The Everchanging Spectrum of Hightower and Jones

To loosely quote Exene Cervenka and John Doe of X, "It's about time, it's about space." The last year, for me, was about space and time and as all of you probably guessed, most of that space and time was spent away from the blog. Throughout that time, a few concerts were attended, photographed or reviewed, a vast selection of new albums were purchased along with some older ones that were missed during their released time (read: lots of Spritualized, Belle & Sebastian and Isobel Campbell) but I also started working on projects, developing skill sets during this time and pursuing other interests I thought I felt were needed at that point.

NFFF Vol. 5 (Ladies' Choice) (January 2013 Mixtape)

Side A
01. Sparrow by Kemp & Eden (Simon and Garfunkel)
02. Help Me by Mandy Moore (Joni Mitchell)
03. So You Want to Be (A Rock 'N' Roll Star) by Patti Smith Group (The Byrds)
04. Love Charm by Cake Like (T. Rex)
05. Blue by Cat Power (Joni Mitchell)
06. Strangers by Norah Jones (The Kinks)

Side B
01. I'm on Fire by Electrelane (Bruce Springsteen)
02. Mama Weer All Crazee Now by The Runaways (Slade)
03. She Cracked by Siouxsie and the Banshees (The Modern Lovers)
04. A Forest by Bat for Lashes (The Cure)
05. Shake the Disease by Hooverphonic (Depeche Mode)
06. I Want You by Massive Attack feat. Madonna (Marvin Gaye)

Neal and Del Go Home (December 2012)

Side Fa La La La
01. The Train by King's X
02. Stop the Bus by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
03. That Train by Erik Sanko
04. Bus Ride by Rocco DeLuca & the Burden
05. Plane Crash in C by Rilo Kiley
06. Miles on a Car by Rachael Yamagata

Side La La La
01. Plane Crash by Toadies
02. Trainwreck by Mastodon
03. Breaking into Cars by Raveonettes
04. Make the Bus by Janelle Monáe feat. Of Montreal
05. Car Thief by Beastie Boys
06. Blue Train by Cibo Matto

This Year We Bust Christmas Carols With Gwar

Nothing say Merry Christmas or help celebrate holiday season than Gwar invading your front lawn and singing carols (and kicking and destroying lawn decorations). Enjoy the clip and happy holiday to you and your family,

Final New Releases For The Year: Christmas Edition

With 2012 winding down, December still manages to include a nice handful of new releases including selections Big Boi, Ke$ha, T.I. and Bruno Mars. Green Day concludes their trilogy with ¡TRE! while Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Rush will issue a deluxe reissue of their classic, 2112. In addition to these new releases, there have been plenty of excellent albums over the last 12 months that are more than worth your time and money.

The Grammy Awards...Again?

The 2013 Grammy Awards were announced Wednesday and this might be the year where the voters became cool or, at least, modern. Yeah...modern is more accurate as nominating "Someone That I Used to Know" for Record of the Year can not possibly classify anything as being cool (looking at you, Urban Outfitters and Gap customers). This year, however, has brought forth many surprise nominations including those of Odd Future's Frank Ocean. I withdraw my earlier comment as the Grammy voters might be cool but they did vote for "Call Me Maybe" for Song of the Year so...

The Blackest of Fridays (November Mixtape)

Side 1
01. Black Sand by Jenny Lewis
02. Black Letter Day by The Cardigans
03. Black Dirt by Bumblebeez
04. Black Hole by Girls Against Boys
05. Big Black Woman by Sugar Ray
06. Black Tongue by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
07. Black Balloon by The Kills

Side 2
01. Black Jesus by Ghostface Killah
02. Black Star by Radiohead
03. Black Bock by Melvins
04. Black Wave by The Shins
05. Blacked Out and Blue by Cake Like
06. Black Sweat by Prince

Thanks, Now Give Me Some New Music

Blogger's Note: Yes, this is behind but let us pretend like it was already posted...because it was.

Hello, November...have you met my wallet? This month is overflowing with reissues from Rage Against the Machine, Corrosion of Conformity, Joni Mitchell and Manic Street Preachers alongside new releases from Crystal Castles, Deftones, Bad Brains, Christina Aguilera, Alica Keys and the long awaited reunion album from Soundgarden. Closing out the month is a special Black Friday Record Store Day with releases from Lee Hazlewood, The Shins, The White Stripes and Tenacious D. By month's end, we will all be broke.

One Hit Wonder or One Hit Blunder

Today's Subject: "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba

Let it be noted that I, like many others, did not know Chumbawamba were still around until they disbanded earlier this year. It was afterward that I could not escape this ode to drinking whiskey, lager and cider drinks while singing songs that remind people of the best times. It was like 1997 revisited in the sense that I found myself singing along to this strange little pop song and equally being disappointed in myself for doing so.

"Tubthumping" is a peculiar song. It, for all purposes, is a song about the working class and a night out after the weekly grind. Perhaps, it is a song that one can take at face value and say that is nothing more than a song about drinking one's problems away. Given that it is a massively poppy song from an anarchist punk band, both of these are probably right. There might even be a sense of twisted humor in this particular band recording this particular song and then using their Top 40 success as a means of promoting their agendas through fashion and song on late night television. I guess they were singing while they were winning.

Easily, this is one of the few one hit wonders covered so far that is the most memorable lyrically. This is due to a lack of lyrics beyond the numerous alcoholic drinks (whiskey, cider and lager) consumed in the bar that special night and a bridge referencing a traditional Irish folk song in which the pipes were not calling for Danny Boy but a bar, several drinks and getting knocked down were. Then, of course, there is that all too familiar chorus which causes the true confusion of the song's meaning. "I get knocked down but I get up again. You're never going to keep me down." Again, given the band's heavy political leanings, this could be a song for the have-nots, an anthem even. On the other hand, the song takes place in a bar with a drunk guy singing songs from his past. Clearly, our protagonist has fallen off his stool, intoxicated on past glories and cheap whiskey, only to get up and order more spirits until he falls again to repeat the cycle. Even if he was singing while winning, it is he probably won't remember it in the morning.

Less simplistic (but leaning toward heavily generic) is the track's musical backing. Really, not much separates this song from the majority of mid 90's radio standards. It is the almost the equivalent of Third Eye Blind desperately trying to sound like pop-heavy, radio-friendly version of James and failing miserably. Then again, when you think about some of the hit songs of the mid to late 90's ("Semi-Charmed Life," "All-Star," "Breakfast at Tiffany's"), they all were these kind of upbeat, annoyingly catchy songs with very generic instrumentation. Sorry for getting away from the point which is to say this song, musically, is like "Semi-Charmed Life but with horns and none of the doo-doo-doo-doo-da-doo-doo parts to explain its somewhat addictive nature. The best description of it would be musical cardboard which is further illustrated in the clip for the track in which none of the member, other than the lead singer, actually seem interested in playing the song.

The fame this track provided came in the form of licensing and various late night appearances in which the band would either alter lyrics in the song to support a cause or wear slogans on their uniforms. One in particular I remember involved them labeling themselves as one hit wonders while performing the number. if nothing else, you have to respect their self-awareness and ability to mock their success. If an anarchist punk band with dance beats is not able to laugh at the their sudden success from making an overtly pop song, who can? Still, a Top 10 hit is deserving of awards and acclaim and this song does not have any other than the distinction of appearing on many annoying songs of whatever (year, decade and ever) lists. While "Tubthumping" has not held up well in the years since its release, it is hardly more annoying than "Blue," "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" or "Cotton Eye Joe," Rolling Stone magazine. I should know as I have performed it on Lips with no shame (and, more importantly, with no one within earshot of me singing it)

Pros:
Easy, memorable lyrics with an easy memorable chorus
Top 10 hit in several countries
Pop hit from a political punk band
Covered by They Might be Giants on A.V. Undercover
Still receives radio airplay and has been licensed for several TV programs, films and games
Cheesy 90's pop song
Weird Al Yankovic covered it

Cons:
Simplistic, almost inane, lyrics about nightlife or dreaming after a hard week...still unclear
Bland background music
Pop hit from a political punk band
Listed on Rolling Stone's 20 Most Annoying Songs Ever list
Has been licensed for several TV programs, films and games which counters band's views
Annoyingly cheesy 90's pop song written by anyone other than Smash Mouth or Third Eye Blind
Phish and Alvin and the Chipmunks covered it

Hmm...this one is a blunder based solely on the musical portion and the fact that everything about the song screams "we need a hit and we need one now." I can deal with simplistic lyrics as long as the music is interesting or rocks which this does neither. The only other Chumbawamba songs I know are "Amnesia" and "Mary Mary" and if either of those songs had broken the band big in the U.S., this whole entry would be different. Rest in peace, Chumbawamba and know that your one hit song will never die in vain. There is always a karaoke bar and several shots of cheap booze with "Tubthumping" written all over it.

P.O.S Receives Generous Donations From Fans

On the eve of the release of his new album, We Don't Even Live Here, P.O.S announced that he unfortunately had to postpone his North American tour due to health issues concerning the urgent need for a kidney transplant. Thanks to the effort and donations from fans, he was able to raise the money for the surgery. Of course, there are still various medical bills to cover after his surgery. For anyone interested in donating, you can do so here. There are a couple of videos explaining his situation and from his new release below. We Don't Even Live Here is in stores now.

Whose House Are You Haunting Tonight? (October 2012)

Side Ahhhhh!
01. Ghost Rider by Suicide
02. Saw a Ghost by Trenchmouth
03. Ghost in My Mind by The Softlightes
04. Ghost Dance Deluxe by Felt
05. Feel Like a Ghost by El-P
06. Ghost Dance by Tomahawk
07. Bad Ghosts by Raveonettes

Side Boo
01. The Ghost Who Walks by Karen Elson
02. The Ghost Inside by Broken Bells
03. Her Ghost by Jon Brion
04. The Ghost of Rockschool by Belle & Sebastian
05. The Ghost of Snake by Erik Sanko
06. The Ghost That Kept on Haunting by Far

Bobbing For New Releases This Rocktober

Welcome to the month best known as Rocktober (or October to those not interested in be awesome) and this month is packed with such a varied collection of new releases that you are guaranteed to find several new ways to occupy your ears this month including new releases from Tori Amos, Tilly and the Wall, Bat for Lashes, P.O.S, Cody Chesnutt, Ellie Goulding and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Along with several Beach Boys reissues, the month concludes with the double down of two epic box set reissues from The Velvet Underground. If you have not called this month Rocktober yet, then you, sir, have no heart.

Video Graveyard

Since the inception of the music video as a viable musical promotional tool, there have been a lot of videos involving zombies. For example, there is, of course, the legendary clip for "Thriller" as well as "Scream" by Misfits which was directed by the lord of the zombies, George Romero. Let us not forget videos starring The Rolling Stones, Lou Reed or Ke$ha over the last 20 years. One video that hardly ever shows up on the radar is Phantom Planet's clip for "Big Brat" from their third self-titled album. The clip directed by Spike Jonze is pays homage to the old "B" horror movies of yesterday while offering a sweet and bizarre love story. Even more of a reason to love this video. Enjoy this zombie love story in all of its uncensored glory from a band that is clearly obsessed with the dead/undead. Never mind the fact that they wrote and recorded songs called "Raise the Dead" "The Living Dead" and "Stiffs" or appeared on American Dreams as The Zombies or even recorded a song for Stubbs the Zombie (sadly overlooked game), it is the lyrics is "Always on My Mind" that makes me wonder about their love of the undead. You say love song, I say zombie raising incantation.

GWAR Closes Out A.V. Undercover Season 3 With A Kansas Cover

In TV, a season finale leaves with a cliffhanger or resolves many stories presented throughout the previous episodes or months. When A.V. Undercover presents their season finale (and the last ever in the little round room), you get a group of aliens covering a popular 70's rock song. GWAR takes the Kansas classic, "Carry On Wayward Son" and adds their own humorously brilliant and heavy stamp all over the song especially during the number's memorable chorus. This performance is also notable for the debut of their new guitarist, Pustulus Maximus (Brent Purgason). Seriously, it is GWAR covering Kansas...how could you not enjoy this? After the jump is the video for GWAR's cover of "Carry On Wayward Son" as well as a list the upcoming dates for their Fate or Chaos Tour featuring DevilDriver, Cancer Bats and Legacy of Disorder.

The Rashida Jones Beatbox Manifesto (September 2012)

Side A
01. 1970 by The Stooges
02. Dying for It by The Vaselines
03. Feed Me with Your Kiss by My Bloody Valentine
04. The Mirror by Mary Timony
05. The Fire by Television

Side B
01. Vomit Ascot by Skeleton Key
02. Run Right Back by The Black Keys
03. Keep on Runnin' (Crawlin' Black Spider) by Cat Power
04. The Diamond Sea by Sonic Youth

Back To School Means Back To A Record Store This September

It is September which means summer is coming to an end as the kids pile into school. You, however, can enjoy heading into the fall season with an endless assortment of new albums and deluxe edition reissues. With  releases ranging from Cat Power to The Killers to No Doubt to Pink and everything in between, there is not any reason for you to add new sounds to your collection this month

A Failed Attempt At Charming Coloring Books (August 2012)

Side 1
01. Set Your Arms Down by Warpaint
02. Hunter by Portishead
03. Bear by The Frogs
04. Magic Dance by David Bowie
05. New Moon on Monday by Duran Duran
06. Guiding Light by Television

Side 2
01. Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple
02. Velouria by Pixies
03. Editions of You by Roxy Music
04. Racehorse by Wild Flag
05. Film Music by Electrelane
06. You're Wondering Now by The Specials

In My Time Of Absence...

So it has been awhile since my last post and/or confession. The reason for this is due to spending time working on various art projects, some finished and others really need completion, and meeting and networking with new people which is crazy in its own right. Nonetheless, I have not abandoned H&J.  As such, I shall do a quick summary of everything I have wanted to talk about but have not found the time to do so.

The Last Days Before A Western Sunset (July 2012)

Side A
01. The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie by The Joy Formidable
02. Casualty by Snake River Conspiracy
03. I'm a Monster by Ours
04. We Had it Bad Today by The Softlightes
05. A Song for Europe by Roxy Music

Side B
01. The Alien Song (For Those Who Listen) by Milla
02. Don't Look Back by Luscious Jackson
03. Troublemaker by Beach House
04. Blacked Out and Blue by Cake Like
05. Roses by Skeleton Key

Interview: Mark Meatto

Recently, I spoke with filmmaker Mark Meatto to discuss How to Grow a Band, a documentary on progressive bluegrass quintet, Punch Brothers. Currently, the film is being screened in various theaters across the U.S. with distribution from International Film Circuit and possible fall release for home and retail purchase. Thanks to Mark Meatto for granting this interview on such short notice and thanks to the Gene Siskel Film Center for allowing me to film there. This interview took place on July 14, 2012. Here is also a link to upcoming screening dates and further information on the film.