the (almost) daily blog

If you've checked out Pitchfork today, You may have noticed Atlanta's Deerhunter got an 8.9 review. If you want to read the review, here's the link: http://pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/40776/Deerhunter_Cryptograms

I've got to confess, I haven't seen them play live (i know, for shame), but they are just another band in the Atlanta scene to start having national (international) impact.

Say good-bye to ...

Pretty Girls Make Graves, who are calling it quits in May;

Al Franken, who is ending his radio show on Air America radio;

Barbaro, who was sent to greener pastures after fighting the good fight;

Emma Faust Tillman, the world's oldest woman, who died at 114;

and

ParisExposed.com - did anyone really expect the site to hang around this long?

Since Capital has lost market share and has been way behind the times on digital music/web agreements, EMI has decided to merge the label with Virgin - keeping the Capital name.

Also, Crisco has been formulated so that it is transfat free. Good, 'cause nothing works better than Crisco.

I'm satisfied after my first partial listen to the Shins new album. While it isn't mind-blowing, it is solid. And after this many years, any Shins is good Shins.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen continues to impress. While the sound is different (slightly) from Albarn's other projects, this album reminds me of what Blur might have sounded like if they had been influenced the last ten years of music. There's an obvious pop asthetic, but unlike Blur, there's a heavier use of percussion and bass lines. It's solid work, worthy of checking out. If you'd like a track suggestion, look for "Northern Whale" and "The Good, The Bad and The Queen".

The Good, The Bad and The Queen - an amazing album. Maybe it's because I've been away from music for a couple of months, the this album is fantastic. Also, check out What Made Milwalkee Famous. Taking notes, kids?

An (almost) daily blog exclusive - my interview with The Rosebuds will be going up in a few days. It's nice getting back on track.

Last night when I was finishing up the David O'Brien interview, I watched the State of the Union. I am not a politico at all. I love the political process and I'm enthralled by elections but I don't get involved. Watching the speech, and the reaction from Congress, reminded me again of why I stay out. It's all about party lines. Always.

Going back to Damon Albarn for a second. Back in the early-1990's, the was a well-documented feud between Blur and Oasis. Is the feud still on-going? Albarn's work the last eight years has moved light years beyond anything the brothers Gallagher have done in a decade.

It's Monday, so start the week off with this great video by The Sad Little Stars. It was a great recommendation. Enjoy!

Before I went to DJ hiatus, I had the habit of mixing a little Technotronic (right) into my sets - much to the delight of the cooler-than-thou indie kids.

Today, on a brief trip to Publix, who is coming out of their canned music speakers? Why, it's Technotronic!

I got a little too excited on the bread aisle and almost started dancing. Soon, Publix might challenge Home Depot for the best dance music while shopping.

Like anyone else cares, but it's been two weeks since the last blog and the same since the last interview. Anyway, I hope there is a little light at the end of the tunnel - and it ain't a train. If it isn't, then I'll get up and going soon.

I'm going to reset and restart. That's what new years are for.