The Twelves

Great live version of their MIA-BOYZ (REMIX)

Great Article

shout out to gary k showing me this article. so true. and i will confess, i do this quite frequently.
stereotyping people by their favorite indie bands

Funniest Mash Up Ever

Two Sweet Mixes I Got For Being Part of the Ed Banger Email List

Busy P (Right Click and Save As)


DJ Mehdi (Right Click and Save As)

What would I Want

Sounds Like a Fun Cruise

Justice = Great

LANCE ARMSTONG = GIRL TALK FAN

http://twitter.com/lancearmstrong/status/4615247142

Possible Girl Talk Live in Concert DVD

This could be cool.

Only good track on The Blueprint 3

The Twelves

This is a sick mix. Its by some killer DJs from Rio De Janeiro.
Download here

My Matt and Kim article on the Daily Cardinal's website

http://www.dailycardinal.com/blog-1.109/birdwatching?article116=19.334897&page116=BlogPosting

Check it out.

Matt and Kim Interview Audio

Part 1



Part 2

I Finally decided to do this

Yeasayer interview is typed up.

A Piece on Matt and Kim

Despite their simple name of Matt and Kim, which is just the two band member’s first names, Matt Johnson [keyboards and vocal] and Kim Schifino [drums and vocals] exemplify their straightforward title. With lightning fast keyboards and blazing drums, Matt and Kim bring the energy to each show that they put on. As Kim would say, “[we would describe our music as] dance punk.” And this mentality of danceable, up tempo, punkish music is definitely what the Brooklyn, NY twosome brought to the stage of the Majestic Theater on September 11^th in Madison, WI.

The concert transformed a somber day in American history into one that allowed people to look past the travesties of 9/11 and look forward to a more positive future. At the concert Matt would explain how he was present in New York during the terrible terrorist attack and how he wanted everyone to look forward to a better tomorrow. And certainly everyone in the crowd was able to look beyond the past and enjoy an amazing concert. These words would evoke the masses to mosh, dance, and rock out to the high energy tunes that Matt and Kim pump out of their amps.

“A dance party,” is how Matt describes the atmosphere of their live shows. People of all ages came in swarms to sell out the magnificent Madison venue. If one would glance across the crowd they would see a cornucopia of diverse men and women bobbing along to the keyboard and drum dance attack that is a Matt and Kim show. Along with playing their own tunes, Matt and Kim will spice up the show with live covers of some of their favorite tunes like Dead Prez’s “Hip-Hop” and Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Jump on It” as transitions between songs. Matt and Kim are both huge fans of mainstream music and hip-hop. Kim said that Andre 3000 is one of her biggest inspirations and Matt would go onto explain the two’s infatuation with hip-hop and rap music saying, “A lot of hip-hop is the most groundbreaking and forward thinking music. I think that a lot of the contemporary stuff is really pushing the envelope.”

Matt and Kim first meet at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 2004 which would spark the beginning of the two’s band according to Matt. Yet, if you would ask either of them how they met, neither have a good recognition of how the two came to know each other. Although they have only been performing for less than half a decade, they two have certainly developed fame in the music industry.

The upbringing of the two’s band is probably one like no other. Oddly enough, both Matt and Kim didn’t know how to play their respective instruments before they formed the band. “I always wanted to play drums and my friend gave me a hand-me-down set. And Matt had this keyboard that he found in his friends garage like when he was fifteen,” said Kim. But the two would later be able to develop a unique style that seems to breathe of teen angst and livelihood. “The [liveliness of the] music itself came from [us] playing parties, lofts, and art spaces, and basements [when we first began],” said Matt. Along with their unique up-tempo and dance friendly music, both would also develop a peculiar writing technique for creating song lyrics. “I like our lyrics to be a little loose so you can get out of it what you want out of it,” said Matt, “we have this system know where we will listen to a song we wrote, Kim will kind of go through and free word associate and just like write sentences and stuff like that and lines that just comes to mind. And then I’ll come through and just choose through lines that I like and will fill in that blanks and add things and what not. And the song will kind of write itself.”

Although many might not know that it is Matt and Kim playing, a recent Bacardi Superior Mojito commercial includes a mere thirty second sample of Matt and Kim’s hit song “Daylight” off of their 2009 CD “Grand”. “Well that was just a music supervisor who put our music in a commercial and Bacardi really wanted it,” said Kim. And since the release of that commercial, the band has for sure seen and outright affect of this catchy advertisement. “It’s crazy that its only thirty seconds of our song, and it’s really impressive the amount of people that must have Googled out Bacardi Mojito commercial song that drew people our way [to our music],” said Matt.

Along with the popularity of their albums and the rise of the fame with their hit song in a commercial, the buzz around Matt and Kim allowed them to play their first appearance on a nationally syndicated late night television show. On August 26, 2009 the two played a televised performance of their hit song “Daylight” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “[It was] terrifying,” said Kim. “We’ve gotten used to playing live shows, but doing our first late night appearance was like playing that first show all over again,” said Matt, “the things that I used to play so well I was like, oh no what comes next [in the song].”

The popularity of the song “Daylight” would also bring their hit song into the hip-hop world. Recently, De La Soul, one of hip-hop’s legendary all-star bands would remix their song for the upcoming soundtrack to the video game NBA Live 2010. “The song came out awesome and we are definitely honored to have legendary hip-hop artists just refer to a song that we have written,” said Matt.

Inch by inch, Matt and Kim have been making a name for themselves in the music world. With their hit single “Daylight”, raging concerts, and ear friendly tunes their popularity has surely begun to reach the masses. They have been nationally televised, remixed, and curiously searched for on the internet to find out who plays that one song that is on that Bacardi commercial. A positive band that makes any witness of their concert coming back for more. You know that a band is great when after the show they will hop into the crowd and dance with and hug patrons who just witnessed, as many have said, one of the most exciting and sweaty concerts that they have ever been too.

De La Soul Drops a Verse on Daylight

Click to listen here on the following Pitchfork article

Check this out. De La Soul, one of hip-hops most innovative rap groups drops a versus on Matt and Kim's "Daylight". Such a fresh song with some even fresher raps. This song will be appearing on the NBA 2010 soundtrack. Looks like the Brooklyn twosome have been making a real rise since the appeared on Kimmel

The Most Indie Custard Ever

Kopps Frozen Custard in Glendale, Wisconsin
Photo provided byJacob Spanjar

Music in Madison

So far I've got a good set of concerts to see going. Japandroids, Matt & Kim, and LA RIOTS. A pretty good balanced set of styles to see. Found an Atlas Sound CD at a record shop called The B-Sides. Besides that I've just been listening to older albums in my collection. Mostly Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys. Also I've been working on my new mashup / DJ project called Cherndog444 .
Besides that everything has been good. Hoping I can get this Matt & Kim interview.

Also, NEW SHIT, Mr. and Mrs. Sean Carter aka Jay - Z and Beyonce, like Grizzly Bear. Watch as they try to hipster sway.

My Video is on Pitchfork

Yes, this article, that Pitchfork posted on their website about Randy Randall dislocating his shoulder included a video that I took. In my eyes, this is awesome. One of the world's premier music blogs posting a video that I took. WOW, I am literally in shock.

My video of the happenings:



A picture of the website:

Asher Roth Interview Update

Text version is up if you like reading.

Zachary Cherny Interviews Yeasayer

Here is the interview. Typed version below


Where do you guys seek inspiration from for your music?
CK: The weather. I think I don’t know. I think we wrote a lot of songs about weather on the last record. And news stories
How would you guys describe your style of music?
AD: Oh God, Eclectic. [Laughs]
IT: Oh what did I read today, gloriously?
AD: Singer-songwriter [Laughs]

What does the title of your album “All Hour Cymbal” mean?

CK: I think it had multiple meanings. I think it was a cheeky play on words. One is that it was an idea that it is a cymbal store that is open all the time. The other one was like symbols like s-y-m-b-o-l-s. I think it was kind of a funny title if you could interject a little humor.

On your website, if you click on the letters of the word Yeasayer it sends you to a bunch of weird YouTube links.

AD: I didn’t know that. Someone just told me that.
IT: I’ve never been to our website.

It’s just all these weird YouTube videos and one is about how lizard people secretly rule the Earth.

CK: That videos actually not to funny to the guy who used to run our label and he was our manager. He really believes that.
[Everyone laughs]
CK: He actually believes that there are lizard people in the upper echelons of the government who are half man half lizard. And in 10,000 B.C. there was a lizard culture.
AD: Let us tell you that we do not believe that.

So you guys don’t endorse the lizard government operations?

CK: No. But, sure, sure whatever you want.
AD: It’s much simpler than that.

You guys played in Madison at the Terrace. How did you like it there?

AD: It was great man. We played like this free show at the college right on the lake. It seemed kind of like shitty and in a downtown street fair. And people were wasted. And I think a lot of people just went who had never heard of us. A lot of people came up to us and where like, “What the name of your band? How do you spell that?”
CK: Those kids were getting rowdy man.
AD: They crashed the stage at the end.
CK: They danced on the stage for the last song. And it was nuts. That’s our ideal show, just wilding out and having fun. A lot of the time the crowd can be really stiff. But Madison got down.

I saw a YouTube recording on a blog of a leaked track from your upcoming album called “The War around You with Peace inside (Hunters Invasion)”; do you guys know anything about that?

CK: No
IT: I have no idea what you are talking about.
CK: I actually don’t know what you are talking about, for real. What are you talking about?

I don’t know. I was clicking around on your website and I got to some guys YouTube page and it said something like, new leaked Yeasayer song.

CK: Oh!
AD: That’s actually a fake.

That’s a fake?

All: That’s a fake.
AD: If you listen closely it’s actually a combination of like Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and a track from our first album playing on like 4 stereos.

So I guess ill inform people about how that is not an upcoming track from your new album.

CK: Maybe we should use that name though.

So then I guess my next question about your album being three CDs each representing a different form of water isn’t true also.

CK: That sound like a good idea, but yeah.
IT: What are different types of water?

I don’t know. Water, ice, and vapor it said.

CK: Some crazy son of a bitch out there is making shit up about us.

I guess ill post something on that video saying that you guys said it wasn’t real.

CK: Well I guess if their just having fun. Only if they are having fun.

Well is it safe that if I read you guys record your new album in Woodstock that that is a true statement?

All: That is true.
AD: That was phase one of our recording. But phase two really.

What was it like recording in such a historic place of music?

AD: We really didn’t have much to do much with the history of the music at that place where we were recording. We were just in a house with a lot of mics set up and our computers. We weren’t like gaming with Crosby, Stills, and Nash or anything.

But did you guys want to record in Woodstock or was that not the whole point?

AD: No. We wanted to be in a place that was close enough to New York were we could easily get home on the weekends. And also so it was far enough away we wouldn’t be able to go there every day and come back home. So we’d go at weeks at a time.

You guys live in Brooklyn right?

AD: Yeah. So we could have had a place in Long Island. It just happened that we found a place that was just equipped with a lot of music stuff [in Woodstock].
CK: I just wanted some place that was two hours from Brooklyn. And it could have been south. It just happened that there were a lot of places to rent in Woodstock during the winter. And the place that we found was a musician’s house so I’m glad he let us use all of his stuff.

How did you guys get approached to work on the “Dark Was the Night” compilation?
[Not during the interview I accidently said “complication” instead of “compilation”]

AD: Complication. I like that. That’s a good one. The compilation complication.
IT: We met those guys tour.
CK: Yeah, the National. They are our friends. They just put it together and they just asked us. And it seemed like a really good thing and good cause.
IT: We opened for them, right?
AD: Yeah
CK: We’ve played with them before. They are Brooklyn guys. New York guys. So, I don’t know. It seemed like a good thing and there was a lot of good music on there.

It’s actually one of my favorite albums right now?

AD: Cool.
CK: It seemed like it was pretty popular.

One of my favorite websites is La Blogotheque; Take Away Shows, and you guys preformed on there. How would you describe your experience recording live in different spots in France?

CK: Kind of hectic. Kind of chaotic. It’s pretty much captured in that video very well.

In the video you guys had to climb up a big flight of spiraling stairs.

CK: Yeah I don’t know if there is anything different that wouldn’t be evident in that video. I just think that Vincent and that whole video series that they were doing was great. It was just really well done.
AD: I think the thing that I like the most about the video and in particular Blogotheque is that it’s not just camera rolling, click, play that song. It just really well integrated into this odyssey from a club to some apartment. And we are all kind of bitching the whole time. Well I was at least. And they managed to make us look kind of good. It was just this happening you know. It’s not like we did thirty takes or anything. It was just like, here we go, and here are some song lyrics. That’s all. Just sing along.
CK: Yeah, it was just kind of real.
AD: That’s something that we had always really wanted to get into.
CK: And we really didn’t want to do it because we were tired. I knew Vincent’s stuff and I liked it but,
AD: We had just played a show and our voices were shot. All these frogs were just chain smoking.
IT: [Laughs]

And I noticed in the video that you guys are using spoons and beer bottles and other miscellaneous objects to add symphony to your music. Do you do this often in your recordings or live shows are that what you just had lying around so you just used it?

CK: No.
AD: For us we just didn’t want to be doing some A Capella thing. We just wanted to sing without our traditional instruments and also just be banging on shit.
CK: Yeah, that was just what was there so you got to make a back beat somehow.

In your music there is a lot of harmonic definition in your recordings. Why do you practice that so much in your recordings?

AD: Like vocal harmonies and stuff. [Jokingly] For our first album we were trying to establish ourselves as one of the world’s premier vocal groups.
CK and AD: [Laughs]
IT: Good answer.
CK: [Laughs]
IT: Good answer.
AD: And you know we just play to our strengths. And we can all sing in harmony and shit so I’ve always liked that. Even now, even though we always sing three part harmonies, when I’m listening to someone singing a three part harmony I still don’t hear three parts I just hear one thing. It’s just like a wash.
CK: It just sounds good. That’s why so many bands are doing it.

What’s the meaning behind your song “2080”?

AD: Isn’t it obvious [Jokingly].
CK: Yeah. Whatever you want it to be man. I mean I don’t know. Its whatever.

Just whatever?
CK: I think that up for interpretation.
AD: You will learn that in twenty years when we release our DVD retrospective and book.


I’ll make sure to Amazon request that.

AD: I’ve wondered if anyone really ever tells the truth about a song. You know, you have your little stories but why give up that one thing that’s deep down inside of you.

You don’t want to give away a secret.

AD: Let people interoperate it. You don’t want people to know exactly how fucked up you are.

Is there anything that you guys usually enjoy writing about?

CK: The weather.
AD: [Laughs]

Well you guys had a great show today. Right as you guys were finishing a song the rain seemed to end?
IT: It was a nice kind of rain.

And now my final question is a tongue twister. If Yeasayer met a naysayer of Yeasayer, how would Yeasayer turn the naysayer of Yeasayer into a yea-sayer of Yeasayer?

[Jokingly]

AD: We don’t care.
CK: Kick him in the balls.
IT: Just kick him in the balls.

Just kick him in the balls?

[Jokingly]

IT: I’d just drop him. I’d just slit his fucking throat.
AD: Good tongue twister though.

Thank you.

AD: I totally got it.

My Footage from Pitchfork Music Festical 2009

Above is an amalgam of all the concerts I saw at Pitchfork this year. Coming soon will be a consensus of my whole weekend watching some of the world's premier musicians play in Chicago's Union Park, a few full length recordings of songs, and a video of my interview with Yeasayer. Stay tuned.

Animal Collective Clear Grateful Dead Sample

It is well known that the men of Animal Collective are big fans of the Grateful Dead. They have described that they perform their live shows around the same structure that the Dead are known for. And they even sampled one of the Dead's songs "Unbroken Chain" on their unreleased songs "What Would I Want Sky". I don't know much about the Dead / don't listen to them. All I know is that they have a huge following, have managed to stay popular for 4 + decades, and that the guidance counselor in "Freaks and Geeks" recommends their album American Beauty to calm down to. The song "What Would I Want Sky" has been played at Animal Collective's live shows and has stumbled around the internet for a while. Yet, it has never been released. According to Animal Collective's management, they were able to clear the rights to the sample. This marks the first ever officially licensed Grateful Dead sample. David Portner aka Avery Tare said on Pitchfork.com said this about releasing "What Would I Want Sky":

"Hopefully, we're gonna do a kind of 'Brother Sport' EP at the end of the year, with the extra tracks and maybe 'What Would I Want Sky'. I think that would be sweet."

MCA's got Cancer

It was a sad diagnosis for all those Beastie fans in the world. MCA or Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys was diagnosed with cancer in his parotid (salavary) gland. Luckily, it will not effect his voice. Oddly enough, when I heard about this news, I was wearing my Solid Gold hits shirt. Because of this unfortunate news, the Beastie Boys had to cancel some of their upcoming performances and push back the date of their Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 release. MCA and Ad-Rock explain it all in this youtube video.

New Kid Cudi Music video

Kid Cudi |MTV Music

Pretty good video and song. I don't love Kid Cudi, but I do think he is okay. Also, Kanye West, my favorite rapper makes a guest rap spot on this video. The "Pokerface" Lady Gaga sample is pretty funny too.

Department of Eagles+ Brad Pitt+ Sumo= Intersting Commercial

Japanese company , Softbank, hired Spike Jonez to direct a commercial for their company. Brad Pitt decided to hop on the "celebrities-going-over-to-Japan-to-make-a-little-extra-bank" bandwagon acting as a Sumo wrestlers manager in the commercial. Its actually kind of a funny commercial, but the most intesting part is the music playing in the background. Yes, that is Deparment of Eagles, "In Ear Park," you are hearing. The remarkable single off the 2008 record release. This single seemed to mend perfectly with story of the commercial.

Click here to check out the commercial.

Super Mash Bros.

The so called hot cousins of Girl Talk, The Super Mash Bros., just released their new CD "All About the Scrillions". It's not as much as a party album as "Fuck Bitches, Get Euros" but true mash up connoisseur will enjoy this record. Their choice of songs and ability to bring you back to the 90s is great. You can find the new CD at Lazer Wolf.

Asher Roth Interview

Here is a video of the audio of my Asher Roth interview. Along with a text version so you can read it and listen to it at the same time.

In your hit song, “I Love College”, you explain that you love college, women, and drinking, what else does Asher Paul Roth enjoy?

I mean, those are just the basics. I like my friends, family, and my down-time. And that’s the truth.

What musicians inspired you when you were growing up?

It all depends. At one point in my life I was listening to a lot of Motown like Stevie Wonder and the Temptation. Then I was listening to some Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits. And then it was Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and the Deftones. And then there was Dave Mathew’s Band and all of that. And then it got into a lot of hip-hop like specifically being: The Roots, Black Star, Dilla, and Big Pun. And now I’m at a point where I just pull inspiration from life, conversation, and spoken word.

If you could record with one musician, who would it be?

I don’t really know; that’s a tough question. There are a lot of musicians I would love to work with. But I’d love to work Primo, that’s for sure.

How has your career changed since the release of “I Love College”?

Well you know, more people are listening and now I’ve got somewhat of a fan base. And the work starts now. I’ve got a role and a responsibility (in the music industry). And now it’s time to put in some work and get this thing (my career) rolling.

How did you get approached to be on the cover of XXL’s “Freshmen Ten” issue?

They hollered at me. They were into the movement and they heard “The GreenHouse Effect” mix tape. Also, they knew I was coming out with an album. So, a couple of cats over there were lobbying for me. They said my album was dope and sure enough it happened (that I made it on the cover). So they hit up my people and sure enough it came true.

On another one of XXL’S “Freshman Ten” cover’s, there is another up and coming rapper Kid Cudi. And on the internet and other source, you are seen to be playing with Kid Cudi quit frequently. How did the two of you meet and get involved with one another?

We meet at the XXL photo shoot. And now we are going on tour together. On July 14^th, the great hangover tour starts in Boston, MA.

Did you always try to gain fame in this type of college-kid frat-boy scene?

I didn’t, I didn’t. I didn’t intend for anything. I just made some music, and some people picked up on it the way they picked up on it.

So you don’t necessarily like the media focusing on that distinct part of your music?

It’s not something that I necessarily encourage, but whatever happens, happens. I just have to continue going out there and doing my job.

You seem to have a similar early career that the Beastie Boy’s went though. Because, if it wasn’t for the frat boys listening to “Fight for Your Right”, the Beastie Boy’s may not have gained the fame that they are known now for. Do you see any similarities?

I mean in the aspect of making fun and dope music. Yet, I remember the Beastie Boys were pretty bummed out about this at the same time because they knew they had a lot more to offer and didn’t just want to be seen as “part boys”.

I understand that you don’t enjoy this specific part boy niche that some of the media gives you?

Yeah, I know. But it is what it is. And that’s our thing know. And as artists that’s our job to differentiate ourselves. And kind of have to make people know that there’s much more going on. But, we have to make sense of it. So it’s cool. But (now) I definitely see that there is more similarities there (between the Beastie Boys and Asher Roth), than anywhere else.

How did you get involved with Don Cannon and DJ Drama on “The GreenHouse Effects Mix Tape”?

Well one, they are both from Philadelphia and moved to Atlanta. And I did the same exact thing. I linked up with my man Drama just through playing videogames. Like we were playing NBA 2K9 and 2K8, and just having a good time there. Then we just started talking about music. Obviously, they are very respected and well known DJs and I just told them, “Yo. I’ve got some stuff.” Sure enough, we started rocking and out came The GreenHouse Effect

How do other rappers treat you?

As (I’ve been) moving forward, it’s (my career has) been very well respected. It’s good. That’s what we come here for. As long as you have any in respect, that me in aspect. (As of now) so far; so good.

How did going to West Chester University influence your career?

It helped me with socializing and understanding people. I don’t know if West Chester University necessarily showed me who I am as a human being. But, it definitely gave me 2-3 years to act up and learn a few things about life and human beings and it helped me in this journey.

Online it said that you majored in elementary education. What made you interested in wanting to become a teacher? What stock out to you in this field?

As far as I am concerned, were really moving in a point where if you’re a statistician or a something like that, a lot of the work that you are doing is irrelevant. It is just busy work and teaching gives you an opportunity to really change and influence kids for a long time. And kids are our future. So that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be one of those teachers and I still do. There is definitely a direct correlation between teaching and hip-hop music. The kids are really paying attention and they are hanging on to every word someone says. They really do have an opportunity to be an influence and an inspiration.

What was the transition like from moving from Pennsylvania to Georgia?

The transition was (like) starting a new life over. Obviously, there are different cultural influences as well. (But) I had a blast and there is just really great people down there and a really good scene. There is good people, good music, and it was nice to get out of Pennsylvania for the first time in my life and see what was going on in the world. Just in the states for that matter, you know?

I’m just about to start college. Does Mr. I Love College himself have any tips for surviving freshman year?

All I can say is have fun and step out of your comfort level and figure out who you are as a person. Its (going to be) your first time that you’re out on your own and really stepping outside of the watchful eyes of your parents. So, you have an opportunity to make some mistakes in life now that you’re away from them (your parents). Don’t binge drink. Don’t drink and drive. But have fun. Take your opportunity to figure out who you are as a person.

The Cool Cats of Mequon

I was approached by Jack Mitchell (Jonas E. Synthe) to feature on my blog his latest musical venture collaboration with friend, Patrick Behrens, known as Tape Deck Apocalypse. I was a little skeptical at first, but after listening to their Devolution 909 Live Mix, my opinion was changed.

Devolution 909 Live Mix by Tape Deck Apocalypse

Mitchell and Behrens, are two Mequon electronic enthusiasts who decided to merge their knowledge of electronic music and create something great. Mitchell had already began releasing some music over myspace under the name Jonas E. Synthe. But now, he has teamed up Behrens to create music that he describes on his Tape Deck Apocalyspe Facebook Page as, "a sonic assault that will make your brain bleed." So far, on their SoundCloud page, the two men have released a cascade of lengthy DJ sets sampling a wide array of today's electronic superstars. You will hear them sample the likeliness of: Busy P, Crookers, Boyz Noize, and Justice. Mitchell told me that the two are heavily influenced by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de-Homen-Christo and the many talented artists on the Ed Banger Record Label. Definitely check these guys out. You can find all there mixes here and await some of their own material coming soon.

Grizzly Bears Stumble Through Milwaukee

On June 8th, the band Grizzly Bear preformed on the historic stage of The Pabst Theater. Fresh off their My 26th release of Veckatimest, the four men of Grizzly Bear truly brought the musicianship, musical harmonies, and lyrical talents that they are known for to Milwaukee.

Grizzly Bear

To Start off, Grizzly Bears opener, Here We Go Magic, was a delightful surprise. Usually, I do not expect much from opening bands but they were really talented musicians with great songs. Their style was also very similar to that of Grizzly Bear. The only negative that I could think of for this band was their gypsy-like pianist who didn't really seem to fit their persona.

Here We Go Magic

Anyways, back to the main focus of this article, the men of Grizzly Bear. If I could summarize Grizzly Bear's performance last night at The Pabst it would be: mellow, simplistic, and clean cut. The ambiance of their show was on that cannot be touched. Everyone in the crowd seemed to stand still and watch in awe over the beautiful cacophony of music that was being projected forth by Grizzly Bear. They played many of their recent songs from their new album Veckatimest which included the likeliness of, "Cheerleader" and "Two Weeks". Also in the progression of the nights songs, Grizzly Bear turned out their claim-to-fame song "The Knife". Although my personal favorite song of the night was, "I Live With You" which had an amazing light show on top of the great song.

Throughout the night, Grizzly Bear's set was on point. All songs were basically played how they are on their albums. No over playing, extended guitar solos, or elongating of any songs echoed throughout The Pabst that night. Just absolute, to-the-tee, and crisp renditions of their famed music. Also Grizzly Bear used an outstanding array of musical instruments which included the usually guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. Yet, Chris Taylor, bassist, surprised the audience with his wide range of musical instruments which included a bass clarinet, flute, and a modified radio of some sort. Along with Taylor, Daniel Rossen's sported a harpsichord for some of the nights songs. This was by far on of the greatest live shows I have ever seen. And on the coattails of a stellar album that is blowing up in the media, expect great things for Grizzly Bear.

Sporting a Wide Array of Instruments

Got my Girl Talk article Signed

Big thanks to my friend Martin who goes to Duke. So, Gregg Gillis of Girl Talk put on a concert for Duke's last day of classes (LDOC) concert. Martin knows some kid who was in charge of helping set up the concert so he got to met Gregg Gillis. He told me that this concert was going on while he was back in Milwaukee, so I gave him a copy of my article. Long story short, he managed to get it signed. Gregg even included a little Bart Simpson cartoon for an added touch. I'm gonna get it framed or something.

The article in all its glory

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

So I just got their CD this week in the mail. Couldn't find it at any stores so I ordered off the interwebs. Standout songs on this album are "Everything With You", "This Love is Fucking Right", and "Hey Paul". The Pains of Being Pure at Heart first self-released EP came out in 2007 under the Painbow record label. Their self titled EP came out in early Februaryof 2009. The band hails from New York, New York and is known for their indie-pop style of music. Soothing boy/girl harmonizing vocals and simple beats perpetuate each song along with the strums of fuzzy guitars.

Everything With You

Cinco de Dan Deacon

Last night, I went to the Dan Deacon concert at Turner Hall with my friend Mark. What an epic concert. The 13 piece ensemble in the background was a nice and aesthetic touch. It added a unique musical touch that you don't hear often in electronic music. This must be why I like his new album Bromst, its just different in a good way.

Myself and Mr. Deacon

Let me sum up the concert

• Sine wave manipulators and cartoon voices.
• Running around in a circle.
• Big table of gadgets.
• Human chain that led out to the street.
• Spastic dancing.
• Glowing green skull.
• Crystal Cat.
• Getting the crowd pumped.
  

Towards the end of the concert I got front row and got to watch Dan the man work his magic. While I listened to him bust out the tunes, I heard a song that I had never heard before titled, "Silence Like the Wind Overtakes Me". Have a look. (Video not from actual concert)



This was a great concert and I recommend seeing Dan Deacon to anyone who wants to take a break from the usually stand around a listen to music concert experience.