Happy Birthday Crescent Fresh!
Ladies, ladies...let me tell you a little story. A story that is "super cres at best."
On February 27th, 1980, Mama Dukes Crescent was driven to Redbank Hospital, NJ in a sky blue corvette stingray. 28 years later, the eerily relevant truths of music celebrities are graciously pushed through the tight envelope of society with a wit and candor that only one man could achieve. Read that sentence again, its almost as good as the man this article is about.
So join me, elitists and angry-music-mobsters. Celebrate a birthday worth celebrating. Here is to the man that adds such a spice to this site, and even more basil and tarragon to the lives that he touches.
Happy Birthday Crescent Fresh!
- Echo and the Boys of Armed&Ready
One powerful Gato
“Cat Power!!!!”(Myspace) isn’t a war cry you would normally hear being shouted by Chan Marshall’s loyal fans. However, every single time I hear her stage name, I can’t help but think of a large group of rebellious furry felines raising a pro-cat call to arms.
Okay, now that I got that out of the way, on to the wonderful Cat Power.
Cat Power has been around for a while and I feel guilty for just now stumbling across her and wanting to be her fan. #1 fan that is. Chan, why won’t you return my calls and letters??? No worries babe, you’re probably busy. I’ll try again later.
Stalker mind-set aside, Cat Power has the most melodic, interesting and relaxing voice I’ve heard from a musician since Fiona Apple first hit the scene in 97. While I’m not the most verbose columnist here at A&R for describing music for you, I do know that she has that “I’m going to listen to this one song 30 straight times” thing going for her. You all know what I’m talking about…
So, until Chan calls back, A&R recommends:
1) The Greatest
2) Lived in Bars
3) He War
4) Sea of Love (cover)
5) Where is My Love
- Crescent Fresh
Far-Less is Far More than Post-Hardcore:
And Far-Less (MySpace) seems to be a band who has fallen into the first category, showing their hardcore roots in older songs like, “Dialogue Supervisor” and “Scorched Earth Policy.”
Far-Less is not your typical post-hardcore band. The band consists of six members, recently adding Elizabeth "Bitsy" Pina on keyboard. Their latest album, “A Toast To Bad Taste” is a huge album with anthems, passion, and the like. Songs are cleverly synced by segues, giving “A Toast To Bad Taste” a unified feel and a play-through interconnectivity. Plus, it's fun to listen to while driving fast.
Far-Less is only going to grow in popularity. This has not come without stains on the band dynamic, however. The (former) bassist, Joseph Powers, recently left the band to go back to college, essentially stating that the music industry is fickle and stagnant. He is quoted as saying, “For the past 4 years of touring we've never been able to make enough money to be self sustaining. It sucks.” Brandon Hackler has filled the position as the new bassist, too late however to make the album art.
Far-Less is a mature, yet raw band. They are not afraid to get loud when they need to, yet are aware of their melodic side, swirling many vocal ranges through crunch distortion and smart hooks.
Far-Less can be found on tour HERE.
- Echo
When Puppets Ruled The World
A&R Brings You Our Top 5 Favorite Videos Involving Puppets!
1. Weezer (MySpace) – Keep Fishin' Getting right down to it we have Weezer featuring the most famous puppets of all, The Muppets. No one can deny the warm fuzzy feeling we get from the blissfully innocent Muppets. This just proves that bands are really just pseudo-adults hanging on to childhood for dear life.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=9nQWTMaNII4[/youtube]
2. He Is Legend (MySpace) - The Seduction As a band, He Is Legend is known for their creativity and diverse musical repertoire. In this video, they use their track's range of dynamics to tell the classic story we all live; guy puppet falls in love with girl puppet, monster eats girl puppet, guy puppet enters the belly of the beast to save girl puppet. The highlight is definitely that the monster does the screaming parts. Great choreography guys.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=-dHAX1tanNM[/youtube]
3. Supergrass (MySpace) - Pumping on Your Stereo In the range of puppet videos someone has finally dared to take puppeteering to the next level by becoming puppets themselves. Supergrass parallels their cartoony musical vibe with an equally colorful and jovial visual.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=WXL_Xb0zT5g[/youtube]
4. Interpol (MySpace) - Evil As it turns out, this may be the creepiest video of A@R's puppet countdown. Interpol created this video to usher out their much anticipated sophomore release, Antics. This is by far my favorite track off the album and perfectly answers the question; If you were in a terrible car accident, teetering on the edge of life and death, would you experience it as a morose, semi-conscious dancing puppet? Yes, I believe you would.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=RNtGYdm2rOY[/youtube]
5. Mr. Oizo - Flat Beat This video has the least amount of props, production, and finance, but that didn't stop it from becoming an international cult hit back in 1999. I remember seeing it as a kid at 4am on what used to be Much Music and getting lost in some sort of smiley trance. This childish play on the executive lifestyle is both refreshing and playfully cynical.
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=YQXiew-DQH4[/youtube]
- Broken Humor
A Luscious Mix of Words and Tricks:
Most of you probably already know about these guys, but in case you don't, do yourself a favor and check out your new favorite band: The Shins (myspace). To quote Garden State, "it'll change your life, I swear." You'll probably start off light with a song or two saying "ahh, they're pretty good." Next, you'll move on to albums, then discographies. Eventually, it'll get to the point where you stop going to school/work because you're locked in your room all day listening to your favorite Shins song (which changes daily) on loop. Then come the interventions, the rehab, the withdrawal, etc. So just know what you're getting yourself into before you check out the latest gateway band to hit the streets. I'd recommend every song they've ever made...
...But if I had to pick some to start with:
- "Caring is Creepy"
- "New Slang"
- "Kissing the Lipless"
- "Fighting in a Sack"
- "Turn on Me"
- "Sea Legs"
- "Pressed in a Book"
Another one of those "best kept secret" bands is The Appleseed Cast, a group most of you probably heard of, just never actually heard. They've been my study/sleep/background mix for the past six months. They're by far the most relaxing, melodic indie band that I know of, and I think the subtle vocals and ethereal guitar lines are what really makes it. Also, from a musician's standpoint, these guys know what they're doing. They use technical concepts creatively, and blend it all in such a way that you wouldn't even notice unless you were looking for it.
If you like indie music and sex, then you'll like:
- "Steps and Numbers" (featured above)
- "Blind Man's Arrow"
- "Hanging Marionette"
- "Ice Heavy Branches"
- "On Reflection"
What do you get when you mix Shins-sounding vocals with Appleseed Cast-sounding music? Give up? Well, you get the up-and-coming Band of Horses (myspace) of course. Their albums Everything All the Time and Cease to Begin are chocked full of beautiful guitar lines with perfectly complementing vocal hooks from start to finish. I can't listen to them without feeling like I'm in a scene from a movie. And as a sidenote, if you check out their myspace, tell me the band members don't look like they're involved in an all out beard-growing competition. That's probably where they get all their Samson powers from. Anyway...
These are for you:
- "The Funeral" (featured above)
- "No One's Gonna Love You"
- "Island on the Coast"
- "Detlef Schrempf"
- "Is There a Ghost"
- Stansford
An Interview with Ryland Blackinton of Cobra Starship:
From 'Snakes on a Plane' to headlining a tour campaign, Cobra Starship (MySpace) is grabbing fans out of every town they see. Midtown's lead singer Gabe Saporta joined forces with Victoria Asher (keytar), Ryland Blackinton (guitar/keys), Alex Suarez (bass/keys) and Nate Novarro (drums) to form a band that strengthens the core of the party music genre.
I recently sat down with guitarist Ryland Blackinton to discuss Russian poetry, reverse astrophysics, and beer. Enjoy.
A&R: Ryland, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. We recently gave ten of our most loyal readers the opportunity to ask a most imaginative question each. The following questions are what they came up with...
1. Have you ever owned a Cobra and/or a starship? If not, do you see a trip to a pet store or Nasa in the near future?
RB: Actually, I am a little scared of snakes, to be honest. I am actually terrified of them. I just don't trust them. They give you no warning, they have no agenda, and they can move anywhere at any time.
2. Where does the band name Cobra Starship come from?
RB: Gabe actually has about 15 different stories he tells people, but there is one in particular that I actually believe. He used to have two vintage leather jackets, one that said “Cobra” and the other said “Starship Disco.” You could probably find them on eBay.
3. How has the Cobra Starship live show changed since the recent release of 'Viva La Cobra?'
RB: Well, now that we are picking up popularity and headlining a tour, we have bigger stages which means we can move around more. We also have scrims for band names and multiple keyboards on stage. Some of the songs are completely keyboard, so I'll put the guitar down and Alex and I will have fun with keyboards.
4. Whats the story behind the name of the song Pleasure Ryland and are you responsible for naming it?
RB: I am inadvertently responsible for naming the song. Its from my friend Michael Leviton,who had a song entitled, “You'll Pay For Your Day at Pleasure Island.” I always used to wear the shirt, and people started calling me Pleasure Ryland. See what I did there?
5. Yes. Yes I do. Talk to me about the Cobra Starship songwriting process. How does a Cobra Starship song get from start to finish?
RB: Well, the songs start with a beat and end with the vocals. I travel with a microKORG when on tour, and we all have external hard drives that we'll record things onto and pass back and forth to Patrick (of Fall Out Boy). I guess that is different than most emo bands, who start with a guitar and vocals.
6. Touring always brings out the half-delirious goofball in the most sound minds. What on-tour memory sticks out to you as wild, sassy, and illegal in 13 states?
RB: (Laughs) Well I can't exactly talk about illegal, but one thing that sticks out is Vegas. It really epitomizes the edict on touring. We were going out in limos to parties, surrounded by liquor at all times. But, you know, when you are on the road you are homeless, you have no money, and no food. There was a guy throwing one dollar bills from his hotel balcony, and we were in the street catching them all and fighting for them.
7. Have you touched Hayley Williams (of Paramore) yet this year? We mean this question in the most PG way.
RB: Hayley....Williams. Oh! Well I guess I did see her this year and we shook hands, so that counts, right? I didn't “touch-touch” her though, but yea we kinda shook hands.
8. What is the most embarrassing thing to happen to you or your band members on stage?
RB: Victoria. She fell right on stage, something about a shoe issue or a shoe malfunction, and it seemed like it was in slow motion. The crowd members around her all saw, and we enjoyed a smile together. She fell right on her face.
9. When you dance the night away, what is the Ryland Blackinton album of choice?
RB: It's gotta be Daft Punk's “Human After All.” I got into them while studying, and this is when I was getting into all of the French stuff, like Air, Cassius. It was around the time where “Around The World” was released.
10. Who is the best table tennis player of Cobra Starship? If this question has never been addressed, would you consider a YouTube Cobra Starship Ping Pong Tournament? You'd get to wear sweatbands...
RB: I would definitely wear the sweatbands. You know, that is interesting. I don't think we have ever played table tennis together. I play a bit of tennis, but never table tennis as a band. We may have to make some table tennis challenge videos.
A&R: We personally look forward to seeing them. Ryland, it was a pleasure. Thank you so much time for taking the time out of your schedule, and congratulations on selling out shows in over 75% of the venues you are traveling to.
RB: Thank you too!
Make sure to catch Cobra Starship on their headlining tour right now. Cobra Starship Tour Dates can be found HERE.
- Echo
I’m a Scientist, You’re a Scientist, We Are Scientists!!!:
We've alluded to them in past blogs and it's only natural that A&R's resident scientist super-freak give them their long overdue individual blogging. We Are Scientists (MySpace) are pure, indie-rock perfection straight out of my favorite Cardboard City... that would be Brooklyn, NY. This former three piece troupe (having lost their percussionist Michael Tapper to other worldly pursuits) has a tremendous UK following and rightly so... simply stated, they rock. Their tunes are infectiously laden with hooks and cadences that make you want drive fast and dance... AT THE SAME TIME. Their lyrics ooze with the sarcastic witticism that would make any hipster grin a slight half grin in concurrent approval and disapproval as if to say, "they kick ass, and I'm willing to compromise that air of assh*le indifference that makes me said hipster to let you know it." Their musical prowess is matched only by their sense of humor; the band is known for their website, affectionately called the "Sci-Cave" where they not only provide band updates, photos, merch., and the typical band site fare, but they also host an advice column that ventures to answer any and all questions with that witty sarcasm type thingy I was talkin' about earlier... observe:
"name: Ian
query: I get DANGEROUSLY aroused by my name…is this normal?
It is when your name is Ian. No name so successfully blends sexuality, bravado, courage, honesty, intensity, thoughtfulness, ethical commitment, athleticism, historical relevancy, height, surface area, tornado warnings, thermal radiation, and caramel.
Do you know what the problem would be? The problem would be if you didn’t shoot all over the inside of your pants every time you signed a letter."
Okay...maybe some of the answers are ridiculous... but damn are they entertaining...
Sporting one album entitled With Love and Squalor these guys are on the verge of releasing their second album Brain Thrust Mastery. Seriously, these guys are way too slick to pass up, so do yourself a favor: rape, pillage, heaven forbid PURCHASE their first album, give it a listen while reading their advice column and stifling the urge to simultaneously dance/lose control of you bodily functions/drown out the music in fiendish laughter, and wait with bated breath for their next album to drop.
-Rawk-the-'long lost W.A.S. member'-doc (if the irony of the band name and my occupation doesn't strike you... I will...)
A&R Rec's:
ALL OF IT
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1W5JBKeF04&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUHfmme7iow&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx8jIGlj9ho&feature=related[/youtube]
The Standardization of The Recording Studio – A Discussion:
The recording studio has never been a big, booming industry. Unsigned musicians are too poor to pay for a significant amount of studio time, signed musicians get appointed to in-house recording studios, and everyone else buys a Mac and sets up a ISO room in their shower, screening their 'pfft' and 'buh' sounds with a nylon stocking and some duct tape. Private recording studios have been struggling for the last decade or so, waiting for phone calls from part-time musicians who have mustered enough money from their girlfriends and wives who are on a decent salary.
However, there has been a small resonance from musicians dissatisfied with the sup-par living room sound. They want quality, and when it comes down to it, the best tools and sound engineering will give the best sounds.
So what if there was a nationwide chain of recording studios, geared on affordable prices and high quality...essentially, the Kinko's of music recording? Would aspiring artists latch on? Could an affordable studio pull the tech-savvy indie band away from their laptops? Would record companies, big and small, partner with a nationwide studio? We here at Armed&Ready are curious to hear your input. Leave some thoughts in the comment box below!
- Echo
Yacht Rock #11?
Damn right it is.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX1Nh6c80wo[/youtube]
For those of you not in the know, 'Yacht Rock' 11 is the sweetest thing since.....well, the last episode of 'Yacht Rock.' JD Ryznar and Hunter Stair tear it up again in what seems like the 2nd-to-last installment of the Yacht Rock dynasty. Guest cameo? Pie-to-the-face-right there is! Jason Lee as Kevin Bacon. Enjoy Kenny Loggin's escape from Jimmy Buffet's cult-like compound, with the help of Michael McDonald, James Ingram, and smooth, smooth music. Cut everybody!
- Echo
An Open Letter to Mr. Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Mr. Tom Whalley and Mr. Lyor Cohen:
Mr. Tom Whalley - Chairman and CEO of Warner Brothers Records, Inc.
Mr. Lyor Cohen - Chairman and CEO of U.S. Recorded Music, Warner Music Group
I am not sure how many e-mails (or even blog posts) you get a year from young 20-something entrepreneur hopefuls, but here it goes...
The music scene has changed. In the past 10 years, technology and illegal downloads have given way to a counter-culture audience with a feel-free attitude on downloading and music piracy. People download and exchange files like children trading baseball cards, and a lack of reprimand by the industry has made this black market a societal norm. There are no ramifications, besides the RIAA's suit against Jammie Thomas, and chances are in 2008 if you download copyrighted music from your personal computer, there will be no cop knocking at your door.
And because of this, there is a significant paradigm shift in consumer attitude. Consumers no longer need a harmonious 13-track album to put on their music player to achieve a certain mood. They hit shuffle on their iPod or iTunes, and just press next when a song doesn't satisfy them. Artists are now making music not for an album, but in hopes that a single track will become the new hot internet single.
There has also been an attitude change toward record companies. Millions of indie bands have access to MySpace and a 4-track-mixer, their friends have a makeshift studio, or something of the like. These bands are releasing their own recorded music. Artists are beginning to feel less and less of a need for the big record contract that makes them an overnight superstar. The current notion is that record companies are there to exploit bands, give them less than a dollar per record sale, and kick them off of the label when they are unproductive. Musicians are becoming discouraged with the state of record deals, and record companies are not making changes at the same rate as the music community's perception of what is fair and what is unconscionable.
This is where this e-mail doesn't become a badgering of the record industry, but a means for a change.
I have had this idea for some time now, where a record company like Warner Music Group's Warner Brother's Records would create and sponsor a “Music Camp” with the prestige of the great institutions in our country like Harvard or Princeton. This college would screen tens of hundreds of applicants yearly, accepting only 6-8 unsigned bands every quarter. These unsigned bands with infinite potential would come to this institution to solely work on music in hopes of creating the next best record. We would have record producers, lyricists and advisors of all sorts on hand to work directly with the musicians all hours of the day.
The bands would live on the premises for these four months, in an environment dedicated to the betterment of their craft. We would work one-on-one with each band, every day, mastering the next best thing. The bands would be responsible for recording a full length EP, along with tailoring their live show and “look.”
The goal is to make this institution a music factory, where we bring in unpolished yet extremely talented music groups and work directly with them to get them to a level of mastery and to have infinite success in the public domain. Warner Brother's Records would have the rights to their music, and the musicians will gladly sign a contract when they have been given such an incredible experience and know that together with Warner Brother's Records will be successful in the public domain. They have worked with an all-star group of music professionals, and together have now laid a thick foundation toward success in the music industry.
By the time the bands that have come to our institution and end up being successful in the music market, the music college will end up paying for itself. The name of the college will get stronger, more applications will come in, and the pool of bands to choose from will yield stronger outliers. This music factory will essentially be a condensed form of the music industry as a whole, as the screening process would serve like WMG's A&R division, producers are on-hand to apply their talents and give extremely important feedback, and contracts and negotiations can all happen in a controlled environment.
I welcome the opportunity to meet with the three of you to further develop these initial ideas, as all strong businesses start with a great idea and the means to achieve it. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to contact me at any time. My e-mail address is scott@armedready.com. Together, let's change the face of music on a global scale.
Sincerely,
Scott Greenberg
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