FUCK YEAH: Bad as Me

MP3: Tom Waits - Bad as Me

Every time Tom Waits raises his head, music stops. It doesn't stop because it's run out, it's stops because of the blindsiding that occurs. At that point, you'd think it would reevaluate it's position, but it just keeps prostrating to the admonishment being delivered by Mr. Waits. He's the voice of reason; he brings character to the world. With Bad as Me seeing release this October, I can only hope an appropriate Dickensian winter (finally) follows suits. Enjoy.

Hot goddamn

MP3: Grinderman - What I Know

MP3: Grinderman - Bellringer Blues

Some things always meet expectations, some exceed. We've long come to expect Nick Cave and any of his Bad Seeds cohorts to give us a great record, but since Nocturama the game has changed. At the time, it felt odd; in retrospect, it was the band's farewell to it's moribund lounge-blues. Then his double disc opus Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus, it was called amongst his best... then Grinderman, it was again praised... then Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!, again, rightfully praised. His soundtrack works were also heralded and provided further experimentation. Now we have Grinderman 2.

It could very well be euphoria from my own listening experience, but this might just be his/their best album to date.

Return of the Kings.

It's been a little while, but Grinderman return this fall with "Grinderman 2". Today, the single "Heathen Child" was released and holy mother fuck is this going to be a good one. It'll put some hair on your chest and some dirt under your fingernails like a damn jam should. P4K has more info on the single but G2 comes out September 14th in the States. Jus' sayin'.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #2 - Alice

MP3: Tom Waits - Fish and Bird

#2 - Tom Waits - Alice
Anti Records 2002

Matt On Alice:

Released over a decade after its inception (due to the masters being stolen) perhaps might have made Alice even better. Originally a score, it's contextual separation from that event allowed the album to form its own visuals for the listener, and such a world that only Tom Waits can create. Our imaginations were always where a record such as this is meant to live.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #3 - Springtime Can Kill You

MP3: Jolie Holland - Mexican Blue

#3 - Jolie Holland - Springtime Can Kill You
Anti Records 2006

Joey On Springtime Can Kill You:

I was a pretty casual fan of Jolie Holland until "Springtime Can Kill You" came out and caused me to re-evaluate her back catalogue. It's such timeless music that again I can never see myself hating at any point in my life. "Mexican Blue" might be the saddest song ever written.

Photographic evidence.

Recently, Anti released the album cover for Jolie Holland's upcoming "The Living and the Dead", and it looks excellent as always. She has always put herself on her album covers, mostly in photographs but once in a drawing. The point is I can't imagine seeing some other design without her in it because she has established this trend so well, it's pretty much set in stone.

Most solo artists do put themselves on the cover, and bands get in on the fun too. I'm not sure which I prefer, because a nice photograph can really tell you about who's craft you're listening to and really set the tone, but there is so much wonderful art in the world to be shared. I guess I could go either way, but it depends on the artist. If I were to personally record and release a record, which choice would I make?

What about you? What kind of album covers do you dig on?

Top 15 Songs of 2007: #13 Grinderman

MP3: Grinderman - Get It On

NOTE: We're still at it mother fuckers, the 3rd day of my personal list of the 15 greatest songs of 2007. Don't stop looking, some days will probably have more than one post (hint: probably today), and you don't want to miss out on pure gold! This shit might continue to be posted daily as I haven't been slacking much. Alright!

Grinderman's self-titled debut this year was really one of the best things to happen to 2007. It gave us that raw edge that rock and roll has been missing for so long (and in some ways had never seen) as well as giving us bits and pieces of tenderness as only Nick Cave could deliver. Back in March, Matt introduced us to "No Pussy Blues", certainly one of the stand out tracks from the lp, but the one that constantly stunned me was the opening song "Get It On". And while I could go on and on about how amazing it is, really all you need is what could be the greatest lyrics ever penned:

"He drank panther piss and fucked the girls you're probably married to."

Fuck yeah.

"Grinderman" is out now on Anti Records.

Nick Cave/Grinderman

MP3: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - She's Leaving You
MP3: Grinderman - No Pussy Blues

NOTE: Today's blog comes from the always killer Matt Giordano. Fuck yeah.

My contribution to the team this is week is a double-shot of Mr. Nick Cave in celebration of his new Grinderman album being released in North America at the beginning of April. The first track is a more recent Bad Seeds B-Side (specifically from the “Nature Boy” single) and‚ in retrespct‚ it makes perfect sense that would continue into an aggressive territory. The track is called “She’s Leaving You” and can easily be found on the three cd B-Sides And Rarities set.

For the latter track I was contemplating another B-Side (this from the “No Pussy Blues” single) but seeing as how it is rather mellow‚ you'll be getting the single instead. After almost thirty years of making music with various projects‚ Mr. Cave shows no sign of slowing down‚ and seeing as how the quality has never really come in question‚ the world would be more than glad to hear the gifts he’ll continue to give the world.

{buy nick cave & the bad seeds recordings from insound}
{buy grinderman recordings from insound}

The Promise Ring

MP3: The Promise Ring - My Life Is At Home

It's Valentine's Day I've heard. I could post a song with it in the title or something (I suggest seeking out Hello Saferide's "Valentine's day" right here) but I decided to focus on the love.

"My Life Is At Home" comes from The Promise Ring's terribly ignored/panned Anti debut and final release "Wood/Water". It's probably one of my favourite sweet songs and always ends up on a love mix or three. Dust off your copy if you didn't sell it, and rediscover Wood/Water today. It's a solid disc to listen to on a cold winter day stuck inside with nothing to do but read and listen (it really does work all seasons though).

Jolie Holland

MP3: Jolie Holland - Adieu False Heart
MP3: Jolie Holland - The Grey Funnel Line

As I am a huge sucker for female vocalists, one of my recent (and possibly all time) favourites has been Jolie Holland. She has a voice that is familiar but very distinct and the emotions shes able to display with it are incredible. I think "Springtime Can Kill You" is her best effort and one of the best things to come out of 2006. I've heard some new songs she did on a radio session and they were absolutely lovely. I have no fears about the follow up whatsoever.

"The Grey Funnel Line" comes from a 2 cd compilation of pirate songs Anti released. It's very sparse and intimate sounding.

{buy jolie holland recordings on insound}