September in Review

I had planned this group of reviews for a certain website which will remain unnamed until someone finally makes some changes. September was a busy month, but I was able to fit in a few interesting releases. Forgive my tardiness and the lack of music posts on this site. I do realize that my music posts are the milkshakes that bring all the boys (and girls) to the yard. So, here goes...

I barely had any time to listen to the two albums from the ninth. They arrived in the mail late and we were busy starting at about 3:30 AM on the 10th. Since then, I made it a point to listen to Kimya Dawson's Alphabutt and Okkervil River's The Stand Ins as much as I could.

Luckily, Alphabutt was purchased with Lucia in mind. This is Dawson's foray into Zooglobble territory after contributing more mature fair to Juno and less mature material to The Moldy Peaches. She wrote songs for and about her daughter, Panda, and all their EC misadventures. There are also plenty of songs about smoothies, animals, and anything generally related to butts. I have always loved the quirky naivete of The Moldy Peaches and it's great for my kid. Actually, Lucia loves this album. It sooths her every time I play it.

The Okkervil River album is the follow-up/companion to last year's The Stage Names you would expect. The songs fit seamlessly with Stage Names while also creating something new and unique. Main songwriter Will Sheff moves the band's sound away from Uncle Tupelo and closer to Spoon as the arrangements and instrumentation take on a pop-centric style not entirely expected. Part of me wonders how much their tour mates, New Pornographers, had to do with this evolution. Either way, album is a suitable follow-up. Every time I listen to it, I want to put on Stage Names. Actually, Lucia was soothed one day as my mom rocked her to sleep to Sheff's emotive vocals. I have more to say about Will Sheff in an upcoming post.

One of the more highly anticipated albums for the fall has been TV on the Radio's Dear Science,. This is now a case of records I have barely been able to listen. To me, it sounds as if the band is making a vain attempt at crossover success. The result is a Prince album from the back of his vault. I can't say that I'm very impressed after the first listen. Honestly, it's only been one listen with several interruptions in between. If I mention this album again, it's because it did grow on me, much like TVOTR did several years ago. However, I'm skeptical.

The other release I anticipated on the same day TVOTR dropped (September 23rd) was Cold War Kids' Loyalty to Loyalty. Let me just say this record is a major disappointment. It's the same thing that happens every time a band of white dudes with some soul or a case of the blues spend too much time in the studio or start to over-think their shtick. Check the Afghan Whigs for example. Gentlemen, their first major label release, was as perfect an album as you'll ever find. The next record was fine, but you could see what was coming: an over-produced, Vegas-like piece of crap (1965).

So, I made it through four freakin' records in a month. I guess that's OK. Anyway, here 's the reason for the lack of posts this week (this is for you, Ashley)...

(Lucia loves her little lamb!)

Not as Miserable

Yesterday, I was able to shed some misery/Misery.

The day began early as I set out to St. Louis to attend a job fair for the city's school district. I don't know if I want to work there, but it was good for me to talk to some city folk and get back to what I know and can do as a teacher. Besides, I had four hours to myself in the car with some good music.

The Buckeyes won their semi-final game versus Purdue. The game could have locked a #1 seed for them if they beat Wisconsin today or the game ends late. Either way, I'm ready for March Madness and to see what this young team can do.

R was sick, so I was able to do some things for her. I went to 9th Street and rounded up some films. While there, I asked to take the Cold War Kids poster they had on display. As long as I wasn't going to destroy it, I was able to take it home.

Then, I picked up some Vietnamese soup, joked about the Nazi's in town this weekend (24 of 'em), and got to see downtown COMO in a different, more diverse light. There seemed to be mixtures of people all over "the district" (of Columbia). The Vietnamese place in particular was serving several mixed-race couples with children. The man behind the counter and a young black guy bumped fists in mutual admiration. It was a multi-cultural dream. I realize this is mostly superficial, but sometimes I feel like Misery is the South. So, it was nice to feel comfortable with my Misery.

After eating soup with R, I met a friend/co-worker downtown to discuss my non-renewal (see previous post). He bought me a couple of beers and complained how much it "sucked". I agreed.

Now to what I really wanted to blog about: rock 'n' roll. The Cold War Kids and Tokyo Police Club were playing a sold-out Mojo's.

Delta Spirit opened with dance-able, indie, white-boy soul . They were a solid act. Don't know if they're my cup of tea, but they are nice guys. I ran into the front man, Matt, outside rolling a cigarette. Matt was interesting. He had been around, including remote communities and communes all over the country - all at 23. He was a nice fellow. We talked about whiskey, recording, and neo-Nazis (again, there were only 24). I believe he took off for more whiskey or the Blue Note to catch TV on the Radio or both. So, I headed back inside. There, I talked briefly with Kelley (?) - I dunno; it was loud. He was nice enough to talk as well. He had played the Newport in Columbus, so we reminisced how great Columbus is.

Tokyo Police Club played second. They really remind me of Brainiac live without all the pomp. And, man, are they young. The Club mainly played songs from their incredibly frenetic EP. I suspect they were attending TV on the Radio as well, because their set was very quick. I picked up a t-shirt and button. The t is American Apparrel, of course, and has a Zeppelin with spotlight on the left shoulder and some electrical design with band name on the bottom right. Way hipper than I normally wear.

The Cold War Kids came on last. Their brand of white-boy blues plays very well live. They played what I believe was a Nick Cave cover and a new song that was purposefully disjointed in its rhythm. The singer sounds way less like Robert Plant in-person, but still has some chops. They're a confident bunch and put a on a good show. I don't know that they will do much after this, but I'm glad I got to catch them when I did.

Miserable Cold War Kids

The Cold War Kids come to town this weekend. I'm really looking forward to this. Also, Tokyo Police Club will be there. I'll have to find one of their videos as well.

I'll get back to True/False eventually...