Top Album(s) of 2008

My top album from this past year is The Helio Sequence's 'Keep Your Eyes Ahead'. Released in late January on Subpop Records, this album seemed to slowly fade out of people's top albums as the year progressed. No other album that has been released this year, is as catchy, cohesive, and well-balanced as this. Brandon Summers (vocals, guitar, harmonica, etc.) and Benjamin Weikel (drums, etc.) create such a full environment of sound, it's hard to believe two people can accomplish this alone. I was fortunate to see them live twice this year, and the KEXP BBQ was probably my favorite show of 2008. The title track, followed by 'Back to This' and 'Hallelujah', are definite highlights from the album. I'm hoping this review will reach people outside the Pacific Northwest that may not be as familiar with The Helio Sequence. As big as they are here in Seattle, they definitely deserve more attention throughout the country.

Obviously, I have a lot to choose from for favorite albums of 2008. Unfortunately, none of them came even close to my number one. Here is a brief list of albums that caught my ear this year:

Meursault - Pissing On Bonfires/Kissing With Tongues

Francois Virot - Yes or No

The Walkmen - You and Me

Helms Alee - Night Terror

School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms

M83 - Saturdays = Youth

Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight

No Age - Nouns

networkTV!

you know, i'm not exactly sure how everything works'n'all in the world of network television.  i guess it all comes down to viewership and ad buys.  i watch internet television...mostly on hulu, a really rad blessing for someone for someone sans t.v.  i get to pick through and watch what i want while dealing with a fifteen second commercial every now and then.  big deal, hi-five.  because of that beautiful site i was able to fill myself in on the episodes i missed of aaron sorkin's short lived 'studio 60 on the sunset strip'.  it's a perfect example of a really smart, really funny, really well written show that got the axe way, way too soon.  i'm not a t.v. guy, but while watching the last episode of studio 60's one and only season i realized just how much heart and love and energy must go in to creating these characters.  this los angeles that doesn't exist.  that looks and smells and acts like it, but isn't.  it must take a lot to create those characters, that world.  it's a good show.  in my opinion, it's what a television show should be.  regardless of subject matter and genre, i would hope that the future holds more programs that have the level of quality that sorkin was able to create in it's one season.  television of that caliber, i do think is a true art form, and why i'm writing here.  programs like arrested development, freeks and geeks, and sports night all were so good in their own way.  all cut off at the knees.  most network programming is little more than bubblegum for the brain and eyeballs.    plastic and neon.   but i guess it comes back to viewership...and people like bright colors and things that shine.  it's rare when people watch really good stuff.  america you have bad taste...there, i said it....someone had to.

i'm just glad mad men is on amc.

watch the clip, it's kinda obvious, right?

Hello and Welcome

My name is Keeb. I like music...very much. It's time for me to tell you all about bands, concerts, and anything else to do with music. For now, all I have to say is that music is my purpose in life. Unless masturbating is a purpose.

Openshop l Studio

Founded in 2000 by Adam Hayes and Mark Kroeckel, Openshop l Stuido is a small firm whose foundation is based on research and design which operates in a fluid system of experimentation.  Based in NYC, one look through their website at www.openshopstudio.com, and you'll see that their work is clean, progressive, and whimsical.  I really dig their aesthetic and wouldn't mind if these two dudes were to ever design me a living space.  Click on the photograph above to visit a pdf of a loft they renovated in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn,  on a budget.  Hi-five Openshop, you did a rad job.

first thing firstsoto

Jeff Soto's current show 'Turning in Circles' can be viewed at the Riverside Art Museum from 02DEC08 until 21FEB09.  His new book, Storm Clouds, can be purchased in standard or limited editions from Murphy Books.  Mark Murphy has good taste and puts out beautiful, limited run, fine art books.  You can find him, as well as the book, HERE.

oh hello

we're new.  we hope you like us.