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

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.

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?

12 Months Later…

How relevant is a top 10 list when in reality, you’re only really still listening to a few of last year’s records? As I use this blog as an archive of ’09, I’ve quickly realized a top 5 would have been more appropriate. My list from last year –one I can only get half into a year later – has not held up super great over time. If I’d do it again, I’d take five of those 10 records and accurately place them in spots they’re truly worthy of. I simply take a record and place it into its respective spot based on spins received. My top 5 of ’09 done right in ’10:

#5 Yuksek :: Away From the Sea

#4 Royksöpp :: Junior

#3 Das Pop :: s/t

#2 The Dream :: Love Vs Money

#1 Prairie Cartel :: Where Did All My People Go

When I made my list last year, this record was only two months old. By the time this record was released, I had many of these tracks already as miscellaneous MP3s and had seen Prairie Cartel, according to one, over 100x. I wasn’t in dire need of acquiring this LP. I thought I practically had it on my HDD already. Wrong. Upon hearing this Chicago-based supergroup in proper studio form, I was instantly hooked. Take the elements I loved from their former selves and blend it with beats to create my perfect mix.

Prairie Cartel :: Cracktown

Prairie Cartel :: No Light Escapes Here

Top Five Tracks of ’10…

2010 started with endless potential. The first quarter alone produced enough to begin compiling best of lists. Favorite artists of mine played a slight variation of the boy who cries wolf – with the wolf being a record. Gizmodgery will get its follow-up. With the quantity of quality that was being thrown at us faster than this blog went from something to nothing, the year was inevitably going to produce strong tracks. Some, like my favorite of this year, were songs I couldn’t get enough of numerous times a day. I hope you never pulled up to me at a red light when that song was on blast….

As I peruse this list, and you know where I stand musically, it’s almost predictable. But really, not one you’re seeing anywhere else…

#5  Robyn :: None of Dem featuring Royksöpp

Robyn, the pop princess, teams with the Norwegian duo Royksöpp to bring bounce, bass, and beats to make me shake.

#4 Hawksley Workman :: The Sweetest Thing

I never dug myself out of that rut Hawksley put me in. Care to share another track done on the minimal this sincere and beautiful from ’10?

#3 Local H :: Wolf Like Me (TV on the Radio cover)

Is it coincidence things Scott Lucas touches continue to end up on my best-of lists? A dedication to the craft of rock is what continues to have him top my charts. A monster. And to hear it live, with only an acoustic, makes him look and sound even better than on record plugged in.

#2 sElf :: Could You Love Me Now

Classic Matt Mahaffey right here. It took a few spins to seep into my system, but after it did, this one clicked. Matt doing what he does best: composing pop with sweet simplicity.

#1 Harvey Danger :: The Show Must Not Go On

The definitive break-up track? Who knows. Hits harder than anything else I heard this year. Truly, I can’t stop playing this. And live, too.

The Latest From Chicago’s Radstarr….

Less is more these days with music. This simplicity allows me, the classic ADD listener, to drown myself in the artist’s lyrics. Too much texture and ideas flood my mind and make me forget the poetry gracing the instrumentation. Chicago-based Radstarr, a witty popster with a unique, soothing voice has unleashed Head Above Water – a follow-up to the breezy, catchy Not That Perfect EP, one that presents life-like stories behind no frills instrumentation. Like last year’s EP, this latest consists of a similar formula: a note-worthy voice at the forefront, the right mix of rhythm and melody to accentuate the stories, and obvious passion for his craft.

When the sound works, and Radstarr’s definitely does, the previously mixed concoction is worth repeating. Immerse yourself….

Radstarr :: Global Warming