New. Tori. Amos. Album.

ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
I don't care if you don't care, but...

TORI AMOS
American Doll Posse
May 1, 2007



That's all we know for now...

A Mystery Unsolved . Julie Amadeo

I couldn't even begin to recover my steps that lead me to Julie Amadeo while getting lost in the MySpace vortex, but I've been unable to turn back or move on. As soon as I saw the word "IDM" hovering over a female name, it immediately piqued my interest. Sadly, my search engine scouring brought me nothing but mentions and pieces of compilations in which this Argentinian vocalist has appeared throughout a variety of lesser known electronic labels. (Even Boomkat didn't recognzie her name, tsk tsk!)

Her strongest link seems to be with Igloo records, which I'm happy to see is still around. It all continues to confirm the fact that, well, the world outside of America makes such beautiful music, and now I can dive back into South America and see what it's been offering in the last two years that I've been absent.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/julieamadeo
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/igloorec

Trent Reznor's Crystal Ball

By now, you've heard "My Violent Heart," the first song to surface from Nine Inch Nail's upcoming release, Year Zero. Apparently left on a flash drive in a men's bathroom stall at a recent concert in Lisbon, the song has been absolutely EXPLODING all over the Internet. Noise For Toaster and Mistaker got on that right away, and I decided to hold off since it wasn't going to be all that exclusive.



With the hopes of beating a few to the punch, and offering the world another serving of NIN, I bring you a best-as-you-can-hope-for rip of "Survivalism" - the first single off of Year Zero. I have to say that despite the fact that I did love With Teeth and The Fragile, these two songs have gotten me very excited for Year Zero's release. I anticipate a lot of viral marketing to coincide with the theme of the record...an infantile, post-apocalyptic world in which we all live in paranoia. No more fear...no more freedom.

One of my favorite musicians of all time, Trent Reznor never truly disappoints. To be astounded, though, by someone whose art you respect so very much...that is priceless.


Audible: Nine Inch Nails - "Survivalism" (YSI) thank you, chris <3
Website: http://www.nin.com

Important Links

1. This message board thread goes further in depth about the "websites from the future" that surround the album's theme.

2. MTV News piece about the forthcoming record.

V-Day Schmee-Day, Obv

Valentine's Day is officially over, but teh internets had a lot of greatness to offer.

Bostonist's article about breaking up in a Web 2.0 world definitely put a smile on my face.

In addition, the Globe did a pre-Valentine's Day feature on the social pressure of hooking up that young women face

From article, regarding Laura Sessions Stepp's newest book Unhooked:
"Girls can have feelings even from the most casual hook ups, whether they want to or not, and they aren't learning what to do with them," says Stepp, whose book -- subtitled 'How Young Women Pursue Sex, Delay Love, and Lose at Both' -- arrives in bookstores this week."

So, rather than publish three different subjects in post, I'll get back to you later with more news on Thunderdome + the new NIN track that has the blogosphere a-buzz.

Happy Valentine's Day, Boston <3

Let it be known that EZArchive really, really blows. I've been YouSendIt-ing all of my files lately, a la Discobelle, and though I haven't received any complaints, it's just a damn shame. I'd completely make the switch if my subscription to EZ wasn't so hard. Get it, get it?...



Happy Valentine's Day. It's hailing in Boston. My office is as open as a whorehouse today, and trudging through the snow with a cold, hangover, and broken foot might bring about a bit of bitterness. There is, despite the shittiness, a smile so wide from the wonderful night that was Hearthrob. Every other Tuesday, kids get the eff down at the Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge from 9am and on. I think I fell at one point...once I got the Hendrick's gin + tonic in my system, it was all over.

As for Valentine's Day, so what. May the couples and/or desperate have great sex, and may the single feel vindicated in nature's delivery of the harshest weather we have had this season. Down below I've included a track of the very best version of "Hearbeats" by the one and only Knife. It's a song you've all heard a million times over, but I want to share it with you to express my thanks, love, and gratitude for all of you out there religiously reading my blog. My #1 fan is still my mom, but at least there's a much wider audience now!


Audible: The Knife - "Heartbeats [One Music Session, 02.17.05]" (YSI)

Thoughts On Arcade Fire's Neon Bible

The record opens with "Black Mirror," a song we've all heard by now. This is about as perfect as "Needle In The Camel's Eye" launching Brian Eno's Here Come The Warm Jets. Heard on its own, I was underwhelmed, but at the start of this 11-song collection, it all makes sense. "Keep The Car Running" is a song that offers enough pop construction to make the die-hard devotees of their previous material bite their lips in uncertainty. Several people have already heard only this track, and have said, "Yeah, well, I don't know...I wasn't all that blown away." The title-track, "Neon Bible," is a dark ditty that lyrically carries the record's theme from hereonin, bringing the wavering string and female backing vocals in and out in the distance. Cruise control...

"Intervention"...Yes! Now we are getting somewhere! Give me pipe organs or give me death! Give me sardonic Jesus-wept poetry or give m Sufjan (a.k.a. death)! Bring on the dark cloak of sound. Bring on...

..."Black Wave / Bad Vibrations" .::. This is, undoubtedly, a pure Arcade Fire song. Self-production rings the loudest on this track, which resonates the most grandoise moments of Funeral, while raising the bar on all levels of composition. First track on the record to induce chills, as well...



"Ocean Of Noise" is one many of you may have heard by now. Something about it makes me think of Nick Cave. I think it's fairly obvious - one has to appreciate the way this band can craft a swelling, fairly anti-climactic song with a slower tempo and never lose a breath of interest. Dodging into "The Well & The Lighthouse" is a great pick-up, which is definitely going to be an overlooked track for the record. The remix potential is the most prominent part of the track, which will hopefully bring it into the foreground. "(Antichrist Television Blues)" is probably the least impressive on the record. I think the feeling is there, but if anything it makes way for dead stop which carries a silence leading into the gorgeous, folk gem "Windowsill." More chills. "I don't want to live in my father's house no more..."

Though the most memorable track of Arcade Fire's EP was "Headlights Look Like Diamonds," the simple and gorgeous "No Cars Go," was a close runner-up. Making its return, the track appears towards the end of Neon Bible with fuller production and several more layers. It's stronger, and carries the sentiment of the band's original integrity into their new sound. Fucking awesome. (Give it two minutes, you'll see.)



So, who here likes Tom Waits? "My Body Is A Cage" takes first place as the lyrical diamond of this record. Slow and haunting - "My body is a cage / that keeps me dancing from the one I love / but my mind holds the key" - the organs return with a chorus of candlelight and muffled drums of cunning offense. Gothic and epic on its own, and a perfect track to lead you into the final notes of the record.

Keep in mind, everyone that I - and probably you - know that got sucked deep into their last LP knows it takes a few listens. Like love, the steady, patient build is the most intricate and lasting. Let this one sweep you away.

Release date: March 6, 2007
Label: Merge Records

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/arcadefireofficial

Whatever you do, do not click here.

It's [Always] Time To Party / Lexaunculpt

Unbelievable, it's really happening...

Having now reached my one-year mark in Boston, many of my friends back home in New York have asked "So, what do you think?" My usual response is along the lines of, "The electronic scene is wonderful, and in as much as it has a ways to go, it's growing at an exponential rate." (Note: yeah, I would use a word like "exponential" in my vernacular, so there.) I'd also add that, not unlike New York, the Boston scene has been growing in frequency. A year ago, there certainly wasn't a (good) dance party (almost) EVERY. NIGHT. OF. THE. WEEK.

With the occasional foreplay of Bankrupt @ Enormous Room on Wednesdays, there is now an official weekly party by non-other than the insomniac, workaholic DJ that is E-Marce of Paper and Throwed...Lush Life



Shine is nice...went to Electro-Lite there recently to see Mistaker, DJ Die Young, and David Day completely own a tiny club with expensive drinks and turn it into a neon-glowing spaceship party. (I have no idea what that means, but roll with me on this.) I'd go back, but be aware that gin & tonics cost $8 regardless of how cool the glowing walls actually are...

So with Hearthrob/Throwed on Tuesdays, Paper/Make It New on Thursdays, Thunderdome/The Pill on Fridays, and Happy Endings/Soul Night on Saturdays. I'm forgetting a million others. Please feel free to comment and remind...

###

On the other hand, I have been meaning to write a lengthy, dedicated "Used Goods" column to celebrate the re-discovery of one of my all-time favorite records...



Released on Planet Mu in 2003, Lexaunculpt's The Blurring Of Trees is an absolutely essential electronic album, and holds the top spot of defining "lush" as a proper adjective for synthetic sounds. Here's a favorite of mine.


Audible: Lexaunculpt - "Has Been Trying Not To Wonder" (YSI)
Website: Lush Life MySpace

Still In Bed With TTC

I am more than thrilled to hear the buzz surrounding the new TTC record. V2 France has released 3615, and as a big fan of Cuizinier, Orgasmic, and particularly Para One (this is the Wu-Tang of EU Electro, kids) they deserve more stateside attention than they've garnered in the last year or two. Loved by bloggers and occasionally touched upon by DJs in the know, TTC are, essentially, a team of ultra-talented producers that collaborate to create one of the strongest punches in innovative French techno.



What I've heard of the newer record has a vintage tint to it, along with crass beats that border on the evil. My intro to TTC was actually TTC reworking Modeselektor's "Dancingbox, but this new track is a Modeselektor production of TTC's "Une Bande mec Sympa."

Listen and love.

Audible: TTC - "Une Bande mec Sympa (Modeselektor)"
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/inbedwithttc

I Want You To Know-Ooh-Ohh This

Heavy snow. Coming your way. NOW...

Since you will all be at Hearthrob this Tuesday night to celebrate the glorious sound of music, keep in mind your secondary reason - it's going to snow like ashfall in Hades on Wednesday, so you'd better sow your dancing oats at the Middlesex Lounge on Mass Ave. in Cambridge on the 13th.

Fortunately, the tundra should subside by Thursday, allowing the streets to plow and the shock to wear off. You should be rested and well-hydrated to attend:




Audible: Passions - "At War With Satan (Mix) / Trouble Mix 5.5"
MySpace: http://www.troubleandbass.com




...Once more, from the top...

.Friday. February 16th.

.THUNDERDOME.

Elk's Lodge in Cambridge. 10pm. $7. 21+

Also, tonight....

You know I love The Pill, but while Great Scott is a guaranteed good time on Fridays it's always nice to venture onward [across the] Charles.

Get it? Get it! It's funny...right?



Certified Bananas, from Providence, is always a good time, but both emo kids and thuggabies will be pleased to hear the sounds of DJ Morsey. Cover charge is $3, listen to his "Emo Thug" mix. Wear your dancing shoes.

I'm holding it up in NY this weekend. If all goes well at the Plug Awards, I'll be sure to return with some foe-tohs. Love...

Audible: DJ Morsey - "Emo Thug Mix"
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theenormousroom

Time For Plan B

You know, sometimes the artist's self-written bio says it all:

"Always Been the outsider, the underdog black sheep mutha fucka! picked da guitar up age 14 and aint put it down since. Have been writing songs for around 7 years and rappin for 3. Spent my youth torn between Grunge, Rock, Jungle music and The Prodigy. Yes, i sing as well! Dont think that makes me a pussy though blood, cos u will get merked! Currently recordin and producing my debut album which will be out early next year. When i remember anything else i'll let u know wa gwan, till then, P E A C E" - Plan B



The grime scene has been blowing up since the underground notoreity of Wiley transitioned into the superstar fame of Dizzee Rascal. Since then Lady Sovereign has gone from obscure sweetheart to sell-out (sorry, Lady, your new Def Jam album disappointed muchos, and you're touring with Gwen - Seacrest ouuuuuttttt!). But it's time for Plan B, eh? Acoustic grime, hip-hop, rock amalgam with thick-Brit accented rap that lyrically blows Mike Skinner (The Streets) out of the water.

The buzz has been building for the last year, and Plan B - a.k.a. Ben Drew - is ready to launch in the US. Are you ready? The mp3 below is a great track, but the version on Who Needs Actions When You've Got Words is just acoustic, and wonderful. Inspired by the murder of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor, Plan B tells the story of a 14-year-old who kills, rapes and orders people to "hand over your money, your phone and your Pokémon cards."

Audible: Plan B - "Sick 2 Def (feat. The Earlies)"
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/time4planb

Sascha Funke .::. Vive Le France!

Warm and enveloping, Sascha Funke's newest single on Bpitch is everything and more. "Auf Aix," the A-Side is hypnotic, but it's "Ey" that has the medicinal effect that minimal techno has been known to have. It's a beautiful elixir of floating beats that transfer from one headphone to another like water in a bottle that's being sesawed from side to side at a steady pace. Slow and calm, the bare track itself is very danceable. The tinnier beats are snuck in almost unnoticed, regardless of their prominence.



Not to knock "Auf Aix," though, and make it seem at all secondary to "Ey." The latter is undoubtedly a B-Side in its mere composition. "Auf Aix" is so beyond remix-worthy, and best played with fancy headphones and a hot finger on the volume knob. Close your eyes - new places, surroundings, and experiences will bring about such creativity. As a means to avoid the harsh winter of Berlin, Funke and labelmate Paul Kalkbrenner picked up and moved to Aix-En-Provence in Southern France. Lucky bastards. Out Monday...

Audible: Sascha Funke - "Ey" (YSI)
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/saschafunke

Quick Thoughts On Bloc Party; Black Lips - You Must Know This Band

Mr. Exitfare gave me Bloc Party's A Weekend In The City and Black Lips' Los Valientes Del Mundo Nuevo to listen to at the same time. Both were devoid of any artwork, having nothing but the noticeable watermarks and white paper with the bubbly but sinister VICE logo atop a simple tracklisting.

So what'd I listen to first? Bloc Party, of course. I was ready to dislike it, but ended up falling in love with it instantly. Kind of like TV On The Radio. Or kind of if Silent Alarm was Show Your Bones and this new record is Fever To Tell. Ya follow?



But this is not at all about Bloc Party (anymore). I'd heard about the Black Lips. That is all. Didn't know what to imagine, but my preconceived notions revolved around the artsy thrash punk that's emerged from the pile of Blood Brothers' ashes. (Funny, if I may say so, how a band that is still so "new" as BB has already created such an archetype. Shit moves too fast in hyperreality!)

A gritty live record recorded in Tijuana, the Atlanta-based garage band have a timelessness to the record as I listen to it, over and over, in its entirety. It's taken me nearly two weeks to reach an opinion, but the end result is a very good one. This could be a really great introduction to the band, considering the fact that there is no studio work involved. I've seen the phrase "true visionaries of a skeptical age," and I like it. The Velvet Underground and 13th Floor Elevators have taught them well.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theblacklips

Teletextile Readies Debut Album

It's been a busy year for Pamela Martinez. One year ago, she was still living in Boston getting her masters in library science at Simmons College. Fast forward 12 months and she's already relocated to pursue her calling of music full-time - picked up and moved to Detroit en route to New York City - and upgraded from performing under her name to the band moniker of Teletextile with Brian Hamilton (Bon Savants).



Raised in Austin, TX for the most part, Pamela came to Boston to pursue schooling and music, and became an important part of the local arts scene. Pegged sometimes as the American answer to Bjork, she is anything but a replica of the Icelandic musician - Pamela's violin and piano talents resound throughout her records and live performances, almost keeping up with the powerful volume of her heart-felt voice.

So, what to assume? Gorgeous female fronting a band with violin, piano, electronics, cello, and the occasional drummer...this is not Lillith Fair material. It's so much bigger, appealing, and unisexual than the indie rock dishes you've been served. Come Hungry.

Full-length coming Spring 2007.

Audible: Teletextile - "Heartquake (Demo Version)" (YSI)
MySpace: http://myspace.com/teletextile

Quick Note: Ozzfest is FREE this year.

I'm really not in the blogging mood, but I had to get this ridiculous piece of information out there.

Ozzfest is, apparently, FREE this year.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...wtf?

Can I Just...

Look, I know posting like this is really no fair, but I'm in a rush. I just want you to all know that I really, really, really loved the last Total 7. I have such a boner for Bpitch Control that I sometimes forget all about Kompakt Records & Distro.



I think listening to this record makes me realize, even more, how sad I am to be missing all of these fabulous parties over in Europe. I was really loving Gui Boratto and Giorgios Gratzigristos (moreso because he's Greek, I think...) and the Supermayer Mix of "I Like You" is lovely.

Ok, enough nerdy praise. My iPod is tired.

Audible: Gui Boratto - "I Like You (Supermayer Mix)" (yousendit)
Website: http://www.kompakt-net.com/
MySpace: www.myspace.com/guiboratto

Oh oh oh! AND check out HUG. Yuh huh...

Get Your Kiss Awn

For the record, NO, I am not pussing out with posting fliers. You should be mighty sad if you're not attending these fabulous events, Boston...



MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bostonrollerboogie

Saturday, February 17th .::. Do Good, Dance Hard

There's so much to talk about, but it's a fast-paced night capping off a very wild weekend. The weekend of the 16th, with Thunderdome, will not come to one but two climaxes, as Saturday's event entail:

It's PB+J Time!

Prior to hearing Writer's Block over and over and over again at work, I'd never heard of Peter Bjorn And John (also known as "PB+J," which I did, in fact, mistake someone for telling me they couldn't get enough of the sandwich). "Young Folks" was a track that would always grab my attention, and stand apart from the rest on their upcoming release, Writer's Block. The trio from Stockholm are quickly becoming indie darlings, and this record is exceptionally good even though I've had the chance to listen to some of their older recordings.


Audible: Peter Bjorn + John - "Young Folks"
Video: Peter Bjorn + John - "Young Folks (Video)"
Thank you to http://feedmegoodtunes.blogspot.com, for my MP3 server sucks right now
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peterbjornandjohn

It's Time To Paaaaaaartay! Paaaaaarrrrrrrtay! There's Gonna Be A Partay Tonight!

See you there, bitchez.



MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/throwedboston

Cover Gems - Of Montreal

Hmm, so, I'm having some issues with EZ Archive at the moment, and my steady flow of awesome new music is temporarily on hold. Never out of resources, though, I will go for links posted elsewhere and the beauty of having friends who find weird shit.

Such as Of Montreal - the indie darlings that have been climbing the radio charts and getting reviewed/featured left and right for their latest release, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? - covering Peaches' well-known anthem, "Fuck The Pain Away."

How very odd and delightful!




MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ofmontreal