March 31, 2008
Simian Mobile Disco
What a blurry time of a weekend.
Posted by Charlie at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2007
Hvarf-Heim
Out comes yet another Sigur Rós masterpiece. More dream-filled nights to come ...
Posted by Charlie at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2007
Goddess
My feet were sore and I was a little moody from standing for three hours straight, but the moment Brazilian goddess Bebel Gilberto took the microphone and opened her mouth to sing, a smile swept over my face and wouldn't leave until long after she sang her last note.
Posted by Charlie at 04:56 PM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2007
Volta, Part Deux
Are you excited about Volta as much as I am?
Posted by Charlie at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2007
Volta
In a rather sharp contrast to her last solo offering Medulla, Icelandic prodigy Bjork's next act, entitled Volta, will be experimental mishmash of programmed beats and rhythms, according to her first promotional interview at Pitchfork. In it, she states how after creating albums that were "quite serious," she wanted to create something "just to have fun and do something that was full-bodied and really up" this time around. This album definitely looks like something to look forward to. I miss Bjork's fun-filled days from way back when.
Posted by Charlie at 11:29 AM | Comments (0)
December 31, 2006
A Music's Life for Me
As the new year begins and people start their slates anew, so fresh and so clean, I am excited about what 2007 holds for us, musically. With rumors of new albums coming from Coldplay, Radiohead and Bjork, 2007 will definitely be a year of big-name acts, a sharp contrast to 2006, a year littered with many independent prodigies. So, to celebrate the closing of 2006 and the anticipation of what holds for us next year, I've compiled a short list of musical albums that have charmed with in the past year. This is by no means a comprehensive record, but rather a look at one's personal history in tracking what he finds good to the ears.
Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
Beirut - Gulag Orkestar
Spank Rock - YoYoYoYoYo
The Knife - Silent Shout
Ratatat - Classics
Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
Final Fantasy - He Poos Clouds
Hot Chip - The Warning
Posted by Charlie at 02:56 AM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2006
Passion
I was such a weird little kid. A very long time ago a cousin of mine lent me a CD of his, Peter Gabriel's Passion: Music for The Last Temptation of Christ, the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese's film of the same name. Although I had not yet seen the film nor was I familiar with Christian beliefs, I was immediately struck by the other-worldly and ethereal atmosphere of the record, weaved together from traditional Middle Eastern instruments and Western synthesizers. I spent many a childhood night falling asleep to this album. Not many ten-year-olds do this.
Fifteen years later, a random conversation with a friend sparked memories of this album, and I rushed home to download it off of iTunes. I press the play button and immediately I'm whisked off back to my childhood. The songs still sound fresh and new; it hasn't aged a bit. It is definitely Peter Gabriel's shining achievement.
A Different Drum isn't the strongest track on the album, but it does give a hint on what this historical record has to offer. Buy this album and fall asleep to it; that's what I'll be doing tonight. :-)
Posted by Charlie at 12:27 AM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2006
Madama Butterfly
Anthony Minghella's production of one of my favorite operas, Madama Butterfly, opened last night at the Met. Puccini's most famous work is notorious for its extreme difficulty; there are very few Butterflies out there who can pull off the wide vocal range and stress that this opera demands (which is why you'll never see a 15-year old as Cio-Cio-San). My parents are visiting in several weeks and I am thinking about taking them to a performance, but only if they're willing to shell out $300 for a seat.
Posted by Charlie at 06:52 PM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2006
Spank Rock
Yesterday's final Pool Party of the year. Spank Rock and a very special appearance by M.I.A. Yowzers! I love free concerts.
Posted by Charlie at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2006
Live at KEXP
Get this album and you'll understand why most Seattlites have the most eclectic and broadest tastes in music. There is nothing hotter than a guy who can appreciate good opera as well as post-grunge rock.
Posted by Charlie at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2006
Hoppipolla
One of my most favorite songs ever is Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros, one of my most favorite bands ever. This song makes me want to climb a grassy hill under a dark, starry California sky with my hunny and just lay there while we hold hands and watch as the lights above us blink up there silently.
Posted by Charlie at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2006
McCarren Pool
McCarren Pool is the hip, trendy place to be if you live in overly hip, overly trendy Williamsburg. This summer has brought out some of the biggest names and biggest up-and-comers in indie rock music. Asobi Seksu, Of Montreal, Deerhoof, Beirut, Enon; the list goes on. The best news is, all of this is free. FREE. Can I die happy now, please?
Posted by Charlie at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2006
György Ligeti
R.I.P. György Ligeti 1923~2006
Posted by Charlie at 12:08 PM | Comments (0)
June 11, 2006
Loose
This seems hard to believe, but the exact moment I heard that Miss Aaliyah had passed away in August 2001 I was thinking about her, saying to myself that her kind soul was going touch people in more ways than I would ever realize. I cried that night.
Now, her unlikely successor will be releasing her next album next week. I've written Nelly Furtado off as pop trash back when her debut album came out some years ago, but after listening to Loose, mostly produced by Timbaland (and a special but very brief appearance by Chris Martin!), I can hear the spirit of Aaliyah shining through. I really like this album! R&B brilliance.
Posted by Charlie at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2006
Giant Step
Our next door neighbors at work are Giant Step, a group of independent music promoters that have been putting on some really amazing shows. These guys kick ass, and their Summer Stage concert featuring Seu Jorge and Jose Gonzalez is definitely not to be missed! I know where I'll be spending my July 2nd afternoon.
Posted by Charlie at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
Late Summer Listenin'
TV on the Radio's next album Return to Cookie Mountain is coming out next month, and hot damn is it good! Their trademark sounds are still there, and with a surprise appearance by David Bowie (who seems to be working with a lot of my favorite bands at the moment), this album will undoubtedly be appearing on Top Ten Lists across the publication board. These guys are genius.
Thom Yorke's solo effort The Eraser reminds me of Radiohead's experimental Kid-A days, and if you're a fan of that album you'll most certainly warm up to this one. His songs sound so effortlessly brilliant.
Posted by Charlie at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2006
The National
Last night's impromptu outing to see a sold-out concert with The National was the best decision I've ever made on a Sunday night. These guys ROCKED. There are very few bands that sound better live than they do on their album, and these guys are on the very top of their game.
Posted by Charlie at 11:25 PM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2006
MYLO
Posted by Charlie at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2006
Citrus
Hell yizzah! Asobi Seksu's next album comes out at the end of the month, with a release party at Joe's Pub on June 1st. Summertime and cold soba noodles officially arrives with this album.
Posted by Charlie at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)
April 03, 2006
My Hands are Losing Their Memory
It's been over a year since I last touched a piano. I miss being able to bust out a little Mozart concerto on the fly. Luckily Reason is keeping me occupied; I'm busy at work composing a little something-something for fun... maybe possibly as a soundtrack to the abstract video art. I want to ship out my Alesis ion, but I can't do that yet until I have a place I can call my own. Still though, I might just go out and get a small MIDI controller.
Posted by Charlie at 08:45 PM | Comments (0)
November 05, 2005
Confessions On A Dance Floor
Friday. 3AM. At Decibel. On my third lychee martini. I'm blabbing on and on about Madonna without shame or embarrassment, a woman whose intellect I unabashedly admire.
Saturday. 10PM. On the futon. Listening to her latest album, and totally freaking out because this is the strongest work she's come out in a while. My ears are so happy right now.
Posted by Charlie at 09:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
Hung Up
They played this song while I was at the clubs last Friday, and I think I was the only one that got crazy when it came on.
Posted by Charlie at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2005
Hung Up On Madonna
Madonna's next album finally gets a cover, and what a cover it is! Steven Klein, Giovanni Bianco, and Madonna worked together to create a rather pop graphic portrayal of the superstar, a stark contrast to her 2003 album American Life's artwork. I'm really excited for this album; I heard her upcoming single, and it's reassuring knowing that Madonna has not lost her touch on dance music one bit. No sir. This is going to be one uncontroversial, mindless, dance-induced piece of work. I cannot wait.
Posted by Charlie at 12:14 AM | Comments (0)
August 20, 2005
Annie
Eimi's friend Harry is in the touring production of Annie, and last night we were one of the lucky few invited to their preview performance. Now, I've never seen the movie nor do I know what the story is about; there is something about little girls with permed red hair that I've never really warmed up to. Eimi's friend Jennifer and I were a little skeptical about what we were going to experience since neither of us know the story, but our jaws literally dropped as soon as the actress playing Annie opened her mouth to sing, and by the end of the musical we were sharing tissues to wipe our eyes. Man, that girl can sing! The cast was exemplary, and the set design by renowned Ming Cho Lee was breathtaking. The show-stealer was definitely Sandy the dog, however. Whenever it was onstage you can just feel the audiences' hearts melt. Man, I gotta start going out to the theatre some more!
Posted by Charlie at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2005
In My iPod: Playlist One
I've developed an iTunes addiction whilst looking for the perfect soundtrack for Kelley's wedding, and since I've gotten lots of questions about the music on this site, I think it'll be nice to forward some of my musical tastes on to you folks. Clicking on the following links will take you to iTunes, so you too can develop an insatiable addiction to music like I have:
Gotan Project - La Revancha del Tango
A wonderful blend of Argentine tango and Jamaican dub - who would've thought it took the genius of three French musicians to create this kind of music? Only released a few years ago, La Revancha del Tango is already considered a contemporary classic and can still be heard in movie soundtracks, TV commercials, and chic restaurants worldwide.
DJ Shadow is a master producer, and with an album that is almost entirely made up of samples, it's easy to see why. Layers upon layers of vocals, instruments, sound effects, and beats make way for an auditory treat for the ears. Private Press is a piece of work that gives me hope that there are still hip-hop artists who haven't succumbed to mass commercialism.
Honeyroot - Sound Echo Location
I fell in love with these guys while watching a particular episode of Sex and the City. Think Massive Attack, Air, and Zero 7. This is the album to spend a lazy Sunday morning in bed with. Call it New Age if you will, but this work manages to avoid the pitfall cliches that normally befalls other chill-out albums. People make love with this album playing.
Posted by Charlie at 12:08 AM | Comments (0)
August 04, 2005
Japan iTunes
Apple finally launched iTunes Music Store for Japan, and I'm a little jealous, seeing as I won't be able to purchase any of the JPOP songs that are available because I don't have a Japan-based credit card. I guess when it comes to getting new Yoko Kanno CDs I'm going to have to go the old-fashioned route and buy the physical product at some Kinokuniya store somewhere. Hmph.
Posted by Charlie at 12:19 AM | Comments (2)
July 05, 2005
Confessions On The Dance Floor
What can I say: I love her. Madonna recently announced that her next album will be entitled Confessions On The Dance Floor, which is supposedly an all-dance project. It should be out by the time my ankle fully heals. Yesss!
Posted by Charlie at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2005
Coldplay - X&Y
Several years in the making, and the wait is finally over: Coldplay's latest album is finally out! Go out and get a copy of X&Y now! I am just loving the new direction their sound is taking. A little more synth, a little less acoustics.
Posted by Charlie at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2005
Affiliating...
I've joined some affiliate programs to see if I can start generating additional revenue from this site, seeing as I am spending close to $150 a year to maintain a record of my life. In an effort to keep my site from looking like an over-marketed personals ad, I'm going to keep the links to a bare minimum and rotate my personal music selections around. I don't come cheap, you know.
Posted by Charlie at 09:11 PM
March 08, 2005
Adagio
I can't write legibly when I'm overemotional. I start to produce run-on sentences with poor concentration on spelling and grammar. Not that I have anything specific to get worked up about, but today I was listening to Secret Garden's 'Adagio' and something inside me snapped. A foreign emotion that I can't pinpoint. Now normally I would muster up something semi-witty and funny to mask this feeling I feel, but today I can't for some reason.Posted by Charlie at 02:45 AM | Comments (1)
February 15, 2005
MANPLUS 4EVA
Posted by Charlie at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2005
R.I.P.
MANPLUS' last show will be this Monday, February 14th, 2005. It has been a great ride, filled with awesome memories of screaming fans, drunk old men, shirtless Asian drummer hotties, and horrible costumes. Jared decided that it was time to take on a new direction in his music; after all, all four of us are at some sort of transitory periods of our lives, and while MANPLUS was the glue that kept us together, creatively, with every beginning there is an inevitable ending. There will be tears tomorrow, but it's also an exciting opportunity for new creative challenges. It'll be fun to come up with new songs that are more... chipper in nature.
Posted by Charlie at 01:19 PM | Comments (0)
January 30, 2005
An Ode to Yoko Kanno
Words can never describe how I feel about Yoko Kanno's music. No one composer has captured my heart the same way she has. She is able to disappear into her songs; one cannot listen to two pieces of her work and state that they are from the same composer. Her versatility in song composition is short of mind-blowing, as she is able to compose choral canons, drum 'n bass beats, rock ballads, and jazz pieces on a drop of a hat.
Posted by Charlie at 01:07 AM | Comments (0)
January 27, 2005
Church of Scissor Sisters
I swear, there were more queers than one can shake a stick at. Men (and women) of all shapes and sizes gathered together for one night of great music at the Paramount. It was kinda like a Margaret Cho show, except with more ass-grinding and bra-throwing. I screamed so much I think I am going to lose my voice tomorrow. It was a very... fun and memorable experience, and let's just leave it at that.
Posted by Charlie at 11:37 PM
December 24, 2004
Chop Suey Pictures
A random assortment of photos that Louie took of the concert at Chop Suey.
Posted by Charlie at 05:53 PM
December 20, 2004
MANPLUS @ Chop Suey
MANPLUS' last concert this year is going to be at Chop Suey this Tuesday, December 21st. Come out and support your local Seattle music scene!
Posted by Charlie at 01:57 PM
December 11, 2004
Drinks With Jake Shears
This is what happens when you're bored; you buy things that you don't really need. Or want. I'm currently the highest bidder for the chance to have cocktail hour with Jake Shears, the lead singer of the Scissor Sisters. I love the Scissor Sisters, but I could really care less about hanging out with a musical prodigy right now as I'm preoccupied with other matters, namely Taiwan. But this is what happens when you have free time.
Posted by Charlie at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)
December 10, 2004
Deck The Hall Ball
Snow Patrol. Keane. The Shins. The Killers. Franz Ferdinand. Modest Mouse. All in one venue. One night. Be still my heart! And to top it off, Phil's friend Nate had two extra tickets for the box seats, so for most of the night we were livin' it in style and laughing our asses off at the body surfers getting ejected from the concert.
Posted by Charlie at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2004
MANPLUS @ The Central Saloon
There's an upcoming MANPLUS concert this Wednesday, December 8th at The Central Saloon. Come out and support your local Seattle music scene!
Posted by Charlie at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2004
AFRA
Check it out: AFRA is this human beatboxer based in Tokyo and New York City and boy is he bombdiggity! He recently collaborated with my favorite music prodigy artist Yoko Kanno on the latest campaign for Fuji Xerox. A very talented young man indeed.
Posted by Charlie at 01:39 PM | Comments (0)
August 15, 2004
She's Got A New Microphone
Asia's biggest pop star's much-anticipated English release is almost upon us, and you'll probably see me first in line at the record store. Her beats are seriously wicked killer, but man... her lyrics... they send shivers up my spine, and not in a good way. Take a gander at this line:
You're Easy Breezy and I'm Japa-neezy...
Dat so cheezy! Brings me back to the good ol' days when her first Japanese album came out. Good God were her lyrics baaad. I love Utada Hikaru though, and you know I'm going to be singing her god-awful lyrics from here to eternity.
You're Easy Breezy and I'm Japa-neezy...
Posted by Charlie at 07:30 PM | Comments (1)
August 14, 2004
Instruments Are So Over
And I have to agree with that comment, after hearing snippets of Bjork's latest album. This woman is a genius, I tell you. She defies the very makeup that makes our pop culture, cultivating ideologies, music, and fashion statements that make us stop and reassess our values. A true slave to her art, and yet in control of every aspect of it.
Posted by Charlie at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)