Saturday, January 26, 2013

Dinomite Track: Todd Snider - In Between Jobs

I love Todd Snider - In Between Jobs. I have Paste mPlayer to thank for it.

This video is horrible in quality, but the best I could find. Lord forgive me for posting a video from Imus:


Dinomite Track: Derby - If Ever There's a Reason

It always takes me a while to settle in and start typing, then as soon as I do, I have to pee -- or worse. Same thing happened today, but now I'm back and ready to ramble.

Derby's song, If Ever There's a Reason, is so much fun. As usual, I find myself playing "How did I end up with this song in my collection?" I have no idea. I got it from eMusic, but I don't know why I only have one song. Maybe it was in a sampler?

Anyway, I like it. I like their cover art style too, not just on this album.


Dinomite Track: Gentlemen Hall - Every Morning When I Wake Up

I want to see these guys live. Seriously. I love this song and I think the live version (below) is even awesomer than the Daytrotter Session I have. Sorry about the douchebag in the background that has to give his commentary over the end of the recording.

Check out their website for a free download.

Gentlemen Hall - Every Morning When I Wake Up


Friday, January 25, 2013

Baby D's Shuffle: Week 1

I'm not sure if this is going to be an ongoing thing or not. I've been having trouble finding bands I want to write a lot about so I've been looking for ways to make/ruin people's day by giving them some feedback about how their music makes me feel. Today I thought I'd just put ole iTunes on Shuffle. I'll do 10 songs [or as many as I get done before I have to pee] and give you a short synopsis of my feelings. Even if what it lands on is embarassing, I'll still spill the beans.

1. The Maine: I'm Sorry

I don't play guitar or know much about playing guitar. If I did know how to play guitar, I feel I could join them onstage without prior rehearsal because the tune is a bit predictable; however, I don't hate it. I don't know anything about the band, a quick YouTube search seems to indicate they are an overly-hairsprayed boy band, which would help explain their less-than-original sound. Teenage me might have liked them more than older person me will.

2. April Smith and the Great Picture Show: Battle of Eliyahu

I have been loving April Smith and the Great Picture Show for quite some time. In fact, long enough that I haven't blogged about it because they are a little "old news" to me. She has a great voice. Their music is whimsical, but her voice keeps it from seeming comical. This isn't the best quality video, but if you haven't heard their stuff, do not hesitate to check them out.



3. Mansions: Not my Blood

Apparently I have their whole, Dig Up the Dead, album. I haven't listened to it and don't know where I downloaded it. First instinct was to hit next, but since I'm trying to say a little something about each song, I felt it necessary to keep listening a little longer. Ew. No. I don't like it. I could listen to it without dying instantly, but the desire to listen to it is not there. Skipping ahead...

4. Tyler James: A Sailor's Tune

Well, I do kind of like Tyler James. This isn't my most favorite song; it's a little too Barry Manilow for me, but I can deal with it. It's okay enough.

5. Sara Watkins: The Foothills

This appears to have come from Daytrotter. It's instrumental and is mainly "fiddle" music. I have now deleted this from my collection.

6. Touche Amore: Suckerfish

Promising start, then he sang. Meh. Getting that punk screaming sound to work is a delicate balance. Daytrotter is to blame for this one too. THISISBADANDIAMNOTGOINGTOLISTENTOITEVERAGAINPROBABLY.

7. David Mead: Last Train Home

David Mead has the sweetest voice. I really listen to a lot of his music. I am not a fan of The Beatles, but have always felt he has a very "Beatles" sound; not just his voice, but the music itself. I try not to hold that against him. This is music you can listen to with your mom or grandma around, but you might be a little embarassed to let your friends know you listen to it. Guilty pleasure.

8. Hit the Lights: Should've Known

Another one I have never listened to and have no idea where I got their whole album, probably Sound Supply. It's okay enough, nothing that really grabs my attention, but doesn't make me vomit immediately. Google says they are a pop, punk band. I don't hear the punk part, but it might just be this song.

9. Drew Grow & the Pastors' Wives: All Comes Right

Thanks, Daytrotter. I like this one. I'll have to go back and listen to the other tracks from their session.



10. The Low Anthem: Sawdust Saloon

I like The Low Anthem. I haven't decided I love them yet, but I certainly have several of their songs and am not acoustically offended by any of them that I can immediately recall.

OK, I'll admit it. I already had to stop to pee several songs ago, but I made it to 10, so I think I'll stop for now.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Endangered Species List: PS I Love You

P.S. I don't really care for you all that much is more like it. I have several tracks from PS I Love You from different sources I'd guess, including Daytrotter. This is a band I don't care for, but don't hate enough to delete every track from my iPod. They have a noisy, garage band, amateur sound to me that would probably go over live, but it's not clean enough to pipe directly into my ear canals. I don't hate them for existing, but I'm indifferent to their offerings so far.

In a world where there is so much music available, my listening time is too valuable to spend much time on these guys. That doesn't mean you won't like them. I can't expect everyone to have my impeccable music taste.

And wow, the award for one of the weirdest "masks" to ever be worn in a video, goes to:


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Basic Rambling: TV: The End of Fringe

I try not to get hooked on too many TV shows at once. In fact, now that networks are a little better about reruns/marathons to catch you up, I often won't start a show until it's at least lived through one season because I don't want to start watching a show that gets canceled three episodes in (I'm looking at you Animal Practice... and countless others).

Five years ago, a friend talked me into watching Fringe. This week it ended and I think back to those five years of confusing plot twists and wonder what the hell I was thinking. Well, I know most of what I was thinking was "JoshuaJacksonishotJoshuaJacksonishotJoshuaJacksonishotJoshuaJacksonishot". Duh.

I have to say I preferred seasons with Charlie and Lincoln. The last couple seasons I was just really watching it to get to the end. Now that it's over, I'm relieved, but I feel like I will miss Walter, Astrid, and Agent Broyles the most (Peter's cute, but a bit of a whimp).

I also fell in love with the Bad Robot at the end of every episode, although it seems you find more Bad Robot productions now a days that will fill that void. I have to play all the way to the end to hear "Bad Robot" before I can stop watching.

I didn't get into all the behind the story stuff with Fringe: the secret codes and other predictions that take too much work in my opinion. I'm glad they were there for people who enjoy that type of thing. It's hard to believe the story line went from an X-Files-ish format into whatever you'd call that at the end. From an observer here or there to meeting September's human form.

I think it's time for the show to be done, even though I will miss it, it was starting to feel like a chore to keep up with. I'm glad they had the chance to bring the storyline to an end, although I think Astrid should have gone with Michael and Walter.

In any case... this new season has a few shows that have caught my interest. I watched the first episode of Legit this week. I love DJ Qualls, so am hopeful to get at least a good season or two out of that show. Although I wasn't a huge fan of Memphis Beat, I'd watch it because of him. For some reason, I find the name of the show difficult to remember. I think Jim Jefferies may come across too similar to Wilfred's Jason Gann.

I plan to give Kevin Bacon's new show, The Following, a try, along with The Americans with Keri Russell.

Let's see what shows live through the season.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Recently Unearthed: BOY

I was watching CSI (the original) off my DVR this evening and downloading some music from NoiseTrade. I decided I should go ahead and tell you about BOY instead of waiting until this weekend.

I downloaded their NoiseTrade sampler a week or so ago. Lately, I haven't had a lot of time to listen to my new downloads. I've been too busy yakking to listen. Lucky for BOY, B comes at the top of the alphabet so I've heard their sampler a couple of times so far when I start my playlist over of recent downloads.

I think you will find that they definitely have a familiar sound. It's almost gotten to be a little too familiar to me after all the "sounds like Ingrid Michaelson" music out there, but I will reserve final judgement once their album releases to the U.S. in the spring.

There's nothing horrible about their sampler, but there are a couple of songs that don't really stand out to me as being anything that's going to turn heads. So far, I'd say my favorite from the sampler is Little Numbers.



Their label's YouTube channel also has a song I particularly like, Skin.



So, give them a listen. Check back in on them too.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Dinoscore: Jeff Pianki

I love Jeff Pianki. I could stop there, but I won't. "Dinoscores" is maybe not the ideal section to talk about Jeff Pianki. You might not have heard of him; I could probably put him in the "Recently Unearthed" section, but I would be lying. I've been listening to Jeff for at least a couple of years now.

In one way or another, I've come to own 54 of his songs. Some are duplicates or different versions of the same song. Some are covers, some are originals. Each of them has well over 50 plays on my iPod and that doesn't count when I get to the end and play it again. The originals are great; the covers are great. He's great.

I came upon Jeff Pianki in a round-about way... through finding Kiersten Holine on YouTube singing a cover of some song I've now forgotten. He has a recording with her and JT Royster. Seriously, I like Fleet Foxes, but they should surrender this song to this trio. I don't mind if you scroll down right now and start listening, I am...

Well, as I was saying, Jeff is superbly talented in songwriting and singing. Listening to his music is like going to church for me.

He was supposed to be in Kansas City awhile back, but couldn't make it. I was heartbroken. Hopefully there will be a chance to see him in the future. If you are in Michigan or nearby, you'll probably have a better chance of seeing him.

Check him out. Check out Kiersten & JT too. I plan to blog about them eventually too. Tonight's Jeff's night.



He has a Daytrotter session too.

Dinoscore: Patty Griffin Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)

I couldn't find an "official" video of this song, this isn't my favorite version, but it's still beautiful.

Up to the Mountain (MLK Song) - Patty Griffin



“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

Friday, January 11, 2013

Dinomite Track: Goldcard Destroy and Recreate

Here's an obscure one for you. I was watching this movie, Frozen River. It's not a bad movie, but one of those kind of downers that makes you kind of feel better about yourself by the end because your dad maybe isn't as big of a loser as the guy this movie is about. Anyway, at the end, this song comes on with some of the strangest lyrics I've ever heard. It grabs me full on by the ears and I ended up rewinding and rewatching the credits over and over as I frantically searched the web for the song.

Turns out Goldcard is one of those "made up" bands that existed for a nanosecond and is now non-existent. You can read more at In Music We Trust. I could repeat what they say, but why bother?

Finally, I located a free download of the song. (Anyone can PAY for a song!) I just think it's about one of the most awesome songs ever.

Check out Off Records. At this time, you can download Destroy and Recreate and another song if you Right Click, Save Target As.

I prefer not to link to unofficial videos, but due to the rarity with this song, I am doing so:





The lyrics are whack, but I love'em.

01000101 01110110 01100101 01110010 01111001 01110100 01101000 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01100111 01100101 01110100 01110011 00100000 01100010 01100101 01110100 01110100 01100101 01110010 00101110 00101110 00101110

Dinoscore: OK Go Last Leaf

If you know me at all, you know I am obsessed with Ok Go's videos. I have watched each of them approximately 9000 times. Although I enjoy some of their other videos more, this one gets bonus points because I love the song too.

Explore my sensitive side with me on this one:



Wanna know more about sharing your DREAMS? Check out Rise & Dream.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Dinomite Track: New Politics - Yeah Yeah Yeah

Quite possibly one of my favorite tracks OF ALL TIME. I can never listen to this song only once. I think the minimum is at least 3. If you see me convulsing and wearing my Griffin TuneBuds, don't call 911, I'm just listening to this song.

New Politics - Yeah Yeah Yeah


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Coming Soon: Two New Categories

I've been kicking some ideas around in my head for quite some time, but wasn't able to come up with a clever name for two new categories I wanted to start on my blog. I finally decided to call in the help of my childhood karate instructor. OK, she's not my childhood karate instructor, she's an apparently-compulsive liar that I work with that thinks it is demeaning to say she is my co-worker so instead wants to make up weird stories about how/why we know each other. (Yeah, I don't get it either.)

Anyway, with barely any help from her at all, I finally figured out some semi-clever names so I'm going to get started with some posts pretty soon...hopefully this weekend at the latest.

One newbie will be Baby D's Dinomite Tracks (get it? Dino-mite!) Yeah, you probably got it. This will be kind of my own list of one-hit wonders. Songs that I like a lot, but either don't like other music from that artist or that's just kind of the song I like best. Maybe there isn't a lot of material out there, etc. I have a lot of songs that I absolutely love, but don't own enough other music by the same performer or am not moved by their other offerings enough to make a full "Recently Unearthed" blog about it. Also, these are songs that may have been sitting around a long time too. Posts might be short: "I love this song! LINK" up to a fully bloggified ode to why I love a particular song.

Next category will be DinoScores. I know, these names are a little lame, but I finally just had to break down and pick something or else I was going to keep spinning my wheels. This category will be for stuff I find that I like -- probably mostly music -- and I want to tell you about but I either don't have anything clever to say or don't have time to say a lot right then. I might get around to adding them to "Recently Unearthed" later down the road, but it's just a way to give a shout out to something I've found without necessarily typing out a full blog post about it, which usually requires some research to give you a bit of background etc. A typical post will probably be something like "Check out THIS BAND at THIS WEBSITE and link to YOUTUBE video."

It's my blog, so my rules so who knows what will actually develop. It's just a way to get some exposure to musicians that I enjoy that maybe I haven't gotten around to providing a full blog post to.

So, keep an eye out for some new posts soon.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Recently Unearthed: Hannah Cohen

I have really bad ADD today. I have been "getting ready" to start typing this for like 2 hours. Usually, I try to do some research prior to typing and I did TRY; however, I failed miserably. First excuse, her website has an annoying pop up every time you change screens and lacks much info at all. Second excuse, sometimes I just have no attention span.

Hannah Cohen is a recent find of mine. You probably should approach her music with caution if you have suicidal tendencies or other emotional problems as her stuff (at least the stuff of hers that I have) can be a little "Debbie Downer". She has a great voice and I really enjoy her music; I just try not to play with sharp objects when I listen.

Case in Point:



I think all of us have a bit of a melancholy side...we all have a moment we want to cry at a Folgers Christmas commercial or watch a sad movie even if we aren't moments away from hanging ourselves from a tree. So, if you are wanting to channel some emotions -- channel away, baby.

I'll be interested to hear more from Hannah Cohen in the future. If you're just wanting a starter experience, check out her Daytrotter session.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Recently Unearthed: The Apache Relay

Actually, I've been listening to The Apache Relay for over a year now, I just hadn't told you about it yet. I'm not quite sure how I came across their American Nomad album, but they've also been on Daytrotter and NoiseTrade. This summer, I went to see another band and got there for the opening act and was surprised to see it was The Apache Relay. The headliner didn't impress much, so I found myself wishing I'd known to be there earlier to see the full opening set.

These guys have that good, indie rock sound that is going around. If you have a chance to see them live, I'd recommend it.

I don't really have anything witty to say right now. Just that if you haven't heard them; listen. You know you want to. I think you can get one free song from their website right now and they have a song on a NoiseTrade compilation available at this time.


Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Recently Unearthed: Blind Pilot

Hey baby, what's happening? Do you remember dial up internet? Like, the really old dial up internet when it was like those CDs getting mailed to you from AOL to try to get you to try it. Do you remember how slow it was, but yet at that time I guess it wasn't that bad because we didn't really see how fast it could be? Well, today, I feel like I'm on dial up.

I set today for a day to blog. I haven't been meeting my weekly goals for several weeks now, so I was going to get some stuff written to be able to publish some stuff throughout the week since today is a day off from the day job. Well, I finally find something I want to talk about and my interwebz are going all molasses in January on me. So let's see what I can do. I started doing my "research"... by research, I mean, picking a song that I've listened to a lot recently and making sure the band has some other songs that don't make my ears bleed. Halfway through my first video viewing, life went all .....buffering..... on me. So I decided to start writing with hopes that this doesn't turn from "Recently Unearthed" to "One Hit Wonderful" here in a minute.

So, BLIND PILOT. Where did I even get some of their music? I'm not sure, but I have only a couple of their songs in my collection (for now). One song, The Story I Heard, caught my attention enough to bump it to a 5-Star iPod rating. I own so much music that having things on shuffle doesn't always give fair play, so I won't discount the other song just because it hasn't tracked as many listens. For any of you that might have a stronger understanding of the iPod algorithm for shuffling, you can hold a seminar later. I'm not a mathematician, computer guru, or all that smart so I don't get it. I do know that if you -- on a whim -- download the complete The Essential Ronnie Milsap album that you will in fact only get to listen to Ronnie Milsap for the rest of your life or until you remove 38 of the 40 songs from your iPod.

Can you tell I'm losing focus today? That's okay, I'm more entertaining when I ramble (or less unentertaining). Whoa another computer freeze... where was I?

So, BLIND PILOT, source unknown... I like them. Kind of a Plain White Ts sound, although I really haven't listened to a lot of PWTs to maybe make that comparison. We know I don't like comparisons, but I think it's fair to say they sound more like that than Judas Priest, Whitney Houston, and/or Los Lobos. You know I'm kind of into folkie sounding banjoey harmonized lyrics music (including all of those technical terms I just layed down for you), but you also know that sometimes I like just random stuff... this is less random and more the first thing. You can check them out on Daytrotter.

Hahahaha, I was just watching a clip from them on Letterman and he called them Blind Spot. Anyway, check them out; I'm going to too once my internet catches up to 2013.

Me love you long time... bye.

2013: Year of the Dinosaur

Well, hello there! Happy New Year. Baby D went to bed early last night because the point of staying up late to watch a clock tick past midnight seems a bit lame, but no judgement here if you are one of thoooooooose people.

I'm going to keep it brief right now and just say Hey, Happy New Year, but I'll be back later to talk a bit more about other stuff, probably, sometime. Who knows.

Anyway:

Happy New Year!

Let's hope 2013 doesn't blow.