Baroness @ Subterranean!

Ok, first let me preface this post by saying that I am not and have never been a fan of metal or overly aggressive rock music. It's not my style. That being said, if you should take anyone's recommendations on this genre, it should be me!

I was dragged to a Baroness show in Indianapolis a couple of months back, and let me emphasize dragged. I almost bought ear plugs because I was sure the music would destroy me. Surprisingly, ear plugs were not needed.

We walked into the venue in the middle of their set, and I was shocked. The music wasn't half bad. The last song they performed was "Swollen & Halo." My friend turned to me and said, "You're gonna love this one." Sure enough, Baroness was quite impressive with their catchy riffs and powerful vocals.

Immediately after the show, I couldn't stop playing their album Blue Record. And lucky me, they've got a show this Saturday at Subterranean in Chicago.

Cheap show, good tunes. Come through.


Baroness - Swollen & Halo


Baroness - A Horse Called Golgotha

Oh...and just an interesting little tidbit. Singer John Baizley is responsible for all the band's album artwork. He's brilliant! If you come to the show, bring some cash. You'll want to take home a poster or two.

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Late night drive

Friday is usually the day I post some crazy, obnoxious, pulsating track(s) to hype everyone up for the upcoming weekend debauchery. But that's not really where my mind is at right now.

I'm more concerned with that late-night drive home, once the festivities are complete. That trek home can sometimes feel like forever. I know, for me, I wish I could just teleport to my bedroom. Unfortunately, that's not possible. So I like my drive to be as peaceful and calm as possible. This is a time I like to reflect and zone out.

I've already written about Little People in a previous post, but I felt the need to revisit the work of this compelling artist today. I'm in a very reflective mood, and I think these are the tracks I'll be listening to all weekend. If you like Portishead and/or Tricky, you'll love this.

So download these nostalgic tunes, and zone out tonight.


Little People - Unsaid


Little People - Breathe Again (feat. Rachel Roberts)


Little People - Start Shootin'


Little People - Eitheror

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Lighten up!!!

What is it with people today? It just seems like everyone is a goddam crab ass lately...myself included. It's summertime, and we should all be thankful we're alive. The sun is shining bright, the breeze is blowing women's skirts up throughout the city, and all the lanes are open on the Eisenhower expressway! C'mon people...cheer up!

I've decided to take it upon myself to lift everyone's spirits today with some "pick me up" jams. Sit back, relax, pick up a 12-pack of Sol or Pacifico (Mexican beer seems to hit the spot in the summer), put on your shades, and f*cking enjoy the day.

I'm sick of hearing you cry about your lame 9-to-5 job. I don't want to hear about how your lame boyfriend forgot to throw out the trash. Quit crying about your bills and gas prices. You think you're the only one with problems? No, genius, you're not. We've all got 'em. So do yourself a favor and FORGET about them. Drink the day away and sway to some tunes. That's what I'll be doing the rest of the summer.

Cheers!


OK Go - This Too Shall Pass


Death From Above 1979 - Romantic Rights


The Radio Dept. - Heaven's On Fire


Broken Bells - The High Road


Felix da Housecat - Rocket Ride (Freeform Five Reform)


Caribou - Odessa


Cage the Elephant - Back Against the Wall


JJ - My Way


The Melismatics - Soul Sucker


Mount Sims - How We Do

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Late to the party

Sometimes I'm wrong about an artist. I'll hear one track by a band and immediately dismiss them without even bothering to listen to anything else. Such a shame...

I first heard of Miike Snow when I was researching all the Lollapalooza artists last year. I have no idea which song I actually listened to, but all I know is that it sounded too poppy for me. And that was the last I heard of Miike Snow.

Until now.

As I was listening to my Whitest Boy Alive station on Pandora a few days ago, Miike Snow kept reappearing. Three songs within a few hours. The first two had me dancing in my chair, but then I heard "Cult Logic" and I knew I had to have that album. My only regret is that I could have been jamming to this stuff for the past year, if only I hadn't been late to the party. Oh well...better late than never.

Miike Snow is not a solo poppy poser like I had assumed. As a matter of fact, it's not one guy...it's three! There's your fun fact for the day, folks.

Anyhow, if you need something upbeat, fun and catchy in your life right now, here you go.



Miike Snow - Cult Logic


Miike Snow - Burial


Miike Snow - Black & Blue

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Who's goin to SummerFest?

I couldn't decide this morning if I wanted to write about the ultimate summer backyard party playlist or the quickly approaching SummerFest, which is taking place in Milwaukee June 24 to July 4.

As I started downloading tracks from the SummerFest artists I realized this WAS the beginning of a great party playlist. So lucky me...two birds, one stone.

Even if you can't make it to SummerFest this year, you'll still have a pretty healthy foundation below to start your summer playlist.

I've never been to SummerFest, although I've wanted to attend for many years. They always seem to put together a pretty diverse lineup. And as soon as I saw Modest Mouse on the lineup for July 3, I knew I had to go. After all, it's a $12 entry fee. If you're within a reasonable driving distance to Milwaukee, there is no reason you can't come as well.

So here's your preview. Hope you can make it!



Modest Mouse - I Came As A Rat


Thievery Corporation - Shadows Of Ourselves


Passion Pit - Live To Tell The Tale


Cage The Elephant - Back Against The Wall


The Melismatics - Soul Sucker


The Bravery - An Honest Mistake


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