I think I must be drunk, because this can't be true.

I think I must be drunk, because this can't be true.

Okay, I'm not drunk, but I'm having a hard time explaining what I'm hearing without some sort of mind-altering excuse. Remember Silverchair? You might have known them better as the poor man's Nirvana (even poorer than Bush, if you can believe that*) who sort of faded away in the late '90s, never to be heard from again ... right?

Well, I get the impression that while they faded from our own radar Stateside, they maintained a certain level of popularity back in Australia -- and, it seems, New Zealand -- so that would explain why they have a new album coming out over there but not here.

And it's pretty good.

I know, I know, that's hard to believe, and I think it's probably just better to let you hear a track or two (and hopefully see that I haven't lost my marbles) and come to your own conclusion.

I'll say this, though, if I hadn't told you this was Silverchair, you would never have guessed it ...

MP3: Silverchair "If You Keep Losing Sleep"
MP3: Silverchair "Straight Lines"

*Full disclosure: I have a soft spot for Bush, but I still think they weren't very good. It doesn't stop me from enjoying their songs from time to time, though.

Rock and/or Roll with me tonight.

Rock and/or Roll with me tonight.

So I put together this bill for a friend of a friend touring through Chicago tonight. It's a little weird because I've haven't previously worked with any of the bands playing this evening. I've heard their stuff, I've hung out with members of each band in the past, and I enjoy what each group does. I mean, it's definitely going to be a good time; but it's unique in that it's a show that contains some small segment of "the unknown" for me.

Which is, actually, kind of cool!

I get to attend a show and pretend I'm like most other folks in the audience, experiencing this particular line-up for the first time! This is a luxury not often afforded to someone like me.

Anyway, here is the line-up:

Tonight
at Elbo Room

Terminal Bliss
The Stock Market Crash
Roosevelt Jenkins
DJ Tankboy

Doors: 8:3opm
Cover: $5

Also, I'll be spinning during the show, and if there's a decent crowd I might just keep the dancing going on after the bands are done too.

One song I know I'll be playing? This Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip track that Market Frenzy turned me onto months ago and is just starting to hit a frenzied pitch upon its official release ...

MP3: Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip "Thou Shalt Always Kill"

Win Death Proof stuff!

Win Death Proof stuff!

If you're reading this and it's after 9:10 a.m. C.S.T., then head here and enter for your chance to win a CD or LP of the soundtrack to Death Proof, Quentin Tarantino's contribution to Grindhouse. We're also giving away one of the film's movie posters (seen below). This stuff is so cool I kind of wish I had no ethics so I could win all the stuff for myself! Luckily for you, Tankboy's mom taught him right so I'm ineligible to win. So take advantage of my sorrow and grab a prize for yourself.

EMI gets a clue.

EMI gets a clue.

EMI's online digital catalog goes DRM free.

They obviously read what I wrote last Friday, right? I'm glad I can be so persuasive.

Getting into yet another Pickle.

Getting into yet another Pickle.

Friday night seemed like it was going to be a pretty mellow evening. I had stayed home from work because my throat was killing me and didn't really want to spread cooties around my office, and spur yet another round robin tournament of people getting sick and having to stay home too. The only thing Photogal and I had planned for the evening was to see if we couldn't repair the damage that was being done to our couch by a certain kitten who had discovered a way to climb all up inside the sofa and claw away at if from the inside.

So, Photogal got home and we went to turn the couch on its side to get a better look at what was going on, since we knew Pickle the Kitten had shredded part of the bottom covering in orser to gain access to her sofa playground. Unbeknownst to us, as we were flipping the couch backwards, Pickle was actually already inside and had made the decision to exit via a rear escape route she had fashioned. Unfortunately it was midway through her escape that she got pinned underneath the rear of the couch. Photogal and I hear a "MeeeeEERRRRRROOOOWWWW!" and saw two little kitty legs kicking around and struggling. The dogs wen nuts and started to try and nip at the now-trapped kitty butt. Photogal and I freaked and shooed the dogs away and pulled the couch off the kitten.

Pickle ran out of the room (we later discovered that the fact she even ran was an excellent sign). We followed her, hugged her, and were scared because she seemed strangely subdued. Did she break a rip or something? Was there maybe internal bleeding or a squished organ? What to do ?!

Well, I looked up here the closest veterinary emergency room was and we wrapped Pickle up and whisked her off to get checked out. A word about animal emergency rooms? They're just like the human version, right down to depressed people crying and a staff that always seems to want to help out every other "kid" besides your own. (It wasn't until the fifth person walked in and got treated ahead of us that we finally complained, and I think they realized they and just been missing our chart when calling people.)

Well, we finally got in to see a vet, and checked Pickle out, took some x-rays, and determined that she was 100% okay. Apparently our cat is made of the same sort of rubber that four year-old boys are made of. That's my guess at least.

So, $240 later we took her home, put her to bed, and fixed the couch.

Want to see what our kitten looks like from the inside? Here.


ooooOOOOoooohhhh!

A note to the labels.

A note to the labels.

Hey, I'm all for digitally downloadable albums that are sent to me for review. It saves the labels / publicists / bands postage and all, and it gets the disc in my hands right away. But, and I'm looking at you RCA, home of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, I am NOT installing software on my computer in order to hear the fucking files. C'mon, who is stupid enough to trust a label for that sort of thing again?

STOP TRYING TO PROTECT YOUR FUCKING SONGS. It's hopeless. They're going to get out there. (While you're alienating me, I know for a fact that this particular album is available (WIDELY available) via numerous P2P networks.) Instead of trying to shackle the music, how about if you just get a fucking clue and redirect your business model to get in step with the times?

NO ONE wants to install proprietary software on their computer in order to listen to a song or an album. Get. A. Fucking. Clue.

Tankboy mini-mix.

Tankboy mini-mix.

I think some folks misunderstood yesterday's call to action. I asked for three songs that you immediately think of when you think of me DJing. Instead most folks sent me three songs they think would be good in a DJ set. No problem, though, because now I've got a nice list of music to check out for inclusion in future sets!

Of those that responded the number one top song they think of when they think of me DJing? Can you guess? Can you?

If you said Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" you would be right. I did get A LOT of use out of that song, didn't I? And I continue to get use out of it in that Aggro1 mash-up version of it (right click/save as) that I love so much.

Anyway, I was under a deadline so I just had to choose a couple tunes by myself, and I decided to go for a snippet that might actually emulate ten minutes or so in one of my usual sets. It's not an actual mix, just five songs one might hear. I've numbered them to be played in the correct order, and they are:

1. Yellow Note "Naked Drunk And Horny"
2. Blur "Money Makes Me Crazy (Marrakech Mix)"
3. The Jai-Alai Savant "White On White Crime (Shirkan Remix)"
4. Jon Spencer Blues Explosion "Full Grown"
5. Dolly Parton "9 To 5"

The songs are supposed to be a little playful, since the CD is also being used to promote a benefit show I helped put together and am DJing along with my Bomb Squad compatriots, but it's the sort of segment you might hear at the 1:10 mark of a five hour set.

DOWNLOAD: Tankboy mini-set

Actually, after looking at it, I can't believe I left off anything by Sloan or The Police. (Bowie was never in the running because one of the other DJs already had the glam angle covered on the disc we're making).*

*Don't worry Mr. Smith, I only play Michael McDonald when you're around.

The Economist makes a funny.

The Economist makes a funny.

I mean, just look at this headline.


We all know what it's referencing, right? No, not the Beatles ... the PRE-Fab Four!

HELP! Advice needed ASAP!

HELP! Advice needed ASAP!

So I need to pick a few songs for a CD to go alongside selections with some of my compatriots, but me being the guy I am, it's impossible for me to just pick three songs.

SO, when you think of me DJing, what are the first three songs that jump into your head?

Lemme know NOW!

New Art Brut!

New Art Brut!

If you were lucky enough to snag tickets to the Art Brut April 20 SubT show here, you'll probably hear these tunes ... if not you'll just have to wait until the new album drops on June 26.

If you listen very closely, you can hear the ghost of Eddie Argos' long-departed mustache singing back-up vocals on these tracks ...

MP3: Art Brut "Nag Nag Nag Nag"
MP3: Art Brut "Pump Up The Volume"

Photo by Tim Soter

Classical gasses for the masses.

Classical gasses for the masses.

Last week NPR did a story about Igor Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring that I thought was fabulous (it's the first story on a podcast you can download from iTunes here or you can listen on NPR here). I played cornet and trumpet in concert and jazz bands all through grade school on into most of high school, so I'm not exactly a moron when it comes to classical music, but I'm nowhere near being an expert either.

Basically the NPR piece has an acclaimed conductor sort of do a commentary track over the main points of the piece, and the end result is kind of akin to an aural Stravinsky For Dummies, and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. While much of what was discussed was on the simple end, it was enough information to allow a layperson to possibly enjoy the music of a deeper level, or even just simply get a handle on what is going on int the composition for someone that might have absolutely no reference point from which to begin.

I hear lots of moaning about how classical music is dying, and that the youth of today just aren't learning anything about it (and feel free to extrapolate this to any musical genre enjoyed by a primarily older crowd (i.e. (at this point) classic college rock, anyone?)), but perhaps the folks complaining should try to engage the people they complain "just don't get it anymore" utilizing means the "just don't get it folks" are receptive to.

Think of it; most folks are now really used to DVD commentary tracks, right? So how about commentary tracks played over or alongside particular pieces of music pinpointing what particular movements mean, and underscoring historical importance (and original reaction) , anecdotal tales, and general guidance on what to look for in order to personalize one's overall experience with a more unfamiliar art form.

I'm betting some tools like this already exist, they just need to be made more readily available and adapt to the online environment to ease their dispersal. And they have to be kind of fun and engaging. They have to draw people in. Think of it this way: You've already got a pretty awesome product in the form of music that has stood the test of centuries (or decades, depending on your target crowd and chosen musical genre), all you need to do is get it back in the hands of the people, and today that is so much easier and more possible than it has even been in the past.

Just a thought.

You're right Paul, these French girls ARE sexy.

You're right Paul, these French girls ARE sexy!

And rockin' ... I have no idea what the Plastiscines are singing about, but I wanna dance to it anyway.


Plastiscines "Loser"

MP3: Plastiscines "Loser"

System recovery.

System recovery.

Okay, I think I've had almost enough sleep to make up for the deficit suffered this weekend. The weird thing is I usually get by on four to six hours a sleep a night anyway, so you would think I would be able to bounce back more quickly, but I guess once you push the inner clock until its springs and coils are trembling under the constant workload, it's going to take a day or two to synchronize the system again.

Luckily, for me personally, this is a light week. No DJing. No shows I have to see. No unreasonable deadlines. The only thing that is even slightly torturous about the next few days is the realization that while Chicago experiences record breaking highs that translate into beautiful spring afternoons, I'll be stuck in an office behind a computer. Oh well, at least I like my job, otherwise that situation would be unbearable.

However, if you're looking for things to do this week, I gave a bunch of concert suggestions here, focusing on local talent that often gets criminally overlooked. Most of the shows are cheap, and some are even free(!), so if you get the itch to take in some live music and are open to discovering a great new band or two, you can't go wrong with these ideas.

Frank Black is Black Francis again?

Frank Black is Black Francis again?

Is Frank Black changing his name to Black Francis again? it might make sense considering how FUCKING AWESOME this new disc bluefinger of his is. Very much a return to form, and the added female backing vocals add a nice touch.

Also, and I'm going to write about this more extensively for Chicagoist, but why aren't bands like the ones that played last night not fucking huge in Chicago? I mean, during Dorian Taj's set, EVERYONE in the room was dancing and this one gal was so giddy she just kept spinning in circles. The guitarist for The Penthouse Sweets (which, by the way, are very Old 97s by way of MNNPLS so how can that go wrong?) spent the first song or two on the ground just rolling around.

WHY ARE PEOPLE MISSING THE BOAT?!

And here's an MP3 of one of the tunes I spun last night, as I promised one of the band members. It's the demo version of the tune, but i can't find the album right this second so hopefully it'll do. Now start a dance party in your car.

MP3: Men Women & Children "Dance In My Blood (demo)"

Dance everybody!

Dance everybody!

I'm functioning, but definitely suffering from a bit of sleep deprivation. Lucy the Dog decided I should get up after only two hours of sleep yesterday, and even with eight hours of sleep last night I think I'm still a bit behind.

Anyway, anyone who saw me DJ over the last two days will probably recognize the dancing style contained within the below video, since it eerily resembles my own personal "get down" style when I'm dancing to my own selections in the DJ booth.


See, aren't you bummed you missed out on that? So I'll see you next time I spin?

Thanks to Justin for directing me towards this.

The neverending reminder.

The neverending reminder.

Don't forget.

Tonight!
Tomorrow!

See you there.

P.S. I won't be playing the song below at either event, but don't you kind of wish I would, if for no other reason than to see the stunned reactions across the room?

MP3: Limahl "Neverending Story"

Tomorrow it is time to Drop, Rock, and/or Roll!

Tomorrow it is time to Drop, Rock, and/or Roll!

Yup, it's DJ Tankboy versus DJ Cowbell at The Continental tomorrow night. See the poster I made? I'm particularly proud of it 'cuz it's simple, clean, and gets right to the point visually.


Nice, eh? We're on from 11pm until 5am so none of youse has any excuse for missing it.

__________
In demand man.

I will also be lending my skills to a worthy cause Sunday night. This below is from The Trap Door Theatre:

The Trap Door Theatre has been invited to Romania to perform their production of Matei Visniec's Old Clown Wanted in May 2007!

Our 4th annual Spring Benefit at Martyr's ...
and we are very excited to have 4 great Chicago bands: MILK AT MIDNIGHT, TENNISCOURTS, THE PENTHOUSE SWEETS, DORIAN TAJ, and as a special bonus we are very happy to have DJ TANKBOY spinning for us, and Thax Douglas will read some poetry ...

SUNDAY March 25th, tickets are $10.00, and the event will start at 6:00 p.m.

I did not make this poster but it is very nice too.



BONUS BEAT! Since you've been kind enough to read until the end, here's what I believe to be a fairly rare remix of Wolfmother's "Love Train."

MP3: Wolfmother "Love Train (Chicken Lips Malfunction Vocal)"

Jermaine Stewart and Trans Am? It must be the return of the Friday Five.

Jermaine Stewart and Trans Am? It must be the return of the Friday Five.

I'm in a hurry to start my weekend so let's just dispense with too much discussion and just get on with some kick ass tracks to jump start your libido.

Paul turned me on to the Kreeps track "All I Wanna Do Is Break Some Hearts" and I haven't stopped dancing in my sheets to the tune yet.

MP3: Kreeps "All I Wanna Do Is Break Some Hearts"

Next we've got some classic Dandy Warhols hitting the AC/DC tip rather sinisterly.

MP3: The Dandy Warhols "Hells Bells"

It should be noted that while I enjoy the new Trans Am Disc, I'm not totally in love with it. Well, except for one track. The electro-funk of "Obscene Strategies" has totally won me over. It's simple, it's stoopid, and it's fun.

MP3: Trans Am "Obscene Strategies"

This one is meant to placate a certain Italian Hooker that got a little saucy when he thought I was dissing Billy Ocean. This band selection should show him that I truly care ...

MP3: Menudo "Hold Me"

And finally, a stone cold classic to get your weekend off to a BANGING start!

MP3: Jermaine Stewart "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off"

Aw jyeah!

Recently viewed in my home cinema.

Recently viewed in my home cinema.

The following movies have been recently watched upon my fifty-two inch HD LCD screen with UltramegaOK Surround Sound™.

The Departed
Finally, a movie wins Best Picture that really deserved to win. of course Martin Scorsese SHOULD have won years ago for much better movies that he's done. Even though this isn't his best work though (and you gotta feel sorry since all anyone wants him to make are mob movies when he obviously wanted to branch out for a while) it is Oscar-worthy. Every actor is just balls-out ON throughout the whole twisting, gripping, story line. If you're one of the three people out there that haven't seen this yet(there were four of us, but I finally watched it) rent it now.

Casino Royale
Honestly? this is the first James Bond movie I have really dug since I was thirteen or so. It's kind of funny that they had to turn to the first Bond tale in order to finally update the character and get it right. If they keep along this course I might actually pay to see the next one in the theater. And that opening chase scene? Unbelievable. The bit at the airport? Literally pulse pounding. I like the concept; it's an action movie with brains.

Clone High
I am a SUPER late comer to this, but I ordered a DVD of the whole series from Canada and think it's hilarious. Think 90210 with Joan Of Arc, Abe Lincoln, JFK, and a perpetually horny Mahatma Gandhi. How can that not be funny? how could it have gotten canceled?!

Clerks II
This was my second viewing of this, primarily so I could enjoy the commentary track. As far as the actual movie goes, it's a Kevin Smith film. If you dig Kevin Smith you'll like it, if you don't, you won't. Well, you might. It'd funny, foul-mouthed, dirty, and even a little touching.

The Prestige
It's got David Bowie (with some pretty great nods to the T. Edison / N. Tesla (serious) rivalry) so you knew I was going to watch this one. It's a Christopher Nolan movie so you know from the outset to watch for the clues that will help unravel the mystery. I figured out half the question about halfway through, and I solved the rest of the riddle shortly thereafter (although I admit I slightly mixed up where the, um, multiplying personalities ended up). You know a movie is good when you're so wrapped up in the story that not even Scarlett Johansson's marvelous breasts can't distract you.

Borat
Another repeat viewing, primarily for the deleted scenes. I'm amazed at how much I laughed out loud, even the second time around. And the Baywatch Parody tacked on to the DVD had me choking on my own tears as I gasped for breath.

This American Life
I'm writing about this in Chicagoist later today, but suffice to say I think they have so far succeeded in transferring the tone of the radio program to the television. In fact, I've already shared my views on this in an earlier piece. Keep an eye out for the Chris Ware cartoon in episode three, it's awesome.

So, that about does it. As you can see, the fare I've been taking in isn't exactly challenging, but keep in mind most of these films have either been viewed late at night or taken in under less than ideal mental circumstances on a Sunday afternoon.

Wild Things was also on the list but as I started writing about it I discovered that I (surprisingly) had more to say about it than would befit the mini-review format. Who would've thought?

Best Week Ever bummer.

Best Week Ever bummer.

Figures, I get a shout-out on Best Week Ever but they mistype the link so no one can find me and discover the Cheeseburger-y goodness I talked about earlier. Oh well.