Ian Svenonius on NPR’s Marketplace

Photo of myself and Mr. Svenonius a few weeks back at Operation:Ceasefire on the National Mall

Rock, real estate and Alan Greenspan
American Public Media’s Marketplace on NPR

The sound of the rock and roll underground recently is defined by two genres: a psychedelic folk revival and what the kids call electroclash. Why this, and why now? Ian Svenonius explains. Click here to listen. (Real Audio Stream)

Green Milk from Planet Orange & The Plums Tonight

Everyone in the DC metro area should check out this show at DC9 tonight:

Green Milk From The Planet Orange (Japanese space rock/psych-prog)
Ostinato (ex Hidden Hand, atmospheric post punk)
The Plums (mem. of Portions Toll, Hat City Inituitive, and Spaceships Panic Orbit)
Vincent Black Shadow
1940 9th Street, NW

I’m calling this entry self-promo since my brother/bandmate is in the Plums so obviously I’m a tad biased but everything I’ve heard about Green Milk (i.e. lots of Other Music praise) has been good so please stop on by.

Jackson & His Computer Band

After picking this disc up from Other Music’s recommendation, I did some research about Jackson Fourgeaud — turns out this is his “official” debut” release for Warp Records after issuing numerous remixes and underground tracks. Truthfully there’s no new ground broken here, but if you’d like to groove to tunes that sounds like they’ve been fashioned by Daft Punk or Prefuse 73 you will be content. Not a bad outing exactly, but no doubt that Jackson seems uninterested in furthering his “genre” with this one.

Me and You and Everyone We Know

An instant contender for one of my most favorite films of the year is Me and You and Everyone You Know, written and directed by Miranda July. She has released a few records for Kill Rock Stars and also steadily released many short films in the past. “Me and You” has been hailed as this year’s “Garden State” and whatnot, but I think its closest really to Todd Solondz’s work with less of the shock factor. Highly recommended, check it out now on dvd.

Trigger Cut Presents DJ Johnny Metro at Galaxy Hut Tonight

I was asked to do a last minute DJ night tonight at one of my favorite local watering holes, Galaxy Hut in Arlington. I’ll be playing tracks from everything I’ve written about in the past few weeks and then some. It should be nice and laid back and not to mention free so if you’re in the area stop in for a pint.

Silver Jews “Tanglewood Numbers”

I can’t help but feel a bit spoiled that I’ve had a copy of the new Silver Jews record for several months now, but nonetheless I’m excited that tomorrow marks the date of official release. I really can’t say enough about how totally excellent this record is; its surely bound for my top 10 of the year list. I’ve always felt that Dave Berman writes some of the best lyrics in “rock n’ roll ” (he’s always been a poet first and foremost), and his prowess certainly continues on this new outing — who else has the power to have you singing “I Love You To the Max” over and over without fear?

My pal Hackmuth just alerted me to the release of a brand new video for the record, to be posted tomorrow on the Drag City website, so be sure to check that out.

Bonnie Billy’s “Summer in the Southeast”

Release Date: November 15th

It seems odd that Mr. Will Oldham has never officially released any sort of live album until now, considering the amazing amount of touring he’s achieved with numerous lineups and backing musicians. Maybe he feels he finally got one perfectly correct, or maybe this recording (that employs the talents of David Byrd, Ryder McNair, Pink Nasty, Paul Oldham, Matt Sweeney, Peter Townsend and Adam Smith) is just one of his favorites. No matter how this idea came to fruition, the disc boasts some very good and interesting takes on some classic Oldham material.. Fans will certainly be surprised with the oddly upbeat riff rock impression of May It Always Be, lots of female backup vocals (who I am assuming is Pink Nasty), as well as enjoy the more straightforward takes such as I See A Darkness, — but truthfully every tune has something fresh to be heard.

Fall Heads Roll

The Fall are back yet again with a brand new album domestically issued by Narnack Records, who have released some great things from the Coachwhips and Guitar Wolf among others. “Fall Heads Roll” is really nothing incredibly new from Mr. Mark E. Smith, but it consistently stays upbeat, utilizes some nice 80s synth, and produces the same repetitive slurred hooks we’ve come to know and love.

I think the world would be a better place if kids today had the smarts to see through the Ferdinands and the Bravery(s) and recognize what great work groups like The Fall have accomplished and are still achieving for the future of rock. If you’re a fan of previous Fall hits such as Mr Pharmacist, Cruisers Creek, or Totally Wired, this new disc should really turn you on.

Permission Podcast

Permission Magazine is already doing what I hope to achieve soon with Trigger Cut, weekly podcasting of new music. Most likely when I get around to such a thing it will neither be quite as frequent or as legal, but its a cool idea and it seems as though these cats are doing it well. Download the last couple of updates from their site to hear some great tunes from Animal Collective, The Rosebuds, Deerhoof, Stereolab and more.