On the way to work I saw a somewhat obese middle-aged man riding an adult-sized tricycle (looks like a super-sized version of the one you rode when you were a kid, you know the kind with the peddle directly attached to the front wheel, not a normal bike that happens to have two back wheels) with a giant pony-sized white dog in tow on a leash. I wasn’t fast enough with the camera phone.
Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine
After much drama and battles with her music label, Fiona Apple has finally released the official version of this album. I say official because there’s been another version that was leaked onto the internet 6 months ago. That version was produced by Jon Brion who had produced Apple’s first two albums. Story was that the label didn’t want to release that version of the album because it wasn’t commercial enough. Then somehow the Brion produced album made it onto the internet.
Anyway, flash forward 6 months later, a switch of producers to Mike Elizondo, and reworkings of most songs from the Brion sessions and we now have the offical version of Extraordinary Machine. At first the switch of producers and reworking of songs would sound like a recipe for disaster, but its actually produced quite the opposite results. In short, I am completely obsessed with the album even though I had already listened to the Brion sessions many times. The songs now feel complete and Elizondo has added a new edge that really brings out the full effect of the songs and centers them much more. I’m not really into lyrics, but you can’t help but to notice how smart they are (the lyrics to “Please Please Please” are a good example). And Apple’s voice has really matured into a expressive instrument. This album should be an instant classic. Okay I’ll shut up now, just go out and buy the album already!
Katamari Damacy Soundtrack
Not only is Katamari Damacy one of the most original and weirdest games for the PS2, its also got one of the best videogame soundtracks around. The soundtrack if full of whimsical pop ditties that you can’t get out of your head. The genres go from swing to pop-rap (think Parappa the Rapper for grown-ups). Of course most of it is in Japanese, so I have no idea if they are singing about worshipping the devil or about eating breakfast. But the songs are still fun. Unfortunately this album is not available in the US. Click the link above to get to the product page on Play-Asia.com, which imports all kinds of cool stuff from Japan.
The Like, Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?
One of my favorite LA bands got signed to a major label a while ago and this is their major label debut. Most of the songs are re-recorded versions of songs that are available from their indie releases, but I’m not complaining. The new recordings sound much better and the playing is much improved resulting in a much tighter and focused album. Anyway, the songs here lean towards the pop-rock side of things, but its still got plently of alternative-indie cred in there too.
Go Betty Go, Nothing Is More
Another one of my favorite LA bands. These guys come from the pop-punk school of music. On this album we find the band streching out into new territory, with Ska being the most notable new influence. The song “I’m From L.A.” is now my favorite excuse for being late.
Transplants, Haunted Cities
The Transplants is a punk supergroup of sorts featuring the drummer from Blink-182 and the singer from Rancid. At first you’d think this will be just another straight ahead punk album, but its not, in fact its got quite a few tricks up its sleeves. Its more like a rap, hip hop, r&b album infused with a lot of punk attitude and guitars. The sound is really hard to describe, but really cool. The Transplants did to hip hop what Sublime did to reggae.
For your viewing pleasure, I’ve got a picture blog going at tedsu.textamerica.com. This moblog will feature stupid pictures from my cell phone. When the first camera phones came out I thought it was the dumbest idea. Now I can’t help but take pictures wherever I go.
This is a sad day for Wallace and Gromit fans.
Fire destroys ‘Wallace and Gromit’ warehouse
On the bright side, I finally got my special “VIP” parking next to the other managers. Now I don’t have to walk 200 yards to the front door. Yes, I’m a lazy butt, but this is LA, no one walks that far!!