Happy Holidays

Joe Strummer-8/21/1952 - 12/22/02

Joe Strummer died 7 years ago today. He is a true legend and shall never be forgotten. The Clash were the best and my favorite (as evidenced by the ink on my back) . Both the band and Joe died way too young. The progression and output from album to album, in such a short period of time, is staggering and phenomenal. They really were "the only band that mattered," and Papa Joe led the way...



Back in June of 1981, the Clash played New York City for 17 days in a row, sometimes playing matinee shows before the evening gigs. This is an interview from the "Tom Snyder Show" during that 17 day stand.



Without the Clash there would be no M.I.A., no U2, no Green Day, no some many hundreds of other bands. They were the first to blend rock and hip hop together, and inspired so many. True pioneers.



If you're a fan of the Clash, or of music and music documentaries in general, you must watch "Westway to the World" and "The Future is Unwritten."





Hope you're still singing in heaven, Joe! We miss you.

Japandroids

One of my favorite things about the end of the year is reading everyone's "best of" lists. It's a friendly reminder of what you may have missed throughout the year. I'm kinda upset that I didn't hear Japandroids album, Post-Nothing, until this weekend. To me, Japandroids is like that person that you were kinda of friends with but never REALLY hung out with too much and then all of sudden you hang out for real and think, "Why haven't we hung out before, you're like the coolest person ever." I had been hearing good things about Japanroids throughout the year, and just missed their set at Pitchfork. Minor fail for 2009, but better late than never.

The thing that I like most about Japandroids is that it reminds me of some of the music I was listening to circa 1999. It's got that dualing vocal, fist pumping, sing along, call and response that I dug back then. I think they have a name for that kinda music, but I forgot what it is...

Watch Japandroids perform, "Young Hearts Spark Fire" at Pitchfork below. Download below that.

"I don't wanna worry about dying, I just wanna worry about those sunshine girls."



"Young Hearts Spark Fire"-Japandroids (Zshare)

"Who Cares?" Gnarls Barkley Video by Tyler Mintz

My dear friend, Tyler Mintz, has made a video for Gnarls Barkley's, "Who Cares?" Tyler resides in Brooklyn, where he is getting his Masters in Visual Arts Design, at the School of Visual Arts, which is nothing like ordering pancakes at the International House of Pancakes. Apart from being one of the hairiest people I know, Tyler is obviously one of the more talented people that I've met. Need evidence? Watch the video below! When he's not creating badass videos, Tyler likes eating Zebra Cakes, Barry Manilow, and dancing to Simian Mobile Disco in his Snuggie.

Anybody have Cee-Lo's or Danger Mouse's number or email? I think they need to see this.

Correction: Tyler is studying Design, not Visual Arts Design. I am studying neither.

WHO CARES? from tyler mintz on Vimeo.

Together Through Megabytes #2-Diamond Rings

We are super pleased to be doing our 2nd edition of "Together Through Megabytes" with John O., the man behind the mask, er, eye makeup, of Diamond Rings. Diamond Rings has been catching some serious buzz lately with the single and video for "All Yr Songs" So much so, that it was named "Video of the Year" and the #5 top song for 2009 on this very blog. John O. was nice enough to sit down and answer some questions regarding the video, warm sweaters, and Canada. Results below.

MRLT: For all of those who don't know, who is Diamond Rings?

John O: Diamond Rings is the name of my personal musical project. It's basically a chance for me to let things out and follow whatever influences and desires I feel inspired by in the worlds of music, fashion, and art. It's a really important thing for me right now.


MRLT: "All Yr Songs" has caught some attention since its release, were you a
bit surprised?

John O: Yes and no. Both myself and my pal Colin Medley (who directed the vid) were really pleased with everything once we'd got the finished product together, but the Internet is a weird place! There's so much great stuff floating around out there but if things don't catch on right away it's easy for them to get buried. So we put it out thinking that our friends would like it and although we were hoping for it to catch on internationally, we weren't going to let that affect how much we really enjoyed the process of producing the work itself.


MRLT: Is the song directed at someone specifically, cause I don't know about
you, but I don't lend my warmest sweater to just anybody, especially in the winter?

John O: Yeah, especially when you live in Toronto! It's cold here! But seriously, I don't like to reveal too much in the way of the meanings behind my lyrics because I want people to be able to interpret my songs in their own unique way. All I can do is write for myself and put it out there for others to internalize and project on to their own real life situations. But I will say that the song is definitely directed towards a specific person with whom I share a close relationship.


MRLT: Lets talk about the video, how did it all come together?

John O: Like I said, my pal Colin is a prominent fixture on the music scene here in Toronto. He's always shooting bands and I have the good fortune of sharing an apartment with him. I had just recorded the song and it was his idea to make a video for it. What we ended up with came out of our mutual love of early 90s rap videos and green screen effects. My cousin Lisa Howard did the make-up, styling, and choreography. It's worth noting that we shot the entire thing for about the price of two medium pizzas that we had for lunch on the day of the shoot.



MRLT: There's a bit of a controversy going on with the video and Youtube and
Sony, what happened and what's the latest news?

John O: Basically, Sony's UK office erroneously claimed copyright infringement because my stage name is the same as that of a single released by a rapper on their label called Chipmunk. Youtube deleted the video at Sony's request, and it wasn't until we went public through our Myspace page that a bunch of blogs started talking and word got back to Sony officials here in Canada. They realized that they had no real grounds to accuse us of anything and ended up putting the video back online pretty fast.

They're supposedly sending us some limited edition Modest Mouse 7" records and a Beyonce album as compensation for our troubles. We've been checking the mailbox every day and can't hardly wait!


MRLT: There's some serious NBA paraphernalia in the video, are you a big basketball fan?

John O: Growing up I was huge into sports. Now I'd say I'm more attracted to the iconography and the idea of sports than the actual players and teams themselves. There's a certain nostalgic appeal and a sense of belonging that comes with participation in the sports world and I find that rather comforting.


MRLT: When you were younger did you know that music would play such a big part in your life and what were some of your bigger musical influences growing up?

John O: When I was younger I don't think I ever really thought about music like something that was a part of me, but at the same time, when I look back a few years I can see how important it was in shaping who I am. My biggest influences were probably the bands and artists that I heard around the house growing up. Stuff like Fine Young Cannibals and Steve Winwood were huge. I got really into rap when I was in high school, so I'd probably have to put the late Notorious B.I.G. and Illmatic by Nas on the list, too.


MRLT: What is a typical day in the life of John O., is there a day job?

John O: I get up pretty early and make coffee and breakfast. Depending on what day it is I'll either work on my music or I'll work on some art. I'm trained as a visual artist and also do lots of design work for bands in Toronto. Silk screening shirts, putting together show posters, photocopying 'zines - stuff like that. I'll usually switch it up at lunch and do whatever I wasn't doing earlier. Sometimes I go to the library and get some books to read.

Right now I'm reading Gender Trouble by Judith Butler, which is from the early 90s and deals with lots of stuff that I'm finding relevant to my own work as Diamond Rings. It basically has to do with confusing traditional gender stereotypes through dress and fashion.


MRLT: How has growing up in Canada shaped you as an artist and what's it like being part of the Toronto scene?

John O: I can't really say because I haven't lived anywhere else, but I'd imagine that being in Canada has made me feel a bit more like an "underdog" if that makes sense. It's definitely harder to get international recognition north of the American border, and because of how our country is laid out geographically it can make touring a really big hassle. Toronto is great though, I've met so many great people since I've moved here and we all try to help each other out.

My favourite local band right now is called Ghost Bees. They're twins and they play really spooky music inspired by Eastern European folk traditions and witchcraft! Sometimes I perform with them, as well as my BFF Katie Stelmanis who makes totally bonkers MIDI beats and sings like she should be in the opera. I also play in an alternative rock band called The D'Urbervilles, who are the best people ever.


MRLT: There's a Diamond Rings full length coming out in 2010, what should expect from it?

John O: Yes, it's called Special Affections and it will be coming out in spring 2010. Musically I'd expect everything from early 1980s New Order to late 2000s Usher. It's all pretty much MIDI beats with lots of live piano and vintage synth overdubs. I'm mostly proud of the lyrics though. I wrote each of these songs for special people and I really think it captures an exciting and important time in my life. Colin and I are going to make videos for almost every song too!


MRLT: Should we expect a tour of the U.S and a visit to Chicago soon?

John O: Yes and yes. Although there's nothing confirmed as of right now. But you'll be the first to know.


MRLT: Lastly, top 5 albums of 2009 for you and is there anything you feel people might have missed in 2009 that you want them to know about?

John O: 1. Timber Timbre - S/T
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
3. Fever Ray - S/T
4. Why? - Eskimo Snow
5. Handsome Furs - Face Control

And yeah, my number one pick Timber Timbre is probably the best artist in Toronto right now. His album is probably one of the most genuinely honest and downright spooky things I've ever heard in my life. He's great.

Look out for Diamond Rings in 2010. Watch a live performance of "Something Else" shot by Colin Medley below. This song is just as catchy, if not more than "All Yr Songs." Check it! And thank you, John O!



All Yr Songs-Diamond Rings-mp3 (Zshare)

Yeasayer-Odd Blood

With releases from Spoon, Interpol, Arcade Fire and the Strokes, 2010 is shaping up to be a colossal year for new releases. One album that might steal the cake is, Odd Blood, by Yeasayer. It's not even out yet, uh, it's not even 2010 yet and it's already making a case for album of the year for 2010. It's the Merriweather Post Pavilion of the new decade...

Watch the video(SFW!) for the amazing new single "Ambling Alp" below.



Yeasayer plays the Metro on April 29th, 2010

Top 20 Albums of 2009

Making lists is hard, but fun. These are my top 20 albums for 2009. I definitely had multiple silent raves listening to all of these throughout the year. Everyone should listen to these albums. There's something for everybody. If you're looking to get your dance on, or your rock on, or your sad on, or your juke on, or your "we're like the 900th band to sound like Joy Division, but somehow do it well without sounding like complete and total ripoffs," or your Canada on, or your makeout on, or your " I feel like I'm running in the Olympics in slow motion and dancing at a rave at the same time," or your Jigga on, or your leather on, or your French pop that's sung in English, that is so amazing even though sometimes what you're singing about doesn't make complete sense to me and at times it sounds like you're singing with marbles in your mouth, which is an endearing trait that you carry and if my Ipod could talk to me, it would say, "can we please listen to something else! Sheesh." I think you get my point. Tres bien Phoenix! Tres bien 2009!

P.S. Where's my jetpack? You promised!

20. La Roux-La Roux
19. Jay-Z-Blueprint 3
18. Discovery-LP
17. The Rural Alberta Adavantage-Hometowns
16. White Lies-To Lose My Life
15. Jack Peñate-Everything is New
14. The Very Best-Warm Heart of Africa
13. Morrissey-Years of Refusal
12. Fuck Buttons-Tarot Sport
11. Kid Sister-Ultraviolet
10. We Were Promised Jetpacks-These Four Walls
9. Annie- Don't Stop
8. The Horrors-Primary Colours
7. The Whitest Boy Alive-Rules
6. Delorean- Ayrton Senna
5. The Big Pink-A Brief History of Love
4. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
3. Yeah Yeah Yeah's- It's Blitz!
2. The xx- The xx
1. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

New Hot Chip Video-"One Life Stand"

I'm gonna wait on my top albums until Monday. Till then watch the new Hot Chip video for "One Life Stand." The song is a definite toe-tapper.

Hot Chip - One Life Stand (MySpace Exclusive)

Hot Chip | MySpace Music Videos

Top 40 Songs of 2009

Here are my top 40 songs for 2009. I love all these songs and at some point or another during 2009, I would play these over and over, like a little kid. I think I played "Big Bills" about 30 times in a row the first time I heard it. These really should read 1A to 1NN, they're all so good. Each song comes with a link so you can hear them/watch the video.

1. Big Bills-Flosstradamus
2. 1901-Phoenix
3. VCR-The xx
4. My Girls-Animal Collective
5. All Yr Songs-Diamond Rings
6. Runaway- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
7. No Reasons-Vega
8. Bulletproof-La Roux
9. Paranoid-Kanye West
10. Empire State of Mind-JayZ feat. Alicia Keys
11. Animal-Miike Snow
12. 11th Dimension-Julian Casablancas
12. Drugs in My Body-Thieves Like Us
14. When We Swam-Thao and the Get Down Stay Down
15. Ulysses-Franz Ferdinand
16. Audacity of Huge-Simian Mobile Disco
17. Warm Heart of Africa-The Very Best
18. Sea Within A Sea-The Horrors
19. Something Is Squeezing My Skull-Morrissey
20. Feather-Little Dragon
21. Death-White Lies
22. Deli-Delorean
23. Hazel- Junior Boys
24. Dominos-The Big Pink
25. Dustland Fairytale-The Killers
26. Bad Times-Annie
27.The Fear-Lily Allen
28. Things Will Never Be The Same-jj
29. M.A.G.I.C.-The Sound of Arrows
30. Only if We Run-Julian Plenti
31. Hell Knows I'm in Love-Hamarrin and Robin
32. Thunder and Lighting-We Were Promised Jetpacks
33. Pull My Heart Away-Jack Peñate
34. Jake Summers-Fight Like Apes
35. So Insane-Discovery
36. The Reeling-Passion Pit
37. Right Hand Hi-Kid Sister
38. Keep A Secret-The Whitest Boy Alive
39. In the Summertime-The Rural Alberta Advantage
40. Destroy-Moneypenny

Best/Favorites of 2009

Top 5 Concerts
1) Phoenix-Park West, Chicago-6/13/09 - a couple weeks after the "official" release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, these dashing and smiley Frenchmen destroyed the Park West. It sure helps that Thomas Mars sang "1901," on a table right above me for an encore. Only regret is that I didn't put a thousand dollar bill in his pants for playing such an awesome concert.

2) Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Lollapalooza, Chicago 8/8/09- "We're not even suppose to be here."- Karen O. Replacing the Beastie Boys as Saturday night's headliner, Karen O showed that she was born to headline.

3) The Very Best-Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago 7/19/09 While folks watched the Flaming Lips do the same ol' thing for 900th time, a select few cut some serious rug over at the Very Best stage to end the weekend in style.

4) My Bloody Valentine-Coachella, Indio,California 4/19/09-Green grass, palm trees, mountains and the sound of 100 airplanes on 50 lawnmowers going off at the same time=Priceless.

5) Cut Copy-Vic Theatre, Chicago, 3/18/09-Favorite album of 2008, seen live in 2009.

Favorite concert moment: The Cure being shut down at Coachella. First they turned off the big screen TV's. Then they turned down the music. Then they cut off everything but the bass. Then everything. But after more than 3 hours the Cure kept on going, the crowd helping them on vocals, and ending with Robert Smith screaming the lyrics to "Grinding Halt." A fitting and epic end. Cure.


Best Thing I Heard Said at a Concert: Morrissey at Coachella "I smell burning flesh." Classic Mozzer.


Best New Artist: The XX. Honorable Mention: Delorean

Favorite Twitter: @Diplo. The man never sleeps. Just tweets. It takes real talent to be able to be so funny with only 140 characters on a consistent and daily basis.

Favorite TV Show: Gossip Girl. Only bad thing about this show is that it's called Gossip Girl. It's kinda difficult being a straight man and starting a conversation with, "Hey, did you watch Gossip Girl, last night?!?" XOXOLOLZ. Bonus points for the music they play during the show and having Sonic Youth on a episode.

Favorite Movie: Che. Ok, so it was officially released at the end of 2008, but I haven't seen a better movie since. Talk about epic. How Benicio Del Toro, and the film in general, did not receive some serious hardware in 2009 is beyond me. I can only begin to wonder why....

That's all for now. Top songs tomorrow, followed by albums on Friday. Stay tuned.

SURFER BLOOD

I will continue my "Best Of 2009" tomorrow, but I just wanted you to take a listen to Surfer Blood. They're from Florida and they're GOOD. You really can't go wrong with a name like Surfer Blood.

"Take It Easy"-Surfer Blood-mp3(zshare)

Video of the Year-2009-Diamond Rings-"All Yr Songs"

There's so many things that are right with this video. Winter sweaters, the running man, and dueling Glenn Robinson and Larry Johnson basketball jerseys are just a few of the highlights that are squeezed into this 2 minute and 44 second masterpiece. Not to mention the song is just so damn catchy. So catchy, that I bought the 7 inch immediately upon hearing it and I don't even own a record player. Well done, Diamond Rings!

UPDATE!!!: 12/9/09-I just received this email from John O. of Diamond Rings....

Hey Mauricio,

Wow! Well I'm totally flattered. Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked the video. Unfortunately, Sony BMG isn't so thrilled. It was taken down this morning on account of some sort of copyright violation. Here's the press release we've been sending out. Feel free to spread the word.

For Immediate Release:

Sometime on the morning of Wednesday, December 9th the Diamond Rings
music video "All Yr Songs" was removed from Youtube at the request of
Sony/BMG on the grounds of copyright infringement. Neither video
director Colin Medley or myself were consulted by either Sony/BMG or
Youtube before the video was removed and we therefore are unclear as
to whom or what we are infringing upon.

Colin has since received an email from Youtube stating that "we
received a notification of claimed copyright infringement regarding
the video from Sony BMG Music Entertainment. When we're notified that
a particular video uploaded to our site infringes another's copyright,
we remove the material as the law requires." To make matters worse,
he has been informed that his Youtube account status is "not in good
standing" and further "strikes may result in the termination of your
account". Colin's numerous videos have helped a great many bands reach
far beyond the physical boundaries of the Toronto scene, so for him to
potentially lose a means of disseminating his hard work would be a
real setback for our entire music community.

Despite all the crap, we're working hard to get the video back online
as soon as possible and will keep everyone notified with any new
developments in "Colin and John O's Most Bogus Corporate
Misadventure". Hopefully this is all just a big misunderstanding and
Sony/BMG will call us up tomorrow to offer the both of us a whole
bunch of autographed Beyonce or Modest Mouse albums for our troubles.
In the meantime I'm totally throwing out my Sony Sports Walkman.
Panasonic Shockwave XBS rules!

Heads High,
John O

The xx-Bottom Lounge 12/1/09

...but I was there. In 2009, when The xx played Chicago for the first time... When I start losing my edge I'll be able to tell the kids that I, indeed, was there. The xx is the best new band of 2009. And not just on record, but also in concert. Like the album, the xx's live show transfixes you with their subtle beats, and dreamy boy/girl vocals. It's like somebody is coming up from behind you and whispering something in your ear that you may or may not want to hear. And then you turn around and face your whisperer with the, "Oh, wow. I can't believe you just told me that" face. The music is dark and sexy, as is the stage show. You could barely make out the band members faces, who were dressed in all black and resemble teens that haven't fully gone through puberty, with their fresh fades and shy eyes. Young in looks, but mature in sound, The xx sounded like they'd been on tour for years, and not on their first go-around of U.S. cities. Many complain that there's nothing new and exciting in music, but this is it. I can't wait till they turn 25. No pressure, dudes. I'm excited. Watch some video that I shot of The xx performing "Crystalised" below.