I ain’t trying to raise no thug. I’m merely trying to find a subtle way to ease him onto some classics.

This news —-> “John Frusciante to release new EP this Summer!”

And the fact that I headed on over to the Record Collection Records website to see if they had more details and saw the following image made me a very happy person.

Can’t wait. Happy Friday!

Explosions In The Sky - San Antonio, TX Poster

The folks over at DKNG Studios put out a lot of really cool stuff. Check it out.

I received a package today from Guy all the way from London. He had already sent Lissette and I a sweet canvas frame printout of Kenneth smiling as he slept but he’s kept the goods coming. Looks like he’s rooting for Kenny to be an Arsenal fan. Guy don’t play with Arsenal. He takes it EXTREMELY serious so the fact that he wants my son sporting this, I take it as sign that he cares. He also sent some nice words in that little card there with birds on it and the latest CD from Michael Kiwanuka. One of my favorite things about my friendship with Guy is that he and I shoot some sweet music recommendations back and forth at each other. I had all day to listen to this in my office but I decided to hold off and wait till I’m in the car driving back home to my wife and son. Something tells me that when I listen to this CD, I’m going to think about how awesome Guy is and our trip to London back in April.

Thanks, BROpollo Creed!

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

How Do U Want It / 2Pac / All Eyez On Me [Disc 1]

2Pac - How Do You Want It

Found out earlier that I’m not working on Monday. I’m just in a great mood. This song should contribute to YOU being in a great mood. Turn it up.

Led Zeppelin - Since I’ve Been Loving You @ Madison Square Garden July 1973

I understand, that these days, we leave it to Marshawn Lynch to school us on what it means to be in “Beast Mode” but Jimmy Page INVENTED “Beast Mode.” Fact.

David Bazan - “Virginia”

Songs like this are why ‘Strange Negotiations’ should be on MANY Best Albums of 2011 lists.

Virginia I had a dream that you invited us over
You still lived on the street where you laid down for good
We all sat on the floor as my kids swam around us
You smoked cigarettes like I knew you would

We were worried about your personal salvation
Was it heaven or hell that you saw when your eyes closed?
You smiled at us, floating high above the question
Like you knew something we didn’t know

Virginia I had a dream we were closer than brothers
Singing, pictures of you, crashing cars, skipping school
We drove all over town as the days blurred around us
We wore out your cassettes, we were nobody’s fool

They were worried about our high school graduation
They read us a poem, “Oh the Places You’ll Go”
You smiled it off, floating high above the question
Like you knew something they didn’t know

A great performance of “Virginia” live on KEXP.

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Happy Kid / Nada Surf / Let Go

nada-surf:

Happy Kid- Nada Surf (from Let Go)

I am officially on Holiday Vacation. I will be checking my email throughout my vacation but pretty much…No more work until 2012.

Bob Dylan - Guess I’m Doing Fine

And I’ve never had much money
But I’m still around somehow.
No, I’ve never had much money
But I’m still around somehow.
Many times I’ve bended
But I ain’t never yet bowed.
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine.

…Well, my road might be rocky,
The stones might cut my face.
My road it might be rocky,
The stones might cut my face.
But as some folks ain’t got no road at all,
They gotta stand in the same old place.
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine.

If you’re anything like me, a lot of the “must listen to” albums of 2011 won’t get a spin from me until like 2014 and then I’ll just be trying to catch up and let’s face it, we’re never going to catch up. I’m still giving first spins to some of the Best Albums of the 90’s. Oh well, here it goes…

1. Wye Oak - Civilian

After having heard “Take It In” from the album ‘The Knot,’ I put this band on my radar. I had never heard of them until a simple click of ‘play’ on a post on Hughbot’s tumblr post. Come to find they were releasing a new album soon. I bought it, I loved it, I went to see them at The Echo and I still listen to it often. I haven’t gotten into an album like I did this one in a long time.

2. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie

I gave myself the perfect opportunity to become a fan of this record. I’ll explain what that means. 

When a record label releases a record, by the time it’s release date comes along, everyone at the office has probably heard it about 60+ times. All sorts of demos and early versions start being passed along before the final version has been submitted. Usually, it’s neat to hear how a song started and it’s progression but I like to hear all that stuff after. I avoided all that. I have the luxury of working downstairs where I can play my own stuff at whatever volume I want, away from the shared stereo upstairs. When I would hear ‘Elsie’ play upstairs, I avoided being within close distance and remained neutral to comments such as “It’s sooooooooo good.” I decided that I wanted to listen to ‘Elsie’ when we got the first final version, which was the watermarked non-artwork promo copy. Everything on that CD was exactly what everyone who bought it would be listening to.

I tackled ‘Elsie’ like anybody who would have picked it up the day it was released in record stores. There was an excitement I felt putting it in the car stereo and listening to it for the first time, not knowing what to expect. I was a tiny bit nervous probably repeating over and over in my head, “Please, don’t suck. Please, don’t suck.” I popped it in and my car stereo displayed “Reading Disc.” I’d love to explain what happened after that but I’ll avoid a long album review and just say that since that day and until now, I’m a believer. I’ll forever spread the gospel of ‘Elsie.’ It’s an absolutely beautiful record.

3. My Morning Jacket - Circuital

I think I’ll forever be a fan of anything these guys put out. Seeing them live has made me love their albums more than I had originally did. That’s what happened with “Circuital.” After seeing them put on another great performance at the Pantages Theatre this year with Lissette, I’m convinced these guys are the real deal. Some of my favorite songs of the year are from this album: “Wonderful” and “Movin Away.”

4. Wilco - The Whole Love

Long story short: At first listen, I hated this album. I watched their Tiny Desk Concert on NPR and loved it. Came back to the album and now I’m into it. Simple as that.

5. The Smashing Pumpkins - ‘Gish’ and ‘Siamese Dream’ Deluxe Editions

I’m a little biased when it comes to The Smashing Pumpkins. As a fan of this band since when I was getting heavily into music, I’ve been waiting for these rarities to be released since I was 16 years old… so obviously, this had to be included.

6. Indian School - EP

This EP came to me in an unexpected way. Fake Problems was playing an acoustic show at the Atticus clothing store on Melrose in Los Angeles. Having gotten there early to see a friend’s band, I was killing time between other band’s sets & had a conversation with this guy named Hugo outside the store. Hugo ended up being the bass player for Indian School and he told me I should check them out after we exchanged a few bits of info on what we did for a living. Turns out that they weren’t bad at all. I hit up Hugo about shows and more music and I was sent a link to download this EP. After a few listens, it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. The amount of plays each of these tracks has on my iTunes is enough to not only embarrass me but enough to secure a spot on my list. Listen for free HERE

7. Title Fight - Shed

Title Fight come from a scene that I was/am not too familiar with. Let’s face it, I’m an older dude who’s more likely to pick up a Jeff Buckley Rarities album than whatever new record the Alkaline Trio put out. In working with Title Fight at SideOneDummy and having witnessed the energy that these dudes put into their music, their live shows and the response they get from their fans, it is mesmerizing. Every time I’ve seen them live, I stand there in awe on how hard it just goes off in frenzy. It reminds me of when I was “in it”…when I was THAT kid at a show and all that mattered was getting inside of the venue and belting out lyrics to songs that soundtracked my mornings, days and nights. You better keep an eye out for these dudes…”Shed” feels like it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

8. David Bazan - Strange Negotiations

I was late on the David Bazan/Pedro The Lion game. Better late than never.

9. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Do you ever have albums that you just like because they remind you of something, some place or someone? That’s this album for me. Aside from it just being a great album, it reminds me of my trip to England and my friend Guy who I miss a lot. That alone is worth including this record.

10. Charles Bradley & The Menehan Street Band - No Time For Dreaming

I’m not a musician but I do own a few guitars. To me, the guitar was and has always been simply a hobby. I never found “my sound” or at least could decide on what kind of music I wanted to play. The older I got, the more the style would change. One day, I stumbled upon James Brown’s “Live At The Apollo I & II” and fell in love with the guitar work on it. I would listen to those records non-stop and when James’ singing wasn’t captivating me, it was the guitars that would. I decided that THAT is how I’d like to play. But I got no time for that now so I just listen and do the next best thing: watch it live. James Brown is long gone now but with artists like Charles Bradley, Lee Fields or Sharon Jones who perform with bands like the Daptones and The Menahan Street Band, this is the closest you’re going to get to experiencing the vibe of Brown’s “Live at the Apollo” shows. Trust me when I say that Daptone Records will do you no wrong. Thomas Brenneck is a beast on guitar.

11. A.A. Bondy - Believers

I love the darkness that surrounds A.A. Bondy’s voice and the atmosphere that his albums create…at least when I listen to them.

12. Chuck Ragan - Covering Ground

I have much respect for Chuck. There are not that many artists that bring such ferocity to their music and performances. Chuck brings it EVERY SINGLE TIME. It’s great to be a part of Chuck’s music even if it’s on the business end of things. It all helps the wheels turning and to have his music hit fresh ears. Next year brings the Revival Tour to the US and I pray you don’t miss it if it’s coming to your home town.

13. Souvenirs - Sadder Days EP

Tim, singer and guitar player, interned at SideOneDummy.  He is really good friends with the dudes in Title Fight. He stopped interning because he went on tour with them to sell merch. We missed Tim and still miss him around the office. He’s silly but a very enthusiastic guy. He stands by what he says even if whatever he’s saying sounds kind of strange. There’s just something about him that I feel he backs everything he says or gets involved in. He backs music for all the right reasons and this is his band’s EP. I can respect a guy like him. I back this EP.

14. Adele - 21

When it first came out, I got really into it. I was grooving. I’d be working, getting shit together and listening to this like, “Saaaaang it, guurrrrrl!” That song, “Someone Like You”? Oh, man. That’s good pop music right there, ya’ll.

15. Restorations - S/T

I wouldn’t have found out about this if it wasn’t for ol’ FMQB Promotion Executive Of The Year 2010 AND 2011, Rob “El Chingon” Wilcox. Thanks, buddy. Loved it.

Honorable Mentions

Bon Iver - S/T

After having LOVED their first record and witnessing an amazing live show of theirs, I only had two critiques about this release. 1) I was a little disappointed by this album’s “punch” at FIRST and it kept me away from it. 2) A little too much auto-tune on an artist that just doesn’t need it. Other than that, I think this record was a strong release for Bon Iver and 2011.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I’m With You

Not gonna lie, I didn’t really like this album too much. This would have automatically made my list if John Frusciante was still in the band. Favorite Song though is “Brendan’s Death Song.”

Don’t Believe The Hype

Childish Gambino - Camp - This kid is a total joke.

happycap:

Smashing Pumpkins - Stumbleine

1995.

Damn…I turned 29 years old today and a lot of things/memories/conversations took me back to my youth but none more than listening to this song. Thanks?

I’ve been listening to the Deluxe versions of Gish and Siamese Dream on Spotify all week and they’ve been ACE but I tell you what, when Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness gets that treatment, I’m gonna lose it. In my opinion, that trio of albums I just mentioned is really hard to top.

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Handwriting Is on the Wall / Ann Peebles / St. Louis Woman/Memphis Soul

Ann Peebles - Handwriting is on the Wall

About 2 years ago, I came across this website with tons of free music. After much browsing I…*looks left, looks right. coast is clear* I downloaded this 63 track Ann Peebles album titled St. Louis Woman/Memphis Soul. I was familiar with Ann Peebles but didn’t really know any immediate songs that I could justify me needing this collection other than I knew I loved Oldies Soul music. So…even 2 years later, I haven’t got around to listening/embracing every song in this collection but it’s such a great feeling to still be discovering new tracks from it which makes having downloading it totally worth it.

This song in particular, there’s no need for lyrics or any tying anything to them other than it was the perfect late night driving type tune.

I wrote one, check it out.

A few weeks ago we saw the closing of a legendary Louisville, KY record store, Ear X-Tacy. Yet last week, Amoeba Records in Hollywood celebrated it’s 10 Year Anniversary. It’s no secret that the record industry is a little unstable right now… everything is unpredictable.  I’m sure a lot of record stores are shaking in their boots, hoping that shoppers purchase music as Christmas gifts. A profitable holiday season could help keep their doors open for at least another year.

We all have a good idea of what is preventing people from buying physical records; it’s the free illegal mp3s that can be found left and right in any corner of the Internet. Why buy when you can just download, right? It might seem reasonable, but there are still many people out there (at least we’d like to think so) who love buying records. I know I’m one of them; but something has definitely changed. Back when I bought Pearl Jam’s “Yield” or The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” I remember hearing that one hit on the radio and I trusted those bands to bring the goods on those albums. I knew the radio hit was good, but beyond that, I put my trust in Eddie Vedder and Billy Corgan to provide me with enough gems on those albums that would keep me coming back for years and years after my purchase… and they did. Those two albums will always be on frequent rotation in my house.

It’s different now, though. People need persuading. When given recommendations, we are quick to ask “Is it good?” or “You think I’ll like it?” The truth is, we really do need to be convinced and not by just 30 or 90 of music… we demand a whole song.

Enter The New Record. The New Record provides you and I with the opportunity to hear that full song (sometimes 2 or 3), and the music comes straight from the record label. It gives us a chance to do our research on an artist without wading through the murky waters of illegal downloading. As Bill Armstrong, creator of The New Record says, “it’s like a digital newsstand.”

So browse away and hopefully you’ll discover a song that will lead you to your own “Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness.”
-Alex

Thanks to Kayla for her awesome editing skills.

The New Record Newsletter #2

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thenewrecord:

We know you’ve all been waiting for this moment and the time has finally come… for our first contest!!

Anti Records, Dualtone Records, Vanguard Records, Kill Rock Stars Records, Brushfire Records and Barnone Records each sent us some records to include in this giveaway. A full list of the vinyl is below! 

Here’s how you can win…
Tumblr: Like or Reblog this post
Twitter: Retweet this
Facebook: Like or Share this 

The winner will be chosen next Wednesday (11/26)! You got one week!

Tom Waits “Bad As Me” LP
Bahamas “Pink Strat” CD
Bret Dennen “b side to the d side” 7inch 
The Front Bottoms “slow dance to soft rock/grip n tie” Double 10inch 
Milagres “Glowing Mouth” LP 
Kill Rock Stars “Compilation” LP 
The Raincoats “S/T” LP 
Elliott Smith “from a basement on the hill” 2XLP 
Horse Feathers “Thistled Spring” LP 
Gospel Music “How to Get to Heaven from Jacksonville, FL” LP 
The Thermals “Personal Life” LP 
Emperor X “Western Teleport” LP Release 
The Sunbird “Come Back to Us” LP 
Zee Avi “Ghost Bird” LP 
G. Love “Fixin’ to Die” LP 
Devotchka “100 Lover” LP 
Booker T. Jones “The Road From Memphis” LP 

As always, make sure you’re following us on all of the above sites. It’s just rude if you ain’t.

sideonedummyrecords:

A great message from Jim James of My Morning Jacket on the closing of legendary Louisville, KY Record Store Ear X-Tacy.

“there is a tear in my eye right now as i hear about the closing of one of my favorite places on earth- ear-xtacy. i send thanks and healing vibes to john and everyone who has worked so hard at the store over the years…the presence of that sacred place will be sorely missed. people- let this be a big wake up call to us…we need these places to gather as a community and share ideas about music and art and love and life and…. for the love of god…. it cant all take place online…or i fear that one day we will all wake up bleary-eyed and hung over from our technology binge and find the real world long gone… let us be inspired by places like “please and thank you,” “carmichaels,” “pops retail and consignment,” “heine brothers” and all the great independent ma and pa stores around the globe- leading us into a new era of what a creative business can be…we need to support these places and help create more…the mp3 has killed the idea of what a traditional record store used to be, but that should only be cause for us to re-invent and support things the computer can never kill…we need these real places… where you can still buy a record from a local band or a hard to find label or root thru stacks of used vinyl…or get a cup of coffee…or buy an old stereo system or a synthesizer or a pair of jeans…or learn a new skill…or teach a new skill…and love your fellow human in person and face to face and all in the same place. lets brainstorm. lets build more of these places. lets stick together. lets support each other. lets figure it out.” – jim james