My Top Classic Rock Albums

For those of you that don't know me, I'm a classic rock girl at heart.  It's the genre of music that I grew up on, what I lived and breathed before NYC, my inspiration for the music-filled life that I live now.  A few years ago, I was the type of person that mostly sought out "Greatest Hits," "Best of," "Top Singles" albums, figuring, what's the point of testing out all of an artist's albums if their greatest hits are supposedly all on one?  In truth, if you want to get to know an artist fast and decide whether you like them or not, test out their greatest hits album.  Every classic band has one.  But if you truly want to get to know an artist, enjoy an album as a sum of its parts the way it was meant to be, lose yourself in the moment in time it was written and recorded, question the lyrics and the order of tracks; you can really appreciate an album in it's entirety and see an artist in a pleasingly new light.  If you're willing to go all out--listen to the hard cold record.

There are an endless amount of albums I have yet to discover, but here, a few of my most cherished.

The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers, Let it Bleed, Exile On Main St and Beggars Banquet

David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Starman

The Doors, Morrison Hotel and Waiting for the Sun

George Harrison, All Things Must Pass

The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Who, Live at Leeds

Led Zeppelin, Houses of the Holy and Led Zeppelin III

The Beatles, Abbey Road

Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks

Jimi Hendrix, Are You Experienced?

Cat Stevens, Footsteps in the Dark

Paul Simon, Graceland

Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon and Animals

The Allman Brothers Band, An Evening with The Allman Brothers

Eric Clapton, 461 Ocean Boulevard

The Band, The Band

Jethro Tull, Aqualung

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd

Bob Marley & The Wailers, Exodus

The Grateful Dead, American Beauty and Workingman's Dead

Carol King, Tapestry

Rush, Moving Pictures

The Police, Outlandos d'Amour

Steely Dan, Can't Buy a Thrill

The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds

Yes, The Yes Album

Rocker Chicks Rule

Check out the trailer for the upcoming film, The Runaways, a biopic about Joan Jett's first all female, short-lived '70s rock band; most known for their song "Cherry Bomb" and who frequently toured with The Ramones. Jett was actually not the first lead vocals for the band, that was Bowie fan Cherrie Currie. Jett's top solo-act singles include the Arrows cover "I Love Rock And Roll," "Bad Reputation" and "I Hate Myself For Loving You." She was the first female recording artist to found her own label entitled Blackheart Records.

The Runaways paved the way for female musicians and proved that women can be hardcore rockstars in their own right. Do you ever dream about being a rock 'n roll star like I do?

On Repeat: Tegan & Sara, "Sainthood"

Another excellent album by quirky sister duo Tegan & Sara.  For a taste, check out my favorite tracks, "On Directing" and "The Cure."  They also have some pretty cute merch!

Good News Of Late

She & Him, collectively Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, have announced the release date of March 23rd for their second album, Volume Two. What was their first album called, you ask? Volume One. These two are everywhere lately, and I like it.

In other news, Kings of Leon is taking a much needed break from touring, but don't get your panties in a twist--they've already written 10 new tracks. Can't wait to hear 'em boys. Coldplay is also recording a new album in a London church...pretty cool.

And my favorite part of this news post of mine is a free stream of Neil Young's latest album, Dreamin' Man '92, released just last week. Go get it. Now.

Inspiring Commercials

Lately I've been digging the Palm Pixi (featuring Passion Pit's, "Sleepyhead") and Levi's (featuring Walt Whitman) commercials. I'm usually constantly t-voing through any and all commercials, but these I actually stop and watch. It's rare when a 30 second spot can move you, and powerfully enough so to grab your attention in this day and age! I've also included a Levi's re-do w/ an MGMT "Time To Pretend" soundtrack that I thought was pretty cool.

DJ Shuffle

You know those moments when your ipod shuffle mix is just right? I love it when songs pop up, one after the other, and you fall in love with them all immediately. Whether it's the song you've always liked to repeat, the song you've heard a handful of times, or a song you've never heard, the ipod shuffle is a constant in my earbuds. Look out for my "DJ Shuffle" mixes from now on, the most recent being:

Handsome Furs, "What We Had"
Ki: Theory, "Kiss With Fists"
The Breeders, "Here No More"
Johnny Osbourne, "Love Jah So"
Rachael Yamagata, "I'll Find A Way"
Jimi Hendrix, "May This Be Love"
Justin Timberlake, "Losing My Way"
Lykke Li, "Everybody But Me"
The Felice Brothers, "Wonderful Life"
Led Zeppelin, "Moby Dick"
Lykke Li, "Hanging High"
Gossip, "Men In Love"
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, "In This Home On Ice"
Bob Marley, "African Herbsman"
The Black Keys, "Grown So Ugly"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Hump De Hump"
Johnny Osbourne, "Children Are Crying"
The Kooks, "Eddie's Gun"
Monsters of Folk, "Magic Marker"
Arcade Fire, "Ocean Of Noise"
Johnny Osbourne, "Truth & Rights"
Kings of Leon, "Day Old Blues"
Portugal the Man, "Everyone Is Golden"

Camera Obscura: The Blizzard

I'm a huge fan of Camera Obscura, so I'm happy to have found a new recording, "The Blizzard," a Jim Reeves Christmas cover. Enjoy.

Three Power P's in 1 week: Passion Pit, Phoenix, Phish

I was able to get my cardio in last week without even stepping foot in my gym. First up was the Passion Pit/Phoenix Christmas show at Hammerstein. I'll admit I'm a little late to the game on this one, since New Yorkers have been clamoring to see these two like crazy the last few times they've played in NYC. And now I know why. Until recently I only knew Phoenix's "Everything Is Everything," but now Phoenix's latest album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix seems to be popping up everywhere and gets better and better with each listen. I'm officially head over heels having seen them live. It's a special thing when a band can work a crowd and make them dance (especially hipsters) naturally. These are the bands I'm drawn to most. This is that band. Every kid was sweaty and jumping to every beat. I had to be up front and second row. I had to dance my ass off and sweat and let my hair down and sweat some more.

Passion Pit was a perfect opener for Phoenix, they have a ying and yang and an energy that won me over just as hard. I have no clue why I haven't seen them live since shooting them at SXSW, and I won't miss their next show. Killer night.

On to Phish. Yes, people have been asking me lately if I'm a born again hippie. If I'm touring with Phish. If I've been showering at all this summer. Well, maybe. But having the summer/fall of my life because of them? Absoultely. Thanks to unforgettable camping trips, party buses, animal houses (or should I say mansions), old friends from the distant past and plenty of new, great ones, and 18 sets later, I am a phish phanatic. Their live shows are an experience all their own, and at the end of the night leave you on such a high...it's an incredible feeling shared with incredible people. The NYC MSG shows were no different--and now my mission is to make Miami for the NYE shows. Fingers crossed I can make this happen!

P.S. Thanks Kizz for convincing me I'd live to regret missing out!

Oh Chromeo, I Want To Dance With You

Download Night by Night for FREE here.

I Clearly Can't Get Enough Of Phish

Phish - Festival 8 from Michael Marantz on Vimeo.

Vampire Weekend Take 2

The boys do it again and do it good.  If you were a fan of their self-titled debut, their new single "Cousins" does not disappoint. Along with millions of college kids, I have been anticipating their sophomore album, Contra, out January 12th. If you can't wait that long, you can download another great tune, "Horchata" on their website.

Ahead Of The Curve Covers Outside Lands Fest

mtvU journeyed to San Francisco for the Outside Lands Festival and produced killer spots for Ahead of the Curve yet again. I've posted my favorites; all artists I have been listening to non-stop ever since. It was a great week in one of my favorite city's, and we were even able to catch Pearl Jam and Dave Matthew's performances. It was freezing, but worth it just to see Eddie Veddor walk by me on stage from backstage, enjoy the VIP lounge, and some of the greatest 90s music--such a blast from the past. And how sweet were Matt & Kim? They had the best energy by far, and even gave us details about their infamous naked music videos.

See you at SXSW 2010!

A Whole Lot Of Ben Gibbard, Death Cab

The Twilight obsession has been insanity. I read the books in like a week but have yet to see the movies...not the most stellar writing but enjoyed highly nonetheless. And I have the utmost respect for the New Moon soundtrack, featuring artists such as Thom Yorke, Lykke Li, The Killers, Muse, Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear and Death Cab. It's filled with melancholy and yearning and I'm sure will pair with the film nicely. I've posted Death Cab's "Meet Me On the Equinox" video above, although I'm not too thrilled with the video--it's basically just cheesy clips from the new film (Twilight fans don't hate!). Their "Grapevine Fires" video below, in comparison, is noticeably much more original and beautifully done.  Their Open Door EP from earlier this year is also pretty solid, so if you need your fix don't pass this one over.  

I was also lucky enough to shoot with Death Cab in 2008 to promote their excellent Narrow Stairs album and enjoyed a day of whirleyball in their hometown, Seattle. 

And because I like Ben Gibbard (newly married to Zoey Deschanel) so much, I'm going to note his excellent tracks "Train Song" with Feist on Dark Was The Night, and "Joga" with Ben Barnett on 2004's Interpreting Bjork.  The album itself is interesting yet still enjoyable.  Now I say interesting because huge Bjork fans might not even like this (and I believe most did not) because it's not danceable or Bjork-sounding at all, yet enjoyable because it's a completely different take on a mastermind.  And last but certainly not least, if you can't get enough of Gibbard's side projects, his much anticipated One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur, with Jay Farrar of Son Volt, releases October 20th alongside the documentary.  An album influenced by Jack Kerouac's '62 novel Big Sur?  Genius.

Phish To Exceed My Halloween Expectations

Halloween is still my favorite holiday.  The pumpkins, hay rides, hot apple cider, chocolate, costumes, crisp fall weather, ghost stories, face painting, dry ice and haunted houses still brings me back to my childhood like nothing else.  This year is going to be one of the best, because I'm heading out west and frolicking in my moon goddess costume at the Phish Festival in sunny Indio, California.  Out of the eight sets, not only will they be doing an acoustic set, they will be covering an entire yet-to-be-announced album (my vote is for MGMT).  Debauchery will ensue just the way I like it, with poolside lounging and BBQing a plenty.

A look at past phish festivals and what we have to look forward to...

Phish - 08/03 - It from Phish on Vimeo.

On Repeat

So I haven't written in awhile, and I apologize if anyone has been checkin' in!  Work has been crazy busy but that doesn't mean I haven't been able to squeeze in some music delights.  To get me through the workflow & long subway rides from Brooklyn to the city, I've had a few albums on repeat, old and new.

Monsters of Folk, self-titled

Portugal. The Man, The Satanic Satanist

Eric Hutchinson, Sounds Like This

David Bowie, Hunky Dory

The Band, Greatest Hits

The Who, Live At Leeds

Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3

Muse, The Resistance

The Morning Benders, Talking Through Tin Cans

And, can't wait to hear new albums by the Black Crowes, David Gray, Moby, Flaming Lips, Weezer, Plastic Ono Band, Modest Mouse, Air, & the Avett Brothers !

Thank You Canada, For The Lovely Feathers

At first glimpse I thought this video was weird, but then I actually really started digging the song, and the video. I can already tell that I'll be liking the Canadian band The Lovely Feathers, and their sophomore album, Fantasy of the Lot is out now.

Monsters of Folk--Free Download

If you just can't wait for the album to come out September 22nd, like me, you can get a free download of "Say Please" on their official website.  It makes me excited, very excited.

Wilco Blew My Mind

Yup, that's right. The best birthday present a girl could ask for...a concert on the beach that was mind blowing. After a weekend celebrating I was weary about spending a Monday night in Coney Island, but the weather was so nice, the friends were just right, and the band was perfect. I caught the end of the very loud Yo La Tengo set and had no idea what was in store for me. The sun was setting and the wind was blowing through my hair above the sandy beach, and Wilco nailed two psychedelic, guitar ripping, beautifully played masterpiece sets, with guest appearances by Feist, Grizzly Bear, and Yo La Tengo members. Several beers later, it all ended with a cab ride home amongst friends singing happy birthday to me at midnight. Thank you, thank you, Wilco.

A Big Week For Coney Island

Yo La Tengo is opening for Wilco tonight at Keyspan Park and there are still tickets available on craigslist for $30. Wilco is one of those bands that is just plain and simple; a great live band. Their new album, Wilco (The Album) is delightful.  From itunes album notes, "Wilco has been straddling the line between careful songcraft and artful experimentation for the majority of its existence...balancing 70s soft-rock sweetness with extended, ardently arch ams and studio mastery."  Singer Jeff Tweedy even duets with Feist on the single "You and I."

The Siren Music Festival is also this weekend in Coney Island. The line-up is the best I've seen yet--Built To Spill. The Raveonettes, Spank Rock, and Francis and the Lights, among others.  The festival is all day Saturday and you can even enjoy the amusement park, albeit a bit dirty.

This Ain't No Gossip Girl

Beth Ditto is raw, feisty, a fashion risk taker, and large and in charge--in such a good way. I loved The Gossip's debut album, Standing in the Way of Control, and Music for Men seems the next logical, and possibly even better follow up. Ditto reminds me of a modern day Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane.

Catch the official "Heavy Cross" video here, but below is a taste of what Ditto can do.

Yim Yames Does George Harrison

It's no secret that I adore Jim James from My Morning Jacket. And I never mentioned meeting him this past winter after Patrick, his drummer, played for Dan Auerbach at Bowery Ballroom. Now, I usually steer clear of celebrities and try to stay out of their way but this HAD to be the exception. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

A few beers later, I not only realized he had no interest whatsoever in having me as his new BFF, but is also stuck in the past. He's no fan of Kings of Leon, nor Fleet Foxes. He respects his classics, like Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and George Harrison...which is his own prerogative, hell I grew up listening to classic rock and classic rock only. James, a.k.a. Yim Yames' new 6 song EP (soon to become a full record), makes sense, and I can't wait. Tribute To is a collection of George Harrison's solo works and will be released July 7th. A genius covering a genius.

Read more and listen to a taste here or download "Behind That Locked Door" at yimyames.com. If that weren't enough to wet your appetite, James' collaboration with Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Mike Mogis birthed Monsters of Folk, which will be released 9/22/09.

PHISH DOES ALPINE VALLEY, WI; GODS OF JAM

What a weekend!!!  To say my friends were jealous of the Alpine Valley shows would be an understatement.  Yes, it's taken a few days to report back but it also took me a week to get back. I was so caught up in the wilderness fun I wanted it to last as long as possible, and that meant a road trip back to the east coast.

Kizz and friends settled at our campsite in Mukwonago Park, which I highly recommend if you need a place to camp during a future Alpine Valley show.  We enjoyed days of cornhole and tailgating, with plenty of new friends.  Both shows were mind blowing.  Memories came flooding back and songs were played to perfection.  These guys are the kings, the emperors, the rulers, the Gods of jamming and no song fell short.  They're clean, energetic, happy, and even brought the kids along to sit in a bathtub on stage during "Bathtub Gin."  They just announced a 3 day festival over Halloween in Indio, CA and I believe they're playing a New Years show in Miami.  If you really want to go all out, I suggest the Gorge (8/7-8/8) or Red Rocks (7/30-8/2) shows, or join me at Merriweather (8/15)!

You can check out all the set lists, listen and purchase them here!

My Set Lists:

East Troy, WI, 6/20

SET ONE Punch You in the Eye (9:17)   Runaway Jim (9:32)   Stash (12:08) Ya Mar (7:14)   Bathtub Gin (13:05) Kill Devil Falls (8:20)   Train Song (2:47)   Farmhouse (4:55)   Sparkle (3:47)

	DISC TWO

Run Like an Antelope (10:25)   SET TWO Waves (8:23)   Sample in a Jar (5:20)   Maze (11:37)   Makisupa Policeman (5:13)   Ghost (11:58)   The Lizards (10:31)

	DISC THREE

You Enjoy Myself (12:27) NICU (4:56)   Prince Caspian (6:49)   Waste (5:32)   Fire (5:15)   ENCORE Character Zero (7:37)

East Troy, WI, 6/21

SET ONE Brother (5:42)   Wolfman's Brother (9:04)   Funky Bitch (5:03)   The Divided Sky (15:31) Joy (5:22)   Back on the Train (7:41)   Taste (8:54)   Poor Heart (2:26)   The Horse (1:06)   Silent In The Morning (4:50)   The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday (2:44)   Avenu Malkanu (3:13)   The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday (1:43)

	DISC TWO

Time Turns Elastic (16:51) SET TWO Crosseyed and Painless (5:53)   Alpine Jam (9:16)   Down with Disease (13:18) Bug (8:04)   Piper (12:50) Wading in the Velvet Sea (6:15)

	DISC THREE

Boogie On Reggae Woman (5:48)   Slave to the Traffic Light (13:54) ENCORE Grind (2:33)   Frankenstein (5:46)