COVERS

Here are five covers I'd like to see. If you can make that happen, that'd be nice:

"The Race Is On" by Sawyer Brown, performed by Rodeo Ruby Love
"Roxanne" by The Police, performed by Sleeping Bag
"Why Don't You Love Me" by Hank Williams, performed by State Champion
"I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown, performed by Chiddy Bang
Any song by Feist, performed by John Vanderslice

HELP COOL MUSICIANS

HERE IS THE KICKSTARTER PROJECT

The Bonesetters are some awesome dudes, awesome musicians. And they need some help putting out their debut full-length. These songs are what I dig in music: sincere, body shaking, go-go serious jams. I can't wait to hold this album. DONATE PLEASE:)

SOME THOUGHTS ON BANDCAMP

Bandcamp's a cool little thing I think. It's like purevolume gone sick DIY. I hear murmurs that some people don't dig it. I dig it lots. I wish they had a little better search/suggestion system like purevolume, but when I can listen to, and sometimes even download, majorly wicked tunes that the bands thumbs-up, I'm good and hand-clapping. Here are some thoughts on bandcamp:

- Laminar Excursion Monthly was this cool year-long subscription joint effort between Crossroads of America Records and Flannelgraph Records a while back. Each month two mini-cds with exclusive-ish music came spinning up to my mailbox. Sometimes they rocked sometimes they sounded like lawnmowers. Osteoferocious' output for LEM was their longest and totally best release. Nine songs of fast clanky rock n' roll, just the way I like it. Favorite tracks: "Fix Me," "Underage Drinking," and "I Don't Mind."

- Bunch of weirdo dudes from Muncie pumping out loud music in various shifted shapes: Support The Troopz, Acid Devils, and Indiana State Park. Get over your squiggly sideways face staring at the troopz page. That stuff shreds. And Acid Devils should be played at the top of every parking garage. And I heard Indiana State Park is finishing up a full-length, okay, thanks. "Cigars" is a summer rock tune if I've ever heard one.



- I'm not sure why I haven't bought Apache Dropout's full LP yet. I know it's at VGR. They have Side A up on bandcamp FOR FREE. Been shaking my body to these songs for months now.

- Half Raptor seemed like a bunch of (cool) dweebs when they played VGR awhile back and man do they make some killer gritty songs. Check out their discography FOR FREE. Favorite tunes: "Our Death," "Sadley But Surely," and "Andy Warr."

- Two soothing albums to buy on bandcamp for cheapz if you don't own a record player or JUST CAN'T WAIT: Oscillate Wisely by Mike Adams At His Honest Weight and Life But No More by Frank Schweikhardt. These are awesome albums for sitting on your roof or making out or walking your dog.

- I'm not sure why you wouldn't buy "Post-Nothing" by Japandroids for EIGHT BUCKS. I'm not sure why you would go see them with me for my birthday.



- LOOK AT ALL THOSE HUSBAND&WIFE TUNES YOU CAN LISTEN TO.

Alright alright alright. WHAT AM I MISSING ON BANDCAMP?

More on the last ITFOW Show

Some videos and pictures have been popping up around the web from the final ITFOW show:



The most ridiculous picture of me I've ever seen. HA.


The last ITFOW song ever: ALASKA


A picture of Kyle and Zack from the Away With Vega set


FOR A BETTER TOMORROW


THANKS FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL YEARS

But it's weird my face don't look quite the same

Sure, it's National Poetry Month, but don't forget National Record Store Day. In honor of the goodness words that come with music, my favorite lyrics from one of my favorite bands right now. These three dudes and one girl shredded the inside of VGR last NRSD and I was like OH NO THE FLOOR IS GONNA CAVE IN. I wish. Pile it on.

Help Me Sing
by State Champion

Some lay flowers on the side of the highway
To note the death of the ones they loved
While other flowers spend their whole lives out on the highway
Standing for nothing it's just where they're from
And I guess I know in some backwards way that all these

Billboards lighting up the back of the day
Been slowly inking me down a giant map of the states
'Til I can find somewhere to shack up and unpack all my things
I got a swine full of quarters, a telephone
If I could only find a minute to talk
I got a gold watch ticking with a sailor's mouth
I think the hour hand is flicking me off
I got a pocketknife and a pocket mirror
But it's weird my face don't look quite the same
'Cause I got a half-empty bottle of something Lord
It's a half-full bottle of dreams

Can you help me sing the one
You helped me sing when the day was done?
You helped me sing to a great big sun
That was setting on some old black couch in my room
Can you help me sing the song
You helped me sing out on the lawn?
You helped me sing to bring up the dawn
And bring it back to your mom and daddy's house
'Cause I don't want to sing this one
If I've got to sing without you
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/state_champion/help_me_sing.html ]
Brother let your hair blow
Won't you let your hair blow brave
Don't let them tell you that it ain't the same wind
That's been making them sacred bandanas wave
A Jew on the cross a dew on the moss
That's two ways to behave
Gas station diner firework shop souvenir
Twenty-four hour cum stains on the radio waves
I guess I'll figure it out when I'm older
For now you call Sal and I'll call Dakota
They've got a half-empty bottle of vodka with them
I got a half full bottle of optimism

And we'll sing the one
You helped me sing when the day was done
You helped me sing to a great big sun
That was setting on some old black couch in my room
Can you help me sing the song
You helped me sing out on the lawn?
You helped me sing to bring up the dawn
And bring it back to your mom and daddy's house
'Cause I don't want to sing this one if it's going to make me feel blue

About the way things will never be the same again
Been feeling red about the places where I laid my hands
Last night thought I could save a couple grains of sand
From slowly slipping through a south-bound highway ramp
But I was wrong

So can you help me sing the one
You helped me sing when the day was done?
You helped me sing to a great big sun
That was setting on some old black couch in my room
Can you help me sing the song
You helped me sing out on the lawn?
You helped me sing to bring up the dawn
And bring it back to your mom and daddy's house
'Cause I don't want to sing this one if just I've got to sing
Don't want to sing this one if I've got to sing without you

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/state_champion/#share

Who The Hell Do I Think I Am Talking About Music?

Like with the most important books post, I wanted to make a list of the albums that have had the most impact on me, whatever that means. These are in no particular order.

Proud Flesh by Husband&Wife: From their first self-titled album to this latest album, Husband&Wife has progressed as smoothly and melodically as any band I've ever heard. I was hesitant to put this one on the list since it's so new, but 1) I didn't feel like Dark, Dark Woods has the constant effect on me needed to be on this list and 2) this is already my favorite H&W release. YOU SHOULD TOTALLY SEE SARA AND I SING THIS ALBUM. CUTEZ.

Rock N' Soul Pt. I by Hall and Oates: I like to BOOGIE. It feels nice.

Nothing Feels Good by The Promise Ring: No singer seems more approachable on an album that Davey Von Bohlen on this release. Start to finish, this album taught me the power of a voice in art, whether it be music or otherwise.

Stale Champagne by State Champion: Another newer album, but in my unorganized mind-list of favorite albums, this one keeps climbing. If jangled into music, I feel like this is what my two families sound like smashed together. Also, some of the best rock n' roll lyrics I've ever heard.

Nouns by No Age: When I bought this album at VGR, I had settled into this groove of just listening to music I already knew and my friends bands. This album got me rejuvenated about the music being made today.

Recovery by Away With Vega: YOU WANNA SEE ME REALLY STOKED? LISTEN TO THIS WITH ME. This album taught me how to be comfortable with getting excited about things.

Life But No More by Frank Schweikhardt: This album taught me to calm down and relax and listen. I haven't heard a better album to listen to when talking to buds.

Turn It Around by Comeback Kid: Sometimes, this is the only record I'll listen to at the gym. Pure energy and heart.

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi: I'm not joking when I say I like this album. I've never heard BIG ROCK music that sounds this close to cool. "Livin' On A Prayer" is one song I wish every band would cover.

Do You Know Who You Are? by Texas Is The Reason: I like fuzz and cool lyrics and pounding drums. PERFECT. I bought this on the first trip Sara and I took together like four years ago, so it's always a nice reminder.

Post Nothing by Japandroids: Another newer one. Another mind-list climber. THIS IS ARM SHAKIN' MUSIC. These songs are also attached to Tyler F. in my mind which makes them extra important.

Full Collapse by Thursday: The first band that I listened to with a girl. The first album I listened to when that girl broke up with me. The first album I go to when I wanna feel 15 again. IT HAPPENS AND THAT IS OKAY.

The Very Best of The Temptations: The soundtrack to my childhood oddly enough. The unity in the singing is still extraordinary to me. So many memories of trying to sing these songs with my dad on the way to hunting and fishing trips.

The Things We Carry by Have Heart: I have to be careful listening to this in public. I start shouting and stage diving off benches.

That Within Blood Ill-Tempered by Shai Hulud: When I need a reminder that loud can be beautiful, this is my go-to album.

The Moon and Antartica by Modest Mouse: I'm a sucker for quirky lyrics and wacky music. BOOYEAH. My go-to shower album.

Check Your Head by The Beastie Boys: I bought this album for four dollars, new, at a closing FYE like four or five years ago. I don't know if a week goes by without listening to it. I love how the sillyness can come through as cool. LESSON THERE.

Red Light District by Ludacris: I'm a big fan of association and Ludacris is the master. EXAMPLE:

Causin lyrical disasters, it's the master
Make music for Mini-Me's, models and Fat Bastards
These women tryin to get me out my Pelle Pelle
They strip off my clothes and tell me, "Get in my belly!"

Clarity by Jimmy Eat World: There is a perfect time/place/weather for this album that I just know when it's hear and that experience is something like meditation or yoga or other things that sound good for me but I can't do. Also, this album will always be the link that started my friendship with Layne.

We Make Our Own Luck by In The Face Of War: Another favorite shower album. MAY 7th will be ITFOW's last show, but this album has enough heart and punch to last me awhile.

The Sky Stared Down With Angry Clouds by Fire When Ready: The first time I saw Fire When Ready, I was like they are okay. A year later, I saw them again and was like WHAT WERE YOU THINKING DUDE THEY TOTALLY RULE. And then they broke up. This album is a reminder of how silly I can be when I'm paying more attention to babes than art.

OKAY THAT IS ALL I GUESS

Letters To A Young Poet + The Bonesetters + Bloomington

The main reason I am so drawn to poetry is the unique approach it takes to human communication and dealing with human interaction and feelings. WORDS ARE REAL. Letters are probably a more "obvious" means of communication, and when done with enthusiasm and sincerity, letters mesh emotions and communication in an overpowering way. This is exactly what drew me to reread Letters To A Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke for yesterday's book. When someone receives a letter from an admirer of one's work and responds, it's a great gesture to be a part of. But when those two people exchange ten letters over the course of a few years, when in the early 20th century such an act was anything but easy, it's a major show in respect and commitment. Rilke's letters are gorgeous in their sincerity ("I'M TRYING FOR YOU MAN"), their humbleness ("I'M NOT SUPER BUT HERE ARE SOME THOUGHTS THANKS FOR ASKING"), and their insight ("I OBVIOUSLY THINK ABOUT THIS STUFF A BUNCH"). I'm interested in these forms of communication, maybe e-mail/texts/Facebook messages instead of traditional letters, because of the lasting impact and growth of self and others capable from this presentation words. While the situation is certainly different, I see no reason why modern means of interaction cannot be used as a legitimate (and QUICKER/MORE EFFICIENT) means of sharing one human life with another if both people make a similar commitment to the sharing, the connection, the effort of dealing with life together.

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Last night, I was lucky enough to be able to see my pals in The Bonesetters play at Be Here Now. They have a new drummer, are finishing up their first full-length album, and really impressed me last night. I've seen them so many times, but each time, I'm always drawn to boogie down, sing along (WHEN I CAN; OH CANT WAIT FOR THAT ALBUM), and proud to know these dudes. They played two new songs, one of which is a real gritty rock n' roll jam. I DIG THAT. Bassist Ryan Rader is a good pal of mine and one of the reasons I got into poetry/writing in the first place. I also go to hang with my friend Joe. It was a nice way to spend a Thursday night.

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Pal Tyler and I are heading to Bloomington in a little while to visit some of my friends and show him the town. Super stoked to see Darrin among others. Also, I'm glad to be able to show Tyler one of my favorite places on EARTH. Places for sure on the list: TD's Records, Landlocked Music, The Caveat Bookstore, Boxcar Books, and The Laughing Planet. I'll be back Saturday night. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOMINGTON

A Relationship Is A List Is A List

My friend Megan Betz introduced me to listography the other day, and while I've yet to create one (OH IT WILL HAPPEN AND BE WILD IM SURE), it's been on my mind. I organize my mind in a bunch of lists all the time, like to-do list and friends lists and book lists. Here some that've been bouncing around.

MFA programs I'm planning to apply to (I don't think these are in any particular order):
1. Houston
2. Indiana
3. University of Texas-Austin
4. Virginia Tech
5. Alabama
6. Baltimore
7. Purdue
8. Arizona
9. Bowling Green State
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Some songs stuck in my head:
1. Truth by Chiddy Bang
2. Fever Dreaming by No Age
3. Red Cross Fever by Husband&Wife
4. Thanks Given by State Champion

A few cool recent moments:
1. Gaga dance party at Be Here Now/Halloween Dance Party at Be Here Now
2. Matt Hart Reading
3. The other day playing basketball when I didn't suck real bad
4. Watching Point Break with Ashley
5. Every episode of Grey's Anatomy that Sara and I ever watch together

FRANK AGAIN

Frank Schweikhardt does cool things. Like buy me dinner at Savage's. Like play slow-fi, dad rock (HIS WORDS NOT MINE). Like blog about it.

A long way from my beloved Away With Vega, Frank butters up all those sleep-lovers and coffee shoppers with his foot tapping music. Seriously, check him out on tour.

Frank used to drive popular bands like HelloGoodbye around America on their tours with Hanson. Now, he quit that job and is going out on his own tour with Bro. Stephen, also known as Scott Kirkpatrick, also known as That Dude From Chemic. OH FRANK STAY HOME.

No really, Frank is doing good things I think by going out on the road. He makes people weep with his soft voice and sleep with his steady guitar and live more with his beautiful white vinyl called Life But No More.

BUY THIS ALBUM. GO TO A SHOW. KNOW THIS MAN.

THIS IS GOING TO RULE!

GREATEST HITS: AWAY WITH VEGA

I've decided to start a blog series called GREATEST HITS, where I created a best-of playlist of my favorite bands. Woah.

The Distillers

When I say The Distillers, most people say yuck and yeah right chump. My ears must be broken, because my stomach is fine, though their music hurts my feet (I'm always bouncing, jumping, stomping) and my head throbs. Turn it down! No, turn it up. When I was in 8th grade, I told everyone I liked The Distillers because the cheerleaders said that's not music and my friends were like this is totally punk rock. I just wanted everyone to forget I used to have a Good Charlotte button. Freshman year of college, I pulled out Sing Sing Death House and finally GOT it. These tunes rule because they are alive. I am alive. Match made in riffs. Let's wail.

This Is Why We Don't Have Nice Things

Last Friday, my cousin Brittney, my sister-in-law Rachel, and my wife Sara went with me to the Rodeo Ruby Love release show for their new CD, "This Is Why We Don't Have Nice Things."

4 local favorites playing = no duds (read: hot and sweaty room not worth it for a boring band)

Sara and I were talking, being reminded of a conversation with our pal Frank, about Zack Melton's songwriting skills. Here is his output (from my memory, probably missing something):
Away With Vega: 2 split vinyls, A Baby Boy Sleeps full length, Get Serious Now! EP, Recovery full length, A Year At Home EP, various demos
Solo: The End of the World EP
Rodeo Ruby Love: You're Love Has Made Everything Beautiful full length, Honest to God EP, What Loneliness Can Do To You EP, Vs. The Great American Cities full length, (now!) This Is Why We Don't Have Nice Things

Like this music or not, this "resume" is legit for a young dude doing it his own way (with the help of Crossroads of America; don't get me started AGAIN on how killer they are).

A personal aside:
For me, Zack Melton has been a friend, sure, but more often, he has been a monumental artistic influence on me. Always, I have had this intense love for (good) art made by people I know. Some of my favorite albums, like Recovery, have been made by my friends. Some of my favorite writing, like Jeremy Bauer's Good Gravity, have been written by people I know. A big thing I respect about Zack is his ability to keep producing great songs even as his interests, bands, and surroundings change (read: grow up). Take for instance this cd: several of these songs are greatly inspired by books or books on tape that Zack listened to during the writing of these songs. I'm just impressed by how he can write a song like "Repetition, Repetition" for Away With Vega (metaphorical, angsty-ish), then later "No, Seriously" (contemplative, questioning) for Vega, then move to stuff like on "Your Love..." for Rodeo (like every song features the word "love") and now this admittingly-poppy album that still has serious songwriting chops (see: Josephine; man, this song wails).

Clarification: I'm not discounting, in any way whatsoever, the wonderful abilities of Zack's bandmates (and some of my friends as well) in Rodeo Ruby Love and Away With Vega. Like Frank, who we all know how much I admire. And just watch Dave's stokedness in Rodeo, holding that ukelele like a precious child he wants to make happy.

Really, this post is meant to celebrate this new album as a whole, which I was admittedly unsure about.

Let's do it:

You like pretty packages? Man, this album art is beautiful.

You like words? Check out these lyrics:

"Please don't shower, I want your stench covering my body's every inch"- Josephine
"Let's talk a while about your weaknesses and how the lines begin to blur and how there's something wrong in each of us. Love is gonna take some work"- Black Sunday
"The worst thing you can do is fall in love. Stay indoors with me and read a book. Or maybe if it's nice, we'll go outside and ride our bikes. The worst thing that you can do...I try to resist, but it's no use. Oh, everyday, it's true. I fall in love."- Secrets

You like girls? Annie Cheek's voice glows so hard in this album. Also, there is Josephine, Elizabeth, Kimery popping their girly names up in these songs.

Tired of guitars, drums, and bass fishing? Try ukelele, try xylophone, try keyboard, try Rodeo.

You like to shred? Kyle brings it seriously several times here.

You like to sing along? COME ON, COME ON!

You like to hear these songs live? Go to a Rodeo show near you!

Seriously, I hope Rodeo makes it through their 3 month tour around AMERICA! so they can come back and sing with me and write songs that are this much fun and make my wife smile and make my dad say, "This is alright." Things are good here.