Don't know how I survived! The crew all was chewed alive!

I must have slipped between his teeth
But, oh, what providence
What divine intelligence
That you should survive
As well as me
It gives my heart great joy
To see your eyes fill with fear
So lean in close
And I will whisper
The last words you'll hear....



The Decemberists

There are many ways to determine the degree of a band’s creativity and talent, a few being: timbre (use of different instruments and sounds of different pitch/volume), actual instrumental dexterity, ability to create harmony and rhythm, a capacity to dabble in different genres, and lyrical clout. But there is one faculty that is truly impressive and often overlooked, and that is the ability to write music and make up folklore about fictional/historical characters that do not exist in reality. One band that masters this is the Decemberists. According to a story in Unfold Magazine in April 2011, The Decemberists, known for encouraging audience participation, made their audience scream as if they were being eaten by a whale, as the band members pretended to die onstage to their song “The Mariners Revenge.” And while there is something to be said about writing a song about love, your life, or the world, there is also deep creativity that goes into writing a detailed song about a mariner being eaten by a sea creature.

As a side note, it happens to be coincidence that I am featuring another band out of Portland, Oregon, although Portland does churn out great artists. If you have not heard much from The Decemberists, absolutely check them out and have your ears tuned to the sounds of acoustic guitar, Hammond organ, base guitar, accordion, melodica, piano, keyboards, harmonica, tambourine, standing base, and whatever myriad instruments they have up there. You never know. But, with The Decemberists, anything goes.

The Mariners Revenge, thanks Alyssa


Rox in the Box


and if you enjoy Salsa, here's some Latin flare I've been enjoying...

Oye Manita
06 Oye Manita by jarconti@gmail.com

Go ahead and tell 'em that you heard me on the dirty radio.

Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside

If you're a music lover who also enjoys a bit of time travel, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside will strike your fancy. Clever lyrical quips, twisty base-lines, and unpredictable vocal inflections make listening to Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside passively interactive and just plain fun. I recommend listening to their album straight through from start to finish. Sallie Ford is original for our time in offering us a kind of "Snoop Dogg inspired" rockabilly hip-hop. Hopefully, we will get a taste of their retro-soul in the NorthEast in 2012, and you can be assured that when I hear they are coming back to Boston, I will most certainly be letting you know.

Lyrics to "I Swear"
When I turn on the radio
It all sounds the same
What have these people done to music
They just don't care anymore
Chorus:
Well, I swear I'll always say the wrong thing
Even if they never play my music on the radio
'Cause I can't help but be a mess
I'll never be like the rest
I couldn't, even if I tried
What is this robot sounding bullshit
They just don't care anymore
Why don't we get rid of all of the people
And we can sell our souls to the man
(Chorus)
Go ahead and tell 'em that you heard me on the dirty radio







And if you're not a fan of the 50s, well here's a pretty solid little remix for ya...

Thanks Will

Our house likes to hit us with this beat.

Avicii- Levels. Only 22 years old ? nnooott bad.



Afrojack - Take Over Control (Thanks Guy).



Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (Thanks Leannah)

So check the work ethic in the name. The lesson might change, but the essence in the message is the same.

Geologic, Sabzi, Ra Scion at Sasquatch

Blue Scholars
What happens when you have two students who like to skip class and live in a city solely known for being a rock town? The formation of a rap group. Based in Seatlle Washington, Blue Scholars (a pun on the term "Blue Collar"), have significantly contributed to the rap culture revival in a city in which hip hop had become a flicker more than vestigial. DJ Sabzi and MC Geologic, the group duo, not only put out great music, but also lead activism empowering youth, minorities, and even communities nationally and worldwide. Incorporating unique instrumentals (such as horns) and multi-media elements to their sound, Blue Scholars attune your ears to sonic quality not normally encountered in today's main stream hip hop. In recent years, they have been given top votes including Best Album, Best Single, and Best Hip Hop Artist in Seattle's weekly awards polls. Combining social consciousness with action, lyricism with authenticity, and true talent with modesty, this is a rarity of a rap group the future was hoping to see. What could possibly make this group any better? The fact that they're performing at the Paradise in Boston on Thursday November 10th.


No Rest for the Weary (thanks Jamie)



North by Northwest



And some another sweet little jam

Mountain Aire - New Monsoon (thanks Fox)
Mountain Air

Harry: Those skis yours? Girl: Yeah. Harry: Both of em?

Looking forward to shredding some fresh pow? The knarly knar knar? Well, check out a few of these tracks off "One for the Road," a ski movie coming out by Teton Gravity Research and filmed/music edited by Dustin Handley. It probably wont be surprising to you, WHEN you go see it in IMAX, that it won best soundtrack at the International Freeski Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec.

check it out

Here are some of my favorite tunes off the soundtrack thus far...

American Royalty- Levrolution. Off of the One for the Road soundtrack



Jahdan Blakkamoore - All Comes Back to One (Nate Mars Remix) - Also off of the One for the Road soundtrack
Jahdan Blakkamoore - All Comes Back To One - Nate Mars dubstep remix by Soul of the Lion


Awolnation- Megalithic Symphony (also off One for the Road)

Dogs love me cause I'm craaazy sniffable. I bet you never knew, I got the ill peripheral.

G. Love and the Special Sauce
Everyone knows G Love and the Special Sauce, right? Come on. They've been around since 1993! And met in Boston no less. And that sweet little ring to a name? A mental image of a light musical glaze over a doughy cinnabun, a dusting of some confectioner's sugar over fried dough, or some homemade marinara smothering a succulent chicken parm. I'll seagull that last bite. Well, anyway, whatever you imagine when you envision that Special Sauce, you can be sure it's mouth watering and made with love. G's love.

G. Love's coming to the House of Blues next week... Don't mind if I do! Want to come?



some fun cover action by the clash. Somehow this song has more views than the original by Toots and the Maytals



Santana piano gem that just rained down on me one day by accident... and now I cannot stop listening to it. I already sent it out to a bunch of trusty pals that love a good tune via gmail. But figured i'd post it anyway.

Man, you hungry? Have this sandwich, got my wallet, cheese, and lettuce

Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino

If you fancy 30 Rock, rap, comedy, and acting then you will no doubt enjoy Donald Glover, also musically known as Childish Gambino. An interesting story line, this 27 year old multi-talent has dipped his diversity thumb into writing for 30 Rock, acting on the show Community, performing solo stand-up comedy, and signing as rapper Childish Gambino with Glassnote Records. He may not be the wittiest or most novel rapper on the lyrical front, but what he lacks in poetic volubility, he makes up for in animation and charisma. And while I am honestly not a big fan of his music thus far (too many awkward "f*ckin'" verbal crutches and repetitive verses about texting), I will be looking forward to his upcoming album, Camp, to be released in November, and of course his stand up comedy tours.

Childish Gambino's best work thus far, in my opinion...
Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks by P3WBZ


I don't know what's better, the rap itself or George's exasperated face in this video of Glover free-styling...




And other genres...

Here's a free flowing tune I'd been enjoying recently by Max Sledgley entitled "Slowly"
Slowly by Max Sedgley by Sublime Music

With melody, deep, clear, and liquid-slow. Oh, for the healing swaying, old and low

In his new mixtape Returnof4eva, recent Def Jam inductee, Big KRIT, reminds us of the imminent plight faced by all upcoming rap superstars- that the money is no longer in the record sales, but the performance. The Grateful Dead method of making music free is no longer an option, but a necessity if you want to be heard. Luckily, after seeing KRIT live, it's no surprise he's making bold moves along the musical charts. Furthermore, because of the flooded music market today, rappers appear to be striving to find more intricate sample themes, such as neo-soul (as can be heard by RH Factor and Common below) or gospel. Also inspired by soul artists, such as Curtis Mayfield, KRIT emphasizes the importance of the art of poetry in the rap game. Straying away from the repetitive "I love lamp"-style prose of most rappers, KRIT mentions his dreams in a catchy, original, and sometimes articulate way. I've been enjoying the album thoroughly, finding myself at work singing "aaahhh sookie sookie now," hearing "rotating my tie" chants from softball teammates, and reviewing some new sound on the rap forefront.


KRIT's new mixtape Returnof4Eva can be downloaded here for FREE:



Big KRIT Sookie



Neo Soul collaboration-- Common with RH Factor from album, Hard Groove



Rappin 4 Tay- Players Club (Remember this beat sample?) - thanks Raf



I thoroughly enjoy this. Off of the White Panda album, Pandamonium

I'll disappear in some flamenco...

Music Therapy

Music therapy as a medium to alleviate a troubled mind, body, and soul is far from novel --writings describing the therapeutic effects of music on the human psyche date back as far as Aristotle. Although the kinship between music and the human mind reaches further back than medical scripture can encompass, a recognized clinical use of music began after World War I and II. After the wars, both professional and non-professional musicians learned that to serenade injured soldiers provided enormous relief and improved the austere atmosphere throughout veterans hospitals. What began as a simple volunteer activity evolved into a priority of many hospitals in starting musical complimentary medicine. Seeing emotional as well as physical improvements in patient healing with the addition of music, more hospitals began incorporating music into their repertoire, leading to the opening of the first music therapy program at Michigan State University in 1944. Using techniques in passive listening or active instrumental play, music therapy is often utilized in treatment for everything from classic autism to mild situational depression. A common misconception is that in order to benefit from music therapy, one has to have a known "illness" or musical ability--the point is that music itself is therapy! For those of you who feel that you missed your opportunity to play an instrument as a kid, get back behind those guitars and pianos, as simply practicing an instrument a couple times a week may improve not only the quality, but also the duration of your life.

Classic Stevie Wonder as a young kid



Kids these days... WOW. (stolen off of Jamie's facebook, thanks Jamie)



White Panda (similar to Girltalk) fun mash up, thanks Ian.



Tallest Man on Earth, thanks Raf

Feelin' good was good enough for me

Vampire Weekend

Although they may be dubbed as "The Whitest Band Ever" by Christian Lander, creator of the website "Stuff That White People Like," Vampire Weekend's Ivy League/Lax Star douchey image has done little to tarnish their musical clout. Their debut album Vampire Weekend ranked number 17 on the Billboard 200 in 2008, and they were named "Best New Band" by Spin magazine in 2008 as well. Band members include four members: Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio. All popped collars aside, they seem like a few pretty fun dudes, especially when mashed up with Kid Cudi.

Hope you all do some BBQing this weekend.




recently being converted into a Phan by pretty much all of my best friends. But if this song doesn't make you smile, what will?
Phish- Ya Mar



Kid Cudi Cudderisback/Vampire Weekend Remix, Thanks Mike
(sorry the link is gray and hard to see but meh)
http://hypem.com/#!/item/y0rf/KiD+CuDi+-+Cudderisback+(Feat.+Vampire+Weekend)


My Morning Jacket, Thanks Raf

If I get to heaven before you do, I'll cut a hole and pull you through

Fisk Jubilee Singers of Fisk University circa 1870


Jerry Garcia



One of my favorite genres of music that we rarely hear anymore is African American Spiritual music. Soul combined with gospel, percussion, and lyrics emphasizing the importance of hope, have the ability to make us all feel connected in a way that no other music can. One of these all time classics, covered here by Jerry Garcia, is Swing Low Sweet Chariot. The first recorded version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot was performed by the Fisk Jubilee Singers of Fisk University in 1909, but the original song was written by Wallis Willis. Willis was a Choctaw freedman in the old indian territory in 1862, and was known for writing songs with messages to slaves in the underground railroad. These songs contributed to the movement that bolstered slaves' perseverance and moral in their brutal escape from the South to the North. In this example, Willis was inspired by the Red River, which reminded him of the River Jordan and the prophet Elijah being taken to heaven in a chariot driven by angels. Swing Low Sweet Chariot and it's beautiful hymn would not exist if not for the ear of Alexander Reid, who heard Wallis Willis perform these songs and ran to transcribe the lyrics and melodies. Reid then sent the music to The Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, and thus the song survives today.

Enjoy! and happy Friday ...


Jerry Garcia



One of my favorites by The Band



So classic

Yep, I vow to this, I'm an alchemist. I mix emotion up with thoughts and the outcome's bliss.

(image is of The Sheepdogs)

It's The Chemicals

There's a universe inside us, all made of liquid.
It's a case of inner space, chemically dependent.
Through the veins to the brain, a whole solar system,
And I'm a jet-setting space cadet experimenting.
Yep, I vow to this, I'm an alchemist.
I mix emotion up with thoughts and the outcome's bliss.
Inhibition ain’t my boss, without a doubt take risks.
The price of progress with that cost? I'll dish out them chips
And chip at it like a sculptor carve out a wish.
I'm on a chemical romance and life is a trip
A slow dance with destiny, and her hands I grip.
She quick, but I chase; freeze tag, I'm it.
I keep running like a fountain, so deep as a crater is wide, high as a mountain goat.
And I'm immune to this altitude, got a high tolerance for substance. How bout you?
They say its abuse; I call it a skill rapid a river run through me like a chemical spill, no harm.
When I'm induced I live at will, whoa, the mind-marsh mellows like some lucky charms.
Blast off from an armchair into space.
So fast, so high got a sprinter's face.
So vast, vanilla skies, I can smell and taste the chemicals in them depending on the prescription.
Self-medicated chemists mixing up some inventions,
Experimenting and tripping,
Entering new dimensions.
With my eyes wide shut, intuition and vision,
Side effects make you feel like you're flying and swimming all at the same time, man
I ain't lying, no fibbing.
Throughout all found a wisdom broken down like a prism.
I think I'm neighbors with the man on the moon.
Chemistry's like music and I am in tune.

-Scarub




The Sheepdogs. How can you not love this riff? Thanks Will

I'm a whole lot of woman I want to recline.

Alice Russell

For those of you who love any and all things smokey (whiskey, salmon, the list goes on...), you will love the voice of the relatively new british soul artist Alice Russell. Unlike many female pop singers of our day, Russell began her musical career actually playing instruments, such as the cello, and singing in choirs. She then continued onto art school, music school, and has now reached significant notoriety in the music making community with her studio collaboration Here Lies Love, with Fatboy Slim and David Byrne.







funky

Let's have some fun this beat is sick...

There's always this stretch in February and March when the Inspiration Deficit Disorder hits hard. The perpetual music influx survives (thank god) and the concert going continues, yet staring a blank page wipes out any remotely cool ideas that may have been brewing in my head. Last night, I dreamt that some friends and I were at a concert festival that had a massive slide; we were all sliding down on our butts, ice luge style, 60 mph, laughing like hell. Another good sign was that I woke up with Lady Gaga's Lovegame stuck in my head. It's time to blast the music through the courtyard again. The mental drought is over. Bring on the outdoor concerts, the rooftop beer drinking, the picnics, the open windows, blanketless beds, and vitamin D.


PS- For those of you who said their computers were freezing, I modified the upload number so let me know if it works.


Great remix.



The song I woke up with stuck in my head:



Because it's getting nice out again:


Iron & Wine.
Maybe everybody already knew this, but I had NO idea that Iron and Wine is just one guy. Samuel Beam. Anyone seen him live recently? He performed at the 2005 Bonaroo. My favorite is how he decided on his band name: the name "Iron and Wine" was taken from the name of a vitamin supplement, "Beef Iron and Wine," that he stumbled upon in a general store while shooting a film. Do they still sell that? Sounds like something we should all be taking on the reg.
Thanks Kay.


Big KRIT & Curren$y
Big K.R.I.T. - Moon & Stars Remix Feat. Curren$y & Killa Kyleon by Nothing Can Save You

Inspired Flight- It's the Chemical. so sick. thanks Ian.
01 It s The Chemicals (feat Scarub) by Inspired Flight

I said I was amazing, not that I'm a mason.

Umphrey's McGee


Rock has continued to survive since its inception due to the fact that it is in a constant state of evolution. Whether it be through short-lived (yet freakishly influential) bands such as The Velvet Underground or through timeless geniuses like the Grateful Dead, rock and progressive rock feed off not only fad-driven musicianship, but also underground talent-focused composition. Despite the influence of the media in making everyone "sound the same," audiences continue to crave more complex music than just three chord rock. Weaving of chord progressions, symphonic harmonization, a labyrinth of sound -- we want to see bands that become heroes with their instruments in hand. And it is bands, like Umphrey's McGee, that allow us the privilege of experiencing true talent in instrument play and musical performance.

Influenced by progressive rock bands such as Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and Pink Floyd, Umphrey's McGee formed at the University of Notre Dame in 1997. Umphreys consider themselves a progressive rock jam band, much like Phish and the Dead; concerts usually consist of 2 sets, intricate improv, and lax social/taping policies. The crowds at Umphrey's shows are laid back and upbeat-- it is a wonderful world to be a part of, especially for a Friday night in the dead of winter. Original work, covers, and blended teasers of old-time favorites (such as Norweigan Wood with select Umphreys improv) make up Umphrey's multi-faceted set lists. If given the opportunity to catch an Umphrey's McGee show, I implore you to go. Be ready to dance like a zombie until the wee hours of the morning and spend the next day combing the internet, desperate to download last night's set list.


The talent... gets craziest around 3:30


Umphrey's covers. so fun.






Bloc Party Biko Dance remix, thanks Andrew
Bloc Party---BIKO---Mr.ToolsRemix by Mr.Tools

Hip Hop
Rick Ross
Free Mason Remix Rick Ross feat John Legend Phantm & Jay Z by Phantm


beautiful. Thanks V.



cool tuning. thanks Phyllis.


awesome dub remix... to get your head bobbing at work
Tooting Gangsta by Jstar


Oldies:
Van Morrison not a fan of name dropping
New Biography

If it's too loud, you're too old.

A. Welcome back. I finally have internet working on my computer again and am therefore, unfortunately, no longer living in midieval times. I will continue to eat massive legs of chicken though, drink out of chalices, and yell HAZAA!!! after hearing a good song for the first time.

2. The snow is brown. It's cold out. And miserable. So let's think about the summer, renting RVs, road trips to music festivals, sleeping in tents, portable bro bbqs, bathing in lazy rivers, showering in spickets, silent discos, and dancing barefoot in the grass to the music of our favorite artists.

D. With that said-- I woke up this morning extremely pumped about concert festivals. I could have done a review on Umphrey's McGee, which was absolutely phenomenal, but instead I'm going to do what I want and post the concert festival opportunities coming up this summer. HAAZZZAAAAAAAAA


East Coast Fests:
BONAROO
July 9th-12th
Pennsylvania... aka Tennessee (thanks franc lol)
http://www.bonnaroo.com/

August 4th-7th
NATEVA
Maine
http://natevafestival.com/

July 21st-24th
GATHERING OF THE VIBES
Connecticut
http://www.gatheringofthevibes.com/Home

Midwest:
ROTHBURY
dates unclear
Michigan
http://www.rothburyfestival.com/

West:
COACHELLA
April 15th-17th
http://www.coachella.com/


Any comments on these festivals or additional festival suggestions will be greatly appreciated. All you do is click the comment button at the end of the post.



Put you in a good mood. Thanks Raf
Nappy Roots - Good Day by pinkbowdoll

Say La Vie baby


sick mashup. and you can download it... if you'd like.
Come Closer Together - Nine Inch Nails vs. The Beatles by stndrdeviations

HOUSE


Fresh Electro:
Skream & Example
Skream and Example - Shot Yourself In The Foot Again by Ministry of Sound

Mashup fire.


Blow up your TV. Throw away your paper. Move to the country.
Avett Brothers


Fresh hip hop.
4am-Bay Bridge Music
Andre Nickatina
12 4am-Bay Bridge Music by TheBeatBox-Arconti

Acoustic
Joe Pug- Hymn #35


Cage The Elephant - Shake Me Down by JIVE Records

Flying Lotus- Do The Astral Plane. Thanks Kurt
Flying Lotus - Do The Astral Plane by wereofftherails

Put you to sleep...


Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds and a Sound. Thanks V
3 Rounds and a Sound by user1770207

Don't be afraid to make some noise now...

"Let me first say how wonderful it feels to know that it's 2007, and we just launched into a slow blues, and 7,000 people went nuts. All is not lost." - John Mayer






Blues at its best. Arguably one of the best guitar players of our generation.


Das Racist. thanks Raf


fun.


The XX intro musical crack. Thanks Kevin


Reggae.
Steel Pulse- Chant a Psalm


Dawn Landes, off of her Fireproof album.
Make It Break In by TheBeatBox-Arconti

Took us a while to realize this friendly kazoo song was about that serial killer who made a bunch of furniture out of the people he murdered. Blind Melon.
Blind Melon/Soup/02 Skinned by *L@zeR*G@zeRz*

Rodrigo y Gabriela- Juan Loco
This video is captivating. Definitely in top 5 best concerts of 2010.