The self-titled debut from Unknown Mortal Orchestra (album art above) is a lo-fi psychedelic pop adventure from start to finish, and it’s easily one of the finest surprises of the year. New Zealand-born Ruban Nielson acts as a clever liaison between Ariel Pink tape-hiss, Zappa eccentricities, Tame Impala space-outs, and the ever-popular indie dance vibe akin to first-album MGMT.
This is a smooth transition to autumn – a soundtrack upbeat enough to get that final dance in before the temp drops and the relaxed atmosphere returns. The Portland band utilizes the sample-based trend and electronic percussion, incorporates the recently hyped garage sound, and taps into some genuine stoner haze. Living in Austin, and hearing constantly how similar the two towns are, I can imagine an ATX band churning out something similar. It’s perfect for the environment of a hipster haven – a society encouraging creation, diversity, and sheer weirdness. So if you don’t dig Unknown Mortal Orchestra, never fear; there’s probably room for you in Dallas.
Every Saturday, I post a 15-20 minute podcast featuring some tracks I’ve been jamming the previous week, as well as some commentary and random musings from yours truly. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
Fat Trel – Rolling
Toro y Moi – New Beat (Star Slinger Dancehall Mix)
PAPA – I Am the Lion King
Skrillex – Rock N Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain)
Most of the time I am displeased with my satellite radio subscription. I can’t honestly say I use it much, the only channel I consistently enjoy is Backspin, but usually, just because I know every single song they play and it’s good for commuting, I listen to the 90’s alternative channel Lithium. And next month, that channel is actually doing something other than playing Soundgarden tracks over and over.
Jon Stewart will host “Town Hall With Nirvana,” kicking off a half week of Nevermind Radio in celebration of the landmark album’s 20th anniversary. Jon will interview the remaining members of the group Dave Grohl and Krist Novaselic, as well as the legendary producer Butch Vig. After that, it’s all Nirvana, all the time for an entire four days, playing hits, rarities, b-sides, etc. The interview airs September 24th at 8pm EST. Finally these guys give me a reason to keep my subscription.
It’s been a short spell since we’ve heard much new material from the Whiskeytown rebel, and his last efforts, Cardinology, the heavy metal experiment Orion, and the outtakes disc III/IV, left much to be desired. But from the sound of Ryan Adams’ latest leak, the first from Ashes and Fire, it seems he’s got his soft, sweet swagger back. The melody is akin to fine craftsmanship from Adams’ last great album, 2008’s Easy Tiger. The new disc – that’s the album art above, by the way – drops October 11th.
Today is my first day of grad school; I haven’t been to school officially in about two years, give or take some randomness at ACC last winter. So I suppose my mood today is one of excitement, anxiety, and tons and tons of nervousness. Not really in the mood to post anything of substance today, so here’s a classic from one of my favorite groups, who slayed Austin Music Hall back in June.
Kinda wished I lived in Australia right now. Sydney University’s Cellar Theatre is hosting a three-night production dedicated to the one and only Yeezy, or as they describe it on their Facebook page:
This is a story of a struggle against the man to become the man. It’s about a guy who took a shot at the throne and didn’t miss. This is the tale of Kanye.
The obviously tongue-in-cheek production takes you on a journey of the life of the divine spirit who gave us “Jesus Walks:” “From humble beginnings writing beats for Jay-Z to the top of the pops remixing Daft Punk.” Tickets range from $3-$6 (that’s dingo dollars, or whatever money is down there), and if I were an Aussie, I would be attending for sure. If the man himself hears about it and has a sense of humor, like he (kind of) did with South Park’s “Gay Fish” gag, maybe we could see this showing in more places. In the meantime, you guys bring your YouTube credentials for the rest of us!
Every Saturday, I post a 15-20 minute podcast featuring some tracks I’ve been jamming the previous week, as well as some commentary and random musings from yours truly. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
Jay-Z and Kanye West – Otis
Zammuto – Too Late to Tropologize
Jay-Z and Kanye West – Niggas in Paris
Tame Impala – Solitude Is Bliss (Time and Space Machine Remix)
