Used CD Stores In Arlington/D.C.?

Yeah, I know, these days most people are buying a lot of their music online. But I still enjoy a nice leisurely trip to the used CD shop every so often. It gives me a chance to trade in CDs I don’t want or I’m tired of, and then I get to browse around and spend the resulting store credit. The trouble is, my favorite store, Tunes, is back in New Jersey, and I still haven’t found a store that I like here in the Arlington/D.C. area. Can anyone recommend a cool place?

More Music Videos

All right, kids, I know how you enjoy those lists of music videos with the videos embedded. So go check out Stylus Magazine's Top 100 Music Videos of All Time.

A Couple of Songs Courtesy of Stereogum

Ever wonder what a mashup of Jay-Z's "99 Problems" and Nena's "99 Red Balloons" would sound like? Go listen to it here over at Stereogum.

And if you get a chance, go check out Joseph Arthur's haunting new single, "Black Lexus," over at (where else?) Stereogum here.

A Case of the Fridays

It’s been a long week, no doubt, but there’s an end in sight, my friends. So kick off your Friday with “Brighten Up” from No Second Troy’s upcoming album. It’s radio-ready pop-rock, with some nice layering of sounds and urgent vocals. I’m really digging the pre-chorus, and the gradual increase of intensity. If you like what you hear, No Second Troy will be at IOTA this Saturday, September 30th.

MP3: Brighten Up – No Second Troy

And I’m really liking The Hint’s new single, “Where Are You Now?” This catchy power-pop gem takes off like a shot, digging its hooks in the listener and not letting go. The rhythm section’s driving beat kept my foot tapping along, and the harmonies gave the choruses just the lift they needed. If you like what you hear, The Hint will be at Jammin Java Wednesday, October 4th.

MP3: Where Are You Now – The Hint

Matthew Ryan

Gravelly-voiced and hailing from Chester, PA, Matthew Ryan brings an intimate style of songwriting to indie-rock. His albums have ranged from the ragged Springsteen-esque rock of his debut May Day, to the triumphant-sounding East Autumn Grin (my personal favorite), to a very pensive Concussion. Below are a couple of tracks from Ryan’s current solo release, Regret Over the Wires, where he mixes electronic rhythms and sounds with his insightful lyrics. Besides his solo output, Matthew Ryan also plays in the Nashville-based group Strays Don’t Sleep with Neilson Hubbard.

MP3: Skylight - Matthew Ryan
MP3: Sweetie - Matthew Ryan

I Wear My Sunglasses...

I had an ophthamologist appointment today, so my pupils are as big as quarters. And i'm wearing those wraparound disposable sunglasses they hand out at the doctor's office underneath my regular sunglasses to double the tinting pleasure. And it's still bright!

Trans Fatless In New York?

Apparently, NYC is considering a proposal to ban the use of trans fatty acids at the city's nearly 25,000 service establishments. Hmmm, I wonder if Oreos will be banned in NYC...

Live Crows

Some like their crows Black and with an "e," and some prefer just Counting them. Personally, I enjoy both kinds. Anyway, I've got a couple live tracks of the Counting Crows variety. I really like this extended version of "Round Here." Yeah, it's long, but Adam's passionate vocals in the added portion are what make it worthwhile...

MP3: Round Here [live] - Counting Crows
MP3: Angels of the Silences [live] - Counting Crows

2007 Model Year Preview

It's time for some new cars! Go check out the 2007 model year preview over at msn.com here.

So Get Your Scrubs On

Because Amazon.com is always looking for ways to have me spend money, Scrubs - The Complete Fourth Season is coming out on DVD October 10th. But I'm not complaining! And I do believe this season include's Turk's niiiice lip synch of Bel Biv Devoe's "Poison" (see YouTube link here).


thanks to CC for the tip

Joseph Arthur

Every so often I feel obligated to post my favorite Joseph Arthur song, "Exhausted." Since he just released a new album, Nuclear Daydream, I figure now is a fitting time. It's an intense piece of work, lyrically, and his use of shifting dynamics and moods is excellent. This is one of my all-time favorites...

MP3: Exhausted - Joseph Arthur

Weekend Pics From Tarara Winery

grapes on the ground, begging to be stomped

sweet, sweet kettle corn

for the carnivores

yeah, flowers

Warren Bolster

I was just reading the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated, and a short piece about the recent sad death (via suicide) of photographer Warren Bolster caught my eye. I had never heard of him before, but he did some very cool, innovative work in skate and surf photography. And it turns out he was born in Arlington, VA.

Alot of Wonderwalls

You've inevitably heard bands cover Oasis' "Wonderwall" before. Well, Dodge over at My Old Kentucky Blog just put up a cool post here complete w/ mp3s that's got a bunch of different bands' cover versions of "Wonderwall." I'm partial to the Cartel and Cat Power versions myself. Though I must say, hearing Paul Anka sing it is quite...interesting.

Cash

Oh, wait, not that Cash. Forbes just came out with it's annual list of the top 400 richest Americans. Check out some details on the top ten here.

A Case of the Fridays

After a one-week hiatus, caused by excessive accounting, A Case of the Fridays is back to help you close out your week in style. Or something like that. Anyway, we start off with a track from Maryland-based rocker Niki Barr. “Just Like You” is a melodic slice of power pop with a chorus that’s damn catchy. If you like what you hear, she’ll be at the Birchmere Friday, September 22nd with her band.

MP3: Just Like You – Niki Barr

And we close out the week with “Another Seven Years,” by Aberdeen City. Though the band is from Boston, the combination of the vocalist’s English affectations and the electric guitar rhythms give the band a sound reminiscent of eighties Cure. If you like what you hear, Aberdeen City will be at the Black Cat Saturday, September 23rd.

MP3: Another Seven Years – Aberdeen City

Scrubs in Syndication

FYI, Scrubs is now in syndication - and you can watch it weeknights from 7pm-8pm on Comedy Central, and then again from 10pm-11pm on the new WB-hybrid channel (whatever that's called now). So what are you waiting for? Go watch some TV!

IZZO (H.O.V.A.)

Here's a little Jay-Z until his new album drops...

Jimmy Eat World

I was just listening to some Jimmy Eat World on the drive to work today. So I figured I'd post my old roommate's favorite video...

Yes....Really

We got a flier from these guys in the mail today, and their name is simply too good not to share it.

thanks to CC for saving it for me

Knoxville

Have I mentioned that Jackass 2 is coming out soon? I just can't remember. Anyway, A.V. Club did a pretty cool interview with Johnny Knoxville here. I still say that Mr. Knoxville bears quite a resemblance to Mike Holden. But you can decide that for yourself.

New Name Announced for Supernova

And they're going to call themselves..."Rock Star: Supernova." For real. Perhaps they'll also change their names to "Drummer: Tommy Lee," "Guitarist: Gilby Clarke," "Bassist: Jason Newsted," and "Goth Chicken Little: Lukas Rossi." Anyway, they've got some new songs up on their MySpace site if you're interested anymore. Somewhere, the Dark Horse is laughing in his Honda Element...

Selling Your Pix

This is an interesting article regarding selling your digital pictures as stock photography through photo agencies.

Mmmmm......The Strohs

The Strohs are watching you! I brought out my copy of their most recent CD, Bardo, yesterday for my commute, and it was like listening to an old rock and roll friend. That is, an old friend with quirky lyrics, catchy hooks, and excellent musicianship all-around. Take a listen...

MP3: Got A Girl - The Strohs
MP3: Elizabeth - The Strohs

Judge For Yourself

Now if I told you the creator of Office Space, Beavis & Butt-head, and King of the Hill was releasing a new movie, you might be a little interested, right? But Fox, in its infinite wisdom, released Mike Judge's new film, Idiocracy, in only seven cities - and not even NYC! And this was after having it sit on the shelf for a year. I guess they're just trying to foster Judge's "cult director" status.

The Quarrymen

Before The Beatles were The Beatles, they were The Quarrymen...well, at least Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison were. Anyway, Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has a very cool post here that's got early recordings they made dating back to 1960, including a version of "I'll Follow the Sun." Check it out.

Weekend Pics

inside an old air conditioner

service, please?

it's red. it's yellow.

More As Fast As

As Fast As puts on one of the most entertaining live shows that I've seen. I bought their CD, An Open Letter to the Damned, and it's pretty solid, emphasizing their classic rock roots, harmonies, and high energy. And it's catchy, to boot. Take a listen.

MP3: Blame it on the Drugs - As Fast As
MP3: Skin the Kat - As Fast As

One Night In Bangkok

No, no traveling to Thailand for me. I just couldn't resist posting the video to one of my favorite 80s tunes by Murray Head. It's not on many compilation CDs and it doesn't get much radio play, so I figured I'd post it.

dj BC

"Tripper Trouble," a mash-up of the Beatles and the Beastie Boys by dj BC, is one of my favorite mash-ups of all-time. Turns out Culture Bully just did an interview with the Boston-based DJ here. It's a pretty cool read.

MP3: Tripper Trouble - dj BC

A Whole New Zune

Microsoft will soon be challenging Apple's iPod supremacy with their Zune device. Now I don't even have an iPod, and I'm not a fan of itsy-bitsy headphones in my ears. But check out Stereogum's in-depth review of Zune here.

Supernova For How Long?

As reported on MTV.com, according to a Tuesday ruling by San Diego Judge John Houston, the producers of CBS' "Rock Star" are going to have to come up with an alternate name for Supernova, the band made up of Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke. Wanna bet that a fistful of money will solve this problem? Anyway, I'm liking that original that Toby Rand's been singing - take a listen...

MP3: Throw It Away - Toby Rand

Vote Charles Over Gnarls

Me? I prefer Charles to Gnarls Barkley. But what kind of music blog would I be if I didn't post but one Gnarls Barkley song? "Crazy," you ask? I don't think so. I like the groovy track, "The Last Time."

MP3: The Last Time - Gnarls Barkley

BMW, Hydrogen-Style

BMW is scheduled to release the world's first hydrogen-powered production model in early 2007. The "hydro" option will be available on the 7-Series, and these vehicles will most likely only be available for lease. Emissions? Only water vapor when the vehicle is burning hydrogen.

Random Pictureness

a little wall wisdom in Clarendon

Joseph Arthur - In The Sun

It's going to be a crazy week, but I'll post when I can. So here's a beauty of a song from Joseph Arthur, stripped-down to just voice and acoustic guitar.

As Fast As

It was a looooong day at work, but I still gotta post y'all something tasty. Yeah, the video for "Florida Sunshine" by As Fast As may look like trailer trash, but the song rocks like thunder.

Pie Boys Flat

I had never heard of Pie Boys Flat before, but they were included on my most recent IMP Mixtape. And I liked what I heard. Their sound is a catchy blend of ska, reggae and rock, similar to that of Sublime, and their harmonies are quite excellent. Interestingly enough, it turns out they’re playing a show here in DC on 9/29 at RFD.

MP3: I Won’t Let You Go On – Pie Boys Flat
MP3: Bella – Pie Boys Flat

Into The Dark

Here's the video to "I Will Follow You Into The Dark," by Death Cab For Cutie. It's an achingly lovely song, with some amazing lyrics. They're almost perfect, with every word adding value to the song.

A Case of the Fridays

It’s that time of the week again. And it didn’t get here fast enough, as far as I’m concerned. Anyway, the first cut, which may or may not be the deepest, is The Damnwells’ “I’ve Got You.” I love Alex Dezen’s impassioned vocals, and the instrumental arrangements are excellent. And feel free to try and count how many song titles are mentioned in the lyrics. The Damnwells will be at the Black Cat on Sunday, 9/10.

MP3: I’ve Got You – The Damnwells

And we close out the day with “Losing Me,” by John Paul White. What starts off as a brooding and ominous-sounding acoustic ballad builds, layer-by-layer into a slow burner of a soaring track. Give it a listen.

MP3: Losing Me – John Paul White

Knoxville

Yeah, I've been posting a bit about the upcoming Jackass: Number 2 movie. But I'm excited about it. And who can blame me? Anyway, Cracked.com has got videos of their "10 Best Jackass Skits of All Time" here. TreDog, I know you'll like it!

It's All About the Benjamins

After 40 years (yep, it's Star Trek's 40th anniversary), Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner are pretty candid when answering what still gets them fired up about Star Trek (from this article):

SHATNER: Money.

NIMOY: Yeah. The big, the big bucks.

SHATNER: Money. The money gets you fired up.

TOGETHER: The biiiig bucks.

Seriously?

SHATNER: Yes, that was serious. We were very serious about that.

NIMOY: Yeah. But seriously, folks.

Scrubs Talk

Alas, based on the way Zach Braff's talking in this interview, it looks like this season (Season Six) of my favorite show, Scrubs, will be its last.

thanks to PopCandy for the tip

An Interview With Marah

My favorite band to see live is Marah, hands down, and they’ll be bringing their high-energy rock n’ roll to IOTA for back-to-back shows on 9/10 and 9/11. They’re currently on tour in support of their album, If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry, but, after speaking to lead singer and guitarist Dave Bielanko, it looks like they might have a new record in the works…


So what’s going on with Marah now? I heard you just got back from a studio in Nashville?

It’s pretty interesting what happened. We were working on this project for a film, and then as films do, it got a little delayed…We hadn’t really thought about starting a new Marah record. We hadn’t really written anything, but we had the studio time and we kept it. So we went in and just played and recorded 14 songs that we were just pulling out of everywhere. I’m very, very excited. We didn’t think we’d have a record to follow up If You Didn’t Laugh for quite some time, but suddenly we have like at least half of it done. It came out of nowhere, but the band right now is really, really cool and playing well. Again, it’s all a bunch of first-takers…Nashville is kind of weirdly inspiring in a cool way. We wore cowboy hats. And let it run into our music a little bit. But not too much. In the course of eight days we wrote and recorded a bunch of new songs.

That’s quick! Your current band lineup seems to have really jelled - has finally having a steady lineup given the band a shot in the arm?

Yeah, totally. Suddenly we can record things fast. We can conceptualize things, and those two lads are f*ckin’ badasses (Adam Garbinski on guitars and Dave Petersen on drums). They know how to play and tour. They grew up in punk rock bands, sleeping in their guitar cases and sh*t. You can’t gross ‘em out or make ‘em upset. They’re hard as nails! They’re like pirates, but they play f*ckin’ great. If we do something good, there’s a really good chance we’ll get to keep the take.

If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry has a certain live vibe to the record. Do you think these new recordings are similar?

Yeah, I think this is kind of the same thing, except maybe it’s not quite as ragged so far. A little bit more thought out.

Do you have a producer lined up for the album?

No, the thing with a band like us is I couldn’t f*cking dream of affording a producer that I thought could do anything but ruin us. There are great people out there that I’d love to work with, but they cost three hundred f*cking thousand dollars, and I would rather buy a house. It takes corporate dollars, which we do not have. And if we did, I’d probably do something else with them, like go to Atlantic City.

When do you think you’ll finish up the new album?

Now that it’s started, we’ll work on it in every spare moment until it’s done. Hopefully it’ll come out right after the new year.

There are a few brother-based bands out there – in a royal rumble between the Gallaghers (Oasis), the Robinsons (The Black Crowes), and the Bielankos, who do you think would come out on top?

That’s a good one. I think we could waste the Robinsons. The Gallaghers would be tough because Liam’s f*cking out of his head. He would be the tough one. He’d probably bite your throat out. Me and Serge have fought viciously over the years, but we’ve settled down a bit.

Do you and Serge get competitive at times?

I think the competitiveness is what’s really good. We came back from Nashville, and Serge didn’t have any slam-dunk songs written, so he was kind of jealous that maybe mine were pulling out up front. That competitiveness between brothers is what pushes the band to be cool and play hard. We’ve got no problems there. Our problems have been personal in a lot of ways, but we’re making great efforts to grow up and get on anti-depressants…

How do you usually go about the songwriting process? Do you write together, or bring finished ideas over to each other?

We’re writing together right now for the first time in a long time. I think we wrote together a little bit on Kids in Philly. But it’s usually your own thing, or else it’s unfocused. We wait a song is developed enough and has a title, and then we bring it to the other guys.

Do you like to pull song subject matter from real life?

Yeah, I think so. And I think even more so now than ever. And real life also gets very dreamy and obscure at times, too. But I think that we’re pulling from real things that have happened to us and to our friends…In the past we’ve written much about fictitious urban America stuff, and that’s a cool subject, but one that maybe we’ve done enough of at this point in time. I think it’s more important for us to get better about writing about relationships and inner turmoil.

Your music has such an intimate attachment to Philadelphia - How have you adapted to life in Brooklyn?

I’ve been here for 4 years, unbeknownst to people in Philly. It’s cool. I love New York. We toured like 9 months this year, so we’re never home, but it’s a great place to come home to. It’s got an energy and sh*t. You can’t really f*cking be lazy and sit in the coffee shop, which is what I was doing in Philly, or the bar. And like, you have to keep working, because it’s expensive and it’s fast. And that’s really good for us, because laziness in us is bad.

You’ve definitely got a cool stage presence – who do you consider to be some of your influences?

My music has to come f*cking archaic and old. I’m listening to old country-blues guys and Frank Sinatra. Obviously The Velvet Underground and The Replacements or rock ‘n’ roll bands that had a degree of righteousness to ‘em.

You’ve received a lot of critical acclaim, but at this point, do you really care about whether you achieve mainstream success or not?

The thing that scares you to death when you lie in your bed at night is the fact that financially, maybe your band will f*cking run ashore. And you can’t save it, as much as you love the people in it, and you love what comes with it. That’s our only fear.

But where we exist in the world of pop culture, we’re really cool with that. I love the fact that we’re sort of invisible yet very important to certain people. God knows what the future holds. We’re in a cool kind of situation today, because we don’t have records promised to certain companies. We have a lot of flexibility with what we can do…We support ourselves by playing gigs…It’s about f*cking rock ‘n’ roll and having fun on Friday night, and writing good songs and being an artist.

So how’d you get Harry Kalas (the distinctively-voiced Philadelphia Phillies announcer) to record the introduction on Marah’s track, “Rain Delay?”

It was a friend of a friend who was taking photographs for the record. He worked as a sports photographer for either the Vet [Veteran’s Stadium] or the Phillies. He knew him [Harry Kalas] well enough to know that he’d have a whiskey after work at the bar and play games with his voice, and have a sense of humor about it, because his voice is incredible…But we met him [Harry Kalas] and he’s totally cool. We had written several things, and then we picked one. We were like, “Could you read this?” He did it in one take. It was beautiful, and we just high-fived and went our separate ways.

We were trying very much to tie a sense of place into those records. Those first two records were very Philadelphia-centric, and his voice is so Philly. And we couldn’t get Sly Stallone.


*MP3: Demon of White Sadness – Marah
*MP3: Freedom Park - Marah
*Marah’s Official Site and MySpace

Shoes

Yes, this video is pretty damn surreal. But watch it a couple of times, and you'll be hooked.

Random Pictureness

who knows what's behind Door #602?

tree swing

Wisdom From Homer

Go check out these tidbits of wisdom, courtesy of Homer J. Simpson. So simple, yet so true.

Loudness Wars

I was in the studio today recording vocals for a couple of our new songs. While I was there Matt (sound engineer & producer) was talking to me about how CDs have gradually become "louder" and "louder," due to standard industry recording and mastering processes. Anyway, this Wikipedia entry on the "Loudness War," as suggested by Matt, is a pretty educational read. Of course, I still don't completely understand the entire thing...

September MP3s

The September 2006 Mp3s have just been posted over to the right -->

Jackass: Number Two

Go see Jackass: Number Two. Because other people don't want you to.