Acceptable Downtime

Dark Passages

Posted by Knive in Art on May 12th, 2010

Kate Gilmore’s Standing Here (2010) reminds me of dark thoughts that I had back in 1983. Except there was no escape and there were more colors than just yellow. Of course, at the time I was just 8. Definitely appreciate the hard work of this artist. Punching through those plaster walls and working as quickly as she does seems harrowing. Reminiscent of the Kill Bill scene?

You can learn about here new project, Walk the Walk here.

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It takes an ocean not to break

Posted by Knive in Reviews on April 30th, 2010

Not impressed with the writing in the NYT piece The National Agenda. Didn’t think it offered up the band in the brightest light or really explore their music too deeply, just their songwriting process (a bit). My guess is the author has never seen them live. Was nice to see they gave a shout out to Peter Katis, I have heard alot of good things about him from a friend. Also, interesting to see that they had moved to manhattan same time as I did. This piece really paled in comparison to an Arcade Fire sunday magazine piece that was published a few years ago.

Another friend just directed me to check out Marionette, who, I learned, The National played with the other night. I am listening to the album on their site right now and can say that I am really enjoying it.

I have tickets for The National at Radio City and at Electric Factory and am definitely going to have to see who is opening for them.

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Drunk Girls

Posted by Knive in Tracks on April 30th, 2010

The Spike Jonze video Drunk Girls off This is Happening is outstanding.

For some reason it reminded me of YYYs Y Control video from when I first saw it years ago.

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LCD, The Hold Steady and The National

Posted by Knive in Reviews, Shows on April 19th, 2010

Saw LCD perform at Webster Hall last week. The show was beyond amazing. The Album is streaming here legally*.

Also, got to see The Hold Steady in Williamsburg. Their new album is streaming on NPR.

The National indicate that the NYT is going to be streaming High Violet on April 23 at “its intended level of quality”. Awesome.

Upcoming shows we’re attending include Metric with Bear in Heaven and Hot Chip with The XX.

http://www.terminal5nyc.com

James Murphy: “We spent two years making this record and we want to put it out when we want to put it out. I don’t care about money – after it comes out, give it to whoever you want for free but until then, keep it to yourself.”

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The National

Posted by Knive in Tracks on April 15th, 2010

Someone recently asked me to name my top 10 The National songs — this is a nearly impossible task given the fact that there are live and alternate recordings of each song out there and on top of that a new album is days away and I am in love with two of those tracks.

Anyway, pre High Violet here it is:

About Today (White Sessions)
Fake Empire (Live)
All the Wine
Abel
Murder Me Rachel (live)
Apt Story
Start A War
All Dolled up in Straps
Cardinal Song
Slow Show / 29 Years

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Roadside Graves

Posted by Knive in Uncategorized on April 11th, 2010

My favorite song of 2010 so far may be Liv Tyler by the Roadside Graves. Please give it a listen. I am pissed I missed the Record Release show this weekend.

Album on sale at Amazon: You Won’t Be Happy With Me EP.

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January 2010 Playlist

Posted by Knive in Mixtapes on February 6th, 2010

I know that I am a little late with the January Mixtape but I think the wait will be worth it. Since we are early into 2010, I took a look back to find some interesting bonus tracks, alternate recordings, covers and live recordings from year’s past in addition to some new stuff. And for once I have taken some time to put them in some type of order.

Enjoy:

Sleepyhead Passion Pit Chunk of Change [EP] 2008 (listened to this guy guest DJ on Matt Pinfield show — his fav bands are Blur and Smashing Pumpkins)
King Of Carrot Flowers, Pt 1 Neutral Milk Hotel In The Aeroplane Over The Sea 1998 (one of the great albums all time – didn’t get love til recently)
My Boys Taken By Trees East Of Eden 2009 (unique “cover” of (Animal Collective ’s “My Girls”)
Satellite TV on the Radio Young Liars (real early TVOTR – real good)
Got Nuffin Spoon Transference 2010 (best song of 2010?)
For Real Okkervil River Black Sheep Boy 2005 (haunting early Okkervil)
We Were Sparkling My Brightest Diamond Bring Me The Workhorse 2006 (haunting and beautiful MBD – she performed in The Long Count)
10 Mile Stereo Beach House Teen Dream 2010 (performing w The National in Brooklyn this summer)
90 Mile Water Wall The National Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers 2003 (early National – have not heard (m)any of these songs from this album played at any concerts the last 3 years)
The Trapeze Swinger Iron & Wine Around The Well 2009 (somehow missed this in 2009)
Bermuda Highway My Morning Jacket At Dawn 2001 (great early recording demo exists too)
Floating Vibes Surfer Blood Astrocoast 2010 (PB recommends)
When My Love Comes Down (Version 2) Grinderman Grinderman 2007 (Nick Cave at his finest)
Summer Babe Pavement Live 6/13/92 Shank Hall Milwaukee, WI (Pavement inspired the National to get into a band (pfork article) they are playing together in Paris this spring – can you tell I’m excited about new National recording?)
Wildfires (Bonus) Josh Ritter The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter (Live in Ireland version is amazing as well — this song is spectacular)
(In Heaven) Lady In The Radiator Song The Pixies Pixies at the BBC 1998 (Yes. This is a cover from David Lynch’s masterpiece EraserHead)
Bonus Track: Lie to Your Girl, I Want to Be Your Man Chainsaw Trio Chainsaw Trio 2009 (Not available on gbridge)