Happy Happy

Biggie Biggie Biggie...

Sunday MMJ

Domination...

47 -20.

The Office Hits the Web

Off to a Better Place...

The world lost a good friend, a great man, and an even better father yesterday. This post is for you Kyle.

Bad Company - Shooting Star (Live Albuquerque 1976)

Blind Melon - Live @ the Commodore

In honor of the first sunny day Portland has seen in a while, I thought I'd dip back into the old Blind Melon archives. Best known for Bee Girl and "No Rain," Shannon Hoon and Co. were actually a pretty damn good band. This live set from the Commodore in 1995 is a great representation of what they could produce. Shannon's death is still sad to this day, but this show can bring a little of him back anytime.

"As I walk down the highway all I do is sing this song,

And a train that's passin' my way helps the rhythm move along"

Blind Melon - Live @ the Commodore (link)

Track List:
2x4
Toes Across the Floor
Tones of Home
Wilt
Vernie
No Rain
Walk
Lemonade
Time
St. Andrew's Fall
Skinned
Change
Soup
The Duke
Galaxie
Car Seat
Filler: Galaxie
Filler: Walk
Filler: Change
Filler: No Rain

The Return of Nick Twisp

I'd say it's been about 10 or 15 years since I read a brilliant "coming of age" book called Youth in Revolt. I had all but forgotten about it until last year i heard Michael Cera was signed on to play the book's main character, Nick Twisp. Again, it may have been the time in my life I read the book, but it was fantastic. If you don't have the time to read, check out the flick.

Finally Friday...

And Duane is the man.

And the next journey begins...

A Week with Pearl Jam

Last month I had the pleasure of seeing Pearl Jam twice in one week, once in Seattle and again in Portland (er, Clark County, aka "Where the F are we? Ridgefield!?!?!?!?")

In honor of some great shows, I've put together a little PJ mix for you to download. A mashup of live and rare releases, this is recommended for even the casual Pearl Jam fan.

Just follow the link and Enjoy!!!!

Pearl Jam - Live and Rare Mix Up

It is a Rabbit and I am Frightened.

New video from one of the best bands around...

I'm back...

For real this time.

Lykke Li cover KOL in PDX!

Thanks Nate for this badass piece of greatness.

.

I Hate Chuck Norris

It's true. I do not like Chuck Norris.

I do not like his shows. I do not like his acting abilty. And most of all, I DO NOT like the "Chuck Norris (Insert stupid saying here)" quotes.

This morning someone came by my desk and proceeded to use said "Chuck Norris doesn't..." saying. There have to be 1,000's of them out there, and I am still completely shocked that 75% of the world still thinks they are funny. (For those of you who take offense, I apologize) To this day, I will only support one thing, and one thing only, related to Chuck Norris. What is that you ask? Talk about a minute and a half and watch the trailer to an 80's classic: Firewalker.

Side note: Obviously Louis Gossett Jr. made this movie what it was. And that was awesome.

Whistler 2009

Just got back from Whistler this past weekend, so sorry for lack of posts.

I have to say though, if you ever get the chance to drive into Whistler, do it. We decided to make the trek from Portland @ 4am on Friday morning, and were up at the mountain before noon. The entire drive (minus Portland to Seattle) was gorgeous along the way. It was tough to keep the eyes on the road most of the time, as everywhere you looked was perfect from "Sea to Sky."

Once we got to Whistler Village, it just got better. I've posted some pics below that include the village, the mountains, the sea, the sky, and the rest of our trip. I've also got quite a few pics on the Facebook page. Needless to say, we'll be making it back up there in the future, most likely driving the distance.

The last politcal post for a while...

From the Vault...

Office Space is 10 years old next month. A little tribute...

It's Time to Change the World!!!

I hope everyone gets the chance to watch this momentus occasion today. The time has finally come, and now, it begins...

We all love Barney

R.I.P. Vincent Ludwig

Ricardo Montalban 1920 - 2009

We lost a good one today. Long live Mr. Roarke, Khan, Vincert Ludwig (for you Naked Gun fans)and a true aficionado of "Corinthian leather."

Tell 'em We're Dead or Tell 'em We're Gone

Now this one is from WAY back. Thanks to Nathan for originally introducing me via CMJ New Music Monthly Vol. 34 - June 1996. The song's a little on the wacky side but I remember blasting it out of the old 1987 Toyota 4x4 all summer long. Man I miss that truck. Enjoy the true story of the Andie Griffith show compliments of BR5-49...

BR5-49 - Me 'N' Opie (Live @ Robert's)

New Frightened Rabbit Gem!

From Across the Atlantic

Here's another one of those "happy" songs for no reason at all. They sound a lot like The Magic Numbers (also from England) and have a sound to brighten a day or two, here and there. I do have to note, however, that the song actually sucks because it may get stuck in your head infinitely. Dammit.

Noah and the Whale - Five Years Time

Those Crazy Russians

Once in a while you come across something that is catchy, off-beat, a little crazy, and delightful all rolled into one. Well, I have discovered PoZitive Orchestra. These guys hail from Russia, with a mission of "combining the classic string quartet sound with Latin guitar rhythms and "vocal hooliganism."

Through the rough English translation of their official website, you come up with the following:

"The result is a something that hardly falls under the definition of «a cover version», rather, it might be called: «resaykl version», and the team «PoZitive Orchestra» respectively: «resaykl group»."

After viewing a few other blogs, I found out that "resaykl" actually translates to "Recycle," hence "Recycle Group." Not satisfied with being your run-of-the-mill cover band, they consider themselves recyclers and in doing so attempt to transcend the limits of your everyday cover or tribute band. Take a listen and let me know what you think. More of their songs are available for free on their website listed above in case you crave more.

PoZitive Orchestra - Black Dog (Originally by Led Zeppelin)

PoZitive Orchestra - Money For Nothing (Originally by Dire Straits)

From the Slums of Mumbai...

Finally made it to see Slumdog Millionaire last night. I have to say, I heard hype about this movie from all sides including critics and my mother in-law, and everyone seemed to be right. It was a pretty damn good movie. A true roller coaster from end to end, I was highly entertained and now am recommending to you. Trailer below:

From the depths of Lexington...

While bouncing around from blog to blog, I came across a couple of tunes from this little band named In Endeavors. All I know about them is that they hail from Lexington, KY and sound like a younger version of The Strokes. Sounds a bit scruffy, somewhat unpolished, but I definitely dig it. Take a listen!

In Endeavors - Private Eye

Souls Return to Infinity

Now this one brought me back. I was a huge fan of "93 'Til Infinity" back in the day, and was very pleased to see a new cut from Souls of Mischief making the rounds.

Souls of Mischief - Tour Stories

Souls Of Mischief - 93 'Til Infinity

Bringing Back Yesterday

Not many people can pull off a Beatles cover successfully. Elvis, on the other hand, does it masterfully. The best part is when he looks up for the "shadow" hanging over him.

Super Broker Shuffle

Thanks to Matt and his You-tubin' skills.

Some of you may remember a little album coined "No Alternative" that released onto the scene back in 1993. Damn, that was a long time ago! That was one of the first times I heard of a band called Buffalo Tom, who contributed "For All to See" to an iconic album that included Soul Asylum, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, etc. Anyway, Bill Janovitz(formerly of Buffalo Tom) has been quitely uploading some pretty good cover songs to his personal blog lately. Below you'll find an entrancing version of Paul Simon's "Slip Slidin' Away," along with a link to his blog. There you will find a collection of some of his finest.

Bill Janovitz - Slip Slidin' Away

billjanovitz.blogspot.com

Jaydiohead Making the Rounds

Jaydiohead, a mix tape of Jay-Z and Radiohead has been making it's way around the w.w.w. this week. I was a bit skeptical at first, but after a few run-throughs, I am completely sold. Download "No Karma" below, and if you're intrigued, you can get the whole album @ Jaydiohead.com. Enjoy!

Jaydiohead - No Karma

Happy New Year... yeaaaaaaaaaaaah.