why do I still burn for you?

You know those songs that get stuck on repeat for days at a time? The ones that you listen to compulsively, then go so far as to force yourself to listen to something else for fear of ruining the song, only to turn back a few songs later? Sure you do. Generally speaking, I find these songs to be universally appealing, or appalling, depending on the person. One woman's treasure... Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to hear what song's been in heaviest rotation for everyone. I'll start:

Sun Kil Moon - Carry Me Ohio

This song has been haunting me for a few weeks now. After missing the Mark Kozelek show a few weeks back, I started to feel like I'd missed something big. I've never seen him, or any of his projects, live before... but he's kind of an "it-kid," at least by the critics I care to listen to, and it made me dig back into my digital archives to give Sun Kil Moon another shot. I think I came across a Paste write-up of Ghosts of the Great Highway a few years ago, found it intriguing, but didn't "get it" on the first listen. So I never really went back to it. Anyway, I get it now... and I can't get over it. It's a bit of a concept album, telling stories of famous boxers in addition to the typical love/loss fodder. "Carry Me Ohio" epitomizes the love/loss/regret bit, but Kozelek does a complete 180 on the next track "Salvador Sanchez," with a heavily distorted guitar rift and plaintive, soaring voice. I think the overall mood of the album is pensive, but there are enough uptempo songs to keep it out of the singer/songwriter/emo ouevre.

Who's up?

Parlour #2

Last night marked the second round of music parlour. This meeting was pretty informal (and a little rushed) as we combined music sharing with a nail-biting UNC-Clemson game.

Still, we explored a few new (and old) artists:
--Sara introduced us to Glossary.

--Rob played a few songs from Citay and Yeasayer. Fortunately for us, Yeasayer's playing in Chapel Hill at the Local 506 on January 17th. This will be the Music Parlour's first field trip...be there!

--Thanks to Jimmy, we learned about Bon Iver, who recently created For Emma, Forever Ago while hibernating alone in a Midwestern log cabin. Looks like the full album will be released in February.

--Jacquelyn showed up with a few old albums from her Austin days, and played The Flatlanders, Guy Clark, and Slaid Cleaves.

We decided to meet monthly, so the next meeting will take place in February. Who's hosting?

Parlour #2

Old Ceremony

Just back from an Old Ceremony show at the Cats Cradle, and I am truly inspired. This is the first time I've heard them live, and this band is VERY impressive. Although I'm not an expert critic, to me, their sound seems really tight, confident, and innovative.

I seriously felt like their songs could have been part of a Broadway play, they were so solid. Yet the sound was quirky and grassroots enough to speak to me in a bar. The xylophone in particular was an incredible addition to Django Haskins' already impressive guitar riffs.

The lyrics were as clear and impressive as the sound. This band's songs spoke to me. They were sincere, challenging, and meaningful. Django Haskins' words exhibit leadership. Their band's songs address the core issues of my life and, I would argue, of our time. How do I create a world of love, peace, and happiness? How do I negotiate and try to resurrect politics in a world where corruption is the only way to win? How do I overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles...and how do I do so with courage, hope, and tenacity?

I was inspired tonight not just by the Old Ceremony's sound, but by their musical thoughts on these questions. I think we should all listen. I showed up to the show with little cash, or I would have walked away with an album. I'll buy one anyway, and we can share.

Don't blame me

When you also become addicted to this band: Great Lake Swimmers. I've listened to 3 of their albums, the most recent Ongiara is the real gem, in my opinion. The track "Your Rocky Spine" carries a crisp banjo tune, as do most of the other tracks, but that got my attention to begin with. The shuffling drums and guitar that accompany it paint a slightly sadder background, and Tony Dekker's vocals also have a slightly dour tone, leading to obvious comparisons with M. Ward with fewer pack-years. Ongiara overall is a strong, cohesive album. Their sound is well established and well represented on that album. Other standouts on the album are "Passenger Song" and "Where In The World Are You " which carries a similar theme of allegory and love. I've also enjoyed Bodies and Minds, the album released prior to Ongiara, particularly the song "Various Stages." The first album, Moving Pictures Silent Films, a) lacks a banjo and b) lacks some of the musical cohesiveness of the later albums. Admittedly, I haven't listened to it too much to get a real feel for it. It has potential.

Also - here's a good thing to do for bands you love: Vote for NPR's best CD's of 2007. It's also a great reference for music we need to hear for ourselves.

We'll try to get parlour #2 set up before Christmas, keep an eye out.

Transition day!

I'm still making good with Jacquelyn's graduation gift from last May - a hefty CD Alley gift certificate, truly a gift that keeps on giving. I keep it in my back pocket for a monthly reward as I stumble through residency rotations. Today being my transition between the Emergency Department and Labor & Delivery, here's what I wanted and here's what I found:

Hoping to find:
The Foxymorons, Hesitation Eyes - I stumbled onto these folks with a Pandora "Wilco" or "Band of Horses" entry - can't remember which. I like 'em.

Harbours, Second Story Maker - Maybe another Pandora find, but I think it's divine intervention. They hail from the Mission, my favorite "place in the world where I don't live" and they add the "u" in their name like Sara did for our nifty blog.

Woulda bought:
Rilo Kiley - the first of two good tips from Sara, maybe a little too polished for me? They do have a tight, late 70s pop sound that my ears want more of.

Great Lake Swimmers, Onigiara - this sounds great - nice and laid back, but then Sara told me I should pick something local, which reminded me of what I saw at the Carrboro Music Festival...

Too impatient to place an order for the above, so I bought:
Kingsbury Manx, Aztec Discipline - these guys rocked the Farmer's Market stage back in September. I initially held off on a purchase because Ryan, the drummer, owns CD Alley and for some reason that would be weird at the register. Hope they'll play again soon.

Big Star, #1Record/Radio City - out of Stax in the early 70's and something that I should have bought a long time ago. Crisp and clean and a whole lotta soul. It was a tough call between this and the Live CD - there's always next time.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Session #1

Out first Music Parlour was a huge success if not in quantity, then definitely by quality. Our inaugural compilation includes the following songs, and their contributor.

Cinematic Orchestra – To Build a Home (KJ)

The Boy Least Likely To – Rock Upon a Porch With You (Jacquelyn)

Brian Jonestown Massacre – Open Heart Surgery (Dave)

Tyler Ramsey - Ships (Sara)

Alela Diane – My Tired Feet (Jimmy)

Edit 11/26/07: Compilation #1, now available in .zip

Looking ahead - we'll have our next session at KJ and Dave's place, probably the first or second week in December. Details will be posted here.