FoeWeel !!! ???

Oil Vinegar, San Francisco 2010

From the worldwide headquarters of a seemingly lost distraction into our psyche, we bring another edition of what we have encountered to move us, either physically or, for the most part exhaustively into said positive nether world.  May seems to be the month of events– tUnE-yArDs killed, destroyed, pillaged the village of the tenderLOIN here in San Francisco at the Great American Music Hall proving once again that she is one of the best live acts for the malnourished youth of the future. TV on the Radio are scheduled to play an intimate show here on Monday which was delayed from last weekend after the death of their bassist Gerard Smith (RIP). Their new album, Nine Types of Light was dismissed by me after listening to it on my computer’s speakers, but after giving it another try on headphones, it was a different and thankfully, better listen. Although not as hella, hecka, POP-POP tight as their other releases. James Blake is bringing his ambien filled dubsteppy-ness to SF in a few weeks. The Dodos have a Tony the Tiger Grrreat new album No Color with their unique rhythm offerings will be among the redwoods at the Stern Grove festival where they will be opening for hipster dream girl Neko Case. It should be a sea of Texas shirts and Ray Ban wayfarers. Great. Also, down the line the Archers of Loaf will be here in September, if they don’t break up once again.

Timber Timbre is playing at the Swedish American Hall in SF on June 10th. His bluesy folk offerings should not be missed.

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tUnE-yArDs – Powa – A slinky funked-up track that would fit nicely on her first album. Beyonce wish she could do this.

TV On The Radio – Will Do – The most melodic of offerings from their latest release. The most interesting rock band in music today.

Dodos – Hunting Season – Tribal rhythms, yearning. Call and response. All of their tracks have such interesting drum parts.

Beck – Feel Good Time - The original version from William Orbit, but made popular by Pink. Party song for the Scientologists.

Bibio – Light Sleep – I picture Welcome Back Kotter, and the everlasting WahWah pedal.

Timer Timbre – Under Your Spell – A beautiful and simple bluesy number from his 2007 release Medicinals.

After a few days on the snow, I’m back to a warmer climate. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that much snow in Tahoe although I still managed to find some rocks to ride over. Monday was light dry powder at Alpine Meadows and Tuesday was sunny cruisers at Sugar Bowl. There was the necessary stop at Dave’s in Tahoe City and Ikeda’s in Auburn. Go to both if you’re headed up to North Lake Tahoe.

I just got my hands on the new Autechre , Quaristice, and it doesn’t seem to sound as full as their last release and masterpiece, Untilted. Maybe a few more listens will help. They are playing live in a few months which is a necessary excursion as the sound they create takes up every space of the venue and leaves barely enough room for you to breathe.

I’ve just discovered Flight Of The Conchords. I saw an episode when it first started, but just couldn’t get into it. After seeing a few episodes recently, I wonder what other obvious facts I miss throughout my day to day life. What a great show. It has neurotic behavior, laughter and heart. These guys break out into song in every type of genre and bring a new meaning to musical. It ranks up there with Arrested Development (RIP) and the Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman.

Betty Harris – Break In The Road (Funk) – from the always excellent Soul Jazz Records, this compilation entitled Saturday Night Fish Fly has some great old funk tunes. This classic from 1969 shows the great rhythm section that embodied rhythm and blues in the late 60′s to the 70′s.

Timber Timbre – There Is A Cure (Blues, Folk) – i don’t know much about this band, but their newest release Medicinals is full of sparse folky melodies that somehow still sound modern. it’s one of the best things i’ve heard this year.