Covering the crossroads of music and film.
January 2009
10RW: You Should Root For Pittsburgh
By Jim Shearer on 01/30/2009
Filed under: 10RW (10 Reasons Why)Another Super Bowl blog posting? Sorry, but on the Friday before Super Bowl Sunday my typing fingers or my mind won't let me concentrate on anything else besides the Pittsburgh Steelers. (left: Don't know who to root for in the Super Bowl yet? Let me sell you on Pittsburgh.) Spend anytime in this fine city and you'll quickly learn why we're all like this. It might be the only city in America where jocks, grandmothers, hipsters, young kids, old men, couch potatoes, yoga enthusiasts, Catholics, Protestants, and any other oddball character you can throw in there come together for... MORE »
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Springsteen's Super Bowl Playlist
By Jim Shearer on 01/30/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSEven if you're not into sports, I'm sure you're well aware of the fact that Super Bowl Sunday is only a couple days away. Sports-minded or not, I'm sure there's a good chance you'll be dipping into a bowl of spinach & artichoke dip at a party centered around the big game. If you don't know, (my hometown!) Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing off against the Arizona Cardinals. (left: The Boss gets ready to rock a Super-Bowl-sized Super Bowl crowd this Sunday.) Not into the teams? How 'bout the halftime show then? Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band... MORE »
Indie Ear Crossword Puzzle #3
By Jim Shearer on 01/29/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGEContinue reading for ANSWERS... MORE »
The Morning Benders Hit The Road
By Jim Shearer on 01/29/2009
Filed under: FREE SONGS, ME LIKEY, SOONToday--in what I'm calling the Feel-Good-Tour-Of-The-Year-Thus-Far--The Morning Benders kickoff their co-headlining tour with The Submarines. If you're not familiar with The Submarines by now, I can give you my standard spiel: You know, the band that has a song in that one iTunes commercial. (left: Hopefully this won't happen out on tour.) The Morning Benders are also set to play SXSW. They are confirmed for two performances, but because a band ain't a band unless they play 12 or more shows down in Austin, I'm sure more will follow. To get friendly with their tour mates The Morning Benders... MORE »
Will Your Favorite Broken-up Band Be Reunited?
By Jim Shearer on 01/28/2009
Filed under: SOONThe blogosphere has been anxiously awaiting the announcement of this year's line up for Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (April 17-19). Yesterday, there were various blog postings on the internet teasing the fact that KROQ-FM (Los Angeles) promised to announce the festival's line-up during their early morning hours. (left: Show of hands, how many people want The Smiths to play Coachella? Okay, how about Led Zeppelin?) Coachella organizers called KROQ and gave them the bad news that the line-up was not finalized yet, speculating some to believe that the festival promoters were still trying to nail down a... MORE »
LOST TREASURES: Judgment Night Soundtrack
By Jim Shearer on 01/28/2009
Filed under: LOOKBACK AT A SOUNDTRACK, LOST TREASURESThink of Judgment Night--the original motion picture soundtrack from an Emilio Estevez film that didn't do so well at the box office--as the stepchild of Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." In 1993 (the year the album was released) it wasn't unheard of to hear rhymes behind rock riffs. Even the hip-hoppers mentioned above were doing it long before they crossed paths with Steven Tyler. But Judgment Night maintains its place in history because it fell between two periods in music where mixing your rock and rap was acceptable, and mixing your rock and rap was frowned upon (see... MORE »
Justin's Muxin' It Up Again
By Jim Shearer on 01/27/2009
Filed under: NEWSOur good ol' friend Justin Ouellette (watch him in action on our Indie Music Panels) is back in business. (left: Muxtape will never die!) The on-again/off-again venture known as Muxtape has returned. His third-party music sharing site that digitally mimicked the joy of friends sharing mixtapes was shut down last year after a problem with the RIAA. After his run in with "the man," Ouellette decided to use his Muxtape platform to promote bands. The latest incarnation of the site is up and running now, with 12 of Ouellette's "favorites" being the first official test subjects: Of Montreal, Cexman,... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Jan. 27)
By Jim Shearer on 01/27/2009
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYThe Bird and The Bee, Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future Greg Kurstin's spit-shine production blends perfectly with Inara George's beautiful voice. Bruce Springsteen, Working On a Dream Is anyone having a bigger month than The Boss? Inauguration, new album, and a headlining gig at the Super Bowl. Franz Ferdinand, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand Life is a little better today with a brand new Franz Ferdinand release. Beirut, March Of The Zapotec Out digitally today, possibly the treat of the week. Horns + Indie Music = Indie Goodness! Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Old Money He's the guy in Mars Volta who... MORE »
Your Brand New Favorite Barack Obama Shirt
By Jim Shearer on 01/27/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGEJust in case your Hope or Change t-shirts are in the wash... I'm President Barack, there is none higher, Prime Ministers should call me sire. To burn the White House you must use fire I won't stop Barackin' till I retire. MORE »
LISTS: Rotoscope Favorites
By Jim Shearer on 01/26/2009
Filed under: LISTSIf you've listened to the radio at all during the last month you probably noticed that Kanye West is riding high on the latest single from his 808s & Heartbreak album, "Heartless." And, if you've spent any time in front of a computer screen during the last couple of months, there's a good chance you've seen his brightly colored, Hype Williams directed video for the song. (left: Kanye West's rotoscoped alter ego.) "Heartless" uses rotoscope animation, a technique performed by animators in which they trace--frame by frame--over live-action film movement. You've seen it in movies (Waking Life), you've seen... MORE »
Silver Jews Done, Berman To Screenwrite
By Jim Shearer on 01/26/2009
Filed under: NEWS2008 saw the death of the following indie-minded music acts: Phantom Planet, Wolfmother, Be Your Own Pet, Junior Senior, Dirty Pretty Things, Georgie James, and Dirty On Purpose. Three full weeks into 2009, and we've already suffered our first casualty. David Berman, announced through his band's message board, that Silver Jews are no more. (left: Silver Jews call it a day.) On January 31, Silver Jews plan to play their farewell show at Tennessee's Cumberland Caverns (which will be broadcast on Nashville's WSM radio). According to Berman's post (read below) he plans on giving screenwriting a whirl, so maybe... MORE »
P.O.S. Gets D.I.Y.
By Jim Shearer on 01/23/2009
Filed under: FREE SONGS, SOONIn the age of digital downloads, where album artwork has been reduced to a piece of clip art on an iPod's display screen, it's actually quite refreshing to see an artist take pride in the packaging of his album again--liner notes, lyric sheet and all! On February 3, indie-hip-hopper, P.O.S., will release his brand new album Never Better, but he's already geeking out about the artwork--which has a pre-sale link and a YouTube video to go along with it. The packaging has a transparent front-side allowing its users the chance to create their own album cover by choosing between 16... MORE »
On the Notorious B.I.G. Screen
By Jim Shearer on 01/23/2009
Filed under: REVIEWJust had a chance to see it for the first time yesterday, here's my official mooovie review: Considering we're not too far removed from critically acclaimed biopics about Ray Charles (Ray) and Johnny Cash (Walk The Line), Notorious, a film about Christopher Wallace (aka Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls) might seem premature. Keep in mind though that the world has been without the Notorious B.I.G. longer than it has Charles and Cash, so maybe the time was just right? (left: How does Notorious stack up against other music movies? Well...) Like Ray, Walk The Line, La Bamba, or even Walk... MORE »
Poster Boy Cuttin' and Pastin'
By Jim Shearer on 01/22/2009
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGI'm fascinated by the illegal street-artistry of Banksy, and I always get a good chuckle when anyone alters a subway advertisement (even if it's as simple as a penis scribble or someone writing the word "ass"), so for me, Poster Boy, gives the best of both worlds: MORE »
Life After Grandaddy
By Jim Shearer on 01/22/2009
Filed under: NEWS, SOONIn January of 2006, after releasing four laid-back-folky-indie-rock albums, Grandaddy announced that they parting ways. The brainchild of the group, Jason Lytle, has recently finished his first solo offering, Yours Truly, The Commuter, which will be released later this year on May 19 (ANTI-). Here's the initial press on what to expect from the album: (left: Gone are Jason Lytle's Grandaddy bandmates...and his signature mesh ball cap.) On Yours Truly, the Commuter, dreamy soundscapes mirror the dramatic environment of Lytle's newly-adopted Montana, where the record was written and recorded, while the twang of central California farmland remains in the... MORE »
...And The Award For Most Literal Video
By Jim Shearer on 01/22/2009
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGFans of the film Helvetica (a documentary about the sans-serif typeface), as well as people who like their viral videos literal, will absolutely pee their pants over this clip. It comes to us from a two-man electronic French outfit known as Poney Poney (and yes, they have crossed friendly paths, and faders, with fellow French duo, Justice). I don't need to do anymore explaining, cause the following music video will do it all: "Cross Fader," Poney Poney MORE »
Tardust Liberated
By Jim Shearer on 01/21/2009
Filed under: FREE SONGSTardust Liberated. That was the subject line of a mass e-mail Saul Williams sent out to his fans yesterday. Niggy Tardust is the character/persona Williams embraced on his last album, The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Niggy Tardust. In the same way David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust character opened up dialogue about sexuality and gender, Williams hoped to do the same with race in society through his similarly named alter ego. (left: "We are the government!") Earlier in the election year, Williams wrote An Open Letter To History asking "history" and the American people to change its ways (and its... MORE »
MC Joaquin Phoenix
By Jim Shearer on 01/21/2009
Filed under: NEWSLate last year, Oscar-nominated actor, Joaquin Phoenix, announced his retirement from acting, setting his sights on a career in music. After engulfing himself in all things Johnny Cash for his role in Walk The Line, the move to music seemed to make good--although not perfectly good--sense. Keep in mind Phoenix performed all his songs in Walk The Line (no lip syncing) and won a Grammy Award for his work on the film's soundtrack. No stranger to the music industry, Phoenix has also directed various music videos, crafting clips for acts She Wants Revenge, Albert Hammond, Jr., and Silversun Pickups. Last... MORE »
MIXTAPE: Inauguration Day
By Jim Shearer on 01/20/2009
Filed under: MIXTAPEAs a proud citizen--and music blogger--of this country, I felt it was my civic duty to craft President Barack Obama an Inauguration Day mixtape. In between all the various ceremonies going on today, I thought our new President might want to relax for a second by listening to a Presidential playlist I created especially him. I kept it to a 10-song minimum, just so I wouldn't take up too much of his time on this very important day: (left: President Barack Obama receives his first Presidential mixtape.)... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Jan. 20)
By Jim Shearer on 01/20/2009
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYMatt and Kim, Grand (left) Finally, the rest of the world can listen to the happy-go-lucky duo's sophomore effort, recorded in Matt's childhood bedroom (old skateboard posters on the wall and all). A.C. Newman, Get Guilty The New Pornographers frontman delivers the goods on his second solo outing. Andrew Bird, Noble Beast If you're looking for something nice and soothing to listen to today, this one won't let you down. Fiction Family, Fiction Family See above description. Reel Big Fish, Fame, Fortune and Fornication They did such a good job with the ska remake of A-Ha's "Take You On"... MORE »
The Week That Was (and Still Is), Jan. 11-18
By Jim Shearer on 01/16/2009
Filed under: THE WEEK THAT WAS (AND STILL IS)Slumdog Millionaire takes home top honors at the Golden Globe Awards (and if you haven't seen the film yet, which is a feel-good-roller-coaster-ride of a movie, what the heck are you waiting for?!), four NFL teams are left standing, temperatures dip into single digits, and George Bush spends his last full week in the White House. Here's what else happened this week: Wednesday Mettalica and Run-DMC are named as inductees to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Class of 2009. Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Boby Womack, and Wanda Jackson also get the nod. One has... MORE »
10RW: Bret Michaels Would Love "The Wrestler"
By Jim Shearer on 01/16/2009
Filed under: 10RW (10 Reasons Why)Before he became a reality show master of ceremonies, Bret Michaels was the tight-pants-wearing frontman of the 1980s pop-metal band, Poison. (left: Ram Jam! Ram Jam! Ram Jam!) If Michaels hasn't had a chance to see the critically acclaimed film, The Wrestler, yet--or any other rocker that yearns for the decadent days of the 1980s--here's 10 Reasons Why they won't leave the theater disappointed: MORE »
Never Too Early For SXSW
By Sarah Pesin on 01/15/2009
Filed under: SOONAs the New Year sets in and winter continues to rear its ugly head, the only way to get through these dark months is to look towards the future of spring, sunshine, and more importantly, South by Southwest. The wheels are already set in motion for this year's festival and the first crop of bands playing has just been announced. While the festival is still over two months away, there's no point in not getting a head start on who is worth seeing. (left: Two months and counting.) Of course, my list is extremely biased. Of the over one... MORE »
People Getting Punched In The Face
By Jim Shearer on 01/15/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGETo give you a blow-by-blow recap (pun soon to be intended) of my winter house cleaning, I am now reorganizing my CD's and have already come across four album covers with dudes getting punched in the face. (top to bottom: Pantera's Vulger Display Of Power, Alice in Chains' Greatest Hits, House of Pain's Same As It Ever Was, and Dropkick Murphys' The Warrior's Code.) In addition to helping me out with my tree query (see post below), if you can help my obsessed brain think of any more album covers featuring knock-out blows, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks!... MORE »
Trees, Trees, and More Trees
By Jim Shearer on 01/15/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGEIn between blog posts I've been spending most of my January re-tidying my apartment, which has given me the opportunity to notice things a little more (you never realize all the fun stuff you have laying around until you have to swipe it with a dust rag). (left: The picture I stare at when I need to take a cleaning time-out.) In between cleaning missions, I'd plop down on my couch and stare at the wall, which is decorated with a framed art-print of a tree my friend Troy gave me for being a wingman in his wedding last... MORE »
IT'S LIKE THAT: Extreme Karaoke!
By Jim Shearer on 01/14/2009
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THATEvery year for my wife's birthday we throw her a huge karaoke tournament. Each year it gets bigger, badder, and more competitive. Think of it as the illegal cock-fighting circuit of karaoke--no fancy lighting system, no prompter to read lyrics off of, and no gratuitous applause from the audience. If you stink, the three judges will let you know it. Sound a little like American Idol? Too bad our karaoke tournament predates the teen-pop franchise by two years. (left: This is what it's all about, the coveted Karaoke Cup.) Here's how the tournament is set up: There are three... MORE »
Jason Schwartzman Is Coconut Records
By Jim Shearer on 01/14/2009
Filed under: NEWSMany of you know Jason Schwartzman the actor, some of you know him as the ex-drummer of the now defunct Phantom Planet, some geek out over the fact that he's Adrian's (Talia Shire) son, while others may know him for his latest musical endeavor, Coconut Records. (left: Schwartzman, not just an actor, not just a drummer, apparently he's doing it all.) Speaking of the latter, Schwartzman recently finished Coconut Records' second offering, an album called Davy, which is currently being streamed in its entirety on the act's MySpace page. Although Schwartzman (from the best of my knowledge) handles most... MORE »
IS IT ME? OR...
By Jim Shearer on 01/13/2009
Filed under: IS IT ME? OR......is this family trying really hard to be The Polyphonic Spree? MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Jan. 13)
By Jim Shearer on 01/13/2009
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYThom Yorke, Eraser: The Remixes (left) Even though I haven't listened to the entire album yet, I can bet you any money you won't hear a producer shout out, "REMIX!!" on any of the tracks. Antony and The Johnsons, Crying Light Some of you may have been introduced to Antony via Bjork's Volta album. Bon Iver, Blood Bank EP Coldplay for indie enthusiasts (that's meant to be taken as a compliment). Bang Camaro, Bang Camaro II A band that surprisingly sounds just like their band name (fast, American rock-n-roll). Saosin, The Grey EP Close your eyes. Okay, guess the... MORE »
Illinois' Third Chapter
By Sarah Pesin on 01/13/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, VIDEO BLOGIt seems that Mr. Indie Ear's favorite band to talk about is the Beastie Boys, and if anyone knows him, that makes complete sense. For me, it appears that Illinois are the band to talk about. I believe this is my third post about that quirky foursome. But to be fair, there's always much to be said. Illinois seem to be closely following the Presidential election with the release of their Kid Catastrophe chapters. Their first release happened to be on the now historic Election Day, and their third chapter is out just in time for Obama to be sworn... MORE »
IS IT ME? OR... (Nope, It's Me)
By Jim Shearer on 01/12/2009
Filed under: IS IT ME? OR...Is something not right about naming a 3D horror movie--whose commercial features a wall of flames bursting from a movie screen towards it's 3D-glass-wearing audience--after a highly influential indie-rock band? (left: Alas there is a "3D" to make a distinction between the two.) CORRECTION: It didn't occur to me until my friend Randy corrected me today that My Bloody Valentine, the highly influential indie-rock band, actually got their name from the 1981 slasher movie, My Bloody Valentine. Turns out My Bloody Valentine 3D is a remake of the original: Toward the end of 1983, Shields and O'Ciosoig formed their... MORE »
Notorious
By Jim Shearer on 01/12/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGEI'm not saying it's going to be good, I'm not saying I'm going to see it on opening day (January 16), but I am saying that I'm very curious. I'm always rooting for a good movie about music: MORE »
Hey, America Kinda Feels Cool Again
By Jim Shearer on 01/12/2009
Filed under: NEWS, SOONThat's the name of the event being held a week from now (Jan. 19) at Washington DC's 9:30 Club (doors at 8PM, show at 9PM). In conjunction with Rock The Vote, Beastie Boys, Sheryl Crow, Citizen Cope, and Justin Jones will be playing full sets to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration. MORE »
So Much For That Idea
By Jim Shearer on 01/09/2009
Filed under: NEWSIn 2007, THE Led Zeppelin got together to play a one-off reunion show at London's O2 Arena. Obviously, John Bonham wasn't behind the drums, but his son, Jason, took the throne, providing monsterous beats for three Gods of Rock: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones. The show went so well, there was serious talk of the band staying together and even going out on a full-fledged reunion tour. (I had friends ready to mortgage their house just to witness this live.) Last year, Robert Plant said he was out, but Led Zeppelin management marched on and said... MORE »
Paul's Boutique Turns 20 Years Old
By Jim Shearer on 01/09/2009
Filed under: NEWSI deserve a pat on the back, damn it. I held out nine long days before I posted my first Beastie-related blog of the year. That might be a new record for me. Speaking of which, not only are the Beastie Boys hard at work on theirs--which has been rumored to drop in May (although, because the Beasties like to take their time with things, that could mean May of 2010, 11, 12, etc.)--but they are also re-issuing their now legendary sophomore album, Paul's Boutique. Late last year, the Beastie Boys mentioned it on their website, but this week... MORE »
Lil' Wayne's Reign Continues
By Jim Shearer on 01/08/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGENot too long ago on the Indie Ear blog we pointed out that Lil' Wayne, curiously, became one of music's biggest stars in 2008. For an artist who doesn't shy away from explicit material in his music ("Pussy Monster" anyone?), it's surprising how the mainstream folk have embraced him. This week, Lil' Wayne took some time out of his busy schedule (which also includes writing a sports blog for ESPN Magazine) to sit across from the quick-lipped Skip Bayless on an episode of ESPN's 1st & 10 (a daily program that breaks down the latest headlines in sports). The opinionated... MORE »
NFG Get Their UFC On
By Jim Shearer on 01/08/2009
Filed under: SOONOn March 10, indie-gone-major-gone-indie-again, pop-punkers, New Found Glory, will release their sixth studio album, Not Without A Fight. In keeping with the "fight" theme of the album, New Found Glory have already started the hype machine by rolling out an album pre-sale, an online video game, and a hilarious UFC-like press conference (with more chapters to follow leading up to the album's release). After getting serious with their last studio effort, Coming Home, it appears that New Found Glory have rediscovered their sense of humor, as well as their penchant for stomping on the distortion pedal. Last year they... MORE »
LIKE IT? LOVE IT? HATE IT?
By Jim Shearer on 01/07/2009
Filed under: LIKE IT? LOVE IT? HATE IT?Jaydiohead. The mash-up of Jay-Z and, of course, Radiohead. You down? Or are you Jay-Z mashed-up out? (left: I've got 99 problems and a fake plastic tree ain't one!) MORE »
R.I.P., Ron Asheton (The Stooges)
By Jim Shearer on 01/07/2009
Filed under: NEWSYesterday morning the body of guitarist, Ron Asheton (age 60), was found dead in his Ann Arbor, Michigan home. The cause of death is thought to be a heart attack (though an autopsy is being conducted). Asheton was a founding member of The Stooges, a band that always gets name dropped when talking about the foundation of punk rock music. The Stooges broke up in 1974, and a year later thier founding bassist, Dave Alexander, died of pulmunary edema (respiratory failure). The Stooges reunited in 2003 with Mike Watt (whose band The Minutemen also gets name dropped quite often... MORE »
First the Price of Gas, Now the Price of Music
By Jim Shearer on 01/07/2009
Filed under: NEWSI'm sure you've heard by now--I've already seen the story on two local newscasts--that iTunes will be raising their prices come April. Apple made the announcement yesterday at their annual Macworld Conference and Expo (just imagine all the geeky brain power floating around in that room). (left: Besides a 30 cents price increase, Apple also introduces the 69 cents bargain-bin price to iTunes). Popular songs (aka: bangers, smash hits, bomb tracks, must-have singles, jammy jams) will increase from 99 cents to $1.29. Moderately popular songs (aka: NOT bangers, smash hits, bomb tracks, must-have singles, jammy jams) will stay at... MORE »
This Song Will Put Hair On Your Chest, & It's Free!
By Jim Shearer on 01/06/2009
Filed under: FREE SONGSNext month Ladyfinger (ne) will release their sophomore effort, Dusk. (If you pre-order it through Saddle Creek's online store, you'll receive the album two weeks early.) Here's a little taste in the meantime, a ditty called, "Little Things." The song should bring to mind mustaches, black t-shirts, and 70's-era haircuts--good ol' hearty rock-n-roll! Little Things.mp3 MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Jan. 6)
By Jim Shearer on 01/06/2009
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYAnimal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion (left) Talk about instant gratification--one of the most anticipated indie-rock releases of the year comes out six days into 2009. Glasvegas, Glasvegas Take a little bit of Glasgow, a little bit of Las Vegas, and you come up with a charming indie-rock group from Scotland. The Gourds, Haymaker! Alt-country from Austin, TX--you can already taste the barbecue sauce! Backyard Babies, Backyard Babies Don't let the name fool you, this hard-rocking band from Sweden open up their album with a song called "Fuck Off And Die." Erin McCarley, Love, Save The Empty Destined to have... MORE »
The Bouncing Souls, Once a Month
By Jim Shearer on 01/05/2009
Filed under: NEWSEvery first of the month in 2009, D.I.Y.-feel-good-punk-rockers, The Bouncing Souls, will be releasing a brand new digital download to celebrate their 20th Anniversay as a band. The year-long subscription is $11.99, and the first track, "Gasoline," is available now through Chunksaah Records (the band's original record label). MORE »
The New Year Begins With a Less Than Stellar Start
By Jim Shearer on 01/05/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGEHappy New Year! Today is the first day many Americans are returning to work from their holiday breaks. 2008 is over and 2009 is on. Blogs will get back to business as normal, and the search for the 10 best albums of the year begins all over again. So here's my question for the first cerebral day of 2009--with so much promise in the upcoming year and so much to celebrate from the previous one (though it did have its share of crappy moments), why does the start of a new year always suck? (left: Don't judge a year... MORE »
...And On To 2009
By Jim Shearer on 01/02/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGETo the Indie Ear faithful (I really hope I'm not taking liberties by saying that), you may have noticed that during the last few weeks this very blog has been littered and/or garnished (you pick) with best-of/year-end lists for 2008. Not only was it fun to do this (some might say "lazy"), but it's a necessity as the world of music goes on shut-down mode between the week of Christmas and New Year's. (left: 2009, the last year we'll be able to make these type of sunglasses.) I'm here to let you know, two days into 2009, that my... MORE »
LIVE: 3 Shows That I'll Recall Fondly
By James Ziegenfus on 01/02/2009
Filed under: '08 WAS GREAT!, LIVE2008 was a pretty decent year between me and my favorite music. I liked a handful of albums, but hardly loved any. (Tim Goldsworthy's production with Cut Copy and Hercules and Love Affair was probably the one thing that impressed me more than any specific record.) (left: Kraftwerk, "I couldn't hold their inaction against them.) I went to a lot shows and enjoyed many, but rarely walked away dragging my jaw on the ground from amazement. And isn't that the point of going to shows? To feel like there's nowhere else you'd rather be during that hour, or so?... MORE »
BEN & JIM: Best of the Year
By Jim Shearer on 01/02/2009
Filed under: BEN & JIMJim: Ben, we're two days into 2009 and I never got a best-of list from you, what's going on? Ben: It really isn't that much, but I'll write some of my thoughts about my lists if you want. Jim: Go for it! Favorite Albums of 2008 11. Fall Out Boy, Folie à Deux 10. PlayRadioPlay!, Texas 9. The Hush Sound, Goodbye Blues 8. Steel Train, Trampoline 7. Valencia, We All Need a Reason to Believe 6. Fire in the Hole, Love & Malice 5. Jack's Mannequin, The Glass Passenger 4. The Matches, A Band in Hope 3. Forgive Durden,... MORE »
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