Breaking and Entering

Current Playlist

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:24:00 +0000

So here's a quick list of the stuff I've been listening to recently.

Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

Very different from a lot that's out there right now. A lot of horns, strings, and dramatic vocals with some solid drumming and a little synthesizer thrown in. The tone of the tracks on the album vary greatly and offer a good listen from beginning to end. Recommended for people who dig showtunes and a little bit of emo.

Santogold (self-titled album)

An artist who's blowing up on the hip-hop and pop scene. You've already heard at least one of her songs and don't even know it. Well produced and addictive. I suggest the track "L.E.S. Artistes" as a good starting point. You should get hooked after that.

Girl Talk - Night Ripper

A ridiculously awesome album. Girl Talk takes all the hits (current and classic) from rap and rock and mashes them together into an surprisingly delightful amalgam. Songs change about every minute or so, so there's never a lull in the sound and some of the mixes will astound you with how great they work together. Highly recommended.

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

The vocals on this album are great. A good relaxing listen for a long car ride or toiling away at work. "Hallelujah" is a great track all around and was the first thing I listened too once I finished up my last assignment at grad school. Perfect song for the moment.

N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

N.E.R.D.'s finest since the album In Search Of.... Pharrell's rhymes are great as usual and the tracks are infectious. Very polished album overall with a lot of stand out tracks for the club. It's good to see that Pharrell is improving as an artist even after becoming one of the most wanted producers and songwriters in hip-hop.

The Return, Take 2

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:15:00 +0000

Let's try this again. I'm finally all settled in LA, Chris is in Pasadena, and Scott is still at Princeton. It's been several months since the last post, but there's plenty of new music that's emerged in the downtime and lots to talk about. The music scene here is way different from any other city I've been in. The venues here are plenty and varied, and I'm looking forward to exploring it in little bits in the future. Work affords me little time during the week to post, but I'm going to try and get in as much as I can on the weekends. More to come, I promise.

Video of the Day: The Acorn - The Flood Pt 1

noreply@blogger.com (J. Scott) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:23:00 +0000

I've been on a folksy kick lately. Plus this video is wildly relevant, what with climate change and falling pennies.

Video of the Day: Weezer - Pork and Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:18:00 +0000

If you follow internet phenomenons, watch Best Week Ever, or are just very up-to-date with pop culture, then you'll understand how ridiculous and hilarious this video is.

Down But Never Out

noreply@blogger.com (J. Scott) — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Sorry for the delay in maintenance, as Chris said: I was in Hawai'i. I totally wanted to return with some amazing, unheard of, local artist practicing a deeply secret new style of music that was going to take the world by storm which I could share with our regulars (mainly Chris' dad, Nick's mom, our girlfriends, and any friends we can shamelessly plug to check us out). Anyway, that didn't happen. I did manage to go through a backlog of old podcasts, and am planning on writing up a few of them, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the music video for "Get Better", from Mates of State brand new album 'Re-arrange Us'.

Meanwhile, if you're ever on O'ahu, I highly encourage you to take a kayak trip with Mokulua Guides. Chances are if you're indie, you'll love their tiny group sizes (it was four of us and a guide), tourist-avoidance itinerary, commitment to ecotourism, ability to keep competitive costs (ask about the internet special!), and of course a great excuse to spend six hours exploring!

The Return!

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Hi alls, been a while. Now that I'm officially graduated, I'll have more time to find new music and write about it. I'll try to keep the Video of the Day a daily thing again in addition to the occasional post of substance. Anyways, I've updated the Top 5 playlist for the first time in weeks and leave you with an excellent Decemberists video.

Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:16:00 +0000

While it may appear that Nick, Scott, and I have decided to abandon this aural forum, in reality we have all simply fallen into the black hole known as grad school. Nick completed his masters in aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology this past Saturday (congrats, dude), and was hella busy right up through the last days. Scott is . . . well, he is actually off to Hawaii right now. Princeton is apparently quite easy and also funds their students quite well. I'm less than three weeks away from completing my masters here at Berkeley (mechanical engineering), and I have 4 presentations, 2 papers (including my masters thesis-type thing), 1 championship basketball game, and a few loose ends to complete . . . oh, and did I mention I'm still interviewing for jobs? Right.

Anyways, we'll be slowly getting back into the swing of things shortly . . .

Video of the Day: Feist - I Feel It All

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:19:00 +0000

I could never say no to fireworks.

Georgie James

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:30:00 +0000

Artist: Georgie James
Rocking Out With Your Congressional Reps In: Washington, DC
Album: Places (2007)
Source: Well, I stole a poster off the bathroom wall at Cafe du Nord
Sounds Like: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs, with some definite 1960s influences (Zombies, Beatles)
Check-ch-check-check-check-ch-check 'em out: official site, myspace, amazon, iTunes

Have you been searching for an upbeat, fun album to hum along to while walking along the sunny boulevards of California? Well, look no further than the duet of John Davis and Laura Burhenn, performing under the name Georgie James. These two met up in the nation's capital--Davis having previously drummed for Q And Not U and Burhenn having worked on some solo projects. They quickly got to writing, and were soon signed to Saddle Creek Records (Bright Eyes, Cursive, Tokyo Police Club).

Places is a fairly homogeneous album in the same way that the Gin Blossom's New Miserable Experience is: the songs are all catchy, but by the end, you easily forget which song was which. The vocals are shared between Davis and Burhenn, and they really do blend nicely when layered. I'll let the album speak for itself instead of rambling on . . . seriously, it's worth a listen. My favorites right now are "Henry and Hanzy," "Look Me Up," and "Need Your Needs," but I can listen to the whole thing straight through and not even motion towards the 'skip track' button. The video for "Need Your Needs" is below.

Video of the Day: The Shins - "Phantom Limb"

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:20:00 +0000

An excellent song, whether you're driving down the 101, snowboarding in Tahoe, or just looking for some footage of children reenacting some of history's greatest foibles. Donner party, Joan of Arc, Conquistadors . . . what else do you need for a lighthearted music video?

Video of the Day: Badly Drawn Boy - "Year of the Rat"

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:31:00 +0000

It seems I'm on a cartoon music video trip right now, reminiscing about junior year in the ULC at Georgia Tech. Ah, the awkward hugging . . . now, if only I could hug my master's project and have it turn out all shiny and complete.

Video of the Day: Aberfeldy - "Love Is An Arrow"

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:48:00 +0000

That little eskimo hussy! My favorite is the dance that starts around 1:40 . . . yeah, that was probably some caucasian intern doing "original choreography," if you ask me.

Video of the Day: Weezer - Buddy Holly

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:52:00 +0000

A classic video. Oh, and check out the latest single from their upcoming self-titled 'red album' here. It's the first new Weezer song I've liked in a long while. In terms of sound it's a mix between the 'blue album' and Pinkerton. And if you haven't seen the new cover, it's pretty sweet.

Image courtesy of weezer.com

Video of the Day: Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Death Cab's latest single. I'm very much looking forward to Narrow Stairs.

Video of the Day: A-Ha - Take On Me

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:37:00 +0000

Oh, 1985! Where have all your amazing graphics gone? And seriously, where are all those girls obsessed with comic books? I bet Scott's Friday nights would be a whole lot more exciting if they were still around . . .

[Just kidding, Scott; we know you'd still have no chance. Now update your damn top 5!]

Video of the Day: Fat Boy Slim - Weapon of Choice

noreply@blogger.com (J. Scott) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:27:00 +0000

In the spirit of classic favorites and guest stars, let's watch Christopher Walken do what he was born for: dance to Fat Boy Slim!
Christopher Walken in "Weapon Of Choice" by Fat Boy Slim!

And of course, it wouldn't be fair NOT to include the great stick figure remake.

Video of the Day: The New Pornographers - Use It

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:12:00 +0000

Another video with people controlling people. And it has David Cross!

Thao Nguyen

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:19:00 +0000

Artist: Thao Nguyen (Thao with the Get Down Stay Down)
Albums: We Brave Bee Stings And All (2008), Like The Linen (2005)
Source: Gym class, freshman year of high school. No, seriously; she was on my basketball team.
Home Sweet Home: Falls Church, VA and, more recently, San Francisco, CA
Sounds Like: Feist mixed with Bjork, but "more young and hip" (according to Sibo)
Choose Your Own Adventure: official site, myspace, amazon, iTunes

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down at Bottom of the Hill in SF

Before the write-up, a story (and some background) . . .

Thao is better known to the authors of this blog as Teresa Nguyen. The three of us (Saldivar, J. Scott, and myself) went to high school with her in the lower suburbs of Washington, DC around the turn of the century. My musical exposure to Teresa began during the summer after freshman year, when most of our class enrolled in summer school for computer science. Teresa and a handful of other kids would sometimes come over to my basement and jam, covering songs like Cake's "Let Me Go," Clapton's "Cocaine," and Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl." I am proud to say that I was indeed Thao (Teresa) Nguyen's first drummer (yeah, that was the sound of me high fiving myself). Although Thao and her Fender Telecaster didn't frequent my basement too much after that summer, she and another classmate (Brenna Clerkin, who has an amazing and powerful voice) started performing in an acoustic duet known either as Brenna & Teresa or Other Girls. They recorded two albums together (Three Words and Open Mic Night) and had a great following . . . within our school, at least. Oh, and she also recorded an album called The Toledo Sessions with another aspiring high school musician, Andrew McAlpine (of Andrew M. and the Coalition of the Willing) our senior year. I was fortunate enough to drum for Brenna & Teresa at a few shows, including a gig at at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA, and a talent show at our school, which we won.

Thao not holding back at the Gelateria Naia on the campus of UC berkeley

Thao went on to William & Mary for college while Brenna went to the University of Virginia. That was about where my knowledge of their musical careers ended until just a few months ago. This past January, while browsing the free concerts coming through UC Berkeley, I noticed this "Thao Nguyen" character who would be performing at an upcoming show. I thought nothing of it until I saw where she was from . . . and then here college . . . and then her picture. Hot damn, my friend is a rock star! So I did some research into what she'd been doing the past few years and was absolutely blown away by her music, accomplishments, and the press that surrounded her recent release. I showed up at the Berkeley performance a little early and surprised her. It was a bit surreal, seeing all these fans who not only enjoyed the music, but already knew all the words and lined up to get merchandise and autographs. Great stuff. I've since seen her another two times, opening for Xiu Xiu at the Echo in Los Angeles and at Bottom of the Hill in SF.

Past & Present: Me [left], Get Down Stay Down drummer Will Thompson [right], Will's friend (?) [center]

OK, now for the real review: Thao Nguyen is a singer/songwriter with some sweet yet quirky vocals and a penchant for framing mature concepts and emotions in what sometimes sound like children's stories. Although her solo acoustic work has an intimate, haunting appeal, her voice and guitar work really shine through when accompanied by her friends (the aforementioned Get Down Stay Down). The live performances are full of energy, with the whole band clapping, stomping, and bouncing around the stage. We Brave Bee Stings And All was released by Kill Rock Stars earlier this year, and was produced by Tucker Martine (Laura Veirs' drummer and producer of The Decemberists and Sufjan Stevens). Some of my favorites off the new album include "Swimming Pools," "Beat (Health, Life And Fire)," and "Bag Of Hammers." Listen carefully and you'll even hear some banjo picking in that first one!

If you're looking for some free cuts, check out the sessions she did with NPR and Daytrotter. She's cool enough to post her entire album on imeem (below), but always remember to support my local artists! Currently, they are finishing up a US tour with some final dates in the North West. Next, it's across the pond to headline some shows in Europe, followed by a tour on the East Coast opening for Rilo Kiley.

A little fun fact for those interested . . . the track "Tallymarks" off her album Like the Linen features a line (the one that starts with "Don't explain love to me") that is a near exact rip from a previous recording ("Family Man," off of Open Mic Night). Of course, on "Family Man," Brenna is actually singing the line. Caught you borrowing from yourself, Teresa :-)

Video of the Day: Mistah F.A.B. - Ghost Ride It

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:33:00 +0000

I'm really not sure if the hyphy movement is still alive, but living so close to Oakland, I feel obliged to post this grand display of NorCal hip-hop. My favorite lines? Well, start at about 1:35 and work your way through references to both Casper and Patrick Swayze. Genius.

Farewell to an old favorite...

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:26:00 +0000

I know this isn't very music related, but it's very radio related. I'm not sure how many people reading this have heard of the Don and Mike Show, but it's been broadcasting from the DC metro area for the last 23 years. I first heard this show when I was a freshman in high school and have been listening to it ever since. In an era when "shock jocks" became the popular format for most talk-comedy shows, Don and Mike were different because they didn't need vulgarities and gross bits where people eat/do disgusting things. It was a unique brand of humor that struck me as actually entertaining, a quality lacking in radio these days.

Don Geronimo (aka Michael Sorce) retired today, marking the final broadcast of the Don and Mike Show. Though his partner, Mike O'Meara, and the rest of the crew will continue with the Mike O'Meara Show, it will never be the same. The chemistry between the "radio gods" was unparalleled and resulted in many moments that made me feel silly for giggling so much at the radio. It sounds dumb, but from 3 to 7 PM every day I could count on these guys to make me laugh, no matter the circumstances. I doubt this will be the last I hear from Don Geronimo, as he has mentioned that he could possibly return to radio in the future, but until then, good day to you sir. Thanks for all the laughs.

Video of the Day: Blur - Coffee & TV

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:54:00 +0000

This is my all-time favorite music video.

Video of the Day: Pinback - Fortress

noreply@blogger.com (J. Scott) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:19:00 +0000

Vivid colors (or lack thereof), dancing/fighting stickmen, and best indie music video of 2005 (MTV).

Video of the Day: The Go! Team - Junior Kickstart

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Another funny video with people in costumes.

Concert Update: Thao Nguyen

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:16:00 +0000

I have been meaning to give Thao an appropriately epic write-up for weeks now; alas, my procrastination in the real world has caught up with me and I'm actually quite busy. So hold onto your pants--I'll lay down a real post on Ms. Nguyen soon enough. In the meantime, however, I'll be seeing her twice this weekend and thought I'd post the show times in case anyone in the area is interested.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down (opening for Xiu Xiu)

Friday, April 11: The Echo [Los Angeles, CA]

Saturday, April 12: Bottom of the Hill [San Francisco, CA]

And if you don't mind mediocre videography or the supreme audio quality of a compact digital camera, have a look at the video I shot of Thao playing on the campus of UC Berkeley a few months ago:

A brief explanation: Thao (Teresa) is a high school friend--and former band-mate, of sorts--of the authors. She is now a rock star, which will be further elucidated later. Her myspace and official pages both have some free tunes to check out.

Video of the Day: Hot Chip - Over and Over

noreply@blogger.com (Saldivar) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Excellent video and a great song.