jason's blog

Bee vs. Moth Acronyms (Aggraveire Music), (Sept. 6th 2010)

A little over ten years ago I went through a musical in my life, one of my many, that included a heavy dose of jazz. It was a far reaching obsession that touched on many different factions of the genre and in even included the sounds of Henry Mancini. The latest album from Austin's Bee vs. Moth reminds a lot of Mancini at times. It has elements of that '50's and '60's swing and pop mixture. Much like a lot of the Breakfast at Tiffany's soundtrack.

However, the band, which began as just as a dou of Philip Morris and Sarah Norris, adds elements of New Orleans jazz, gypsy rock, and several other genres. This fall the band will be writing and performing a new soundtrack for the classic 1928 Buster Keaton movie The Cameraman. They will also be touring the Midwest. Acronyms will be released on September 6th.

Chelsea Martin The Really Funny Thing About Apathy (Sunnyoutside, Nov. 4th, 2010)

The new collection from Chelsea Martin contains four short stories that attempt to capture the depths of youthful apathy. Although apathy seems to be a common theme in flash fiction these days Chelsea take on life is refreshing and compelling.

In the first story, "At The End of This Story the Door Will Open and Eight Seconds Will Have Passed", she examines the mathematical likelihood of who may be knocking at her door. The key is exploring that inner thought pattern and admitting to her own doubts and needs. The key themes that seem to run through out this collection are love (mostly unrequited) and family. When I say family, I mean the absent father, the harmful words, and the loving grandmother. My favorite story is "McDonald's Is Impossible". It unfolds in reverse through a lengthy series of paired statements, and explains why it is impossible to eat a McDonald's.

"Set Yourself Wild" by Mel Kadel

Listening:
1. Slow Dancing Society: Drew Sullivan makes some of the most beautiful ambient music available today. Listen to: …and to the dust we shall return (mp3)
2. TV Buddhas: Coming from Tel Aviv via Berlin this trio has a raw sound that is irresistible. Listen to: Fun Girls (mp3)

This week's podcast is a little unique, this is a look back at the four main periods of musical discovery in my life. It was incredibly difficult to select the songs for this episode, but hopefully it will give a taste what has been many years of musical enjoyment.

Episode 25: My Musicial History

(1992)
* The Smiths: Rubber Ring
* Operation Ivy: Room Without A Window
* Dinosaur Jr.: Keep The Glove (Live)

(1996)
* Aphex Twin: On
* Eels: Novocaine For The Soul
* Cibo Matto: Beef Jerky

We are proud to be a part of a mutli-blog PVT Giveaway contest today. Each blog has been given a specific song from the new PVT album Church With No Magic (Warp Records). The band has created handmade mixtape cassette for each track. The track that we have been given is called "Timeless". You can stream the track below, and see the tracklist of mixtape the band created for us.

PVT appeared on the most recent Orange Alert Podcast, and if you enjoyed that track or like what see on this mixtape be the first to send your name and address to orangealert31@gmail.com to win this mixtape!

J.D. Nelson "Noise Difficulty Flower" (Argotist Ebooks, August 2010)

It wouldn't be J.D. Nelson if wasn't difficult, but the flow and general tone in his latest collection seems less experimental then his past work. Nelson seems more focused in Noise Difficulty Flower. He is finding himself consumed and consuming, and isn't at all satisfied. This collection is filled with pop culture, but it's culture as filtered through the complex filter of Nelson.

Noise difficulty Flower is a collection that spans from 2007 to 2010. Nelson considers these near science-fiction, and that comparison seems fitting in many places through out the collection. It's currently available for free here. The very cool cover art is by Rich Cortis.

Michael Nudelman "Niagara Falls (After T.C. (Not the same T.C. as It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This 7))" (ballpoint pen on paper, 8 x 10)

This from Michael's upcoming exhibit, Light & Magic, at Thomas Robertello Gallery which will run from September 10 - October 16, 2010.

Listening:
1. A Classic Education: Italy is home to the newest band to join the Lefse label. Listen to: Gone To Sea (mp3)
2. Vonnegutt: This Atlanta band is all about the funk. They just signed to Purple Ribbon/Favorite Gentlemen (the respective labels of Outkast's Big Boi and Manchester Orchestra.)Listen to: Bright Eyes (mp3)
3. The Americans: They're back and have Sean Lennon helping with their new ep coming in November. Listen to: Requiem (mp3)

Reading:
1. My Head is Buried by Andrea Kneeland

Episode 24: I Like Pasley

* PVT: The Quick Mile
* Sam Prekop: The Silhouettes
* Mary Hamilton: When Me and Theodore Look at the Sky We Pray For Rain (Live from The Orange Alert Reading Series)
* Rakaa: Aces High (ft. Evidence, Fashawn And Defari)
* J. Bradley: Just Do It
* Backwords: And Then Sigh
* Javelin: Lindsay Brohan
* Natalie Edwards: Live from The Orange Alert Reading Series
* Jaill: The Stroller