Hey, It's raining destruction on your dance party!

Last night there was a huge storm that came through Michigan. It was one of those "God must be pissed" storms. Crazy lightning, whipping winds, buckets of rain, and thunder that roared so loud it made me jump more than a few times. I was celebrating fathers day early with my family while it was krack-a-lackin which made it a little more comforting. I had to laugh a little because my sister gets pretty freaked when it storms, and she wouldn't sit by any windows. I guess I don't blame her though, it was hardcore. Anyway, the storm lasted a good 2-3 hours and at no time did it let up. I left my dad's house about 10pm when it was dying down but the ride home was insane. The trip should have taken me 5 minutes if that, instead it took me 20 minutes due to all the police roadblocks. Every street that was open was at some point completely flooded over. I am amazed that my car was able to get through it all. The picture above is from the local paper. It's no Katrina but it was definitely the most rain I have ever seen around here.
The Acorn - The Flood Pt.2

If my computer was a real person it would be 80 years old, legally deaf, senile, and have trouble with bodily functions. I kid you not, my computer is a dinosaur. I am constantly getting pissed at it. It takes forever to do the simplest task, my internet access goes in an out at the most inopportune times, or it just freezes. I will be so happy when I can afford to get a new computer. I'd love to take it on the roof and drop it to the pavement below and watch it smash into a million pieces. Or go all Office Space on it. So in honor of of my anger towards the frustration machine, as I like to call it, here is the unedited version of the technological beatdown from Office Space. Don't play it in front of old ladies and children it's a vulgar one, but so badass.
Gheto Boys - Still

I should have known about the Pixies a loooong time ago. Well, let me rephrase that I should have recognized the awesomeness of the Pixies a long time ago. I knew who they were, I knew what they sounded like, but I never cared much for the little I had heard. A few months ago I rented Zach and Muri Make A Porno and this song was played, almost in it's entirety, in the movie. I won't say much about the movie but the correlation of the scene and the song fit so perfect together. Basically one of the characters decides take a girl to his room but it's not the girl he wants. The girl he wants likes him and sees him take this girl into his room...blah blah blah, see the movie if you want to know the rest. I was blown away when I found out it was a song by the Pixies. I instantly paused to movie and listened to Doolittle (the album this song comes from) all the way through and fell in love.
The Pixies - Hey

Recently I have found myself getting into more dance and club type of music. I think it's mostly due to everyone remixing every single good song that has come out in the last 6 months, which isn't a bad thing, but I have never really enjoyed dance music. I have never liked it because I can't dance to save my life and I will refuse to dance in front of people. I do tell people I have sweet moves, but if someone challenged me to a "Step It up" dance fight, I'd fail miserably. Now that being said I will dance like a fool in my apartment when I am alone. Mostly it's a lot of flailing around like a fish out of water and shaking my non existent ass. I love to do it an do it frequently. I always liked the thought of DJ'ing a dance party at someones house. Apparently so do Daft Punk. P.S. Soon there will be a few posts of great remixes for you to dance away with.
LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk Is Playing At My House

Super Sweet Indietronica Bonus Song:
Schneider TM featuring Kptmichigan - The Light 3000

Songs that will make you laugh

Reggie And The Full Effect are a GREAT band. I might have to post some other songs by them at some point, some more serious songs. This song is so freakin' hilarious. It's joke song that's sung in the style of a Findland death metal band named Common Denominator, which I think is a greatr band name. To top that they sing about dwarves. Politically correct, it is not. Gut busting funny, it is. Note: In no way do I condone making fun of people with disabilities or imply that they can't play sports. I just think the song is funny and, would even if I was physically challenged...hopefully.
Reggie And The Full Effect - Dwarf Invasion (feat. Common Denominator)

The other night I was talking to a friend of mine who has a moped. I am totally jelous of her, it's pretty sweet looking. Way back in the day I used to have a Spree (I'm not talking about the candy) It was so awesome. I used it to drive all over, friends houses, drivers training, to my Grandmas. I wiped out on it once while driving through a construction zone, that was not cool. I sold it once I got my car and I really regret it now. If I ever get enough money I am going to buy one again. Of course I'll probably be 50. Sweet! Here is a song by a band named Millencolin. It's a bouncy pop punk song about a loving relationship between an owner and his moped. Plenty of innuendo here folks.
Millencolin - Fox

Have you ever looked at old photographs and seen something in them that you still wish you had? A piece of clothing, a poster, or some other long gone personal effect. The other day I was going through my box of pictures and I came across one where I was wearing and old school X-Men t-shirt. This was before there were any movies. I for some reason used to take pictures of my room and I saw tons of old Nintendo posters and games, which if I hadn't thrown them way or sold them they might be worth some money. This song isn't so much about loss of a possession forever as it is about getting a possession back.
Digger - I Want My Hat Back

This is one of the weirdest CD's that I own. The band Don't know only put out one album form what I know (haha read that sentence again). The band plays what I can best describe as psych funk geek core. The title of their album is Coodly P. Ramaswami Memorial Cheesecake. I can't remember the reason I picked this album up. It's not really a favorite of mine, but I do like it of the sheer off the wall strangeness and awesome bass playing. The first song is super short but I think it's really funny and easy to sing along with. Since it was so short I decided to add another song by them about Taco Bell.
Don't Know - Bad Cop (No Longer Available)
Don't Know - 59*79*99 (No Longer Available)

One when I was working for Goodwill I was out on the sales floor putting some used threads away and a beautiful girl walked by. Of course I noticed and tried be obvious as I watched her walk by. When she did I smelled the best smell, fresh baked cookies. Now I love cookies, it's probably my favorite junk food of all time. Needless to say I was instantly intrigued and I had to walk by her to make sure it was her that smelled like cookies and not something else. So I took another pass and sure enough she smelled like cookies! I was ecstatic that someone made a perfume that smelled like that. If I wasn't at work I might have just gone up and asked laid some smooth line on her about rollin' dough or baking or something like that, Or you know, just asked her where she got the perfume from. I didn't though because that might be creepy. "You smell so good I want to stand by you all day!" So in honor of being hungry, in love, and sort of creepy, here is a great song by The Vandals.
The Vandals - Hungry For You (No Longer Available, But This Is)

There is a band I liked called Five Iron Frenzy. They were a ska band (guess what I was big into back in the day?)This song has a great story behind it. They have a trumpet player named Brad and he missed one show while touring because of illness. The next day rumors were flying all over the place that he quit the band, and one even claimed that he was dead. Of course the rumors were not true but the band decided to write a song about it. I love the song because it is pure satire and because my name is Brad. Not that I have ever had rumors circulating of my death or anything. I just thought it was funny, in a black comedy sort of manner.
Five Iron Frenzy - The Untimely Death Of Brad

Albums I would instantly recommend if asked part 2

Personal Journals by Sage Francis
Sage Francis is underground. Sage Francis is hip-hop. Sage Francis is straightedge? Yup. No drugs or drinking for this phenomenal word twister. Don't let that turn you off though because you could be missing one of the best lyrical poets in the underground hip-hop scene. I would describe this as the thinking mans rap. It's laced with brutal heartfelt emotion, over the top beats, and spit shined lyricism. It's clear to see that he has perfected his craft to a and has it down to a science. This album will leave you open mouthed and salivating for more.
Sage Francis - Personal Journalist
Sage Francis - Climb Trees


Clarity By Jimmy Eat World
Forget everything you know about Jimmy Eat World. Forget the way over played songs, and forget the forget the underwear party music video (well you might want to remember that one). Just forget the radio Jimmy Eat World that you have come to know. I want to introduce you to the awesome Jimmy Eat World. This album is full of some of the most well produced music I have ever heard. It has amazing song flow, and not a single dud song on the album. It's crisp, tight, beautiful, airy and it will impress you one way or another. The last track alone is well worth the price of the album. Sorry to say I can't post it because it clocks in at just over 16 minutes, but it has a great emo to electronica crossover. I would put this one in my top 5 favorite albums of all time.
Jimmy Eat World - Lucky Denver Mint
Jimmy Eat World - Blister



Destruction By Definition by The Suicide Machines
You may have missed The Suicide Machines when they first broke out onto the scene back in 1996. They were sort of a one hit wonder and they didn't get much airplay. They became popular when bands like Green Day and Blink 182 were starting to gain recognition. The suicide machines played harder than the after mentioned bands, with a little more snotty punk attitude and a little rudeboy ska. These Detroit natives put out a great album filled with social commentary, quick jittery fun music, and DIY mood. Everything you'd expect from a Punk-Ska band form the motor city. I am a sucker for organs and this CD has got some slick key jamming. If you want high energy fun I would suggest you dye and spike your hair, slap on those studded belts, grab your skateboard and give this a spin.
The Suicide Machines - No Face
The Suicide Machines - The Vans Song


Aunt Bettys - Self Titled
I don't know what to say about Mike Knott except I think very highly of him. He has been around for a long long time in the "christian" music underground scene but I wouldn't classify any of his work as christian music. Yes he believes in God, yes he sings songs about Jesus, but they come from a completly different perspective than most christian musicians. It's raw, it's real, it's music from a simple man trying to do what he can to figure out life. I love him because he doesn't whitewash things. This album was released on a major label and if you heard it you would never have guessed his back story. Songs about UFO's, fast cars, pills, booze, Jesus and girls. I am pretty sure this album is out of print and very rare, but it's chock full of gritty alternative rock and roll.
Aunt Bettys - Rocket And A Bomb
Aunt Bettys - Double


Reel Big Fish - Turn The Radio Off
I am sure everyone knows who Reel Big Fish are or at least have heard the song "Sell Out" In my own opinion I think that RBF are a very underrated band. Sure the ska craze is over but even then they should have had more credit than they got. Their album Turn The Radio Off was full of zany songs, catchy horns, and hilarious lyrics about being uncool, being too cool to be cool, and the relationships that follow. This album is a fun ride all the way through and as I have found, always puts me in a good mood. I mean come on how can you not love this band! Pickitup!Pickitup!Pickitup! then skank your way to happiness.
Reel Big Fish - Join The Club
A side not to the next song. The girl part is sung by Monique Powell who is the lead singer of another great Ska band Save Ferris.
Reel Big Fish - She Has A Girlfriend Now

Albums I would instantly recommend if asked.

The Magic Numbers - Self Titled
The magic numbers are a band from London that bring back that 60's mellow music feel while still retaining indie freshness. Some songs are quite intricate and experimental, others are simple and beautiful. One thing this album never is, is boring. The band is made up of two sets of brothers and sisters that have incredible harmonization, in my opinion some of the best I have ever heard, that will make you feel like you are in a dream. It's the perfect album to throw on on a summer day while doing just about anything. A great album from start to finish. I actually had to purchase another copy because I wore the first one out.
The Magic Numbers - Mornings Eleven
Magic Numbers - Long Legs



Ghostface - The Pretty Toney Album
I love rap music and I honestly have to say that there aren't many popular rap albums that I love more than The Pretty Toney Album by Ghostface. You may already know Ghost from The legendary Wu-Tang Clan. I love his smooth flow and his rhymes top notch. I do have to admit that this is in my opinion his only really great album. I like the rest but they just don't stand anywhere close to this. I remember the first time I heard this album I was working for Goodwill and my friend there lent it to me to listen to. He told me "Hey, "The Kid" you should give this a spin. I promise you it will be the greatest thing you ever heard." He was right.

Ghostface - Metal Lungies (feat.Sheek Louch and Styles P.)
Ghostface - Tooken Back (feat. Jackie-O)
Just to prove the awesomeness of Ghostface here is a track form the Danger Doom album. I also highly suggest this album for any rap fan.
Danger Doom - The Mask (feat. Ghostface)


Grade - Under The Radar
Wow! I just looked at the date on this and it's almost 10 years old. Back in the day I used to love metal and hardcore music. I still do but I'm no longer a teen full of angst and can only stand screaming in short bursts. Grade started out with this format screaming lyrics chugging guitars, however at one point they went way more melodic. This album was that point. Not only is this album easy to listen to even if you hate screamed vocals, but it's pretty easy to decipher the great song writing hidden in the shredded vocal chords of Kyle Bishop. If you are a fan jumping off couches and rocking the air guitar, I suggest listening to this.

Grade - Stolen Bikes Ride Faster
Grade - A Year In the Past, Forever In The Future


Cold War Kids - Robbers and Cowards
If I had to describe Cold War Kids it would be soulfully haunting. The music takes you to through the seedy back alleys and shines a dim light on all the nooks and crannies you never dared to explore. It's a little creepy, a little dirty, but deep down you always wanted to know what it was like. Lead singer Nathan Willetts voice is a unique one that brings some down south blues twined with a cry like warble that will stay with you long after you stopped listening. This is an album to listen on a foggy nighttime drive home.

Cold War Kids - We Used To Vacation
Cold War Kids - Saint John


Propagandhi - How To Clean Everything
I would not recommend this album to everyone. Propagandhi are a very political, strongly opinionated, and Canadian. However they make some great points, play fast anthematic punk rock, and will make you want to better the world. With song titles like "Anti-Manifesto", "I Was A Preteen Mcarthiyist", and "The Only Good Fascist Is A Very Dead Fascist" you know your in for something interesting. This album is filled with pro-gay, pro-feminist, pro-civil liberties, anti-fascism messages and will rock your face off and even though it was released in 1994, it is by no means a record that will ever be dated. I had a real hard time deciding what tracks to post because they are all really fucking good.
Propagandhi - Anti-Manifesto
Propagandhi - The Showdown (G.E./P.)

A little info on this song. The second verse, the strangely out of place "emo" verse, is sung by John K. Samson. He is also frontman for the band the The Weakerthans, who just happen to have a track below.
The Weakerthans - Everything Must Go

Who knew the hot readhead was actually a wizard who would rise above and rattle our bones with a war?

While on one of my late night browsing marathons I discovered one of my favorite songs, was not what I thought it was it was about at all. The song I am speaking of is Alkaline Trio's song titled '97. I have listened to this song quite possibly 10,000 times(that is no exaggeration I assure you.) It's a beautiful song that I thought was about a relationship, specifically about a long distance relationship. The song got me through a few rough patches of my own and it was a song I really related to. Tonight I found out that the song is actually about being on probation, which doesn't really disappoint me at all I can still relate to it, but it was a real shock to me.
LYRICS
I've got it now
A thorn in my side the size of a Cadillac
Drive it through
'cause backin' up now would be next to impossible
I had it all
When I was with you I forgot about everything
Eighteen months
Eighteen months seems like fucking eternity

And you'll be there
To dry my eyes
When I breathe you in
In '97
In '97

I've got it now
Like a thorn in my side the size of a Cadillac
Drive it through
'cause backin' up now would be next to impossible
I had it all
When I was with you I forgot about everything
Eighteen months
I won't breathe for eighteen months

I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this
No I don't deserve this no

Notes from the Author via "Goddamint Redux" CD "I wrote these lyrics on the front steps of an office building in downtown chicago while working as a messenger, I was having some legal difficulties at the time, and as part of a probationary program i was subject to random tests that involved a plastic cup and a sample of my urine. said tests made it difficult for me to partake freely in a certain activity that had a way of making my days as a bicycle courier go by a bit faster."
Alkaline Trio - '97

This is another song from the mix I was given in the previous entry. This was the opening track and I think it was an excellent pick to open a mix with. The first song of a mix has to be killer and grab the listeners attention right away. I usually try to go with a catchy uptempo song or something completely outside the norm. Something that will make the listener want to hear it again right after it's done. Repeatability is an important key for the first few and last few songs of a mix. This song did that, as soon as I heard it I listened to it three more times before moving on to the next. It's got a stripped down, very simple sound. What really impressed me was amazing vocal harmonization and odd song structure.
The Dirty Projectors - Rise Above

The first time I heard this song I was driving on a busy highway in rush hour traffic. I listened to about half of it and I had to turn it off because it increased the intensity tenfold. Saying that The Dillinger Escape Plan is chill is like that ice cream is hot (I can't believe thats the best I could come up with). This song is insane, chaotic, and not something you'd play for your grandma. This song reminds of of riding the worlds oldest roller coaster that shakes you around so bad you think you're going to break every bone in your body. In the middle of the ride a giant evil bird swoops down on you and cuts you into a thousand pieces. The vocals are it's ear drum exploding caw, the guitars are razor sharp talons scratching your soul and the drums are the giant beating wings of death. This is not a song for everyone or the faint of heart. It is worth a listen and has a neat jazz breakdown. No matter how much you hate it don't jump out until the ride is over.
The Dillinger Escape Plan - 43% Burnt (No Longer Available)

Whew! After that I am sure you need something to calm your nerves. So here is a great song by one of my favorite female singers Jenny Lewis. This smokin' hot redhead was the primary vocalist for the band Rilo Kiley. She broke off and started her solo project Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. I was never a big fan of Rilo Kiley, but I am a huge fan of her solo albums. she has the indie country twang I love and a smooth sounding set of pipes. Fact: Jenny Lewis has a noteable acting career as well. she was in the movie The Wizard. She played the girlfriend of Fred Savage. The film follows three children as they travel to California so the youngest, who has a condition that makes him emotionally withdrawn, can compete in the Nintendo World Video Game Championships. Hmmm...redhead, in a movie about video games, plays music, very beautiful....I'm in love even more than when I first saw The Wizard way back when.
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue

I found this gem of a song on an old compilation I got with a magazine many years ago. I remember listening to this song on my headphones on the bus ride to school. I thought I was so cool. It was funny and immature, and said the f-word, sort of like high school kids. I didn't know a lot about war other than what I learned in history and I didn't really car about it. Now I'm older and try not to use the f-word, I don't like war, and still find the song funny. Hey 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
The Rugburns - War

The wolves have heartache while returning to their cubicles

If you haven't ever heard of Patrick Wolf you are in for a treat. Mr. Wolf has been around for a whole and is critically acclaimed in the indie scene. This English singer/songwriter mixes electronic synth beats with classical symphony that provides for a refreshing sound. If I had to describe the music I would dramarock. Don't let that dissuade you though there is definitely something here for everyone. His powerful lyricism, incredible composition skill, and emotional sounds will leave you amazed. Patrick has recently released a new album called The Bachelor which is the first of a double disc set titled Battles. I have heard quite a few songs off the new album and let me assure you this is one that will not want to pass up. It will be on many best of lists for the year, it's already number one on my list. The songs make me feel as if I am watching a sci-fi rock opera. I am not going to post any songs from the actual album as I fully expect everyone to go out an buy it. What I will do however is put up this awesome remix that is on everyones music blog and for a damn good reason. I suggest checking out all of his music here .
Patrick Wolf - Who Will? (Buffetlibre Remix)

Looking for work sucks! I have been looking for a job for a while now and it is a frustrating daunting and nagging task. The first month or so it was sort of nice knowing that I didn't have to go to work, but that notion passed a while ago. Now I just wish I had a job for something to do. Don't get me wrong I get out and do things but I always have that little voice that says "You don't have a job and therefore you don't have money to do that." I guess that is a good thing though, I'd rather be frugal than poor. I thank God that I am single and can afford to still pay my bills and keep food in my mouth with a little left over for some fun. I know there are people out there who have it way worse than me. I really hope that they get help before I do, I hate to say that because I really want to get back to normal, but thats the way my mama raised me. I haven't really been lazy with applying to place either, there is just nothing out there and too many qualified applicants. So I am going to post this song by Andrew Jackson Jihad. It's a song that was put on a mix that a friend of mine gave me. She is in a similar situation as I am. I'd like to think that she chose this song to remind me that even though the world will rain a non-stop shit storm on you, you still have to rejoice for the things that you have.
Andrew Jackson Jihad - Rejoice

Many many years back I went to Detroit with a friend of mine to see a tour called Plea For Peace. Plea For Peace is a non-profit organization with a message that is simple: to promote the ideas of peace through the power of music. Before this time I had never been to Detroit without parental supervision and I had no idea where I was going. Once I got to the show which appeared to be much easier than expected I had to find somewhere to park. I was fortunate enough to find a place right across form the venue however I was very hesitant to park there. It was one of those lots where the vehicles are packed in and attended. You had to leave your key so that the attendant could move cars as needed. I wasn't really sure how legit it was but it looked like there were a lot of cars using the service and where else was I going to go. Besides it was right outside. I paid my fee and gave the key to the attendant. He then told me that I had to be back there at 5pm to retrieve my key or else I would be staying the night. The show was an early show and started at 4pm so I told him that would be no problem. I could just run across the street and get my key and return to the show without missing a beat. 5pm came about and I went outside and got my key. When I tried to return to the show I was informed that I had to re-pay to enter, even though I had a ticket. I thought that was total bullshit. However it was only $10 and for a good cause. The show was worth every penny. I got to see this guy play on that tour along with Alkaline Trio, Link 80, Dan Pothast, Lawrence Arms and many others. I have tried and tried to find more about Chris and his beach bum sound but I never was able to. This could be the incorrect title, I lost the tracklist long ago, but I don't see how it could be (you'll understand after you listen to the song)
Chris Murray - Heartache

These are two songs I that I have been meaning to put up since I started this blog. the first is a song by the Brighton(London) post-punk band The Maccabees. The song is a bouncy fun romp with some catchy lyrics that will stick to your brain like glue. The second track is from rapper P.O.S.(which stands for a variety of things, including Product of Society, Piece of Shit, and Promise of Skill). It's a laid back groovy song that features Slug of Atmosphere fame. Both songs are made for repeated listens.
Maccbees - Latchmere

P.O.S. - Bush League Psyche-Out Stuff

Hey! Robots took my piano while I was sailing the sea!

Be glad you are a human. Here are three reasons why.
Songs To Wear Pants To - Never Been In Love
Broken Family Band - Song Against Robots
Marina and the Diamonds - I Am Not A Robot

This song is always played on my local classic rock station and it is the song that got me hooked on Jackson Browne. If you don't really know who he is, he sang Doctor My Eyes. I am a huge fan of his music. It's not too rocking, and not to lame. I'd say it's prefect background music for studying or relaxing activities like reading. It's the kind of music where you don't notice the lyrics but when they do catch your ear you'll want to hear the song again. This song in particular is a great one. I love how it makes you feel as if you understand what it's like to be in a band. To be a musician that just loves to play for the sake of playing. Unfortunately this track is live and The Load out and Stay run together and I couldn't find a combined version. I do recommend playing them back to back, it will be worth it trust me.
Jackson Browne - The Load Out
Jackson Browne - Stay

Cross genre songs rarely work out well. With this song that is not the case. This song makes me feel like I am sailing the seven seas of music. At first the journey is nice and calm (the lyrics), maybe a little lonely and dark (the music). Then suddenly in the middle of the ocean you come across some choppy water and ahead you can see a storm moving closer and closer. The water becomes more and more violent. You batten down the hatches and prepare for the wild ride(the rap). In the end you come out victorious but can't believe what you just went through. Now you have a story to tell. This song has some of the fastest rapping I have ever heard.
Islands - Where There's A Will There's A Whalebone