March gladness

So, I'm back in the saddle again... adjusting to the work week. Just need a few naps here and there and everything's hunky dory.

I'm not one for spring fever, but I'm really pumped about this time of year now, and probably always going forward. My son was born this month, the NCAA tournament has been amazing, baseball is starting up, flowers are yada yada yada... but mostly, it's the unbelievable bunching of amazing album releases this month that has me all warm and fuzzy.

Bloc Party, M.I.A., The Decemberists, Doves, Mars Volta, Beck, Kaiser Chiefs, Ivy, The Thrills... more great albums released this month then I can ever remember. (Note I didn't inlude Kasabian... f$*k that overhyped nonsense.)

So, as we say goodbye to March, here's a taste of what she done brung us.

Sri Lankan switcheroo

OK, today I was ready to sing the praise of the new Beck release, Guero. But I can't do it. Not because it's not good, but because I can't listen to it yet... I just can't interrupt my listening to M.I.A.'s Arula, released last week (after much delay.)

Maya Arulpragasam, AKA M.I.A., is a Sri Lankan-born, London-raised musical and visual artist. But before you let the words 'world music' run wild in your head, stop. She has more in common with Missy Elliott then Zap Mama - just listen to these lyrics on "Fire Fire":

Click suits and booted in the timberland/Freakin out to a Missy on a Timbaland

With a style as distinct as Dizee Rascal, only more accessible, M.I.A. throws a mish-mash of hip-hop, chunky electro beats and tribal cadence with a mix of politics and sexuality we haven't seen in some time. A lot of anticipation in the music community for this one after releasing the great singles "Galang" and "Sunshowers", and then pirating out the vocals for a mash-up with Diplo (Piracy Funds Terrorism) all last year. But much of the anticipation is in how the public will receive it. It's much more accessible then the other London rap exports Mike Skinner (The Streets) and (Dizee Rascal) but still is enigmatic enough for the US consumer to go 'whadafu*k?'

Much of the interest stems from Maya herself. She's a visual artist and party girl in the London scene, and has a much-repeated background. The album title, Arular, is her father's nickname (meaning "the ruler") given to him by the guerilla rebel faction he co-founded in Sri Lanka (the Tamil Tigers.) Being the daughter of a Sri Lankan rebel affords her lyrics like:

I've got the bombs to make you blow/ I've got the beats to make you bang

Eli, Dr J & Champagne

Eli, Dr J & Champagne
Originally uploaded by Drake LeLane.

What kind of father gives his newborn a bottle of champagne? I think you already know the answer to that question. Believe me, he'll appreciate this photo when he's older, right down to the Dr. J onesie.

Best on the Bloc

Here it is... now the rest can go home and cry, as the album of the year (listen here) has already been crowned, or, at the very least, the bar has been seriously raised (how about Spoon's Gimme Fiction coming out in May?)

Mix in a lot of Gang of Four, and equal parts Joy Division, The Fall, The Cure and the more modern execution of Franz Ferdinand and well... you have a pretty nice mix tape. You also get something akin to this danceable and angular release from UK's Bloc Party. Not just an homage to the past, though, these brit rockers are all about big indie rock sound and execution. Armed with juicy guitar hooks and possibly the best rhythm section since The Minutemen, Silent Alarm comes across as a rather loud alarm to the charts, that indie rock is taking over. Every song is a mini epic masterpiece, but don't take my word for it, listen - tracks like "Like Eating Glass" and "Luno" are great workouts.

Of course I've been saying for months that Bloc Party Silent Alarm is the real deal. I believe I last said something to the affect that they would be this year's Franz Ferdinand, but I don't think that nearly goes far enough. I should've said they're quite possibly this decade's Nirvana. How so, you might ask? Well, both took principals of 80's underground rock and instead of just copping it, turned it into something more then it was. Crossing-over with songwriting and playing chops, but keeping it still dangerous enough to keep the indie kids happy. "Helicopter" has a line that sort of sums up my review: "Are you hoping for a miracle." Well, as a matter of fact I have been, and it appears to have been answered. Here's hoping they tear the roof off the sucka.


PS - Eli loves Bloc Party

It's like a jungle sometimes

Eli, Dad & guitar
Originally uploaded by Drake LeLane.

So, you're probably wondering why I haven't been 'blogging' in awhile. Well, I guess this photo best illustrates the juggling that goes on w/ Eli and all my interests. A home remodel, March Madness, the beginnings of Fantasy Baseball... thank goodness I'm on family leave right now or my head would literally spin right off.

Eli soliloquy

Eli soliloquy
Originally uploaded by Drake LeLane.

Ok, it's been nearly 4 days w/ little sleep and I have to say it's pretty amazing... even when he's screaming in my ear at 3 AM, I have to laugh because how can you take this face seriously.

This is a pretty serious look for him, though, I must admit.

Proud papa holding Eli

Proud papa w/ Eli
Originally uploaded by Drake LeLane.

Shortly after birth, wide-eyed Eli taking in this crazy world.

Eli came into the world March 8, 12:25 AM
7lbs, 8oz
19 inches

Wow.

P.S. - Dig the scrubs!

Looks like it's probably gonna Kasabian...

...or we could go all the way to Bob Dylan - the process has begun!

Live Rock Baby Pool

Baby room chock full of baby crap!
Originally uploaded by Drake LeLane.

No, it's not some funky wading pool for toddlers...it's a 'guess the baby's birth date' pool based on live music instead of just dates.

First off, the baby could come any day in the next few weeks or so. two minutes to twenty days... who knows? Meanwhile, there's a lot of great live music in the coming month coming to Seattle, so even though I can't go to any of the shows I take it as a good sign that my boy will be born on the day one of these artists plays here.

So here's how it works... listen to the playlist (or check out the tracklisting,) pick your favorite song or artist out of the bunch, and leave it in the comments. Every artist/song is associated with a date. I have it mostly in chronological order - in the case of a couple days late in the pool where listings haven't been filled in yet, I moved some artists who were doubled up early on (Donavon Frankenreiter, Guitar Wolf, Kings of Convenience.)

There's no telling what good music can do, and selecting an artist could throw some mojo my baby's mama's way. That being said, even though I really love Bloc Party, I do not wish a March 26th due date on her poor frame right now.

Winners have dibs on a selection of cds that include Yo La Tengo Electropurra, Sparklehorse Good Morning Spider and Nirvana In Utero.

Giantess Britney swallows Kabbalah

It's Friday, can I get a Challah?

Giantess Britney - This is from an interesting photoshop project called Celebrities Giantess. Yo, big-up your favorite celebs, g.

Today Britney Spears posted a message on her official website claiming Kabbalah has turned her life around. This comes on the heals of getting a Kabbalah tatoo, her second attempt at heebing her jeebies (first tatt turned out to be a false prophet.) I'd say her spirituality is like her tattoos, only skin deep - otherwise she'd know Judaism has traditionally forbidden tattoos of any kind; the view being that "the human body, as conceived by God is beautiful enough, and does not require such adornments." Nor, exposing of the midriff, but it's fun to look at anyway. Especially on Giantess Britney!

Here's her latest single (Rhapsody link,) for what it's worth...

What the Rooster said to Bono

Rolling Stone article on Kings of Leon reveals lead singer Caleb Followill's fears (going bald, going limp, talking to Bono,) and his drug-induced-alter-ego ('The Rooster'.)

As the band prepares to go on tour with U2 in late March, he is even more acutely aware of the potential havoc his alter ego could wreak. "I gotta get my politics figured," Caleb says, noting Bono's reputation as a seasoned activist. "Because I know they're gonna ask me a loaded question...."

Meanwhile, along w/ the big tour, the wave of press is starting to flow in. Get the album Aha Shake Heartbreak now, before it's on The O.C. and no longer feels as good to listen to.

Or just listen to it here.

Kidz bop to Float On

As I inch further into fatherhood, I'm becoming more aware of children's music and it's dearth of quality. So imagine my surprise when I see Kidz Bop (a sort of Chipmunks for the 2000's) recorded Modest Mouse's "Float On" for their latest release. (Courtesy Ultra Grrrrl.)

I won't experience it with my son, but hearing my neice jam to it will be interesting. Right up there with her knowing all the words to The Buzzcock's "Ever Fallen in Love", thanks to the Shrek 2 Soundtrack (and Pete Yorn.) Of course, when I start singing along too she looks at me like I'm the one out of place singing it!

Beck and Darth Vader

As more evidence of the future death of radio, Beck will debut five songs on the March 10th episode of The O.C. In actuality, his Beckness will be heard in six songs, the sixth being his cover of Daniel Johntson's "True Love Will Find You in The End," (which will appear on Music From the O.C. Mix IV.) Having a Johnston song appear in a kiddie soap is as crazy as he is, but let's not forget he's already had a song in a Target commercial (also covered, this time by the lovely Mary Lou Lord.) With six songs already in the mix, I guess that means there's no time for another Album Leaf song on this episode (what do they have on Josh Schwartz to be on every other episode of The O.C.?)

Meanwhile, during the very same March 10 episode of The O.C., the trailer for Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Seth (sic) will premiere. Before we go spouting about The O.C. being our ultimate cultural barometer of the moment, Star Wars is being distributed by Fox, and as we all know, The O.C. is a FOX show. Still, it's telling that they chose a kiddie soap to help launch the next installment... as their usual loyal demographic doesn't usually play with the 'kool kids'.

Maybe it's just me, but lately I've been hearing new songs by artists considered 'on the verge' and they all have something in common: they sound tailored to be played on The O.C. Specifically I'm talking about Hot Hot Heat's "Goodnight Goodnight" and The Bravery's "Honest Mistake." Just consider that the cynic in me talking. But while I'm at it, here's a playlist of songs I predict will appear in future O.C. episodes (either by end of this season or beginning of next.) The aforementinoed Beck tracks are no-brainers, obviously....I'd also add a Bloc Party and a Spoon if they were out yet (and in Rhapsody.)

More:
Kiddie Soap music
Kiddie Soaps are this Year's VW Commercials
VH1 on Beck and the O.C.
Star Wars online's official statement

Live foreign girls

Tonight @ Chop Suey: Brazilian Girls w/ West Indian Girl

When I first saw a sign for this I thought, what a great pairing for a tour. But I was wrong, they're not touring together, just two musical ships crossing in the night (thankfully in Seattle.)

So, leave it to the genius that is Chop Suey's booking agent (is it still Steven Severin?) to put them together.

I'm putting them together too (so somebody call me a genius, k?) - right here in this playlist. Brazilian Girls self-titled debut recently came out and, together with West Indian Girl's self-titled debut ('self-titled' a coincidence? me thinks not, 'zat!) make for a smooth and mellow-beat listening treat. Enjoy.

Prelude to a papa

Uncle Drake holding Quinn
Originally uploaded by Drake LeLane.

Your intrepid Drake as father-in-training, holding friends' recent addition to the human race, Quinn.

Dinosaur Jr reunite

J. Mascis and Lou Barlow will reunite for to play the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, then follow it with a tour in the UK. Can peace in the Middle East be far behind?

Dinosaur formed 20 years ago with Mascis, Barlow and Murph on drums. Together for only three releases (Dinosaur, You're Living All Over Me, and Bug) tensions between Mascis and Barlow reached a fever pitch, and, as documented in Michael Azzerad's great book "Our Band Could Be Your Life," they attemped to beat each other senseless during a show using their respective instruments. Mascis booted Barlow from the band following the Bug recording sessions, citing the latter's "excessive social ineptitude."

Barlow went on to write some pretty pointed lyrics about J. with his new incarnation Sebadoh. Case in point, "The Freed Pig":

With no sick people tugging on your sleeve, Your big head has that "'more room to grow'

Lou and Sebadoh went on to have a longer shelf life, and now he's making the scene again with a solo record Emoh. Meanwhile, Dinosaur Jr kind of petered out after a couple good albums. Let's hope that if (and when) they break-up again they go on to release as many indie rock classics as they did in that four year period following the last break-up (Sebadoh with III, Smash Your Head On The Punk Rock, Bubble & Scrape and Harmacy; Dinosaur Jr. with Green Mind and Where You Been.)

Why is Lou doing it? Here's his take from an interview in January with Now Toronto:

I know J's manager has been making calls about a reunion, because he spoke to my wife and she volunteered me. We've got a baby on the way, so it seems wise to take any opportunity for some extra income.

So there you have it... having a baby on the way can make you swallow a lot of pride. I completely understand.

Here's a playlist of Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh songs to tide us over until then.

Could we call it Prog Salsa?

It's finally here... Mars Volta's Frances the Mute!

All the leadup is worth it, because it truly is a wonderous record, who's ripple effects, I predict, will rival that of Radiohead's OK Computer. It's a concept album, it's prog-rock, it's looong... three things that could inspire mockery, not admiration. But they pull it off elegantly - one part prog-rock, one part salsa jam, and all the while boiling on the rock setting. At times, it's much more Knitting Factory then 12-sided die, more Bitches Brew then 2112... there's some early Santana, some Funkadelic ("Maggot Brain",) and of course, we have to add Pink Floyd (album cover is by Storm Thorgerson, who also did Dark Side of the Moon.) And throughout, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's insane guitar wizardry and Cedric Bixler-Zavala's Robert Plant like wailings over movement after movement.

The story behind Frances the Mute is taken from found diaries that are an orphan's story of the search for his biological parents. The diaries were found and obsessed over by former member Jeremy Ward. Tragically, Ward died in 2003 of a drug-overdose, and the anguish is felt throughout the epic. Much of the lyrics are in Spanish, and my grasp of the language is currently very rusty, but it a lot of it doesn't require language to understand the terror and emotion pouring throughout.

They obviously could care less about what anyone else thinks of it, and are guilty of self-indulgence to it's fullest... and God bless them for it.

More:
Music Video for "The Widow"
New York Time's "Strike Up the Band in 13/4 time"
Rolling Stone give it 4 stars
Play Louder give it 9 eardrums
Pitchfork predictably calls it "A homogeneous shitheap of stream-of-consciousness turgidity."
E!Online give it an 'A-'
Mars Volta and your daily movement(s)

Your daily movement #5

From the bowels of the Prog Rock vault comes your (last) movement of the day... and it's a whopping 7 movements! From the geek minds of Emerson Lake & Palmer:

Tarkus
I Eruption
II Stones Of Years
III Iconoclast
IV Mass
V Manticore
VI Battlefield
VII Aquatarkus


From the ELP overblown prog classic, Tarkus. A true exhibition in excess - nearly 21 minutes of Keith Emerson solo doodling. There's nothing like the tale of a mettalic armadillo going to battle. Many battlefields were fought in prog-rock songs, and by the end of this one I'd like to ride that armadillo tank right over all the masturbatory hammond solos... right into the water, I guess - as apparently this tank is amphibous (Aquatarkus!)

ENOUGH! Bring on Mars Volta's Frances the Mute, already!

Playlist featuring all the daily movements and a few more...
Mars Volta and your daily movement #1: Rush
Your daily movement #2: Genesis
Your daily movement #3: Yes
Your daily movement #3: Sonic Youth