09th Jul2011

Weekly Digs #31 (7/9/11)

by Adam Finley


What a couple of weeks! Summer is here. Midterm Album of the Year noms are in. Gold Cobra is the album of ANY year, I think we can all agree on that. And Fred Durst has taken notice of our little operation here at 402. But the question is: what are we listening to??? Answers below. But first, enjoy Vanilla Ice’s cover of Gold Cobra. YOU’RE WELCOME!

Nate’s Picks

S. Carey – All We Grow

This is the first solo effort from Sean Carey, aka the other guy from Bon Iver, and it’s apparent just how much his talent gets overshadowed. Truly a beautiful album.

Nick Drake – Pink Moon

I periodically come back to this album, and it blows my mind every time I do. How Drake could be making music this contemporary back in the 60′s is beyond me. He was years ahead of his time. Just listen!

 

Nick’s Picks

Chris Brown – Look At Me Now

I’m trying to learn all the lyrics to this. Why?

Bob Marley – Kaya

Many people will say Legends is “the best” album (har har har), but Kaya is obviously the best non-compilation album. It has all the bells and whistles, AND it has “Is This Love?” Listen!

Finley’s Picks

Action Bronson – Dr. Lecter

Hard-nosed NY hip-hop ala Ghostface with a cool focus on food. Definitely one of the most interesting hip-hop albums of the year.

Bright Eyes – Live Recordings EP

Not sure where this came from, or why, but it’s a cool mix of songs reaching back far enough to include an awesome version of Lover I Don’t Have To Love. Listen to the original below.

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19th Jun2011

Weekly Digs #30 (6/19/11)

by Adam Finley

Time is even sneakier than the head-phoned leopard, and we’ve very nearly reached the halfway point of 2011. It’s almost time to do our January-June Album of the Year round up, but while we wait for Mr. Nick “The Man” Wan to put that together, let’s give props to our newest writer, Ryan, by letting him go first with the music recs this week.

Ryan’s Picks

The Who – Who’s Next [Bonus Tracks]

Yeah, bonus tracks.  I picked this up for budget price at a Best Buy not too long ago.  Apart from an obviously classic album, this includes a live version of “Water,” which kicks more ass than a steel-toed boot.

Guided By Voices – Self-Inflicted Aerial Nostalgia

I bought this as part of Box, which is a compendium of the group’s first four releases, plus a rarities disc.  For me, Self-Inflicted Aerial Nostalgia is their first step towards perfection.  Listen to “An Earful O’ Wax”:

Nick’s Picks

Police Sirens

For some reason (I think I know the reason) there has been way more cops on this street this past week. I’m thinking it’s because people are graduating. However, looting is also a possibility.

Far – At Night We Live

Vastly overlooked, vastly underhyped. When they came back with this, I went to almost every live show they had around northern California. Far is up there on my “most-influential” list. Hmm… maybe I should ask everyone for their most influential lists… good idea, me. Watch “Deafening”:

 

Blake’s Picks

Nero – Guilt

Nero has been throwing out amazing singles for a while now. This specific song is about as sexy as a dub track can get without climbing the trip-hop tree. We all know strippers dig Massive Attack.

Grateful Dead – Casey Jones

This song is about as relaxed as you can get. I enjoy driving around and listening to it at least once a week: “And not a single fuck was given that day.”

Nate’s Picks

Bad Books – S/T

I’ve really gotten into this album more and more recently. The Kevin Devine and Andy Hull really compliment each other well. The songwriting on this album is pretty unreal.

Big K.R.I.T – K.R.I.T Wuz Here

This guy’s one of the best MCs in the game right now. He’s got loads of potential and I can really see him blowing up in the future. Check out “Hometown Hero”:

Finley’s Picks

Tyler, The Creator – Goblin

The deeper I get into this album, the more interesting I find it. I feel like I finally have a grasp on it after eight or nine listens, and if I can keep my head above water this week it’s finally getting the review it deserves.

Harvey Danger – EVERY HARVEY DANGER ALBUM EVER

How is it that Harvey Danger is only remembered  as the band that did that “Flagpole Sitta” song from that stupid movie with the chick from Dawson’s Creek? That’s fucking criminal. Harvey Danger released dozens of excellent, cheeky songs that bridged the gap between Seattle’s grunge and modern indie scenes. These guys are the shit, and always will be. Watch the video for “Sad Sweetheart of the Rodeo”:

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14th May2011

Weekly Digs #28 (5/14/11)

by Adam Finley

Spring’s here, and unless you’re nipple deep in flood waters it’s probably a pretty nice weekend wherever you are. Even Seattle has been unusually gorgeous the past few days. So grab a couple of these albums from your favorite online music resource and go run on the beach or something. Seriously, try it. This dog is having a shitload of fun!

Finley’s Picks

The Lonely Island – Turtleneck & Chain

Normally I get about two listens out of a novelty hip-hop album, but this is freaking hilarious. Watch the video for Captain Jack here. Does anyone else smell a late-career resurgence for Michael Bolton?

Tyler, The Creator – Goblin

All the shock value of Bastard with a little more focused production. It does wear thin in a few places, and there was no need to make it a million minutes long, but as a document of personal instability in the face of crippling public expectation it’s powerful. Horrorcore? Nah, the OFWGKTA leader makes Eminemcore. Check out the anger spray of Yonkers:

Blake’s Picks

Puscifer – The Humbling River

Maynard Keenan could plant grass and I would watch the seeds fall. Puscifer is a hit or miss project that hones in on a crude persona he has created. This song is an exception I found, and I love it. If you haven’t seen his documentary “Blood Into Wine”, do yourself a favor.

Fink – Pretty Little Thing

If you haven’t heard Fink, there is no better moment than right now. Fin Greenall is a solo artist from England and redefined funky fingerpicking. Prepare yourself for the repeat button.

Nick’s Picks

Charlie Rose podcasts

I used to live above a professor (Dr. Kirby Cooper) and he said I’d be really into Charlie Rose podcasts since he covers some cool stuff (at the time, neuroscience stuff). I highly recommend it (particularly the health & science ones).

Tegan & Sara – The Con

I go back to this album a lot of times, actually. Not taking away anything from Sainthood, I just believe this was a better album from a holistic stand point. Check out a live version of the title track below:

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08th May2011

Weekly Digs #27 (5/7/11)

by Adam Finley


Things are popping off around 402 yet again– it’s local music month, our Fantasy Summer Draft is complete, and our fearless leader Nick broke his motherboard so for the moment I think I’m at the helm of this Hellship. Better hold on, folks. For now, enjoy that surprisingly sensual lion above and read up on our music recommendations for the week!

Finley’s Picks

Matt Pond PA - Spring Fools EP

I must be slipping in my old age– a new mpPA and Nick snagged it before me? At least he gave it the same awesome review I would have. “Love To Get Used” has been on repeat for me all week.

The Weeknd – House Of Balloons

Grimy sex music that puts the rest of the R&B world to shame. It’s almost too sexy, ya’ll, can’t even handle it!

The Lonely Island – Turtleneck & Chain

The boys are back, and as entertaining as ever. Check out some Garfield sex music below.

Blake’s Picks

Middle Brother - Middle Brother

Middle Brother consists of the lead singers from Deer Tick, Dawes, and Delta Spirit. The lineup is killer, and the entire album is a lyrical revival from the recently bland indie folk genre. I saw them live a few weeks ago and I felt like a giddy kid.

Nine Inch Nails – Something I Can Never Have (Still)

As a CD-2 to “And All That Could Have Been”, a live album, Trent Reznor compiled “Still” that contains unplugged renditions of a few popular tracks. Definitely pick it up if you can’t take heavy doses of “Pretty Hate Machine” like an industrial badass.

Nick’s Picks

Best of Nintendo Music vol. 1

Sometimes when I have a writer’s block I throw this album on. It jogs the memory for times when I would rage and throw my SNES controller at a giant football container in my room.

Red Sparowes – The Fear is Excruciating but Therein Lies the Answer

It’s been out for about a year now and has become a large mainstay on my playlist, right next to the Vince Guaraldi Trio. I would almost say fans of either would like the other. But I’m a pretty weird dude who listens to an album of Nintendo music from cover to cover. Check out a live version of “A Swarm” below:

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10th Apr2011

Weekly Digs #25 (4/9/11)

by Adam Finley


Record Store Day approaches! A day full of limited edition pressings, split 7″ releases, in-store performances, and (for us lucky members of the destitute indie press) a little free schwag for our troubles. Most recently, Polyvinyl Records (Deerhoof, Matt Pond PA, Japandroids) has blessed us with a pile of RSD promos. We are going to pay it forward with a handful of reviews this week. You like Deerhoof? You like Owen? You like Saturday Looks Good To Me? Stay tuned! For now, check out what we liked this week.

Finley’s Picks

Mighty Clouds – Mighty Clouds

We got this from Polyvinyl and it is incredible– a beautiful folksy, strumming, meandering stew of sweet vocals and simple arrangements. I would review this myself, but Nick Wan jumped on it like a grenade full of candy.

Bright Eyes – Shell Games

I didn’t listen to this for the first few weeks I had it– I’ve had a soft spot in my heard for the quavery little emo king since Fevers & Mirrors and I didn’t want his final Bright Eyes album to suck balls. Thankfully, it doesn’t. True to recent form only about half the songs are great, but I’ll take 6 great Bright Eyes songs over 6 Best Coast albums any day.

An Horse – Rearrange Beds

An Horse is the shit, and I am gearing up for the release of their new album, Walls, by listening to this Tegan and Sara-meet-Jesus H. Christ And The Four Hornsmen Of The Apocalypse masterpiece. Check out the are project for “Postcards” below:

 

Nick’s Picks

Owen – O, Evelyn

Duh– Winning.

Adebisi Shank – This is the Second Album from the Band Adebisi Shank

Honestly, we’re a few months into the year now… many things have happened. Charlie Sheen. Rebecca Black. The Royal Wedding. Fox renewing Fringe for another season. I’d say one that tops them all is listening to this album.

Everything on Wild 94.9

Back when I was in middle school and high school, 94.9 was one of the two “rap” stations in my area. Since then, much hasn’t changed… except for the impossibly crappy radio rap. Did Kanye just say he was going to probe me? What?

See the creepy pile of creep below:

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02nd Apr2011

Weekly Digs #24 (4/2/11)

by Adam Finley

The past couple of weeks have been pretty crazy: North Africa is exploding. Chris Brown has the #1 album in the country. Rick Santorum thinks abortion ruined Social Security. 402 was bought by AOL. And Nick Wan has lost his damn mind. Take his picks this week as evidence:

Nick’s Picks

Babiloni, C., Marzano, N., Iacoboni, M., Infarinato, F., Aschieri, P., Buffo, P., Cibelli, G., Soricelli, A., Eusebi, F., and Del Percio, C. -  Resting State Cortical Rhythms In Athletes: A High-Resolution EEG Study

These Italian homies rocked the electroencephalogram and came out with this study that showed what Olympian karate athletes’ brains look like when they are sitting down. AND IT WAS GOOD.

Del Percio, C., Babiloni, C., Marzano, N., Iacoboni, M., Infarinato, F., Vecchio, F., Lizio, R., Aschieri, P., Fiore, A., Toràn, G., Gallamini, M., Baratto, M., and Eusebi, F. – “Neural Efficiency” Of Athletes’ Brain For Upright Standing: A High-Resolution EEG Study

This is another jam from some of the same dudes who did “Resting state cortical rhythms…” think of it like Straylight Run and Taking Back Sunday but smarter.

Gazzaniga, M. S., & Heatherton, T. F. – Patterns of Electrical Brain Activity During Different Stages of Sleep

This would be like The Arcade Fire of neuroscience. Gazzaniga is a G. Check out MC Hawking, the original Science Gangsta, below.

Finley’s Picks

Los Campesinos! – Romance Is Boring

I’ve been iffy on Los Campesinos! for a long while, but on the third time through this album something clicked for me and suddenly I like them. Go figure.

Redman – Reggie

Of all the members of the class of Wu, Redman is probably in my bottom three. But if you’re going to listen to any solo Redman effort it should be this album.

The Mountain Goats – All Eternals Deck

Probably my favorite Mountain Goats release since The Sunset Tree. Expect a review next week, and watch “Birth Of Serpents” live on Letterman below.

 

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19th Mar2011

Weekly Digs #22 (3/19/11)

by Adam Finley

I know nothing about college basketball. Less than nothing, if such a thing is possible. So when asked to make a March Madness bracket I decided on a different route: mascot fights. I got a list of all the teams and their mascots and let my knowledge of zoology (which is far superior to my knowledge of college basketball) decide. The winner? The Florida Gators. Because nothing beats a full-grown, angry alligator on its own turf. Not a Bulldog. Not a Tiger. Not a Volunteer. Not a Tarheel (whatever the hell that is). Let’s see how my theory holds up. In the meantime, find out what your friends at 402 Reviews have been listening to this week!

Nick’s Picks

Red Sparowes – The Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies the Answer

I’ve had massive sleeping problems this past… three years. Lately, it’s really bad. This album seems to keep me not so stressed.

Matt Pryor – Confidence Man

Same sort of deal… I just love Matt Pryor though.

Forgive Durden – Razia’s Shadow

Maybe one of my most favorite albums… I love the story. Supposedly, there is a new one in the works right now!! Watch the video for “Life Is Looking Up” below:

 

Adam H.’s Picks

Bayside – Killing Time

Say Anything – Is A Real Boy

Eve 6 – It’s All In Your Head (Watch a live performance of “At Least We’re Dreaming” below)

Finley’s Picks

Bionic Sheep – Conflict Resolution

Great little album that defies description. Is it ambient? Is it trip-hop? Is it experimental? I just think its awesome.

Super Mash Bros – All About The Scrillions

I’ve professed my love for SMB before, but I ran a 5k today and made it my goal to finish the race before I finished this album. I did, by exact 1/2 the final track. Just another reason to love it.

The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

Imagine The Hold Steady covering Born To Run. That’s the kind of punk-swagger-meets-Springsteen sound you get from American Slang. Check out the title track:

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12th Mar2011

Weekly Digs #21 (3/12/11)

by Adam Finley

Late update but better late than never, right? If you were in the Wednesday Chat this week you already heard about some of these albums, and you might have won a signed copy of The Get Up Kids album. If you weren’t there, you missed out. You should check it out next Wednesday, 5pm PST. You really should. For now: digs!

Finley’s Picks

Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx – We’re New Here

Great poet + great album + great electronic producer = great remix album.

Blitzen Trapper – Destroyer Of The Void

It might make me the lamest indie music fan of all time that it took me almost a year to listen to this. But it’s good, and deserves much of the praise it received last year.

Lupe Fiasco – Lasers

Supposedly Lupe’s retirement album, he hardly could have chosen a better one to go out on. Listen to the great, if historically misinformed, “All Black Everything” below.

 

Nick’s Picks

The New Amsterdams – Killed or Cured

I like this.

Karate – Unsolved

I like this too.

Kevin Devine – Make the Clocks Move

I like this most of all. Check out an acoustic version of “Ballgame” below.

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19th Feb2011

Weekly Digs #18 (2/19/11)

by Adam Finley

It was a busy week here at 402: four album reviews, a Wednesday Chat, and a rage-fueled rant about the bastards who ruin music festivals for music fans. We may not be going to Sasquatch this year, but at least we listened to some good music this week.

Adam H.’s Picks

Murder By Death – Good Morning Magpie

I’ve been waiting a while to finally get my hands on this one. It’s interesting experience. The environment the album was written in (alone in the woods) comes through pretty clearly.

Kevin Devine – She Stayed as Steam EP

I bought this on vinyl back when it came out but have never had the time to give it an honest listen. Its a great little compilation.  Not much new here but good nonetheless.

The Republic of Wolves – The Cartographer

I’ve grown to love The Republic of Wolves. I’m not sure if it’s just the fact that I stay so busy that time flies by but it seems like these guys constantly pump out music.  This is the kind of album you put in on a car ride where you can listen to it start to finish uninterrupted.

Nick’s Picks

Foster the People – S/T EP

I heard their single “Pumped Up Kicks” on the radio coming home from school the other day. I’m telling you all right now, within the year these guys will be the next “it” band.

Big Indian, New York – Slow To Visit Sticker Boy

I wrote a review on this. At first, I thought I got it… but then it proved to me that I really didn’t. And still don’t.

Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

Still jiving on this. So nice. Still impressed with this song “Airplanes”

Finley’s Picks

Josh Ritter – To The Yet Unknowing World

I reviewed this yesterday, so it stands to reason that I listened to it a bunch. Seriously can’t get that line about “Kenny Rogers, marijuana, and ecstasy” out of my head.

Talib Kweli – Gutter Rainbows

Kweli is one of the best MCs around whose albums always seem to turn out not-so-great. This is his best one in a minute, but it’s no Quality or Beautiful Mixtape, Volume 2.

Reso – Valken EP

The newcomer UK drum and bass producer put together a heavy little collection with this EP and scored a spot at SXSW. Will he blow up? Only time will tell, but check out the video for War Machine:

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12th Feb2011

Weekly Digs #17 (2/12/11)

by Adam Finley

Nothing good in the news? Then check out what we checked out this week.

Finley’s Picks

Das Racist – Sit Down, Man

Loves me some Das Racist– a perfect combination of spontaneity, humor, social commentary, and just plain weirdness, especially on this mixtape. Listen to ‘Puerto Rican Cousins’ below:

Cold War Kids – Mine Is Yours

I’ve been utterly neutral on Cold War Kids as a band through a handful of releases and a live show, but this album is finally something I can put on and enjoy start to finish.

Bobby Womack – Across 110th Street

Who doesn’t love a classic ’70s soul album every once in a while? I’ve had this one on repeat all week. You may remember the title track from the opening credits of Jackie Brown. If not, give it a watch:

Nick’s Picks

The Radio Dept. – Clinging to a Scheme

Honestly, I’ll find myself listening to this album whenever I’m on BART. I don’t know what it is. Maybe the gloomy faces on BART plus my interest in seeping depression makes this album much more interesting when people watching. Who knows.

Foster the People – Foster the People EP

Okay, my next description is not the best… but it’s what it literally sounds like… The indie version of Maroon 5. OKAY LET ME EXPLAIN. First off, the album is more like this New Jersey band called Paulson, particularly their song “Calling on You”. Think of this song, three ways. In fact, two of the three ways were more pop than dance. Does the indie Maroon 5 make sense now? No? Am I going to burn for this one? Track from Foster the People:

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