Variant Pressing

The Concretes - My Ways

2011-08-03T17:51:00.000-04:00

Anne and I were immediately taken with this video. The band is The Concretes. The song is "My Ways". The album is WYWH. We agreed the song is pretty good, but the video is visually mesmerizing.

TV On The Radio - Will Do

2011-08-03T17:44:00.000-04:00

TV On The Radio is so underrated...ridiculously so. This is the video for their new song, "Will Do", off the album Nine Types Of Light. Enjoy.

New Best Coast video directed by Drew Barrymore

2011-08-03T17:34:00.000-04:00

Best Coast (who I love...excellent West Coast sound) just released their new video for the song "Our Deal". It's directed by none other than Drew Barrymore. I like the video. It has a definite West Side Story influence. Enjoy "Our Deal" below.

Get More: MTV Supervideo, Music, Best Coast

Teddybears ft. Cee Lo & B52's...and the guy that stalked Tiffany

2011-07-30T11:29:00.001-04:00

The Swedish band Tedddybears are back with their new album, DEVILSMUSIC. This is the video for the first single from said album, "Cho Cha". It's creepy. Very creepy. Especially considering it stars Jeff Turner. For those that don't know, Turner "famously" stalked the pop singer Tiffany back in the day. The song though, is quite good. And it features Cee Lo Green, and Fred Schneider of the B52's. Enjoy.

LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends" video...in Lego form

2011-07-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

This is a wonderful, shot for shot remake of LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends" video...using only Legos. It's so good. I don't know about any of you, but I already miss this band. Enjoy.

Seth Avett Covers Elliott Smith

2011-07-29T16:43:00.000-04:00

Seth Avett (of The Avett Brothers, obviously) does an amazing acoustic cover of Elliott Smith's "Angeles" here. This song holds up so well over the years. Avett stays true to the original. Enjoy below.

Stream new Horrible Crowes song

2011-07-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

The Horrible Crowes are offering a preview of their first ever album with a stream of the song "Behold the Hurricane". It's available on Rolling Stone's website...HERE. This is, of course, the side project of Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem lead singer). I'm digging it. You should too. Full album, "Elsie", out September 16th.

New Arctic Monkeys!

2011-05-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

The Arctic Monkeys are back with a great new song, "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair". Check it out below. Some great lines in this one.

The Vaccines - Post Break-Up Sex

2011-05-21T09:42:00.001-04:00

This is a great new song from a band called The Vaccines, "Post Break Up Sex". Recommend if you like Interpol, The National, and early Editors. It's a hit here in The Graver household.

Lykke Li - Get Some

2011-04-04T18:55:00.000-04:00

Lykke Li - "Get Some". That is all.

Kokayi "RoxTar" featuring The Rock-afire Explosion

2011-04-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

Growing up, when birthdays and such rolled around, we didn't go to Chuck-E-Cheese like other kids. No, if you were like The Graver's you went to Showbiz Pizza (no longer around). The feature act @ Showbiz was an animatronic band called The Rock-afire Explosion. It featured a bear in overalls playing bass, a gorilla on keyboards, a dog on drums, and a cheerleader mouse on vocals named Mitzi Mozzarella. It both delighted, and scared the living fuck, out of me as a kid. I would get all excited waiting for the curtain to open, then once it did, I wanted to run and hide whilst pissing my pants. Good times.
Anyway, there has been a Rock-afire Explosion resurgence of sorts lately. People have been buying up the now unused "band members" and filming youtube videos with them to current songs. This video is an official one, and is for the rapper Kokayi's song "Roxtar" off his album Robots and Dinosaurs. The song is good...and it just gets better with Fatz Geronimo backing him up. Enjoy...and try to not pee yourself.

Travis Barker live on Conan

2011-03-27T10:01:00.000-04:00

Travis Barker (drummer extraordinaire...Blink 182, Transplants, Boxcar Racer) recently released his solo album Give The Drummer Some. A solo album by a drummer you say? Yup. And it works. He basically called in favors to his friends, wrote some songs, and backed them all up. The list of guests on the album include Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Pharrell, Lupe Fiasco, Snoop, Slash, Cool Kids, Transplants, Mix Master Mike, Kid Cudi...among others. Pretty impressive list. Barker can pretty much do no wrong (The guy survived a plane crash for Christs sake). Check out his genre defying album. Here he is performing "Saturday Night" on Conan with Transplants and Mix Master Mike.

Chiddy Bang remix The Naked and Famous

2011-03-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Loving the '80's sound of The Naked and Famous on their album, "Passive Me, Aggressive You". The first single "Young Blood" is excellent...a current favorite of Anne's too. Here's an equally excellent remix from my current fav group Chiddy Bang. Love it.

New Death Cab For Cutie Album

2011-02-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

Death Cab For Cutie recently announced they'll be dropping a new album, Codes and Keys, on May 31st. We here @ Variant Pressing are pretty psyched for this one.

While we wait, here's one of my favorite Death Cab songs off their last album. Enjoy "Cath"...

Cath... from Miky Wolf on Vimeo.

Phantogram

2011-02-19T14:58:00.000-05:00

Loving this track from Phantogram. The band is a two piece out of Saratoga Springs, NY consisting of guitarist Josh Carter and singer/keyboardist Sarah Barthel. Sounds a bit like Portishead mixed with Lykke Li. Hot track. Plus, Barthel is wicked sexy.

Enjoy "When I'm Small"...

New Radiohead! Out Now!!

2011-02-19T14:46:00.000-05:00

Radiohead just came out of nowhere and dropped their new album The King Of Limbs yesterday! You can order it HERE (digital or a sweet vinyl set). The digital is the only format available now. The vinyl/cd hits the streets on March 28th.

Here's the video from the first single ("Lotus Flower") off the album. Enjoy Thom Yorke's crazy dancin'!

New Cut Copy

2011-02-13T10:11:00.000-05:00

New Cut Copy single, "Need You Now". Off the new album, Zonoscope. Is good, yah?

Cut Copy – Need You Now found on Pop

New Strokes Single!

2011-02-13T09:04:00.000-05:00

Not gonna write a whole lot about this. It speaks for itself. The Strokes are back! Below is their new single. Definitely sticking with their sound...which is a good thing. Little snippets of it remind me of Phoenix...but that could just be because I've been listening to a lot of Phoenix. But yeah, I'm loving this song. Who knew The Strokes would out last The White Stripes? Enough writing, just enjoy "Under Cover of Darkness" and check out their website HERE in preparation for the March 22nd release of Angles!

New Lady Gaga song...Complete Madonna rip off?

2011-02-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

Let me start this post off by stating that I like some of Lady Gaga's music. I think her costumes and stage show are too premeditated, but she has some catchy tunes. She goes for shock value, which, when not thought out and planned, has a definite place in music. She is clearly just doing it for show...for publicity...for money. But yeah, I like some of her music.
So Lady Gaga has released her new song, "Born This Way". You know, the one leading to what she's calling "The album of the decade" or some shit. Anyway, I listened a couple times with an open mind, and, man...it's just dumb. However, because it's a big, dumb club song I think it's going to be a hit. Say what you want about Gaga, she and her team of writers know what the masses want. And what they want is a big gay disco hit. My problem with it is that it's a too obvious rip off of Madonna's "Express Yourself". There are even spoken word parts just like Madge's hit. I understand giving a nod to your major influences, but blatantly ripping them off? That's just lazy. Anyway, listen for yourself to "Born This Way" HERE, then compare it to "Express Yourself" below. Oh, and after listening to the lyrics, it's obvious someone needs to remind Gaga that people of Eastern decent are Asian, not "Orient". Like I said...dumb...

New band from Gaslight Anthem singer

2011-02-12T14:05:00.000-05:00

Brian Fallon, lead singer of The Gaslight Anthem and vinyl enthusiast, has formed a new band. A sort of side project, called The Horrible Crowes. He's teamed up with Ian Perkins No music has been released yet, but look for a full length album later this year. They have a blog up HERE and can be followed on Facebook HERE. I know I'm looking forward to hearing what they come up with! In the meantime, here's one of my favorite Gaslight Anthem songs, "Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts"...

Phoenix on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert

2011-02-12T10:41:00.000-05:00

This band is just amazing. They're amazing live, they write and play catchy radio friendly songs that actually have substance, and Thomas Mars (lead singer...rock start extraordinaire) is Sophia Coppola's baby daddy (they're actually together...it's just fun to write baby daddy). This short acoustic set is outstanding! Enjoy!

Cake

2011-02-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

Another long time favorite, Cake, has a new album out, Showroom of Compassion. I'm so backlogged on new music that I haven't actually heard the entire thing yet, but it's in the stack. I do love the first single though. Check out the video for said song, "Sick of You", below. Everyone loves a little cake!

New Cat Power

2011-02-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

The one and only Cat Power (Chan Marshall) debuted a new song @ The Fillmore, San Francisco early this month. Lucky for us someone filmed it. The song is really pretty good. Me likes it. Check it...

Lykke Li

2011-02-07T18:53:00.000-05:00

Lykke Li is amazing...and has a new album out. This video is simple, yet stunning. Filmed on the icy coast of Gotland Island near Sweden, it's beautiful. Enjoy.

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers (Director: Tarik Saleh) from Lykke Li on Vimeo.

Jenny and Johnny

2011-02-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

Anne and I saw Jenny and Johnny open for Phoenix back in October...and they killed. Jenny Lewis is a rock star. Here, for your viewing pleasure...and as a special treat for your auditory canals...is "Big Wave" off their debut album I'm Having Fun Now.

Jenny and Johnny "Big Wave" from PEDESTRIAN.TV on Vimeo.

Bad Religion

2011-02-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

Love Bad Religion. Always have. Lovin' the new album...obviously. Just saw they're going to be in Cleveland in May. Probably going to have to make the trip up there. Here's track 1 off the new LP...

Fiona and Kanye...way ahead of the game

2010-11-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

These videos are proof of why I've been a huge Zack Galifianakis fan since years before The Hangover. I'm glad for his success...but annoyed with everyone who thinks they discovered him last year. Fiona Apple's "Not About Love" & Kanye West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing" below.

Yeasayer's Anand Wilder tells Kanye to quit apologizing

2010-11-12T17:26:00.000-05:00

I'm an even bigger fan of Yeasayer now that band member Anand Wilder has spoken out and said to Kanye West what we're all thinking. Namely:

"Will you please stop apologizing for outbursts which concisely expressed what every sane person was thinking? Why are you apologizing to George W. Bush for hurting his feelings? Why didn't you say something cool like, 'Fuck no, I won't apologize to that racist asshole unless he apologizes for fucking up the world!'"

Full story HERE.

Currently rocking my turntable...Fake Problems

2010-11-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

The new album from Fake Problems (Real Ghosts caught on tape) has been getting quite a few spins on my turntable. It's a fresh slice of rock/pop-punk. Really gets the feet tapping. Toby particularly likes to bug out to it. Enjoy the first track off side one, "ADT", below.

New Gorillaz album out by Christmas?

2010-11-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

Damon Albarn is claiming he has finished a new Gorillaz album...on his iPad! This is especially exciting and funny considering Gorillaz have a contract with Microsoft! Sorry Bill Gates, but your stuff just doesn't cut it. Get all the details HERE.

While we're waiting to see if this album is really out by Christmas, here's the video for Stylo featuring none other than Bruce Willis.

New Beastie Material...oh yeah!

2010-10-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

The Beastie Boys recently sent out an email to those on their mailing list (yours truly included of course) detailing the progress of their new material. Full email reposted below. Sounds like we can expect a new album sometime in the Spring of next year! Granted, To The 5 Boroughs wasn't lights out, but it was still enjoyable. Plus, Nas and Santigold on the new one? Sounds like they're coming correct this time.

Full Email

BEASTIE BOYS HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART 2 TRACK LISTING REVISED, REPLACED ENTIRELY WITH SONGS ORIGINALLY RECORDED FOR HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART 1

In what can only be described as a bizarre coincidence, following an exhaustive re-sequence marathon, Beastie Boys have verified that their new Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 will be comprised of the same 16 tracks originally slated for inclusion on Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. The record (part 2 that is) will be released as planned in spring 2011 on Capitol.

The tracks originally recorded for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (which now are actually back on Part 1) have now apparently been bumped to make room for the former Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 material. Wait, what?

"I know it's weird and confusing, but at least we can say unequivocally that Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is coming out on time, which is more than I can say about Part 1, and really is all that matters in the end." says Adam "MCA" Yauch. "We just kept working and working on various sequences for part 2, and after a year and half of spending days on end in the sequencing room trying out every possible combination, it finally became clear that this was the only way to make it work. Strange but true, the final sequence for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 works best with all its songs replaced by the 16 tracks we originally had lined up in pretty much the same order we had them in for Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. So we've come full circle."

Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 marks Yauch, Mike "Mike D" Diamond, and Adam "Ad Rock" Horovitz's first full length effort since 2007's Grammy winning all-instrumental The Mix-Up. The new track listing of the album is now as follows:

1. Tadlock's Glasses
2. B-Boys In The Cut
3. Make Some Noise
4. Nonstop Disco Powerpack
5. OK
6. Too Many Rappers (featuring NAS)
7. Say It
8. The Bill Harper Collection
9. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win (featuring Santigold)
10. Long Burn The Fire
11. Funky Donkey
12. Lee Majors Come Again
13. Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament
14. Pop Your Balloon
15. Crazy Ass Shit
16. Here's A Little Something For Ya

Visit beastieboys.com for more info.

Vampire Weekend play Ellen

2010-09-28T19:41:00.000-04:00

Vampire Weekend were on Ellen recently. Check out Cousins HERE and Holiday below.

Bob Dylan Coming To Cbus

2010-09-28T19:34:00.000-04:00

Bob Dylan has just confirmed he and his band will be playing The Schottenstein Center here in Columbus on Thursday, November 4th. I'll be there...and you should to.

Details HERE

He said his name was Columbus...I just said, good luck.

Austin Lucas

2010-09-28T19:18:00.000-04:00

I'm currently listening to a lot of Austin Lucas. He's an amazing singer/songwriter from right here in Ohio. He plays a style of alt-country/punk that, in a very good way, is hard to categorize. He's also a family friend that I used to play Skate Or Die with. Skate Or Die man. That's going way back. Here's a little taste of his style, the supreme song Go West, off his newest album "Somebody Loves You".

Two Cow Garage

2010-09-23T19:56:00.000-04:00

     I'm beyond excited today to be writing about an amazing band, Two Cow Garage. This is especially exciting for several reasons. First, they're local. They're from right here in Columbus, Ohio. Second, their new album, Sweet Saint Me, is coming out October 26th. And Third, this Saturday @ The Rumba Cafe, they're holding their record release show!

     I'm lucky enough to have snagged an early copy of Sweet Saint Me, and it is amazing. I'm not just speaking as a fan though, this album truly is catchy rock 'n roll. I'll be writing a full review soon, but until then, you should all take advantage of a great opportunity to hear a song off the album for free.

     Punknews.org is offereing a free download of "Sally I've Been Shot", the first song on Sweet Saint Me. The song is amazing...and a great introduction to the band if you've never heard anything by them.

     Download a sweet slice of rock HERE

   I can't stress enough how much anyone that loves music needs to check out Two Cow Garage and come out to the record release show this Saturday! Look for my full album review this Saturday and a show wrap-up and pics on Sunday.

     Two Cow Garage...fuck yeah!

Two Cow Garage - "American Static" from TCSG on Vimeo.

New Music Tuesdays

2010-09-21T05:49:00.000-04:00

This is a new blog thread I'm hoping to do every Tuesday. There is so much good music coming out every week. I thought I would put a list up of decent new stuff available each week. We've got to do our part to combat the Kesha's and the Miley Cyrus' of the world! So peruse the list, get to your local record store, and enjoy!

Coming Out Today 9-21-2010

Abe Vigoda - Crush (Bonus points for the awesome band name...and they rock)

John Legend and The Roots - Wake Up! (John Legend? Eh...but you can't go wrong with The Roots)

Margot & The Nuclear So And So - Buzzard (If you don't know...do yourself a favor and check 'em out)

Paula Cole - Ithaca (Remember Paula Cole! Yeah, me neither...)

Fake Problems - Real Ghosts Caught On Tape (I already pre-ordered this one. They're currently touring with The Gaslight Anthem. The buzz on this one is hot. I can't wait to check the mail today)

Thievery Corporation - It Takes A Thief (Worldly, Political, Awesome)

Liza Minnelli - Confessions (Hey...why the hell not? Ok...because she's a giant joke...)

Sleigh Bells - "Infinity Guitars"

2010-09-20T16:59:00.000-04:00

Here's the new video for "Infinity Guitars" by Sleigh Bells. Great song, and Alexis Krauss looks amazing stalking around in a Catholic school girl uniform!

They're coming to Columbus next month. Yours truly will be there. Details available HERE.

Sleigh Bells "Infinity Guitars" from Phil Pinto on Vimeo.

Official Cee Lo - Fuck You Video

2010-09-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

Cee Lo has released his official video for "Fuck You"...and it just adds to the brilliance of this song. It has a kind of Happy Days feel to it. Enjoy!

Cassettes In The Mailbox

2010-09-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem) writes a blog over @ Cassettes In The Mailbox. I find it to be a fascinating read. Granted, I love The Gaslight Anthem, so I'm a bit biased, but it's definitely worth checking out. It's his thoughts on touring, music, and anything else that happens to be on his mind.

Check it out HERE

Vinyl Collector Of The Day

2010-09-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

Yours truly was recently named Vinyl Collector Of The Day over @ Vinyl Collective! It's an honor, truly. Vinyl Collective is one of my favorite record friendly websites, and I'm a huge fan of Suburban Home Records, so needless to say, I'm extremely excited to be featured!

You can see it and read the entire interview HERE

Mark Ronson - The Bike Song

2010-09-05T08:17:00.000-04:00

Mark Ronson recently released a new video for "The Bike Song", the newest single off his album, 'Record Collection'. I love the song and the retro look in the video. As for the bike theme, Jason, this one's for you!

New Ra Ra Riot Video

2010-08-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

Ra Ra Riot recently released a video for their song "Boy". It's quite catchy. My brother, Will, loves this band, and I hope to catch them live with him the next time they're in town. I really like this song...Anne really likes the cats in the video. I say that's a win-win. Enjoy.

No Idea Coffee Mug

2010-08-31T21:27:00.000-04:00

Just ordered this sweet coffee mug from No Idea. They're a record label pressing mostly punk rock records. They've put out stuff by Against Me!, The Gaslight Anthem, & Hot Water Music, to name a few.

Check 'em out, pick up some new wax, and order your own mug (only $6.00!) HERE

Free Energy - Bang Pop

2010-08-28T13:13:00.000-04:00

I first heard this song the other day on CD101. I really like it...very catchy. The video is fitting considering it's back to school time. Enjoy.

FREE ENERGY "Bang Pop" from Free Energy on Vimeo.

School of Seven Bells

2010-08-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

Another group I've been digging lately. School of Seven Bells. Check out their new video below.

Fake Problems

2010-08-28T13:05:00.000-04:00

I'm loving this band right now and just pre-ordered their new LP, "Real Ghosts Caught On Tape". It's available on 4 different color's of vinyl. Check out an earlier song of theirs, "The Dream Team", below.

Pre-order their new record HERE

New Arcade Fire Video

2010-08-24T18:55:00.000-04:00

Arcade Fire just released a video for their song, "Ready To Start". It's off their excellent new album "The Suburbs". If you're a fan of music...you must pick this one up!

Enjoy the video below

M.I.A. XXXO

2010-08-24T18:48:00.000-04:00

M.I.A. has a new video for "XXXO", the catchiest song off her new album, "Maya". Check it below.

Conan O'Brien Album!

2010-08-24T18:28:00.000-04:00

Jack White (of The White Stripes...obviously) has a record label called Third Man Records. He and Conan O'Brien have a bit of a bromance going on. Third Man is set to release an LP from Mr. O'Brien. It's a bit of spoken word stuff. There is a 7" out now with a full 12" to follow.

Get the details and order one for yourself HERE

Weezer To Perform Pinkerton, Blue Album On Tour

2010-08-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

Weezer announced they're working on a tour where they play only songs from their first two albums, The Blue Album & Pinkerton. Now this I would pay to see! ...As long as they don't play anything after Pinkerton.

Get the details HERE

Until this tour actually happens...enjoy El Scorcho below

Red City Radio

2010-08-24T17:57:00.000-04:00

Just pre-ordered Red City Radio's new EP, "To The Sons & Daughters of Woody Guthrie". It's silk screened on white vinyl...and is gorgeous. Looking forward to this one.

Record Show - August 2010

2010-08-21T15:33:00.000-04:00

I just got back from this month's Record & Music Memorabilia Show. I haven't been in a while due to being in school and being poor. I gave myself a strict budget...but still made out pretty well.
I found this import copy of The Clash's self titled album on blue vinyl:

I went in the hopes of expanding my collection of The Clash on vinyl. Pretty pleased with this one. I also did some geek-bonding with the seller. He was here from Pittsburgh...and his label/store is called Get Hip Records. His inventory was outstanding. A lot of import/out of print punk stuff. I struggled between this Clash album and a Rancid/Op Ivy split red variant.

I found some cheap Sinatra records in great shape...which one can never go wrong with. Come Back To Sorrento and September of My Years. I was very impressed with what this seller had, and his wares were in great shape. Some of which were still in the original shrink wrap.

I also got a little closer to owning all of Bob Dylan's albums on vinyl with these 3 finds...Knocked Out Loaded, Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, and Shot of Love. Not his strongest albums, but there are at least 2-3 songs on each which are classic.

I found an excellent copy of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour for a friend. I got lucky with this one. It was the cheapest copy there yet sounds and looks excellent and includes the original 24-page full color book. This seller was also great and we talked about his exploits as a Beatles collector for a while.

Lastly I had to pick up a couple of kitschy 1 & 2 dollar records. I found a mint copy of Huey Lewis and The News Fore. Yeah, it's not exactly a classic, and Hip to be Square makes me cringe, but I love Jacob's Ladder...Anne loves Happy to be Stuck With You (Hmmm...should I read into that?)...and it just reminds me of my youth. I also got Bobby Timmons' Holiday Soul (I have a thing for holiday albums...especially Jazz) and Lou Monte's Pepino The Italian Mouse & Other Italian Fun Songs. After I heard Monte's Italian Christmas Donkey, I knew he could do no wrong.

Overall it was a great show. I wish the turnout would be higher as I'm always worried if they don't get enough people it will cease to happen. Although, it's already hard to navigate the aisles...so maybe less people is better! I'm looking forward to the next one in November. This time I'll hopefully have a higher budget though.

New Cee-Lo Green - "Fuck You"

2010-08-21T10:01:00.000-04:00

Cee-Lo Green, of The Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley (of "Crazy" fame), has posted a video for his new song, "Fuck You". Despite the title...and the numerous uses of the same saying throughout the song...this isn't what you're thinking. Yeah, he's telling off his old girlfriend and her new guy, but it's done in an amazing classic soul style. The song is my current favorite. Plus, I love watching the lyrics pop up Sesame Street style on the video. His website claims there will be a full video up next week. Until then, enjoy "Fuck You"...

Kanye West - Power Remix

2010-08-21T09:40:00.000-04:00

Kanye West just released a remix of his new song, "Power"...and it's killer. Unlike other rappers that just add a ton of big name rappers over the same beat and lines, Kanye adds one (Jay-Z...they don't get any better), throws in several new verses, and partway through completely flips the beat...into the early 90's powerhouse...The Power by Snap!... Love him or hate him, he's crazy talented. I just take him with a grain of salt, ignore what he says in public, and enjoy the hell out of his music.

Download the remix from his blog HERE

And here's a short, 2 minute video for the original version of Power

Surfer Blood - Swim

2010-08-18T18:51:00.000-04:00

Today I thought I would post a little something by Surfer Blood. A recent blog favorite, this band out of Florida is getting quite a few spins in the Graver house. They have a definite west coast, surfer sound. The kind that makes me think more and more that my next tattoo will have an ocean theme. Anyway, without further ado, I present Swim, off of their recent LP, Astro Coast. The song is excellent...the video is a little weird, but that's not a bad thing. Enjoy.

A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus

2010-08-18T18:36:00.000-04:00

Mark Hoppus, bass player for blink-182 and + 44, music producer, and my personal blog (and hair) hero, is getting his own show on Fuse this fall. It's called A Different Spin...and is sponsored by Spin Magazine. I'm really looking forward to it. Hoppus has great taste in music and frankly, the guy is hilarious. Check out one of the promos below.

Joaquin Phoenix the rapper...genius? It looks that way.

2010-08-18T18:21:00.000-04:00

For those that might not know, a year or so ago actor Joaquin Phoenix grew out his beard, donned a pair of sunglasses, and began popping up on late night talk shows claiming he was pursuing a rap career. Some say he went off the deep end, as evidenced by his erratic behavior. Others claimed it was all a big joke. One thing that is known, Casey Affleck (Ben's younger brother...and a far better actor than his big brother) followed Phoenix around with a camera. It now appears that footage might just see the light of day as a film. Personally, I can't wait. Even if it's all a joke (which I'm pretty sure it is) I'm enjoying the ride. Check the trailer below.

New song by The National

2010-08-17T18:32:00.000-04:00

     The National recorded a short session for 89.3 The Current. Excellent set...and first listen to a new song, "You Were a Kindness". Personally, I think it's great...albeit a bit depressing. Nothing like telling someone they made a slow disaster out of you.

   Check out the entire set HERE

OR

   Listen to "You Were a Kindness" HERE

And just for fun, here's The National with Apartment Song

Finally...I get to write about something I love

2010-08-17T17:34:00.023-04:00

     Finally...my degree is in hand...my boards are passed and done. I've trashed all my NCLEX crap...the burning of my OBN uniform will take place soon. Now I can get on to having a real job, making some real money, and really feeding my music habit. I obviously am obsessed with music. Anyone that knows me knows I have...a problem. I also love to write. So, with my new found free time, I thought I could feed two passions at once.

     I'm going to spotlight new music. Stuff I think others might like...or just stuff that really twists my ears. Perhaps I'll turn someone on to something new. Hell, maybe no one will read it. Doesn't matter. If someone does take a liking to it though, well, that would just be the tits! I'm going to try to post at least once a day...but let's face it...that might be tough to do some days. Anyway, for those that choose to read...enjoy! For those that don't...enjoy listening to the same song every 10 minutes on WNCI...and balls to you.

   So without further ado, I present my first post, and my first song, Mr. E's Beautiful Blues. Because yeah, goddamn right it's a beautiful day!