Ski's and Micro-News


As I patiently wait for Radiohead to confirm a show in our city I'll go with the random. All I know for sure is that the Boston show is on the list of cities that they plan to play. The rest of the details should be announced shortly. I hope.

On a personal note I recently spent some time in New Hampshire with Mrs. Speakers for a brief getaway. Neither one of us had been on ski's in about 5 years so we jumped at the opportunity to get on the hill for a great day and fresh powder.


Here's a quick piece of music news form Mission of Burma to get us back in the swing of things.

Definitive Burma
on March 18th Matador Records are set to re-issue definitive versions of Mission of Brurma's Ace of Hearts catalog. Signals, Calls, and Marches, Vs., and The Horrible Truth About Burma will include bonus material and DVD's of Live footage including a show that was billed as the bands final performance at the Bradford Hotel in Boston 1983. The full details of these re-issues can be found here

The Last List of 2007

Before I can move forward and embrace the releases of 2008 I felt the need to share my favorite releases from the year gone by. It's just another list to toss on the 2007 fire. It was compiled and written by yours truly and as always I felt the need to post my opinions. Please free to share some feedback. Your thoughts are always welcome here. Thank you for reading and supporting the AGP.


The Ash Gray Proclamations Favorite 20 Albums of 2007


20.Sunset Rubdown- Random Spirit Lover (Jagjaguwar)
When he wasn't working on the next Wolf Parade album or playing with the Swan Lake Spencer Krug was recording the excellent Random Spirit Lover. With a solid song cycle steeped in magic and mythology Random Spirit Lover proves to be one of Krugs finest efforts.


19.Idlewild- Make Another World (Sanctuary)
Make Another World is a return to the guitar rock of Idlewild's early recordings. They've ditched the ballads of there last couple of releases in favor of 10 guitar driven pop anthems. A welcome return to form and great straight up rock record.


18.Menomena- Friend and Foe (Barsuk) This Portland Or. band delivered my eureka album of the year. How the hell did I go this long without hearing this band. Friend of Foe is filled with off kilter pop gems.


17.Modest Mouse-We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank(Epic)
Enter Johnny Marr for the most accessible Modest Mouse album without ever seeming like Brock & Co. were aiming for the top 40. This album is terrific, from the abrasive to beautiful and it includes my favorite song of 2007, Parting of the Sensory.




16.Buffalo Tom- Three Easy Pieces (New West)
Three Easy Pieces marks the 1st album of new material in 9 years from Buffalo Tom. I bought this album because I'm a long standing fan of BT.I kept listening because this album is everything I could have hoped for,superbly written guitar pop.



15.Iron & Wine- The Shepherd's Dog (Sub Pop)
Until his collaboration with Calexico in 2005 Iron & Wine albums were for the most part a solo affair. On The Shepard's Dog Sam Beam's lushed out vocals are supported by a wide range of instrumentation that elevate this album to Iron & Wine's best work to date.


14.Spoon- Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Merge)
The little speakers are big fans of The Underdog and so are the rest of us around here. Spoon finds a way to be adventurous without ever losing their focus. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a bold pop record of near perfection.


13.Ted Leo and Pharmacists- Living with the Living(Touch & Go)
This album was constantly playing in the car and on my ipod for a good reason. It rocks to put it simply. Recorded by Brendan Canty at North Brookfield's Longview Farms. Living with the Living is Leo's most diverse and politically charged record and it's also one his best.


12.Battles- Mirrored(Warp)
I cant remember having a listening experience quite like the one I had the 1st time I heard mirrored. Battles have created a blissful yet chaotic record with Mirrored. With each listen I was drawn in even more as the the melodic genius revealed itself.



11.Explosions In The Sky - All of The Sudden I Miss Everyone(TemporaryRes) An album that improves on there past recordings with there most consistent release to date. Once again they prove to be head and shoulders above there post- rock brethren. A stunning listen from beginning to end.


10.Wilco-Sky Blue Sky(Nonesuch)
This is what we call a grower kids. Sky Blue Sky took some repeated listening before I got it. At least I think I did. It's about jamming at Bonnaroo right? All kidding aside, on there eighth studio album Wilco shed some of the experimentalism for some 70's influenced guitar rock. When the guitars subside Jeff Tweedy reigns the band in for the albums quietest but strongest tracks.


09.Circus Devils- Sgt. Disco(Ipecac)
Sgt. Disco is the 5th and latest release from Circus Devils. The on-going collaboration between Robert Pollard and multi-instrumentalist/producer Todd Tobias. You would think that with 32 tracks things might get tedious but it never does. Sgt Disco manages to accomplish something quite impressive, it reveals an accessibility without losing any of the prog-pop fire of the the Circus Devils previous output. To put it simply Sgt. Disco fxxking rocks.


08.Arcade Fire- Neon Bible(Merge)
Arcade Fire have followed up there sparkling debut record with an album that rivals Funeral on every level. Neon Bible is a righteous and powerful record worthy of your attention and praise.


07.Panda Bear- Person Pitch(Paw Tracks)
This record is remarkable. A kaleidoscope of Beach Boys drenched Psychedelia from Noah Lennox A.K.A. Panda Bear. Person Pitch is certainly more accessible than his main project, Animal Collective. However it retains the experimentalism and warmth that has made all his records so compelling. Person Pitch is a Gorgeous and inventive album from beginning to end.



06Okkervil River- The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)
I was looking forward to this release all year and when it finally arrived it did not disappoint. Okkervil River deliver another superb collection of dark litteral pop. The Stage Name is an outstanding album From the guitar rock gem of Unless it's kicks to the stunning closer John Allyn Smith Sails, complete with the Sloop John B chorus. Without question one of the finest releases of the year.



05Dinosaur Jr.- Beyond (Fat Possum)
I have to admit when I heard the original line up of Dinosaur Jr. was reuniting I was a little skeptical of it all. How do you follow up the three records that this line-up recorded in the 80's for SST? With a outstanding record that rivals anything that came before. Beyond is all that and more. Dinosuar Jr. has never sounded better to these years. Welcome back gentlemen.



04Radiohead- In Rainbows (Self Released)
I'm not sure what I respect more, the fact that Radiohead raised there collective middle fingers to their label or that they've released there strongest collection of songs in years. It's hard to argue with this record being on the top of any year end list. In Rainbows is a masterful reinvention.


03.Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam (Domino)
To me this is the sleeper of the year. Animal Collective have successfully evolved without losing any of there weird charm. Strawberry Jam is there most focused effort to date party due to the fact that you can understand almost every word that vocalist Avey Tare and Panda Bear mutter. Strawberry Jam may not be just be the bands finest hour, but a hint at what's coming next. Deconstruction has never sounded better.


02.Robert Pollard- Coast to Coast Carpet of Love(Merge)
This is the record you've been waiting for Robert Pollard to make.Coast To Coast Carpet of Love is a sublime rock record full of hooks and pop magic. This album is full of remarkable moments, listen to songs like Slow Hamilton and Current Desperation once and you'll be hooked. Coast to Coast Carpet of Love is full of 16 creamy guitar anthems. It might just make someone start a band. Yeah it's that kind of record.



01.The National- The Boxer (Beggars Banquet)
Ever since hearing there sophomore album Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers I've been singing the praises of The National. With each album the band has raised the bar and The Boxer continues that tradition. Like some of my favorite albums with repeated listens The Boxer reveals itself and uncovers some of it's hidden treasures. The Boxer is a smart and moody masterpiece from America's best band.

Superman Was A Rocker

This news comes to us courtesy of Rich Turiel and the good people at Rockathon Records. Thanks Rich.

ROBERT POLLARD - SUPERMAN WAS A ROCKER (HAPPY JACK ROCK RECORDS 15)

Robert Pollard's Superman Was A Rocker is a return to old ways for Bob. This mini-album (13 songs, 30 minutes) finds Bob using recording methods that he hasn't engaged in since the old GBV days.

Bob recently poured through a bunch of old cassette tapes of his and found some great instrumentals that he either wrote or co-wrote, and never used. He decided to go into the studio and put vocals (and melodies!) over them. The music spans a 20+ year period

Due to the span of time and body of work from which the clips were accessed, many of the classic GBV alumni appear on this album; Tobin Sprout, Mitch Mitchell, Kevin Fennell, Doug Gillard, Nate Farley.


NOTE: The CD/LP will be distributed world wide by Revolver and will be in stores on JANUARY 29th.

You can check out the mp3 of Love Your Spaceman right here

Another Christmas Past

I hope all the AGP readers had a nice Christmas holiday and I wish you all a Happy New Year. As the year comes to a close the flood gates have opened with year end lists from everyone from Pitchfork to The Phoenix and everyone in between. The ever growing staff at the Ash Gray Proclamation will also toss their list onto the the year end bonfire.

I expect to have this list of opinions and hyperbole posted sometime after the 1st of the year. Until then here's some news from two artists that need no introduction at least on this blog.

Robert Pollard has been working with former GBV members Doug Gillard, Tobin Sprout, as well as brother Jim Pollard on the forthcoming Superman Was A Rocker. The album is due on January 29th through Pollard's Happy Jack Rock Records.

Today Thom Yorke revelaed that Radiohead will be broadcasting a pre-recorded performace of tracks from In Rainbows filmed at the bands Oxford studio. You can check the performance out at radiohead.tv or on Al Gore'television station current. The events begins at 12 in the UK so lets just call it early evening here in the states.

Suburban Christmas Cards and a Present

The snow has just begun to fall here in America's home town. I started up the snow blower to assure that it is in opperational condition, I've just popped in the the excellent Random Spirit Lover from Sunset Rubdown and I'm ready for the 1st measurable snow fall of the season.

On to some worthy post material. Okkervil River has given permission for you to open there holiday gift early this year. The Golden Opportunities Mix tape is available for free download at the bands site Okkervil River Golden Opportunities was recorded on tour from 2006 to 2007 and includes 8 covers and 1 new track, the stunning Listening to Otis Redding at Home During Christmas. You'll definitely want to add that to your holiday play list.


Super Furry Animals finally drop there eighth album and first via Rough Trade Hey Venus on January 22nd. Hey Venus was released in August overseas to much acclaim. I for one can not wait to get my hands on this one.
SFA will play The Paradise on February 23rd.

Robert Pollard 12.31.07 The Metro Chicago,IL

For many Pollard fans this past weekends shows will have to be read about and not seen. Luckily the good kids from Strong Lions, the fan e-mail list of witch I am member have shared a set list and a video.

OUR GAZE
COUNT US IN
RUD FINS
A HERO BLOWS THE REVOLUTION
PSYCHO INERTIA
ISLAND LOBBY
GIVE UP THE GRAPE
PEGASUS GLUE FACTORY
THE KILLERS
CUSTOMER'S THROAT
LIFE OF A WIFE
SHE GOES OFF AT NIGHT
CURRENT DESPERATION
SHADOW PORT, GET A FACEFUL
LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP
THE RIGHT THING
PILL GONE GIRl
I IN THE WORLD
SLOW HAMILTON
YOUTH LEAGUES
WHEN WE WERE SLAVES
PNUMBRA DUMB LADY
PIVOTAL FILM
NOW TO WAR
CHOKING TARA
I AM A SCIENTIST
MOTION SICKNESS GHOST
BOXING ABOUT
I FEEL GONE AGAIN
SPIDER EYES
FOLDED CLAWS
DON'T TRUST ANYBODY
SKILLS LIKE THIS
DANCING GIRLS AND DANCING MEN
FEEL NOT CRUSHED
MILES UNDER THE SKIN
CUT OUT WITCH
CATS LOVE A PARADE
ENCORE
A SALTY SALUTE
PICTURES OF LILY
RHODA RHODA
US MUSTARD CO
LOVE IS STRONGER THAN WITCHCRAFT
SHOCKER IN GLOOMTOWN
GAME OF PRICKS
RECOVERING
ENCORE 2
GIRLS OF WILD STRAWBERRIES
MOTOR AWAY

Thanks to Brian Felhandler for providing this video.
Our Gaze recorded at Southgate House Newport, KY 11.30.07
Our Gaze

I will most likely have this video posted in the next day or so. Until then enjoy!

Micro-News

There never seems to be enough time to spend on this blog. I'll take advantage of a bit of down time with some music news while I have the chance.

This weekend RobertPollard is scheduled to play two shows in support of the simultaneously released Coast to Coast Carpet of Love and Standard Gargoyle Decisions respectively. Friday night you can catch the show at The Metro in Chicago and on Saturday you'll find him at Southgate House in Newport,Ky. In case you've been under a rock for the past couple of months you already know that these are the only shows planned for the foreseeable future. I'll have to take solace in the onslaught of new Pollard material coming in 2008. I'll be posting set lists and show reports as theAGP supporters send them in.

Death Cab For Cuttie's Chris Walla is preparing to release his first solo album Field Manual via Barsuk Records on Jan 29th. The album was delayed due to Walla's hard drive being confiscated by Homeland Security while a courier was transporting the album from Canada back to the US.

Second Chance Feedback

I doubt that this will turn into a regular segment seeing how March does a fine job of dusting off his favorite music from the past over at FDF.
This post reveals a mistake and a rush to judgement on my part I hope this is the first and last installment.



Ever have a disc change yout mind?
It doesn't happen often but it's happened to me over the past couple of days with the Shins' Wincing the Night Away. When I first heard the album last year I chalked it up as a rehash of there first two albums with a couple of decent songs. I was underwhelmed to say the least until recently that is A few days ago I was on my way out the door and was tired of everyting I had been listening to lately, so I figured what the hell I'd give it another spin.

It sticks to the Shins formula sure but the songwritting is superb and its a worthy addition to the catalog alongside Oh Inverted World and the there high water mark Chutes Too Narrow.

The shins will wrap up touring for Wincing the Night Away with a few holiday shows including the KROQ Acoustic Cristmas show on December 7th.

Where You Been?

Dinosaur Jr.'s 5th album seems like a good place as any to lift a title for this post. My first in nearly a month. In my absence The Red Sox won there 2nd World Series in four years, Radiohead has inked a deal with Dave Matthews label, and my eldest speaker has turned 6. I feel old, proud, and confused by all of the above.

Thanks to Bradley's Almanac for capturing The National's recent show at Paddy O's. This was a shw I desperately wanted to atttend but unfortunately did not. Go hear what we missed.

Where to begin?

I have yet to hear In Rainbows so lets just get that out of the way up front. All we need is another blog posting about the new Radiohead album. Truth be told i'm chomping at the bit to hear it. I just have not had the time to get it downloaded.

I've been caught up in playoff baseball and The Red Sox quest to get back to the Series, not to say I haven't found time to check out the 2 new albums from Robert Pollard Coast to Coast Carpet of Love and Standard Gargoyle Decisions are equally impressive. They combine for 32 new Pollard tunes without a clunker in the bunch. He'll play just 2 shows in support of these releases and neither one is remotely close to our fair city so lets move on shall we.




I was recently checking out the Hood web site in hopes that there would be some update on when the band would be active again. Late last year the band announced that they would be going on sabatical for 2007. All I found was a few links to some side projects with no official Hood news. This led me to grab the 1999 EP Home is Where it Hurts. Hood might be the best band you've never heard or maybe you've forgotten how great they were. If you're looking for a starting point I would recomend 2001's Cold House. Here's hoping 2008 will be the return of Hood.

Hood

Computer Rock & Court Troubles

According to the bands newsletter Braintree's favorite sons Gang Green will play October 19th in the basement ofthe Baseball Tavern. Due to some impending court issues facing the band this could be there last show for the next year.

On Sunday NPR will be airing Okkervil River recorded Live in Washington D.C. It's the next best thing to being there and you don't have to pay a babysitter. It is sure to be bittersweat after missing out on there set at the Middle East earlier this week.

The entire show can be heard Sunday night at 10 PM
NPR

Sgt. Disco is gonna kick your ass (stolen from a sticker)

As the title says I lifted that from the sticker that came with the new Circus Devils album, but it was just too perfect for this short post to pass up. I make it no secret to friends, family, and anyone who will listen my admiration for all things Robert Pollard. I realize that most if not all of these projects are aimed at the Bob die hard fan but sometimes it's just too hard to keep my yap shut.

Sgt. Disco is the 5th and latest release from Circus Devils. The on-going collaboration between Bob and multi-instrumentalist/producer Todd Tobias. You would think that with 32 tracks things might get tedious but it never does. Sgt Disco manages to accomplish something quite impressive, it reveals an accessibility without losing any of the prog-pop fire of the the Circus Devils previous output. With standouts like Pattern Girl, Brick Soul Mascots, and Rose in Paradise Pollard and Tobias have delivered another opus for the vault. The only problem is this will get buried under the two forthcoming Pollard releases Coast to Carpet of Love and Standard Gargoyle Decisions out on Merge on October 9th. It's a good problem to have.

MOB at The ICA

Mission of Burma are set to play The Institute of Contemporary Art this Sunday. They will play a matinee show at 4 and then again at 8PM. I haven't seen MOB since Jaunuary 2001 at the Paradise. They've played there share of dates in New England over the past 4 or 5 years but something always seemed to prevent me from attending. I've cleared the calendar to be front in center for the afternoon set at ICA on Sunday. Ok I don't know about front in center, but I'll be in room.

Indie Snobs and Strawberry Jam
This might be the newness talking but Animal Collective have released a stunning new record with Strawberry Jam. If you respect or just enjoy bands for being inventive,experimental and always pushing themselves to their creative limits look no further, you've just found your new favorite record.
Have I gone overboard with my praise? Nope not even close.


Band of Horses have become the target of the indie set for liscensing two songs from their soon to be released Cease to Begin. Altough the album doesn't drop til October 9th you can hear 2 tracks via Ford Motor Company's new commercial as well as Wal-Marts web-site. This has led the bands fans and detractors to scream sell-out.
Did it bother you when Wilco liscensed what seems like evey track of Sky Blue Sky to Volswagon? Me either.

Excuse Our Appearance While We Remodel

It was time to update, change , and improve the look of The AGP.
Over the next few days I'll be finalizing these changes and I'll be increasing the volume of content here. So now I've gone and made a promise It's time to get to work.

Thanks to my pal March who has been recieving frantic e-mails from me begging for his blogging expertise over last couple of days.
Check out his work here March

Boston Heatwave Take #3

I thought it was a good time for a random post and music news update.

The National have announced a show at the Roxy on October 6th in support of their stunning 4th release Boxer. I have not had the opportunity to bear witness to their live show but I'm already working on convincing Mrs. Speakers to join me for this one.

This is more rumor at this point and should be treated as such until the crack staff at The AGP can get full confirmation. Robert Pollard will play a few shows in late November and December. The cities that I've heard mentioned include Chicago and Newport, KY. Until I hear that it won't happen I will keep hope that we will see a show in New England before long. If not I'll just have to pack my bags and hit the road. As you may remember Pollard announced that he would be taking a break from playing Live at the end of the Normal Happiness Tour. So pack his cooler he's hitting the stage again.

Just to remind us when a band breaks up it may not be for very long. Knoxville's favorite sons Superdrag have reconvened for a reunion tour that will consist of six shows kicking of Nashville on October 5th. The Drag will play the Paradise in Boston on November 3rd.

The Return of Buffalo Tom

Last Tuesday marked the return of Buffalo Tom. OK I know they've been playing there annual Paradise shows over the past few years, but they haven't released any new material in 9 years. So it's nice to be able to gush a little over a band I always felt deserved more acclaim. Three Easy Pieces finds the bands in top form with 13 stunning tracks. Clint Conley (Mission of Burma) and Chris Toppin (Fuzzy) guest on what can only be explained as the return of one of Boston's best bands. You can catch them at The Paradise tomorrow night.

The Criminally Out of Print

Why are there so many quality recordings out of print?

I owned them once either on vinyl, cassette, or even CD's that I have since misplaced. Filling these holes in my music collection have proven to be more than difficult.

Sure I guess I could scour the used CD sites, but there's something exciting about walking into record store and finding somehting you haven't been able to find in years. Unfortunately those moments are few and far between.

Anyone reading this could surely come up with 5 records they need but can't find.

Here's mine:
The Neighborhoods The High Hard One
Gang Green - Any of the ep's, earlysingles, or full lengths (I'd even settle for a Best of)
The Connells - Fun and Games & Boylan Heights
Volcano Suns- Career In Rock
The Outlets- Whole New World

So now you know two things about me I'm in my late 30's and I like my late 80's Boston rock.

This weekend is brought to you by Wilco and your Dad

Weather you'll be in the crowd when Wilco takes the stage at the Bank of America Pavilion on June 28th or not the band will be spoiling it's fans once again with a Live stream of tonight's showhttp://wilcoworld.net/ from Indianapolis. As if that wasn't enough there set from this weekends Bonaroo Festival can be seen and heard viahttp://bonnaroo.com/. You might as well go for a Wilco trifecta and go ahead check out there show from London's Sheppard's Bush Empire in the roadcase section of wilcoweb.

Be sure to take care of your Pops this weekend as I know you will.

Bring him a cold one and his remote control.

Happy Fathers Day.

Music News That I Stole from Others

According to Paste Magazine, Merge Records, the Strong Lions e-mail group and countless other sources Robert Pollard is scheduled to release two new albums simultaneously on October9th. Coast to Coast Carpet of Love and Standard Gargoyle Decisions will be released by Merge. If you can't wait until the fall for some new uncle Bob tunes check out his new EP Silverfish Trivia released on his Prom is Coming Label.

Post-Rock kingpins Tortoise kick off their tour tonight with show in Columbus, OH before hitting the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, for not one but two shows on July 5th.

Boston's own Hallelujah The Hills will be holding a CD Release Party for there excellent debut Collective Psychosis Begone at Great Scott in Alston. I can't stop myself from spinning this disc at least once a day. Go to the show and buy the record to find out why critics and fans alike are falling all over themselves to tell you about this band.

http://www.hallelujahthehills.com/

The New Pornographers are set to release album#4 Challengers on August 21st. Matador has been streaming the track My Rights Versus Yours and if you haven't already already go get a hint at what is sure to be another gem from Carl Newman and Co. My Rights Versus Yours can be heard here: http://www.matadorrecords.com/the_new_pornographers/

Back From Saturn X

I always swore that this would be about my rabid fandom and not personal. After a few set backs over the last 6 months or so, I am happy to re-launch the Ash Gray Proclamation.
Hey has anyone else totally fallen in love with Boxer from The National? Now that's a record worth gushing over.

To skip the details would be wrong. I faced some personal and professional challenges recently and I am happy say I think I'm all that much better for it. Thanks for letting me give a vague explanation of my absence.

Power Blessings,

Evil Speakers

Pitchfork Media Releases there Top 50

This is one list I look forward to every year. I don't always agree but they always do a bang up job. They list there 50 records of 2006 plus some other lists including staff picks.

www.pitchforkmedia.com

Rolling Stone Release There List

To be fair Rolling Stone was the 1st music magazine I subscribed to while I was a wee lad, but over the years it hasn't offered me much in way of insight, but everyone gets a crack at these year end lists.

Wow I feel like I'm being hard on the old magazine, ah well here's the list: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/12800635/the_top_50_albums_of_2006

The List of Lists

The holiday season has arrived and with that the yearly onslaught of year end list. What journalists consider the best releases of the last 12 months. I realize that the professional journalists have some insight to share but there's something special about the everyman chiming in. I put more weight into what the record buyer thinks as opposed to what the journalists thinks.

For the last 4 or 5 years I've been compiling a list along with my like minded music loving brethren and wanna be rock scribes. If you would like to share send your list along to bryanhamill@yahoo.com.

The first list of the year comes from across the pond courtesy of the much loved and hated New Musical Express.

NME's top 50 albums of 2006 are:
1. Arctic Monkeys - 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not'
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 'Show Your Bones'
3. Muse - 'Black Holes And Revelations'
4. Hot Chip - 'The Warning'
5. CSS - 'Cansei De Ser Sexi'
6. Gnarls Barkley - 'St Elsewhere'
7. Long Blondes - 'Someone To Drive You Home'
8. The Strokes - 'First Impressions Of Earth'
9. Kasabian - 'Empire'
10. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
11. Howling Bells - 'Howling Bells'
12. The Killers - 'Sam's Town'
13. Panic! At The Disco - 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out'
14. TV On The Radio - 'Return To Cookie Moutain'
15. Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'
16. Amy Winehouse - 'Back To Black'
17. The Futureheads - 'News And Tributes'
18. The Rapture - 'Pieces Of The People We Love'
19. The Longcut - 'A Call And Response'
20. The Streets - 'The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living'
21. The Raconteurs - 'Broken Boy Soldiers'
22. The Flaming Lips - 'At War With The Mystics'
23. The Knife - 'Silent Shout'
24. The Secret Machines - 'Ten Silver Drops'
25. Mogwai - 'Mr Beast'
26. Jarvis - 'Jarvis'
27. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - 'Clap Your Hands Say Yeah'
28. Morrissey - 'Ringleader Of The Tormentors'
29. The Spinto Band - 'Nice And Nicely Done'
30. Cat Power - 'The Greatest'
31. The Sunshine Underground - 'Raise The Alarm'
32. Lily Allen - 'Alright, Still'
33. The Bronx - 'The Bronx'
34. Albert Hammond Jr - 'Yours To Keep'
35. Forward Russia - 'Give Me A Wall'
36. Datarock - 'Datarock'
37. Be Your Own Pet - 'Be Your Own Pet'
38. Metric - 'Live It Out'
39. The Young Knives - 'Voices Of Animals And Men'
40. Midlake - 'The Trials Of Van Occupanther'
41. The Gossip - 'Standing In The Way Of Control'
42. The Automatic - 'Not Accepted Anywhere'
43. Beck - 'The Information'
44. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - 'Ballad Of The Broken Seas'
45. Bob Dylan - 'Modern Times'
46. Semi Finalists - 'Semi Finalists'
47. Wolfmother - 'Wolfmother'
48. Get Cape Wear Cape Fly - 'The Chronicles Of A Bohemian Teenager'
49. Absentee - 'Schmotime'
50. The Kooks - 'Inside In/Inside Out'

Bad News For Blowfish and Strong Lions





I'm back after a crazy couple of weeks and unfortunately I don't have good news to share. This news sucks plain and simple, Robert Pollard has decided to stop touring indefinitely. After injuring himself on his most recent tour he's decided to take a break from playing shows. If you've seen him with GBV or with The Ascending Masters you know that he will be missed on the national touring circuit. That being said he has 7 new albums planned for release in the near future so there is a bit a good news to share. At 49 and the amount of time that he has spend on the road I knew that things would come to an end eventually. He hasn't ruled out playing Live again but as of now he will be close to home in Dayton, OH doing what's he's been doing for what seems like forever, recording and releasing pop/prog/rock magic.


The full story can be found here:


http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003466526

Robert Pollard Tour Cancellation Part II

This might seem like overkill but when you look forward to show the way I look forward to seeing Bob. After all this here blog is the namesake of a Pollard tune, OK I'm a fan boy I'm not ashamed to admit it. I can't help but feel a little disappointed about this cancellation. However that disappointment quickly gives way to wishes of a speedy recovery. I never should have looked at a recent set list, in the words of Bob this set list will make you shit.

I can only hope that Bob gets back to Boston in early 2007 and by all means if anyone has a lead on any recordings from this tour please let me know. On Tuesday Bob & The Ascending Masters played a show for WXPN's The World Cafe http://www.xpn.org/ that should be posted shortly. As soon as I get any information on that I'll post it here.

Bad News and Torn Muscles

According to my friends at Disarm the Settlers, Strong Lions, and Rich Turiel webmaster/tour manager for Robert Pollard the last 3 dates of the Robert Pollard and Ascending Masters tour have been cancelled due to Bob tearing his calf muscle. The dated effected are as follows Baltimore, Boston, and Northhampton.

Here wishing Bob a speedy recovery and power blessings.

literal Rock with Electric Guitars



I've been spending some time loading up the iPod with some new music. The Decemberists latest The Crane Wife has been getting a lot of play lately. I will admit when I first heard it I was taken back a bit. Not that it's drastically different than there other releases but it is different. The beautiful instrumentation is still there but they've turned up the sonics a bit. Big loud guitars take position front and center on a handful of tracks but after a few spins it works nicely. It's a grower there's no arguing that but with after a few spins this album grabs you and rewards you hansomely. The Decemberists play Boston's Orpheum Theatre on Saturday November 4th.

Rainy Days and Coloring Books

It's a rain drenched Saturday here in Plymouth, MA today as we get hit with a noreaster. The kids are sprawled out on the floor with crayons and coloring books and we're all locked in the house for the day so I thought I'd take a minute to write. I guess if I had some outdoor activity I might mind but every once in a while I enjoy a rainy day just to hang out and relax.

Smashed pumpkins

Why is this looked at by the little bastards who live in my neighborhood as fun or even necessary? Don't get me wrong I was no angel I've thrown and egg of two in my youth, but its October 23rd and this is the 3rd time In a week that I've seen pumpkins smashed all over my street.

I realize I seem like the cranky old guy and that's ok. Most of the people in my neighborhood are families with young children and as a rule children love Halloween and they love pumpkins. We have a couple of small pumpkins that my wife has placed inside our home, however we always put pumpkins out on our doorstep to dress up our front door for trick or treaters. Where was I headed with this post? Nowhere really just to say that I may need some help with my idea. I'm thinking of boobytraping my pumpkins with some kind of sticky substance or electricity. Do not mess with the Evil Speakers and his children's pumpkins.

(Disclaimer: I will not use electricity or anything that may cause injury. Just let the pumpkins be.)

37

It's been a great week and I thought it was time to get off my ass and share. On Tuesday I celebrated my birthday with My wife and my two boys. Can I just say it rocked, because it did. It was exactly what I wanted, a nice dinner at home, a gift or two and some cake. It's amazing to me that the older I get the less I need in terms celebrations. I remember when I turned 30 my wife planned a surprise party which was great don't get me wrong, but for some reason this year trumped all others.

Now that I got the sentimental crap out the way lets talk gifts. I received a 30GB iPod. I've been using a non-Apple mp3 player for the past 3 years or so and thought I knew what was up with digital music players. Nope not even close. I'm like a little kid on Christmas with a favorite new toy.


So naturally I needed some new music for this occasion so off to Newbury Comics I went. I knew what I wanted as I've been waiting for the release of new records from The Hold Steady, The Decemberists, and Pernice Brothers. I was in and out before I could do too much damage. As my family and friends can attest to leaving me alone in record/music store can result in sever debt. All 3 of these albums are worth your time and need your attention, but I'd be liar if I told you they've all been getting equal playing time. I just can't get enough of the new album from The Hold Steady this should be required listening for anyone from ages 16 to 50.

(R)October

Forgive the classic rock radio title, but what else can describe the month of new releases coming our way in October. I may need to start collecting cans or at least scrap metals to finance my music habit this month.
Here's just a quick look at some my anticipated releases.



The Hold Steady-Boys and Girls in America
The 3rd release from Craig Finn & Co. set to be release on October 3rd. Based on some of the tracks I've heard this could be the bands finest hour.



The Decemberists- The Crane Wife
Another installment of literal rock and songs of ancient mariners.
ok to be honest I have no idea what the songs about because I have yet to hear a note, but it's a safe bet. The Decemberists never disappoint and I expect this to rival last years fantastic Picturesque.


Robert Pollard- Normal Happiness
The 2nd full length of 2006 on Merge not to mention the 3 side project that Bob's released this year. This is far and away my most anticipated release of the fall. With assistance from producer/multi-instrumentalist Todd Tobias Normal Happiness finds Bob charging through a concise yet stellar song cycle that fulfills all expectations. These songs will stick to your brain like rubber cement.
Yes that's a good thing.

Listen hereNormal Happiness Stream

You would expect that would be enough to keep me going, but no.
There also new records coming in October from The Pernice Brothers, The Dears, Portastatic, and Califone. People drive me nuts when they complain of the lack of quality music being released. I have friends that claim that people don't make good records anymore or there's nothing new worth listening to. To that I will respond especially after this onslaught of fall releases, are you out of your fucking mind?

The Mats are back (at least I hope so)

Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson appeared togetgher on stage for the 1st time in 15 years at last night's Open Season Premiere in LA. They performed 2 tracks from the Westerberg penned Open Season Soundtrack and one old Replacements classic I.O.U. Hell yeah they did. I hope this Westerberg and Stinson reunion goes further than animated childrens films.

Set List:
Right To Arm Bears
Love You In The Fall
I.O.U.

You can get more information on this stroy here:
Paul's Page

3 Thank You's

1st off thanks to Brad for heads up on the Atlanta band Snowden and there Jade Tree debut album Anti-Anti. Check out Brad's blog here:
bradley
He's always got some great stuff on there. ok back to Snowden, Anti-Anti is fantastic!


Thank You to David Ortiz for being the only beacon in an otherwise dreadful Red Sox season with last night's two home runs against the twins. He has hit more home runs in a single season than anyone that has ever played for our beloved team. More than Ted, more than Yaz, more than anyone.

Thank you for The Return to Cookie Mountain. When an album has been talked about and written about as much as the second full length from TV on the Radio it's bound to disapoint right? Wrong, with this record TVOTR prove that sometimes buzz or hype is actually worth the paper it's printed on and then some. The Return to Cookie Mountain could easily be the best album of 2006. Don't take me word for it listen for yourself. One spin and you'll be a believer.

Apple Picking and the Bathroom Emergency (album title)

I've wrestled with the idea of posting this inside my head for the past day or so.
So here we go. Yesterday I wake up to find the sun shining on what appears to be a beautiful day and the wife says lets take the boys apple picking. Sure sounds good to me. So we head out around 11 and get to C.N. Smith's Farm located about 30 miles from our home about an hour later. Now wait it takes an hour to drive 30 miles? No I got lost I'm sure Mrs. Speakers would be happy to tell you all about it on
her blog:www. Imarriedanidiot/blogspot.com

The idea of picking your own apples does not sound terribly exciting but my boys get a kick out of it and to see them running around grabbing, twisting, and devouring apples is worth the price of admission.

Now comes the drama. We decided to stop for some lunch and we manage to eat up without too many "would you please eat" or "stop screaming please". However pretty much the second after we pull out of the parking lot towards home it hits me like a knife in the gut I have to go and we're not talking about the kind I do standing up.
I realize there is no way I'll make it all the way home. I look over at my wife as she is behind the wheel and tell her we need to stop and explain the issue. She promply responds, Ok how about this coffee shop? No! The pain is getting bad I'm having images of the bathroom scene in Trainspotting and then suddenly there is an old gas station and I yell pull over. Before we even park I'm out and I ask the attendant if they have a bathroom. He directs me to one of the dirtiest bathrooms I've ever been in. At this point I could care less but I notice there's no doornob on the door nevermind a lock. Just my luck. There's nothing I can do this is an emergency. Once I've taken care of the expulsion I notice that this bathroom has no toilet paper, oh shit this is not happening. I look over at the paper towel dispenser it's completely empty. It's like that split second that your car door is about to shut with the locks down and the keys inside. I look down at my feet and what do I see but a pair of nice white socks on my feet. Socks it is. I'm already laughing by the time I exit the bathroom and climb back into the car with my waiting family. I expected my wife to notice but she didn't. I have a huge smile on my face for some demented reason I have to tell her. Within seconds she's laughing and telling the boys, everyone has a good laugh at my expense. Just then I feel something in my shorts pocket. I reach in and pull out about 5 or 6 tissues that I had put in there hours earlier for runny noses.

The moral of this story: Always check your pockets before you wipe your butt with your socks.

Band of Horses Live at The Paradise
Friday September 8th





For one of the most blogged about and critically acclaimed bands of the year Band of Horses first show in Boston was greeted with great expectation.

Ben Birdwell is now the only original member after the recent departure of Mat Brooke. So after associating those two men as the creative force that turned out the stunning debut album Everything All The Time. I was wondering if the performance would suffer at all from the line-up change and those high expectations.

The band hit The Paradise stage at 11:30 to clapping hands of a sold out crowd. As the other members took there positions on stage Birdwell took his seat in front of his lap Steel rig and with a quick greeting he took the band into Monsters. This is a building track on the album but Live it's epic. The set drew almost entirely from the debut album with three new tracks as well as few well chosen covers. The one issue that band had was soundman related during the first 3 or 4 songs the vocals would often get buried in the mix or the vocals were just too loud. However this never distracted from the bands grasp on the audience. In fact about midset the band really settled into a nice groove and unveiled some solid new tracks as well as an off kilter bluesy cover of ELO's Showdown and some of Everything's best tracks like Our Swords witch just paired down the band to Birdwell on Bass and drummer Creighton Barrett as well as their indie hit The Funeral.

For a band that only has 36 minutes of recorded output Band of Horses not only lived up to the buzz they surpassed it with a memorable mix of new tracks,covers, and material from there debut album. I don't think I've read a review of this band where My Morning Jacket and The Shins don't get mentioned. I won't deny the similarities to both those bands but with there set at The Paradise Friday night Band of Horses proved that they're a breed all there own.

Random Rules

Touch & Go Records celebrates 25 years this weekend in Chicago with line up that will make you shit! Seriously it will. 1 word Shellac 2 more Big Black!

Well I can't be there and stay married so I'll be relying on fellow blogger
Bradley for his reports from the event.

on a more local front Seattle's Band of Horses perform at The Paradise tonight in support of there stunning debut album Everything All The Time. I for one will be front, center and accounted for. I'll post a review to this here blog sometime over the weekend.

Supernatural Car Lover

The Return of Robert Pollard, ok he never really goes away but I heard he took like a week off back in July.
The new album Normal Happiness will be in your favorite record shop on October 10th and he has just posted one track for free download.
Supernatural Car Lover

The Body, The Blood, The Machine
Every now and then an album comes along that makes you want to tell all your friends about. Hell I'll tell anyone that will listen to go out an buy The Body,The Blood, The Machine from The Thermals. A spectacular post-punk opus awaits you. With Fugazi's Brendan Canty handling production duties and the with the band fleshing out their sound while keeping there raw power intact this proves to be their finest work to date.
Although it's not a full fledged concept album, it does depict a United States governed by a fascist christian state and provides the anthems to rise up with.

You need this album, you deserve this album, you owe it to yourself to hear this album.

You My Friend....Are One Lazy Ass Blogger

I can't really come up with a good excuse as to why it's been a couple of weeks since my last entry to this here blog. Vacation and back from vacation and now busy than hell with work. Excuses are no good around here.

Congratulation to my boy March To The Sea for his selection to the Boston Globe's cool music blogs list for his Forgotten Disc Firday blog you can check it out here Forgotten Disc Friday

Audiofiles

This all rumor at this point but according to several unconfirmed sources Sony's DualDisc's will no longer be manufactured. I have just one of these in my collection and tell you truth I won't be phased by this earth shattering news.
I'm sure it sounded like a good idea when these first went into production music on one side DVD/video content on the other. Apparently the sales just don't justify continuing with this product. Due to the increased width of these discs they had issues with front loading car CD decks as well.

Damn I must be hard up for blog content today

Vacationing

My wife and I will be taking the little ones up to the White Mountains next week for a family vacation. I'm looking forward to the break from work and the time with the family. I can't help but think of John Candy in Summer Rental or Chevy Chase in the original Vacation. It's not that I resemble either one of those people but It's just what I think of when I think family vacation. Actually there's always a bit of comedic blunders when you take my family anywhere so maybe that's where I get it.

I just felt the need to write something today.
I'll try get something more entertaining by the end of the week.

Oh yeah have you heard the new Thermals MP3 up on subpop.com? It rocks!!

It Feels like 1993 ( well sorta)

Back in the early 90's a little label called Alias Records was the home of some of my favorite bands of the time. This famed roster included the likes of Archers of Loaf and Small 23. Although times have changed and these bands are no longer I hold the label and those 2 bands in high esteem and often return to these records from time to time.

It appears that I am not alone in my man love for this gritty indie rock of yore. Did I really just use yore in a sentence? Many have attempted to borrow from this catalog but just never could pull it off without sounding derivative and utlimately flat. That is until Now.


The North Atlantic- Wires in the Walls has just landed a sucker punch squarely in my face. This Michigan transplated to San Diego 3 piece has delivered where others have failed with equal parts post punk and pop hooks.
A Dash of post-punk with a heap of Archers of Loaf,and a splash of Fugazi.
All influences aside this record is just to good to put into words. To put it simply The North Atantic will kick your ass and you'll like it.

Check them out here: www.thenorthatlantic.com

I am a procrastinator!
For the last couple of weeks I've noticed that the vehicle I drive on a daily basis has been having issues with the air conditioner and temperture control. Sometimes I'll drive this so called vehicle for days at a time with no issue and other times the temperture rockets up to the hottest point on the gauge and the A/C does not work. Ok so a normal person would have had this looked at and subsequently repaired before this heatwave that is burning up the east coast hit. Not me you see I am the anti-mechanic and an idiot. It's quite a combination.

I am an outside sales rep for a Telecommunications company in the New Engalnd area and my job in a nutshell is to acquire new customers. So I am on the road constantly and in suit in tie as required by my employer. When you add my current car issues to the mix it's not pretty. Would you like to spend an hour with me after I've been driving around in a hot car for the last hour? I think not.

Where was I headed with this? Oh yeah I hate mechanics or something like that. Other than being a procrastinator I also have no faith in what most mechanics tell us customers to be the truth. I mean how do we know that the repairs we are charged for were actually performed or needed to be performed in the first place. It's not fair to blame a whole profession but I've had my share of bad experiences with mechanics and would rather not go through another.
Wow that took a long time to come up with an excuse for me being lazy!
Bottom line,I should have had the car fixed weeks ago and have arranged to drop it off tomorrow to be repaired just in time for a break in the hot weather.