Three Songs (It’s Thursday)

There are three songs in the folder.

About a hundred years ago when I used to hang out on South St, my then girlfriend (later to be ex-fiance) and I ducked into a record store to see what we could see. I picked up an EP from an indie rock trio called Rainer Maria called Atlantic. It was a strong three song EP, but with all the other records I was buying back then, it quickly got pushed out of regular rotation. Three years ago I was at a used CD shop and saw a live CD/DVD combo they released. It was $5, and I’m a sucker for anything live, and any concert DVD. The DVD, called Anyone in Love With You (Already Knows) is probably still available from PolyVinyl Records. But on the DVD was a video for the song I’ve uploaded, Ears Ring. It’s one of their rockier songs with a quick and simple meledy which I think is a little bit of a contrast to their later songs. Caithlyn DeMarrais’ vocals are the real standout, and have a Braid-type quality to them. The band broke up (as good bands tend to do), but guitarist Kyle Fischer has released a solo album, and Caithlyn is still active up in Brooklyn.

I don’t have as personal an attachment to either of the other songs. Asobi Seksu‘s Walk on the Moon has a “wall of noise” feel. I’ve always hated that term, and I don’t know many other people that use it. But particularly towards the end of the song the layers in the song build into an impressive crescendo.

I also included the song A Better Place by Joshua just because I like the hook.

None of these songs are going to fire you up during an all night Halo marathon. But if you like quality rock music, it will restore your faith. Since all these tracks were released around 2000 (I think), it may remind you that Fred Durst killed rock and roll. But at least we have the memories.

Click here for the rock.

Any comments for a more efficient way of delivering these musical gems would be greatly appreciated.

Was it a tomato or an upper GI bleed?

There’s nothing better than a well turned phrase.  A few of my favorites for use during marathon Call of Duty sessions:

I’m like a buritto, I make shit happen.
I’m going to put on my gorilla suit and go bannanas.
Call Senator Mitchell, I think he’s on ‘roids.
What do me and your mom’s crotch have in common?  We’re both on fire.
Pull out your little orange whistle, you’re getting raped.

That last one I reserve for special occasions, like when I’m giving some loud mouth with an “MLG” handle a particularly deserved hardcore beatdown.

I had full intentions to post five MP3’s for you guys, but I started playing Forza 2…and well.  You know.  Tomorrow, though.  And Matt!, it’ll definitely be a pre-2000 emo mix and full of awesome.  And by the way, since you mentioned Sarge.  I’m sure you’ve heard The Reptuation, they were fronted by Sarge’s Elizabeth Elsmore.  If not, go check them out…now.

Oh We Oh, I Look Just Like Buddy Holly

One of the message boards I frequent had a conversation turn towards music.  Someone mentioned that they like Hawthorne Heights and some of the other “emo” bands out there today.  This made me mad.  Mostly because I’m old.  But partially because I remember when emo was just stripped down indie rock.  There were no goth kids in arm socks at emo shows.  There were a lot of sweather vests and buddy holly glasses.

And I realized that the best emo bands, the best rock bands out there all look like math professors.

I may have to edit this post after work to include some links.  But do yourselves a favor, open up Google in a new tab and search these bands:

Rainer Maria, Pavement, Pedro the Lion, Damien Jurado, Texas is the Reason, The Promise Ring, The Get-up Kids, Jejune, The Cancer Conspiracy, Built to Spill, The Operation (most members are now in mewithoutYou), Milemarker, Victory at Sea.

Still interested?  Search these record labels:
crank!, PolyVinyl, Secretly Canadian, Big Wheel Rec, BurntToast Vinyl. 

None will steer you wrong.  I may start posting links to MP3’s.  Just not from work.