HOGE POGE
Summer Festival Quiz
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 | 7:34 AM
Summer Festival Season is upon us my friends! From April to September, our beautiful, music-loving country will host various festivals featuring all different types of music and attractions. With fewer and fewer packaged summer tours left, the weekend (all-in-one-place) festival is all the rage these days.
(left: Things to do this summer: Toss around Wayne Coyne in a huge see-through ball)
From Coachella to Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo to Sasquatch, Treasure Island to Austin City Limits, there's a good chance you'll be hitting up a festival sometime this summer. To get you prepared, I've decided to throw a small pop quiz. You can catch the video simulcast on today's episode of Lunchbox (Noon EST).
Note: The text version of the quiz (below), has a couple bonus questions!
Does everybody have a No. 2 pencil? Alright, let's do this:
When Animals Attack
Monday, May 12, 2008 | 12:52 PM
A couple months ago, upbeat, fast-on-the-strum, indie trio, Born Ruffians, released their debut album Red, Yellow, and Blue. The threesome from Toronto recently made a video for their song "I Need a Life." In the clip, Born Ruffians prepare dinner while various barnyard animals peek inside the kitchen. At the end of the clip, we find the band mauled to death, never getting to enjoy the meal they worked so hard on.
Ouch.
(left: Not even a group called Born Ruffians can out-rough a group of wild animals).
It wasn't too long ago where we saw a pimped-out chicken lay the smack down on Colonel Sanders in Moby's "Disco Lies" video.
Both videos bring to mind other clips in which wild animals get their revenge on their human being counterparts. In Queens of the Stone Age's "No One Knows," the band becomes wall trophies for a pick-up-truck-driving deer, and in the Beastie Boys' "Triple Trouble," Sasquatch makes sure the Beasties pay for their hurtful words on the red carpet.
Weezer's "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived"
Friday, May 9, 2008 | 12:13 PM
I gotta say, I'm loving the recently leaked Weezer song, "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived." It's got ups, it's got downs, it's a musical journey (and the cheering crowd at the beginning even makes it a little epic--dare I say it's Weezer's "Bohemian Rhapsody"). I'm excited for the new album, coming out (legally) on June 24.
Thanks for the heads-up Smooth. You're lucky I don't sic the feds on you!
(left: This is my friend Jeff, who happens to be such a big Weezer fan that he got their flying =w= logo tattooed on his chest. When he went to boot camp, his drill sergeant gave him hell because he thought it was a white-power tattoo.)
Talkin' with Tim Fite
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 | 10:39 AM
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
Monday, May 5, 2008 | 1:39 PM
Happy Cinco De Mayo! For those that don't know, Cinco De Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the initial victory of Mexican forces over the French in the Battle Of Puebla. Cinco De Mayo, the fifth of May, is also responsible for bringing us the following people:
Kurt Loder (1945)
The man, the myth, the legend. Music host and writer extraordinaire. When I used to work at MTV I would always quiver like a teenage-Justin Timberlake fan when I was in his presence. His brilliant dry wit is unmatched in music journalism.
Bob Seger (1945)
"Today's music ain't got the same soul, I like that old time rock n' roll!" Big ups to the Silver Bullet Band.
Bill Ward (1948)
While you get all geeked on the Iron Man movie, don't forget about the man who played the "Iron Man" drums, Black Sabbath's Bill Ward.
Ian McCulloch (1959)
If you don't know Echo and the Bunnymen, you probably know Coldplay, and Coldplay are big, big fans of Echo and the Bunnymen. By the way, Ian McCulloch is their frontman.
Jamie Lidell Givin' Out Free Body Parts
Friday, May 2, 2008 | 4:39 PM
Welcome to the world of Jamie Lidell, who just released his brand new album, Jim, this week. The following video makes perfect sense to me, considering the first time I met Jamie he had just garbage-picked a purple-dinosaur toy piano and began singing me a song (he's a truly one-of-a-kind gent):
International Superheroes of Hardcore, Save Us!
Thursday, May 1, 2008 | 8:41 AM
This past Tuesday was actually one of my favorite album release days in a while. Besides getting new offerings from the Roots and Madonna, silly-power-poppers Nerf Herder made their triumphant return, and speaking of comebacks, Portishead released their first album in 11 years. I'm also lovin' Santogold, but the album that I just can't stop listening to is International Superheroes of Hardcore's Takin' It Ova!.
(left: Rest assured, these are no Superhero Sellouts.)
For those that don't know, this is the alter-ego band of New Found Glory--a group that was sadly lumped into the power-pop-nice-haircut bands of the early 2000's. No doubt their music can be classified as power-pop, but I always thought they brought a little something different to the table. It was also no secret that certain members of New Found Glory were big fans of hardcore music (ahem, Chad Gilbert), which was apparent on certain New Found Glory offerings. However, it's nice to see the band fully embrace their hardcore-punk-rock leanings on Takin' It Ova!.
I Was Spoken To By An Advertisement...
Thursday, May 1, 2008 | 7:10 AM
Yesterday I was reading my new issue of Sports Illustrated on the subway (one of my favorite New York City time-killing pastimes), and came across an ad for Zune, Microsoft's answer to iTunes.
(right: Some marketing guru is wetting his pants now, cause I'm lovin' artists on both pages of this ad.)
The two-page spread features various three dimensional band names (in all different types of fonts) stacked on top of each other. The ad is nothing groundbreaking, considering iTunes had a similar campaign a year or so ago with hundreds of album covers exploding from an iPod.
Get Your CSS On!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 | 7:28 AM
Not the popular author, C.S. Lewis, and not CSI Miami, Las Vegas, or New York. I'm talking about São Paulo, Brizil's own CSS, a band whose name is an acronym for, "cansei de ser sexy," which translates into "tired of being sexy"--I hear ya sister.
(left: "Whoever is not tired of being sexy raise your hand.")
I was excited to find out recently that CSS will be releasing their sophomore effort, Donkey, on July 22. I got into the band (not literally of course) a couple years ago and they quickly reminded me of many great female-fronted acts like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Le Tigre, and Blondie. The only thing I didn't like about them was their video for "Alala," which did little to complement my favorite song off their album. It actually turned my stomach a bit. But speaking of "Alala," for any of you runners out there, it's a great little tune to toss into your iPod for a run.
Anyway, let me get to my point, CSS' just released a song off their new album, "Rat is Dead (Rage)." Besides heading out on tour this summer, they're also playing Lollapalooza on August 1.
What Made Milwaukee Famous Covering Billy Joel
Monday, April 28, 2008 | 12:01 PM
What Made Milwaukee Famous, an Austin, TX-based band that I'm likin' of late, have announced a string of tour dates with The Whigs. They have also recorded a live version of Billy Joel's
"You May Be Right" which you can download right here:
you may be right.mp3
If for some reason you can only hear it, and not download it, let me know and I'll try to figure something out.
Listen to Portishead's New Album
Thursday, April 24, 2008 | 1:06 PM
Acting late on a tip, I just discovered that Portishead's brand new, long-long-long overdue album, Third, is being streamed on Last FM. The album officially comes out next week, April 29.
Yo Rex, I'm still reading your blog. Thanks for the heads up! (Don't know if it's proper blog-etiquette to post a blog about info I found on a blog, but keep in mind I was still using messenger pigeons up until 2001.)
Portishead's last studio album (self-titled) was released in September of 1997. My messenger pigeon actually flew to Sam Goody and bought it for me. It was a lovely afternoon.
Put Your Papal and Music Knowledge to the Test
Thursday, April 17, 2008 | 2:11 PM
In honor of Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to the United States of America (since becoming Pope), I've decided to celebrate by challenging both your papal and music knowledge. I'm guessing U2's Bono is going to ace this quiz (since he and the late great Pope John Paul II broke bread on many occasions). How will you do?
Good luck!
Ed. Note: I just realized this is my second quiz of the week--wow--maybe I secretly want to become a game show host?
(above: Pope Benedict XVI makes his first papal visit to the U.S. this week.)
Tax Time!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 | 8:17 AM
Hey, if it makes you feel any better, even The Beatles had to pay up:
The Indie Rock Beard Quiz
Monday, April 14, 2008 | 3:08 PM
This is the time of the year when hockey players--some superstitious, some just standing in solidarity with their teammates--grow "playoff" beards. Because there is no off-season in indie rock, you'll see some musicians sporting their "playoff" beards yearlong.
(left: Man Man, with so many good beards to chose from, how do you just pick one?)
In popular music, the beard has gone in and out of style many different times throughout the years. In the 70's, just about everyone band had a beard. When the 80's arrived, the beard went out of style, giving way to big hairdos and guys looking like girls (though very few hair-metal bands adopted the bearded-lady look). In the 90's, facial hair made a comeback, but many musicians either chose to grow a goatee, a soul patch, or the indie-rock fave, a face full of stubble. In the 2000's beards were once again embraced. In honor of the "playoff" beard, here are my favorite indie-minded rock beards of the last few years. See if you can name them all:
NOTE: Apologies to the bands My Morning Jacket, Kings of Leon, Man Man (above), and Yeasayer. Because you have so many beards in your respective bands, I couldn't pick a favorite. And before we get to the quiz, this wouldn't be a proper beard article without shouting out ZZ Top or Kenny Rogers--big ups! (Ad. Note: Iron and Wine's Samuel Beam also has a beard that could kick many other beard's asses.)
Free Sampling of Pixies Tour Documentary
Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 5:17 PM
I'm a sucker for free things, so when I saw that Pitchfork.tv was offering a free online viewing of the Pixies' loudQUIETloud (the documentary of their 2004 reunion tour), I had to grab some popcorn and plop myself down in front of my computer. The film is listed under the category "ONE WEEK ONLY", so common sense is telling me it's not going to be up for much longer.
Slug and Ant's New TV Show
Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 8:35 AM
One of underground hip-hop's most beloved groups is two weeks away from dropping their brand new album (whose title cracks me up every time I say it). Atmosphere will be releasing, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, on Tuesday, April 22.
(left to right: Ant and Slug, turnin' lemons into gold.)
In a move that was designed to either answer all Atmosphere-related questions before the usual album press-cycle, or just to kill time during a frigid Minnesota winter, Slug and Ant have created a web show, Paint it Gold, which tapes in Slug's basement and is already seven episodes deep. What may be most amazing to Atmosphere fans is that the group's once-shy producer, Ant, joins Slug as a co-host on the show. Fans can e-mail on-air questions to: paintitgold@hotmail.com
If you haven't done it yet and you're yearning for some Atmosphere material while awaiting the new album, you could always download Strictly Leakage, a free internet release the group put out at the end of last year.
Speaking of web-shows, Slug will be joining me on Lunchbox Tuesday, April 22.
Hot Chip's New Video, "One Pure Thought"
Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 8:03 AM
(left: Hot Chip, catch 'em now while they're playing some U.S. East Coast dates)
Here's Hot Chip's brand new video, "One Pure Thought", off their album Made in the Dark. Watch it HERE. They're playing live at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia tonight:
Todd Moakes: Music's Harshest Critic
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 | 10:33 AM
I don't know if any of you are familiar with the work of Todd Moakes? Besides being credited for starting the hipster movement in Williamsburg (Brooklyn), he is also known in many circles as the godfather of the "indie music blog," responsible for breaking bands like The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tapes 'N Tapes, Vampire Weekend, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and !!!.
(left: Todd Moakes, the most feared blogger in all of indie music.)
Moakes has also been credited for popularizing the harsh and overly critical style of blog-writing that has become commonplace on the internet. Like a stingy food critic (especially like that one on Ratatouille), Moakes doesn't find much good taste in anything. That's why this recent youtube clip, caught my attention--it's the first time I've ever heard Moakes praise a band.
Indie Ear Celebrates 100th Blog Posting!!
Friday, April 4, 2008 | 11:38 AM
In February of 2008, IFC re-launched their website which included a brand new music blog, The Independent Ear. A struggling out-of-work VJ (i.e., me) was scooped up off the streets to contribute to this online blog-nificent publication. Right now, you are reading the Indie Ear's 100th blog posting (cue the balloons and confetti falling from the ceiling)!
(left: I plowed through our yearly budget by purchasing these balloons, but it was well worth it! Ain't no party like a 100th Blog Posting Party!)
Taking it Back to the 90's with Starter Jackets
Thursday, April 3, 2008 | 8:51 AM
This past Tuesday R.E.M. and Moby released brand new albums, and both were praised for taking it back to their aggressive styles that made them famous in the 90's. Since "taking it back to the 90's" seems to be on the brain this week, I thought you might enjoy this particular video--and besides, what good is having a blog if you can't promote your own band every once in a while?
Ben Gibbard Gets His Jazzercise On
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 | 7:33 AM
Ben Gibbard, the bespectacled frontman of Death Cab For Cutie unveiled his latest side-project yesterday. No, it's not a new Postal Service album, it's actually, ahem, a musical endeavor called Just Jazzin'. A one-song sampling of Gibbard's new free-from jazz material is available on his myspace page, where he is rockin' out on a xylophone.
According to Gibbard, "....there's this side of me and my music that desires a lack of structure and Just Jazzin' does that for me because I am allowed to just play whatever note comes into my head."
(left: Gibbard is a free-form, no structure, make-my-own-rules, jazz-making machine.)
Oh yeah, Gibbard sent out the news of his new project on April 1 (aka, April Fool's Day). In related Gibbard news, his first music priority, Death Cab For Cutie, will be releasing their brand new album, Narrow Stairs on May 13.
Moby: New Album, Free Music for Filmmakers, & One Pissed-Off Chicken
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 | 1:57 PM
Moby, makes his triumphant return this Tuesday, April 1, as he releases his brand new dance-inspired, Last Night, a loosely based concept album following around the lovable bald-headed socialite as he bounces from club to club on a NYC night. Dance fans will be happy to know that Moby, who has been known to shelve his groovin' beats for more experimental fodder, returns to the dance floor on Last Night, especially on its lead single, "Disco Lies." Speaking of which, if you ever wanted to see a pimped-out chicken get medieval on Colonel Sanders' ass, this Even Bernard directed clip is probably right down your alley.
National Sweater Day Tomorrow
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 | 10:58 AM
Tomorrow would have been Mr. Rogers' 80th birthday. To honor the late, great children's television pioneer, Family Communications, Inc.--the company Roger's created to produce his show Mr. Roger's Neighborhood--is asking everyone wear a sweater tomorrow, Thursday, March 20.
I'm letting you know a day before, so you can plan accordingly. As part of my personal festivities I will also awake to playing of Weezer's "Undone - The Sweater Song." I will then put on a sweater and a cool pair of sneakers and treat everyone like my neighbor!
With a Little Help From My Friends
Thursday, March 6, 2008 | 10:53 AM
I've been meaning to post this blog for a while now. Here's the deal--as soon as my circle of friends discovered that I was writing a music blog for IFC, my e-mail inbox filled up with several band and album recommendations. I'd be a real jerk if I didn't share these with you. In the same vain as "Employee Picks" at record stores, here's what my friends suggest that you listen to:
(left: that's me being body surfed into the ceiling at a recent karaoke party)
New Indie-Metal Supergroup, Kingdom of Sorrow
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 | 10:52 PM
When you become a VJ (video jockey), you enter an underground society with many unwritten rules and privileges. Besides secret handshakes, monthly dues, and a rigorous hazing process, we also have monthly bake sales and a bi-annual pizza party.
Former colleague and host of Headbanger's Ball, Jamey Jasta has just joined forces with Kirk Windstein (Down, Crowbar), Steve Gibb (Crowbar), Derek Kerswill (Seemless, Unearth) and Matthew Brunson, to form the indie-metal super group, Kingdom of Sorrow.
(left to right: Jamey Jasta, Kirk Windstein)
I'm not just giving Jamey a plug, cause he's a good guy (and--oh yeah--a member of that secret VJ society). I've been known to enjoy a good Hatebreed album, and I also wanted to let you know of his current whereabouts (in case you were inclined to ever ask me in person).
Kingdom of Sorrow is touring in support of their self-titled debut (Relapse Records) and is playing Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago tonight.
Can You Guess Which Famous Athlete Plays the Bad Guy in this Video?
Thursday, February 28, 2008 | 9:33 AM
In the new music video "Sultan", from the band What Made Milwaukee Famous (Barsuk Records), can you guess which of the following athletes will make an appearance?
+ Tiger Woods
+ Brett Favre
+ Lance Armstrong
+ Yao Ming
If you guess correctly--well--I can't give you anything (it's just not in the budget), but if you do get it right, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
To watch the video, click HERE.
P.S. If this doesn't get you psyched for the fencing events in the upcoming Summer Olympics, nothing will!
Jim Noir, Don't Know Him? I Bet You Do.
Thursday, February 28, 2008 | 9:05 AM
Not enough people give themselves credit for knowing more than they think they know about indie music. Chances are the average layperson could probably identify a good 20-30 songs just from watching television over the last few years. You may be a Band of Horses and Kings of Leon fan and not even know it.
Kavinsky!
Monday, February 25, 2008 | 2:42 PM
If you like:
+ 1980's synth-driven movie scores
+ Comic book art
+ Electronic music
Bored? Have Your Cat Sing Amy Winehouse Songs.
Friday, February 22, 2008 | 11:14 AM
If you're snowed in today and looking for something to do, you can always have your cat do an Amy Winehouse parody:
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