It's Remixin' Time, Y'all!

Seriously, could someone please call the Universe on my behalf and tell it to slow the fuck down for a while? Isn't work supposed to ease up around the holidays? If somebody could tell that to the folks i work with, i'm thinking life would be a whole lot easier for Yours Truly.

Fortunately, today's theme presented itself by virtue of a couple of remixes that made their way to ye olde inbox. The fact that the songs are by two of my favorite artists and were remixed by some pretty stellar talent certainly didn't hurt the situation, either.

First up, Beck labored with the latest from the lust of my life, Lykke Li, which is alliterative as this is going to get, i'm afraid. The bass is pushed to the fore, creating an almost marching band staccato that me likey.

mp3: Get Some (Beck Remix) (Lykke Li from her website)

Broken Social Scene has been sharing a boatload of remixes since the release of Forgiveness Rock Record, but i think this latest reworking of "Texaco Bitches" by rising talent Star Slinger might just well be my favorite. i wouldn't go so far as to say it's been reworked into a straight dance tune, but it's certainly got beat elements that give me a tingle in the appropriately inappropriate places.

mp3: Texaco Bitches (Star Slinger Remix) (Broken Social Scene from their website)

Live Review: Broken Social Scene, Warner Theater, 9-13-10

As Kevin Drew pointed out at the start of Broken Social Scene's two-hour plus musical extravaganza last night, Monday nights are a weird night to get one's groove on. Of course, that did absolutely nothing to stop the band from tearing through an equal mix of classic audience favorites and new material to the obvious joy of those attending. If anything, the usual somberness that accompanies the start of a week (hangover; cough; say nothing; act casual) created an almost reverential air, as was evidenced during one of the night's highlights, a church-like version of "Lover's Spit."

i often compare BSS to a Canadian Wu-Tang, but every time i see them live i remember the better comparison is Parliament Funkadelic. While Drew is the apparent leader of the group (on vocals, if nothing else), each member plays a variety of instruments throughout the set, and everyone gets a crack at the mic, too. Shoring up the female side of things this time was the captivating if seemingly disinterested Lisa Lobsinger. Back up duties and a decent "All to All" were nice, but when she took the lead for the final encore number, "Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl," well, i think i might have developed my latest crush. The only time the band stopped rocking was when they actually stopped long enough for each member of the band actually jumped into the audience to dole out hugs. Swear to Black Dynamite, they did. And that was the vibe all night, one of shared camraderie, a bunch of our clearly more talented friends on stage to entertain while the night wore on, an excellent way to spend an otherwise mundane Monday, vibe be damned.

A quick note on the Warner--when did that place start falling apart like that? The arm rest on my seat fell off, the stuffing was coming out of the chair in front of me, and i was worried one of those angels in artwork was going to do a Greg Louganis into the good seats at any moment. The real pisser for me personally, though, was my being told no cameras allowed. Best damn seats i've ever had there (thanks, BSS Fan Club!), and all i brought in was my cell phone. Knives Chau sitting next to me had multiple cameras and some dude was packing a telephoto lens the size of a wildebeest cock (What? Exactly.), so i'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere for the spectacular shots that i'm sure others took. i can tell you that i was close enough to finally realize Kevin Drew is NOT a dead ringer for my buddy Eddie W., but what good does that do you?

This marks the third or fourth time i've seen the band, and they have yet to disappoint. If anything, last night may well have been the best i've ever seen them. They've got their groove on tight. Go see them while the gettin's good, that's all i'm saying.

mp3: Superconnected (Broken Social Scene from KCRW, 11-18-05)

mp3: Anthems for a Seventeen-Year Old Girl (Broken Social Scene, Live in Stockholm, Sweden, 7-8-04)

mp3: Lover's Spit (Feist from the Black Sessions)

Fun with Viruses!

It was just brought to my attention that my computer has not been doing its regularly scheduled anti-virus thing, so i'm in the process of a full scan now. At just over three and a half hours in, Symantec has located and quarantined more than 650 threats. Don't worry, though, it's all on my hard drive, not my mp3 files (which i store elsewhere on a zip drive already scanned and deemed clean). As a result of all this bull crocka, however, you're getting a short, sweet, sickly mix today. The moose out front should have told you. Regularly scheduled programs expected to resume tomorrow.

mp3: Go See the Doctor (Kool Moe Dee from Kool Moe Dee)

mp3: I'm Out Sick (Carolyn Wonderland from Alcohol & Salvation)

mp3: Sick (SSM from EP 1)

mp3: World Sick (Broken Social Scene from Forgiveness Rock Record)

mp3: "I Heard That You Were Feeling Ill..." (The Nurse Flower Delivery Girl from Ferris Bueller's Day Off)

Free Music Friday: The Timely, Canadian, Rationalizing, Sickly, Give Me Your Email Address, Up and Down Version

For whatever reason, the Powers That Be opted not to drop copious amounts of free mp3s into ye olde inbox this week, but fret not! It'll just harsh your buzz if you do. Besides, because i am such a helluva guy, i scoured the Interwebs near and far to find your lazy asses the best new freebie schwag out there today.

To get things started, we've got the return of Field Music. The boys in the band (brothers Peter and David Brewis [vox], Kev Dosdale [guitar and keys] and Ian Black [bass]) are coming off a "self-imposed three year hiatus" with a new 20-track monster, Field Music (Measure). The boys are touring, too, but alas and alack, are coming nowhere particularly near our neck of the woods. Seriously, though, is it just me or are the vocal similarities between the Brother Brewis and Steely Dan downright uncanny? Regardless, you can stream the entire new CD over here at KCRW.

mp3: Each Time Is a New Time (Field Music from Field Music (Measure)) (right click)

The next few tracks are going to cost you something, but they're three stellar fucking tracks, so get over it. As i mentioned recently, the new currency for most free mp3s is your email address. Take solace in the fact, however, that as soon as these boys (hopefully some of your favorite bands) put out that next 7" that they're only releasing on Record Store Day, you'll be in the know.

Caribou nee Manitoba has a new one coming, too. His Swim hits is scheduled to hit shelves April 20. Each of his CDs has been successively better, so i, at least, have high hopes for this one. His expertise lies in creating electronic music that sounds like anything but. First single "Odessa" is a bit heavier than some of his earlier stuff, but dense means good here.

mp3: Odessa (Caribou from Swim) (left click)

i didn't really know the morning benders for more than their sometimes excellent bedroom covers CD, but it appears i was cutting these cats much less slack than they deserved. Their Big Echo is due March 9. If first track "Excuses" is any indication, this puppy is going to be a monster. Have you seen the accompanying video yet? Old boy is going for a Phil Spector Wall of Sound vibe, and i'll be damned if he doesn't nail it.

mp3: Excuses (the morning benders from Big Echo) (left click)

One of my top five favorite bands, Broken Social Scene, is back after far too long away. Sure, the white Canuck version of Wu-Tang put out a couple of stellar "Broken Social Scene Presents" CDs, but those still weren't the same thing. Can a RZA or Ghostface Killah solo joint ever be quite as strong as a collaborative group effort? i argue no. It appears most of the dates for the upcoming supporting tour for Forgiveness Rock Record (out May 4) are taking place overseas in Europe. Did somebody say "Euro Trip?" Anyway, first single "World Sick" is the type of sprawling rocker we've come to except from these masterful bastards.

As a complete side note, i recently almost broke down into fisticuffs when someone disagreed with me that You Forgot It In People was hands down one of the top 10 CDs of the Aughties. Fortunately, i'm lazy and out of shape, so that didn't happen, but the fact remains, these cats kick a tasty groove, and there ain't no bout a doubt it.

mp3: World Sick (Broken Social Scene from Forgiveness Rock Record) (left click)

To wrap things up, i just received the latest from LET's preferred charitable organization, the Mark Sandman Music Project, who are back with three new free tracks this week. Over the past few months, they've had a very successful run bringing musical opportunities to young people in the Greater Boston Metro Area. They've taught some audio engineering classes, recorded some young up and comers out of high school, and are in the early stages of offering an intensive songwriting and recording class. Of course, none of that is possible without a few ducats from cats like you and me, so let's get with it people, and get to giving. It's the least you can do after all the excellent music the late Mr. Sandman and the boys in Morphine gave and continue to give to the world.

mp3: Yo Yo (Mark Sandman from the Mark Sandman Tribute Recordings) (left click)

The Greatest "All" Mix You Will Ever Hear, As Relates To Some Daffy Blogger Forgetting To Read Your Email

As some of you fine musicians and assumed inebriated readers who stop by to muck about LET might already know, i've got an apology to make. It seems that the main LET mailbox has gone unattended for some time, resulting in a slew of emails not having been read and/or responded to in a timely matter. i thought i set up the defaults to send copies of everything that went there to my personal email addy, but clearly messed up that endeavor. A handful of folks already have received personal emails, and the rest of you were probably wondering what Cyclo-flo' had that you didn't. Mia culpa.

The good news is the problem has been resolved. The better news is that we now have a rather large backlog of stuff to share. It appears we have a little bit of everything waiting to be checked out--the tip of the iceberg alone shows indie rock, DJ/beat scene mixes, remixes, acoustic tracks, and a little something from my personal favorite local DC-area artist. Sadly, it appears we're still waiting on additional Nigerian hip-hop offerings, but we can all hope, right?

Just to be on the safe side, if you sent in something recently (like the last three months or so recently), you might want to resend. i'm not saying that implied and outright promises of sex and drugs will help us to write about your rock 'n roll, but Black Dynamite knows it won't hurt.

To make amends, since it's all my fault that this happened, it's only fair to give you The Greatest "All" Mix You Will Ever Hear, As Relates To Some Daffy Blogger Forgetting To Read Your Email

mp3: All Apologies (Nirvana Cover by Ben Gibbard from some 2007 Live Show in NY)

mp3: All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem Cover by Franz Ferdinand from All My Friends maxi-single)

mp3: All My Friends (Broken Social Scene from a live KCRW performance on 11.08.05)

mp3: All Good (De La Soul from Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump)

mp3: All Consolation (White Denim from Fits)

mp3: All Better Now (Earl Greyhound from Soft Targets)

mp3: All For U (RJD2 from Magnificent City Instrumentals)

mp3: All Your Love (Buddy Guy from DJ Play My Blues)

mp3: All That Jizz (Killer Mike from Frisky Dingo)

mp3: All You Men Are All Alike ( Madeline Kahn from Young Frankenstein)

Drugged Up Kids Say The Darnedest Things

Earlier today, i had to get a TransEsophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) essentially to make sure i don't have any free floating ninja scabs on my heart that might cause further clogging in other arteries. The procedure entails them spritzing one's throat with a numbing agent and applying a minor sedative (enough to make things hazy, but not to knock a person out completely) before snaking a rather long tube with a camera on the end down one's throat. Even with the wonderfully charming narcotics I was given, i still had a bit of a gagging problem.

Once they finished and snaked the tube back out of my esophagus, my first words apparently were, "Well, that settles that. There's no career in man-on-man porn for me."

i'm not sure why, but nobody found that nearly as funny as i did.

mp3: Cocksucker Blues (Rolling Stones, unreleased, recorded in 1970)

mp3: Death Cock (Broken Social Scene from 7/4 (Shoreline) EP)

The Top Albums of 2008 According to Chris: #13 - Broken Social Scene Presents...Brendan Canning (Honorable Mention)

I recently read a "Best of 08" list where the reviewer quite candidly and honestly said, "... if so and so took a shit on a snare drum, I'd probably still love it."

That's pretty much how I feel about Broken Social Scene.

Not only has the individual solo artist stuff been great, but the Broken Social Scene Presents series also has kicked ass thus far. First came Kevin Drew's, and this year we received co-front man Brendan Canning's.

Does it sound an awful lot like Broken Social Scene? Sure, but how is that any kind of problem at all? I mean, the guy's an integral member of the band and helped create that BSS sound.

I was fortunate enough to see the BSS tour this year, and the band took the time to do a track or two from BC's album. Let me assure you, the crowd was impressed. As you can hear for yourself, "Hit the Wall" is a pretty fine little song. It's got that excellent indie Canuck goodness that we all know and love smacking throughout it. The rest of the album does the same.

Broken Social Scene: In Pictures

By now you've more than likely ascertained, being the smartypants that you are, that my dear partner and I had a pair of rather enjoyable evenings while taking in our respective Broken Social Scene shows. We decided to share with you some snaps from our show, but since Chris is still figuring out his fancy new camera, most of the shots below come from the 10/21 show at Toad's Place here in lovely Richmond.

The first six pictures were taken from my fabulous bird's eye vantage point in the exceedingly busy balcony at Toad's, while the last two come to you straight from the State in good old Northern Virginny.

We do so hope you will enjoy the photos.





































































































































[photos by Megan Petty and Chris Daly]

Live Review: Broken Social Scene @ the State Theatre, October 22

Everybody's favorite Canadian indie rawkers (unless you're a joyless Fascist, I suppose) made their Falls Church debut last night to a "sold-out" crowd at the State Theater. At least, Kevin Drew said it was a sold-out house. It looked a little less than that to me. I have to admit, I've been telling people since I learned of this show that I thought it was a pretty weird venue to use, but who am I? All in attendance last night seemed to agree that the two hour-plus show was a damn good time had by all, so there you go.

Now, I typically don't see a lot of shows at State, but it's really more of who they typically book as opposed to anything else. Hell, the place is practically within walking distance of my front door, so one might think I'd patronize it far more often. Typically, though, the place seems to get older acts that have since faded from the glare of the limelight. Case in point, Hanson is their next "big" marquee act. Not to disparage their "MMMBop" goodness in the least, but I think I make my point. I can't tell if I like the joint or not, but I can definitely say I'm not thrilled with their ticketing system. Though their website claims this is about to change, tickets purchased on-line (which I would assume makes up the vast majority of their sales) only can be picked up at the club. As a result, last night at least, there was a line that wrapped around the front of the building. While this is great for BSS, I'm sure it's not so money for the hundred or so people outside freezing their asses off because the ticket takers aren't exactly "speedy." I was a bit more miffed when they couldn't locate my photo pass for the show, but they don't really have a photo policy there anyway, so it was kind of a moot point anyway.

More disturbing still, this caused me to miss all but the last song of opener, Land of Talk. Fortunately, the band showed up throughout BSS' set, so that was good. LoT did sound good for the few minutes I did get to hear, and I have to say, lead singer Liz Powell quite possibly has the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen. Her pipes and playing are none too shabby, either.

Now, if you've never been to a BSS show, well, you're missing out. I don't think there's any disagreement that You Forgot It In People is one of the top ten indie albums of the decade, at least, and they bring that kind of energy to the stage with them. Last night's line-up was down to eight. While there was no Leslie Feist or Amy Milan, Ms. Powell amply made up for their absences. Band stalwarts Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning and the Apostle of Hustle himself, Andrew Whiteman, were, however, there and in fine form. From the preponderance of facial hair, checkered plaid shirts and even a toque, it was easy to quickly discern we were in the presence of Canadian greatness. Being one-quarter Canuck myself (thanks, Grandpa!), I believe I have previously waxed rhapsodic on how Canadians are the greatest people on the planet. Whether or not you buy into that, it's harder still to disagree that for at least the better part of the past decade, our neighbors to the Great White North have been churning out some of the best damn indie rock on the planet. BSS, along with Arcade Fire, I imagine, lead the charge.

Now, the State offers plenty of good sight lines, and I was fortunate enough to get a prime spot right behind the sound board and have an unobstructed view for most of the show. I also got to see the sound guy's copy of the set list, so I can inform you that the show officially began with "Fuzz." This is not the name of a song. The band took the stage to little fanfare and, quite simply, turned on their instruments and let the feedback wash over the crowd. Throughout the course of the night, they hit the most beloved tracks from You Forgot... and the self-titled follow-up, including such songs as "Anthems for a 17-Year-Old Girl," "Fire Eye'd Boy," "Cause = Time," and "7/4 (Shoreline)." For those of you not in the know, BSS is a musical collective in the truest sense, maintaining a somewhat rotating line-up. The band even has a line of side records, "Broken Social Scene Presents," which essentially gives the individual artists a solo album of his/her own. I bring this up because the band is nothing if not magnanimous, as was evidenced by nearly every person on stage being given the opportunity to play at least one of his/her own solo tracks. The highlight of this might well have been The Happiness Project, wherein one of the members decided to record a bunch of his neighbors simply speaking and then deciding to play it back, on an instrument, as music. You probably had to be there to fully fathom this, but, trust me, it was money.

Now, I've got all the BSS CDs, as well as most everything from the Arts & Crafts label, but there were a handful of instrumental and solo jams I could not place. That's the thing about BSS. The stage looks like complete anarchy at any given time, with each performer seemingly facing a different direction, not even appearing to be tuned into their fellow band mates. However, the resulting cacophony is anything but; instead, each player adds a little bit to a beautifully juicy whole.

The show closed with "It's All Gonna Break," and the crowd ate it up. At the end of the set, BSS did a perfect job of reminding the people what it was they might have forgotten in the first place.

[photo by Chris Daly]

Live Review: Broken Social Scene @ Toad's Place, October 21

There are moments, relatively few and far between thankfully, where there appears a lapse in my musical cache so glaring that I cannot help but hang my head in shame. Let's just say that my never having seen Broken Social Scene live until this past Tuesday night can definitely be added to that small, but rather horrifying, list. It's true, friends, yours truly has gone years and years and years without ever once seeing one of Canada's most delightful musical exports (this statement actually applies to several Canadian bands, but one embarassing oversight at a time, eh?).

I was mightily impressed with both the headliners and their opening band, Land of Talk, yet another byproduct of BSS members (Liz Powell, for one). Liz also held her own as the only lady in the current BSS touring machine (and the lady plays a mean guitar). I've been hearing a lot of Land of Talk on WOXY these days, and for good reason: they're pretty darn good, a fact that becomes even more evident when seeing them live.

But BSS, oh my, BSS was splendid, sublime, superb, sensational, and pretty much any other positive adjective beginning with the letter "s" (or any other letter, for that matter). Because I am old, I left after about an hour and a half of the set, but I have it on good authority that the band was cranking out song after song until nearly 1:30 in the morning. On a Tuesday, no less. It takes a special band indeed to play for so long, at least such has been my experience. Most bands consider it a job well done to play for over an hour (naturally, exceptions are made for newer bands with less material to pull from). But no, not BSS. They delighted Richmond with a hearty mix of BSS songs and those of BSS offshoots, like several selections from Brendan Canning's new album (a favorite around these parts, you know). During the course of the set, the band seemed incredibly and honestly touched at how receptive and enthusiastic the crowd was, and played with smiles on their faces and a spritely spring in their collective step. I found their energy contagious (though not enough, sadly, to keep me around for the whole set) and their performance as a whole captivating.

While it might have taken me years to finally get my ass to a Broken Social Scene show, I've got to say this was a good one to have as my first. It was pretty much flawless, full of mirth and merriment, and I can now say I am safely ensconced among the plentiful ranks of BSS devotees. Come back soon, friends.

[photo by Megan Petty]

The Untitled Interview #13: Starring Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene)

We here at Les Enfants Terribles don't agree on everything, it'd be a little boring if we did after all, but one thing we can both get behind is that there sure is a lot of good music being made by our good neighbors to the north (in other words, we heart Canadians). Bearing that in mind, it made perfect sense to us to get some answers from one of Canada's best and biggest exports, Broken Social Scene.

The stars are all good and perfectly aligned for two local BSS shows, tomorrow night in Richmond and Wednesday in DC (ok, actually in Northern VA, but close enough), and we Terribles will both be representing in our respective cities. To celebrate, and encourage you heartily to venture out into the delicious fall evening and join us, we excitedly present the Untitled Interview starring Mr. Brendan Canning, who is himself celebrating a delightful (albeit prematurely released) solo album. As a little bonus, you'll find an audio treat below. And because he's such a BSS nut, Terrible Chris has thrown in a couple questions of his own. Enjoy.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Brendan Canning: Today, good.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
BC: The record shop I was just in was playing Canned Heat.

LET: Playing music is ___
BC: Going to delay my groin injury from healing.

LET: What album most made you realize that you wanted to make
music?
BC: KISS - Destroyer

LET: Beatles or Stones?
BC: Zeppelin.

LET: What're your top 5 albums?
BC: Today-
Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
John Coltrane - Giant Steps
Slayer - Reign in Blood
Neil Young - Everybody Knows This is Nowhere
Boards of Canada - Music Has the Right to Children

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
BC: 8 Mile.

LET: What city or venue would you like to play, but haven't
yet been to?
BC: Rio de Janeiro.

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
BC: What day is it?

LET: Apart from your band, which of your peers do you think is
making the best music these days?
BC: Are Wilco my peers?

LET: Favorite thing about Toronto?
BC: Kensington Market.

LET: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in
the morning?
BC: Do I really need to get out of bed today?

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
BC: Rotate this.

LET: What's the longest flight you've ever been on, and
where were you going?
BC: Toronto to Auckland-21 hours or so.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
BC: Tequila, lime and soda.

LET: What do you think is the secret to longevity as it relates
to bands?
BC: Have something else that makes you money. Or write a massive hit and then take a five year hiatus. If you've ever seen the movie Supertroopers, remember: desperation is a stinky cologne. (it's on in the bus right now.)

LET: If you weren't in a band, you'd be:
BC: Off of this bus.

LET: Best song ever written?
BC: “Pink moon” - Nick Drake.

Terrible Chris: Greatest Canadian band of all time? Greatest American?
BC: Rush. Talking Heads.

TC: Who's going to win the Stanley Cup this season?
BC: Who cares. Unless the Leafs start winning I could give a shit.

TC: Crosby or Ovechkin?
BC: ??

mp3: Brendan Canning - Hit the Wall