High Speed Cakes…

It’s the unexpected that keeps things fresh. This past week two things I wouldn’t have thought would transpire did exactly that: Happen. First, I became rather loaded, or struggled to remain coherent after enjoying Chicago and Local H, and left my rather costly phone in a cab. But about 48 hours later, it was found; then after many days, successfully retrieved — major financial fiasco averted.

My musical catalog consists of many artists who put out only one, or if I was lucky, two unstoppable, timeless records. Perhaps blame these short lifespans on major labels — realistically the factors and variables are endless for why acts only craft a record. Previously highly coveted quartet the Cupcakes were ones who crumbled due to their major label Dreamworks and released a record; then disappeared into Chicago rock oblivion. Until a few days ago. I went about 12 years enjoying, playing louder than most, what I thought was their one and only record. A long player consisting of crunch, spaced out techno rhythms, and enough power pop to appease me for about 1/3 of my life. And now, I can bask in more of this exemplary formula with 15 new tracks care of their true debut and five b-sides.

Most likely one of the top finds of 2012:

Cupcakes untitled debut record & five b-sides

It’s just one of those things….

My 9 to 5 presents me the opportunity to enlighten 10 and 11 year olds to music beyond Tech N9ne and Nicki Minaj. By no means is this stated on my job description — that writeup looks something like teaching kids how to read, write, compute, and think critically. But the finale is upon me and my classroom of 30 plus characters. And with this little time we have, it’s where I throw most things I should be covering out the door. What it boils down to is keeping a bunch of pre-teens engaged and still interested in what I have to say.

“I’m going to try something totally different today. You all know my strong interest in music. Today I’m sharing two songs with you”

A few ears perked up; overall though, only so many were truly curious. As lyric sheets were provided to the students, I had them peruse the lyrics for the “more chill, relaxed track” and their task was to provide a short prediction on what the artist is trying to say. Interpreting poetry meets the standard, boss. We discussed how many songs are written about past loves, for a current love, or about relationships in general. Next, all they had to do was write a short guess on what the song may sound like. Taking a chance is not a strong point for most.

The listening party’s initial selection was “Don’t Be Crushed” by none other than Hawksley Workman. They were promised a “drastically different and upbeat track” next. “Sunlight” by Bag Raiders, another track previously featured on this blog was the “kinda cool because it was like techno” selection. It’s been a good week plus, or when students weren’t in summer mode, where most everyone was listening, contemplating, and sharing their thoughts. One girl asked, “Can you bring more songs tomorrow?” Well, yes; I might have a few more to share…

Hawksley Workman :: Don’t Be Crushed

Finding inspiration….

It’s all over: shuffle, mood music, daily feeds, etc. Why can’t I stay routine with probably the most consistent thing in my day-to-day: music. Like music, sharing and attempting to discuss this medium is therapeutic; like sweating it out or downing more whiskey than one should. It took a read, more like a small tip-toe down memory lane, through the mind of James VanOsdol — he’s the man hopefully responsible one day for this — to help me to understand that this writing thing is something I dig. This time, it’s initially a conversation with myself. A way to put my thoughts out, better my ability to communicate, and most importantly, maybe, just maybe, turn someone onto something that’s brought me inspiration.

Chicago’s music scene was the catalyst and true inspiration for me to become the music fan I am today. Some of that’s owed to James mentioned above, and the other responsible ones are the Smoking Popes.

It’s a Miracle…

That this blog has been resuscitated? I suppose its heart did stop beating for over six months’ time. And by no means did music lose its pulse; like the other hiatuses MiS has taken, the music around me didn’t stop piling up, or I didn’t hit the STOP (that still exist?) button. Much has happened in my musical bubble over the course of this time. This art form we’ve chosen to follow, invest our time and money in, and help to add something to our day-to days, never is shut off. Music encompasses everything that I do from day-to-day. On a Friday morning, the soundtrack is upbeat and celebratory after shutting down another week; after a rough day, the dial turns to something carefree, maybe even nostalgic to remember a simpler time. On a random Tuesday, while at work, but really before work, it’s a pulse that amps me up for the day, one that maybe even is uplifting in an inspiring way. Like you, I love creating my original soundtrack on a daily basis. Miracle, a track off Parisian classically trained for the club Yuksek‘s latest, has been electrifying my days, no matter what’s happening around me….

Yuksek :: Miracle

Yea, I want to give you a bear hug…

Every step the blip-bloppers Hot Chip used to make, this blog felt necessary to document. It was warranted: That quintet has made me bounce and also try my attempt at soulful singing a lot. Now that it’s summer and this season is about none other than mindless fun, I’ve taken a liking to The 2 Bears, a duo consisting of Joe Gooddard, who is 1/5 of Hot Chip. House-inspired beats, soaring vocals, and a continuation of the endless bounce everyone associated with Hot Chip is capable of. Their E.P., Bear Hug, consists of four club ready tracks….

Andre 3000′s All Together Now…

All anyone asks with a cover song is you take the original formula and do everything you can to reinvent it. Andre 3000, the quirky dapper half of Outkast, decided to attack The Beatle’s “All Together Now“, which graced your folks’ speakers back in ’69 courtesy of the Yellow Submarine soundtrack. The original is as hot as a Beatles track can sound; Andre’s cover simply funkdafies it, as only a man of his talent can. This might settle the argument of who is the stronger Outkast….

Andre 3000 :: All Together Now (Beatles cover)

Radio Soulwax…

 

Even though the Belgian electro-rock, KRACK addicted outfit Soulwax hasn’t released a record in a minute, they’re still running rampant on the decks. Over on Triple-J, the hip Australian radio channel, The Dewaele brothers are sharing new songs, themed mixes, and inviting various guests of the Triple-J festival to grace the M-I-C. After their essential mix, I’m always curious on what may spring up when they’re the conductors of my speakers….

Triple-J Radio Soulwax

Still, a remix I can’t get enough of…

MGMT :: Kids (Soulwax remix)

Rock N Roll Professionals…

Six albums, an EP, and an awesome mixtape is a respectable output for a duo 16 plus years in the making. On top of that productivity, a greatest hits record — one dubbed as part of an Icon series — spanning the first half of Local H‘s career. Local H was comprised of Scott and Joe in the 90s, with Scott taking vocal and guitar duties, while Joe kept time on the drums. After three albums, Joe decided to pursue other endeavors. Scott, a man who is more comfortable on stage than you are in your chair right now, wouldn’t let this unique act come to its demise. The 21st (’99-now) century Local H is made up of ex-Triple Fast Action drummer Brian St. Clair and still the driving force behind the act, Scott Lucas.

After the break-up of Scott and Joe, rumors ran rampant, and oddly enough, Joe Daniels never made any public statements/comments, that I was ever aware of. For the first time, in over 12 year’s time, the original drummer for Local H spoke his mind about Scott, this greatest first half of their career hits record, and his passion for retributions.

“He wasn’t involved because I don’t really talk to Joe,” Lucas said. “Whenever I talk to Joe it’s about how he wants to sue me – he acts like I ruined his life or something.”

Local H Looks Back at the Good…And the Bad

Off of Ham Fisted, the ’95 record constructed by the original lineup…

Local H :: Skid Marks

Taken from Here Comes the Zoo, the record where new, and current time-keeper Brian St. Clair, debuted on…

Local H :: What Would You Have Me Do?

I Met This Girl Named Radio…

The neo-soul, funkster Raphael Saadiq — no stranger ’round here — has concocted 10 more soon to be timeless numbers with his latest LP, Stone Rollin’. More 70s inspired soul on the blues tip; hard hitting rhythms; spot-on harmonies, and hooks that seep in. Consistency is this man’s forte. And by that, I mean continuing to construct songs that exude a carefree, feel good vibe….

Raphael Saadiq :: Radio

This man understands what it means to perform for an audience. And when he does, his band rolls rather deep…

Raphael Saadiq :: Movin’ Down the Line (Live)

UPDATE: The always excellent Rock Island, IL Daytrotter kicks out a few live jam sessions with Mr. Saadiq here. (Highly recommended)

And the title track:

Because videos can still be worth your time…

Even if they’re dated — in a few months ago way. Or maybe from years past. From Modular People, the label behind MiS favorites like Cut Copy and The Presets, come one video that turned me onto what could be one of the better songs of 2011, and the other, simply eye candy. Maybe the beat will hit you, too.

Bag Raiders, an electro/funk duo outta Sydney, has been lighting up my dance floor –kitchen — as of late. The formula that I struggle to resist: lazer-like synths; funky drum patterns; sweeping, airy vocals; and a vibe that alludes rays of light, or at least an ability to make you move. Your choice….

And this alludes….