Category Archives: Obsessions

MANTRA –> What Is and What Is Not

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The Vision of A Dying World – “Mantra/What Is and What Is Not”

I could not blame my fellow man
I will not fear what I don’t understand
I have not known a truth so clear
I will not hate the things I fear
I will not dwell on what I’m not
I will give thanks for what I’ve got
I won’t deny what’s in my soul
I will accept what I cannot control.

Quite an inspiring song for an artist with such an apocalyptic name. The Vision of a Dying World is the work of San Diego-based Jackson Nathan Milgaten. This track is off his EP/7″ entitled “I Will Not Fear What I Don’t Understand.” Words to live by. Let’s all chant it. Milgaten will be playing San Jose’s The Gingerbread House on June 19.

Stuck In My Head: The National – “Afraid of Everyone”

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The National – “Afraid of Everyone”

As does most everyone, I adore The National’s latest album, High Violet.  Beautiful, dark and brooding, it will certainly be one of my top albums of 2010. This track in particular is a standout for me.  An obsession really as I listen to it over and over again. Matt Beringer’s pathos speaks to me. His distinctive baritone “voice has swallowed my soul.”  The lyrics of this particular tune are so lonely and dark that I yearn to understand what the song is about. But like all great songs, it’s vague enough to lead you to your own meaning and conclusion. I suspect it’s politically slanted but the subtext of trust is pervasive for me. And who hasn’t grappled with that concept at some point? What takes so long to establish and seconds to destroy, nothing is more painful than being hurt by someone you trust. It’s an alluring road, easy to get lost on…that road of fear.  To forgive and trust again is easy to intellectualize, difficult to practice. Finding the road to get you there? Well, like the song says, “I don’t have the drugs to sort it out.”

Futurebirds – “Johnny Utah”

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Futurebirds – “Johnny Utah”

Don’t think for a minute that I would pass up an opportunity as good as this.  A song by a new Athens, GA band about Johnny Utah?  Played by my fav celeb, Keanu Reeves? Pfft..not even a question. So sorry, Futurebirds.  I’ll get your photo up another time.  But opportunity was knocking and I’m definitely answering this call.  You see, Keanu and I, we’re meant to be together.  We just haven’t met me yet.

Futurebird’s debut release Hampton’s Lullaby will be released July 13th via the lovely and fabulous Autumn Tone Records, the label founded by Aquarium Drunkard’s Justin Gage. And you know that if Justin’s behind it, it’s gotta be good.

More Obsession: Tame Impala – “Vital Signs”

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Tame Impala – “Vital Signs”

This album is saving my life in so many ways. Drenched in electronic psychedelia and layered with lyrical optimism, listening to it is like floating in space.  I love it.  The new album from the Aussie band, Innerspeaker, drops June 8 in the US.

Obsession: Tame Impala – “Solitude is Bliss (Mickey Moonlight Remix)”

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Tame Impala – “Solitude is Bliss (Mickey Moonlight Remix)”

“Solitude is Bliss.” Is it? Well, I’ll soon find out. But Tame Impala most definitely is. Blissfully good. So say hello to your new favorite band. They sure are mine anyway. I cannot get enough of their new album, Innerspeaker, due out June 8. The Aussie group is embarking on a US tour supporting MGMT. I’m still tracking for that San Francisco show.  Right now Santa Cruz is as close as they’ll get on May 29. Come on guys, you don’t have to be in Portland ’til June 1.  Come on up to SF already.

Stuck in My Head: The Chain Gang of 1974 – “Stop”

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The Chain Gang of 1974 – “Stop”

The Chain Gang of 1974 is the solo act of Denver-based Kamtin Mohager. And he wants you to “stop fucking with his mind.” First time I laid ears on this track from his debut LP, White Guts, I thought someone was fucking with my mind because it reminded me so much of Beck.  Then I looked at the album cover and thought… it’s a Jedi mind trick! Maybe it is Beck. A day-glo, dance-party electro version of Beck. All funked up and disguised as The Chain Gang of 1974, which sounds exactly like the kind of band that would play at the Star Wars Cantina…doesn’t it? Hmmm. Well, the debut White Guts is out now so check it out and see for yourself. (These are not the droids you’re looking for.)

On The Verge: Tame Impala – “Solitude is Bliss”

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Vodpod videos no longer available.

Check out this new video from Tame Impala’s forthcoming album, InnerSpeaker. I’ve been listening to their new album and I’m really, really digging it.  Really.  No, really. It’s like they’re channeling the psychedelic era of The Beatles. Color me obsessed. They just announced a US tour supporting MGMT in May/June. No San Fran or LA dates just yet, but reportedly they’re working on it.  If they don’t, I might cry. Either way, score another point for Australia.

Fri May 28th || Avila Beach Resort || San Luis Obispo, CA*
Sat May 29th || Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium || Santa Cruz, CA*
Tues June 1st || Crystal Ballroom || Portland, OR*
Wed June 2nd || Crystal Ballroom || Portland, OR*
Fri June 4th || In The Venue || Salt Lake City, UT*
Sun June 6th || Stubb’s || Austin, TX*
Mon June 7th || House Of Blues || Houston, TX*
Tues June 8th || House Of Blues || Dallas, TX*
Fri June 11th || Red Rocks || Morrison, CO*
Sun June 13th || Uptown Theatre || Kansas City, MO*
Mon June 14th || The Vogue || Indianapolis, IN*
Tues June 15th || LC Pavilion || Columbus, OH*
Wed June 16th || The Fillmore || Detroit, MI*
Fri June 18th || Riviera Theatre || Chicago, IL*

Stuck In My Head: Warpaint – “Krimson”

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Warpaint – “Krimson”

Dark, moody and melodramatic. Just the way I like it these days, so be forewarned. I’m a mood. And LA-based Warpaint fits the bill.  It’s good medicine.  And there’s more coming with their first full length album due out on Rough Trade later this year. Until then, you can get your fix from their Exquisite Corpse EP. Let’s all mainline it together, shall we? Then collapse in a heap to contemplate our angst. It will be cathartic, I’m sure. But right now I need a little room to sway.

Ty Segall – “Caesar”

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Artist: Ty Segall
Album: Melted
Release Date: May 25, 2010
Track: “Ceasar”

Speaking of lo-fi love, Ty is getting ready to release a new album “Melted” on Nashville’s Goner Records next month.  He’s been trying out his new tunes on the road and, no surprise, I like what I hear.  Lucky for me (and you) he’ll be back in town at Bottom of the Hill 6/27 with Grass Widow and one of my new favs, The Baths. Feel the love.

My Garage Rock Fantasy

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JEFF the Brotherhood – “U Got the Look”

Ty Segall – “Cents”

Thursday night San Francisco’s The Eagle Tavern (for real) plays host to a garage rock orgasm featuring not one, but TWO of my obsessions, Ty Segall and  JEFF the Brotherhood,  along with local up and comers The Splinters and The Baths.  I caught this tour de force in Austin last week at The Mohawk and, like a junkie, am ready for another fix. This one’s as good as it gets, folks. Be there, if you’re man enough. And bring your bare ass and chaps.