24 August 2009

Yeah, we're straight, we get high on our music


I'm off to DC/Baltimore tomorrow for some research fun, but I had to mention that I saw The Breeders last week at the Fine Line Music Cafe. You probably know The Breeders from A) 1990's radio hit "Cannonball" or B) Kim Deal (of Pixies fame) or C) As one of Kurt Cobain's favorite bands. Their recorded material is simply fantastic and I've included a sampling below. Perhaps there will be more on that in the future. But I am happy to say that their live show did not disappoint either. Kim and twin sister Kelly were clearly having a blast on stage and, although it's been a long time since the release of Pod in 1990, the band is still going strong.

The Breeders - Hoverin'
from Divine Hammer Single
buy

The Breeders - Happiness is a Warm Gun (Beatles cover)
The Breeders - Lime House
from Pod
buy

The Breeders - Cannonball
from Last Splash
buy

The Breeders - We're Gonna Rise
from Mountain Battles
buy

The Breeders' latest release is the Fate To Fatal EP. One of the tracks includes Mark Lanegan! So buy it!

16 August 2009

Imagination blind, but changing


Short post today on Dinosaur Jr.'s latest album, Farm, which was released back in June. If we think about music in terms of lists, Dinosaur Jr. can be found near the top of many - best band, best album, best guitarist, best cover art, best live band, loudest live band, and best album of 2009. I've always wished that J. Mascis had a bit more going on lyrically, but the band's music continues to be the perfect blend of melody and energy, beauty and noise. Here are two tastes - the lengthy "Said the People" and "Imagination Blind," one of the two Lou Barlow-led songs on the album. Looking forward to having my eardrums blown out again when they come to Minneapolis in November.

Dinosaur Jr. - Said the People
Dinosaur Jr. - Imagination Blind
from Farm
buy