"Usually I Play This For A Bunch of Drunk People In A Bar, But Because We're At A Festival, I Expect EVERYONE To Put Their Boob In My Drink."

Did you hear about this shit? If not, check it out. Wes Anderson is basically a god. and, if not that, a damn good director, and probably a good person to boot.

Go see Darjeeling Limited when it comes out (Jan 8th I believe...).

Also: Radiohead's new album is ready for pre-order. Here's a hint: you can pay nothing for it. But since they're doing all this out for their own pocket, I recommend paying the boys for their hard work.

One more thing: Gorillaz D-Sides announced

But now, on to music:

Day 2 of Monolith started out with me getting there hella early. So I went and gave a little visit to the vendors and browsed their various wares. First I stopped by the WOXY.COM booth and chatted with Matt Shiv for a good half an hour. He's quite the awesome dude if I may say so myself. After that I came across a booth selling Xiu Xiu shirts, Sunset Rubdown shirts, Frog Eyes shirts, and a few other equally as awesome shirts. Unfortunately they had no smalls. The Home-tapes Records booth next to them did, and I purchased a Shedding shirt and a Slaraffenland shirt, as well as picking up a sampler (which is actually damn good). While ending my transaction Laylights began to perform, and my day truely began.

I'd last seen the Laylights last year at the South Park Music Festival, and, like Everything Absent or Distorted, they have grown in the past year. But, unlike Everything Absent or Distorted, they haven't grown a lot. Regardless, however, they were a lot of fun, and playing first was some damn good press. I don't foresee them going very far however, because their sound is a very basic "we're just gonna play some local indie rock music." But maybe I'm just looking to hard for music that's weird and innovative.

Laylights - Sheets & Drapes

Laylights finished up their short set fairly quickly, so I moseyed on downstairs at a relaxed pace (my legs weren't killing me at this point, thank god, but I wasn't in any rush to destroy my ability to fly up and down the stairs to get to the next big thing). Via Audio were just finishing up setting up when I arrived at the WOXY.COM stage, which I, so far, had not been disappointed at, so I was fairly excited to see what the WOXY.COM stage had to provide this day. Via Audio reminded me a lot of Great Northern, but with a You Say Party! We Say Die! danceyness. The super inventive drummer, guitar player clearly influenced by Buckethead, and young Feist-ish girl on vocals made them someone to stand up and notice.

Via Audio (Live on the WOXY.COM Stage)

I rushed upstairs as soon as I could pull myself from Via Audio's tractor beam to see Bob Log III, someone I'd been waiting to see for a long while. He was in the middle of a song when i got to his stage, but it was easy to get right into the moment. He sat there with one of the oldest guitars I'd ever seen, hitting a bass drum with his right foot, and hitting a crash cymbal with his left. Occasionally he would activate a sound pad, which would add drum effects to his undenyably good guitar parts. After drawing the song out longer than anyone would have thought possible, he, seemingly as bewildered as the audience, exclaimed "How'd I do that!?", making reference to the fact that he is a one man band. Oh technology, what would we do with out you. From there Bob Log III had as much fun with the audience as they had with him. He somehow got a good number of women to stick their breast in his beer, wooing them with his hit "Boob Scotch." He got some of those same women to sit on his lap while he played a song. He reminded me of a more relaxed Scott H. Biram. Loved it.

Bob Log III - I Want Your Shit On My Leg

The Little Ones were playing just over the barrier on the main stage. I don't remember if I pointed this out before, but a lot of the bands on the main stage were remotely disappointing, mostly, if not purely, because I just didn't feel close enough, and it wasn't loud enough, and ... well ... it just wasn't intimate enough; something I'm very used to when I go to concerts. The Little Ones were no exception. They were super chill, Rooney-esq even. They sent out this "feel good" vibe. I just wasn't that interested... Sorry guys, maybe next time.

The Little Ones (Daytrotter Set)

And with that I was back down to the WOXY.COM stage for another "must see." I had been pining to see Forget Cassettes for months, so to finally experience their live show was ... magical. Their set was Unforgettable. They were orchestral, they were beautiful, they were inventive/innovative, they were some of the most talented musicians to perform at Monolith. These guys too had a sort of Great Northern feel to them, but in a different sense then with Via Audio. They made music that drain your heart of color, while filling your soul with fire. I straight up loved Forget Cassettes, and will be seeing them every time they come through.

Forget Cassettes (Live on the WOXY.COM Stage)

I went back out to the main stage, regardless of the fact that I knew I probably wouldn't like it because of the lack of intimacy, to see Margot & the Nuclear So & So's. Margot & co. are a part of this new wave of (what I like to call) Orchestral Indie Rock. They, like the Arcade Fire or the Polyphonic Spree have this big big big sound, huge crescendos, touching melodies, and just an all around haunting sense of "holy shit this sound is bigger than anything"-ness. Unfortunately, they played the main stage, and I hella wasn't close enough to enjoy it, so, instead of staying and listening and being pissed off that I wasn't enjoying it enough, I went and got something to eat and wait up in front of the New Belgium Stage.

Margot & the Nuclear So & So's - Quiet As A Mouse

Matt & Kim. Oh how I do love thee. I've seen them more than a few times, and every time ... every time it has been stupendous. This time was NO different. They continued to be the smile-en-ist people on the planet, emanating love and happiness. The only real problem was now I've heard the same songs quite a few times... all I'm saying is that I'd like to hear some new material. That didn't take away from the magic that was Matt & Kim on the top of Red Rocks, with the sun majestically coming over the clouds at just the right time.... beautiful. Please move to Denver Matt & Kim.

Matt & Kim - 5K

I'm on the home stretch! More Soon!

Surprise Surprise

So ... The Editors ... lets just say they were an awkward surprise. I say that because they really shouldn't have been a surprise. I actually really liked they're new album (even though, like many critics have been saying, a lot of the songs sound like all the other songs), so I should have thought that they would be amazing, but when they came out and just straight up rocked the place, I was floored. I think I expected them to be boring. Instead they were an excitement explosion.

Editors - An End Has A Start

I skipped out on the end of the Editor's set to see the awesome De Novo Dahl. I certainly loved their double disc 2005 release, but, really, who didn't? That shit was terrific. And, as I had assumed, they were as lively and spunky on stage as they were on their album. Did I mention adorable? Add that to the equation and you have one good time.

De Nova Dahl - Dinosaurs!

When I got down on the Main stage The Decemberists were setting up (because I got down there a little early). In waiting I remembered how I'd first heard them, and thought of them as a dreamer's dream band. A fantasy's fantasy. Okay, that's going a little overboard. Almost needless to say, I was wrapped up in the Decemberists' for a moment or two. I also remember the amazing NPR live set Colin Meloy did a while back (which I just happen to have hosted right here on this very blog). I was a little excited to see the whole shebang. Then they came out, and played what was very much like a new genre that could be coined "medio-core" (a play off of mediocre [thanks tom]). Look, The Decemberists are a good band. I'm not saying I don't like them. But they just plain sucked at this festival. I blame everything expect for them.

The Decemberists - Everything I Try to Do Nothing Seems to Turn Out Right

Now, I could have run upstairs to go see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (who I hear had an awesome set), but, seeming how that was what half the Decemberists crowd was thinking, I decided to hop up to the front row, so I could have an amazing vantage point for the first time seeing Cake (I've been waiting since childhood to see these guys, I wasn't passing this shit up). They came on and were more amazing than expected. They were, surprisingly, one of the biggest surprises of the event. I remember remarking to the people around me that I didn't know there were enough Cake fans to fill Red Rocks (which was exactly what happened), and they responded that they felt the same way, that they loved Cake, but didn't really think anyone else understood how good Cake really was. Cake is legend. But you know that.

Cake - Excuse Me I Think I've Got a Heartache


And that ends it for day 1. Day 2 soon ... 4 reelz.

I've Got Some New Dance Moves ... Thanks Ghostland ;)

Ugh, so I'm not going to be able to fulfill my promise to have everything reported on by the end of the week, because things have been just toooo crazy. but here's a bit more on Monolith:

After leaving The Broken West, I went down to the main stage to see the much acclaimed Ghostland Observatory. I'd first heard about them by eaves dropping on a couple who had apparently gone to the show they did with The Magic Cyclops. So I checked them out and discovered that the pairing of Ghostland and Magic couldn't have been better, because Ghostland is essentially an upscale version of the Magic Cyclops, with a dash of power-stancey Daft Punk, and a hint of machismo-y Ratatat. Hella dancey. All I really have to say about their stage performance is that I certainly have some new moves to try out on the dance floor.

Ghostland Observatory - Rich Man

Back up the stairs I went to see one of the bands I was just dying to see: Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. I got to the stage as they were finishing up a jam that seemed to have gone over well, as the crowd just ate them up. The rev launched into a story about the next song, talking about how it was based on true events, and will most certainly be on the next album (even though they just released one two days prior to this performance). The song? Your Cousin's on COPS. Funniest ... shit ... ever. Awkwardly one of the most memorable moments of the festival (for me). I sure with I had an mp3 of it to share with you, but alas, I cannot track down a live recording of it.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - That Train Song

After RPBDB ended I moseyed on down back to the main stage to see Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, who seemed to be about as thrilled to be there as they always seem (i.e. not very, save for the one crazy member). I'd seen them live at the Gothic about a year or so ago, and I'd have to say that even then, near the end of the huge typhon of fame that hit them all at once, they were still rather bland. Granted, some of their songs are just righteous, but they just don't seem to be into it. I hate to say it, but I like the albums more...

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth (if you don't all ready have this song ... who are you?)

Ra Ra Riot was one of biggest surprises of the festival. Like the Trickster, I just didn't seem them coming. I admit that I had only heard 2 or 3 songs by them prior to seeing them at the festival, but after their performance, I tracked down as much as I could. These kids rock. They played their flippin souls out. Their new drummer was also one of the best drummers I saw all weekend. They .... I don't even know ... they were just good. Since they played the WOXY.COM Stage, you'll be able to hear their performance in it's entirety on their site. DO SO. Check the WOXY Monolith Recap Site for updates. I'm sure it'll be there at some point.

My fellow Colo-blogger Josh is all about Kings of Leon. I'd heard the hits, and a few of the other songs, but nothing too much. He said I'd love them. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I was disappointed. I, however, equate this to the fact that they played the main stage and, if I haven't said this before, I just didn't enjoy the Main Stage bands as much as I probably would have had 1) I been closer, 2) it been louder. Sorry Esurance Stage, I like my music in front of me, and making my body shake it's so loud. I'll just have to see them again I guess.

Kings of Leon - Wicker Chair

Last 4 bands of Day 1 still to come. Plus Day 2 and then the Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem show! Again, sorry I'm busy :(

The Ultimate Irony: Smoking Indie Kids Forced to Hike in Order to Enjoy Hipness

Aaaaaaand go!:

The drive to Red Rocks last Friday was, for me, a little stressful, as is every drive to an unfamiliar event or location. But, as with every stressful moment, there was a hint of excitement. I had been looking forward to the Monolith Music Festival for some time now. I finally got to a parking lot, and started the hike up to the venue, laughing internally at the ultimate form of irony occurring around me (smoking indie kids forced to walk a mile up hill to get to the hippest thing going on in our time zone).

Standing in line getting my stuff checked, I found myself being serenaded by the every loving Everything Absent or Distorted (A Love Story). The first time I'd heard them was, actually, just last year at the South Park Music Festival. It was either the year's worth of continuing to play together, or the amazing sound technicians at Red Rocks, but this time around they were one of the most convincing groups I saw at the festival, meaning: they seemed the most together, especially for being such a large group. I couldn't have expected a better welcome than EAOD's best performance to date (that I've seen that is).

Everything Absent or Distorted (A Love Story) - The Exit Parade

From the main stage I went up and then back down another flight of stairs to reach the WOXY.COM stage to see Mason Proper. They had kind of a slow start, performing a few songs sans a member (they kept saying things like "he must have wandered off into the captivating mountainous landscape"). I'd not seen them live yet (as was the case with a bunch of the bands), but from their live set reminded me much of the Weezer/Strokes/dash-of-Hives-and-Stripes early 2000's era of music. It was a nicely refreshing. On top of that, I loved their pop-and-lock minimalistic (though still inventive) drummer. I didn't stay through their whole set, and never got to see their arrant member perform along side his companions, but I'm sure it went over well.

Mason Proper - The World Is Smaller Than You Think

I jauntily walked upstairs to the New Belgium stage, where The Broken West was playing. They reminded me of a groovier Blitzen Trapper, riding the wave of "lets bring back 60's rock n' roll" type thing that seems to have been going on, and getting stronger, for a while now. Truthfully, they didn't hold my attention very long, and I was kind of bored with them. But, in all fairness, other people did seem to be enjoying their set, so they can't be all bad. Maybe I'm just not a big enough fan.

More to come

"Squirrel"

I'll start with the thing that I don't really have a whole lot to say about:

We Need Girlfriends, an internet Television Show, recently "aired" it's final episode. I highly recommend not only that episode, but the entire series, and since you can watch all of them for the amazing price of free, there should be nothing stopping you. I sure hope Season 2 isn't too far away ... I need to know why Rod was called Dennis! (and it better not be why I think it is ;))

Episode Eleven: Goodbye Forever!

oh, p.s.

just a teaser: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The Arcade Fire is the Led Zeppelin of our era

This is probably going to be the busiest couple of days for a while for me, and I have a lot to report on (Monolith Music Festival, We Need Girlfriends Season Finale, Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem show). I'll be doing quick shots of all that good stuff over the next few days, but expect everything to be talked about by the end of the week.

"Time and Time Again..."

Four days...


I'm so ready


P.S:I'm bummed I missed Paleo's return to Colorado... but I'm sure that since he's awesome, and Colorado is awesome, he'll come back again :) That boy has been keeping busy though. I was a little surprised to find he had continued (to some degree) his ambitious recording project, but not a bad surprised. I'm interested in seeing what his book of lyrics is going to look like.

"I Got A, Shock Colla For My, Rottweiler"/"I Don't Want To Be Another Foot In Mouth Kid"

(that's just some random picture that I came across that I found interesting and cool. it's unrelated to the blog :))

OH EM GE I'm out of control with this whole "not blogging forever thing." Sorry, but on top of taking 3 insanely hard psych classes, jamming with numerous folks, and having a relatively active social life, the blog seems to be suffering. maybe if I change the format ... but that's a pondering for another day. Today, we blog:

I promised some words on a few artists whom I've recently saw (3oH!3, Captain Ahab, Mr. Pacman, Milton Melvin Croissant III, Yourchestra, and High Places), and here they are (short and sweet):

3OH!3 is a fun little duo that I can only describe as White-Boy Crunk. They're full of energy and embody the ideals behind "letting lose" more so than anyone else that I've ever witnessed. Their music is unabashedly outrageous, borrowing heavily from obvious inspirations such as Lil Jon ... and probably some other people too ... not gonna lie, I don't follow the Crunk biz all that closely. all I know is that it's fun as hell. See them live. Period.

3OH!3 - Chokechain
3OH!3 - Don't Dance
3OH!3 - Holler Til You Pass Out

Captain Ahab is also a duo. These two, however, seem to be a lot more comfortable around each other than not only 3OH!3 is, but, realistically, any two straight guys... Lets just say there was a lot of groping and mouthes in interesting places. Their music was okay at best, though fun to hear and dance around to live, with lyrics ranging from misogyny to STD's (Rock n' Roll STD's that is), none of which should be taken too seriously. These guys don't only know how to party, they probably were there to invent it.

Captain Ahab - (Check their myspace)

You know who was a let down? Mr. Pacman, that's who. There had always been so much hype around these fellas, and, with dance-yer-face-off openers like 3OH!3 and Captain Ahab, I was expecting the ultimate in videogame-dancery. With little driving force, Mr. Pacman's only real appeal to me was that they were quite the oddity, playing Mega-Man influenced songs at a less-than-break-neck/not-very-dancy speed. That and they had phenomenal stage presence, these guys were no stranger to performance. I'm sad to say that I probably would have liked them more if they had opened. But, really, it was worth it too see them once.

Mr. Pacman - (check their myspace)

My pal Milton Melvin Croissant III played a couple shows over the last few weeks, one of which I attended. I'll tell you one thing about this guy, and that he has the most haunting music I've ever heard. Hearing his music is similar to being lulled to sleep, not unlike a drug-enduced coma brought on by a friend who you don't entirely trust not to kill you for your own good while muttering words concerning how it's hurting him more than it's hurting you. Wow, super wordy, but I'm keeping it. Here he is singing Rock 'n' Roll funeral lullabies (by the way, he's a 1 man band, so he records something, loops it with a looper pedal, and builds off of it):

Milton Melvin Croissant III - The Spice of Life
Milton Melvin Croissant III - Coyote
Milton Melvin Croissant III - Untitled track from the Still Soft Recordings Compilation 2: "Denver"
(another mp3 in this blog) (also MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT HIS MYSPACE FOR SUPER NEW SONGS!)

Yourchestra, from Tempe, Arizona, is one of the most inventive bands I've seen in a long time. It was as though we were watching 3 guys recreate what it would be like to just be sitting around in the 30's listening to the radio play some of the current radio hits, except the station cuts out every once and a while, picking up random space noises, feedback, static, and government stations. I'm serious. Yourchestra would play these awesome war-time songs, and then fade out into noise, then back into war-time songs. Trust me (I don't know names of the songs or the album. The album had "Meow" written on it, so that's just what I called the album when I ripped it after I bought it at their show):

Yourchestra - Track 10
Yourchestra - Track 02
Yourchestra - Track 05
Yourchestra - Track 08

High Places is one of those kinds of bands that one would never expect to really go anywhere, and then bands like Psapp cut a record and are featured on cult-classic TV (Grey's Anatomy). A mix of tribal, noise, and straight-up Singer-Songwriter-style tunes, with a hint of whatever the heck "using a bunch of toys and bells and blocks" is called. Super fun and oddly entrancing. Also incredibly touching.

High Places - Hello
High Places - Sandy Feet
High Places - Shhh... Hide From The Shadow

Woot. There ya go. I'll keep up, I swarez.