Song: "Stack Shot Billy"
From the album Rubber Factory
The Black Keys: Web site MySpace
Dan Auerbach: MySpace
DJ comments: Dan Auerbach is the amped-up, reverberating member of that duo not dressed in red and White. Auerbach released his first solo album last month and will set off on his international tour in April. Unless you made it to SXSW or have a passport prepared, don't plan on catching his solo show this spring.
Do check out his solo work, it's a wonderful extension of his work with Black Keys partner, Patrick Carney. — BJ
Auerbach performing his solo work, "Trouble Weighs A Ton"
"Stack Shot Billy"
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Band Members, B: Dan Bejar of Swan Lake
From the album
Swan Lake: Web site MySpace Bejar's Wiki
DJ comments: Dan Bejar is a superstar. You may have heard his distinctive voice in such bands as The New Pornographers, Destroyer, Hello Blue Roses and, more recently, Swan Lake. Destroyer is my personal favorite of his projects -- Destroyer's Rubies will always be amongst my top albums.
Bejar, along with Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes) and Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown), released their first album, Beast Moans, as Swan Lake in 2006. Enemy Mine, the band's second album, came out yesterday (March 24, 2009).
In all honesty, my first listen to Enemy Minehttp://www.myspace.com/swanlaketheband didn't provide much excitement. Granted, I've only listened to each clip or song a couple times. Regardless, I prefer previous albums and member's previous bands. — BJ
Dan Bejar with Destroyer:
Swan Lake: Web site MySpace Bejar's Wiki
DJ comments: Dan Bejar is a superstar. You may have heard his distinctive voice in such bands as The New Pornographers, Destroyer, Hello Blue Roses and, more recently, Swan Lake. Destroyer is my personal favorite of his projects -- Destroyer's Rubies will always be amongst my top albums.
Bejar, along with Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes) and Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown), released their first album, Beast Moans, as Swan Lake in 2006. Enemy Mine, the band's second album, came out yesterday (March 24, 2009).
In all honesty, my first listen to Enemy Minehttp://www.myspace.com/swanlaketheband didn't provide much excitement. Granted, I've only listened to each clip or song a couple times. Regardless, I prefer previous albums and member's previous bands. — BJ
Dan Bejar with Destroyer:
Band Members, C: George Clinton of Parliament
Song: "Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)"
From the album Mothership Connection
Parliament: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: If James Brown is the father of funk, George Clinton is the doctor of funk. He's kept the genre alive and well since the 1970s.
George Clinton and fifteen members of Parliament Funkadelic were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1997. Other than that, not much has changed for the rainbow-dreaded musician. I guess that's a lie. In 2003, at the age of 62, Clinton was charged with possession of cocaine. Who says grown ups can't party?
Clinton released George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love last September. The album features Sly Stone, the RZA and Carlos Santana, among others. He is currently on tour with his Gangsters of Love, celebrating Obama's takeover of the "White" House. — BJ
From the album Mothership Connection
Parliament: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: If James Brown is the father of funk, George Clinton is the doctor of funk. He's kept the genre alive and well since the 1970s.
George Clinton and fifteen members of Parliament Funkadelic were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1997. Other than that, not much has changed for the rainbow-dreaded musician. I guess that's a lie. In 2003, at the age of 62, Clinton was charged with possession of cocaine. Who says grown ups can't party?
Clinton released George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love last September. The album features Sly Stone, the RZA and Carlos Santana, among others. He is currently on tour with his Gangsters of Love, celebrating Obama's takeover of the "White" House. — BJ
Band Members, D: Bob Dylan of The Traveling Wilburys
Song: "Last Night"
From the album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1
The Traveling Wilburys: Web site Wikipedia
DJ comments: So Last Night I chose a Hives song. Today Chris sent me 26 emails telling me he did the same, so I chose Bob Dylan, a.k.a. Lucky Wilbury, a.k.a. Boo Wilbury, a.k.a.: Elston Gunn, Blind Boy Grunt, Elmer Johnson, Sergei Petrov, Jack Frost, Jack Fate, Willow Scarlet, Robert Milkwood Thomas, etc.
Men of many talents (or no talent) have so many names. — BJ
From the album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1
The Traveling Wilburys: Web site Wikipedia
DJ comments: So Last Night I chose a Hives song. Today Chris sent me 26 emails telling me he did the same, so I chose Bob Dylan, a.k.a. Lucky Wilbury, a.k.a. Boo Wilbury, a.k.a.: Elston Gunn, Blind Boy Grunt, Elmer Johnson, Sergei Petrov, Jack Frost, Jack Fate, Willow Scarlet, Robert Milkwood Thomas, etc.
Men of many talents (or no talent) have so many names. — BJ
Band Members, E: Richard Edson of Sonic Youth
Song: "The World Looks Red"
From the album Confusion Is Sex/Kill Yr Idols
Sonic Youth: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Richard Edson didn't play drums on this song; in fact, he only played on SY's first (and often overlooked) debut before leaving for an acting career. But it is that very acting career that made me want to give props to Mr. Edson. You might know him as the greasy parking garage attendant in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He also starred in Platoon, Do the Right Thing as the younger son of Sal the pizzeria owner, and Eight Men Out as a degenerate gambler/former boxer. — cwc
From the album Confusion Is Sex/Kill Yr Idols
Sonic Youth: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Richard Edson didn't play drums on this song; in fact, he only played on SY's first (and often overlooked) debut before leaving for an acting career. But it is that very acting career that made me want to give props to Mr. Edson. You might know him as the greasy parking garage attendant in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He also starred in Platoon, Do the Right Thing as the younger son of Sal the pizzeria owner, and Eight Men Out as a degenerate gambler/former boxer. — cwc
Band Members, F: The Brothers Followill of Kings of Leon
Band Members, G: Simon Gallup of The Cure
Song: "Kyoto Song"
From the album The Head on the Door
The Cure: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: I was kinda dismayed to hear a song by The Associates that predates this song with a kinda similar keyboard part. Not the first time Robert has sounded a bit like another British outfit: They put out "The Walk" shortly after New Order released "Blue Monday," and they sound REALLY similar. But in that case, they came out about a week apart, so I'm sure it was coincidental. Anyway, "Kyoto Song" is still great. — cwc
From the album The Head on the Door
The Cure: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: I was kinda dismayed to hear a song by The Associates that predates this song with a kinda similar keyboard part. Not the first time Robert has sounded a bit like another British outfit: They put out "The Walk" shortly after New Order released "Blue Monday," and they sound REALLY similar. But in that case, they came out about a week apart, so I'm sure it was coincidental. Anyway, "Kyoto Song" is still great. — cwc
Band Members, H: Georg Holm of Sigur Rós
Song: "Vid Spilum Endalaust"
From the album Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Sigur Rós: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: My 3-year-old son loves these guys. I was taking him to preschool one morning and had this album playing on the stereo. He asked me who the band was, I told him, he thought about it for a second, then said, "This song is CRAZY." He rules. — cwc
From the album Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Sigur Rós: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: My 3-year-old son loves these guys. I was taking him to preschool one morning and had this album playing on the stereo. He asked me who the band was, I told him, he thought about it for a second, then said, "This song is CRAZY." He rules. — cwc
Band Members, J: Wyclef Jean, The Fugees
Song: Fu-Gee-La
From the album The Score
Fugees: Web site MySpace Wiki
Wyclef Jean: Web site Myspace
DJ comments: Originally born in Haiti, Wyclef Jean and his family moved to New York when he was nine. The Jean family later moved to New Jersey where little Wyclef met Lauryn Hill and fellow Haitian Pras Michel. They formed The Fugees, a reference to Haitian refugees coming to America.
In 1996, The Fugees released their second album, The Score... and then they won a Grammy. No Biggie (although, Pras did rap about about him on track 10, "The Mask").
These days Wyclef sits on his millions -- the ones made from his work as a musician and producer. He also created the Yéle Haiti foundation to raise awareness about and improve conditions in Haiti. This is just one of his many social endeavors. Again, no biggie. — BJ
From the album The Score
Fugees: Web site MySpace Wiki
Wyclef Jean: Web site Myspace
DJ comments: Originally born in Haiti, Wyclef Jean and his family moved to New York when he was nine. The Jean family later moved to New Jersey where little Wyclef met Lauryn Hill and fellow Haitian Pras Michel. They formed The Fugees, a reference to Haitian refugees coming to America.
In 1996, The Fugees released their second album, The Score... and then they won a Grammy. No Biggie (although, Pras did rap about about him on track 10, "The Mask").
These days Wyclef sits on his millions -- the ones made from his work as a musician and producer. He also created the Yéle Haiti foundation to raise awareness about and improve conditions in Haiti. This is just one of his many social endeavors. Again, no biggie. — BJ
Band Members, K: Kristian Matsson of The Tallest Man On Earth
Song: "This Wind"
From the album Shallow Grave
The Tallest Man On Earth: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Tallest Man On Earth is comprised of one person -- Swedish folk musician Kristian Matsson. Matsson released Shallow Grave, his first full-length album, last March. The album is magnificent.
The Tallest Man On Earth is probably my number one show for Mission Creek this year. That or the next band, Fruit Bats. Anyway, Tallest Man is playing PS1 on April 4. I'm going to assume this man traveled the farthest to play Mission Creek. — BJ
"It will Follow the Rain" video
From the album Shallow Grave
The Tallest Man On Earth: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Tallest Man On Earth is comprised of one person -- Swedish folk musician Kristian Matsson. Matsson released Shallow Grave, his first full-length album, last March. The album is magnificent.
The Tallest Man On Earth is probably my number one show for Mission Creek this year. That or the next band, Fruit Bats. Anyway, Tallest Man is playing PS1 on April 4. I'm going to assume this man traveled the farthest to play Mission Creek. — BJ
"It will Follow the Rain" video
Band Members, L: Ron Lewis of Fruit Bats
Song: "When U Love Somebody"
From the album Mouthfuls
Fruit Bats: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Fruit Bats is essentially the work of Eric Johnson with whomever he can find when he wants to put together an album. At least that's my understanding of the band that's been around since the mid-Nineties. Ron Lewis currently happens to be one of those people.
Go see Fruit Bats during Mission Creek. They're playing The Picador on April 2. — BJ
"Earthquake of '73" video
From the album Mouthfuls
Fruit Bats: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Fruit Bats is essentially the work of Eric Johnson with whomever he can find when he wants to put together an album. At least that's my understanding of the band that's been around since the mid-Nineties. Ron Lewis currently happens to be one of those people.
Go see Fruit Bats during Mission Creek. They're playing The Picador on April 2. — BJ
"Earthquake of '73" video
Band Members, M: Matt Berninger of The National
Song: "So Far Around the Bend"
From the album Dark Was the Night
The National: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: This is The National's first appearance on Alphabet Soup. I guess I did play them to death pre-Soup, back when Boxer was all the rage. These guys coordinated the new compilation album Dark Was the Night, which includes this song. — cwc
From the album Dark Was the Night
The National: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: This is The National's first appearance on Alphabet Soup. I guess I did play them to death pre-Soup, back when Boxer was all the rage. These guys coordinated the new compilation album Dark Was the Night, which includes this song. — cwc
Band Members, N: Nicholaus Arson of The Hives
Song: "Die, All Right!"
From the album Veni Vidi Vicious
The Hives: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: I stole the Hives away from Brittany this week (assuming she relents and give me Nicholaus Arson in place of her D, Dr. Matt Destruction), which goes to show just how awesome these guys are, if we're both picking them. And it goes to show how little Brittany and I talk outside the studio, I guess! — cwc
Can't embed the video, but click here to check out a classic Hives offering.
From the album Veni Vidi Vicious
The Hives: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: I stole the Hives away from Brittany this week (assuming she relents and give me Nicholaus Arson in place of her D, Dr. Matt Destruction), which goes to show just how awesome these guys are, if we're both picking them. And it goes to show how little Brittany and I talk outside the studio, I guess! — cwc
Can't embed the video, but click here to check out a classic Hives offering.
Band Members, O: Olof Dreijer of The Knife
Band Members, P: William Pavone of Asobi Seksu
Band Members, Q: Nate Query of The Decemberists
Song: "The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone)"
From the album Hazards of Love
The Decemberists: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Hazards of Love was released yesterday (March 24). From what I've heard, there are a few tracks that seem to skew from traditional Decemberists songs, the title track not necessarily being one of them. However, the second song has a stronger Rock N Roll sound than their typical indie-folk sound. Not what I expected.
To get back to the theme, Nate Query is the boy next door-looking electric bass, upright bass and cello player. — BJ
From the album Hazards of Love
The Decemberists: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Hazards of Love was released yesterday (March 24). From what I've heard, there are a few tracks that seem to skew from traditional Decemberists songs, the title track not necessarily being one of them. However, the second song has a stronger Rock N Roll sound than their typical indie-folk sound. Not what I expected.
To get back to the theme, Nate Query is the boy next door-looking electric bass, upright bass and cello player. — BJ
Band Members, R: Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear
Song: "Knife"
From the album Yellow House
Grizzly Bear: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: I really need to get a new Grizzly Bear album...
Daniel Rossen is the singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Brooklyn-based bears. He joined the band in 2005, just in time to make Yellow House, my favorite of GB songs.
If you like Grizzly, check out Department of Eagles, Rossen's other music project. — BJ
From the album Yellow House
Grizzly Bear: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: I really need to get a new Grizzly Bear album...
Daniel Rossen is the singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Brooklyn-based bears. He joined the band in 2005, just in time to make Yellow House, my favorite of GB songs.
If you like Grizzly, check out Department of Eagles, Rossen's other music project. — BJ
Band Members, S: Caroline Smith of Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps
Song: "Clench My Teeth"
From the album Backyard Tent Set
Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps: CS Interview MySpace
DJ comments: Go buy this album if you don't own it. I'm nervous for the band to put out another album, because it is destined not to be as good as Backyard Tent Set. I know boys who love metal, but can't stop listening to this album. I don't want to over-hype it, but it is so. fucking. good.
Caroline Smith is the lead vocalist, as well as a guitar and banjo player for her band. She also writes all the band's lyrics. — BJ
From the album Backyard Tent Set
Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps: CS Interview MySpace
DJ comments: Go buy this album if you don't own it. I'm nervous for the band to put out another album, because it is destined not to be as good as Backyard Tent Set. I know boys who love metal, but can't stop listening to this album. I don't want to over-hype it, but it is so. fucking. good.
Caroline Smith is the lead vocalist, as well as a guitar and banjo player for her band. She also writes all the band's lyrics. — BJ
Band Members, U: U-God of Wu-Tang Clan
Song: "Bizarre"
From the album Golden Arms Redemption
U-God: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Went with a solo U-God song instead of a Wu-Tang song, partly because it symbolizes the tension between U-God and the Wu-Tang empire, and the fact that we'll be playing this song in the afternoon, so most Wu-Tang that I like is out the window due to words like shit, fuck, motherfucker, et al. — cwc
This video is, um, lame:
From the album Golden Arms Redemption
U-God: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Went with a solo U-God song instead of a Wu-Tang song, partly because it symbolizes the tension between U-God and the Wu-Tang empire, and the fact that we'll be playing this song in the afternoon, so most Wu-Tang that I like is out the window due to words like shit, fuck, motherfucker, et al. — cwc
This video is, um, lame:
Band Members, V: Tobi Vail of Bikini Kill
Band Members, W: Meg White of The White Stripes
Band Members, X: Terminator X of Public Enemy
Band Members, Z: Zebedee Zaitz of Port O’Brien
Song: "Fisherman's Song"
From the album All We Could Do Was Sing
Port O'Brien: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Not as raucous as "I Woke Up Today," but nice all the same. I'm actually glad every song doesn't sound like "I Woke Up Today," which although a great song, might pigeonhole them as Arcade Fire wannabes if everything sounded like that. — cwc
From the album All We Could Do Was Sing
Port O'Brien: Web site MySpace
DJ comments: Not as raucous as "I Woke Up Today," but nice all the same. I'm actually glad every song doesn't sound like "I Woke Up Today," which although a great song, might pigeonhole them as Arcade Fire wannabes if everything sounded like that. — cwc
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