postal as well:

"That's ittt!! I've had it with these muthafuckin' snakes on this muthafuckin' plane!"

Christina Goes Back to Basics

Christina Aguilera has certainly come a long way since her debut in 1999. Back then this genie in a bottle's contemporaries included the likes of Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Mandy Moore, The Backstreet Boys, and *NSync. Now, seven years later, Britney is a stay-at-home mom married to a deadbeat, the Puratanical Jessica Simpson is divorced and struggling to revive a slipping career, Moore stumps for make-up companies, and the boy bands who once ruled the charts have all since disbanded. All were undeniably quite talented, but clearly Christina is the only one left that's viable...save for fellow Mickey Mouse Club member Justin Timberlake of course.

Aguilera's new album is entitled Back to Basics, and she ain't lying. The double disc set contains original songs that throw back to the golden age of soul and jazz. Upon a quick listen-over, the focus this time around seems to be less on flashy hooks and more on resonating vocal grooves.

Below lie two tracks from Back to Basics. The first one is the short, but aptly titled 'Intro,' and the other is a personal preference of mine known as 'Slow Down Baby,' a designation that appropriately represents the focused and maturing Aguilera.


Christina Aguilera - 'Intro'


Christina Aguilera - 'Slow Down Baby'

Boy George Ordered to Sweep the Streets

He'll tumble for ya alright. George O'Dowd, more commonly known as Boy George, has been ordered by a judge to sweep the streets of Manhattan for five days, as punishment for falsely reporting a break-in to his Little Italy flat.

At his sentencing, the 80s pop icon pleaded with the judge by weeping, "Do you really want to hurt me? Do you really want to make me cry?"...OK, not really, I made that part up. However, he DID respond with an equally wacky, yet disturbing phrasing of words: "I've always been a scrubber."

You can use your imagination on that one.

Ted's Song of the Week - 8/01/06

Sundown
Gordon Lightfoot
Sundown

I'll be the first to admit that I've listened to some terrible music over the span of my lifetime. Of course, these were the times when my parents could only shake their heads and slightly ignore it. They just had to conclude that I was going through phases. "That's not music. They're just making noise," they would comment. This was during my heavy metal phase. "It sounds like they're just talking over a beat," they would say. My rap phase. In a nutshell, my parents hate just about all modern-day rock and pop. Inexplicably, my father actually liked Sister Hazel's "All For You." I still have yet to figure that one out.

As I grow older, I'm beginning to see kind of where my parents were coming from. I still listen to bad music from time to time, but at least I balance it out with the quality kind my parents would approve of. We have since compromised on a number of artists that we can listen to on the occasional roadtrip/vacation. Of course, I've had to reach a bit further for said compromise, but with artists like Gordon Lightfoot in the neutral category, I don't mind so much.

Anyway, "Sundown" is the title track from Lightfoot's 1974 release. The track was a huge success by peaking high on Billboard's contemporary and country charts. Apparently, Lightfoot's then-girlfriend Cathy Smith was the inspiration for this popular single. Smith later became infamous for her involvement with comedian John Belushi's untimely death. Despite that depressing fact, "Sundown" is a great song from one of folk-country's best artists.

Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown

Nouvelle Vague Not Vague About New Album Release Date

The French group Nouvelle Vague, who do bossa nova/lounge covers of 80's New Wave/Post-Punk tracks, are set for their second U.S. album release on August 22. The new album, Bande A Part, finds them bringing in several vocalists to cover the following tracks:

1. Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon"
2. Buzzcocks' "Ever Fallen in Love"
3. Lords of the New Church's "Dance With Me"
4. Yazoo's "Don't Go"
5. Billy Idol's "Dancing with Myself"
6. Blondie's "Heart of Glass"
7. The Wake's "O Pamela"
8. New Order's "Blue Monday"
9. The Cramps' "Human Fly"
10. Bauhaus' "Bela Lugosi's Dead
11. The Sound's "Escape Myself"
12. Heaven 17's "Let Me Go"
13. Visage's "Fade to Grey
14. Blancmange's "Waves"

Other editions of the album include covers of The Smiths' "Sweet and Tender Hooligan", New Order's "Confusion", U2's "Pride(In the Name of Love)", and Siouxsie & the Banshees' "Israel", among others.

Since I share an appreciation for both 80's music and lounge, I've continuously found Nouvelle Vague's sound very refreshing . Take a listen to the band's chilled-out cover of Yazoo's "Don't Go."
Nouvelle Vague - "Don't Go (Yazoo cover)"

And in case you've forgotten about the fantasic original, check out the link below.
Yazoo - "Don't Go" mp3 (via ZShare)

New Breaking Benjamin

Is it Adema? No, it's the new Breaking Benjamin. However, it does sound like lead singer Ben Burley is sporting a new voice---one very similar to the vocals of Mark Chavez.

Here is the new single, 'The Diary of Jane:'

Breaking Benjamin - 'The Diary of Jane'

Cornell to Perform Next Bond Film Themesong

Chris Cornell, whose busy life Ted highlighted awhile back, is set to write and perform the next James Bond themesong. Casino Royale opens in theaters this November, and it is the first film in the series to feature actor Daniel Craig.

Cornell's band Audioslave is set to release its third album September 5th. It is entitled Revelations.

Jennings Criticizes Jeopardy!

A posting on the website of Ken Jennings, the winningest Jeopardy! contestant ever, blasts the show for being "left coast" and outdated. Interestingly enough, it was on this very game show where Jennings accumulated nearly 2.5 million dollars in winnings. Even show host Alex Trebek wasn't safe from the diatribe, when Jennings compared his manner to that of a robot ("Trebektron 4000").

Can somebody please cue NIN's 'Bite the Hand that Feeds?'

The entire text of the letter lies below:

Dear Jeopardy!,

Hey, I hope you remember me. It’s been a while since we talked. We were a bit of an item a couple years back, in all the papers, but I think we both know that was just a summer thing. The last time we saw each other…well, the magic just wasn’t there. That’s why I don’t mind when I see you with a new special someone. Or two. Nearly every night! … I’m sorry, is this sounding passive-aggressive? I don’t mean to badger you. I remember that, when we were together, it seems like all I ever did was nag you with questions.

Let me start again. What I really wanted to talk to you about was your image. You’ve got a good twenty years on you now, and that’s Trebek-era alone. Times have changed since your debut, but when I watch you, it’s the same-old same-old: the same format, the same patter, the same fonts, the same everything as when I first crushed out on you in fourth grade. You’re like the Dorian Gray of syndication. You seem to think “change” means replacing a blue polyethylene backdrop with a slightly different shade of blue polyethylene backdrop every presidential election or so. Would you mind a few suggestions on how you might really freshen up your act a bit?

Read the rest of the letter here.

Ted's Song of the Week - 7/25/06

Settling Down
Jerry Cantrell
Boggy Depot

Every once in awhile, I'll blow the dust off of the records that defined my early years for a bit of nostalgia. You know what I mean. All it takes is one song to bring you back to a specific time, place, or achievement. That's the brilliance of music. Everyone's life has a soundtrack, although some may have a bit more background music than others. One of the albums that carved itself a niche in my life was Jerry Cantrell's Boggy Depot.

Released in 1998, Boggy Depot came at a time when angst, confusion, and "being misunderstood" were commonplace in my world. In other words, I was a teenager. Coincidentally, grunge was still lingering on the music scene, so my attitudes and the music of the time were alligned fairly well. This album was successful because it managed to capture the gloomy sound of grunge without totally getting sucked into the downward spiral of the genre.

My friends were all fairly big fans of Cantrell's Alice In Chains, so this solo record didn't have too much of a problem findings its way into our listening rotation. With tracks like "Cut You In" and "My Song" getting decent radio play, Boggy Depot found a decent amount of commercial appeal and gave AIC fans some satisfaction until the next record could be produced.

"Settling Down" never got a whole lot of attention on Boggy Depot, but I always thought it was one of the album's finest tracks. Cantrell delivers this melancholy confessional with a sincerity that makes one believe he's desperately in need of a hug. Of course, the haunting bass-line delivered by Fishbone bassist Norword Fisher helps to create this "only happy when it rains" mood. Enjoy!

Jerry Cantrell - Settling Down

Would Bob Marley approve?

In an interesting musical twist, Easy Star Records will be releasing a reggae tribute to Radiohead on August 22. While the concept of a Radiohead tribute is not out of the ordinary, it would seem to be a peculiar choice to bring the reggae element to such Radiohead classics like "Subterranean Homesick Alien" and "Karma Police." However, Easy Star CEO Eric Smith believes that reggae and Radiohead go together like peas and carrots.

CEO Eric Smith:

Reggae has always tackled dark subject matter, but manages to do it in a way that still conveys hope at the bleakest moments. Radiohead's approach is similar."

The album is entitled Radiodread and will primarily cover Radiohead's masterpiece OK Computer.

Radiodread's track listing:

Airbag (featuring Horace Andy)
Paranoid Android (featuring Kirsty Rock)
Subterranean Homesick Alien (featuring Junior Jazz)
Exit Music (For A Film) (featuring Sugar Minott)
Let Down (featuring Toots & The Maytals)
Karma Police (featuring Citizen Cope)
Fitter Happier (featuring Menny More)
Electioneering (featuring Morgan Heritage)
Climbing Up The Walls (featuring Tamar-kali)
No Surprises (featuring The Meditations)
Lucky (featuring Frankie Paul)
The Tourist (featuring Israel Vibration)
Exit Music (For A Dub)
An Airbag Saved My Dub

AskMen.com Names the Top 10 Rock Diss Songs

Askmen.com, which probably doesn't need to rely on a referral from us, has posted their compilation of the Top 10 Rock Diss Songs of all time. To qualify as a "diss," the song had to be an attack aimed from the artist towards another notable figure or celebrity. The site makes it clear that due to the excessive amount of 'dissing' evident in much of Rap/Hip Hop music, that this particular list would be inclusive only to the Rock N Roll genre. Everyone from Fleetwood Mac to Limp Bizkit is on here. Who wins the top spot? Check it out, and see for yourself.

A Visit to Taliesin

Yesterday, I took a daytrip to Wisconsin to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. Wright, often credited as the greatest of American architects, spent a good part of his life building, rebuilding, and remodeling the home/studio. Resting on the brow of a high hill outside the small town of Spring Green, less than an hour from Madison, Taliesin was Wright's architectural experiment, and allowed him an abundance of creative freedom.

It is truly remarkable to find oneself walking around inside of Wright's mind. Here was a man so deeply immersed in his work that it often feels his designs leave nothing to be accounted for. His concepts of organic architecture can easily be seen at Taliesin, which moves harmoniously with the landscape rather than simply resting upon it.

In recognition of my excursion, and by the suggestion of my traveling companion, I'm including an audiopost of the Simon and Garfunkel classic, 'So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright.' Coming off of S&G's highly-successful final album, 1970's Bridge Over Troubled Water, this track seemed befitting for a leisurely drive through the hills on a wet summer day.


Simon & Garfunkel - 'So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright'

Snakes on a Plane OST

For those unaware, the "critically acclaimed" Snakes on a Plane will be hitting a theater near you in less than a month! Not only am I looking forward to Samuel L. Jackson sputtering sure-to-be-memorable lines such as "We got muthafuckin' snakes!" (refer to mock poster below), but the soundtrack isn't looking too shabby either.




Although the tracklisting for the upcoming disc is largely emo, it does contain tunes from some up and coming bands from other genres that deserve exposure. According to wikipedia, here are the songs that will be contained on the soundtrack:


Tracklisting
Cobra Starship - "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)"
Panic! at the Disco - "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage (Tommie Sunshine Brooklyn Fire Remix)"
The Academy Is... - "Black Mamba (Teddybears Remix)"
Cee-Lo - "Ophidiophobia"
The All-American Rejects - "Can't Take It (El Camino Prom Wagon Remix)"
The Sounds - "Queen of Apology (Patrick Stump Remix)"
Fall Out Boy - "Of All the Gin Joints in All the World (Tommie Sunshine Brooklyn Fire Retouch)"
Gym Class Heroes - "New Friend Request (Hi-Tek Remix)"
The Bronx - "Around the Horn (Louis XIV Remix)"
Armor For Sleep - "Remember to Feel Real (Machine Shop Remix)"
The Hush Sound - "Wine Red (Tommie Sunshine Brooklyn Fire Retouch)"
Jack's Mannequin - "Bruised (Remix)"
Coheed and Cambria - "Wake Up (Acoustic)"
Donavon Frankenreiter - "Lovely Day"
Michael Franti & Spearhead - "Hey Hey Now"
Trevor Rabin - "Snakes on a Plane - The Theme"

The soundtrack will be released August 15.

Ted's Song of the Week - 07/19/06

Starlight
Muse
Black Holes and Revelations

I've been listening to this album non-stop since its release last week. While it doesn't possess the same charm that their previous album Absolution had, Black Holes and Revelations is definitely worth purchasing. From start to finish, Muse's newest offering is a rollercoaster of ups and downs that features a rare versatility that the group has only begun to showcase.

The trio from England decided to use a lot more synthesizers in their latest release, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Much like Radiohead, Muse has steadily evolved their sound to incorporate a number of instruments to keep their art fresh and interesting without "selling out".

"Starlight" is the second track on Black Holes and Revelations. It is rumored to be released as the second single, which doesn't come as a surprise to yours truly. I knew from the moment I first heard the song that it was meant for radio-play. I was particularly impressed with singer Matthew Bellamy, who evokes images of both Billy Joel and U2's Bono in this celestial ballad.

Muse - Starlight

Pearl Jam Concert Reviewer Compares Group to Stones

In the wake of a transition to a new career and a new address, I'm choosing to forego my own writing tonight and highlight an interesting review from Jim Harrington, staff writer for insidebayarea.com:

The analogy that Nirvana and Pearl Jam were, respectively, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones of the '90s continues to be a valid one. Nirvana had a comparatively brief, yet utterly brilliant, career that changed the very face of the music world. The band was led by a genius lyricist, Kurt Cobain, who was often likened to the great John Lennon. Nirvana's legacy has been colored both by what it accomplished and by what might have been. All of that basically fits the Beatles' mold.

Pearl Jam, despite its overwhelming success, was usually ranked as the second most important band of its era. The group has managed to outlast its contemporaries, although it hasn't had a major hit record in years. Those same things could be said about the Stones.

The most important shared trait between Pearl Jam and the Rolling Stones — at least for our purposes — is that they're great live acts.

That's not to say Nirvana and the Beatles weren't. But Pearl Jam and the Stones thrive in the live arena like few others.

On Saturday night at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Pearl Jam certainly made a convincing case that it deserves to be included among rock's finest live acts. The group delivered a no-frills evening of tuneful hard rock that moved like a juggernaut for more than two hours.

Is PJ the Rolling Stones of a new generation? Read the rest of the San Francisco concert review here.

Alice Mudgarden

Keeping in theme with Ted's most recent post on Chris Cornell's next solo endeavour, I've decided to grace you all with a track from one of Cornell's earliest side projects: Alice Mudgarden.

Alice Mudgarden was a one song collaboration featuring Layne Staley, Mark Arm, and Chris Cornell. The song is entitled 'Right Turn' and can be heard below:

Alice Mudgarden - 'Right Turn'

Cornell's side project

Rock icon Chris Cornell has been balancing a hectic schedule lately. If it isn't enough that his group Audioslave has an album due for release on September 12, the singer has also ventured forth into the culinary and fashion worlds. Add his second bout with fatherhood to the mix and one may get a brief glimpse of how much this guy is capable of. Apparently, Cornell wants to add another activity to his agenda by releasing a second solo album.

In an interview with AOL Music News, Cornell discussed the possible directions this new solo album may go.

When I did the first [solo album] there was definitely a bit of surprise, because people expected it was going to be more in the vein of acoustic, and it wasn't, really. I feel like the songs for this second one may be more in that direction.

While the prospect of a new Cornell solo album is exciting, the singer has indicated that a release will not clash with Audioslave's forthcoming album.

This record comes out in September, and I don't really want the two to be fighting.

For further Cornell news, check out Steve's post on the first time Cornell went solo.

Kasabian Vs. The Automatic

In yet another feud between bands, The Automatic have responded to Kasabian's recent ill-hearted statements against them by calling Kasabian "pathetic:"

Asked what acts he hated, Pennie (keyboardist for The Automatic) told The Barfly: “Well I’m not going to be as pathetic as Kasabian and slag other bands off… there’s just no need for it."

Last week, Kasabian cursed the music industry and called The Automatic "horrible," Pete Doherty a "fucking tramp," and continued to lay down insults about a couple of other bands. Kasabian's tirade against these bands stemmed from frustration at the British music scene for being too depressing, negative, and miserable.

Now if only Brandon Flowers would say something mean about Kasabian, we could have a grudge match that spanned the transatlantic!

Ted's Song of the Week - 7/11/06

Certain Kind of Light
Gus Black
Autumn Days

When I first heard this track, I got the feeling that I had heard this artist before. As far as I knew, Gus Black was simply an emerging Indie artist on the music scene. After a bit of research, I found that the guy has been around for the last ten years and has contributed a song to the original Scream soundtrack. He's the artist who did the bang-up job of covering Blue Öyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper." At that time, he was simply going by the name of Gus. Go figure!

"Certain Kind of Light" is one of those rare tracks that I enjoyed from the very start. It's bold, simplistic, and subtly intense. A great song for a roadtrip mix.

To find out more about this up-and-coming artist, check out his official website or myspace page.

Gus Black - Certain Kind of Light


As an added bonus, check out Black's BOC cover. He definitely adds a unique touch to the song.

Gus Black - Don't Fear the Reaper

Adam Carolla Hangs Up on Ann Coulter

This isn't quite music related, but I had to post anyway. Listen to the link below to hear the "only interview with Ann Coulter where she didn't say something offensive:"

Ann Coulter is tight on time.mp3
(From Adam Carolla's radio show)

Chad Smith to U2 and Black Eyed Peas: Sellouts

For their decisions to let Apple use their music in iPod commercials, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith has branded U2 and the Black Eyed Peas sellouts:

"I'd feel like a jerk if we did that. But they're all lining up to do it. I think Black Eyed Peas look like a bunch of idiots. It's dangerous. The U2 song on the iPod when it came out was weird and it was longer and it had more parts."

For other Chad Smith "news" refer to Tae's post highlighting Smith's striking resemblance to Zoolander villian Mugatu.

Musical Easter Eggs

Easter eggs, in this case, are hidden features in DVDs, CDs, books, and the like. I recently stumbled upon a very interesting website that identifies easter eggs found in many of our favorite albums. For instance, did you know that Radiohead's OK Computer contains ingredients needed to make a McDonald's hamburger in its album sleeves? Or have you heard about the secret picture found inside the jewel case of Tool's Undertow?

You can discover these secrets and many more by clicking here.

Interpol to return in '07

Rock group Interpol has been hard at work on their third studio album, which they've been working on since early 2006. The album is expected to be released sometime in 2007.

The group released the following statement on their official website:

We’re hard at work on the writing of album three. We’ve been at it for six months - in case you heard we were on hiatus. We’re all very excited about it and think that you will be too. Having yet to record, we can only say that Release will come sometime next year.

In addition, Interpol did reveal some working titles for a couple of tracks they are working on. With song titles like "The Heinrich Maneuver" and "Pawn Shop" on the docket, the third Interpol album is slowly taking shape into something that hopefully resembles their fabulous debut, Turn on the Bright Lights.

Stay tuned for more Interpol updates.

Caught On Tape: Smashing Pumpkins - 'Tonight Tonight'

Once, in college, I took a course in the History of Photography. Because of a particular resonance with me, I chose to write the largest of my research papers on the beginnings of the motion picture, as it emerged from still photography.

Early works from photographers such as Eadweard Muybridge in the mid to late 1800's found that when multiple photographs of a movement were taken in succession over a short span of time, and then placed next to one another, the human eye could form a connection between them to show the way in which things move. Due to earlier research on the eye's ability to retain information for 1/10 of a second, devices such as the zoetrope had already been finding success depicting illustrated 'motion.' Once the exposure time of photography became short enough to freeze-frame a moving object, the concept of creating motion pictures began to flourish. As technology continued to expand, and the capability of motion pictures increased, filmmakers began to emerge. At first, these short films stuck to showing everyday occurrences, but as the possibilities expanded, so did the ideas.

Now, I realize up until now this seems to have little reference to my headline. Film obviously had a long way to go before the more current age of computer technology and music videos. But it was the work of a French stage owner, named Georges Melies, that directly affected the following music video by The Smashing Pumpkins.

Melies saw an opportunity to use film for narrative entertainment - to bring the stage to film. While many did not share his sentiments, he made his attempt. Through an accident involving some film getting caught during recording, he realized the ability to manipulate the medium. With his prior experience in magic, he began hand coloring frames, editing frames through slow and fast motion, and even superimposing figures. These 'trick films' caught the world by surprise. His 1902 film, Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon), is still regarded as one of the earliest and most important works in narrative film history.

Fast forward more than 90 years into the future to 1996, when The Smashing Pumpkins won 7 Mtv Video Music Awards for their single, 'Tonight, Tonight.' The music video pays homage to Melies' legendary work, adopting many of the original's scenes directly. The creativity used in transforming the classic into a newer medium makes this arguably one of the top music videos ever made. The ship shown at the end of the video is even named the S.S. Melies, to honor the pioneering filmmaker.



Click here to view Melies' original Le Voyage dans la Lune(1902)!

The Worst Album Covers Ever

They may create great tunes, but sometimes even the best of musicians releases an album cover that would burn the rods and cones out of the healthiest of eyes. DJLanda at Rateyourmusic.com has compiled a list of 100 of these aesthetic monstrosities, and has even added humorous descriptions to go along with each of them.

Unsurprisingly, weirdo Prince makes several appearances on the list; as do The Scorpions.

You can view the entire list here.