ChordStrike

Best Music of August, 2008: Fate by Dr. Dog

Why it's significant: Few bands are brave enough to simply admit their influences. Dr. Dog seems to revel in them, indulging in off-limit rock taboos like raw Let It Be vocals, three-part harmonies, ballsy guitars, and tightly wound drums brought to prominence by bands like the Beach Boys, Neil Young, and the Beatles. All without a shred of irony.

But, Philly's Dr. Dog isn't just a sham tribute band. What sets them apart is their dichotomous blend of obsessively making authentic-sounding classic rock and their overall 'left to chance' feel like on "The Breeze."

Fate, their third release, catches the band going hi-fi--usually DD albums are unfortunately mired with muddiness--and every distinct part from the bowed cello to the glockenspiel gets its due, showcasing the band's orchestrated songwriting--take the mysteriously magical "My Friend" for instance. "Army of Ancients" with its sing-a-long chorus and "The Old Ways" with its vaudeville interlude find the band doing what they do--cataloging the past.

On Fate Dr. Dog expands their old sound framework, layering it with notes from the indie-pop playbook: great hooks, contemplative lyrics, and moments of warbling psychedelia. Everything old is new again and nothing is left to chance. --Gabi Knight

Here's Dr. Dog performing "Hang On."

Chris Brown: Only Doubling Justin Timberlake's Flavor, Fun

Everyone seems to be losing their minds over the realization that Chris Brown's "Forever" is a secret Doublemint jingle, but have we all forgotten that Justin Timberlake did the same thing several years ago with "I'm Lovin' It," which continues to appear in McDonald's ads?

UPDATE: Apparently Sony BMG is against embedding. Also, fun. See the video for "I'm Lovin' It" here.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Best Music of August, 2008: One Day as a Lion (EP) by One Day as a Lion

Why it’s significant: After almost a decade of speculative anticipation on the part of his fans, Rage Against the Machine’s Zach de la Rocha finally returns to the studio--with former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore--as One Day as a Lion. It’s been a long wait, punctuated by only occasional tracks (most notably 2004’s "Act III Scene 2 (Shakespeare)" with Saul Williams), but if anything, the machine’s sway has only grown more insidious, and de la Rocha rises to meet it as if he hadn’t missed a beat.

Rage Against the Machine fans will find all the familiar sonic and lyrical calling cards here, but One Day as a Lion is a mimeograph of neither contributor’s flagship band. Not least among the emergent sounds is de la Rocha’s singing, and producer Mario C treats Theodore’s beats to an exquisitely raw timbre that complements de la Rocha’s newfound taste for pitch (delivered with expected fury, of course).

“If You Fear Dying” and opener “Wild International” highlight this five-song, 20-minute set. Sharing nearly synchronized leading riffs, the two songs also take similar liberties with religious taboo: “I target more heads than a priest Ash Wednesday” (“If You Fear Dying”); “I’m like a nail stuck in the wrist of their Christmas” (“Wild International”). In “Ocean View”--a heart-breaking, impressionist portrayal of the PATRIOT Act’s capacity for enabling new twists on the old story of racial profiling--de la Rocha’s wailing chorus glides atop a merciless cascade of thunderous drums. It sure sounds good to be back.

For those who follow either of these guys, everything here merits sustained attention. More generally, for those who like their protest music hard, loud, and in small doses, One Day as a Lion is king for a day, at least.

     --Jason Kirk

Photo Credit: C.R. Stecyk III

Best Music of August, 2008: "Alas I Cannot Swim" by Laura Marling

Why it’s Significant: Laura Marling is a 17-year-old songwriter with more to sing about than most 40-year-olds. The 2008 Mercury Prize nominee was recently referred to in the press as an “old, haunted soul in a teenager’s body.” On her debut release, Alas I Cannot Swim, Marling skillfully weaves poetry, melody, and instrumentation like a master seamstress weaves a couture dress.

In a time where anyone and everyone can make an album, it takes a special “je ne sais quoi” to stand out from the musical crowd. Alas I Cannot Swim is as honest a record as I’ve heard in years. Beyond the strength of the songwriting (and even beyond the artist’s enchanting voice), it’s that very sense of honesty that places this record ahead of the pack.

The album leads with "Ghosts," a song that first comes across as simple and sweet. However, shortly into the song, it becomes clear there’s a lot more depth here than one first suspects. In addition to the writer’s obvious gift of words, there’s a cynicism well beyond her years that cuts through the seeming innocence. Lyrics like “Lover, please do not fall to your knees / It’s not like I believe in everlasting love” typify the unexpected sentiment throughout the album.

The album’s producer, Charlie Fink (of Noah and the Whale), does a beautiful job, adding special touches such as a choir of male voices, horns, orchestral parts, and other intricacies that make the album feel whole. Tracks six and seven--"Cross Your Fingers" and "Crawled Out of the Sea," respectively--feature some of the most playful moments on the album and are a great example of Fink’s production prowess.

Laura Marling may not want anyone falling to their knees for her, but she's in grave danger of making many of us fall in love.

Check out the video for “Ghosts”:

 

-- Shelby Earl

Bob Dylan's "Tell Tale Signs"

Bob Dylan today released "Dreamin' of You'" as a free download. The track comes from the three-disc Tell Tale Signs, the eighth in the poet's Bootleg series.

9/8 update! We've got the video on an exclusive basis for the next week. Have a look:

Also, check out the slick re-launch of BobDylan.com. The highlight of the new site--at least for those of you out there who are so into the guy that you start betting pools around which songs will make it into his live sets (and you know you're out there)--has to be the "The Geo," an interactive globe (akin to Nine Inch Nails' recent Google Earth-based download tracker for The Slip) that lets fans see the distribution of his performances, worldwide, in beautiful black-and-white 3D.

But back to the music. The complete tracklist for Tell Tale Signs runs as follows:

Disc One
Mississippi (Unreleased, Time Out Of Mind)
Most of the Time (Alternate version, Oh Mercy)
Dignity (Piano demo, Oh Mercy)
Someday Baby (Alternate version, Modern Times)
Red River Shore (Unreleased, Time Out Of Mind)
Tell ‘Ole Bill (Alternate version, North Country soundtrack)
Born in Time (Unreleased, Oh Mercy)
Can’t Wait (Alternate version, Time Out Of Mind)
Everything is Broken (Alternate version, Oh Mercy)
Dreamin’ of You  (Unreleased, Time Out Of Mind)
Huck’s Tune (From Lucky You soundtrack)
Marching to the City (Unreleased, Time Out Of Mind)
High Water (For Charley Patton) (Live, Niagara, 2003)

Disc Two
Mississippi (Unreleased version #2, Time Out Of Mind)
32-20 Blues (Unreleased, World Gone Wrong)
Series of Dreams (Unreleased, Oh Mercy)
God Knows (Unreleased, Oh Mercy)
Can’t Escape From You (Unreleased, December 2005)
Dignity (Unreleased, Oh Mercy)
Ring Them Bells (Live at the Supper Club, 1993)
Cocaine Blues (Live, Vienna, Virginia, 1997)
Ain’t Talkin’ (Alternate version, Modern Times)
The Girl On The Greenbriar Shore (Live, 1992)
Lonesome Day Blues (Live, Sunrise, Florida, 2002)
Miss the Mississippi  (Unreleased, 1992)
The Lonesome River (With Ralph Stanley, from Clinch Mountain Country)
‘Cross The Green Mountain (From Gods And Generals soundtrack)

Disc Three
Duncan And Brady (Unreleased, 1992)
Cold Irons Bound (Live, Bonnaroo, June 2004)
Mississippi (Unreleased version #3, Time Out Of Mind)
Most Of The Time (Alternate version #2, Oh Mercy)
Ring Them Bells (Alternate version, Oh Mercy)
Things Have Changed (Live, Portland, Oregon, 2000)
Red River Shore (Unreleased version #2, Time Out Of Mind)
Born In Time (Unreleased version #2, Oh Mercy)
Tryin’ To Get To Heaven (Live, London, England, 2000)
Marchin’ To The City (Unreleased version #2, Time Out Of Mind)
Can’t Wait (Alternate version #2, Time Out Of Mind)
Mary And The Soldier (Unreleased, World Gone Wrong)

     --Jason Kirk

Even Still, the Subtitles Make No Sense

Devendra Banhart has some strikes against him. First he is linked to the Freak Folk/New Weird America movement--some of which is wildly imaginative and important but some of which grates like an endless meandering drum circle. There is the over-hyped album Oh Me, Oh My, that to my ears is nearly unlistenable--and I count myself as a fan. For the longest time I wasn't very excited about his music. Then I heard Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. It's one of those rare albums that seems disjointed until you really get to know it. It's a grower-on, a creeper of sorts. A few weeks ago I said it was one of the best albums to while away a Sunday afternoon to (see "Sea Side"). I did it again just yesterday.

Nearly a year after its release, the first video from that album has surfaced (thanks, Stereogum), borrowing Bollywood levity and featuring the terrific, sometimes gangsta Natalie Portman. Peep it. --Gabi Knight

Nineteen and Counting: Adele

On a recent Monday full of multitasking, our team was treated to a midday reprieve from computers with an acoustic performance from Adele, the latest UK import to bring her retro diva act stateside. Luckily for us, she kindly took time afterwards to record a podcast interview and here it is.

Speaking candidly about her romantic past that inspired the album including the day she wrote Chasing Pavements, as well as her favorite superpowers, Adele took us through it all. 

Enjoy this week's podcast from XL recording artist, Adele!

Capitol Hill Block Party: Chromeo

Sometimes I feel like my subsconscious created Chromeo, mostly because I can't imagine them being as perfectly suited to anyone else's tastes as they are to mine. I mean, are there really thousands of people clamoring for a band who takes '80s/'90s R&B and updates it with gangsta steez? Does the general population need a crew who shows equal respect to the Whispers, Bobby Brown, and Jodeci? Judging by the number of folks hollering along and losing their minds, the answer appears to be yes, and that freaks me out. Belltown bros high-fived and hipsters tested the integrity of their skinny jeans by recklessly shaking ass. Chromeo is for the people, man. That was the most fun I've ever had at a show in Seattle and I don't think I'm alone.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Capitol Hill Block Party: Throw Me The Statue

 

Seattle's best local band, Throw Me The Statue, absolutely nailed it inside Neumo's this evening. The crowd was jumping up and down, singing along almost the whole time. Their whole set, as well as many others from the festival are being broadcast live on KEXP (they broadcast on the Internet too at KEXP.org). Check it out! Two days of this has really started to wear on me. I'm not sure how long I'm gonna last this evening. either way, I'll sleep well tonight.
--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party: Kimya Dawson

 

After the incredible success of the Juno soundtrack, it's no wonder Kimya Dawson is playing the main stage here. She's running through several songs from her upcoming children's album "Alphabutt," and they're fantastic. There's something about Kimya's simple down-to-earth songs and attitude that make me feel like she'd be my best friend if she weren't so hugely popular.
--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party: The Cave Singers

 

So far today it's a little less crowded, but everyone knows that will change soon enough. Seattle's own folky hipster hillbillies the Cave Singers are bringing some peaceful and mellow vibes to the event, and there's room enough for everyone. The overcast skies are a bit daunting--here's hoping we won't suffer the rain that's been forecast, although a part of me wouldn't mind a little sprinkling, it's warm out.
--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party: Vampire Weekend

 

After a rousing welcome from Washington Guv'ner Christine Gregoire, Vampire Weekend hit the stage. At this point the crowd is so thick I can hardly breathe anymore. I've gotta bail. After the first two songs I make a break for it. I know, I'm a total wuss, but it's been a long week, and there's still tomorrow to come. I'll catch up with y'all then.
--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party: Vampire Weekend

 

As crazily hyped as their debut album is, as half-baked as they seemed on SNL, as much as they seem like they were created for the express purpose of appearing in a Wes Anderson flick, and as dismal as the reports of their SXSW performances were, Vampire Weekend has this exceedingly large crowd here eating out of the palms of their hands. I don't blame you if you're sick of hearing about them, but their record is extremely solid and it appears they've ironed out the kinks in their live show. They may have some staying power after all.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Capitol Hill Block Party: Best Merch

 

Best merch at the CHBP--Natalie Portman's Shaved Head's inflatable dolphins.
--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party: Jay Reatard

 

This is f-ing punk rock. It's the kind of show I haven't been to since I was 19 years old. I never realized I miss this kind of energy until now.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Capitlol Hill Block Party: Les Savy Fav

 

Les Savy Fav are a band that understands the value of showmanship, even if the execution of that showmanship means sending your chubby, bald, topless frontman wading to the back of the crowd mid-song to scale a street sign and sing. I appreciate that. If Zach Galafianakis were in a post-hardcore band, this would be it.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Capitol Hill Block Party: Girl Talk Pt. 2

 

...to Wham! to Lil' Wayne to Tone Loc to the Romantics to M.I.A. to Journey...

--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party : Girl Talk

Girl Talk is has got the party going in a big way. Starting off on stage by himself, a crowd jumps up and chaos promptly ensues. Mixing together everyone from Sinead O'Connor to Weezer to Biggie to E-40 to Elton John into one extended mashup to end all mashups. The crowd is DEFINITELY feeling this. The humanity is so thick it takes 10 minutes to get from one side of the stage to another, even in the very back. This is the most packed I've ever seen the block party.
--Alan Wiley

Capitol Hill Block Party: Airborne Toxic Event

 

The singer sounds a bit like Gavin Rossdale, the lyrics are maudlin and the sound is like a sadder version of Hot Fuss-era Killers, but I still find myself enjoying this. That shouldn't be shocking, I suppose; I like Elefant, too and they share a lot of similarities with Airborne Toxic Event.

-- Jeff Reguilon

Capitol Hill Block Party: Menomena

 

Menomena are way louder than I ever would've guessed. Their broken-down pop anthems are anchored by busy drums and gut-busting bass. The calm vocals are like a still buoy in a thrashing sea, which is cool, but I'm not sure the rest of the audience is feeling it. They responded more when one of the dudes got a box of condoms dumped on his head than when the band played "Wet and Rusting." This is all very surprising.

-- Jeff Reguilon