The Flaming Lips

Embryonic will be released on 10/13...

The Flaming Lips have always been a staple when it comes to modern day music and one of my personal favorite bands. I'm always also proud to point out this magnificent group is from my hometown...which is OKC. LOVE that.

I love Wayne C. because he has always done what he and the Lips wanted to do even though it may have taken years and years to become what everyone is willing to love. They kept playing and playing and have become what most indie / rock bands aspire to become.
Do what you love.

Two Songs off the new album. Buy it ALL on 10/13
See the Leaves.mp3
Silver Trembling Hands.mp3

Blitzen Trapper - Black River Killer

Blitzen Trapper's 2008 "Furr" is a great album, it combines folk, rock and a nice layer of soothing keyboards. Their sound reminds me of the photo above... when i listen i see images of cowboys in space or scenes from the movie West World (yes the one with Yul Brenner).

Luckily we can picture more of these images as Blitzen Trapper recently released a 7 song EP titled from the single- "Black River Killer".

Total of 6 previously unreleased songs (tour CD only).

Love these guys.
Here are my two favorite songs from the new album..

Big Black Bird.mp3
Preacher's Sisters Brother.mp3

Grizzly Bear meets Michael McDonald

I love Pizza and I love wedding cake. I could potentially eat pizza daily if forced to and I probably like wedding cake more than most folks. I often think about wedding cake for dessert even when weddings are not anywhere in the near future. I also love Nachos and I love Crème Brulee, I sometimes think about making a monster plate of nachos (using an entire bag of chips) at my house while I watch TV, and at other times I think about being able to make a delicious Crème Brulee, with the crusty burnt coating on top. I currently do not own one of those little torches, but will put on my "to purchase list".
I could carry on all day about my favorite entrees vs. desserts….

Here is the thing; I like these things completely separate from one another. I don’t like my wedding cake icing on top of my pizza. I don’t want to dip my nachos in my crème brulee. For one, my chip would not be able to penetrate that crispy carmel coating, but mainly it’s because I don’t like the combination of the two tastes together. It’s unsettling, its awkward, and I dont think those tastes belong together (Kettle corn on the other hand is a completely different story)

The unsettling taste of mixing salty and sweet foods together is how I feel about Michael McDonald singing with Grizzly Bear on “While You Wait for the Others” from 2009’s Veckatimest. Those that know me know I have a strange love for Michael McDonald. Part of it is probably some reminiscence of my childhood, but the other part is pure enjoyment. I even listed McDonald's “Sweet Freedom” as my favorite song from 1986. Some find his voice painful and nothing short of music only to be played when riding an elevator, but I truly do find pleasure in his work.

Grizzly Bear, in my opinion, has released one of the best albums of the year. I cannot get enough of them. When I heard McDonald was singing this song I thought it was a joke, but then I purchased the EP and sure enough, it’s the real McDonald. I have to give it a few more listens to see where I will finally land on this. Either way I can say I applaud GB for going for it and experimenting with such a genre opposite artist.


Next, I want to hear Grizzly Bear cover Sweet Freedom or maybe a Genesis song…say “No Reply at All” off of Abacab.

Here is the song for streaming pleasure -
Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others feat. Michael McDonald.mp3
Also, a Grizzly Bear (sans Polar Bear) -
Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
And a McDonald (without Grizzly Bear) -
Michael McDonald - Sweet Freedom.mp3