Monthly Archives: November 2010

Album Review: Library Catalog Music Series, Music for Honey & Bile

Posted by on November 17th 2010 0

True to his roots as a prolific film composer, William Ryan Fritch recently composed and released an album of filmic work in the Asthmatic Kitty’s Library Catalog Music Series, Music for Honey & Bile. The label describes the series as “instrumental albums designed for possible use in films and television, background sounds for home or office, or personal needs, such as relaxation, stimulation, meditation, concentration, or elevation,” a task which Bile and Honey adopts and masters beautifully.

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Review: Aficionado, When It Comes to Creation

Posted by on November 16th 2010 0

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Aficionado’s new EP, When It Comes to Creation, includes a track titled “The Same Original Idea.” That name pretty much sums up Aficionado’s sound. That same song includes the line that “when there is a million and one of the same original idea, it’s not original anymore,” which, in reverse, describes the concept they must have come up with for their EP. By synthesizing “a million and one” diverse unoriginal influences, the band creates something original. Although some have tried to categorize Aficionado as a punk band, When It Comes to Creation demonstrates the diversity of influences and instrumentation that the group draws upon.

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Review: Artichoke, Bees

Posted by on November 16th 2010 3

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The title alone of the L.A. based indie band Artichoke’s newest release, “Bees,” made me a little apprehensive. An entire album about bees? Maybe, I thought, the 13 bee-inspired titles—including “The Swarm,” “Vulcha Bee Sting” and, of course, “Honey”—were just thoughtful metaphoric titles to create some cohesion in an otherwise chaotic collection of songs. But no: this album is truly a collection of thirteen songs about … bees.

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Scenic Sounds: A Toast to the Douche Bag

Posted by on November 16th 2010 1

So it is no surprise that Kanye West is not the perfect model for humility.  And he could probably improve on his people skills.  Still, he definitely knows how to get the world’s attention.  Kanye West, hip-hop’s most controversial artist, created buzz yet again with the release of his 35 minute short-film “Runaway” on Saturday, October 23.  In his display of artistic versatility, West breaks down walls of stereotypes, steps outside the box and proves that he is more than just a rapper.  He is an artist, and regardless of whether his music tickles your fancy or if you are @KanyeHaters, Kanye West is the next breed of musician, bringing innovation, creativity, and balls to hip-hop.  Kanye West respects art, is open to growth, and continues to evolve as he constantly provides his audience with a stunning display of originality.

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Review: J-Live, Undivided Attention

Posted by on November 15th 2010 0

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J-Live has returned, and he is demanding your Undivided Attention on his latest offering. On this EP, J-Live revisits a measure of the confidence and boldness that once animated his tracks; a confidence that compelled him to rage against inequality and wack MCs with equal intensity; a boldness that once led him to use non-rhyming lines with no fear, and do it perfectly. The rejuvenation of J-Live’s swagger makes Undivided Attention a very satisfying listen, even though J-Live’s lyrics have slipped a little. Read More »

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Review: Ra Ra Riot & Givers @ 9:30 Club

Posted by on November 15th 2010 2

Givers

Friday night November 5th was exceptional, in more ways than one. First, I have never arrived at the 9:30 Club at 6:15 p.m. and felt late for a show. I almost missed the opening act. Second, I have never stood in the balcony there (new perspective!). Third, I am so thankful that I did not miss the opener. Givers out-shined and out-performed the headlining act Ra Ra Riot without a question. Fourth, I think I might take up drumming (I will explain this later.) I love a great night of mind-blowing surprises.

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World’s Worst Youtube Covers: Special Celebrity Edition

Posted by on November 15th 2010 1

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When a well-known celebrity attempts to jump into a career in music, the consequences are often disastrous. However, I think I’m a pretty reasonable guy, and would be willing to give some of these pseudo-musicians a shot (if only for a few minutes). William Shatner’s above rendition of Elton John’s classic “Rocket Man,” however, is so wrong on so many levels, that I can unequivocally say I will never, ever give him a second chance.  To help you, the reader, understand my anguish, I’ve compiled a four point list which clearly illustrates how not to cover a song, especially when filming it for posterity.

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Concert Review: Local Natives @ 9:30 Club

Posted by on November 15th 2010 0

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Think Local Natives and a lot of things could come to mind: perhaps rose-patterned bikinis, jumping dogs, and tasty treats; or maybe airplanes, Japan, and lost friends; or, more broadly, perhaps beautiful, kooky, off-key vocal harmonies and self-asserting, vibrant, percussive undertones. Or maybe you’ve never heard of the LA based band that seems to be selling out shows everywhere they go these days. In that case, your first though might be that the name seems really unnecessarily repetitive. Regardless, the first things that comes to mind almost certainly aren’t aggressive and overpowering electric guitars, unless, of course, you happen to work at the 9:30 Club.

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