Bohemia is Dead

Some would say I’m cooler than you because I own a record player (or they’ll throw that “h” word at me, my cardigan and thick rimmed glasses). I tend to agree. As a result I generally listen to my music in album form, front to back, no shuffle, no switching songs fifteen seconds into it, you could say I defy our generations musical ADD. However, the last few months have been rough on my record collection.

a) I am a broke college kid on month 8 of my first apartment lease. Needless to say, rent takes up a pretty    huge portion of my budget.

b) I haven’t fallen in love with an album in months!

Without an album to latch onto I’ve repeatedly listened to three songs over the last month. The first two are my absolute favorites from the last year and the last is my biggest guilty pleasure, from a certain heavy-messaged Broadway musical, don’t worry I’ll admit what it is by the end of this post (if the title didn’t already give it away).

1. Islands – Can’t Feel My Face

2012 Play Count: 149

My roommates can recite every lyric to this track off Islands’ “A Sleep & A Forgetting”, but not because they listen to it on their own. Nick Thorburn, the creative influence of Islands, has been a masked, virtuouso in the indie music world for quite some time now. With “A Sleep & A Forgetting” we get our first glance into who he really is. Following his divorce, Nick has taken the veil off with his first album truly based in his own emotions. This song seems to sum it all up in the first two lines “I miss my wife/ I miss my best friend”. Though it’s a song yearning for the past it’s upbeat cadence brings the listener in while Mr. Thorburn laments his break up.

 

2. Mister Heavenly – I Am a Hologram

2012 Play Count: 123

Mister Heavenly is the side project of the aforementioned Nick Thorburn (yea I really, really like him), Man Man’s Ryan Kattner – aka Honus Honus, and Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer. This song has one of my favorite lyrics ever, “I am a hologram/ modern version of Invisible Man”. Literary reference, a sarcastic put down of today’s technological culture and the underlying insecurity of not fitting into the “manly man” stereotype, all in one brilliant couplet!

 

3. Rent – La Vie Boheme

2012 Play Count: 31 (All in the last 7-10 days)

There ya go, Rent is my biggest guilty pleasure. In a play filled with dramatic and heart wrenching songs, this tune is a tonal shift. Who doesn’t like a song appreciating the little things in life from hand crafted beers to Gertrude Stein (more literary references!)?

What’s the deal with airplane food?

It’s about that time of year again where BU’s funny people battle it out, comedy style, to find out who BU’s Funniest Student* is. I’m sure there will be many giggles, tears and hopefully not blood shed so as a lead up to the competition I’ve decided to release the comedic stylings of some fabulous comedians upon you.

Stepping up to the plate first is John Mulaney. You may be familiar with Mulaney from appearances on SNL, The Comedian’s of Comedy tour or the hilarious I Love The 30′s. Mulaney has been a writer for SNL since 2008 and has blossomed into one of the best up and coming comedians (though I guess once you’re writing for SNL and touring with Patton Oswalt you’re not really up and coming). His debut album “The Top Part” harps on what’s really important in the world today; intramural basketball, drag queens and Tom Jones’ “What’s New Pussycat”.

John Mulaney – Best Meal I’ve Ever Had

Next up is Ron Funches, a Chicago born stand up who made his television debut in early August on that tall red head guys show, I think it’s called Conan the Barbarian. Ron Funches is unlike many comedians but his stage presence rivals the greats. His deadpan delivery and jokes about blackberries or his affinity for Alanis Morrissette allow Funches to connect with the out of place nerd in all of us. I doubt you were aware there are gangs in Oregon as well.

Next week I’ll have more funny people for you laughy people.

*BU’s Funniest Student Auditions will be November 15th at 7 pm in BU Central! (First round Friday the 18th)

Rockin’ and I Suppose Rollin’ Too

Well friends we have a fun filled weekend here at the ol’ BU Central, the action kicks off tonight with BU for Show an open mic showcase of the musical, poetical (maybe that’s a word) and comedic stylings of the BU body (including yours truly!). Followed Friday by the a cappella powerhouse Dear Abbey’s with Cordially Yours.

Finally on Saturday stuff gets mad real with The Smith Westerns taking over BU Central. I know I’ve harped on these fellows before but I’m too excited to write about anything else!

Hailing from Chicago these college-aged rockers have made a name for themselves with their self-titled debut and their Sophomore hit “Dye it Blonde”. Led by lead singer/guitarist Cullen Omori, The Smith Westerns bring a mix of teenage-garage punk and bright-pop hooks. Surely you wouldn’t want to miss the most rocking show of the year would you? Show starts at 9 pm on Saturday!

The Smith Westerns – Be My Girl

The Smith Westerns – End of the Night

Candy Corn and Brown Leaves

So it’s the first week of October and we all know what that means brown leaves, candy corn until your stomach hurts and amazing concerts!

Last March I had the great misfortune of missing one of my favorite bands, The Smith Westerns, play a sold out show at The Great Scott. But alas I’ve been gifted a second chance by the music gods (or my bosses who booked the show). What perfect timing too because these Chicago rockers always remind me of the glorious shift from summer into fall, probably as a result of their Dye It Blonde album cover.

After doing the festival rounds this summer The Smith Westerns are heading on over to BU Central Saturday October 22nd at 9 pm. So here’s a little preview of the sounds that will be shaking the GSU basement:

 

Songs On Loop In My Brain

A good morning to you sir/ma’am. How about them Red Sox? As a die-hard Yankee fan I can’t express how happy I have been the last twelve hours, I’m pretty sure nothing can get this smile off my face. But to get your minds off of it I figured I would put together a little playlist of songs that are constantly stuck in my head. Hopefully they’ll invade your brains as well and dampen the pain of that fabulous collapse.

Beck – Sexx Laws

I’m just going to keep ragging on the Red Sox if that’s ok with you. This first song is an upbeat blast, as are most Beck songs but there’s one line that probably rings true for some Sox fans right now “I’m a full grown man but I’m not afraid to cry”. It’s alright you can cry, in fact let’s all meet on Yawkey Way and have a good cry together, I can assure you I can cry of laughter.

 

Cults – Go Outside

Oh what a coincidence, a song about depression. “You really want to hole up, you really want to stay inside and sleep the light away” sounds like a few people I know that are sleeping their sorrows away on this rainy Boston afternoon. (Sorry I could only find a live version, the quality doesn’t do it much justice)

 

Das Racist – People Are Strange

Alright fine I’ll leave the poor Sox alone on this one. No one expected much from Das Racist after their hilarious hit “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell” but clearly they aren’t too worried about what other people think of them. This song is the epitome of that attitude with the chorus announcing they’ll say what they want to say, do what they want to do, play how they want to play, blah blah blah blah. Using the Doors’ “People Are Strange” as the backing track the group seamlessy intertwines their own lyrics with the 1967 hit.

Sometimes I Listen to Music, Other Times I Write About It

Hey friends! How was your summer? Really? I can’t believe you went there! I’ve always wanted to go there. Sounds like you had an interesting summer. Me? Oh mine was swell. Not too much traveling just a whole lot of sitting around taking in tunes. Namely the same ones over and over. Why yes I will tell you which songs I’m talking about.

1. The Antlers-Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out

The Antlers are one of the bands I’ve seen most, I believe it’s up to 4 times now. While their live shows are always entertaining I was never a huge fan of the albums. That all changed with their newest LP Burst Apart. By far my favorite song is the addictive “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out”. With singer Peter Silberman seemingly summoning  voice from the book of Thom Yorke, The Antlers have finally found a sound that will draw me in over and over again.

2. Lykke Li-Get Some

This song always turns some heads when played in good ol’ BU Central. Throughout the song Li professes “I’m your prostitute, you gon’ get some”, rather provocative lyrics for an oft down trodden album. Not only do the lyrics break the tone of the album (in a refreshing way), the pounding drum beat brings an upbeat edge and gets those feet tapping.

3. Kurt Vile-Peeping Tomboy

Like Lykke Li’s “Get Some”, “Peeping Tomboy” because well it’s a tad creepy. In a conversational tone Kurt Vile begins the song in a predicament “I don’t want to change but I don’t want to stay the same, I don’t want to go but I’m running”. This song was seemingly written at  crossroads in Vile’s life, a crossroads due to, what else, a girl! Vile’s raspy voice guides us through the song and makes spying on a girl seem, not creepy, but rather endearing.

4. tUnE-yArDs-Bizness

The first show I’m really looking forward to this semester is tUnE-yArDs, a two piece band headed by Merrill Garbus. In listening to this song it is almost impossible to picture this voice coming out of the New England native. The ensemble of sounds combined with the amazing voice at work here makes “Bizness” quite an impressive track. Oh not to mention the video for it is awesome!

5. Honey Bunny-Girls

If you’ve ever read a post by me on this blog you are well aware that I kind of like this band Girls. Near the end of the summer we were finally given a taste of their just released sophomore LP Father, Son, Holy Ghost and that came in the way of “Vomit” and “Honey Bunny”, the leadoff track on the album. Like “Big Bad Mean Motherfucker” from their debut Album “Honey Bunny” borrows from the surf-rock genre to create an upbeat sunny atmosphere to start the album. I can’t help but belt along with Owens when he chants “They don’t like my bony body, they don’t like my dirty hair or the stuff that I say or the stuff that I’m on”.

Upcoming Shows in Boston!

So hopefully you’re in the calm before the storm part of the semester because this week is an amazing week of shows around the Boston area.

First up tonight the Black Lips are playing at the Paradise Rock Club, my favorite concert venue in Boston. The Black Lips, a punk band from Atlanta, are known for their antics during live shows which include but aren’t limited to RC Car races and flaming guitars. Here’s a tame appearance to give you a taste of their sound:

On Saturday is TV On the Radio at the House of Blues. Though I haven’t gotten to take a listen TVOTR just released their fifth album, “Nine Types of Light”. Coming off a top 15 hit on the US Charts (whatever that means today) I expect good things from this album and so far that’s all I’ve heard. Even years later I still can’t stop listening to “Wolf Like Me”:

Monday is a nice change of pace with Raekwon, a.k.a. the Chef,  from Wu-Tang coming to the Middle East. As a native Staten Islander I gotta rep that Shaolin pride! If you haven’t heard it I suggest you check out his solo album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II”.

Finally on Wednesday, Hitler’s birthday, celebrate with a rare performance from Jeff Mangum, the lead singer of Neutral Milk Hotel who had a nervous breakdown. While he may not be emotionally stable Jeff Mangum was central to two of the greatest albums ever. Including “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea”, an album loosely based on the story of Anne Frank.

Scarlett Fever!

So in case you haven’t heard it’s Scarlett Fever weekend here at Boston University which means events galore, with the obvious highlights being the amazing shows!

First up Thursday night is Big Boi of Outkast with Vonnegut at the House of Blues. After his split from Andre 3000 in 2007 Big Boi announced plans for a solo album, Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty. After many delays it finally hit in July of 2010 and was instantly on the short list for rap album of the year. With driving beats and the lyricism we’ve come to expect from anything Outkast related this show is sure to be awesome.

Big Boi-Shutterbug

Friday night features RJD2 at BU Central. RJD2 has been one of the best artist/producer combinations since the 90′s. Though I haven’t heard his newest album from his own label, his earlier stuff is some of the best instrumental hip hop around.

RJD2-Good Times Roll Pt. 2

Finally finishing off the weekend Saturday night in BU Central is Free Energy. Free Energy is a fast growing band from Philadelphia. After their debut album Stuck on Nothing they’ve rapidly gained publicity including stops on The Late Show with David Letterman and a mention in Rolling Stone magazine.

Spring Break!

To all of you that don’t have class on Friday’s happy Spring Break. Obviously Spring Break makes me think of one thing and one thing only, summer. So I decided to put together a little playlist of songs that remind me of summer to kick off Spring Break 2011 (I really think this is the year I make it to “Girls Gone Wild: Hairy Chest Edition”).

1. The B-52′s – Rock Lobster

Yea I’ve decided every playlist I ever make needs to have the appropriate B-52′s song for the topic. As a pale young gentleman nothing says summer like a good sunburn and Fred Schneider’s ridiculous singing voice. Hopefully this year I’ll remember my SPF 500 though.

2. Art Brut – Moving To LA

I first saw Art Brut in 100 degree heat at the Siren Music Festival in Coney Island so they’ll forever be a summer band in my mind. In this tune Eddie Argos complains about the British weather and talks about moving to LA something all of us Bostonites can relate to. I hope I get the chance to strip naked to the waist and ride off into the sunset on a motor cycle one.

3. Belle & Sebastian – Another Sunny Day

Belle & Sebastian are just lovely aren’t they? This upbeat little diddy always makes me smile.

4. Snoop Dogg – Gin and Juice

Ok so any West Coast rap reminds me of summer but this Snoop Dogg track has been a mainstay in my summer playlists for years and years now.

5.

These West Palm Beach, Florida rockers have an awesome song and video combination with their hit “Swim”. Of course the summer connections are obvious, I don’t know about you but swimming is a summer only activity, but my favorite part is the music video however I don’t think I’ll be able to watch a Disney movie from the same perspective ever again.

I hope your funny pants are freshly ironed…

Myq Kaplan, former BU’s Funniest Student and Last Comic Standing contestant, makes his triumphant return to BU tomorrow at 8 pm in BU Central with this years funniest student, Langston Kerman, opening the night. In honor of that I decided to write about a few of my favorite comedians out there right now.

1. Paul F. Tompkins

-In my eyes Paul F. Tompkins is about the funniest comedian working right now (with only Aziz Ansari and Patton Oswalt even in the running). Many of his bits revolve around his incredible character work including The Mexican Stereotype at Migrant Worker Fantasy Camp and the Starving Irish man who doesn’t fancy corn. PFT got his first break into the entertainment industry through the colt classic “Mr. Show” as a regular in the sketch series. Mr. PFT is a constant force in the comedy scene appearing in clubs around the country, on television and on a seemingly infinite amount of podcasts including his own, The Pod F. Tompkast.

Paul F. Tompkins-Peanut Brittle

2. Hannibal Buress

-Hannibal Buress, the writer behind much of 30 Rock’s Tracey Jordan, is one of the best up and coming comedians around. Appearing on several late night shows last year Hannibal caught my ear with his hilarious stage personality. If a normal person said a lot of the things Hannibal does it wouldn’t be particularly funny (all the time) but no matter what Hannibal makes it work. Look for Hannibal to continue growing over the next few years.

Hannibal Buress-My Name is Hannibal

3. Dan St. Germain

-Over winter break I saw Dan St. Germain in a two man show at the UCB Theatre that blew the crowd away. Being the YouTube generation kid  that I am, I of course went home and typed his name in. Lucky for me his stand up came up. Recently featured on an episode of the MTV Show World of Jenks, St. Germain is a growing name in the NYC comedy scene. As a bearded gentleman myself I have to say he has the best beard related bit I’ve ever heard. Hopefully we’ll get a full album of Dan in the coming years!