sir mix-a-lot
05-02-2007, 10:57 PM
Thanks for stopping by once again (or for the first time) to Decoy's Listening Station. As you can see from the headline for this week's article, I've been listening to nothing but John Butler Trio's latest tonight. And if you look at the poorly-pixelated picture, you'll see that Ben Folds Five's "Song for the Dumped" is running through my head while I'm listening to John Butler Trio. Don't worry; it all gets cleared up later on...in our Listening Station!
Hint: It has nothing to do with numbers...Or not much, really.
Matt Hebert Has Something In Common With
J Dilla (http://www.stonesthrow.com/jdilla)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jdilla.jpg:
Ruff Draft
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jdilla)
Originally only released in Europe, the man who's in a class of his own is now having his vinyl-only release of Ruff Draft re-released globally, via the foremost leader of the hip-hop scene, Stones Throw. Finding its way to CD for the first time ever, J Dilla's Ruff Draft is a much sought-after album that signifies the true importance behind the highly acclaimed producer's catalogue. While being released as a 2-disc set, for most people, disc 1 will be the only real primary element that's a much needed listen. Tracks like "Nothing Like This" and "Make'em NV" are the favored highlights of this collection. Though the man himself has passed, J Dilla's brilliant producing skills will constantly be rediscovered by generation after generation and Ruff Draft is a great place to start.
Editor's Note: I feel like not writing comments this week. Instead, after each pick, I'll post a paragraph or so of an email I sent to the venue that hasn't reimbursed my costs for last week's Placebo concert that got cancelled. Please note, when reading, that I emailed them last Thursday, very politely, to ask how I would obtain my refund, as my tickets were purchased online and, to date, have received no response. Also keep in mind that the email has been sent and cannot be taken back.
Jeremy Fights Through Life's Trials And Tribulations With
A Hawk And A Hacksaw (http://www.ahawkandahacksaw.co.uk)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ahaah.jpg:
Darkness At Noon
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/ahawkandahacksaw)
I stumbled onto A Hawk and a Hacksaw last week when checking out some of the bands that the Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer recommended. This was one of them. I liked what I heard, apparently, and ventured on to check out their full-length albums. Both that I've listened to were good, but this one moreso. I think it'd definitely be for fans of Tin Hat Trio/Tin Hat (AKA - this band has [Spanish accents][b][i]Ben Rice[/i][/b][/spanish accents] written all over it). "Wicky Pocky" is a personal favorite, as are the two "Moon/Water" songs. It's mostly instrumental (which usually doesn't do as much for me as ones with vocals - putting [b]DeVotchKa[/b] in the lead with yours truly), but that didn't really detract from it for me. Also, if I'm not getting all my newly discovered bands confused, this fellow does somewhat of a "one-man-band" type of show - so there's another plus for you. PS - my grammar and English for this write-up are horrible.
I know it.
I'm aware. I just honestly didn't have it in me - a sleepless night hyped up on the Ephedra-ridden [tm]Mucinex[/tm] (that's for trademarking!) for my sinuses and this is what you get! Now go listen, all you artsy, instrumentalist, [b]Beirut[/b]-loving crazies that haven't already checked this out previously - you'll be happy you did.
[I]Editor's Note: Hey, Guys,
Just wanted to thank you for the quick refund of my [b]Placebo[/b] tickets purchased online shortly before the show happened, then got cancelled last minute.
Oh wait, that never happened. The refund anyway. I definitely bought the tickets, as seen by the receipt below.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Johnny L Doesn't Mind The Pressure[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Nada Surf (http://www.nadasurf.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nadasurf.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]The Weight Is A Gift[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/nadasurf)[/size][/center]
To most, [b]Nada Surf[/b] falls into the “one hit wonder” category. Their mid nineties teenage anthem “Popular” made them some money, but what they did next made them credible. Instead of writing their next album the way their label wanted them to, they chose to be artists and the rest is history. [I]The Weight Is A Gift[/I] is truly a work of indie pop genius. Every song can be hummed along to and if more people would hear this album, the song “Blankest Year” would be the soundtrack to our generation.
[I]Editor's Note: Well, at least this is my first time emailing you about a refund.
No, wait, that's wrong too.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Jordan Is On A Quest For[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Grails (http://www.grailsongs.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/grails.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Black Tar Prophecies, Volumes 1, 2, & 3[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/grailsongs)[/size][/center]
I have a feeling that most of you are already aware of [b]Grails[/b]. While this is not a new find for me by any means, they are just a band I've been listening to a lot lately. And with good reason. I love the sound and have yet to find a band that really sounds anything like them. I love this kind of music. I'm not going to bother trying to describe their sound or how it affects me; instead, you listen for yourself and see if strikes something in your soul. Let me know if it does.
[I]Editor's Note: But at least this a response to your response to my previous inquiry.
Hold the phone, that's also not correct.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Allen Is A Man Of His Convictions, Should He Ever Choose To Have Them[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]A Palace In Persia (http://www.apalaceinpersia.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/apip.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Metaphenomena[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.purevolume.com/apalaceinpersia)[/size][/center]
Alright, so you're not one of the lucky bastards who has already snagged the new [b]Dear Hunter[/b] and you've gotten sick of playing [b]Rx Bandits[/b] over and over again because you think [b]The Mars Volta[/b] is too pretentious...and I have no funny quip to end that thought. Basically, [b]A Palace in Persia[/b] fits into that same niche that the formerly stated bands fit--I don't know what you call it; progressive or new-psychedelia or whatever--but its pretty decent. The only drawbacks of the album seem to be the band's vaguely pretentious stoner-ish image (they released this on 4/20, some of their artwork is representative of/has peopole smoking pot, etc.) and they have an equally drug-obsessed split-mate (the album is actually an 80 minute long split), [b]Sir.Time[/b]--which is unenjoyable hip hop (Don't get me wrong, it may very well be good; I just don't like rap).
[I]Editor's Note: So anyway, I guess my question is, how do I get my $54 back for a show that never happened?
Any help would be appreciated.
Ben Rice[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Daniel Alcinii Took A Shortcut, But Still Managed To Get Here Late[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]The Chinese Stars (http://www.thechinesestars.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/chinesestars.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Listen To Your Left Brain[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thechinesestars)[/size][/center]
These guys are so weird. I love them. In other news, [b]AC Milan[/b] knocked out the worst team in the [b]Champions League[/b] semi final today and the [b]Ottawa Sens[/b] also won, going up 3-1 in the series against the [b]Devils[/b], woo.
[I]Editor's Note: P.S. If you need anything else, you can go ahead and email me or what have you. I've also, for your convenience, attached a photo of your website which states to seek reimbursement from the place of purchase. And, to reiterate, the receipt is below.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Adam Wanted Me To Review These Guys Years Ago, But I Never Got Around To It. The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Rishloo (http://www.rishloo.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/rishloo.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Eidolon[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/rishloo)[/size][/center]
[b]Rishloo[/b] is a Seattle quartet that I've been gushing over for several years, since their debut, [i]Terras Fames[/i], was released in 2004. Progressing forward 3 years, a new band member and mounds of maturation have only given the band the boost from good to great on [i]Eidolon[/i]. Although still unsigned, it's hard to understand why after hearing this new gem of a progressive rock album. They put bands like [b]10 Years[/b] and [b]Chevelle[/b] to shame, not to mention the total domination of [b]Tool[/b]'s latest effort. This band has embraced their natural sound instead of fighting so hard to avoid their obvious counterparts and it's made them more cohesive. The album feels effortless without the slightest hint of pretension, endearing you to them almost instantly. The conspicuous similitude is obviously still [b]Tool[/b], but now this wonderful band shares many a likeness with the fresher faces of [b]Opus Dai[/b], [b]Fair to Midland[/b], and [b]Dredg[/b]. It would be such a pity to overlook this majestic band falling into place so perfectly.
[I]Editor's Note: P.P.S. Your phone's recording says today is the 29th of April. Could stand an update. And maybe you could add a function that lets me talk to someone about this so I don't have to resort to sending inane (not a typo) emails that are off-putting, offensive, and wholely unnecessary.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Ben Still Hasn't Gotten His Refund[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Tholus (http://www.davemurrayonline.com/tholus)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tholus.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Constant[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/tholus1)[/size][/center]
World's greatest living drummer [b]Dave Murray[/b] tackles straight ahead death metal, the only genre on Earth that requires drumming virtuosity to be worth a damn. While the riff-writing may not be spectacular, Dave certainly is, finding openings for wrist-shattering rolls, grooved-up blast beats, and tricky tom work where most mere mortals find space for a hi-hat. When the rest of the band gets in on this "more is more" attitude, this album is [I]Constant[/I]-ly great.
[I]Editor's Note: P.P.P.S. Sarcasm is my defense mechanism.
P.P.P.P.S. Sorry for all these P.S.'s.[/I]
Hint: It has nothing to do with numbers...Or not much, really.
Matt Hebert Has Something In Common With
J Dilla (http://www.stonesthrow.com/jdilla)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jdilla.jpg:
Ruff Draft
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jdilla)
Originally only released in Europe, the man who's in a class of his own is now having his vinyl-only release of Ruff Draft re-released globally, via the foremost leader of the hip-hop scene, Stones Throw. Finding its way to CD for the first time ever, J Dilla's Ruff Draft is a much sought-after album that signifies the true importance behind the highly acclaimed producer's catalogue. While being released as a 2-disc set, for most people, disc 1 will be the only real primary element that's a much needed listen. Tracks like "Nothing Like This" and "Make'em NV" are the favored highlights of this collection. Though the man himself has passed, J Dilla's brilliant producing skills will constantly be rediscovered by generation after generation and Ruff Draft is a great place to start.
Editor's Note: I feel like not writing comments this week. Instead, after each pick, I'll post a paragraph or so of an email I sent to the venue that hasn't reimbursed my costs for last week's Placebo concert that got cancelled. Please note, when reading, that I emailed them last Thursday, very politely, to ask how I would obtain my refund, as my tickets were purchased online and, to date, have received no response. Also keep in mind that the email has been sent and cannot be taken back.
Jeremy Fights Through Life's Trials And Tribulations With
A Hawk And A Hacksaw (http://www.ahawkandahacksaw.co.uk)
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ahaah.jpg:
Darkness At Noon
Listen (http://www.myspace.com/ahawkandahacksaw)
I stumbled onto A Hawk and a Hacksaw last week when checking out some of the bands that the Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer recommended. This was one of them. I liked what I heard, apparently, and ventured on to check out their full-length albums. Both that I've listened to were good, but this one moreso. I think it'd definitely be for fans of Tin Hat Trio/Tin Hat (AKA - this band has [Spanish accents][b][i]Ben Rice[/i][/b][/spanish accents] written all over it). "Wicky Pocky" is a personal favorite, as are the two "Moon/Water" songs. It's mostly instrumental (which usually doesn't do as much for me as ones with vocals - putting [b]DeVotchKa[/b] in the lead with yours truly), but that didn't really detract from it for me. Also, if I'm not getting all my newly discovered bands confused, this fellow does somewhat of a "one-man-band" type of show - so there's another plus for you. PS - my grammar and English for this write-up are horrible.
I know it.
I'm aware. I just honestly didn't have it in me - a sleepless night hyped up on the Ephedra-ridden [tm]Mucinex[/tm] (that's for trademarking!) for my sinuses and this is what you get! Now go listen, all you artsy, instrumentalist, [b]Beirut[/b]-loving crazies that haven't already checked this out previously - you'll be happy you did.
[I]Editor's Note: Hey, Guys,
Just wanted to thank you for the quick refund of my [b]Placebo[/b] tickets purchased online shortly before the show happened, then got cancelled last minute.
Oh wait, that never happened. The refund anyway. I definitely bought the tickets, as seen by the receipt below.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Johnny L Doesn't Mind The Pressure[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Nada Surf (http://www.nadasurf.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/nadasurf.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]The Weight Is A Gift[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/nadasurf)[/size][/center]
To most, [b]Nada Surf[/b] falls into the “one hit wonder” category. Their mid nineties teenage anthem “Popular” made them some money, but what they did next made them credible. Instead of writing their next album the way their label wanted them to, they chose to be artists and the rest is history. [I]The Weight Is A Gift[/I] is truly a work of indie pop genius. Every song can be hummed along to and if more people would hear this album, the song “Blankest Year” would be the soundtrack to our generation.
[I]Editor's Note: Well, at least this is my first time emailing you about a refund.
No, wait, that's wrong too.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Jordan Is On A Quest For[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Grails (http://www.grailsongs.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/grails.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Black Tar Prophecies, Volumes 1, 2, & 3[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/grailsongs)[/size][/center]
I have a feeling that most of you are already aware of [b]Grails[/b]. While this is not a new find for me by any means, they are just a band I've been listening to a lot lately. And with good reason. I love the sound and have yet to find a band that really sounds anything like them. I love this kind of music. I'm not going to bother trying to describe their sound or how it affects me; instead, you listen for yourself and see if strikes something in your soul. Let me know if it does.
[I]Editor's Note: But at least this a response to your response to my previous inquiry.
Hold the phone, that's also not correct.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Allen Is A Man Of His Convictions, Should He Ever Choose To Have Them[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]A Palace In Persia (http://www.apalaceinpersia.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/apip.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Metaphenomena[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.purevolume.com/apalaceinpersia)[/size][/center]
Alright, so you're not one of the lucky bastards who has already snagged the new [b]Dear Hunter[/b] and you've gotten sick of playing [b]Rx Bandits[/b] over and over again because you think [b]The Mars Volta[/b] is too pretentious...and I have no funny quip to end that thought. Basically, [b]A Palace in Persia[/b] fits into that same niche that the formerly stated bands fit--I don't know what you call it; progressive or new-psychedelia or whatever--but its pretty decent. The only drawbacks of the album seem to be the band's vaguely pretentious stoner-ish image (they released this on 4/20, some of their artwork is representative of/has peopole smoking pot, etc.) and they have an equally drug-obsessed split-mate (the album is actually an 80 minute long split), [b]Sir.Time[/b]--which is unenjoyable hip hop (Don't get me wrong, it may very well be good; I just don't like rap).
[I]Editor's Note: So anyway, I guess my question is, how do I get my $54 back for a show that never happened?
Any help would be appreciated.
Ben Rice[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Daniel Alcinii Took A Shortcut, But Still Managed To Get Here Late[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]The Chinese Stars (http://www.thechinesestars.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/chinesestars.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Listen To Your Left Brain[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thechinesestars)[/size][/center]
These guys are so weird. I love them. In other news, [b]AC Milan[/b] knocked out the worst team in the [b]Champions League[/b] semi final today and the [b]Ottawa Sens[/b] also won, going up 3-1 in the series against the [b]Devils[/b], woo.
[I]Editor's Note: P.S. If you need anything else, you can go ahead and email me or what have you. I've also, for your convenience, attached a photo of your website which states to seek reimbursement from the place of purchase. And, to reiterate, the receipt is below.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Adam Wanted Me To Review These Guys Years Ago, But I Never Got Around To It. The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Rishloo (http://www.rishloo.com)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/rishloo.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Eidolon[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/rishloo)[/size][/center]
[b]Rishloo[/b] is a Seattle quartet that I've been gushing over for several years, since their debut, [i]Terras Fames[/i], was released in 2004. Progressing forward 3 years, a new band member and mounds of maturation have only given the band the boost from good to great on [i]Eidolon[/i]. Although still unsigned, it's hard to understand why after hearing this new gem of a progressive rock album. They put bands like [b]10 Years[/b] and [b]Chevelle[/b] to shame, not to mention the total domination of [b]Tool[/b]'s latest effort. This band has embraced their natural sound instead of fighting so hard to avoid their obvious counterparts and it's made them more cohesive. The album feels effortless without the slightest hint of pretension, endearing you to them almost instantly. The conspicuous similitude is obviously still [b]Tool[/b], but now this wonderful band shares many a likeness with the fresher faces of [b]Opus Dai[/b], [b]Fair to Midland[/b], and [b]Dredg[/b]. It would be such a pity to overlook this majestic band falling into place so perfectly.
[I]Editor's Note: P.P.S. Your phone's recording says today is the 29th of April. Could stand an update. And maybe you could add a function that lets me talk to someone about this so I don't have to resort to sending inane (not a typo) emails that are off-putting, offensive, and wholely unnecessary.[/I]
[center][size=3][b]Ben Still Hasn't Gotten His Refund[/b][/size]
[size=4][b]Tholus (http://www.davemurrayonline.com/tholus)[/b][/size]
[img]http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/tholus.jpg[/img]:
[size=4][b]Constant[/b][/size]
[size=1]Listen (http://www.myspace.com/tholus1)[/size][/center]
World's greatest living drummer [b]Dave Murray[/b] tackles straight ahead death metal, the only genre on Earth that requires drumming virtuosity to be worth a damn. While the riff-writing may not be spectacular, Dave certainly is, finding openings for wrist-shattering rolls, grooved-up blast beats, and tricky tom work where most mere mortals find space for a hi-hat. When the rest of the band gets in on this "more is more" attitude, this album is [I]Constant[/I]-ly great.
[I]Editor's Note: P.P.P.S. Sarcasm is my defense mechanism.
P.P.P.P.S. Sorry for all these P.S.'s.[/I]