Bangers and Mash: the Arbiters

"Fame, Fame, Fame Fame, Fame"

So you loved Girl Talk's Night Ripper. Then you got sick of it. Truth is, Greg Gillis' schizo wild style while an informative pop encyclopedia, isn't exactly what you want when you want to dance all night long (it's more of a 40 minute freakout). Luckily The Arbiters respect the groove. The Los Angeles based producers, a project of Music Supervision mastermind Thomas Golubic, is a groove based psychedelic mash for the ages from a producer who truly understands the word 'mix.' This isn't your standard Hood Internet slice of indie, dash of hip hop, but rather a comprehensive blend of pop music from the last 40 years. The Arbiters make the best of familiar beats like Buffalo Springfield "For What It's Worth", the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" and The Game's "Hate It or Love It", as well as ear catching riffs from Lou Reed and the Rolling Stones to create seamless grooves with poppin' verses from Biggie, Tupac and Lauryn Hill and punchy spikes from David Bowie and M.I.A. If you think mash ups blow, then I'd stake my musical reputation on you thoroughly enjoying the Arbiters mix-ups, as they don't really mash together high irony but truly, and I mean truly, mix together seemingly contradictory moments from the pop music cannon. The final product is meta- in the best way possible.

The Arbiters- Gimme That Love Thing
The Arbiters-Missing Sweet Love
The Arbiters-Papa Was A Crashing
The Arbiters-Sure Side of Fame

good peeps: Jonathan Richman

"He's Stoned/And I'm Straight"

After the New York Football Giants played one of the worst games in the recorded history of man I knew there was only one way to cheer up. That's where Jonathan Richman comes into play. You may have heard us mention Richman's deadpan wit before, or perhaps your familiar with The Modern Lovers from LCD Soundsystem's history of indie chic "Losing My Edge" ("All the Modern Lovers records"), or maybe you've seen Farrelly Brothers classic There's Something About Mary and wondered who that skinny old dude that serenades you with a spanish guitar is. The answer, of course, is Jonathan Richman.

In his teens the Massachusetts native became infatuated with The Velvet Underground and moved to New York in search of all things VU. He found himself penniless and sleeping on the Velvet's managers couch. After an extended stay he moved back to Boston and formed The Modern Lovers with Jerry Harrison (future Talking Head) and David Robinson (of The Cars). Not a bad crew, respectively. The Modern Lovers are most famous as the fore bearers of punk rock's three chord progression, exemplified in classics like "Roadrunner" and "Pablo Picasso."

Richman's lyrics, often whimsical, come from a place so pure that some songs sound as if they could be credited to a Natick kindergarten class ("I'm a Little Dinosaur"). However, it's his simple sing song, often remiscent of 50's boogaloo ("Dodge Veg-o-matic"), that has endeared pop fans for over 35 years.

"Roadrunner Once/ Roadrunner Twice/ I'm in with Love Rock and Roll/ And I'll Be Out All Night"

Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers- Roadrunner
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers- Pablo Picasso
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers- I'm a Little Dinosaur

"I Was Dancing at the Lesbian Bar" at the Knitting Factory, NYC

we love: Junior Boys

"I Think I've Seen You In My Head"

When a friend described the Junior Boys' music as "New Order meets Timbaland" I was so intrigued at what this love-child might sound like, that I immediately walked to the record store to find out more. And as it turns out, that description was pretty on the money: their debut LP Last Exit (released September 04) features the emotive melodies of New Order mixed with the rhythmic complexities of Timbo, and instantly became a favorite; the perfect soundtrack for staring out of a car window on a rainy day. Their sophomore effort, So This Is Goodbye (August 06) is somewhat of a stylistic departure (most notably the drums), but still features the unmistakable Junior Boys sound and themes: electronically-infused melancholy, about longing and lusting.

To get an idea of Junior Boys' style, take a minute to check out Last Exit 's "High Come Down" (streaming below) and the jaw-dropping, fan-made music video for Goodbye's "In the Morning" (above). Learn more about Junior Boys by clicking HERE.

Delta Spirit/Blog Fresh

"The Beard That I'm Growing/ Cannot Fully Grow"

The other day I chatted with the kind folks over at Blog Fresh Radio about one of my favorite new bands, Delta Spirit. The ragged hobo spirit blues of their self released Ode to Sunshine would sit well next to a worn out copy of On The Road, an old Hohner harmonica and a rucksack. With that in mind I highly recommend the record, which I've dubbed "Songs for Dharma Bums."

Buy Ode to Sunshine HERE.
Peep Blog Fresh Radio.
And don't forget to fall in love with Delta Spirit.

nu musik: KILN

Ethereal downtempo psychedelia from Ghostly Records

Dusker is the latest offering from Michigan trio KILN and it has been on constant loop on my mp3 player since it was released this past Tuesday -- I seriously cannot stop listening to this album. It is hypnotic, warm, subtle, spacey, and strikingly original. I could go on, but instead I'll let the Ghostly marketing department earn their paychecks.

Ghostly describes Dusker as an...

aural feast on headphones.... Its lush songs [are] packed with flourishes that appear and disappear, cycling, spilling and disintegrating across the stereo field. KILN have a knack for balancing heart rending melodies & progressions against rhythmic forms & textures of incredible depth, making for a richness of sound that may well be instrumental for the sole fact that words could never express as much.

Stream two tracks from Dusker below and then head on over to the Ghostly store where you can download the album for a measly $7. Headphones most definitely recommended.

Daft Punk: ALIVE!

"Television / Rules the Nation"

Last night I suffered one of the most terrifying nightmares of my life: Daft Punk was playing in my town, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not make it to the venue. To the uninitiated, this might not sound like a big deal. But those who are familiar with the spectacle that is Daft Punk Live can understand the horror of my sleep-induced trauma.

And as sad as I am that I did not get to see Daft Punk 'one more time' (pun intended), I am glad that I will be able to partially relive the concert experience when ALIVE 2007 hits the States in early December. Recorded in front of 18,000 screaming Parisians in July, the live disc features a mash-up of the duo's greatest hits, but inexplicably does not come with a DVD. Instead, we must settle for the official music video for the lead single "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" (above), which was shot in Brooklyn by the fans and is an excellent representation of the live DP experience. As a bonus, check out the beyond-classic video for "Around the World" off of the Homework LP.

Daft Punk- Around the World

we love: Muscles- Guns Babes Lemonade

"Hey Muscles, I Love You/I Wanna Have You Babies"

"I'm Dreaming of a Future Clean Disco For the Children"

Buy Muscles Guns Babes Lemonade at Insound. Now.

Muscles-Futurekidz

*****Hit Muscles MySpace for more.

And an Angel brought: Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabete: In the Heart of the Moon

After Rose Hill Drive threw down in my hood Friday night, I mysteriously woke up hurtin. My neck throbbed from head-banging, my liver hurt from Jimmy Beam and my black t-shirt stank of one too many Marlboro reds. That's when I looked in the mirror, (put my hand up on a cup) and said, "Eek, you need to take a break from being so jacked-up, rock 'n' roll all the time."

Just as I'm about to pull the trigger, a mysterious angel-friend rolls into my apartment. He exhales gently, flops 3 albums on the table and says: "if you only have time for one, make it Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabete: In the Heart of the Moon."
Go figure.

So I unknowingly pop it in the noise-machine and… LO! Mine prayers are answered! The electricity dims and the candles light themselves. The Sun passes behind a cloud and, suddenly, everything smells like Aloe Vera and mountain mist.
…But what's that dripping?

The dripping, I soon realize, are the dueling heartstrings of Ali & Toumani, as they transcend tribe and culture to bring a kind of Malian satori to my mid-morning battlefield.

Writes Ali Farka Toure, inside the album jacket:"I am Arma and Toumani is a Griot. I am from the Songrai/Peul culture in the north and he is a Mandé from the south. It's rare that musicians meet like this from different traditions. But there is something that unites us and it is art and culture, which have no borders."

Indeed this recording, released on World Circuit in June of 2005, is distinguished by its chemistry - apparent even to ears as unfamiliar with the genre as my own.
And while their plucking baptizes me in the dancing flames of West-African celebration, I turn to see my visitor's robes trickling out the door.
"Yo, dog! I didn't catch your n---…"

But he was gone. And I've been drinking Tuareg Tea ever since

As I listen to...
Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate- Ai Ga Bani

under the covers: Grizzly Bear

"When I Look In Your Eyes/ With Every Blow/ Comes Another Lie"

Released on Yellow House over 14 months ago, Grizzly Bear's "Knife" is still making waves. And while the song found it's way onto most 2006 "Best of" lists, it's ability to stay fresh in the ADHD minds of the blog-fueled world is nothing short of remarkable. Think about how sick of Peter Bjorn & John's "Young Folks" you were 6 months ago. That said, the fact that Ed Droste & Co.'s "Knife" is still humming around in the minds of the youth is one hell of an accomplishment. And how do we celebrate accomplishment in the post-Clinton era?? Covers. That's right kids, your favorite bands playing each others songs. What a novel idea!

Last week Grizzly Bear released the Friend EP, a collection of new jams, re-workings and killer covers by the likes of CSS, Atlas Sound and Band of Horses. If your keeping score, P4K editor Ryan Schrieber gave Friend a really, really good review. Good enough that Idolator even made fun of him for it. Not gonna lie, the guys got good taste. Anyway, it's been a week since its release so I thought we'd celebrate by posting every "Knife" related song I have. Now sing it with me kids "Can't You Feeeeel the Knife."

Grizzly Bear- Knife
CSS- Knife
Atlas Sound- Knife
Born Ruffians- Knife
Grizzly Bear- Knife (Girl Talk Remix)
Grizzly Bear v. The Knife- Knife/Heartbeats (by Parrka)

The Bobkast #6: Gray Skies, Sinking Suns

With winter comes snow and trees

Despite Global Warming's best efforts, Winter is officially upon us, and this latest installment of The Bobkast was made with the transition of the seasons in mind. And here's another "Inconvenient Truth": you will likely enjoy this mix, despite knowing little about (or being aesthetically opposed to) 'electronic' music. The tracks featured have a somewhat chilly vibe, but still provide enough warmth to get you tappin' your frozen toes and humming along to the melodies, as they come together to create a sound that can best be described as "indie-electronica." So bundle up tight, put on some warm headphones, and pray for a snow day.

Boards Of Canada- Olson
Mobius Band- The Loving Sounds of Static (Junior Boys Remix)
Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Deserter (live)
Matthew Dear- Don And Sherri (Hot Chip Version)
Hot Chip- The Warning
Aphex Twin- Fingerbib
Four Tet- And Then Patterns
Boards Of Canada- Roygbiv
Radiohead- Reckoner
Amon Tobin- Stoney Street
Prefuse 73- Uprock And Invigorate
Mobius Band- 2 Kinds of Light
The Slip- Mr. Meowskers (live)

DOWNLOAD (Right Click, Save Target As)

PS- Lichtenstein painted the piece above.

under the covers: Leonard Cohen

"Cause You Touched Her Perfect Body With Your Mind"

Whether or not you realize it, you know and love Leonard Cohen. No, not the old jewish librarian at your middle school, rather the Canadian poet, novelist and musician who has written and recorded some of the most unabashedly honest pop songs ever to grace the canon. Cohen's most famous piece, "Hallelujah", has been covered by JJ Cale, Rufus Wainwright and Jeff Buckley, and still gives me goose bumps after a couple thousand listens. If your interested in covers of "Hallelujah" My Old Kentucky Blog has an absurd collection here.

One of my favorite Cohen songs of late has been "Suzanne" from Cohen's first record, Songs of Leonard Cohen. Lines like "you know shes half crazy/ but thats why you want to be there" make the tune personal, while Leonard fleshes out the story of "foresaken, almost human" lovers. His imagery is so vivid that you can actually see Suzanne "wearing rags and feathers from Salvation Army counters."

The same afternoon I began revisting Cohen's debut album Aquarium Drunkard (here) posted on iconic Francophile hipster Franciose Hardy. Coincidently, AD pointed out that Francoise covered Cohen's "Suzanne." Compare and contrast below.

Leonard Cohen- Suzanne
Francoise Hardy- Suzanne

nu musick: The Archivist

"I Look Forward To A Time When We Can Someday Meet Again"

Somewhere between Stephen Merritt and Elliott Smith sits The Archivist, a Milwaukee bedroom musician whose woolen folk often sounds like it was recorded via an ancient walkie-talkie inside a chopper shot down behind enemy lines. At times it's raw, lo-fi aesthetic at its best. However, The Archivist also brings a few synths to the table on the standout track "New Years" which could have been the 70th track on 69 Love Songs. Even his simple, yet universal lyrics are delivered in the same gentle deadpan that won The Magnetic Fields so many broken hearts.

"In ten or twenty years if thats not much too long/I'll try and find you here provided your not gone/ But if you left or if you hide or if you lock yourself somewhere hoping not to be found/ I take it as a sign your well and that you found somebody else with whom you'd be much better off/ I hope I wont be wrong"

If you've been spending endless nights pacing around your bedroom or starring into a half empty glass of red, your in luck as The Archivist has a gift for you. What you might ask? Well it just so happens to be his recently released debut EP "recorded in his bedroom and available for free to anyone with an internet connection." Click HERE to download the whole EP for free, or check out two of my favorites below. For fans of Bon Iver, Sparrow House, Peter and the Wolf, Elliott Smith and general folkie sadness.

The Archivist- New Years(highly rec'd)
The Archivist- Jeremiah (The Archivist)

we love: Delta Spirit

"All You Soul Searching People Come On"

Last night Mort and I headed to Maxwell's (best venue in the metro area) for Dr. Dog. While the Dog show lived up to our exceedingly high expectations, what left us blown away and breathless was the ragged set of jalopy sing-a-longs by opener Delta Spirit. This ramshackle band of soul searching, highway living Kerouacian angels invigorated Washington St. with an angry poet's boiling blood and a coal miner's simple sensibilities. I'm not sure how many times Mort and I turned to each other in amazement but I'm gonna guess around 9. Delta Spirit delivered an impassioned, heart-wrenching set of rock and roll that sounds like it was drummed up by a camp of laborers laying down the Trans-Continental Railroad. At times the songs seemed culled from the majestic "Mermaid Avenue" series, or a punk rock tribute to the Band. This is music for people whose hearts are bigger than their heads. It boils and bleeds and chokes and makes you want to sing from a place deep inside your tummy. I can only liken it to seeing the Arcade Fire at Red Rocks this summer, where everyone seemed to be apart of some cosmic gospel choir. Delta Spirit's recent release, Ode to Sunshine, hasn't left my grasp since the show and I don't think it's going anywhere fast. To quote I Guess I'm Floating "How has this band not been signed yet?" If I had to guess the only reason these guys haven't inked a deal is because they haven't found the right one. I really hope thats the case as Ode to Sunshine has all the makings of a record that stays in your collection for life, only to be picked up by curious kids thirty years down the line and embraced by generations to come. They closed their set with "People, Turn Around" a harmonica blessed acoustic sing-a-long with all the heart and soul of the "I Shall Be Released" from the The Last Waltz. Yeah, this band is that awesome. BUY this album HERE. Peep their Daytrotter session HERE. Did I mention the lead singer played a keg during Dr. Dogs set?!


Delta Spirit- People, Turn Around

viddyo: Go G-Hog!

"Helpin' People is Cool"

Are you a young person living in the state of Pennsylvania? Have you considered a career in health services? No!?! Well perhaps this government-sponsored GIANT RAPPING GROUNDHOG will help you change your mind.

Thanks to our friends at Idolator for the tip.

viddyo: Aphex Twin

Time to get weird

Who knew that Richard D. James (aka Aphex Twin, AFX, Caustic Window, etc.) was such a player-hater? In this Chris Cunningham (Bjork, Madonna) directed video for Aphex Twin's single "Windowlicker" (1999, Warp Records), James picks up some girls in his ridiculously pimped-out stretch limo, beating out two foul-mouthed playas in the process. The video was meant to be a parody of contemporary American rap music, but in the end, the viewer is mostly left with a taste of James' usual creepiness. (Fast forward to 4:15 to get directly to the music)

The music itself is one of my favorite Aphex Twin tracks, a "smooth yet erratic" tune that exemplifies one James' many, many unique (often bizarre, sometimes disturbing) styles. Oddly enough, the track has been featured in a number of advertisements, including Mercedes-Benz and Nickelodeon. Buy the single at Amazon, or get your download on at Bleep or Beatport.

Sunday Brunch: You might also like....

So you've listened to Blog Fresh Radio, you've heard McGregor's commentary on Glass Candy, and now you're in love with Glass Candy (which is a good thing). They've got a sound that's unfamiliar but you won't stop until you have more. But where to go from here?

Amazon.com has been recommending music to me for years:

"Customers Who Bought This Item (Glass Candy - Iko) also bought (CSS - Cansei de Ser Sexy)"

Say you've never heard of CSS (I know, bear with me). Now you go to All Music and check them out. You check out the Genre, the Styles, and the Moods (Amiable, Celebratory, and Effervescent...excellent!). You look at the discography and see which albums are recommended with a check mark (none). So maybe you cheat and go to Pitchfork just to check out their number rating (6.0?). After all this research you still have to listen to CSS to know if you really like them or not.

Thanks to Pandora Radio, the whole process has been made a lot easier.

At Pandora, you type in an artist, any artist (I used Glass Candy). Pandora then uses 400 attributes and over 2,000 focal traits to create a radio queue of similar songs. As you listen, you can tell Pandora which tracks you like (or don't like) to further facilitate the selection process.

After typing in Glass Candy, Pandora told me: "To start things off, we'll play a song that exemplifies the musical styles of Glass Candy, which features punk roots, extensive vamping, a vocal-centric aesthetic, repetitive melodic phrasing, and major key tonality." (Sure Pandora, whatever you say...)

Here's the playlist Pandora created for Glass Candy:

Glass Candy - Lovin Machine
Goldfrapp - Number 1
The Knife - Heartbeats
Laika - Starry Night
Cub - Voracious
Gary Numan - Music For Chameleons
Glass Candy - Sugar and Whitebread
New Order - Temptation
Radiohead - Where I End and You Begin

Check it out for yourself:
(Thanks to Emily for the tip)
Pandora Radio

we love: Bon Iver

It didn't take much for me to fall in love with Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for "good winter" and spelled wrong on purpose). Seconds, literally seconds, after hearing him at CMJ I knew I was a very lucky gentleman. Bon Iver is Justin Vernon, who retreated into sylvan isolation last winter and ended up with a hauntingly beautiful companion piece, For Emma, Forever Ago. His music conjures up long lost walks through snow covered forests and the golden glint of an early winter's sun down. It feels like tweed and wool, itchy and warm. For Emma... is full of heartbreak and nostalgic longings and a simple sense of understanding. It's a break-up record, a collection of songs that will remind you of someone long gone and maybe even provide you a bit of much needed clarity. After his mesmerizing set at CMJ I was lucky enough to chat with Justin and grab one of his last handmade copies of For Emma.... Since then it's been passed around, loved, huged, cherished, and listened to non-stop by anyone I've given it to. It is my "FALL" record and it should be yours too. Unfortunately it's all sold out right now and won't be getting the proper treatment until early 2008 when JagJaguwar sets Emma free. In the meantime, you can stream the entire record HERE.


Bon Iver- For Emma
Bon Iver- Skinny Love

Bon Iver "Skinny Love" at CMJ, Bowery Ballroom

Glass Candy/Blog Fresh/Friendship!

Tuesday the 16th of October was the first day of CMJ and like we've said a few times before (and will do at least once more) we were at the Bowery Ballroom for the Brooklyn Vegan Showcase featuring the Rosebuds, Voxtrot, Shaky Hands, bon Iver, Dean & Britta and the Most Serene Republic (Miracle Fortress was not allowed through the border!). At some point during the evening, after Charles convinced me we need some Patron XO shots, I headed to the bathroom to do what people do in the bathroom. Like any drunk with dancing feet, I had late night on my mind and knew where I was headed...James Murphy at Hiro. Problem was I couldn't remember where the hell the Hiro Ballroom was. Luckily there was a line at the dude's bathroom to ask some peeps. I politely asked the guy in front of me who said "14th between 1st and 2nd." "Thanks alot man, 'preciate it." Tap tap on the shoulder from the guy behind me. "Actually it's 16th between 8th and 9th." I got real lucky he overheard me getting bunk info. A few minutes later I spotted the fellow with the correct address at the bar and had the bartender send him a drink on the Bobka. It was then, after a few minutes of geek rock talk, that I discovered the aforementioned corrector of bad addresses was Bill, the man in charge of Blog Fresh Radio since Ms. Alex went back to grad school.
Long story short, last week Bill gave me a shout and had me spit some ish for the latest edition of Blog Fresh Radio, which as you know is pretty much the best 45 minutes of each week (truth). We chatted about Glass Candy. You can hear all this nonsense HERE.

Glass Candy
Brooklyn Vegan

Debut of Sufjan's ode to the BQE

"Lift Up Your Weary Heads"

Last night thanks to two super sweet friends I was able to attend the world premiere of Sufjan Stevens "The BQE" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The 30 minute orchestral piece on the infamous roadway took Sufjan 9 months to complete and boy was it sweet. BAM's description of last nights event:

The BQE—a 30 minute symphonic and cinematic exploration of New York City’s infamous Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the 11.7-mile roadway championed by Robert Moses and constructed beginning in the late 1930s.
Merging a virtual road trip (shot in 16mm film and Super 8) with an orchestral ensemble— accompanied by hula hoopers—The BQE uncovers abstract musical patterns in the snaking traffic, stunning city views, potholed pavement, billboards, historic landmarks, and badly marked exits. The evenings will also feature new songs by Stevens and orchestrated selections
from his previous albums.

The evening started with swirling arrangements from Sufjan, band, his orchestra, and a few happy go lucky performance artists in uniforms and goofy blonde wigs tossing and twirling and spinning neon hula hoops. All this was accompanied by hyper-speed video footage of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway fused with the music. Needless to say the crowd was smiling and chatty at intermission and no one could stop talking about the hula hoops (which were on sale in the lobby). While it was indeed exciting to be apart of the world premier of one of my favorite musicians new pieces, the real treat was the second act which saw Sufjan & Co. (including massive orchestra) "playing the hits", including songs from Seven Swans, Illinois, Michigan and last year's one off "Majesty Songbird." In all honesty it was one of the most beautiful hybrids of music, art, light, hula hoops I've ever seen. If you're lucky enough to have a ticket for tonight or tomorrow, hold it close to your heart. You're in for a treat. Take a peak at the digital version of the program, including Sufjan's phenomenal essay on the BQE and Hula Hoops, as well as a clip from one of last weeks rehearsals.

BAM's BQE Program with Sufjan essay

A Rehearsal of Movement 6 from the BQE

Panda Bear: "Comfy In Nautica"

"Try to Remember Always / Just to Have a Good Time"

Panda Bear's critically-acclaimed Person Pitch is bound to end up on pretty much every "best of" list at year's end, and with good reason. His "Wilson-esque" indie-psychedelia is full of inventive sound collages and complex vocal harmonies, creating a vibe that is uplifting, mesmerizing, original, and above all, enjoyable. Check out the warm and fuzzy, skater-friendly video for the latest single "Comfy in Nautica" above.

And for those of you trying to figure out a way to put Panda Bear on your next Saturday night jamzz playlist without interrupting the flow of booty-shakin' dance beats, we also present you with the fantastic B-More Club remix of "Comfy", courtesy of Devlin from the Spank Rock crew.

Panda Bear- Comfy In Nautica (Mr. Devlin's Jamaica Plain Humpbacks Remix) [thanks to GvsB for the rip]

(PS- The remix was originally featured in a mix Devlin put together for our friends over at Discobelle in July. Check that out HERE)

How We Spent Our Halloween

"We Came to Get Down"

While you kids were out TP'ing the Jones' front yard and egging the Thompson's house, we were raging the New York Magazine Halloween party at the Judson Church featuring White Williams, Kudu, Chromeo and the man himself, Dan Deacon. Lots of slime and an Open bar! Tough to beat. Hope everyone enjoyed the day of the dead.

Halloween: Thriller!

Outsourced to India

As you put the final touches on your costume, pour some candy in a bowl for the trick-or-treaters, and take one last hit from your meth pipe, we at the Bobka have to ask: Is this where globalization is headed? Frightening indeed.

Robert Goulet (1933-2007)

The music world lost one of it's most adored icons yesterday, Grammy Award winner Mr. Robert Goulet. Goulet died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis while awaiting a lung transplant. Goulet rose to stardom as Sir Lancelot in the Broadway musical Camelot in 1960, co-starring Richard Burton and Julie Andrews. Before inserting a breathing tube, the ever-humorous Goulet told his doctors, "Just watch my vocal cords."

Goulet appeared in numerous stage performances, films, and recordings including Tim Burton's Beetlejuice and Scrooged starring Bill Murray. Goulet was known, like Shatner, for being open-minded when it came to entertainment jobs. He appeared on The Simpsons, Naked Gun 2 1/2, and even sang the National Anthem at Wrestlemania VI. Those unfamiliar with his professional work are likely to have seen Will Farrell's popularized impression of Goulet on Saturday Night Live (below) as well as Late Night with Conan O'Brian.

bangers & mash: Mr. Oizo

"You're invited into my house"

Mr. Oizo has added the magic Ed Banger touch to yet another track, giving Calvin Harris' "Merrymaking At My Place" an extreme makeover worthy of Oprah. Thankfully Oizo doesn't go too overboard with the signature Ed Banger glitch on this remix, instead choosing to emphasize the funkiness of the bassline by adding some warm synths, a skitter-skatter hi hat pattern, and powerful 8bit snare. Apparently all of the kids in the UK are going bonkers over it. Check it out below, and buy it HERE.


And to be honest, the real reason I wrote about Oizo's remix is so I could have an acceptable segue into one of my favorite videos of all time: the Oizo-produced-and-directed "Flat Beat", featuring everyone's favorite headbanging (Ed Bangin'?) puppet, Flat Eric.

Mr. Oizo- Flat Beat (1999)

nu musik: Róisín Murphy

sunglasses on loan from R.Kelly

Before I get too carried away with overseas music not in my native tongue, I thought I'd touch up on one of my favorite new albums: Róisín Murphy's Overpowered. Murphy, born in Ireland but raised in Manchester (where else?), began her career in the mid-90's as one half of the popular dance-pop duo Moloko. The group disbanded in 2002 and the quirky songstress went on to record her solo debut, Ruby Blue, with Bobk-approved British wunder-producer Matthew Herbert. Herbert's knack for jazzy arrangements and laid-back rhythms was a perfect match for Murphy.

On Overpowered, her sophomore release, the production is a bit more aggressive than Ruby Blue, with tantalizing electro-pop from start to finish. It's impossible to pick a favorite track, especially since mine changes literally everyday (I'm now glued to the spacey love-ballad, "Scarlet Ribbons"). Some of the many highlights include "Primitive," a sexy minimalist pop chant with background vocals rivaling R. Kelly's "The Zoo," "Know Me Better" whose chorus sounds like Arthur Russell meets La Bouche, "Footprints," "Body Language," "Movie Star" (think Goldfrapp meets St. Etienne), "Dear Miami," and the album's second single, "Let Me Know." I think I've just listed half the album. I think you get the point. If you're feeling extra saucy, check out the Overpowered EP which includes the excellent B-side? "Sweet Nothings."

Róisín Murphy's on a world tour now, at least she was until last night when she seriously injured her eye socket (concussion, blood loss) on a chair during a performance of "Primitive." She was rushed to a hospital in Russia (dear God) then sent back to England to recover. She's expected to be performing in a week.

BELOW: Róisín Murphy - Overpowered


Róisín Murphy - Footprints
Róisín Murphy - Body Language

Re: I'm Not There Soundtrack

"Your Debutante Just Knows What You Need/But I Know What You Want"


Been waiting for this since the tracklisting was announced a few months back and it was definitely worth the wait. This tuesday October 30th, aka Mischief Night, the re-dick-u-lus I'm Not There soundtrack will be available for purchase from the fine folks at Sony. On MySpace (HERE) they're streaming Sufjan Steven's "Ring Them Bells", Jim James & Calexico's "Going to Acapulco" (highly rec'd), Cat Power's "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again" and Jeff Tweedy's majestic "Simple Twist of Fate." No doubt this soundtrack is probably going to be one of the best compilations released this year. Below are a few more reasons, Eddie Vedder's bad ass foot stomping "All Along The Watchtower" and Stephen Malkmus' rendition of "Ballad of a Thin Man." This tuesday kids, this tuesday.

From Brussels to the Congo: Zap Mama

It's hard to pin down world music these days: Zap Mama's official website describes their music as "urban afropean music from Brussels." Afropean huh? "Somewhere between soul, gospel, pygmy song and Afro-Cuban rhythms." Soul and pygmy song? Sign me up.

Formed in the early 90's as an all-female a capella quintet, Zap Mama has evolved into more of a one-man (woman) band centered around the group's founder, Congo-born Belgian singer Marie Daulne. Signed by David Byrne's Luaka Bop in 1991, Zap Mama's debut Adventures in Afropea became the highest selling non-compilation album in the labels history.

On their latest release, Supermoon, Zap Mama leaves behind most of their a cappella roots for a predictably higher gloss of production and arrangement. Surprisingly, it works. Drastically different from their earlier releases, Supermoon, the groups's first album on Heads Up, is a free-spirited joy from start to finish. The album's opener, "1000 Ways" works to do one thing: get the party started. The rest of the album blends dozens of sounds and genres (and guests) while never losing it's edge. "Affection" and "Moonray" help juxtapose the album's afro-beats with a softer touch but are equally as enthralling. In the end, Supermoon is a step in a new direction for Zap Mama, and a good step indeed.

Zap Mama - 1000 Ways

NOT at CMJ: Moonbabies

If there's one thing we Bobkats love, it's Scandinavian music. More specifically, Swedish indie-pop. Nothing makes our hair stand like the sweet coos of Hello Saferide or the rhythmic jangles of The Ark. I don't even have to mention Jens (who's on a first-name basis now) or Peter Bjorn and John for that matter. So who's next on our Nordic love tour? How about co-ed indie-pop duo Moonbabies, whose 2007 release, Moonbabies at the Ballroom, is a fun mix of synthesizers and acoustic guitars (the combination never gets boring).

Aside from their 2005 so-called 'mini album,' Moonbabies at the Ballroom is the duo's first album since their outstanding 2004 release, The Orange Billboard. Slightly more dense, At the Ballroom makes great use of dreamy harmonies and at times even sounds epic. The strength of the album comes from the duo's ability to blend genres (think of it as a mix between Creeper Lagoon and Architecture in Helsinki).

Moonbabies - War On Sound [from 2005's War On Sound mini-album and 2007's Moonbabies at the Ballroom]

Below:
Moonbabies - Take Me To The Ballroom [from Moonbabies at the Ballroom

The Bobkast #5: A Cosmic Sing-A-Long

"Move Your Funky Feet"

After a week of nonstop ass-shaking, headbanging and fist pumping, the collective limbs of thy Bobkats are indeed sore. Luckily we've been fed some space-age medicine and are able to keep the party going long after the party has died (at least we like to think so). This mix of space candy throws together some of our much loved CMJ week with a bunch of other goodies we've been listening to. Enjoy.

The Bobkast #5: We're All In A Cosmic Sing-A-Long
1. Cryptacize- Cosmic Sing-a-long
2. Miracle Fortress- Maybe Lately
3. The Octopus Project- I Saw The Bright Shinies
4. The Hood Internet- Bros before Whoas
5. Glass Candy- Rolling Down the Hills
6. Vijay Benedict- I Am A Disco Dancer
7. Junior Brown- Dance to the Music (dub) {song of the week}
8. A Mountain of One- Can't Be Serious
9. Fujiya & Miyagi- Collarbone
10. Thom Yorke- The Eraser (XXXchange remix)
11. Grizzly Bear v. The Knife- Knife/Heartbeats
12. Hot Chip- So Glad To See You

Download HERE

Glass Candy

Watch Out for Arpegiatting Synths

Glass Candy has been releasing Italo-Disco instant classics via MySpace all year and I'm not sure why we haven't been posting about them. The Portland night people make scary good sex'd up disco and I haven't heard a soul complain about them yet (Not even at CMJ!). If you haven't yet checked out the Italians Do It Better After Dark compilation, I highly recommend doing so. "Rolling Down the Hills" is down below for download, as is the sex'd up night stalker-esque video for "Digital Versicolor." You can download "Digital Versicolor" and others for free HERE.

Glass Candy- Rolling Down the Hills

Glass Candy - Digital Versicolor
Uploaded by epb21

CMJ recap: The Shaky Hands

"Maker, Make a Light to Shine on Those Who Need Light"

One of the most pleasant surprises of CMJ came on the first night. After checking out the Indaba lounge located in a third story walk up loft on the Bowery, I headed to the Bowery Ballroom for the Brooklyn Vegan showcase. I knew next to nothing about Bon Iver nor The Shaky Hands, but had a least listened to a few tracks from Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago. Bon Iver dosed the crowd at the Bowery Ballroom in haunting falsetto and lonesome atmospherics that set a luscious mood for the evening. Needless to say I bought a handmade copy of For Emma, Forever Ago after the set. More on him later, this post is about The Shaky Hands.

They came on after Bon Iver and raged the Ballroom for 45 minutes. Two Les Pauls, steady-as-she-goes bass, rhythmically entrancing hand percusion and some big hair thrown in for good measure. The Portland band blazed through selections from their self-titeld debut. A heavy dose of jangly heartfelt American rock and roll. A week later I still can't quite put my finger on what I really like about this band, mainly because I think it's all right where it should be. I bought the record from bassist Mayhaw Hoons after the show who told me they were on their last week of a three week tour cross country. If they were tired from driving from Cleveland the day before it sure didn't show, as their performance was as genuine as a pair of Levi's Original 501's. Their record hasn't left my CD player yet.


The Shaky Hands- The Sleepless

CMJ recap: The Octopus Project

Thursday night was wild. The Kork Agency showcase at Highline packed Thunderheist, Yo Majesty, ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, Enon, The Octopus Project and Islands onto the same bill. And while the nudey shenanigans of YO Majesty were indeed outrageous, and the Trail of Dead thunderstorm was totally thunderous, the band that really blew my face off was The Octopus Project. Austin's best 'indie-tronica' band twists sampled drums around live drums, and wraps them around the ear-bleeding distortion of guitars and gentle, melodic synthesizers. Sound like something you might like? Caution, it's not for the faint of heart. But if you already dig Animal Collective, Broken Social Scene, Annuals and Black Moth Super Rainbow (friends/collaborators of TOP), then you will be smiling all the way to the record store.

The Octopus Project- I Saw The Bright Shinies

CMJ recap: Celebration

"Hands Off My Gold"

Wednesday afternoon was when it started to get hectic. After spending Tuesday evening at the Bowery Ballroom with Bon Iver, The Shaky Hands (more about them later) and The Rosebuds (among others), we hit up Hiro latenight for a ridiculous set of obscure disco by James Murphy.
Sore from shooting lasers and head banging, we spent our wednesday afternoon bar hopping on the lower east side, popping in and out of showcases. One of the best shows we happened to catch was from B-More psych-art rockers Celebration. With an ever changing schdule dominating the Brooklyn Vegan showcase at Piano's, we were lucky to stick around for Annie Mac's DJ set and catch the melodic noise of Celebration's set of blowing Baritone's, super reverberated organs and at times 4 different percussionists, all while Katrina Ford wailed, and I mean wailed, on the mic. Still haven't heard Modern Tribe yet, released 2 weeks ago on 4AD, but I highly recommend checking them out live. This Simian Mobile Disco remix of the band's "Hands Off My Gold" might not be exactly what Celebration's about but it's a damn good intro to a band we are to sure hear alot about over the coming years. For fans of the YYY's and TVOTR.


Celebration- Hands Off My Gold (Simian Mobile Disco Remix)

nu musik: Little Brother

"I had to sit and assess / why all my favorite groups is a mess / then I'm like 'they probably split for the best' / they had to make room for the rest / now we on the brink of success / ni****s gettin' praised in the press"

Most up-and-coming artists' strive to work with well known producers and sign major label deals. Apparently Durham, NC based Little Brother believes otherwise, and their risk-taking has paid off big time.

In 2003 Little Brother released The Listening to critical praise. Jay-Z recruited 9th Wonder to be the group's DJ/producer. In 2004 Little Brother signed a major label deal with Atlantic records.

Here's where things might seem to move backwards:

In 2006 Little Brother and 9th Wonder split amicably (a move P4K writer Peter Macia suggested months earlier). In 2007 Little Brother announced that they would be leaving Atlantic records due to differences in philosohpy.

So after all the hoopla, the record deals, the publicity, Little Brother is essentially back where they started, and they're stronger for it.

------

Little Brother's new album, Get Back, is a tight combination of soulful beats and poignant lyrics. Phonte and Big Pooh achieve a perfect balance between fun hip-hop and social politics (something they were over-concerned with on their 2005 album The Minstral Show). The duo frequently inserts interludes at the end of tracks that carefully avoid becoming skits and are in fact very humorous: "Prada jeans...$300. Gucci slippers...$500. Spending all your money to make these white folks rich...priceless."

Frequent collaborator Carlitta Durrand appears on two tracks: the album's catchy opener "Sirens" and "After the Party." The album's single, "Good Clothes," a commentary on urban fashion, has been available for a few months and is streaming on Little Brother's myspace page. "Two Step Blues" uses the same sample as Snoop Dogg's dexterious "Think About It" from last year's fantastic Blue Carpet Treatment.

"Breakin My Heart" feat Lil' Wayne, from Get Back available tuesday:



"Life of the Party" with Carlitta Durand, single from 2005:

Death to Ringtone Rap

"Undercover/Fuck ya Mother"

Last night Mort and I decided that we hate Soulja Boy. Yep, "Crank Dat Soulja Boy" has gotta be one of the worst rap songs ever. And while you may like to get down to the over-and-done with minimalist beat (perhaps you even know the dance), truth be told the guy just can't rhyme. Maybe it's because he's 17. The above is what a real rapper looks like at 17. Death to ringtone rap.

********************************************************************
"Get Up/Get Out"

CMJ starts today and we'll be at the Brooklyn Vegan showcase at the Bowery Ballroom tonight. Really looking forward to seeing The Rosebuds, Miracle Fortress and Bon Iver. For those without tickets, don't worry, late night with Annie Mac and DFA king bee James Murphy at the Hiro Ballroom for FREE!

Whoa!

"Everynight My Dreams the Same"

Bruce Stringsteen and Arcade Fire - Keep the car running
Uploaded by trendwhore

Best summed up by the uber-excited Canadian in the front row: "Yeah!Oh My God! Holy Fuck!! YEAHHH!!! OH YEAH!! WOO HOO." He follows that up at the end of the tune with "Yeah! Holy Shit!" As articulate as this young reveler was last night, we totally agree with him. Big time goosebumps.

Oh yeah, it's Arcade Fire playing with the Boss. ENJOY!

done did it again: Hot Chip/Spank Rock

"Leave Me This Way"

It wasn't even 24 hours ago that Mr. Mortenson enlightened us by upping Hot Chip's remix of Matthew Dear's "Don and Sherri." Luckily, the boys from Manchester don't sleep and when they aren't sleeping they're up late hunched over computers and analog synths crafting full throttle remixes by some of our favorites. This time it's Ladytron's "Destroy Everything You Touch." This was a big ass car rattling anthem for me a couple years back and while this slightly string-fueled subdued, almost eery, remix is the antithesis of the electro punk original, its a what of what a remix should be; a reinterpretation of the original, seen through the fresh eyes of some flourescent Brits. This ones more of a sex jam than a dancefloor ass rattler (not that there is anything wrong with that).

While Spank Rock's Naheem is busy making hoodrat hoodrat hoochie mama's get busy in the club, fellow Spank Rock'r XXXChange decided to throw the mp3 swallowing public a bone by sending the bass loving Swedes at Discobelle his phenomenal remix Thom Yorke's "the Eraser." A nice time of the year for Radiohead fans. This ones right up their with SR's "Earth Intruders" remix. Hot shit.

Ladytron- Destroy Everything You Touch (Hot Chip Remix)
Thom Yorke- The Eraser (XXXchange Remix)

Whoa!

"Do the Dance"

Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Rick James (back from the dead) help Justice do the D.A.N.C.E on Jimmy Kimmel. Must see.

live: Matthew Dear

"Your life will only be just what you want it for"

Matthew Dear's Bobk-approved Asa Breed is one of our favorite electronic releases of the past year. His wizardry at crafting computer-based music is apparent, which is why we were skeptical when he announced that his tour in support of the album would feature a live band.

Dubbed "Matthew Dear's Big Hands," the group showcases Matthew on vocals/computer, John Gaviglio on bass/vocals, and Mark Maynard on drums. They recently stopped by Public Radio International's "Fair Game" where they played three tracks (see below) and laid our fears to rest. Check HERE for more info and tourdates (including a Ghostly/DFA joint Halloween party at Studio B in Brooklyn!)

Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Deserter
Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Death to Feelers
Matthew Dear's Big Hands- Fleece on Brain
(All tracks recorded October 3, 2007, live on "Fair Game")

As an added bonus, listen to a streaming version of Hot Chip's "jaw-dropping" remix of the Asa Breed track "Don and Sherri." Look for the full single in stores October 16, courtesy of Ghostly.

CMJ: The Schedule: Day One

Hot Damn!

October 16th is just around the corner and after weeks of random shows popping up here and there, and conflicting times and dates taking up every sticky on my desktop, CMJ has finally released the official schedule. Over the next couple of days we will go into details about each day, highlighting acts that we can't wait to see and others we think you might dig. Peep some of our favorites that are playing the 16th below.

Complete CMJ Schedule for 10/16

Bowery Ballroom
Brooklyn Vegan Showcase
6:00pm Bon Iver
8:00pm Miracle Fortress
9:00pm The Most Serene Republic
10:00pm Dean & Britta
11:00pm The Rosebuds

We've got tix to this one and couldn't be happier spending our first night of CMJ with the dreamy haze-scapes of Miracle Fortress and the groovy dance rock of the Rosebuds. Late night we plan on catching James Murphy's DJ set at Hiro (not CMJ). Very, very excited.

Day Stage- Puck Building
12:00pm 1090 Club
1:00pm Takka Takka
2:00pm The Section Quartet
3:00pm Saturday Looks Good to Me
3:00pm Jennifer O'Connor

Jennife O'Connor's Over the Mountain, Across the Valley and Back to the Stars was one of my favorite records of '06. Her potent folkie blues could be categorized as something between Cat Power and Liz Phair. Yeah, she's bad ass. No wonder Matador signed her. She also plays that night at The Living Room. I've also heard alot of good things about Takka Takka and Saturday Looks Good To Me. Could be a lovely afternoon.

Pianos
7:00pm The Unsacred Hearts
7:45pm LOOKER
8:30pm The Two Man Gentlemen Band
9:00pm Benji Cossa
9:45pm Rocketship Park
10:30pm The Octagon
11:15pm Sam Champion

Gotta love Sam Champion, and not just because they're named after everyone's favorite NYC meteorologist. They've got that jangly, early REM/Pavement groove down pat and they rock. Not to they have a Bobka favorite in their ranks, drummer Ryan Thornton of RANA. We like RANA, alot.

Sam Champion- Like A Secret
Jennifer O'Connor- Exeter, Rhode Island
The Rosebuds- Blue Bird

legundary: Haymaker Festival

"Always Knew My Home Was In Paradise"

Back in 1999, a venue promoter derided the Disco Biscuits and their fanbase as nothing more than a "traveling ecstasy circus." Rising to prominence during the twilight of Phish, the Disco Biscuits play what they describe as trance-fusion: a progressive blend of rock, jam, and trance music; the perfect soundtrack to jumping up and down with the rest of your spun kidzz while schwillin' Sammy Smiths and trying to keep your LRG fitted tilted at a crisp 45 degree angle.

However you describe their sound (or their fans), the Biscuits are best known for their energetic live performances. And arguably the best live performance of their career took place five years ago at a small music festival that was held on a family farm in the backwoods of Spotsylvania, Virginia. The inaugural edition of the Haymaker Festival featured two nights of Biscuits performing on a secluded "nature stage" from 2am-6am.

The Disco Biscuits' music was the perfect soundtrack to the latenight festivities at Haymaker. Not only does the music have the "untz" necessary for any good dance party, but it also expertly uses the "tension and release" technique that Phish perfected to whip the crowd into a frenzy. The Biscuits' music is heavily layered; each band member will play a repetitive line or progression that intertwines with one another to create something much greater than the sum of the parts. Listen to some excerpts from the weekend below, and download both shows in all of their serotonin-soaked goodness here.

The Disco Biscuits- Ladies Jam > Voices Insane
The Disco Biscuits- Hot Air Balloon Jam
The Disco Biscuits- Helicopters Jam > The Very Moon

CMJ preview: Miracle Fortress

"And Maybe When Its Colder You Can Come To Stay"

As CMJ gets closer (and more chaotic) I'm getting excited to know that I've secured a spot to see Montreal's Miracle Fortress at least once. The psychedelic rainbow harmonies of Five Roses have been on my mind since KEXP enlightened me last spring. Miracle Fortress should bring to mind fellow hazy Montreal rockers The Besnard Lakes and the equally Canadian, Caribou(formerly Manitoba). The harmonies on "Maybe Lately" are so fucking Beach Boys and while yes we say that alot, and yes its 2k7's indie rock key word (Wilson-esque), there's no need to deny its looping, whirling seaside goodness. Come check them out with us 10/16 at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC with the Rosebuds, The Most Serene Republic and a slew of others.

Miracle Fortress- Maybe Lately
Miracle Fortress-This Thing About You

Not for Parents: Spank Rock

"B-O-O-T-A-Y, YOU AIN'T GOT NO ALIBI, BITCH YOU UGLY"

If you aren't one of the professional geeks who spends hours a day scouring the internet looking for new ass-shaking bangers, then no doubt you've been missing out on the f'ing ridiculous (I can't stress ridiculous enough) Spank Rock tribute to original bad-ass sex machine rappers 2 Live Crew. Yeah, you know the early 90's rap group that made such nursery school classics like "Pussy Popper" and "Me So Horny." Well now, the new milleniums nasty ass crunk king Spank Rock and his partner in perversion, Benny Blanco, sample some 2LC and released these four tracks FREE through the internet. They'd been giving them away each thursday, just in time to offend any cute church going girl you may meet at a friday night house party, but hey, what else can you expect from a guy whose known to spit verses on tracks about Lohan's "baby rat." Not safe for work, not safe for anywhere.
All four tracks below.

Spank Rock & Benny Blanco- Shake That
Spank Rock & Benny Blanco- B.O.O.T.A.Y
Spank Rock & Benny Blanco- Loose
Spank Rock & Benny Blanco- Bitch!

classik: The Layla Sessions

"Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?"

Eric Clapton had a lot on his mind when he entered a Miami recording studio in late August 1970 with Derek & The Dominos. Not only was he struggling with the fame and inherent excesses brought on by his time with Cream and Blind Faith, he was also nursing a broken heart - a reliable recipe for the blues. Were it not for the bizarre love triangle consuming Clapton, his best friend George Harrison, and George's wife (the psychedelic vixen Pattie Boyd), it is likely that the definitive track of Clapton's career never would have been recorded, nor would he have played with the amount of passion and soul that is overwhelmingly obvious when listening to the tapes.

Prior to any official recording, the Dominos played marathon jam sessions to get warmed up, often times inviting their new friend Duane Allman to sit in as well. Producer Tom Dowd (who initially introduced Eric and Duane) recalls these early jam sessions lasting anywhere from 15-18 hrs at a time, using a multitude of studio engineers. Luckily, the engineers had the foresight to press "Record" during these legendary jams, which would eventually surface as its own disc included with the 20th Anniversary edition of the album.

Check out Jam I below. Although Skydog is not featured on this particular go-round, Clapton is able to pick up the slack, transforming a simple two chord progression into a fiery, cathartic beast, filled with the pain of his addictions and his longing for his (temporarily) unrequited love. And for the record, I think Clapton is a scumbag for stealing his best-friend's wife, although he is a scumbag who knows how to play a mean guitar, which somehow makes it less deplorable.


{ED. Sidenote: Pati Boyd is set to release an autobiography titled "Wonderful Tonight,", which Clapton also wrote about her}


Derek & The Dominos- Jam I

Derek & The Dominos- It's Too Late (Live on the Johnny Cash Show)

The Bobkast: V.4- I DIG YOUR MIND

"I'm Dead and I'm Perfectly Content"

Inspired by my longing for autumn in New York this mix is concentrated in nostalgic, timeless rock and roll deeply indebted to '60's pop and rock. While much is culled from 2007 releases (Band of Horses, Buffalo Killers, Stars) I tried to blur chronological lines with this podcast by incorporating classick old skoolers like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and ferocious '60s garage rockers The Nervous Breakdown (Thanks to Aquarium Drunkard for introducing me to "I DIG YOUR MIND"). At the same time, where would we be without progress. That's why we've got modern retro outfits like The Raveonettes, Buffalo Killers and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings ripping it up.

The concept for this podcast came after relentlessly listening to The Black Lips. Unfortunatly for better or worse, I decided to leave the Lips off this podcast. But please, please check them out. If you haven't heard them yet they sound like the early Beach Boys raping Iggy Pop with Jan & Dean's guitars, followed by Iggy slicing each one of their peppy So-Cal necks with a broken bottle of Beam, turning the bottle on himself and cutting his chest, consequently using the blood ,and the bottle, to produce a super reverberated slide guitar tone. Yeah, they sounds like that.

PS- Yes the B.O.H song is named after everyones favorite European three-point shooter.

The Bobkast #4: I DIG YOUR MIND
1. Spoon- The Way We Get By
2. The Nervous Breakdown- I DIG YOUR MIND
3. The Rosebuds- Waiting for the Carnival
4. Buffalo Killers- Don't You Ever Think I Cry
5. Band of Horses- Detlef Schrimpf
6. The Kinks- Get Back in Line
7. The Zombies- I Want Her She Wants Me
8. The Kinks- Along Way From Home
9. Tom Waits- (Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night
10. Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong- Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You
11. Sharon Jones & the Dap-kings- 100 Days, 100 Nights
12. Candy Payne- By Tommorrow
13. The Raveonettes- Ode to L.A.
14. Charlotte Gainsbourg- The Songs We Sing
15. Stars- Celebrated Gun

Download the fourth BOBKAST here