Handsome Family's Greatest Hits YouTube Playlist.

A long time coming. Enjoy.
Love,
CTR

Chicago Magazine C Notes Blog Praises saki and CTR

First, a note from our founder:

Now, on to business.

To my, and our, great surprise, Chicago Magazine's C Notes blog posted The C Notes Power List: Music’s Hit Makers about six musical "cultural influencers" Wednesday evening. My name was included in a list of people who are doing cool things in Chicago. There's some awesome and inspired people on this list who've decided to take bold steps to help raise the musical awareness level here in the cultural capital of the middle two thirds of our nation. I was not aware that my name would be included on this list until Whet Moser @whet pointed it out on Twitter Wednesday night. Incredible company with whom to be named. Wow.

Obviously I'm very touched to be thought of in this regard and with these excellent people. Had I talked with the author of this post, I would have shared some things that got overlooked when crunching saki, CTR, and CTD down into 110 kind words. There's also a lot of hyperbole crammed into there.

The Handsome Family announce new record "Wilderness"

The Handsome Family's Wilderness out May 14th on Carrot Top Records!

Enter the dark forest of The Handsome Family and let the beautiful branches surround you.

Wild animals, tall tales, and dark stories from American history populate the lyrics of Wilderness. Appalachian holler, psychedelic rock, tin pan alley, and medieval music continue to inform The Handsome Family's unique brand of Americana, while their affinity for old-tyme ballads and clawhammer banjo has never sounded so seamlessly connected to their use of samples, loops, and sonic effects. A companion book of original artwork and essays by Rennie Sparks, also titled Wilderness, will expand on the meticulously researched and little-known enigmas of the natural world explored on the album: immortal jellyfish, woodpecker tongues, dancing octopi, fly royalty, the secret language of crows, and mysterious ant spirals. The album will be released on LP, CD, and as a deluxe LP box set on May 14th. More details on the deluxe LP release and the pre-order to come!

Vinnie the Intern #36: Love Songs

Valentine's Day can be a whatever day for some. But one great way to celebrate this polarizing holiday is to listen to some of your favorite love songs. Here are ten of mine. Side note: Check out Iceage's new album, You're Nothing. It is as relentless as it is incredible.

 Weezer - "Across the Sea" - Pinkerton

Animal Collective - "The Purple Bottle" - Feels

D'Angelo - "Feel Like Makin' Love" - Voodoo

Toro y Moi - "Low Shoulder" - Causers of This

Neon Indian - "Hex Girlfriend" - Era Extrana

The Futureheads - "Hounds of Love" - The Futureheads

Interpol - "Obstacle 2" - Turn on the Bright Lights 

Radiohead - "All I Need" - In Rainbows

Minus the Bear - "Let's Play Clowns" - They Make Beer Commercials Like This

Modest Mouse - "Ionizes and Atomizes" - This is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About

Vinnie the Intern #35: The Conversation of Album Covers

The question of "does an album cover matter?" tends comes up. To this question, I say"no, it doesn't." While I really appreciate album art it is not the be all, end all for an album.

If I had to choose a favorite album art, it would most likely be a three way tie between OK Computer, Kid A, and Pinkterton. These albums have served as backgrounds, screen savers, and posters. They encapsulate not only the feeling of the album, but the album's aesthetic. 

Radiohead - Kid A (2000)

Weezer - Pinkerton (1996)

Radiohead - OK Computer (1997)

A recent conversation I had with some friends entailed the newest Strokes album, Comedown Machine due out on March 26th on RCA. 

The Strokes - Comedown Machine (March 26th/RCA)

 While not the best cover art, I ask: was this done on purpose to give more of an emphasis on their music or a way to branch out of the fact that they ARE the Strokes? The Strokes must be tired of just being The Strokes. Being around for more than a decade, there have definitely been some preconceived notions with the aura of the band: indifference in vocals, great guitar leads, and a precise yet not flashy rhythm section. They have captured the essence of New York within a couple of great tunes. Still, I believe the album will speak for itself. Plain is not a bad thing in any way when the album has enough power to back it up. We shall see come March.

Tara Key Artwork Hits the Web

There are many projects to follow when it comes to Tara Key. As one of our first saki gallery artists, and a member of Carrot Top Records band Antietam, we pay close attention.

Pink Peaks 2011

We are thrilled that some of Tara's works have recently gone up for sale online. These are the works from the "My Other Guitar is a Paintbrush" show at One Mile Gallery in Kingston, NY. "My Other Guitar Is a Paintbrush" highlighted musicians who are also visual artists and included folks like Georgia Hubley (Yo La Tengo), Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), Rachel Blumberg (The Decemberists), Sue Garner, Grasshopper (Mercury Rev), and Tara Jane O'Neil (Rodan, Retsin). Pretty rad show right there.

Take a look at Tara's pieces for sale.

Vinnie the Intern #34: Releases I'm Looking Forward To

Here are three albums with spring releases that I am highly anticipating. Of course there are more: AraabMusik's For Professional Use Only, a new Strokes record that hopefully outshines "Angels," Matmos' "The Marriage of True Minds, the new Vampire Weekend due in May, and" Deltron 3030's "Event II," among many others.

Tera Melos - X'ed Out (April 16,2013/Sargent House)

After an already stellar release of the new album by This Town Needs Guns, Sargent House continues their exciting list of 2013 releases with the new Tera Melos album, X'ed Out, due this April. Check out their Bandcamp to listen to their new single "Tropic Lame" and pre-order the album. Check out another song scheduled to be on the album, "Slimed," below.

Born Ruffians - Birthmark (April 16, 2013)

Born Ruffians have just announced their follow up to 2010's Say It. Due out for an April 16th release, all we have to judge is the song "In Her Shadow" released on New Years Day. It is hard to tell the characteristics of the album, but it appears that it will be more mellow and much less sporadic than their EP or two full lengths. This doesn't mean it will by any means be boring as the Born Ruffians have never been synonymous with boring.   

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito (April 16, 2013)

This March it will have been four years since we've been graced by a Yeah Yeah Yeahs record. A lot has happened in that time. Reportedly, this outing will be a sonically raw album similar to that of Fever to Tell instead of their heavily electronic, expansive last album, It's Blitz. In my opinion, when the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are at their rawest, they are at their most intriguing. Let's hope a single materializes soon.  

Vinnie the Intern #33: Some New Exciting Releases

After a nice winter break, Vinnie the Intern has made his triumphant return! 

Also note that if you have liked any of my past blogs, I have set up a blog site, Rascuache Ricochet.  I try to write every weekday so check it out every now and again if you'd like!

During my break, quite a bit has happened. On a sad note, PRO ERA confidant, Capital STEEZ, passed away on December 24 after a grim final tweet that simply stated "The end." It is believed he committed suicide. Below, check out one of the highlights from his mix-tape Amerikkka's Korruption, "Free the Robots." 

Joey Bada$$ - Unorthodox - Single

Keeping up with PRO ERA: King of the revitalization of the boom-bap, Joey Bada$$, has since release a new song "Unorthodox" produced by DJ Premier. Check it out on his Soundcloud. Ironically, it is one of his more orthodox songs he has released featuring a somewhat sing-song, catchy chorus and confident statement "won't sign to no major, if no wager less than the three mill..." 

Toro y Moi - Anything in Return (January 22/Carpark)

Towards the end of last year, Toro y Moi released "So Many Details." A song that blended several of his musical pursuits together in an impressive fashion. This week, we are able to stream his new album, Anything in Return on Pitchfork. The album features much more vocal cut-ups and "yeahs" in the distance but treads a lot of familiar territory which fans of his previous work should appreciate  Instrumentals are lush and full and his vocals are well performed and well written. 

Some immediate standouts: "So Many Details," "Rose Quartz," and "Harm in Change."

Iceage - You're Nothing (February 19th/Matador)

Iceage has returned to the scene after signing to label, Matador Records. They have not lost the spark or angst that was present on their debut, 2011's New Brigade. Check out their new song "Coalition" on their Soundcloud which is set to be on their new album, the snidely titled, You're Nothing. 

This Town Needs Guns - 13.0.0.0.0 (January 22/Sargent House)

Lastly, This Town Needs Guns' new album, 13.0.0.0.0, is available to stream on PureVolume. Fans of Minus the Bear's Highly Refined Pirates should feel at home on this release. These interesting, angular yet accessible instrumentals and new vocalist show that the band has not lost their luster, but yet have released their most compelling set of songs to date.

Some immediate standouts: "Cat Fantastic," "I'll Take the Minute Snake," and "Havoc in the Forum." 

Vinnie the Intern #27: My Top 5 Albums of 2012

Here are my top albums of 2012. You may notice that this list is predominantly hip-hop. To me, this has been a year for hip-hop to remember. This year albums have been created by many artists that are working hard to transcend genres and push the envelope. Death Grips has been notable for their record label shenanigans and the mystery behind Captain Murphy was fun to see full circle. These were not gimmicks. They did not solicit controversy to cover up a lukewarm album. These albums are innovative and memorable. 

I also had a couple stipulations: EPs, box-sets, and reissues do not count.

Of course there are many albums I enjoyed this year that are not on the list. Some of you may be shocked to see that the new Animal Collective or Dirty Projectors didn't make it on my list. While I adored those albums, these five albums are the best that 2012 has to offer. Albums that you can immerse yourself in and continuously find a new aspect you love about it . This is just my opinion, so feel free to comment on what your favorite album of the year is.

5. Joey Bada$$ - 1999

1999 is a success in every way, shape and form. Not only an incredibly realized debut mixtape, Joey Bada$$ happens to only be 17. But that is all besides the point. It is not a great album due to his age or his lack of prior work. It is great for bringing back the sound of 90s gritty, New York hip-hop. His group PRO ERA is featured on a majority of tracks and fortunately they can keep up with his mic skills. "Survival Tactics" and "Killuminati" feature some of the best wordplay of the year, not to mention some absolutely outstanding beats. With the bar is set incredibly high, Joey Bada$$ has a bright future ahead of him.

4. Captain Murphy - Du∆lity

Steven Ellison (also known as Flying Lotus and now as Captain Murphy) has had a busy year. Not only releasing his lush and dreamy Until the Quiet Comes, he has been creating quite a following as the anonymous villain: Captain Murphy. Punctuated by maniacal laughter, pitched vocals, and an amazing video, Duality has everything that you could want from a hip-hop album. While the lyrics delve into dark subject matter, it is not done in a cheesy way due to the skill with Captain Murphy's lines which can border as dark as they are humorous  The beats are where Duality really shines. For the amount of different artists who dipped their pens into the ink, it sounds very cohesive. It may be due to many of the artists being of the Brainfeeder collective.

3. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar's major label debut creates a narrative of his upbringing in Compton. Kendrick, a genuinely good kid, is stretched in every way of his life: his positive and loving upbringing with his parents keep him a hardworking youth who knows that knowledge is the way out of the hood while his friends play the bad influence bringing him to get involved in robbery and gang violence. Probably one of the more diversified albums on this list, there is a little bit of everything here beat-wise. From the spacey "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" to the G.O.O.D-esque "Backseat Freestyle," this album has a bulk of variety, the perfect amount of guest performers that don't overpower the album, and a story that inspires hope that "a flower bloomed in a dark room."

2. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Mature Themes

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti have outdone themselves with their latest, Mature Themes. Where some may think that Before Today was the better of their post-Paw Track releases, I found this album to be an album that defines their craft as songwriters. Tracks like "Only in My Dreams," a shimmery pop gem, showcase refinement and more mature (as the title would imply) arrangements. Even some of the would-be filler (Schnitzel Boogie) is catchy in just how odd it truly is. The flow works really well, too. Especially the back half of the album. Putting the last track, a cover of Joe and Donnie Emerson, was a smart choice as it didn't take away from the consistent nature of the Ariel songs. An album that wears its nostalgia on its sleeve, it's not afraid to indulge in it's strong suits: making songs that were the norm in the late 70s/early 80s with a modern edge.

1. Death Grips - The Money Store

I don't even know where to begin with an album that is as awarding as it is challenging. Death Grips, after releasing last year's outstanding mixtape, Exmilitary, chose to sign to Epic Records, release the Money Store, cancel their tour, release NO LOVE DEEP WEB without their label's permission, and get dropped from their label. This album started the rise to their turbulent, yet productive year. As where Exmilitary was more cluttered (due to much of Zach Hill's percussion) and NLDW was more central to MC Ride as a lyricist (due to it's sparse instrumentals), The Money Store is the healthy medium with some of the most unique instrumentals ever created in hip-hop. This can be much praise to Flatlander. Genre-bending and proud of it, The Money Store commits to being a no holds barred aural assault while still demanding the listeners attention. I have probably listened to this entire album 40+ times and due to the murk and grime and I am still digging through it to hear things I did not find on prior listens. If you have followed any of my blogs or know my musical tastes, this album being number one should in no way surprise you. I wholeheartedly love this album and will attest that you will be hard pressed to find anything like this again any time soon.

Vinnie the Intern #26: Top 5 Favorite Music Videos of 2012

Starting off my top lists of the year are my top five favorite music videos. While it is hard to quantify videos, these have been some of my favorite videos of the year. 

5. Joey Bada$$ (Feat. Capital STEEZ) - "Survival Tactics"

A group that captures the Wu Tang spirit more than other in the early part of the decade is PRO ERA. Grainy videos and a list of talented emcees encapsulate all the videos from the outstanding 1999 mix-tape from Joey Bad$$. This collective has a considerably even skill set when compared to groups such as Odd Future or A$AP Mob. Joey Bada$$, the 17 year old Brooklynite, has created quite a following in 2012 and this is a prime reason as to why.

Vinnie the Intern #25: Best of... Schedule

This coming week I will be doing a series of "Top of the Year" lists. Below is the schedule.

Saturday, December 1st
Top Five Music Videos of the Year

Sunday, December 2nd
Top Five Albums of the Year

Monday, December 3rd
Top 50 Songs of the Year (Part One) (50-41)

Tuesday, December 4th
Top 50 Songs of the Year (Part Two) (40-31)

Wednesday, December 5th
 Top 50 Songs of the Year (Part Three) (30-21)

Thursday, December 6th
Top 50 Songs of the Year (Part Four) (20-11)

Friday, December 7th
Top 50 Songs of the Year (Part Five) (10-1)

Keep in mind, I am only one person so I can only be aware of so many artists and songs. Years from now I will still be uncovering music from the year we knew as 2012. But for now, these will be to commemorate albums, videos, and songs I have enjoyed over this year. So just enjoy reading them and feel free to comment on your favorites of the year. I am sure we can all respectively agree to disagree.

For now, I'll just leave you with a video I have been watching quite a bit.

 

Vinnie the Intern #24: Captain Murphy's Du∆lity

Captain Murphy's long-awaited mixtape, Duality, is finally here as of noon last Thursday. An album that brings as many questions as it does answers, it is a unique experience that fans of Madvillain  Earl Sweatshirt, or Flying Lotus should enjoy.

Not only an incredibly charismatic and realized debut (especially since Captain Murphy has only been in the public eye for less than 6 months), the corresponding video, created by Xavier Magot, is so well done it could make a grind-house feature blush. Even though it has dropped, there are still many questions (other than the identity Captain Murphy), such as the names of the tracks (thus making this review harder than it should have been). On Sunday, on his Twitter, a link to a seamless Mp3 was available for download. Reportedly, the 28th of November will be the date we are given the deluxe edition of Duality and feature "more songs and the instrumentals."

Captain Murphy - Du∆lity

Vinnie the Intern #23: Titus Andronicus - Local Business

This review may be a little behind, but today I will be focusing on the new Titus Andronicus album, Local Business. Released last month, the album treads usually territory of American anthems, New Jersey, and references to Shakespearean tragedy.

On a side note, I will be reviewing Captain Murphy's highly anticipated album Duality next week! It is scheduled for release this Thursday.

Titus Andronicus - Local Business (XL Recordings)

Local Business, the follow up to their expansive sophomore album The Monitor, can be seen as their most polished yet but that does not take away from the final product. It is undeniably an album by Titus Andronicus. This time around Patrick Stickles vocals are not as guttural, arrangements are simplistic, and his lyrics seem to be some of his most personal yet, especially the eight minute epic "My Eating Disorder," presumptuously dealing with his eating disorder. In the weeks upcoming to the album, Titus Andronicus played several "Local Business" sessions around Brooklyn, I assume as an ode to the the local businesses that fuel our economy and the hard working, individuals that create a back bone of our society.

Speck Mountain announced "Badwater" release

Photo by Julia Stotz 2012

MTV Hive premieres "gloom-pop track" Slow So Long, the first track available off upcoming Speck Mountain album Badwater (Carrot Top Records | January 22, 2013). The new track "contains gauzy atmospherics, moody guitars, and tender vocals." Take a listen! 

Badwater has also caught the ears of folks in the UK. Middle Boop Mag. They call the upcoming album, "a progression of their psychedelic sound, bonding together via scraps of foggy, lucid dreams created by 'musical soulmates' finding one another."

Carrot Top Records Around The Country

Many Carrot Top Records artists have taken it upon themselves to play shows in the next few days.
Friday, 10/26 (TONIGHT) :: The Handsome Family :: Engine House Theater :: Madrid, New Mexico
Saturday, 10/27 :: Antietam :: Hank's Saloon :: Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, 10/28 :: Wee Hairy Beasties :: The Hideout :: Chicago, IL :: 4pm Kids 8pm Adults
Monday, 10/29 :: Speck Mountain :: Township :: Chicago, IL :: w. Companion

Vinnie the Intern #16: Some Tracks Worth Checking Out

This week I will be highlighting several new (or new to me) songs from artists such as Flying Lotus to Titus Andronicus. Enjoy.

XXYYXX's single "About You" contains a hazy, Weeknd-esque beat and a back-masked lyric of "here forever inside." The hypnotic beat grows into a skittering snare and synth saturated blast of energy. It is worth noting that rappers Kami de Chukwu and Brian Fresco used the track for their song "Red Rover."

Flying Lotus - Until the Quiet Comes (10-02/Warp)

The new Flying Lotus album, Until the Quiet Comes, is available to stream now on NPR. It does not disappoint. The immediate standout for me was the gorgeous two suite mix of "me Yesterday//Corded." A bass heavy, jazzy, ascending beat that brings a feeling of euphoria when it hits its climax.

The anonymous Captain Murphy's released his newest track off his upcoming album, Duality, last week."The Killing Joke" features a backing track of something that can be roughly translated to 'bring Lucifer to me, on a tray" and lyrics such as "speculate my identity, good luck, you'll never find me." The track has many references to Batman and the Joker. The Killing Joke is also a title of the titular graphic novel from 1988.

"My Other Guitar Is a Paintbrush": Exhibition of art by musicians in NY

NY folks: Quite the exhibition coming up! Visual art by artists known for their work as professional musicians. These musicians rank among our favorites, from bands including Antietam (Carrot Top Records!), Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, The Decemberists, Rodan, Retsin (Carrot Top Records!), and more.

Northbound (2012)

Opening: October 13th 7-9pm

One Mile Gallery
475 Abeel Street
Kingston, NY

My Other Guitar Is a Paintbrush is an exhibition featuring the work of musician/artists Tara Key (Antietam), Tara Jane O'Neil (Rodan, Retsin), Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), Georgia Hubley (Yo La Tengo), Rachel Blumberg (The Decemberists), Brian Dewan (inner artwork from Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea), Grasshopper (Mercury Rev), and Sue Garner. The exhibit runs from October 13 to November 17 with opening reception for the artists on October 13 from 7-9pm.

Pink Peaks (2011)

Antietam's Tara Key will be showing paintings and photographs in this stellar company. Plus, the Hudson Valley in the fall is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Antietam fans: there is also a live show coming up!
Saturday, Oct 27 @ 10pm
Hank's Saloon
46 Third Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

Wee Scary Beasties- Creepy Lullabies

Have a kid you wanna subtly morph into a knowledgable little son of a gun with good music taste and a knack for vinyl? Even if the answer is no...you hopefully love halloween, love classics like the Mekons + Devil in a Woodpile + Kelly Hogan hey? If you don't know and love these musicians, what kinda Chicagoan are you???? 

The point is, whip out your Fisher Price turntable, put your batman jammies on, and dance to the Wee Scary Beasties double 7" Creepy Lullabies (or go with the digital download if ya want) out on Carrot Top Records subsidiary WeeBeatz Records! Made up of Jon Langford + Sally Timms of the Mekons, Kelly Hogan (Neko Case, Pine Valley Cosmonauts) and Devil in a Woodpile, these songs are brilliant for any age and put you in the halloween spooker spirit with some "mighty jug band talents of front porch settin' old-timey blues ...Shangri-Las finger-popping flavor, [and] fresh seat-of-the-pants harmonies." The Wee Hairy Beasties credit kids (and their parents) for having a brain and knowing how to use it! 

Buy music from the Wee Hairy Beasties HERE or come in and get it at saki!

Scroll to the bottom to buy the 7s", the digital, or get Wee Hairy Beasties' other release Holidays Gone Crazy in time for some excellently fun holidays!

Wee Scary Beasties-Pumpkinhead by carrottoprecords

Vinnie the Intern #15: WHY?'s Mumps, Ect. and The xx's Coexist

I am back with a couple album review/recommendations! This week I will be reviewing two highly anticipated albums. The first, WHY?'s Mumps, Ect. will be out next month, but has already leaked. The second, The xx's Coexist had big shoes to fit, but filled them nicely.
  

WHY? - Mumps, Ect (Out 10/09/2012 on Anticon)

With some of the sweetest sounding arrangements this year containing a mass of juxtaposing lyrical content, WHY? returns with their fifth full length album Mumps, Ect. This summer WHY? released their great Sod in the Seed EP. Watch the video for the title track off that EP below.

Handsome Family & Megan Reilly in Chicago

Carrot Top Records is ramping up for this upcoming weekend in Chicago! The Handsome Family are coming through town, and the second they hit the road back to Albuquerque, Megan Reilly stops by with guitarist James Mastro (Ian Hunter, Bongos). Here's the schedule:




Thu, September 13 | The Handsome Family w/ Daniel Knox | saki | FREE in-store | 6:30pm
Fri, September 14 | The Handsome Family w/ Jon Langford | Mayne Stage | Show: 9pm
Sun, September 16 | Megan Reilly w/ Joan Osborne | City Winery Chicago | Show: 8pm
Mon, September 17 | Megan Reilly w/ Joan Osborne | City Winery Chicago | Show: 8pm
Tues, September 18 | Megan Reilly | Frequency | Madison, WI

Come support some of our favorite music and say hello to us!