Long time no...words

A lot has happened for me in the last few months. Wait...no it hasn't. I've just been really lazy. Lately, I've really been into experimental, sample based electronic music that is sort of "danceable". Pictureplane is a band I've been a fan of for a few years now, and an official full-length has finally been released on Lovepump United. Similar bands with similar sounds include Teengirl Fantasy, Mad Rad, Savages, and my new favorite Breakfast Mountain. Being from a town known for it's indie music standouts (Elliot Smith, James Mercer of The Shins, Menomena, Viva Voce, The Thermals, and M. Ward), BM shed light for me on a genre of music that I had no idea was so prevalent in Portland, OR and the Pacific Northwest. To get an idea of how much talent there is up here, I suggest heading to The Comet Tavern tomorrow night, when Mad Rad, Breakfast Mountain, Dash EXP and others will tear that place apart. It was recommended by a friend that I wear a football helmet and possibly some riot gear to the show. Riot gear = fun, right? Talk soon or later.

I love Animal Collective, but...

'Merriweather Post Pavilion' isn't THAT good. I mean, it's good, but c'mon Pitchfork - a 9.6? My Girls is painfully catchy (in an oh-so-good way) and from start to finish that album is solid. In my opinion 'Feels' is a much better record and the songs stand out so much more on their own. 'MPP' seems to blandly blend together and half-way through I seem to lose interest.

If 'MPP' doesn't suit your musical needs, then 'Dark Was the Night' will. A compilation album produced by Aaron and Bryce Dressner of the National, the profits from the record will benefit the Red Hot Organization. After hearing only a few tracks, I can personally guarantee you'll find a song on here that you love. Artists range from Yeasayer, to Grizzly Bear, to The Books (featuring Jose Gonzalez), to Arcade Fire and Beirut. Due for release February 17, I'll go out on a limb and say that this is the best compilation record ever.

Until next time...

If you like instrumental/electronic music like I do...

then you will certainly enjoy the sounds of Sleepy Eyes of Death and Bronze Fawn. Both will be playing Holy Mountain in Seattle on Saturday, February 7. If you're in town, I suggest you make it up to Capitol Hill to see some magic. I will surely be there...unless I have a hot date with a beautiful woman (which might actually be a possibility). I'm really behind on some recent (and not-so-recent) albums that I'd really like to share with you...stay tuned.