sparkin’s Neighborhood

Subscribe to our show at gcast.com (RSS), more information at podcast.w♥m.com.

BRITPOPCAST #4: TOP TEN BRITPOP COUNTDOWN

This is the best of the best, and as far as I'm concern, this is the best countdown ever. If you had to listen to just one of our podcast, I think this the one you have to listen to.

Going into the recording, we already knew that it would be one massive recording session that will be split into two parts. So the first part is the countdown, thirty of our favorite Britpop tunes. The second part will be uploaded next week and involves a very hard Britpop Q Magazine Quiz. Seriously, it was hard, even for seasoned veterans like ourselves.

The next show, some ideas: Britpop girl bands ? Britpop band reunions ? If those doesn't sound appealing, let me know what you'd like us to discuss. Otherwise, I can always talk hours on end about stalking Louise Wener.

As for the Britpop top list, these are our preference and not a mean to measure how important a band is to that genre. Also, obviously we all had our Pulp, Blur, and Oasis moment, but the choice in songs are interesting to note. I have always known that my top two are the Blur vs Oasis, it was the other eight that was hard to have placement. I could have easily had a top 20 or 30. Easily.

Some honorable mentions should be sent to Cast, Salad, Charlatans.

Vu 10. Gene - Sleep Well Tonight 09. Echobelly - I Can't Imagine the World Without Me 08. The Bluetones - Bluetonic 07. Shed Seven - Dolphin 06. Sleeper - Nice Guy Eddie 05. Pulp - Disco 2000 04. Elastica - Stutter 03. Suede - Metal Mickey 02. Blur - Girls and Boys 01. Oasis - Supersonic

Sally 10. SFA - Ice Hockey Hair 09. Doves - Pounding 08. Teenage Fanclub - Sparky's Dream 07. Blur - Sunday Sunday 06. Suede - Animal Nitrate 05. The Coral - Dreaming of You 04. Ocean Colour Scene - The Day We Caught the Train 03. Dodgy - Good Enough 02. Pulp - Babies 01. Stone Roses - Fools Gold

Kristen 10. MSP - Motorcycle Emptiness 09. South - Keep Close 08. Pulp - Acrylic Afternoons 07. Oasis - Columbia 06. Wendys-Pulling My Fingers Off 05. Supergrass - Moving 04. Blur - This is a Low 03. Oasis - The Masterplan 02. Suede - Killing of a Flash Boy 01. Pulp - Sheffield: Sex City

If you like what you heard, and you happen to be in Sydney in early December, DJ Sal is doing her bits at britpop.com.au.

PS, stay after the song and you're in for a Buzzcocks treat.

THE MOOD SWINGS
official ♥ myspace

People have been asking if I've been hitting the Sauce, so I know this venue on the busy intersection of Lyndale & Lake is getting huge buzz love. I may have to postpone my attendance because I have two flat tires (those reading my twitters will already know this).

So tonight, The Mood Swings will be at the Sauce, at their CD-releasing party. As with previous Susstones showmania, they are cheap ($5, man!) and features a ton of bands (Two Harbors, First Communion Afterparty, and Blue Sky Blackout are also playing). Between bands, Marc the Guv is handling the DJ spins. Anyway, more bang for your buck seems to be Susstones' motto.

Before you go, some things you should know:

• Ashley Ackerson is the primary headperson is married to their now-new-bassist Ed Ackerson (see Polara)
• This is their third album, Recessionista, which came out last Tuesday on Susstones Records.
• The Current (a Minnesota Public Radio station) has sponsered this event

I will write a full review on Recessionista later, I just wanted to post this up today to let you know about the show tonight. Oh also: @themoodswings, @EdAckerson, and @Susstones.

THOSE DARLINS
official ♥ myspace

Earlier this year, Those Darlins rolled through town. It was one of their favorite show, loads of people showed up. Heavy drinking were involved.

I will be covering their show next Sunday, post-Thanksgivings and post-Black Friday, it looks like it's going to be a great time. Very interested in checking out King Khan (I like their name).

The rest of their tour dates:

FRI 11/20 PORTLAND, OR Dante's
SAT 11/21 SEATTLE, WA Chop Suey
MON 11/23 VANCOUVER, BC The Red Room
WED 11/25 CALGARY, AB Warehouse
THUR 11/26 EDMONTON, AB Pawn Shop
FRI 11/27 SASKATOON, SK Amigos
SAT 11/28 WINNIPEG, MB Royal Albert
SUN 11/29 MINNEAPOLIS, MN Triple Rock
TUE 12/1 MILWAUKE, WI Mad Planet
WED 12/2 CHICAGO, IL Logan Square
THUR 12/3 CINCINNATI, OH Northside Tavern

BEBEL GILBERTO
official ♥ myspace

Brazilian Bebel Gilberto is touring the US, starting in Washington on November 23^rd. Her latest album is called All in One and I just read is mostly in Portuguese.

We've previously mentioned her with her "jazz" standard, covering Night and Day - but you may know her as the daughter of João Gilberto, who, along with then-wife Astrud Gilberto, made "The Girl From Ipanema" a world-wide hit (and ultimately made bossa nova music famous).

I am keeping my eye on December 3^rd for her appearance at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis.

BEBEL GILBERTO ON TOUR

Nov 23 - Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club
Nov 25 - New York, NY - Hiro Ballrooom
Nov 27 - Boston - Paradise Rock Club
Nov 28 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theatre
Nov 29 - Montreal - L'Astral
Nov 30 - Toronto - Sound Academy
Dec 2 - Chicago - Park West
Dec 3 - Minneapolis - Dakota Jazz Club
Dec 5 - Denver - Ogden Theatre
Dec 8 - Solana Beach - Belly Up Tavern
Dec 9 - Los Angeles - Henry Fonda Theatre
Dec 10 - San Francisco - Bimbo's

Everything old is new again. That's this week's theme, but it's also about television and movies.

THE PRISONER
amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner

I love the original series. Although it got a bit LSD-y towards the end with #1 and there were way too many #2 to keep track of. Still, the #6, played by Patrick McGoohan, maintained his sanity and desire to escape from The Village.

AMC Television remade the show into a six-episode miniseries, which aired November 15th to 17^th, tries to capture the weirdness of the original, yet updating it to a whole new audience.

I will start with what I dislike about the new series: the new village is massive (like at time it feels as if it's the size of Minneapolis), the iconic "Columbia" style bicycle is missing, and the Village's icon looks a bit like giving you the middle finger. Ian McKellen, who plays #2, is given too much screen time. To me, #6, played by James Caviezel, is your main focus.

What I like about the new series: people in the village does not remember the world outside and everything from cars and architecture has a weird style to them.

So far, I've only watched the first three episode, and the introduction of #6 to an old man #93, and the Village was handled very well. The "brother" of #6, not so much. Should be interesting to see how the mini-series ends. Until then, be seeing you.

GLEE
myspace.com/musicfromglee ♥ fox.com/glee

I did try to get into the Fox series Glee with the pilot, mostly because I thought the show would appeal to me. Think about it: outcasts, geeks, and nerds singing well-known cover songs.

My main complaint is the "reality" documentary style that's popular with modern comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation. Despite losing me as a viewer, Glee certainly have their fans. Everyone I know that watches Glee tells me that I'm missing such a great show.

As a cover lover, I accepted to review Glee: The Music, Volume 1 simply based on their cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" (see also Covering Journey).

I thought all of the 80 power ballads songs works really well, but the more softer solo songs doesn't interest me. I also dug when the song is "reimagined". For instance, Queen's "Somebody To Love" is transformed into a cheery gospel song.

While I do not mind the random pop and R&B songs, they seem to be lumped together in blocks. The block of Kanye West ("Gold Digger), Rihanna ("Take A Bow"), Jazmine ("Bust Your Windows"), and Celine Dion ("Taking Chances") was almost unbearable.

Choice in cover songs goes back to The Supremes ("You Keep Me Hangin' On") to solid 80s hits. I do like the 80s songs, I will have to admit. The best covers are REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling", Heart's "Alone", and Young MC's "Bust A Move".

I feel, as much as some of these covers are pretty awesome, that they remain too faithful to the original songs in certain cases. I also feel that you may have an added value if you have seen the show and may enjoy the songs even more as a result.

Glee: The Music, Volume 1 is available now from Columbia Records. Fans, keep an eye out for Volume 2, out in early December. I was privy to "Lean On Me", which I did enjoy many vocals on it. It made the song sounds bigger than the original. Anyway, can't wait to hear Lily Allen's "Smile".

V
abc.go.com/shows/v

I grew up watching the original V. I loved it when I was a child, but re-visiting the show with a recent purchase of $10 for the complete series, I'll have to say that the show does not age well. It's cheesy by today's standards.

When I heard that they were remaking V, I was, of course, interested. I saw the teaser on Hulu, and have steadily watched the first three episodes. I'm hooked.

I like the idea that the visitors were here before they arrived in the sky - so that anyone around you could be a visitor. I also like the idea that the main character is now a woman (she's from Lost), and I suspect their base of operation is now in a church. However, there are some things that I think they could've handled better... like pacing. The reveal of a green person on the very first episode or that one of the main character was a visitor - well that could've been saved until later for that shock moment midway into the series...

Post-9/11, the new series takes on a different meaning from the original series. So far, I'm enjoying it.

Cory Chisel said it best last night at First Ave: "We bring you the sad songs, while Brendan brings the rock and roll."   This was a good team-up of music, as the two bands complimented each other.

Cory Chisel and Adriel Harris

Chisel has a few fans in the audience, someone shouted it that they're from Appleton West, which I actually have no idea where that is. I mentally picture northern Minnesota as that was what Chisel said he was from originally.

I thought the best song on the live set was "Born Again". Highlight from the show was when Adriel Harris, remove herself from the keyboard to sing a duet with Chisel.

Brendan Benson Setlist

I think most people know Brendan Benson because he's a member of Jack White's The Raconteurs, but the truth is, he's been releasing music way back in 1996. I thought the best song live was "Cold Hands (Warm Heart)" and "Feel Like Taking You Home".

Surprisingly it was revealed that their current live drummer, Travis (replacing their regular drummer Brad) was a quick learner on tour. I couldn't tell if he messed up, it all sounded in rhythm.

The highlight from the show was at the last encore, where Chisel shows up to help sing their cover of Tom Petty's "American Girl". What's funny is that they printed the lyrics for Benson as he's confessed he doesn't know the song that well.

PS, See the smoke around Benson's head?  Yep, he lite and smoked a cigarette on "American Girl".  Maybe someone should have told him that Minneapolis has a non-smoking policy.

I actually have enough material to write a "Bell, book, and candle", but this would prove to be too much work. Especially because the Candlelight USA compilation CD is mostly metal-type music that I would have to grind through to write about the last piece of the puzzle.

Instead, here's some random books-related music that I've come across lately. As always, look to news.weheartmusic.com for additional information.

KRS-One (official / myspace) just recently released his book, The Gospel Of Hip Hop, and wrap up (haha: rap) his recent book tour. I first came across him, via REM, of all people, with their collaboration "Radio Song".

Any massive fan of hip hop should want to get a copy of this 15-year-in-the-making book for $24.95. That price might seem high, until you realize that the book is a hardcover with over 800 pages.

More details of the book at Powerhouse Books:

The Gospel of Hip Hop: First Instrument, the first book from the I Am Hip Hop imprint set for launch in Spring 2009, is the philosophical masterwork of KRS-One. Set in the format of the Christian Bible, this 600-plus-page opus is a life-guide manual for members of Hip Hop Kulture that combines classic philosophy with faith and practical knowledge for a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Hip Hop as a life path. Known as “The Teacha,” KRS-One developed his unique outlook as a homeless teen in Brooklyn, New York, engaging his philosophy of self-creation to become one of the most respected emcees in Hip Hop history. Respected as Hip Hop’s true steward, KRS-One painstakingly details the development of the culture and the ways in which we, as “Hiphoppas,” can and should preserve its future.

Speaking of books, I think I may have agreed to do some coverage on The Books (official / myspace / twitter) when they arrive here in December 1^st. I actually tried to navigate to their official website to see what they're all about, and I reckon it's too smart for its own good. I guess I just don't have the patience to sit and figure out what to do when all I really wanted is a biography and perhaps links to listen to their music. I suppose that's what myspace is for, however ugly it is, at least you know where to look and what to do.

Their myspace lists their last release is in 2006 for Music for a French Elevator and Other Short Format Oddities EP, which the CD version is all sold out. I suppose they have a new album coming out and/or testing new material on their upcoming tour:

11/19 - Waltham, MA Rose Art Museum @ Brandeis University
11/21 - Bellingham, WA Mainstage
11/23 - Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
11/24 - Seattle, WA Triple Door (2 sets, early and late)
11/25 - Vancouver, BC The Clutch
11/26 - Calgary, AB Broken City
11/27 - San Francisco, CA Noe Valley Ministry
11/28 - San Francisco, CA Noe Valley Ministry
11/29 - Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom
11/30 - Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
12/01 - Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center

Lookbook ♥ Varsity Theater (11/06/09)

Finally, I saw Lookbook (myspace) a few weeks ago, and instantly made Andrew jealous. While Lara tells me that they used to be called Digitata (quote: "I LOVED Digitata"). I did look around, and it looks like Digitata are still around the twin town, Maggie sings in both band. So yeah, it seems they've got a few fans here.

Since Lookbook opened up for Har Mar, whose music is more dancey-type vs the 80s pop synth song... so I'm not really sure if the audience there that night was taken by Maggie & Grant's music. However, I think their music might fit really well with their recent appearance with Solid Gold, who recently played a sold-out First Avenue show.

They've certainly got the buzz by fans of local music here, so there's no doubt that I will eventually run into Lookbook again in the near future.

UPDATE 11/17/09: I receive information on Bam Margera's Book Serious As Dog Dirt - which is out today (Tuesday, November 17^th).  The book is published by MTV Books and retails for $35.  You may know Margera from MTV's Jackass as a professional skateboarder.  More information on bamargera.com and twitter.com.

Here's what they said:

He’s bared himself on screens big and small, but now, Bam Margera exposes himself as never before. Famous for his fearless, funny as s*** daredevil stunts, he has thrilled and revolted audiences worldwide. Now, for the first time, Bam shares his private writings, never before seen personal photos, drawings, and more in this anarchic auto-collage/travelogue, an honest document of the life he leads and a dynamic testament to his wild imagination. Known for his creative style since becoming a pro skater at thirteen, Bam pulls readers into his chaotic world – the music, the movies, the pranks, the skating, the glory, the pain, and the blood.

Pants Yell! - Cold Hands Pants Yell! Tour Dates 11/16/09 ZuZu Cambridge, MA 11/20/09 Space Gallery Portland, ME 12/05/09 Bruar Falls Brooklyn, NY

Such a nice night for mid-November at the 400 Bar. Athletes in Slacks (myspace) warmed up the crowd with their laidback loungey harmonizing sound that only two keyboarders and a guitarist can produce. The band claims all their songs are about love, except later on their hour-long set, they introduced a song about hating two guys from New York. They did finish strong with a cover of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart", and that's what really matter.

The first time I heard about Swedish band Little Dragon, was in January. Ceji was really into them. Since we generally like Swedish bands here, I did try and keep up with their whereabouts. As it turns out, they're in the middle of their tour through the US to promote their sophomore album, Machine Dreams. Although the band's been here already, they confessed last night that this was their first time in Minneapolis.

They didn't do Ceji's favorite "Recommendation" song, but I though hands-down their best song played was "After The Rain", complete with an amazing ending.

From what I heard from their live set, their new songs seems to drifts from the R&B and Jazz influence to more electro and beats. I think the combination works well for them, especially since I like their big beats/electronica sound.

Little Dragon

So one thing I should point out is that singer Yukimi Nagano's dance moves looks very martial and yoga-like. She's often doing this tough smirk and her fists in boxing stance. It's as if she's saying, "bring it on". The way she dances and handles herself, she seems like she was born to be an entertainer.

I've been to a lot of shows lately, and I can tell you that this was one of the best shows yet. They're heading their way to the East Coast, so definitely check them out. If they're not heading through your city, you should check out Machine Dreams, out now on Peacefrog Records.

The Maladies

The Maladies - Album Launch - Oxford Art Factory

It was a dark and stormy night.... well, less stormy and more irritatingly rainy.... anyway it was a night to venture out for the purpose of viewing the album launch show of Sydney boys, The Maladies. 

Playing a bunch of songs from their debut album, With You Right By My Side, Baby The Deal Just Can’t Go Down, it was a pretty fine show, I must say. Loud, dirty, bluesy rock, from foot tap inducing tunes to slow, sullen mini-epic songs, but still not quiet. I'd never actually been to a Maladies show before so I was not sure what to expect. Thankfully, it wasn't disappointing in the slightest. I can only assume that the horn section and the back-up lady singers might have been a special occasion for album launching purposes, possibly not the correct sized stage for so many people to squish on to, but you really can't go wrong with a very large saxophone. All the same, quite impressive musicality, the entire band (including back-up musicians on this particular occasion) didn't put a foot wrong. Nice.

Ask me to name a track. Well no, I can't because I am yet to acquire a copy of the album, but i can assure you, that either catching a Maladies show and/or purchasing your very own copy of With You Right By My Side, Baby The Deal Just Can’t Go Down is quite a good idea.

If you are in Brisbane or Melbourne you are in luck because there's more shows to be played:

19 Nov - The Step Inn Fortitude Valley, Queensland w Mexico City & Sue Ray           

27 Nov - The Tote Melbourne, Victoria. w James McCann’s Dirty Skirt Band, Black Pony Express & Little John.           

 

An honourable mention also has to go to Jamie Hutchings. I'm sure he's being playing shows in some form or another since before the dawn of time. Always enjoyable.... and, it seems, about to embark on a tour of europe, so if you're over that way, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled. Or maybe just look at his website for tour dates (might be easier).

The Maladies - http://www.myspace.com/themaladiesband

Jamie Hutchings - http://www.myspace.com/jamiehutchings

The Rocketsmiths

The Rocketsmiths

The Rocketsmiths.... brought to me by facestalk.... but really.... considering the vast volumes of bands that pop up via the internet I must admit this offering from The Rocketsmiths is not too shabby at all. Not what i'd usually admit to listen to. 

Anyway, a neat little tune named Doctor has landed on my earpod, and i must say I like it. It's simple, it's pounding, straight down the line. Punk pop, short and sweet. A five piece from Brisbane, The Rocketsmiths have been around for some time (well, since 2006 at least) and released a handfull of EP's. Well worth further investigation.

Tour dates for the Doctor tour... here:

20 Nov 2009 - MUM at World Bar, Kings Cross, Sydney,

21 Nov 2009 - The Clubhouse (formerly Empire Corner Bar), Fortitude Valley

The Rocketsmiths -http://www.rocketsmiths.com/

Fan Death

Fan Death

Well, according to Wikipedia (an obvious reliable source) Fan Death is "a South Korean urban legend which states that an electric fan, if left running overnight in a closed room, can cause the death of those inside (by suffocation, poisoning, or hypothermia)." 

As for the band, Fan Death is a couple of ladies who make a brand of discotheque pop stylings of the type that I have never heard before. It's like modern disco, really. Very simple standard disco backing with two female voices singing over the top. Enough to drive you nuts if disco isn't your thing, but i have a little soft spot for disco music....(thanks mum), but not so much for this tune (bring on the Walter Murphy Band... ahem). 

There's not a lot of obvious information available as to where these ladies are from, so I can only assume that they are american and it appears there are no live shows on the horizon. Maybe they've gone to Korea to dispel the rumours.

Fan Death -http://www.myspace.com/fandeath

Sally

sally@weheartmusic.com