EchoesLocation

I finally had the chance to catch Nina Persson live in the form of A Camp. I've been a fan of hers and The Cardigans since probably 1997 or so. I became more into The Cardigans after Gran Turismo was given to me as a birthday gift by an ex girlfriend in probably 1999. Then the A Camp CD came out on the net in 2001 and I was sold. Years and years of listening to that voice came to fruition live last night at Doug Fir with a really great performance by her and her band. There was a lot of energy and stage presence and just that voice alone could carry a night. I'm really happy that I can check that off my list. If they swing through your town I'd highly recommend giving it a go.

jeremy

This morning I downloaded the new Mos Def album "The Ecstatic". I've been trying to find it for a couple weeks and finally did. I haven't given it a proper listen but believe me I will. His performance of "Quiet Dog..." on Letterman was powerful. The album version mirrors the intensity of the drums in the live show...I'm happy about that. Anyways, I'll burn it to a disk and give it a real listen in the car. I also grabbed the new Phoenix album "Amadeus Mozart". I'm two tracks in and definitely pleased with it at this point. Obviously, track two is 1901 and that song does something to me.

I happened upon the art of Karen Ann Myers through Leslie's facebook. Her work is very "fashionable" and the palette is sugar sweet. The mixing of patterns in the pieces really creates a jarring dynamic that is at both times pleasurable to view and stirring. The percentage of the figures used in the pieces have morose glares even when doing things that would be considered "pleasant". I'll leave thoughts on that to you. Give the pieces a once over. There is also a section for printmaking and mixed media. I'll look at those right now.

jeremy

If these "Gone Fishing" songs are throwaway tracks then Cool Kids are planning on putting everyone on their heads with the new album. The only complaint I have is the need in mixtape culture for the DJ to yell over all the tracks. It's a little off putting. So it goes. I'll take this as a hold me over 9 times out of 10.

jeremy

Kid Cudi
Man, I've been really checking for this song Day and Nite by this fella Kid Cudi. It's a really simple song in concept and execution but it's so good. The video does me some favors too. He's got a cool style and a really nice cadence to him. I'll have to keep checking for his stuff.
Speaking of videos, with Rap City dead and gone it's a wonder where you could find Hip Hop videos, but to be fair it's not like you could catch quality videos on BET in the last 7 or 8 years (maybe more). Obviously the internet is the only place to go or the music video portion of my On Demand has a handful of decent things to pick from. I was up late two nights ago and I tuned into the more video oriented MTV stations on my digital cable. I was pleased to catch that Kid Cudi video and a few others that caught my attention, namely this video by "one hit wonder" Mims. The video kills me mainly because it's exciting to see artists really pushing that part of the art. Keep it up.

The Ladies Mix
I made a mix that celebrates some of my favorite ladies in music. Some favorites and some just conveniently on my Itunes when I quickly threw this mix together before I flew back to North Carolina. I did have time to test the tracks and make sure I wasn't slacking on quality so download and enjoy some cool estrogen filled music.

jeremy

Morgan Blair
Really inspirational illustrations, drawings and photography to be seen at Morgan Blair's portfolio page. I'm always a fiend for the sketch style of illustrations because I tend to overwork things and strive to let loose a little bit. Either way, her work is really nice and diverse. Check it out.

I've been a fan of Common since he was Common "Sense" and he released "Take It Easy". His punchlines and lyrics were fun and the beats were nice. He morphed over his career a few times but ultimately became a "conscious" rapper save a few missteps, who stood up for positivity and poignancy in hip hop. I appreciated that. I'm not gonna dive to deep into what his music means to me because it's not that serious, but I will say, this new cd "Universal Mind Control is 80 percent garbage and 20 percent throwaway. It's a little frustrating after he released two solid albums and seemed to have found a comfort zone with Kanye West behind the boards. I know comfort isn't always the way but quality should be your goal everytime out even if you are trying something new. He has Pharrell Williams producing on a percentage of the album and the two singles I've heard are just clunky, lazy, uneven messes. I hate to be the critic but sometimes I don't understand artists and the music they put out...harsh I know, anyways. At least it's not "Electric Circus" and the song Gladiator is pretty epic.

Digable Planets
So, the Digable Planets are playing at 2410 tonight. I saw the poster driving to work Monday and just got around to seeing when and where the show is. Good thing too. I hope I can make it out there. I've been a fan of that group for a quite a while. I mean over 15 years. It's kinda crazy to think that it's been that long since "Cool Like Dat" was all over the TV. I remember really disliking that song initially and then hearing Nickel Bag A Funk somewhere and quickly running out to buy the first album. Then when 9th Wonder came out from Blow Out Combs, that video just did me so many favors. With that said, I'm jazzed. Hope I can make it out there on short notice, being a little sick and with work in the morning. I need to revert to my 23 year old self who wouldn't think twice about it and just go...hrmmm. That's another story.

jeremy

Completed, scanned and yousendit...ed my Andrew Bird to Rachel last night and I've been getting some nice comments on Flickr about it from friends. It's always strange working on a piece for a good bit and getting so intimate with it. You get to a point where you don't want to let it go for fear of it being frowned upon. No matter how many accomplishments and compliments one gets it's still nerve racking and ultimately (if the reception is decent) pleasing to know that people find beauty in what you put your time in. Basically, I'm glad that I'm a pretty good artist and it's afforded me a little bit of supplemental income and it's brought cheer to people.

Illustration and Artwork
If you've never visited my Flickr page a good bit of my illustration work rests there with some studio, gallery and in progress shots from years past. Now since I've gone and made this post "Jeremy Heavy" I'm gonna toss some links to a few people.

I had the pleasure of sharing my residence and time with Denison Witmer this past weekend. He was in town to play a show put on by my roommate Lindsay. I was pretty unfamiliar with his music though the name rang out pretty strong when she mentioned him coming. The show was great from the opening acts (Kellie Schaefer & Day of Lions) to the venue (The Funky Church) and the Denison headlining was just icing on the cake. His performance was sort of a story tellers type of deal and it was awesome getting some insight into his history and the songs make the listening experience so much more enjoyable. His lyrics are not one for trivial turns, all the words are important and none are wasted. Give him a listen and I'll keep kicking myself for not listening earlier.

Douglas Witmer
The day he left we had a chat about art and he clued me into his brother Douglas who also paints and is having a couple major shows in NYC soon. I looked and really enjoyed the paintings on wood that are actual paintings on wood. Disjointed slats, blocks and found wood, painted with blocks of color that off sets the harsh angles of the wood. Check out all the work and judge for yourself. I tend to lean towards figurative, representational work but I'm a fan of his stuff.

jeremy

Chelsea Williams
I've never been one to really lie about my musical tastes and I'm not going to start now. Roomie Ash had a friend stay the night 2 of the past three named Chelsea Williams. She was in town to play for some radio station general managers to try to strengthen her chances of airplay. Kudos to her. I listened to her music, as well as The Henry Clay People who were in town as well but I'll get to them later, and was impressed with the voice but the style is fairly common singer songwriter stuff. I'm writing about her mainly because I was taken by her sweetness. She is a street performer in the LA area and recently started playing shows. I wish her luck. Give her a listen and see what you think.

The Henry Clay People
I unfortunately missed their set at Doug Fir on Sunday because upon listening to them I really liked what I heard and Ash says the live show is tight and fun. They've been playing together for 9 years and I can hear some of that 90's Indie Pavement-esque sound to them and I dig it. I'll have to look more up on them.

The weekend is almost upon me. I have lots to do. Slightly overwhelmed but it's ok. It's good to be busy.

jeremy

Kings of Leon
I was afforded my 3rd chance to see Kings of Leon last night at Arlene Schnitzer because of Rachel Briggs' generosity. The first time I saw them was after Aha Heartbreak was released. Me and Joey ventured to the Neighborhood Theater and were not disappointed. Last year I caught them during Bumbershoot on the mainstage. They were supporting Because Of The Times on this performance. Last night I saw them touring off of the newest release, Only By The Night. I'll spare tons of details but say these guys are probably one of my favorite live acts to see. They seem to go 100% everytime and my familiarity with all the material doesn't hurt. Good stuff.

jeremy

Fall Upon Us
I haven't posted a mix since the Summer Mix Series started so I am well past due. Here is what I came up with. I've been listening to it in my car for the past two or three days and I think it flows nicely and offers a fair amount of diversity. Stand outs for me are the new TV on the Radio track and my old neighbor Luzelena's band, Y La Bamba's, track called "Fasting In San Francisco". It's a short number at 2:14 but in the live performance I've seen them do with full band the song is fleshed out longer and even more lush and beautiful...enough talk, download and listen.

jeremy

TVOTR
I've had a few days with this new TV On The Radio. It took me about 7 minutes to get what they were doing. I heard the single "Golden Age" and was automatically put off by the upbeat nature of the track. When it comes to TV on the Radio I find sanctuary in the seemingly bleak and dreadful mood of the albums. The sensual nature of the songs cut by layers of tracks that sound like they were crafted in a dark tunnel in the early AM hours. This album definitely has a more hopeful vibe but when you inspect the lyrics, they are still questioning people motives on a small scale, large scale and at their own front doors. The lyrics are as self deprecating as they are inquisitory. The dread is hidden by BPM's and a jazzed up horn section courtesy of Antibalas. The Afro Beat influence is there. What's also more apparent to me this go round is the two singers separate writing styles, singing styles and personalities. The duets are toned down which makes for a much more diverse album. I'm not gonna get into a full on record review here, although it's probably too late, but I will say if you are a fan you will be pleased with the evolution of the band. They keep it close to home but also add these touches album by album that keeps things interesting.

jeremy

The Foreign Exchange
In a world filled with deflating rap news, really bad hip hop and nothing to really look forward to, it's a joy knowing that a new Foreign Exchange CD is in the pipes. The Itunes release date is October 7th and the physical release is a week after. The first album was great and one of my favorites from '04. Phonte (of Little Brother) is definitely one of the better MC's out today as far as relevance, subject matter and consistency is concerned. Nicolay's production on the last album and just the whole album as one piece from start to finish was impeccable. I look forward to seeing them update the formula and put out another hot product.

ANTM
Tonight America's Next Top Model begins cycle 11. As most of the people that read this blog know, I am a fan and not just a casual fan. I looked at the images of the girls and have not picked my favorite yet. I think I need to wait and hear the ladies talk and get a better idea of personalities. It does seem with Whitney's win last season they've canned the plus sizers this go round but are maintaining the same basic lay out of contestants. Either way, I'll be tuning in at 8.

Two nights ago I made the trek to Kelly's Olympian downtown. A place that I'd been once before and wasn't terribly impressed with. The clientele is a little sketch. The type of place that drunk 'dudes' introduce themselves to you for no reason and you walk away knowing he won't remember you 10 seconds later and you on the other hand will be left mentioning said interaction with a visible question mark over your head in your next blog entry. Downtown is just not the place for me but that is not the reason we are here is it?
Hot Victory
I went to Kelly's to catch Hot Victory. A band that I'd seen by accident once before at Slabtown and was really into. I thought about the syncopated drums and noise they created for days following that show. There is something about the two drummers lack of compromise for anything but one another that just gets me going. The punches of 'accessibility' you hear popped into the structures is reassuring but its the disconnection that makes the music so wonderful. They played about 30 minutes or so before their surprise made an entrance. The L.R.S.D.(Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers) storms into the venue and joins the band for about 7 minutes of everything drum. It was intensely loud being in the front row but I didn't want to miss a thing. Ben and Caitlin of the band are both parts of the L.R.S.D. so it was only right that they come out and support the band for the 7" release. If you see that they are playing somewhere around your area do yourself a favor and check them out. So good.

The Parson Red Heads
Tonight The Parson Red Heads are playing at The Artistery, which is walking distance from my house and an interesting venue. It's in a basement of a house that also, I believe, has art shows and other sorts of events. That's neither here nor there though. I'm excited to catch them again. They played at Doug Fir in support of Earlimart about a month ago or so and I was super impressed. I bought their album King Giraffe and it's been in my car and in and out of the CD player since then. Songs like "Traveling To Different Planets" and "Full Moon" remind me of Super Furry Animals who I know are derivative of some of the 60's folk pop music thats been recycled for years. These guys just do it so well though you feel like it's your first time hearing it. It's the perfect driving music on these sunny Portland days and I can see how they would make for bright company for the rainy season as well. I think they have a new album "Owls & Timbers" that was released a couple months back. They are based in Silverlake I believe and sport a rotating cast of players. Tonight they will be at full force. They were only singer and drummer when they played last and filled in the band with friends in the area. I'm more than ready for the show tonight and excited to check out the new album.

jeremy

M.I.A.
Thanks to Liz, I can log another (awesome) show. We went to Roseland to see M.I.A. perform last night. Prior to that Brian joined us for a really delicious dinner at India Grill on Burnside. I can't call myself a connoisseur of Indian cuisine but I know what I like and this place had some tasty plates. Anyways, we got to the show and had a drink...seriously, everywhere should take check cards by this point. I suppose it can save some hassle for the bartenders but it really puts a strain on the customer and I know I don't drink as much when I have to pay cash...but again I digress. Glass Candy opened the show and I enjoyed them. After they finished we waited for like an hour before M.I.A. came on and it was pretty annoying but as you know good music and a great stage show is like a cure all. She packs a lot of energy into that small frame and tripled with the dancers that perform with her and the video in the background the show is very visually and aurally overwhelming...but in the best way possible. Her outfit was nuts (as you would expect) and for a few songs she invited people on stage and that was awesome, one because me and Liz could get closer when all the annoying kids ran up there and two because it was a cool thing to see. Aside from the long layover between the two bands the show was killer and I'm glad Liz blessed me with her presence and a ticket. We went to Florida Room afterwards for a nightcap with Brian, Vanessa and some of her friends. Good times.

jeremy

El-P
So after 10+ years I finally got to see El-P live and see his high energy live show. It was just that. No prison garb or face masks and fatigues as I read were adorned during the I'll Sleep When Your Dead" Tour but he packed enough energy, tripled with Busdriver "Avant-Core" performance and the very old school grimey performance by Dizzee Rascal, to make up for it. He did mostly stuff off the new album but he appeased the FanDam followers with 2 or 3 songs and even dug into the Company Flow catalog for one. It definitely put a smile on my face. He had Mr. Dibbs Dj'ing for him and that in itself was a treat. Busdriver, who've I've wanted to see for some time as well was really good. Again, very high energy and fun to watch due to his energy and the tweaks that he did during song with the beats and his voice...if I knew more about equipment then I could describe that better. Just go see him for yourself. Dizzee Rascal was good. The highlights of his set were "Sirens" and "Fix Up Look Sharp". Very cool show all together.

jeremy

Happy Birthday Luti
Yesterday was very productive. It had to be in a sense. I was trying to pack a weekend in one day basically because I have to work in 53 minutes. Sucks I know. Anyways...

I woke up around 7:15am and automatically started working on a makeshift art portfolio for a 4:30pm Portfolio Review at Rake Gallery. I'm looking to get more of my work out and about in Portland. He liked a couple of the pieces I brought in and unfortunately the two he wants the hang are the ones I unstretched when I moved here. So, yeah, I have to stretch an already painted canvas. One of my least favorite things to do...either way it was good to get in there and have new eyes want to hang my work. It's sort of like validation. Anyways. After I finished getting the images together and writing a quick resume I went and had some iced coffee and a chat with Keegan. It was good to actually have a sit down with my house mate. We walked back home and thats when I departed to Kinkos and my review. I returned home and cleaned up the living room and organized my work station. Langhorne called me and said he and Jessie headed to alberta for a street fair and dinner. I drove up and met them at Vita Cafe for a Seitan Cheese Steak, that they crafted with 45 minutes of care. God, that place is notoriously slow...anyways. I then headed back to Doug Fir for the show. It was a good scene with lots of dancing and smiles and high spirits (mostly). After the show, Keegan, her friend Danielle, Elena and her friend, Jessie some of the guys from the Sasparilla Jug Band, Langhornes band and I headed to Rom Toms for a night cap. I ended up having a 2 hour conversation with a drunk girl who walked from Powell with her dog to see her boyfriend. Aside from the dozing off initially it was a really good conversation about getting happy and taking lifes punches and making the most of them. It was good and she had the most memorable eyes. I left around ten til two and headed home to get a LITTLE bit of rest before I head to work which leads me here to this long winded update...

in summation. I had a good day yesterday of productivity, art, music and enlightening conversation. There are a few things I wish had gone smoother but overall I'm happy with my Saturday May 17th 2008.

jeremy

South
I've been a fan of South for quite some time now. Probably since the late 90's or early 2000's. I was introduced to them by someone at Manifest (the formerly indie record store in Charlotte). I purchased "From Here On In" and was automatically in love from the electronicky beats and the hushed quiet vocals and beautiful song writing. They've morphed a few times over the years and been on a couple different record labels. My allegiance has teetered but when Whiskerino particapant Jon Schaff emailed me to tell me he was playing with the opening band I jumped back on ship. I've been wanting to see them for years so tonight is gonna be awesome no matter what material they play. Though I am hoping to hear some "Paint the Silence" or "Line Between the Lines"...I'll have to wait and see. Either way I'm jazzed.

jeremy

If you like the Spurs we can't be friends anymore. Period. Last night they put their best whiney ass foot forward and barely scraped by at home against the Hornets. Watching the first two games of this series and this last I've become a converted Chris Paul and David West fan. Those two play really hard and that's my favorite type of basketball to watch. In viewing all three of the games you can see who is better, perhaps the Spurs will turn it on in the second half of this series but lets hope not.

Muse Art and Design is having a party tonight. It's a art party. Not sure what it entails but I'll probably make an appearance. I tried to make it to an art function last night but was stilted and humbled when I got lost. Next time I'll use mapquest.

First of, I think Hub has left the group so the core is down to three. I hope this isn't signs that the group is coming to an end because they consistently release some of the most intelligent hip hop songs out now. I mean, they even got Styles P to pen a verse about the ills of technology. As silly as it is ("Does a computer chip have and astrology and when it fucks up can give you an apology") it's still nice to hear whats on some of these rappers minds beyond the standard fare. Beyond that, the album is choice save a few weird interlude-y songs. The album is guest artist heavy but Black Thought still anchors all the tunes. Relative no names/newcomers Truck North and P.O.R.N. contribute verses to a few songs respectively and Wales pops in on the single "Rising Up" with Chrisette Michelle. Roots Crew members Malik B and Dice Raw get in on a few tracks and hip hop lifers Common, Kweli and Mos Def pop in on three separate songs. The even snagged Peedi Crack for another verse on "Get Busy". The album starts off incredible with Rising Down, Get Busy and one of the lone Black Thought solo songs 75 Bars. The album peaks with four songs "Criminal", "I Will Not Apologize", "I Can't Help It" and "Singing Man". All four songs touch on some universal topics and handle them well with production that molds itself around each verse and leads in to the next track wonderfully. Too much writing...sorry.

jeremy