Ixodes scapularis

Sorry for not posting this week. I was in Berkeley for a couple days and blogger wasn't working when I got back.

Yesterday, I was exerting my masculinity by working on our cabin. I was out in the sun with my shirt off scraping paint off railings, lifting heavy things, and using power tools (too bad I missed NASCAR...) There are apple and pear trees behind the cabin, and it looks as though deer have gotten to them. I haven't be up early enough to catch a glimpse of them this summer, but deer are such gorgeous creatures. I'm not just talking about Bambi either.

There has been so much talk about this project called Deer Tick. Supposedly, their new album is going to be AMAZING, but I'm not their biggest fan. John McCauley is the man behind the music, and his voice isn't the greatest. Its slightly scratchy and it seems extremely forced. Despite this, I could listen to it for hours. Its strangely addicting even though I think that I could change it to a better song. Deer Tick is unabstrusive; McCauley gets it right by going for a classic sound, inovative because of his use of Old Western style. Give them a chance more than a first runthrough. You'll be suprised at how much they grow on you, but don't be suprised with their lack of punch.

Deer Tick "That Old Black Magic"
Deer Tick "Diamond Rings 2006"

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Good news is that my best friend got back from Central America on Monday afternoon. Even better news was that he was safe despite traveling to a country that could have been risky.

In honor of his trip and his newfound proficiency in the Spanish language, here is a post dedicated to this. (and I'm very sorry I do not have any Buena Vista Social Club)

Andrew Bird "Spanish for Monsters" - My favorite of all bands with a violin (forgive me Owen Pallett and Patrick Wolf, I love you too), Andrew Bird and whatever band he takes with him is absolutely a fantastic muscian. He knows how to use phrasing with his voice to build up the tension needed to make a song rock. Maybe its because he refrains from doing anything to avant garde; whatever it is though, this song is a prime example. A simple starkness of the sharp violin against a simple and steady rhythm on strings. (buy some Andrew Bird)

Magnolia Electric Co. "Spanish Moon Fall and Rise" - Just you wait for my review of Fading Trails, which is set to be released September 12. This song is classic Jason Molina and gang. You'll like it.

Neutral Milk Hotel "Communist Daughter" - I'm sad about Neutral Milk Hotel. This is one of those bands I wish I was around to know what was going on back then. Word on the street is that On Avery Island will be re-released in October. I'll keep my eyes out. Jeremy didn't come back with a communist daughter, but alas, he had a great time anyway. (buy In the Aeroplane Over the Sea)

8/28 Slim's in SF

I'm excited for the show a week from tomorrow (8/28) at Slim's in SF. Look at the list of great bands playing that night.


Anathallo - Floating World is still riding high as my favorite album of 06. I'm excited to see all of them onstage. Normally, my favorite band to watch is the openers because the venue can still be somewhat empty, and although I've never been to Slims, I'm sure I'm going to feel like its a bit more personal.
listen to "Hanasakajijii (three: the man who made dead trees bloom)".

Rainer Maria - Rainer Maria has had such a profound effect on indie rock. Caithlin De Marrais has such a powerful female voice to keep the band going. Their recipe is simple, but it still comes across rocking.
listen to "The Contents of Lincoln's Pockets". buy A Better Version of Me

Street to Nowhere - They're a band from Oakland that I hadn't heard of before I looked at Anathallo's tour dates. I kinda like them, but I haven't heard enough to be sold on them. Hopefully, they will fill the place with energy for the Format and I'll buy their stuff.
stream songs on their myspace.

The Format - Oh the headliners. I'm normally dissapointed with the last show of the night at west coast shows. The band always seems too tired or drunk because the tour isn't new to them anymore. HOWEVER, these guys know how to make the crowd turn into a party. Their music always makes me want to dance rediculously. I'll probably look like an idiot at the show dancing to their music, but I promise I'll keep my clothes on, unless I hear that it'd be better otherwise...
listen to "Time Bomb". buy Dog Problems.

More info? See Slim's website. Tickets are $13 and doors open at 7. Show starts at 7:30 and you best be there.

snakes on a plane

I just saw Snakes on a Plane.

Amazing. Hilarious. Exillerating.

Unnecessary nudity. Unnecessary gore.

Necessary abuse of cheezy lines and computer generated snakes.

Cobra Starship "Snakes on a Plane" - I've posted it before and I'll post it agian. I'm so in love with this song. They play the music video during the credits and I was singing it at the top of my lungs. Everyone was suprised I knew the words, but I think I looked cool doing it. Its just a heads up to look like the guy with the hookups. (buy Cobra Starship and check the music video out at their site)

Cobra Verde "Temptations" - This has nothing to do with the movie except the band's name means green cobra. Its a good song with a nice little guitar riff. Watch the movie and listen to the song to make more connections. (Buy Easy Listening)

Farewell to politics

Tomorrow is my last day working for the Congressman. My poor boss has to find a new intern to help him pass the days away.

Here's to all the debates I've gotten into: Coldplay "Politik" (buy A Rush of Blood to the Head)

Here's to the fact that his heart bleeds for all those warm fuzzy causes like babies: Jimmy Eat World "Bleed American" (buy Jimmy Eat World)

And of course,

Here's to our theme song: Nelly Furtado "Crazy" (Gnarles Barkley cover)

holy water

My friend Andrew and his siblings got baptized today, so I went to their church. My church is changing pastors right now because our old pastor and his wife are going to be missionaries in Guam. I don't even know if they speak English in Guam.

Sufjan Stevens "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing" - Andrew is a great guitar player, and I wish he would play this song for me with his mother singing, his sister playing strings, and his brother and dad on bells, drums, etc. Its probably my favorite old hymn, and Sufjan's version is one of the best recorded versions I've heard. By starting simply with just some twangy banjo plucking and slowly adding instruments and choral backing, he builds it into a magnificent song of worship. (buy something from Sufjan)

Iron & Wine "Wade Across the Water" - Sam Beam brings out some easy flowing lyrics in this song. I'm not sure if it's about baptism, but I've always thought that way. (buy some Iron & Wine)

Congrats again my brother. Congrats.

In the news...

Apparently, some bloggers have noticed that there are some inconsistencies in AP photos used in the stories about the conflicts in Lebanon and Israel. Looking at these two photos, we notice that the woman is the same in both pictures (look at scar on cheek), but the photos are two weeks apart and two different locations. Both say that she is mourning the loss of her house. This is one of more than a couple inconsistencies in various media outlets dealing with this conflict that has now lasted for about a month.

Metronomy vs. Spoon "Trick Photography (Lady Byrd Mix)" - When I found this song, it immediately went on my "Makes Me Dance" playlist. My solution to the all conflict in the Middle East: hold a huge dance party, play kicking hits, and mingle. Realize that you are just like your neighbor because you both can't dance, but you like the music anyway. And if you can dance, then you can win a reality TV show.

Enough is enough...

I found the Snakes on a Plane song. Its crazy and I like it. So over the top, just like the movie. This is one of those movies I wish I could have a private screening of and invite all my friends at the same time. I'm guessing I'm going to want to talk through the whole thing, so they'd all be annoyed with me.

Cobra Starship "Snakes On A Plane (Bring It)" - Check this out. 5 stars. I could place money on the idea that they chose the band to play the song based on their name. (Buy the soundtrack here!)

Army Navy "Snakes Of Hawaii" - Why not while on the topic of snakes? I heard Army Navy years ago, and then someone recommended this song in May, I couldn't believe they were still around. Its decent, but it ain't Snakes on a Plane. (buy an EP!)

bullet strikes beauty student

In Modesto on Friday, a 17 year-old girl was seriously wounded with a gunshot during a beauty school class she was taking.
Who shot this young lady?
Well, the guy sitting behind her is a security guard that was carrying a handgun in his backpack because he takes beauty school classes in between shifts. Mick Rubalcava faces three charges including carrying a concealed and loaded firearm without a permit and possession of a firearm on a school campus. For more info, check modbee.com

The absurdity of this story astounds me, but this is the life we live in the Valley.

Indian Moon "Sleeping With His Gun" - If I could get more info on Indian Moon, I would have know more about these guys. Alas, I only have two mp3s that I stumbled across a couple months ago. The song sounds so Southern, and they make a night affect by imitating bayou noises.

I just found their myspace, so I feel stupid. Check them out.

new owen

I just realized the title of this post is a pallendrome. Sweet.

Owen's new album is due out soon but not soon enough for my tastes. The two songs I've heard are awesome though. This time, Mike Kinsella didn't do it alone. He had his brother help out, yet its still true Owen.

Bad News - Classic Owen lyrics. Classic Owen melodies and strumming. Classic Owen layering and intricate rhythms. Mike's voice is clearer than he's ever allowed it before. It creates a fuller sound that is not as shy and tempered as on Owen or No Good for No One Now. Its a great opener to a new CD.

The Sad Waltzes of Pietro Crespi - Peitro Crespi is a Italian musician from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's masterpiece One Hundred Years of Solitude that commits suicide because of failed love. Its a great song, and it makes me excited to hear the other songs on the album. Also, it reminds me I need to pick up a book to read.