Artist Appreciation: Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer

I've decided to start a new feature: Artist appreciation posts. Whenever I feel like it, I'll write about one of the artist I love. To "switch it up", I'm going to start at the bottom of the alphabet. So Zolof it is!

I was really into Zolof when I was in 11th grade. Anthony Green sang with them for a while. The funny thing is I never liked Circa Survive or Saosin really. But anyway. They are just... cute. Haha. I love when there are male and female vocals in a band, and their instrumentals are way catchy. My favorite song was always "Plays Pretty for Baby". I think it captures adolescence so perfectly. Especially the lyric:
"I feel your smooth skin slightly brush against the backside of my arm."
I think everyone can identify with that feeling of electricity between someone you're "crushing on". Even when they just barely touch you it's exciting.
The song is short and sweet, adorable, and has some feel-good "do-do-do's" in the chorus. What's not to love?
Download:

Plays Pretty For Baby

Chopin Lizst

Chopin.

I am constantly thinking of new ways to make music-related lists, and I have found another! Woo! I love music obvi, and lists are another passion haha. I want this notepad I saw once that said "Chopin Lizst". I find that highly amusing. But anyway. Here are my favorite artists from A-Z. Please don't make fun of me. What's yours?

A- Amy Winehouse and Arcade Fire
B- Beirut/Broken Social Scene/Bright Eyes
C- Cursive/CocoRosie
D- Death Cab for Cutie/DeVotchKa
E- The Elected/Ella Fitzgerald
F- Feist/Fleetwood Mac
G- Grizzly Bear/The Good Life
H- Her Space Holiday/Hellogoodbye
I- Islands/I'm from Barcelona
J- Jenny Lewis/Joanna Newsom
K- Kool & The Gang/Kings of Convenience
L- Lily Allen/Lykke Li
M- METRIC/Mates of State
N- New Pornographers/No Doubt
O- Of Montreal/Obi Best
P- Postal Service/PAS/CAL/Pony Up!
Q- Queen (For lack of a better alternative)
R- Rilo Kiley/Radiohead/Regina Spektor
S- Stars/Sufjan Stevens/The Shins/Sea Wolf
T- Tilly & The Wall/Tegan and Sara
U- The Unicorns
V- Velvet Underground and Nico/Vampire Weekend
W- Whitest Boy Alive/The Woods
X- Xiu Xiu (For lack of a better alternative)
Y- Young Galaxy/Y.a.c.h.t.
Z- Zach Condon/Zooey Deschanel

There is a disproportionate number of excellent bands that start with S! That one was a very difficult decision lol

Humble Adoration

I love Kate Winslet.
I'm so glad she got the Oscar for best actress!
She is such an inspiration to me.
I cried when she won.
She shouldn't be married to Sam Mendes.
She should be married to Leo.
She is the best actress of our generation.
I can't believe she beat out Meryl!
Her hair looked kinda weird at the Oscars, but that's okay.
My favorite movies of hers are Sense and Sensibility, Titanic, and Revolutionary Road.

In other news:
I am so excited to get a record player finally!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited to start collecting records finally. (Right now I have 2 lol.)
I'm so excited to own my favorite music on vinyl.
First purchases will be:
More Adventurous- Rilo Kiley
Execution of All Things- Rilo Kiley
The Ugly Organ- Cursive
Sun, Sun, Sun- The Elected
Rabbit Fur Coat- Jenny Lewis & Watson Twins
Islands in the Stream 7"- Constantines feat. Feist
Arcade Fire- Funeral
Dark was the Night- Various Artists
Transatlanticism and Something About Airplanes- Death Cab for Cutie

Haha that should be good for now. I'm so excited!!!

Bonnaroo vs. Coachella

I've always thought Coachella would be more fun to experience, but this year's Bonnaroo lineup looks better than Coachella's!

Reasons to go to Coachella
Jenny Lewis
Beirut
Conor Oberst
Crystal Castles
Los Campesinos!
Paul McCartney
Lykke Li
Amy Winehouse
The Cure
The Yeah Yeahs

Reasons to go to Bonnaroo
Jenny Lewis
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Andrew Bird
Bon Iver
Of Montreal
Animal Collective
Neko Case
Kaki King
Grizzly Bear
St. Vincent
Crystal Castles
The Ting Tings
Okkervil River
Beastie Boys

Hmmm... Too bad Bonnaroo is in Tennessee! So far away. But so many good artists!!!!!!

New Band: JJAMZ

(From left to right: Alex, James, Jason, Z. Berg, and Michael.)
Cool! A new Rilo Kiley side project! This band is called JJAMZ, for the first initial of each member's name. It includes Jason Boesel of Rilo Kiley, Alex Greenwald of Phantom Planet, Z. Berg of The Like, James Valentine of Maroon 5, and Michael Runion. Jason James Alex Michael and Z. Haha I think this is a cool combination. Obviously I love Jason but I also really love The Like (I just wish they would put out another album already) and seeing Phantom Planet recently made my respect for them go up. Their cover of Radiohead's Paranoid Android was very decent! But anyway, this is a "Jam Band" according to their myspace, but I hope they release something! The two songs they have up are cool. Check it out: http://www.myspace.com/jjamztheband
I found this out on Rilokiley.net, so thanks to them.

Lego Album Covers

I thought this was really entertaining! Someone decided to recreate iconic album covers in lego form. See it here: http://www.thetoyzone.com/20-album-covers-recreated-in-lego/
The Aphextwin one was disturbing, but a lot made me laugh, like the Norah Jones one and the Velvet Underground one.

My Favorite Albums of 2008!

1- Jenny Lewis- Acid Tongue.
As Jenny is my dearest hero, this probably seems obvious. But I truly, truly loved this album. Jenny has always had an incredibly versatile voice, whether it's screaming (A Town Called Luckey), yodeling (Gravity), singing barely above a whisper (A Better Son/Daughter), soaring (I Never) or aching (About the Moon). On this record she shows even more sides of her, from singing in a high, high key (Black Sand) to yelling out in a sultry manner (The Next Messiah). I REALLY want Rilo Kiley back, but this will certainly do for now!

2- Lykke Li- Youth Novels.
I first heard Ms. Li over the summer, and was instantly in love. I am a sucker for Swedish music as it is, but she is just amazing. Her songs are insanely catchy, and her voice coos and soars, sometimes a yelp and sometimes a whisper. This album never fails to put me in a better mood, and that's valuable.

3- She & Him- Volume One.
Ah, She & Him. Zooey and Matt are quite the dynamic duo on this album! Zooey Deschenal's beautiful voice (which everyone first heard on Elf), is the perfect compliment to M. Ward's lovely guitar. My favorite thing about this album is how old it sounds. I'm a sucker for retro music, whether it's 20s, 30s, 70s or 80s and She & Him have such a timeless sound.

4- Death Cab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs.
My favorite Death Cab album will always be Transatlanticism, but this album is really quite great. It isn't nearly as accessible as Plans, which I think is a good thing. It is more reminiscent of Something About Airplanes, which I also love. So that's good. More clever lyrics and metaphors abound this time around, from the symbolism of the remainder in "Long Division" to the sad metaphor in "Your New Twin-Sized Bed". Ben's voice sounds as good as ever, and the melodies are perfect. Seeing the album performed live was truly a treat.

5- Duffy- Rockferry.
Another thing I'm a sucker for is soul music (see Amy Winehouse, Nikka Costa, Adele, Ella Fitzgerald, etc) so I knew I would like this before I even heard it. Duffy apparently was a runner-up on Welsh American Idol, and I bet the judges are kicking themselves now. She has a great ear for hooks, and a great smoky voice!

6- Islands- Arm's Way.
The Unicorns (RIP) and now The Islands have always enchanted me, with their quirky songs and bizarre, dark lyrics, and this album didn't disappoint. I still like Return to Sea better, but Arm's Way was by no means a disappointment. My favorite song is probably "Creeper", with it's funky guitar and eerie vocals, but they're all good, really!

7- Kate Nash- Made of Bricks.
Another one of my vices is female British singers (Lily Allen anyone?) and I LOVE Kate Nash. She has really funny, honest lyrics. For example: "I use mouthwash, sometimes I floss, I've got a family and I drink cups of tea"- Mouthwash. She can be a little bitter at times, with songs like "A is for Asthma and Annoying" and "I Hate Seagulls", but I like a little bitter. I also love music I can identify with, therefore I love this.

8- Right Away, Great Captain!- The Eventually Home.
The RAGC! albums are a 3 part series that are basically the musings of a sailor at sea. I think when concept albums work, they REALLY work, and this is an example of that. The music is really beautiful: sometimes angry, sometimes lonely, sometimes light-hearted, and I think it probably captures the sea life well, not that I would know. It distantly reminds me of Bright Eyes, which is always good. (Note: This is the cover of their first album, because there are NO photos of the new one to be had!)

9- Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend.
Vampire Weekend is by far the most over-hyped band in the history of the world, or at least the blogosphere, but all that hype is there for a reason. Their tunes are insanely catchy, and even when I tried to avoid them... I couldn't. They write blissful afro-pop, with strings and yearning voices and references to the East Coast. I've lived in Boston, New Jersey and Virginia so it was fun to hear songs about Cape Cod, for example, and have childhood memories come to the surface of my thoughts.

10- Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago.
This album was written and recorded in a little cabin in the woods, and it shows. It is simple but it pierced my soul. The vocals are very nice, and I like to picture a little hut with smoke coming out of the chimney and a gorgeous male voice echoing out of it and through the surrounding forest, and little forest animals gathering around to listen. But that's just me.

Anyway, those are my 10 favorite albums of this year. 2007 was a better year for music, I'd say, but this one was still great.

I also loved these CDs: Honorable Mentions (In no particular order):
MGMT- Oracular Spectacular
Mates of State- Re-Arrange Us
Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes
Tilly & The Wall- O
Coldplay- Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Department of Eagles- In Ear Park
Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning- Something for All of Us
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band- Conor Oberst
Hot Chip- Made in the Dark
Cat Power- Jukebox
Destroyer- Trouble in Dreams
Born Ruffians- Red, Yellow & Blue
Of Montreal- Skeletal Lamping

Concert Review: Of Montreal

Yes, this concert was back on the 17th, but I've been busy lately! Of Montreal is one of the strangest, craziest, most flamboyant bands making music right now, and I knew their live show wouldn't disappoint... but I had no idea what I was getting into! This was seriously the CRAZIEST most dramatic performance I've ever seen. It wasn't even a concert- it was an extravaganza. The instruments and vocals and costumes and dancing were perfect. It started out with people in silver costumes dancing onstage, which was very Across the Universe-esque, and then Kevin Barnes was carried out in a curtained box. And the outrageous stage antics only escalated as the night went on. I was literally incapacitated the next day- I was so sore from jumping up and down and screaming that I could barely walk, I had a throbbing headache, and I was still in a delirious state of excitement. I had red paint rubbed on my face, feathers and glitter in my hair, my hair was soaked with sweat,and I smelled like onions and lettuce. Haha yeah. My social inhibitions usually prevent me from dancing at concerts, but this one was special. I was dazzled. Of Montreal= Pure Insanity.
Here are some pictures I took at the show:

Veteran's Day! 11/11!

In honor of our brave men/women/animals who have fought in the armed forces, here is a commemorative photo and a great Rilo Kiley song involving Veteran's Day. Or at least 11/11 and war.
Love And War (11/11/46)
Enjoy!
PS: This song is available on iTunes or on the album More Adventurous! Buy it!

Music Shuffle Survey

Here's a tree-woman I drew back in the days when I didn't pay attention in History. Anyway.Put your music player to shuffle and answer the questions about the song.
Song #1: Two Cars- Death Cab For Cutie
What's the first line in the song?: "Try to scrape it off the thought of skin against skin"
How long has this band/artist been around?: Probably 12 years..
Do you have a specific memory associated with this song?: No
Can you relate to any of the lyrics?: Yes.
Do you like any other songs by this band/artist?: Virtually everything!
Song #2: Johnathan David- Belle and Sebastian
Does any part of this song make you laugh?: How silly B & S are..
What is your favorite lyric in this song?: There's still room in my wooden horse for two
Have you ever seen this band/artist live?: Unfortunately, no
What is the first song from this band/artist that you remember hearing?: "Take Your Carriage Clock and Shove It" Haha
What kind of mood does this song put you in?: It makes me feel.. whimsical!
Song # 3: On The Table- A.C. Newman
Does this song make you think of a certain person?: Yes, the person that burned it on a mix for me.
What is the last line in the song?: Now the plain blonds are playing along with you, on the table!
If someone just randomly said the above line to you, how would you react? laugh..
Are any lyrics in this song suggestive of sex in any way?: Sure, on the table!
Has any other band/artist covered this song?: Nope, its only sung by Carl Newman!
Song # 4: Sentimental Journey- Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her
What is the 7th line in this song?: electrocute!
Does the above line have any special meaning to you?: No, besides the fact that I'm afraid of being electrocuted.
Would this song be suitable to play at a wedding?: I guess an edgy, dark wedding..
Have you seen the video for this song? If yes then describe it.: No.
What is this song about?: Surrendering to your feelings for someone
Song # 5: Drive My Car- The Beatles
Would you be embarrassed if someone caught you singing this song out loud?: No, because everyone loves The Beatles
What is the 4th line in the song?: But you can do something in between..
If you had to give this song a rating, what would it be: G, PG, PG13 or R?: PG, for innuendo
Would you be shocked if your parent(s) liked this song?: No, I was raised on the Beatles!
Do you find the singer of this song attractive?: Haha no.
Song # 6: Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis (Tom Waits Cover)- Neko Case
Can you play this song on any instrument?: No, not on a single instrument!
Have you ever seen anyone that looks like the singer of this song?: Yes, a red-headed family friend
What is the funniest or most clever lyric in the song?: I think about you
everytime I pass a fillin station on account of all the grease you used to wear in your hair
Has this song been in any movies?: Maybe the Tom Waits original..
Does this song make you think of someone?: Yes.
Song # 7: Temperature- Sean Paul
What kind of mood does this song put you in?: Hyper. R&B does that to me.
What is the chorus of the song?: I got the right temperature to shelter you from the storm.
Oh lord, gal I got the right tactics to turn you on, and girl I...
Wanna be the Papa...You can be the Mom....oh oh!
Replace the 4th word of the song with the word "Beaver".....: Well woman the Beaver..
Do you know anyone that hates this band?: I'm sure a lot of people are annoyed by Sean Paul haha
Song # 8: Teen Love- Peter Bjorn and John
Is there a certain memory that you associate with this song?: No.
What is the 12th line in the song?: Why is this so hard? I won't cry.
If this band came to a town near you, would you go see them?: Definitely! I love Swedish bands!
Have you ever kissed anyone when this song was playing?: No.
Is there anything policical about this song?: No.
Song # 9: Take Me To The Riot- Stars
What is your favorite lyric in the song?: The one with the empty looking eyes/Come closer, you’ll see me/The face that is used to telling lies
Replace the 2nd word in your favorite lyric with "toilet"...: The toilet with the empty looking eyes.. HAHA.
Is this one of your favorite bands/artists?: Yes! I love aching melancholy boy/girl harmonies.
Have you ever sang this song out loud?: Yes! Screamed it!
When is the first time you ever heard this song?: When I bought this album a year or so ago..
Song # 10: Does He Love You? - Rilo Kiley
What is this song about?: It's complicated. The narrator has a thing with a married man whose spouse doesn't love him and only married him because she was afraid of her time running out. Then when her husband actually goes to leave her for the narrator she realizes she loves him and he decides to stay and the narrator is sad.
Replace the last word in the song with the word "Sparta".....: Let's not forget ourselves, good friend/I am flawed if I'm not free/And your husband will never leave you/
He will never leave you for Sparta. Lol
Does this song get played a lot on the radio?: Maybe on cool indie stations that don't exist where I live..
Where is this band/artist from?: L.A.!
Would this song be appropriate to play at a funeral?: It is sad, but the content isn't right

Concerts I've Attended

To give you a general idea of a small area of my music tastes, here is a list of bands I've seen live. The place I live isn't the best for concerts, but I do my best to see anyone good who comes! Note: I don't distinguish between headlining and opening bands...
My favorite shows are italicized.

Rilo Kiley (Twice)
Michael Runion
The Cassettes
Death Cab For Cutie (Twice)
Mates of State
Muse
The Like
The Shins
Silversun Pickups
Ok Go
Snow Patrol
Reggie and the Full Effect
Hellogoodbye (Twice)
Cute is What We Aim For
Get Him Eat Him
Matt Costa
Modest Mouse
Polysics
Young Love
Say Anything
Seve Vs. Evan
Mr. Fusion
The Brobecks
Regina Spektor
Only Son
Ours
Circa Survive
The Dearhunter
Fear Before The March of Flames (haha)
The Most Serene Republic
Datarock
I Hate Kate
Love You Long Time
Shiny Toy Guns
Victim Effect
Emme Packer
Atherton
Johan the Angel
Sea Wolf
Brooks and Dunn (Ew.)
Corbin Bleu
Tegan and Sara
Broken Social Scene
The Big Sleep
Neko Case
Crooked Fingers
Ssion
Tilly and the Wall
CSS
Matisyahu
Brother Ali
Shinedown
Nikka Costa
Pictures and Sounds
The Maine
Phantom Planet
Icy Demons
Of Montreal

...And a few songs.
Rilo Kiley: Portions For Foxes
off their album More Adventurous, which you can buy here: http://www.amazon.com
Nikka Costa: Stuck On You
off her album Pebble to a Pearl, which is available at http://www.amazon.com
Broken Social Scene: 02 marketfresh.mp3
off their album Bee Hives, which is also available at http://www.amazon.com