brianfax's Journals on Buzznet http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/ en-us <![CDATA[Top Records of 2008 You SHOULD Be Listening To]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/3594181/
Top 15 Albums of 2008
(that you SHOULD be listening to)
(but more than likely aren't because Fueled By Ramen didn't release them)
(not necessarily in an organized order based on preference)

Doomtree - Doomtree
If I had to pick, this is my "Album of the Year". Doomtree, a Minneapolis, MN based hip hop collective presented by Rhymesayers Entertainment, is the collaboration of 9 MC's, rappers, beat makers, and singers who made of the most eclectic records of 2008. Ranging from Wu-Tang song-stylings to multilingual dance pieces, the self-titled record is 21 tracks of constructed, calculated, and intelligent hip hop. Great to bump to in your car, great to dance to in the club, perfect chill music. I don't want to call it perfect, but they're damn close.

She & Him - Volume 1
The perfect-pop genius creation of one Zooey Deschanel (Almost Famous, Elf, 2008's Yes Man) and one M. Ward (incredible indie singer-songwriter), She & Him wrote a record of beautiful pop melodies. Zooey's beautiful and almost heartbreaking crooning rivals that of your parents favorites Dusty Springfield and Petula Clarke (or better 60's pop versions of today's Amy Winehouses and Duffys). Paired with Matt's perfect song crafting and arranging, this record is gorgeous in every facet. Plus, your parents will like it, too. My Dad bought it on vinyl. I'm considering stealing it from him.

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals - Cardinology
Ryan Adams is better than anything you listen to. Unless you listen to Ryan Adams. The ultra-prolific singer-songwriter has put out 9 LPs (10 including Cardinology) since 2000 and this one doesn't miss either. 2 years sober now, he can collect his thoughts a little easier and has been writing relentlessly during that time. Cardinology is another perfect collection of alt-rock/country songs about heartbreak and loneliness (like all the FBR records but better) and coming to terms with himself. This one's a bit more rocking than previous Cardinals records, comparable more to Ryan's solo stuff (see: Magick) and it's good change. Ryan has always been pro and arranging incredibly catchy songs with hooks galore.

Thrice - The Alchemy Index: Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth
Thrice's ultra ambitious Alchemy Index project brought us 2007's Volumes I & II: Fire & Water, two polarized records, one featuring harsh, heavy guitars and drums (and some over production on guitarist Teppei's part) juxtaposed against dark, fluid, Kid A reminiscent beauties that I have yet to stop spinning. This years Air & Earth records are less paired to their elements and more about experimenting further outside their normal comfortable playing fields. Air, features 6 tracks of light tracks that feature a mix all the best things from the other 3 element EPs. Whereas Earth is closely paired to lead singer Dustin Kensrue's solo project an alt-country experience featuring organic instrumentation and raw lyrics. Earth is my favorite of the two from this release (Water being my favorite element disc overall). And I cannot wait for the limited vinyl release of the complete Alchemy Index come February (I already pre-ordered).

Kanye West - 808’s & Heartbreak
Super hyped. SUPER criticized. Kanye surprised us with this release this year, going all super ambitious on us with his T-Pain sing/rapping processed through as much vocoder as physically possible. What the critics won't move past is the fact, okay, dude can't exactly sing. Rapping is his outfit. But you can't punish a guy for trying new things. And what they're not listening to are what Kanye does best. His beat making and his production work. 808's is super clean and super catchy. With insane beat hooks in "Love Lockdown" and "Robocop" this is another anthemic release from the Louis-Vuitton Don. I'd go as far to say as this record stacks up against Justin Timberlake's pop-anthem FutureSex LoveSounds. It's that good.

Seven Nautical Miles - Every Ocean Reversed
Seven Nautical Miles‘ 2008 debut release, Every Ocean Reversed, is a beautiful and heavy hitting experimental metal album iconified by haunting guitar riffs and drums that change from undulating and mysterious to powerfully driving. Each song on the 6-track record is littered with gorgeous post-rock moments of fleeting guitars to dark, heavy crescendos pushed over the edge by singer Mathias Öystilä’s screaming vocals.

Wale - Mixtape About Nothing
Washington, DC-local rapper Wale partnered with 10-Deep to put out his FREE Mixtape About Nothing this year. Featuring dope beats, intelligent rhymes about race and records, and prominently featuring samples from Seinfeld, this record lies on the genius side of novelty. Mixtape About Nothing is a prime example of free mixtapes put out in 2008 that were BETTER than some actual records that some artists tried to pass off as worthy of your hard earned money. Wale is an artist to watch in 2009 seeing as in the past year he's partnered and produced with everyone from Kanye to Jay-Z to T.I. Did I mention that the tape is FREE? Grab it here.

The Decemberists - Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series
A collection of vinyl or digital only singles, the Always the Bridesmaid singles were 6 little pop melodies that Decemberists singer has been trying to work out of his system for the past 5-6 years. A few a new, a few are older than the band itself, and all of them are just more gorgeous proof of their genius indie-pop construction. I spent 2 weeks on the road with the band back in November, hearing these played every night and you can't help but fall in love with the raw honesty in Colin's voice. Simplistically arranged compared to their last release, 2006's The Crane Wife, the Always the Bridesmaid singles are perfect for Sunday afternoons, rainy days, record players, or people who like good music.

Ace Enders and A Million Different People - The Secret Wars
Former lead singer of my favorite band ever, The Early November, Ace has had trouble his entire musical career with putting records out. TEN's last release, 2006's The Mother, The Mechanic, and The Path took over a year to finally get into awaiting hands and ears. His most recent solo release is no different. I don't know why he picked Drive Thru Records to back him again this time around, seeing their recent trouble with distribution and you know...signing GOOD artists. He was all set to release a full length solo record on DTR before complications arose. Like no one saw that coming. So instead he quickly recorded and assembled 8 tracks in his own studio (which he financed and built himself) and released FOR FREE back in August. The man can do no wrong, as all of these songs exemplify what made me fall in love with The Early November to begin with. Poppy hooks, soaring guitars, and honest vocals. I wish Ace the best of luck in getting out his "proper" record (due out in March...maybe) and I'm sure he knows that I'll be preordered or bought or whatever the second it's available. Download The Secret Wars for free at Fuse.tv by clicking here.

Also, check out his Itunes Exclusive Single, a cover of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" featuring backing vocals and harmonies from Bryce Avery (The Rocket Summer), Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low), Mark Hoppus (Blink-182, +44), Aaron Marsh (Copeland), Duane Okun (Socratic), Craig Owens (Chiodos), Matt Thiessen (Relient K), and Kenny Vasoli (The Starting Line, Person L). If that list doesn't put a boner in your too tight pants, I don't know what will. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the single benefit VH1's Save The Music Foundation. Download it here.

Jack’s Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
Andrew McMahon writes incredible music. I'm not even justifying this choice with a list of loosely held together idioms and $10 adjectives because chances are you already bought and listened to it. My advice: listen to it again.

Portugal. the Man - Censored Colors
A musical enigma, Portugal. the Man exhibit influences from a whole host of genres: indie, folk, blues, soul, pop, post-rock. Their peculiar lyric styles are only enhanced by incredible song writing. Censored Colors is no exception. I slept on this record until near the end of the year when I got hooked on the song "And I" and played it on repeat for about a full day. Like all of their previous releases, the album as whole is abstract and eclectic but ties together as a coherent piece by the end. Singer John Gourley's almost soprano voice is gorgeous, sailing around crashing drums heavy riffs.

Kid Cudi - A Kid Named Cudi Mixtape
Like Wale, one of the top artists to watch in 2009 who ALSO put out a free mixtape on 10-Deep. Maybe you heard one of the dopest beats recorded in 2008 during this season of Entourage, "Day N Nite" is so damn catchy. Play it in your car (can you even drive yet?) and thank me later. Dope club beats, dope lyrics. The man will not be stopped. 2009 could be his year. Look for him on previously mentioned 808's & Heartbreak by Kanye. He lays down some vocals on track 2, Welcome to Heartbreak. Grab the free mixtape here.

Russian Circles - Station
Experimental indie instrumental metal. What a mouthful. Russian Circles are gods at their craft. Which is creating incredibly powerful, lyricless pieces of intense metal laced with gorgeous fluttering crescendos of post-rock goodness. Their 2006 record, Enter is one of my favorite records. While Station comes off feeling lighter overall, broken down into individual sections you can't deny its gravity. Drummer Dave Turncrantz is an incredible force in every aspect of their music, live and recorded.

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver's organic and heartbreaking "debut" record is a piece of indie greatness. Relying heavily on his recording space, a cabin in the middle of the woods in Wisconsin, the negative space of For Emma, Forever Ago is filled with creaks and cracks and sounds found only in the seclusion of not only his cabin, but the heart that spills out these wrenching songs.

Anathallo - Canopy Glow
Anathallo are a 7-piece indie experimental band who have absolutely breathtaking arrangements and harmonies. The band recorded this entire record from royalties their received from advertising revenue they saw from putting their song "Yuki! Yuki! Yuki!" (off of 2006's perfect Floating World) in a Vick's Vapor Rub commercial in late 2007. The only problem was they recently parted with their label AND management. So after 9 months of shopping Canopy Glow around (including a little help from yours truly) they found a home and hip hop's own Anticon Records. Odd pick, yes, but who's judging. Canopy Glow follows up Floating World with more eclectic indie pop featuring beautiful and often odd arrangements of guitars, drums, pianos, glockenspiels, and a whole host of unconventional instruments ranging from pots and pansto velcro. Female melodies and harmonies provided by Erica Froman give the band and the record a certain delicateness that is found nowhere else. Their live show is absolutely incredible. I got chills the last time I saw them.



Runner ups / Honorable mentions

Sigur Rós - Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalau
Icelandic post-rock featuring an entirely made up language for vocals. Gorgeous arrangements.

Copeland - You Are My Sunshine
Beautiful pop melodies and arrangements backed by singer Aaron Marsh's delicate vocals.

Northstar - Broken Parachute
One of my favorite, now broken up, bands ever. A series of b-sides and rarities.

Tiger Lou - A Partial Print
Sick of the hype around Brand New? Listen to the Swedish version. Alt-rock/poor man's Brand new.

T.I. - Paper Trail
Radio-ready rap. You've probably heard his "Numa Numa"-sampling / Rihanna-collaborating single "Live Your Life". Or "Swing Ya Rag" featuring Swizz Beats. Or the dope Swagga Like Us featuring Kanye West, Jay Z & Lil' Wayne.

Mason Jennings - In The Ever
Somewhere between Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley. Mason cites the late Johnny Cash when he says "every record should have songs that make you laugh, make you cry, and make you angry".

Lil' Wayne - The Carter III
Definitely not near as good as 2005's The Carter II. In fact his guest vocalists often outshine him on most tracks. But the man wrote over 300 songs last year. Even if you can't understand a damn thing he's saying, that's impressive.

CRS - Team 20/20 Presents Rebel Music Mixtape
Another mixtape that's better than actual records put out. The collaboration between Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco (genius), and N.E.R.D's Pharrell Williams. Dope all the way through. Check out the single track "Us Placers" featuring a Thom Yorke sample.

The Cool Kids - That's Stupid Mixtape
One last free mixtape for you. Chicago champions, The Cool Kids know how to construct dope beats. 6 tracks of perfect hip hop. Download it here.

Yeah, son.[/cut]]]> 2008 brian stowell brianfax Buzznet brianfax 2009-01-06T02:26:00Z <![CDATA[fuck]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/3291931/
BUT, I got her email and started talking to her on AIM, and we really hit it off. Awhile back, her and her family finally hopped on a flight here to see the rest of the family, since it had been about 4 years since they last saw each other.

Things were going good, and I managed to take her out a few nights, and one night... we were on the sofa in my house, watching a movie, talking a bit, pretty normal stuff. Eventually the conversation turns to sex and we both admit we aren't virgins, and there's a silence. Suddenly she gets this look in her eye and pushes me back onto the sofa, gets on top....and then she did the mash...
































She did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
She did the mash
It caught on in a flash
She did the mash
She did the monster mash


From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes


They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash


The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son


The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"


They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash


Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist?"


It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash


Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you


Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash]]> brian stowell brianfax Buzznet brianfax 2008-10-30T10:49:00Z <![CDATA[Tourrrrrr]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/2055771/ army of me brian stowell brianfax lights resolve rockstar straylight run street drum corps the used tour Buzznet brianfax 2008-03-24T20:57:00Z <![CDATA[Do anybody make real s@!$ anymore?]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1808291/ cannot stand these award shows. I had too many people ask me if I was watching the Grammys tonight. What for? So I can see some artists win some trophies voted on by people who haven't an inkling of music past Top 40 charts and number ones with bullets? Nah, I'm good. I know what's good and what isn't. I don't need someone to do it for me. Although, I must admit some heavy contenders were up this year. Namely, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West.

I'm also the first to admit that I'm a huge Kanye West fanboy. He has very hot and cold responses with listeners. But I think he's incredible. And the only thing from tonight's Grammys show is this:



Kanye and Daft Punk performing Stronger together. It was Daft Punk's first ever television appearance. And a damn good one at that. Kanye's performance, however, was lacking. his shades and jacket were pretty sweet. But, in true Kanye fashion, it was more about him than the music. Maybe that's my draw to him? The arrogant sense of pride he has that I sometimes find in myself? Who knows. Not ripping on him, it was an awesome performance. I'm just a rookie when it comes to live hip hop.

Daft Punk's short-lived cameo was incredible however. There's a lot to admire about an artist(s) who won't show their faces, drawing more attention to the music they make than the celebrity we make them out to be. It's artistic integrity at its truest form. Funny how their paired up with the most self-centered, pompous performer in recent years to make 2007's hottest song.

Either way, I'm way more psyched for The Glow In The Dark Tour.]]> brian stowell brianfax daft punk grammys kanye west Buzznet brianfax 2008-02-10T23:50:00Z <![CDATA[Do anybody make real s@!$ anymore?]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1808281/ cannot stand these award shows. I had too many people ask me if I was watching the Grammys tonight. What for? So I can see some artists win some trophies voted on by people who haven't an inkling of music past Top 40 charts and number ones with bullets? Nah, I'm good. I know what's good and what isn't. I don't need someone to do it for me. Although, I must admit some heavy contenders were up this year. Namely, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West. I'm also the first to admit that I'm a huge Kanye West fanboy. He has very hot and cold responses with listeners. But I think he's incredible. And the only thing from tonight's Grammys show is this: Kanye and Daft Punk performing Stronger together. It was Daft Punk's first ever television appearance. And a damn good one at that. Kanye's performance, however, was lacking. his shades and jacket were pretty sweet. But, in true Kanye fashion, it was more about him than the music. Maybe that's my draw to him? The arrogant sense of pride he has that I sometimes find in myself? Who knows. Not ripping on him, it was an awesome performance. I'm just a rookie when it comes to live hip hop. Daft Punk's short-lived cameo was incredible however. There's a lot to admire about an artist(s) who won't show their faces, drawing more attention to the music they make than the celebrity we make them out to be. It's artistic integrity at its truest form. Funny how their paired up with the most self-centered, pompous performer in recent years to make 2007's hottest song. Either way, I'm way more psyched for The Glow In The Dark Tour.]]> brian stowell brianfax daft punk grammys kanye west Buzznet brianfax 2008-02-10T23:50:00Z <![CDATA[Fan Community]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1751821/ Robert Randolph & The Family Band Fan Community
I'll be moderating the community as a whole for the next while. I'm excited to do so. I'm antsy today.]]> community family band fan robert randolph rock Buzznet brianfax 2008-01-31T12:19:39Z <![CDATA[Cold, Calm, Acoustic EP]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1710581/
Continuing my mix tape write ups, this is another EP I made for trading. If you're interested, drop me a comment and we'll trade mixes!!

I seem to have a knack for having awesomely shitty weeks. I've been observing a "silent vacation" where I dismantled my myspace, been invisible on AIM, and I've been avoiding what few phone calls I've made. It's funny how much my "online presence" and/or lack thereof this week has affected people. But I've been kicking back and enjoying time by myself. And it's been ridiculously cold this week. Cold weather makes me listen to calm, acoustic music. So here's some of my favorites:

Cold, Calm, Acoustic EP
The Good Life - Album Of The Year
The Smashing Pumpkins - Daydream
The Beatles - Yesterday
Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up
Bright Eyes - Something Vague
I Can Feel Your Pain - Manchester Orchestra
Ryan Adams - Please Do Not Let Me Go
Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

The Good Life - Album Of The Year
I feel that if Tim Kasher thinks this is a good enough opening track for The Good Life's 2005 LP "Album Of The Year", then it's definitely good enough for my mix. His lyics and voice are more heartbreaking here than I have ever heard. Especially when he winds the song up with "The way she'd bite my lower lip and push her hips against my hips" and then he hits that crescendo at "...and dig her nails so deep in my skin." Mix that with the acoustic beat right after that's downright dancey and this song is a hook and a half.

The Smashing Pumpkins - Daydream
I found this song in high school while reading Stephen Chbosky's The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, which is one of my favorite books. It's on the One Winter mix talked about in the book. I love the track because D'Arcy gets full vocal responsibilities. Mixed with the strumming guitar and the looming acoustic bass behind her, it's the type of song I have to close my eyes to and nod back and forth. The second "half" of the song, or Gish's bonus track "I'm Going Crazy" is almost an added bonus. I was always kind of bothered that it got in the middle of good mixes that I was making. But I grew to love it for the juxtaposition that it served compared to D'Arcy's ethereal voice.

The Beatles - Yesterday
Another high school favorite, Yesterday is so simple and connected with me. So true since many events came to a head yesterday, but wrong since I'm over and done and past them. I'd write more, but you know this song, or atleast you should. And The Beatles can do no wrong.

Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up
Thanks to miss Jenrrray for helping with this track. I mentioned Ryan Adams in an IM with her earlier tonight and she sent me back the lyrics to the chorus of "Come Pick Me Up" which I felt was the key stone that held this mix together, bringing together what I felt were two halves that I couldn't find a middle to and finish. Hooray for run-on sentences. Ryan Adams' album Heartbreaker is exactly such. The second time he hits the chorus with "Screw all my friends behind my back/With a smile on your face/And then do it again" tacked on at the end hits my heart everytime. Ryan Adams has a knack for knowing exactly what to say to me. And I love him for it. That and Kim Richey's harmonies make me think of cliche movie split screens of lovers sitting on rooftops singing to each other even though their miles apart.

Bright Eyes - Something Vague
"Something Vague" was what I consider my first indie song. A friend of mine in high school played it for me to get me into Bright Eyes. And that's all it took. The second I heard Conor wail "...and I hang like a star, fucking glow-in-the-dark" I knew I had to own Fevers & Mirrors, the CD "Something Vague" is on. I've been an Oberst fan ever since. I really like sad bastard whiney indie music. Call me depressed. I just think it's honest.

Manchester Orchestra - I Can Feel Your Pain
I've been exploring Manchester Orchestra's I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child a lot more the past couple weeks. Before I was only hooked on the title track and couldn't move past it (track 1 on the CD). But I gave it another chance. It was "I Can Feel Your Pain" that did it for the rest of the album for me. Taking a break from their poppy sort of indie rock and stripping down to an almost whisper of lyrics and a single acoustic guitar. Oh god damn am I hooked on his humming at the end of the song.

Ryan Adams - Please Do Not Let Me Go
This song makes me cry. Recorded is bad. Live is even worse. I feel every letter of every word and every ounce of strength in every note. This song is incredible.

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter
"The Blower's Daughter" makes me cry everytime I hear it as well. Like the rest of the American population, I discovered Damien Rice in the movie Closer. And fell in love with this song. I don't think I have ever listened to it without atleast tearing up and thinking about every wrong I've ever committed. Thanks, Damien.]]> brian stowell brianfax damien rice manchester orchestra mix mix tape ryan adams the beatles the good life the smashing pumpkins Buzznet brianfax 2008-01-23T16:45:00Z <![CDATA[1-18-08]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1684741/ Coconut Records - West Coast Kings of Leon - "Taper Jean Girl" The Blood Arm - "Do I Have Your Attention" Scissors For Lefty - "Got Your Moments" Parliament - "Give Up the Funk" Gorillaz - "19-2000" Spoon - "The Underdog" Kings of Leon - "Pistol of Fire" Architecture in Helsinki - "Do The Whirlwind" The Black Keys - "Grown So Ugly" Bright Eyes - "Four Winds" Joan As Policewoman - "The Ride" Ratatat - "Seventeen Years" Of Montreal - "Wraith Pinned To The Mist and Other Games" Rob is my new best friend. Damn. Talk about indie cred. I'm impressed. *SPOILER* But really, the monster is way more intense than what I expected. My only gripe about the movie, along with everyone else, is that there's no back story explained. Unless you're a major nerd like me and follow viral marketing and read message boards and wikipedia entries, you don't know/find out much about what it is, why it's there, how it got there, or why it's pissed off. C'mon J J Abrams....don't you get away with enough of this kind of bull shit with Lost (holy shit Season 4 premiere is in 12 days!!!!!!) /spoiler In other news, anyone want to trade mix tapes with me? Interested? Check out my latest mix EP and let me know if you're interested in trading by dropping me a comment. I'd really like to find some new music.
1-18-08 brian stowell brianfax cloverfield mix tape Buzznet brianfax 2008-01-19T08:23:00Z <![CDATA[Mix Tape - So Alive EP]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1684671/ my last.fm periodically, you'll know almost exactly what I'm doing/thinking/feeling. This week inspired: the So Alive EP
Cover photography (c) Brian Stowell
Tracklisting: Cursive - Driftwood: A Fairy Tale Ryan Adams - So Alive American Football - But The Regrets Are Killing Me Ben Gibbard - Brand New Colony (Acoustic) Fuel - Shimmer Incubus - The Warmth If anyone would like to trade mix tapes, I can offer this one up in return for something you've made. Drop me a comment and we'll hook it up! The mix reflects my polarity this week. From being stressed and down about certain events, to not caring or forgetting, to remembering again. I feel like the rhythm of the mix juxtaposes my feelings well. It's a 1-1 pattern of down then up songs. Read below for more. Cursive - Driftwood: A Fairy Tale From my favorite Cursive record, The Ugly Organ comes "Driftwood: A Fairy Tale", a creepy Pinocchio-esque tale about realization and acceptance. I'm drawn to the heavy bass lines, echoey cello, and creeping lyrics. Tim Kasher (vocals/lyrics/guitars) has been one of my favorite lyricists/singers since I started listening to this record in high school. The way he conveys emotion in his voice absolutely astounds me. Ryan Adams - So Alive The one thing I'm not happy about is the transition from "The Ugly Organ" to Ryan Adams' "So Alive". Too abrupt. Not smooth enough. But it was the best one I had to work with from my song choices. Arrangement is everything. I like for my mixes to flow, so that they seem less like a jumble of songs and more of a story, singularity, or concept. In any matter, Ryan Adams is easily one of my top 3 favorite artists ever. He is absolutely incredible in everything he does. So Alive comes from his record Rock N Roll (Llor N Kcor) and his change from gravelly rock verses to crescendo, high pitched choruses really contains my entire week in one long. High low high low high low. Obviously this is the title track for the entire mix, based on the chorus alone, which goes: "I am on your side And so alive So alive it isn't real" Just listen to it. You'll understand, American Football - But The Regrets Are Killing Me If you know anything about the bands listed so far, you'll notice that I have an affinity for singer-songwriters with multiple projects. Tim Kasher, of Cursive, also has another band The Good Life. Ryan Adams...well he...let's just say: Sad Dracula, Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, WereWolph, Whiskeytown, Patty Duke Syndrome, The Shit, DJ Reggie, Warren Peace, Ghetto Birds, Ipsissimus, The Finger, Rhonda Ro, and god knows what else he's working on now. Yeah, I'm serious. He's written music under all those names. Anyway, American Football is one of Mike Kinsella's many many projects. And it's my favorite, yet most short-lived one. "But The Regrets Are Killing Me" is a pretty powerful song despite it's lack of lyrical length, but rather the whine in his voice paired with the complexity of the guitar work in the background. This song grabbed me the first time I heard it and hasn't let go since. Ben Gibbard - Brand New Colony (Acoustic) This version of The Postal Service's "Brand New Colony" was performed by Ben Gibbard on an NPR studio session on April 10, 2007. It's an acoustic version, so it lacks all the complexity of The Postal Service version, what with its beeps and clicks and synth. Instead of being driven by all that, Ben gives it a different feeling. To me it's more desperation or want than I feel in the original. And I like it. It fits. For me, at least. The only downside is a little crowd interaction from the audience sitting in on the session. But you'll get over it I'm sure. Fuel - Shimmer I love Fuel in a 1999 kind of way. "Shimmer" comes from their last decent record Sunburn. They still tour/record. In fact I tour managed Framing Hanley back in October while we opened for Fuel for 2-3 weeks. Hearing this song every night was nice, save for the fact that the only original band member left in the band is the guitarist. But I still love this song. You ever hear a song that brings back fresh emotions from a previous time? This song reeks of middle school and trying to figure everything out for myself. Incubus - The Warmth My favorite song. Ever. I love DJ Kilmore's work in the intro with the whale song. Dirk Lance's looming bass. Mike Einzinger's guitar is loopy and stellar and high pitched. And Brandon's lyrics were never better than they were on Make Yourself. (1999 was a decent year for rock music) The message of the song is perfect and helped me through all those cliche moments like break ups and high school. The only thing better than this song is seeing it live...6 years ago atleast. If anyone would like to trade mix tapes, I can offer this one up in return for something you've made. Drop me a comment and we'll hook it up!]]> american football ben gibbard brian stowell brianfax cursive fuel incubus mix mix tape ryan adams the postal service trade Buzznet brianfax 2008-01-19T07:22:00Z <![CDATA[Cease & Desist]]> http://brianfax.buzznet.com/user/journal/1379951/
Yesterday's NY Post contained an article about Fall Out Boy bassist, Pete Wentz sending a cease & desist to nu-metal act Neurosonic, asking them to stop playing their single "So Many People", because it's written about their distaste for Wentz's girlfriend, Ashlee Simpson.  You can read the article here:
November 26, 2007 -- Rocker Pete Wentz has sent a cease-and-desist request to heavy metal band Neurosonic over their new song that bashes his girlfriend Ashlee Simpson, the group's frontman, Jason Darr, said at a Knitting Factory performance Wednesday night. The tune, "So Many People," pokes fun at Simpson's horrific "Saturday Night Live" appearance, during which she was caught lip-synching and ran offstage. Darr then invited the audience to dance a "jig" along to the song, just like Simpson did before she fled the stage that night.- NY Post - SOURCE
I was told about the article earlier in the day and was honestly surprised that Pete would do something like this.  Being a ridiculously devoted fanboy of his, it just didn't make sense to me.  How can you send a legal letter to someone asking them to stop playing a song about a publicly known figure? That violates their artistic right and their first amendment rights.  Then I found this, posted on Pete's blogspot:
...hate that i have to address things all the time:no i have never heard of that band or ever sent a cease and desist in my life.hope it works out for you.im still not gonna have a fight in the press- its one thing i am really proud of myself for this year. if youre songs are good than sleep easy and have fun playing them- just dont attatch me to them.i just wish the things that are 100 percent false would just go away.be careful what you wish for....- SOURCE
Therefore, the cease and desist was a fabricated publicity stunt set up by Neurosonic in order to garner more attention for their current radio single.  Or in other words, a lie.

The kicker? Neurosonic is one of the opening bands on the tour I'm currently selling merch on right now.  I didn't come here to attack anyone.  Everyone's entitled to their opinion and to write whatever song they please.  But this isn't the first time Neurosonic's done this.  A week and a half ago they told a couple crowds that they "were asked to open for Fall Out Boy at their Canadian shows".  But turned down the offer because "the plug would've gotten pulled on [them] because their single is about how much they hate Ashlee Simpson".  Why would FOB, their management, or anyone affiliated ask a band, who's single is about how much they hate Ashlee, to open for them? That's bullshit.  Yet another publicity stunt.

Not to mention that at every night's show they introduce the song as being "a song about a beautiful, talented, special girl who I love".  And then whipping out an insult about her, either calling her a "bitch" or a "cunt", it varies from night to night right before hitting the first notes of their single.

A tip of the hat to Neurosonic to thinking up something ridiculous enough to garner the attention they wanted.  I'm sure people are  hitting their myspace and website and downloading their single left and right just to see what it's about.  But is that really the way you want to go about things? Attacking the boyfriend of the subject of the song you wrote? Now you're ruining your reputation and chances with not only those two parties but pretty much anyone who's involved with them.  It's not a matter of whether you like Fall Out Boy or not, you have to admit, they've done very well for themselves in the past two years.  Going from scenester secret to breakout hit in .04 seconds with the release of From Under the Cork Tree and the subsequent single Sugar, We're Going Down.  I guess if attacking a far more successful (and in my opinion talented) band gets you your 15 minutes of fame you think you deserve, then so be it.  But if you're going to act like a douche bag, be prepared for the ramifications.

And if you're going to write a song about a lack of artistic integrity (read the lyrics for "So Many People") then you'd better have some of your own.

I never thought I'd be one to stand up for Ashlee Simpson.]]> ashlee simpson brianfax drama neurosonic pete wentz Buzznet brianfax 2007-11-27T16:31:00Z