Adventures at Intonation

Yeah, I'm already a day late with this whole Intonation recap thing, but something must be said, no? I'll have pictures up at a later time when I get them developed. Even though they're probably gonna be crap pictures since they were taken on a disposable, they will still be shared with all you lovely people, nonetheless. I still don't think that I've fully recovered from the fest, y'know, after standing on my feet for about a total of 18 hours over the course of two days. Luckily, the fest was amazing enough to numb any pain that I would soon feel.

Saturday, June 24

I get to the park a little before 1PM with plenty of time to spare to see the first act, Favourite Sons. Only thing is, my name isn't on the guest list, so I was told that I might be on the VIP list, which includes all access and a sandwich. That's right, a sandwich y'all. I'm living the good life now for sure is what I was thinking. Of course I wasn't on the VIP list, which sucked because not only do I not receive a sandwich, but I had to walk all the way around Union Park just to get there, and I have to walk another lengthy distance to get back to the front gate. I frantically call my contact at Vice who was mad busy at the time trying to figure out what was going on. All I got was the voicemail, which was expected, since c'mon now people, they're working for the people who are curating and helping to run the fest. Anyways, as it turns out, the will call booth didn't have the Vice guest list, so I was able to get in once I name dropped my contact. If it hadn't been for the runaround, I would have been able to see Favourite Sons. I walked into one of my DJs who was there and he told me they suck. I trust his taste, so take it however you want to. I let up my black umbrella for shade and proceeded to enjoy the day.

Erase Errata

I walked in on the middle of their set and I was impressed from what I heard. Good enough to start the day off and get your foot tapping.

90 Day Men

Nice melodic background music. I would be very interested to hear what they sound like in the studio, but I really kept tuning out through all their Sigur Ros lite instrumentals.

Devin The Dude

Finally, the first act on today's bill that I'm looking forward to seeing. Devin brought multiple lols as expected, but his music isn't really suited for such an expansive venue. His demeanor and his tracks are so laid back that I can't imagine how the translation would be to someone who was halfway across the field (I was right in front of the stage). He did his verse from "Fuck You" which got everybody rockin', and I left a few songs after that to get a good view for Jose Gonzalez.

Jose Gonzalez

Oh man, what a lovely set. Guy+acoustic guitar usually = zzzzz because it's so hard to sustain interest with no accompaniment, but judging from Veneer, I knew he could pull it off. The crowd surprisingly cheered when he started playing "Heartbeats." I had no idea there were so many Knife fans in Chicago. Or maybe they just really like Jose's take on it since he makes it sound really really pretty.

You can't tell nobody. I'm talkin' 'bout nobody.

Sorry for the long delay in posts. Summer school doesn't allow for any free time. Anyways, thought you guys should be made aware of The Gossip's cover of Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody." Of course, nothing could ever compare to the original, but I like this slow, leering, kinky take on it. Go download it at www.myspace.com/gossipband .

Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push

The video for "Kick Push" is finally out. I love how they choose some of the more subtler and lesser known Chicago locations (the Puerto Rican flag gate on Western and Division), but nothing terribly impressive except for some cool skateboarding tricks. If you haven't heard this song yet, now is a good time for an introduction. This kid is talented in the classical sense and I'm itching for the day that Food and Liquor drops. You can watch the video here:

Real
http://streamos.atlrec.com/real/atlantic/lupefiasco/video/kickpush/kickpush.ram

Windows Media
http://streamos.atlrec.com/wmedia/atlantic/lupefiasco/video/kickpush/kickpush-100.wvx

QuickTime
http://streamos.atlrec.com/qtime/atlantic/lupefiasco/video/kickpush/kickpush-100.mov

The Concretes - In Colour

Don't look so glum. The new Concretes album isn't as good their self-titled debut, but that album was amazing, so it would be difficult for anyone to produce an equal follow up. I'm sure you probably miss the hazy overtones of the production and the unique combination of the Velvet Underground's minimalism and The Supremes' bursting choruses that took the songs to delightful heights. At first listen, In Colour seems like another bland and unimaginative indie pop release because of the absence of said hazy production, but the real strong suit of The Concretes is still there: the songs, silly. In Colour may feel less dream-like than its predeccessor, but it's still worth the time of any melody addict looking for a soundtrack to the spring season. "Tomorrow" is the one track that reminds me the most of their 2004 album and further proves that if the original songwriting thing doesn't work out, they could very well have a future as the greatest Mazzy Star cover band to ever grace this universe.


The Concretes-Tomorrow

You can buy the album at Amazon by clicking here

Van Hunt - On The Jungle Floor

Holy shit. I know it's pretty cliche of a blog to use hyperbole, but once again I gotta say it. Holy shit. I dug Van Hunt a lot the first time around. His self-titled debut released in 2004 was a very solid effort and had a few tracks that would help to break him away from being lumped in with all the other inauthentic, over-produced neo-soul flavors of the month. The choruses on "Dust" (a top 10 single of the year for me) and "Hold My Hand" shimmered vibrantly and more cheerily than most modern soul does nowadays. But for his latest album, On The Jungle Floor, which was just released this Tuesday, Mr. Hunt fulfills the promise he showed on Van Hunt and clearly stakes a claim for the title of soul's boy wonder. D'Angelo is too busy gaining weight and smoking weed. Maxwell hasn't been heard from since 2001. And as much as I love Anthony Hamilton, he's a one-trick pony, ladies and gentlemen. In what is typical of sophomore albums, Hunt expands his sound, runninng the gamut from smooth funk to even some pyschedelic rock. It's clearly no surprise why Van Hunt was one of the few artists to escape Sly's Grammy tribute unscathed. This album proves that he is the real deal and one of today's true progenies of Sly's sound (instead of say, Ciara or the guy from LFO). On The Jungle Floor is the first album I've heard this year that has chiseled its place on my top 20. The two tracks that I'm digging the most are "The Thrill Of This Love," which probably has the most soaring hook on the whole album and seems like the kind of would-be single that everyone except for America could embrace. "Hot Stage Lights" is the album cover come to life. Suave, sexy, smoldering and funky. Just check out the man's threads in that picture. If there was ever a wikipedia entry on being the shit, Van Hunt would have several links on it. It's beyond clear that he's the man of the year.

The Thrill Of This Love
Hot Stage Lights

You can also buy the album here at Amazon

Jan. & Feb. Singles Round-up

Okay, it's been a crazy long time since I've done one of these, but I've been trying to get more and more in the spirit of updating this blog more often (two posts in two months! like lightning I am). So here goes, and hopefully by the time May rolls around I'll have more posts and I'll do another one of these


Fiona Apple-Not About Love
The Extraordinary Machine has quickly become the queen of capturing beauty and heartache all in one song. The Jon Brion version would be a 10 for me, but the Elizondo version still warrants a strong (9)

Beyonce F/ Slim Thug & Bun B. -Check On It
So it looks as if Swizz Beats finally managed to update his synth horror sound that brought him fame in the late 90's and turn it into a success. One of his better productions in recent memory and the way Beyonce coos over the track makes it even more dreamier. (8)

Black Eyed Peas F/ Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Cee-Lo & John Legend-Like That
Party like it's 1993! But getting serious for a moment, I can't remember being this much in love and surprised by a BEP song in ages. Is it because of the guest appearances or the lack of Fergie? (8)

Bow Wow F/ Mike Jones-Fresh Azimiz (Remix)
The keyboards have a very David Banner-ish progression. As for Bow Wow, I'm not sure he isn't that different from Nick Cannon. (6)

Bubba Sparxxxx-Ms. New Booty
The beat comes on. You think it's a new Ying Yang Twins joint, but Bubba's voice says otherwise. You haven't heard Bubba spit on a club track in a long time. This makes you smile. And then, your body freezes in mid-thrust while you're dancing as soon as you hear some of the most fucking annoying, useless, grating, idiotic shouting that you've ever heard on a party song. The chorus is akin to farting during sex. (6)

Busta Rhymes-Touch It
If a club could be banged any more harder than this, you would think there was a terrorist attack after you viewed the aftermath. (8)

D4L-Betcha Can't
When they don't make annoying candy references, these guys aren't that bad. So not about the lyrics with these guys, it's about the groove. (7)

Goldfrapp-Ride A White Horse
The Queen and King of dark electro pop continue to kick out the jams. This single goes along with the more atmospheric feel of Supernature as compared to Black Cherry. (8)

Juvenile-Rodeo
Quasi R&B track in which Juvy auditions for the role of your perverted drunken uncle. (7)

Jzabehl-Naughty Boys
If I had a choice between this song or whatever Pussycat Dolls song that's on the radio, I'd probably blow my fucking brains out. (3)

Kaiser Chiefs-Na Na Na Na Na
Wears out its welcome quick after a few spins. You may think that you're listening to a good song, but be honest, you were probably pre-occupied with something else at the time, weren't you? (5)

The Like-June Gloom
The breakdown during the chorus was one of the most gorgeous things I heard all last year. If this doesn't make their album a hit, then nothing else will. (9)

Tha Liks-The Flute Song (LaLaLa)
Don't worry. They still got it. (8)

Madonna-Sorry
Euphoric. Scorching. Pulsing. We forgive you, baby. (9)

Matisyahu-King Without A Crown
OMG! He'z Jewish and he singz reggae! So rad! (2)

Morningwood-Nth Degree
I don't care if it's considered faux-indie or whatever you wanna call it, catchy is as catchy does. (7)

Ne-Yo-So Sick
Dude, you really should have kept "Let Me Love You" to yourself. (4)

Nelly F/ Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp-Grillz
Paul Wall compares his mouth to a disco ball for the approximately 215th time, but JD's solid production and the hook are here to save the day. (7)

Pink-Stupid Girls
Pretty pedestrian musically for Pink, but I can always take comfort in the fact that she more than likely always have something interesting to stay. The video is a 9, the song: (6)

The Pipettes-Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me (pictured above)
Seriously, when have you ever heard a song where cheerleader chants, organs and guitars didn't work? (9)

Prince-Black Sweat
Warning: Track may not cause you to a holler like a white girl but may cause serious dehydration and sunburn. When you finally think that Prince has stepped into the 21st century, he goes all Minn. funk on the chorus just to remind us all who the fuck he is. (7)

Mark Ronson F/ Phantom Planet-Just
I swear to you guys, even though this is one of my top 5 Radiohead songs, I approached this cover as objectively as I could. It's just a damn good recording. (8)

T-Pain F/ Mike Jones-I'm In Luv With A Strippa
I admire T-Pain's honesty. First he was sprung, and now he's in love with a stripper. He gets points for interesting content, but that's really the only thing interesting about this song, which is sorely lacking in replayability. (5)

Sean Paul-Temperature
I actually feel sorry for Sean Paul. He releases two of the greatest singles of 2003 and possibly the decade ("Get Busy" and "Like Glue"), so everything afterwards is gonna pale in comparison. The Trinity won't do Dutty Rock numbers, but that's hard to grasp when the singles are this blazing. (8)

The Sounds-Song With A Mission
More proof that Sweden will make any feeble attempt at American music look weak. Their sound hasn't changed much since Living In America, but lest you forget, Living In America kicked ass. (9)

Three 6 Mafia-Popping My Collar
Worthy follow-up to the amazingly hot "Stay Fly." The rest of the album isn't as soul-infused as the singles would have you believe, but they've always made great music, so don't be alarmed. (8)

The Veronicas-Everything I'm Not
I wouldn't judge any heterosexual males who sing along to this song in the mirror while using their brush as a microphone. This is your one free pass. But if you're singing along to one of those tuneless Hilary Duff tracks... (8)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Gold Lion
I'm not quite ready to see YYY give up their brash approach to guitar and drums, but if Show Your Bones does end up going all Zoso , this gives me little reason to complain. (8)

Yellowcard-Lights And Sounds
Call me a meth addict or whatever, but I actually like this one more than "Ocean Avenue" (which I can barely remember). That soaring chorus means they're trying. I'm a guy who appreciates effort. (7)

Most Anticipated '06 Releases

Okay, I know I'm a little late with this, but I figure it's still early enough in the year to discuss the albums that I anxiously await.

*Disclaimer: I am very well aware that some of these albums have been available on import since last year, but upon gaining the knowledge that they would get U.S. releases, I've restrained myself from listening to them until I can buy them at a fair price on my own soil.

1. Joi-Tennessee Slim Is The Bomb (Her 2002 album, Star Kitty's Revenge, continues to get much play in my stereo to this day. That album proved that Joi is one of the most forward thinking artists in R&B today, and one of the most underrated in general. Expect more of her sultry and experimental brand of soul when the album hopefully drops this spring.)

2. The Polyphonic Spree-The Fragile Army (One of my top 5 favorite bands today. If they make an album better than Together We're Heavy, I may die from an abundance of joy.)

3. Junior Senior-Hey Hey My My Yo Yo (D-D-Don't Stop The Beat has become one of my favorite albums this decade. If "Itch U Can't Skratch" is any indication, we're in for another delightful mix of pop and bubblegum funk.)

4. Outkast-Idlelwild/The Hard Ten (Yeah, this is sorta cheating since I'm naming two albums, but Outkast is one of the few groups that I will follow anywhere and I anticipate both of these albums equally.)

5. Ghostface-Fishscales (He's my favorite active MC. None of his albums have yet to be average.)

6. The Coup-Bring A Bigger Weapon (Being on Epitaph could result in more exposure for a group that definitely deserves it. The best hip hop group that you've probably never heard of. Check out "My Favorite Mutiny" featuring Talib Kweli and Black Thought)

7. Scissor Sisters-untitled (Another anticipation based on the band's previous album. If they keep the sex and the Elton John tribute going strong, this one should be just as enjoyable as their debut.)

8. The Knife-Silent Shout (I have yet to be convinced that they can do any wrong.)

9. Pharrell-In My Mind (I've followed pretty much every Neptunes-related project and have been rarely disappointed. )

10. The Veronicas-The Secret Life Of The Veronicas (I've been told this is a good pop album, and the only song I've heard, "I Can Get Used To This," became pretty hard to get out of my head.)

11. Kanye West-Graduation (Both of his albums placed in my top 5 in their respective years. How could I not be anticpating this album?)

12. Goldfrapp-Supernatural (Goldfrapp makes some of the sexiest music around today. Judging from "Ooh La La" and the Number 1 EP, the duo will continue to move forward with the electro dance sound of 2003's Black Cherry.)

13. Flaming Lips-At War With The Mystics (I could leave this space blank and you guys would still understand that anything the Lips do should be paid attention to.)

14. The Grates-untitled (I fell in love with them when I saw them open for The Go! Team. Their songs had a very juvenile, energetic quality to them.)

15. Gnarls Barkely-untitled (I'm honestly more excited in the Cee-Lo half of this project instead of the Danger Mouse half, but there are few who can deny the hotness of "Crazy."

the rest


Christina Aguilera-untitled
Erykah Badu-untitled
Bubba Sparxxx-The Charm
Busta Rhymes-The Big Bang
Cannibal Ox-untitled
Neko Case-Fox Cofessor Brings The Flood
Clinic-untitled
The Concretes-In Colour
Death From Above 1979-untitled
The Delays-You See Colours
Dixie Chicks-untitled
DJ Shadow-untitled
Dr. Dre-Detox
Fiery Furnaces-Bitter Tea
Fugees-untitled
Nelly Furtado-Loose
The Futureheads-untitled
The Hives-untitled
Junior Boys-untitled
Lady Sovereign-Public Warning
Ludacris-Release Therapy
The Mars Volta-untitled
Nellie McKay-Pretty Little Head
Rhett Miller-The Believer
Mylo-Destroy Rock & Roll
Nas-Nasir bin Olu Dara
The Noisettes-untitled
Obie Trice-2nd Rounds On Me
Ol' Dirty Bastard-A Son Unique
Beth Orton-Comfort Of Strangers
Peaches-untitled
Pink-I'm Not Dead
Radiohead-untitled
Redman-Red Gone Wild
The Roots-Game Theory
The Secret Machines-10 Silver Drops
Starlight Mints-untitled
The Stills-untitled
The Streets-The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living
T.I.-King
Justin Timberlake-untitled
Travis-untitled
Vitalic-OK Cowboy
Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Show Your Bones

It's good out here for a pimp...

Oscar nominations came out today, and for the most part I'm pleased. I already knew that my favorite movie of the year, Good Night And Good Luck would get a good deal of the main nods, but I was elated to find that Terrence Howard got a nod for Hustle & Flow. There was a chance his slot would go to Russell Crowe for Cinderella Man since he got a Golden Globe nomination as well, and there were already so many locks for the Best Actor category (Phoenix, Hoffman, Ledger), but the trend of African-American actors being nominated for Best Actor continues. Of course Howard won't win since the award is really a three-man race between the aforementioned front-runners, but his honest and endearing portrayal of a conflicted pimp looking for one last shot at redemption is still noteworthy. The movie is worth seeing just for him.

If you want to look at all the other nominees, go to www.oscar.com

Pandora owns you

For those not in the know, www.pandora.com is one of the hottest websites around. It's a website that creates an online station based on an artist or song of your choosing. What it does is takes the characteristics of said artist or song and find other similar artist or songs and plays them in that station. So for instance, the first thing I put in was Puffy AmiYumi and it created a station that played some of the most ass-kicking, sugar-coated guitar pop that I've heard in a while. A few of my favorite stations are: Scott Walker, Nancy Sinatra, David Banner, and a station based on The Supremes' song, "You Can't Hurry Love." If anyone finds a better internet station than this (besides www.uicradio.ws of course), let me know so I can die with a smile on my face.

Top 200 Singles of 2005

1. John Legend-Ordinary People
2. Ciara F/ Ludacris-Oh
3. Amerie-1 Thing
4. Kylie Minogue-Giving You Up
5. The Game F/ 50 Cent-Hate It Or Love It
6. The Faders-No Sleep Tonight
7. Three 6 Mafia F/ Eightball, MJG and Young Buck-Stay Fly
8. Kelly Clarkson-Since U Been Gone
9. R. Kelly-Trapped In The Closet
10. Snoop Dogg F/ Justin Timberlake-Signs

Top 100 Albums of 2005

1. Kanye West-Late Registration
2. The Go! Team-Thunder, Lightning, Strike
3. Mannie Fresh-The Mind Of Mannie Fresh
4. M.I.A.-Arular
5. Sufjan Stevens-Illinois
6. Regina Spektor-Soviet Kitsch
7. Lina-The Inner Beauty Movement
8. Fiona Apple-Extraordinary Machine
9. Petracovich-We Are Wyoming
10. Sons & Daughters-The Repulsion Box
11. Dressy Bessy-Electrified
12. Dungen-Ta Det Lungt
13. Stars-Set Yourself On Fire

Eeeek! Year End Lists!

Can you feel the excitement in the air? It's the end of the year and it's list time. I'm working on my albums list right now and I'll be revealing my top 25 on the show this week and posting the full list later on. Tune in this Monday from 6:00-8:00 PM Central at www.uicradio.ws. The week after I'll be revealing my top 25 singles. Keep an eye out for those as well too. TTFN

I'm Rocky on this new bit...

Check out the new M.I.A. video for "Bucky Done Gun." It's purty fancy lookin'. Interscope rears its head. Still a horrible choice for a single though.