James Eric's Traumnovelle is out now!

James Eric one of the sweetest and most hardworking musicians/artists out there has released a new album today just in time for those Christmas Blues. It's a real treat.

Just go download it now!

James Eric's Traumnovelle

Promotional Video:


Link:
James Eric on Myspace!

7th Poll, Train Never Stops, News, New Poll

No, I'm not making apocalyptic porn

Hey kids, I feel like the past few weeks had been my longest absence and I hate that. I’ve probably got too much on my plate and I’ll spell it out here to give myself some sort of excuse for the lack of reviews (but when my schedule normalizes in the fall I know it’ll get better).

What I am doing right now:
Full time film major/English minor at UC Santa Barbara

Applying to Graduate School (taking the GRE next week)

Pitching a short film next week, Until The Very Last Moment (6 month production, decent budget, will take up every weekend from now until March)

Submitted my last film Chimes Of Gaviota: or I've Got The Real Estate Blues to the SBIFF (Santa Barbara International Film Festival) and making a special edition DVD

Finishing a script with a PHD student about the war in IRAQ to be produced in the fall

Working at Video Services (taping lectures, events, etc.)

Writing articles for Artsweek, the entertainment section of our school newspaper, The Daily Nexus

Will be writing articles for WORD, a local Isla Vista magazine

Playing shows as Existential Hero and making another album or two

Being an active member of CLLCT

And of course writing for Foggy Ruins Of Time

I’m sure there are those crazier than I, but I’m hustlin’ as much as I can. Again I think when I start having classes and my film gets started, the time will be more regimented and I’ll actually have no excuse to not give you more reviews and interviews.

So if you look below there is a review of the new Just Joans album (hint: it’s pretty darn fantastic), and right now I’m working on a review for the new Let’s Whisper EP. Hopefully next week I’ll have my long delayed interviews with Star from The Elated Sob Story, Rusty Anderson from The Top Grossing Films Of 1984 and Rob and Max from (Gang Of) Virgins. I’ve also received a few new CDs in the mail so look for some new faces soon.

Oh yeah, that poll:



Wall-E and The Dark Knight were so very close and as a tag team they did well too. I suspect The Dark Knight won because of Wall-E’s divisive philosophy on the future of the human race; although, both movies kind of share that view. Shame on those who haven’t seen either, but I suspect that by now they will have. And who the hell liked Hancock over the other two? Will Smith is pretty charming, but that movie was a mess.

I was planning to write a review of The Dark Knight, but seeing it in IMAX never panned out. I may write one eventually.

NEW POLL, check it out and leave any comments here.

Okay, so thanks everyone for being patient, I should be back on track soon.

Mp3:
The Brooke (a tiny ocean)-"Born On A Train

One Year Anniversary, Updates, (Very) Old Poll Results and New Poll

View from The Studio, my venue of residence in Isla Vista, California.

Hey kids I’m back in good ol’ Santa Barbara and maybe, just maybe I can get back on a regular schedule. Then again was this blog ever on a regular schedule?

Foggy Ruins Of Time is now a year old (actually a few days ago, but still)! I remember being inspired by so many blogs out there who sadly aren’t with us anymore. But, I shall carry on the torch and continue bringing you faithful readers the most in-depth reviews of DIY music, Lo-Fi music and anything else that comes my way. Thank you all for making this something fulfilling and a necessary part of my day. I am a better writer because of it. Not to mention all of the great music discovered and friendships made.

Let’s finish up that poll from a zillion years ago:



It makes me happy that a majority of you readers said that “Indie” isn’t a genre. For those who said “yes,” what are the qualities of the “Indie” genre? For those who said “Not anymore,” I really want to know what that means.

So what’s on the plate in the next few weeks? For album reviews:

Patrick Ripoll’s Spawning
The Smittens: The Coolest Thing About Love
Hotpants Romance: It’s A Heatwave

Plus a slew of Wee Pop! Records releases. Damn it’s hard to keep up with Thor and Camila’s impressive output these days. Just too many good bands including secondary releases by One Happy Island and The Just Joans as well as the debut record of Let’s Whisper. I know you all can’t wait.

Also I will probably be ready soon to write my review for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, this summer’s other masterpiece.

But the biggest news of all is I have two interviews in the works, that’s right, two! Marc With A C was kind enough to answer my questions and give us some food for thought and some terrific insights into many many things. The second interview is a dual interview between Star Dell’Era of The Elated Sob Story fame and me (as my music moniker Existential Hero). What’s even better is that it is a video interview. Exciting? You bet it is…

Oh and a new layout soon!

Mp3:
The Roots-"Birthday Girl"

Links:
Marc With A C on Myspace!
The Elated Sob Story on Myspace!
Existential Hero on Myspace!

Existential Hero's "New Zealand Trilogy" Is Available Now!

Spanning 7 months and three countries, the humorously dubbed "New Zealand Trilogy (The Storm Of The Century, The Great Sublime Melancholy! and Eating Grapes And Whale Bones)," is the newest, latest and greatest release from the human being known as Existential Hero. These albums have been carefully constructed to blow your mind.

Admittedly these albums are a bit self-indulgent, but it is fully appropriate.

I'm damn proud of these records and they run the gamut of styles, but contain only satires, flirtations with and deconstructions of the previous Existential Hero you thought knew. Don't worry, you won't remember the old records anymore after these three bad boys. For the first time instead of compromising between my actual abilities and my vision, these albums truly achieve the sounds I had in my head. If I had the budget these albums would come with footnotes and commentary.

The Storm Of The Century



Perhaps the least conceptual of the three, however it doesn't step down from the fight. It mostly focuses on frustration and all its manifestations: ranting, venting, worries, fears, gossip, primal scream, etc.

The artists that most directly influenced the album are Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, Tom Waits, Neutral Milk Hotel and Patrick Ripoll.

The Storm Of The Century

The Great Sublime Melancholy!



This was the first album concept I had dreamed up and is the most atmospheric of the three. It is an environment to get subsumed in, emotions to contemplate and feelings to ponder. The past, the future and the present are open books and web pages.

The artists that most directly influenced the album are Bob Dylan's Oh Mercy album, Chris Zabriskie, The Jesus & Mary Chain and The Motifs.

The Great Sublime Melancholy!

Eating Grapes And Whale Bones



This one came out of nowhere and quickly dominated. Aggression and fierce motivation are represented here and the refusal to step down. Everyone has a chance to be great, this is that acceptance of that challenge.

The artists that most directly influenced the album are Lil Wayne, Tinyfolk, The Roots and Outkast.

Eating Grapes And Whale Bones

There are a slew of collaborators including:
Pocketful.
Mandie Russell
Tinyfolk
The Top Grossing Films Of 1984
The Elated Sob Story
Linguistic Banter
Your Yellow Dress

I'm so excited for all of you to listen and comment and turn these songs into your own. I can't wait to play them live for you. Thank you everyone for listening and especially those who have so so supportive the last 6 months.

Some last bit of housekeeping, if you are interested in ordering fancy handmade copies of any of these albums I will be able to start mailing them out in a few weeks. I am also in the process of ordering buttons and t-shirts but they most likely won't be available until August.

thank you again everyone, these albums are yours now.

Some Notes:

The individual tracks will be uploaded later tonight, now you can d/l the three albums as a .ZIP file.

The "thank you" section is different for all three albums.

to anyone I've sent "in progress" mp3s, you can delete em, these are the mastered proper versions. You can keep em if you are into collecting =P

Links:
Existential Hero's Myspace!
Existential Hero on CLLCT.com

Poll Results, New Poll, Updates From Japan

I meant to write this before I left, but I simply ran out of time. I didn’t hurt that I had to leave a day earlier than I had anticipated. Always check your plane tickets. But I digress.

Concerning the poll last month it seems as if most of you good kids are willing to pay for something if you like it. Smart move by Radiohead. A few of you are actually trying to create a revolution so I throw kudos your way. And those cheap kids, I’ve been there before too but I still have to say, “tsk tsk” anyway.

There is a new poll up so let me know what you think and after my two-week vacation in Japan I will be back in California catching up on all those awesome things I missed like surfing and umm surfing. Radical dude… No but seriously, I have a slew of Wee Pop release reviews coming so stay tuned for that.


My sister and I in Japan three years ago.

Mp3:
Hitomi Yaida-“My Sweet Darlin’”

Existential Hero Will Release The "New Zealand Trilogy" On July 15th

A bit of self-promotion for my music project Existential Hero:

Sorry I've been keeping you waiting, some of you know bits and pieces already but I am happy to announce that July 15th I will be releasing THREE ALBUMS humorously dubbed the "New Zealand Trilogy". They are called:

The Storm Of The Century
The Great Sublime Melancholy!
Eating Grapes And Whale Bones

I did not think I was going to make three albums but in light of everything that has been going on in my life in the last five months it was probably inevitable.

The Existential Hero you know from A Winter's Tale Told In Spring and before has greatly evolved into a new fiercer and weirder form, but I think these albums are the best thing I've ever done and all three are products of great devotion and concentration. Instead of a compromise between my actual abilities and my vision, these albums truly achieve the sounds I had in my head.

I'll say a few words about the three albums to "set the scene" if you will.

As a note, Luke Of Secret Owl Society drew the cover art for all three albums and they look simply jaw-dropping.

All three albums will be dedicated to the late Heath Ledger.

The Storm Of The Century


The least conceptual out of the three, it mostly focuses on frustration and all its manifestations: ranting, venting, gossip, primal scream, etc.

The artists that most directly influenced the album are Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, Tom Waits, Neutral Milk Hotel and Patrick Ripoll.

Tracklist:
1. You're Always Late
2. Waiting For The View
3. She Aches, She Makes, But Will She Break?
4. Amateur Alcoholic
5. But Reaching's All We're Meant To Do
6. I Want To Be In A Relationship So I Can Be Anti-Social
7. Clear Clear Clear
8. The Two Most Important People In The World
9. Deep Conversations
10. Ginny O
11. Guilty Song
12. You're Still Always Late
13. Meet In Japan
14. The Storm Of The Century

Tease Mp3:
"Deep Conversations"

The Great Sublime Melancholy!


The most conceptual, it deals with quiet sadness, deep introspection and longing as normal states of being. An environment to get lost in, think atmosphere and small details.

The artists that most directly influenced the album are Bob Dylan's Oh Mercy album, Chris Zabriskie, The Jesus & Mary Chain and The Motifs.

Tracklist:
1. The Great Sublime Melancholy!
2. I Dream Of Antarctica
3. The Cherry Orchard
4. Goodbye Mr. Ledger
5. Piano Bashing
6. Until The Very Last Moment
7. Meant To Carry Me Along Intro
8. Meant To Carry Me Along
9. Static Waltz
10. Just Like Welly
11. Charlotte
12. A Skype Love Song
13. The Road Begins At The End Of The World
14. Slope Point

Tease Mp3:
"I Dream Of Antarctica"

Eating Grapes And Whale Bones


Certainly the most aggressive thing I've ever done, it is a refusal to stand still and a rejection of feigned modesty. It's about being great and taking the reigns of your life so no one else will. A recovery from disappointment and an energetic push forward into the future.

The artists that most directly influenced the album are Lil Wayne, Tinyfolk, The Roots and Outkast.

1. Arrested, Part 1
2. Arrested, Part 2
3. TV
4. Lyrical Sunday (Six Strings)
5. 48 Hour Competition
6. I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING
7. Do You Know What Film Theorists Are Like?
8. Underwater World
9. Fotography Girl
10. The Washer Ghost
11. Orientation
12. Narita International Airport
13. I'm Coming Home
14. Eating Grapes And Whale Bones

Tease Mp3:
"I'm Coming Home"

Think of the albums like this; there was a problem, I thought about it and then I made up my mind. The three albums represent these steps.

All three albums include a guest or two including Mandie Russell, Tinyfolk, The Top Grossing Films Of 1984 and more.

They are essentially done I'm just waiting for a few collaborators and I will be doing a bit of mastering when I return to the states.

They will be released for free on CLLCT of course, but I will be making some super fancy handmade copies for anyone who would like them.

In addition to these three albums, today I will be putting up an extended preview of the albums and my work in the last five months, Colin McKenzie's Dream: A Collection Of B-Sides. Demos, covers and b-sides, it'll be for all of you to get a taste of the "New Zealand Trilogy" and the processes I went through to create them.



Tracklist:
1. Sinking Ship
2. Worldwide Travelin' Blues
3. I Heart Josh & Rebecca (Demo)
4. Oh Inspiration, Thou Has Forsaken Me! (Demo)
5. We Are All Artists (Demo)
6. Ghosts Never Die And Neither Will You! (Demo)
7. Down To The River And Pray (Allison Krauss)
8. You're Always Late (Piano Version)
9. I Don't Care About Love (Piano Version)
10. She's Holding On (Piano Version)
11. Just Around The Riverbend ("Pocahontas"/Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz)
12. Jordan (Paul Baribeau)
13. Until The Very Last Moment (Demo)
14. I Want To Be In A Relationship So I Can Be Anti-Social (Demo)
15. The Two Most Important People In The World (Demo)
16. Sailing To Byzantium (W.B. Yeats)
17. The Motivation Song (Demo)
18. If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out (Tinyfolk/Cat Stevens)
19. The Great Sublime Melancholy! (Demo)
20. Do You Know What FIlm Theorists Are Like? (Demo)
21. Lyrical Sunday (Six Strings) (Feat. Deep Owls) (Single Version)

DOWNLOAD HERE

AND there's more.

I am in the process of ordering buttons and t-shirts! That's right, I know some of you have been dying to get some Existential Hero swag so here's your chance.

So I hope you guys are excited as I am I cannot wait for all of you to hear these albums composed of blood, tears and lots of chai tea.

Link:
Existential Hero on Myspace!

Help Out Marc With A C!

So Florida's resident blogger and rocker has run into some troubles and he needs YOUR HELP!

Go read the details for yourself on Marc's personal blog, but basically you guys should pre-order his forthcoming album Linda Lovelace For President (Comes out July 1st if we work together) because not only is it a damn fine record, but if you pre-order, you will you get the awesomely cool DVD (that will melt your face off), and other rare goodies as well.

Here is the trailer:


And here is a Marc With A C cover courtesy of yours truly:


Links:
The details straight from Marc
Pre-Order Linda Lovelace For President and get all kinds of goodness!
My review of Linda Lovelace For President

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

I don't know if all my readers know this, but I had moved to New Zealand to study abroad for a year, but 4 months in, it hasn't worked out as I had hoped so I am moving back to Santa Barbara, CA in July to end this lovely, but ultimately unfruitful vacation.

Thank you readers for being patient with all the changes going on at Foggy Ruins Of Time and I have been happy to keep this blog going through of this and this change won't interrupt the blog anymore than the other changes have. If you are thinking of sending me something to review I'd contact me first before sending due to more address changing confusion, but just contact me beforehand and something will be worked out.

I look forward to writing more and being closer to everyone again. Even you UK kids. =D

Mp3:
Bob Dylan-"Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"

Link:
Detailed notes as to why I am leaving New Zealand

Holy Crap Another New Nine Inch Nails Album? And It's Free?

The Slip

"Thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one’s on me"

So says Trent Reznor on the Nine Inch Nails blog. With the recently released Ghosts I–IV and its unorthodox release strategy ala Radiohead's In Rainbows I guess Trent wanted something cool to say thanks with. Now I'm not much of a Nine Inch Nails fan (grew up with the singles on KROQ and remember his "appearance" on Celebrity Death Match quite well), but I still think this is pretty awesome of him, giving away a full album, called The Slip for FREE! That's right kids get yer FREE copy today in the links below in a variety of formats from standard Mp3 to FLAC!

Mp3:
Nine Inch Nails-"Echoplex"

Link:
Reznor's message
Download The Slip here!
Thanks to Pitchfork for breaking the story

3rd Poll Closed, Lots of New Stuff, Vote In The New Poll

So it seems if you guys really like me! That poll was a vanity project, but vote in the new poll which will be more focused from now on (as far as I can tell) on more interesting questions that do NOT pertain to blog maintenance. If you have any poll ideas write a comment on this post!

I would check below for some great articles on We Heart Arts & ACOSM Records, reviews of the Prince Edward Island EP Lies To Tell Tourists and the new Flight Of The Conchords record and the Mp3 of the Week “I Will Not Apologize” by The Roots.

Stay tuned for reviews of the Foreign Loren/Kapiano split from Real Love Records, ACOSM Records artists Lauren Elle and Everyone Except Me and more!

Links:
See my fotos taken in the South Island of New Zealand

Coldplay Releases New Single "Violet Hill"

So we finally get to hear a song off Vida La Vida or Death And All His Friends due for release on June 17th."Violet Hill" is the first single and is available to download for free for one week at their main website (or here).

So does it live up to all the experimentation/latin-influenced talk that's been milling about from the band?

Well it's the first single, and first singles usually (most often/always) sound the most like the band's previous album and this song is no exception. With that said, I am starting to really dig it. It has a really nice groove to it, dirtier guitars and a nice sleazy bassline. Still, it is very piano heavy (not a bad thing, the end works for me) and Chris Martin's voice is the same as before (there has been mentioning of other songs on the album in a lower register).

But I say check it out and make up your own mind and check out the pretty sweet album cover here.

Tracklist for Vida La Vida or Death And All His Friends
1. "Life in Technicolor"
2. "Cemeteries of London"
3. "Lost!"
4. "42"
5. "Lovers in Japan"/"Reign of Love"
6. "Yes"/"Chinese Sleep Chant"
7. "Viva la Vida"
8. Violet Hill"
9. "Strawberry Swing"
10. "Death and All His Friends"

Mp3:
Coldplay-"Violet Hill"

Link:
Coldplay.com

CLLCT Is Better, Faster, Stronger!

Around December 2007 a mysterious boy/creature Secret Owl (of Secret Owl Society) birthed the 001Collective from his gut and heart. The idea was simple: create a site where artists give their music away for free. Why? Well, these artist love their music and love sharing it more, it wasn’t (isn’t) about money.

This site quickly grew and its small but strong form wasn’t enough so then it evolved into its current form CLLCT. Although it has shed its skin many times since January, CLLCT is better, faster, and stronger.

The site not only has more music, but there is so much more you can do with the music (as an artist or fan). There are artist pages, album pages, forums, blogs, etc. etc. All of the progress towards this site has been towards this central idea that will make this free music relevant and that idea is community.

A community is what CLLCT has become. Whether it’s getting advice for what kind of ukulele to buy, getting tips on a song, shooting the shit about music or politics, booking shows and other things, CLLCT is a place where an artist can feel welcome to say (and sing) about whatever their heart desires.

I was initially skeptical about 001Collective when it first started. Being raised in music capitalism that is the mainstream I had the difficult time of accepting that it is okay to give away your music for free. In many ways I myself have gained many more listeners because of this site (and in turn friends). And it is this community that truly won me over (plus all the Tinyfolk, Real Live Tigers, James Eric and Shelby Sifers one could handle).

If you haven’t been there yet and you are a music fan, especially of Lo-Fi or music that comes from the heart and gut then you owe it to yourself to check it out. And if you are an artist or musician and you don’t have your stuff up there yet I have two words for you: DO IT! Seriously you won’t regret sharing your music, people will listen.

On a promotion-atory note:
Up for order right now is The Roaring Nineties, a compilation of your favorite CLLCT artists covering your favorite songs from the 90s. Artists like Tinyfolk, Dustin And The Furniture, Existential Hero and Patrick Ripoll cover Elton John, Third Eye Blind, Destiny’s Child and The Fugees respectively plus more! It’s only thirteen bucks and it goes towards keeping the site running smoothly and effectively. There are only a hundred copies so order this collectible fast before it’s gone!

Link:
CLLCT.com
CLLCT forums
Collective Common, the CLLCT blog
Order The Roaring Nineties compilation!

Tinyfolk Unveils New Track From Forthcoming LP

One half of Tinyfolk, Russ Woods lays down the law

About a week ago (Hey, I was on vacation!) Tinyfolk unveiled a new track from their forthcoming album Sic Semper Equis called "Thus Always Horses." It's startling and melancholy, featuring animals like most Tinyfolk songs, but in form and tone completely new. It has a sense of purpose and a humorous undercurrent that'll make you feel sad more than make you laugh. But that's the point.

No release date is set and as far as I know, no label has picked it up yet. If you are a label I say get your ass in gear and release it!

I have something special planned for its release that you won't want to miss.

Mp3:
Tinyfolk-"Thus Always Horses"

Link:
Tinyfolk on Myspace!

2nd Poll Closed, New Poll and Vacation Time

Some things I want to know...



I figured there would be more "I told you," but this was a trick question since I'm God as well I got 19 votes total. Oh snap!

But seriously folks, tell me what "other" means?

Oh and I am heading on a two week trip around the South Island in New Zealand so I won't be updating. Sad I know, but I have many awesome articles planned for when I return including reviews of the new Bearsuit record, the new Kapiano/Foreign Loren Split, the new EP from Prince Edward Island and more!!


See, I'm stuck in a city/But I belong in a field (or the beach!)

Weezer's New Album Title Not A Joke

Pitchfork has reported that indeed Weezer's new album coming out on June 17th, 2008 will be called Weezer. The cover will be red continuing the occasional scheme of theirs. So prepare yourselves for the Red Album. I for one am excited. I really dug Make Believe, but I've read all sorts of cool things about this new album including other members singing songs, instrument switch-ups, synths and more. It was produced by Rick Rubin as well. Rolling Stone reported that the first single is going to be called "Pork And Beans," but that may have been the actual fake part of the April Fools joke? We'll see.

Links:
Original article on Pitchfork
Weezer site

Flight Of The Conchords Issue Free Song On Myspace

Self-described "New Zealand’s 4th Most Popular Comedy Duo," Flight Of The Conchords first full-length studio album arrives courtesy of Sub Pop on April 22nd (Trying saying that ten times in a row). And today on an ever-so-epic myspace bulletin I learned that they have issued one of the songs from the album on their myspace for free. The song? “Ladies Of The World.”

Now I know some take issue with the fact that a lot of the songs on the forthcoming self-titled album are mostly (well, all) are taken from the show. However I know that they weren’t completely satisfied with the hurried versions that were released.

“Ladies Of The World” doesn’t get a heavy makeover, but the lounge angle is stressed more than any previous version of the song. At first I missed the Sean Paul-esque part that Bret sang, but I dig the lounge style just as equally. The best part about the album version is the beautiful wordless coda that comes after a few seconds of silence.

Here is the tracklist for Flight Of The Conchords:
1. "Foux Da Fa Fa"
2. "Inner City Pressure"
3. "Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros"
4. "Think About It"
5. "Ladies of the World"
6. "Mutha'uckas"
7. "The Prince of Parties"
8. "Leggy Blonde"
9. "Robots"
10. "Boom"
11. "A Kiss Is Not a Contract"
12. "The Most Beautiful Girl (in the Room)"
13. "Business Time"
14. "Bowie"
15. "Au Revoir"

Mp3:
Flight Of The Conchords-"Ladies Of The World"

Links:
Flight Of The Conchords on Myspace
Sub Pop Records
What The Folk, a great fan site

Poll closed, new poll and other news

...And the results are in!



It was basically a tie between most of the categories (except news), but indie/mainstream music was the winner.

With Foggy Ruins Of Time's growing popularity you may get your wish, but don't worry there will still be plenty of Lo-fi music to go around. I have a review of Patrick Ripoll's new album in the works as well as two new Wee Pop! releases coming this week so stay tuned and vote in the next poll!

Link:
Good 'ol messy Lo-Fi courtesy of Existential Hero

Coldplay’s fourth album has a title!

Chris Martin broke the news to Rollingstone. Here’s the press release:

“Coldplay’s fourth album, due out on June 17th, will be called Viva la Vida. Singer Chris Martin chose it after seeing the phrase, which means “long live life,” on a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who endured polio, a broken spine, and chronic pain for decades. “She went through a lot of shit, of course, and then she started a big painting in her house that said ‘Viva la Vida,’” says Martin. “I just loved the boldness of it.”

Of course, Frida Kahlo will not be the first name that jumps to most peoples’ minds when they hear the phrase. “Everyone thinks it comes from Ricky Martin, which is fine. I have absolute respect,” says the singer, who gave Coldplay its original name, Pectoralz, and named his children Apple and Moses. “I’ve been through this before, naming something or someone and everyone saying that ‘That’s a terrible name’. But then saying, ‘Well, fuck you, that’s what it’s called, and I’ll be proved to be right eventually’. So when Viva la Vida came along, I was kind of annoyed because I’m going to have to try and convince everybody of this, but it just felt right.” Check back later this week for the full report from Coldplay’s studio sessions for Viva la Vida.”

I like the sound of it, something different. I was a big Coldplay fan back in the day and this new album seems like it’ll challenge a lot of people’s notions of what kind of band Coldplay is and what kind of music they make.

Mp3:
Coldplay-"See You Soon"

Original article at Rollingstone
Details on some songs that'll be on Viva la Vida
Coldplay site

Oh mercy, is that a new Raconteurs album next week?

The carnival thing is so IN right now.

Surprise everyone! The "supergroup" and non-candy-colored Jack White side project The Raconteurs is releasing their second album, Consolers of the Lonely, next week, March 25th everywhere. And by everywhere they mean it. Here is the press release from their site:

"The Raconteurs are happy to announce that in one week's time their second album, entitled Consolers of the Lonely, will be available EVERYWHERE Tuesday, March 25th.

"'Album' meaning: full length vinyl, CD and digital formats; and 'everywhere' meaning: local mom and pop Indie retailers, corporate superstores, supermarkets, iTunes, Amazon, the band's own website and any other location that could get the record up and going this quickly (some places couldn't move this fast, so they will join in as soon as they can).

"It contains 14 new recordings and is being released globally on Third Man Records in conjunction with our marketing/distribution partners, XL Recordings and Warner Brothers Records.

"The album was mastered and completed in the first week of March. It was then taken immediately to a vinyl pressing plant. Then to a CD pressing plant. Then preparations to sell it digitally began. March 25th became the soonest date to have it available in EVERY FORMAT AT ONCE. The band have done no interviews or advertisements for this record before this announcement.

"The purpose: to get the album to the fans as soon as possible and as we promised. We wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding its availability, reception or perception.

"With this release, The Raconteurs are forgoing the usual months of lead time for press and radio set up, as well as forgoing the all important 'first week sales'. We wanted to explore the idea of releasing an album everywhere at once and THEN marketing and promoting it thereafter. The Raconteurs would rather this release not be defined by its first weeks sales, pre-release promotion, or by someone defining it FOR YOU before you get to hear it.

"Another purpose was to also allow people to have their own choice as to exactly which format they would like to hear the album in IMMEDIATELY, rather than having to wait for their favorite format to become available. The band are also not releasing any version of this record that contains bonus tracks. Musically this album will be the same as the band created it no matter what format it is purchased in. (The sound quality of each format however, is a different story. The Raconteurs recommend hearing it on vinyl, but the choice is of course up to the listener).

"The band also prefer that fans buy the album as a whole instead of breaking up the tracks, but until iTunes and other digital services allows bands to release their albums with the option of NOT breaking it up, it will be sold in that fashion on those particular sites. On the band's website however, the album will be sold in its entirety as an mp3 at 320kb bit rate. Also in Japan, fans will be able to download the record via their mobile phones, as that is how a majority of recorded music is consumed there.

"The reason we are announcing this release one week ahead of time is because of retail pre-ordering and stocking, information about this album's imminent release was bound to come to light and could be confusing to fans. Also in the event that the record leaks, we didn't want this method of release to be seen as a REACTION to such a leak. It's not. The actual worst thing about a leak is the usual poor sound quality, akin to watching a movie on a wristwatch instead of in a theater. Which for the album's creators is a bit of a letdown, but again, it is completely up to the listener.

"There will be a video up on the internet for the first single, 'Salute Your Solution', on the 25th as well, provided it gets edited in time. We just filmed it the other day!

"We hope not to confuse anyone with too many options, or deny them the formats that they like best. The Raconteurs feel very strongly that music has worth and should be treated as such. Thank you to all those who respect music in this fashion, and thank you to our label partners for working with us to get this album to fans in as many formats as possible all at once.

"Thank you, and we hope that you enjoy Consolers of the Lonely."

Sincerely,
The Raconteurs"

I wasn't too keen on their first album, but to be honest I haven't really given it too many listens, but still I find it to be an exciting time for music. So much experimentation with distribution, it's really unprecedented. Maybe this whole downloading thing was a good thing for the music biz eh?

Links:
The Raconteurs site

Chimes Of Gaviota Premiere This Wednesday March 12th!

A mockumentary about the coast that will have you rock'n out to the sounds of activism!

…I didn’t invent that tagline. But I’m LOLing anyway.

Chimes Of Gaviota: Or I’ve Got The Real Estate Blues, a mockumentary about coastal development and the zany figures who take up the fight for and against was first birthed in July 2007 when Joe (the Film & Media Studies Advisor/my BFF) introduced me to a grad student, Nicole Starosielski. She was creating a program called GreenScreen where media creation would be fused together with environmentalism to bring awareness to local Santa Barbara issues. Yet, its scope is much larger. By using film and other media to shine a light on issues, real solutions can be reached.

With this in mind I researched and wrote until I came up with the idea of a mockumentary. A mockumentary is a great form because it can be equally critical and sentimental when it’s done well. I also chose the issue about development along the Gaviota coast (one of the most biodiverse places in North America) because I think public vs. private issues are really interesting and so complex, mystical and emotional. It’s completely grey.

So for my first comedy script I decided to make it very difficult, but I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. As writer I also took up the mantle of cinematographer because well…I wanted to grow in that area. My Producer/Art Director is Lisa Shapiro and Goddamn, she is an amazingly talented and intelligent individual. She sees how things work and she knows how to make things happen. She can decipher words on the page and flesh them out into a colorful reality. Evan Koehne knows how to direct. He sees actors as people, not props and knows how to get the best out of them. He also is full of ideas and we constantly came up with great pieces that were never in the script but were just as meaningful. And he doesn’t take himself too seriously; this is a comedy after all and sometimes I needed to be reminded of that. The entire crew, God Bless them all, we made such a great unit and I'm sorry If I don’t name you all, but I am eternally grateful for all of you believing in this issue and this story I wanted to tell, and being just as driven if not more than me. And my actors, holy shit, we had the best cast on the planet, no divas, no selfish models, just humble, honest, passionate folks devoting themselves to getting into character and giving way more than one hundred percent.

All fall quarter we filmed and even after I left for New Zealand they continued to toil and perfect our beautiful piece of art.

Chimes Of Gaviota: or I’ve Got The Real Estate Blues premieres at the Isla Vista Theater in Isla Vista, California this Wednesday March 12th 8:00PM and then in downtown Santa Barbara on Tuesday March 18th at the Faulkner Gallery at 7:00PM.

…But it ain’t over. The worse thing for a film to do is get made and then just lie around. Believe me, this film will go places. It has to, it’s bigger than all of us, but without us, it wouldn’t have been made.

Thank you everyone for allowing my vision to become your vision and your vision to become mine. Like the environment we are symbiotically tied to it. We are art and art is the environment.

Trailer 1!


Trailer 2!


Mp3:
Bob Dylan-"You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go"

Links:
Event on Facebook for more details
CHAOS, CLOCKS AND WATERMELON MEDIA blog for behind the scenes footage and photos
Learn more at SaveNaples.org
Learn more at GaviotaCoastConservancy.org