Rant: If Quinton Is A DJ, Grindhouse Is A Dance Floor

After my extended vacation I finally managed to squeeze in some time to go see Grindhouse - the new Tarantino/Rodriguez double feature. First off, let me say wow! It's a fantastic movie...go see it right now...twice!

But what I found really amazing was the music in Death Proof (Tarantino's half of the movie). I know, you're thinking "big whoop, Pulp Fiction had good music too."

Well voice in my head, you're half right.

Pulp Fiction did have a great soundtrack, but in Death Proof Tarantino's inner music nerd really comes out. Not only are the song selections amazing but a huge part of the dialog and story really focuses on the music in the film. Don't worry, it's not forced. One of the main characters is a DJ - the cool kind, not the retarded morning ones.

I don't want to ruin anything, but let's just say that Tarantino comes very close to rivaling the "Stuck in the Middle with You" scene from Reservoir Dogs.

Ok, thats enough critical fellating for one night.

Listen: Smith - Baby It's You (MP3)
Listen: Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich - Hold Tight (MP3)

Grindhouse is in theaters now, Death Proof's soundtrack is now available too.

Site News: We're Back!

I hope everyone had a lovely passover/zombie-jesus week.
That said....we're back!

New Music: Tokyo Police Club - Cheer It On (video)

Check out the new video.
Sorry about the short post, more news tomorrow.

Rant: Walk All Over Ian Curtis, Why Don't You?

You read this blog, so I'll assume you like Joy Division.
Do you also like shoes?

If so, then I've got big news for you!

That beacon of indie culture in the shoe world, New Balance (yes, I'm as confused as you are) have reasoned that you'd like to celebrate your love of the seminal British band with...custom trainers!

Wait...what?No release date has been set as of yet...but one can only guess that Urban Outfitters will pick these up.

Under Review: Bright Eyes - Cassadaga

If I'm asked to name one song to characterize Bright Eyes, I'll pretty much invariably think of "Lover I Don't Have To Love" off 2002's Lifted or the Story Is In the Soil, Keep Your Ear To the Ground. Not that it's his best song - but more because it's angst and sense of urgency pretty much epitomize Conner Oberst's work.

Well, prepare to be stunned. On Cassadaga Oberst does a 180 and sounds more like some sort of Ryan Adams/Bruce Springsteen love child. Of course, you're asking yourself "alright, but is that a good thing?"

The answer is "sort of".

I think that it may partially have to do with Oberst choosing to explore new territory that he's not 100% comfortable with. But in after a few listens Cassadaga really seems like a mixed bag. Not to say it's all bad "Hot Knives" "Four Winds" and "I Must Belong Somewhere" are all great tracks - but this album seems more like one that you'd listen to driving down the highway then one you'd listen to over and over.

I think that people's opinion of this album will vary quite a bit - chances are after reading this you already will have a feeling if you'll dig it or not.

Listen: Bright Eyes - Four Winds (MP3)


Cassadaga is out is out 4/10 on Saddle Creek

New Music: Hot Chip ''My Piano''

Hurray!

Yep, Hot Chip is back with a new single from their upcoming release DJ-Kicks. Nothing really new here, if you liked The Warning or Coming On Strong, then you'll probably find a lot to like on "My Piano". On the same note, if they haven't won you over with their past two efforts you likely won't be converted on the strength of this.

Don't expect a full album though, for anyone not familiar with the DJ-Kicks series, it's basically a mix cd put together by the band. Don't fret, I'm sure it'll be three kinds of fun.

Enjoy!

Listen: Hot Chip - My Piano (MP3 Link)



DJ-Kicks is out 05/24/07 on !k7