Well, I got all of my new computer parts last night! Fun! I had that puppy up and running for about an hour before the motherboard crapped out on me. So yeah, today’s song will be taken from the iPod again and I don’t have much to write about since I spent last night trying to figure out what happened and then repackaging the motherboard to be sent back for a new one.

Ok, that was just depressing, so instead I’ll tell another story. A story of valiency. A story of heroes and villains, of highs and lows. A story of mallets, wickets, and balls.

Yesterday was my work’s area picnic. We had hamburgers, brats, chips, and soda, and… croquet! Yes! That old Irish game (Irish?) of skill and strategy. And, for the second year in a row, my team was victorious!

Apparently, that wasn’t as cool of a story as I led you to believe, but for those five second it took you to read that paragraph, weren’t you entranced with the absolute pureness of the story you were about to read? Yeah, you were.

Anyway, I thought I’d play a song off of the new Stars album, since it technically came out on CD this week. Check out The Night Starts Here. The interplay between lead singers Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan is excellent, which is why the song is fun. Oops. If I have to explain why a song is fun, that might mean that it’s not really fun. My bad. Well, I still think it’s fun, so you should too. You lemming.

P.S. I don’t think you’re a lemming.

Hey, look at that… it’s Wednesday. Sweet. By the way, it’s hump day, not humping day. Make sure your dogs all understand this.

The new Stars album, In Our Bedroom After the War, finally came out in CD form yesterday. And, if you’re like me and don’t have a local record store, good luck picking it up. Apparently they’re not popular enough to be on sale at Best Buy, but hey, you can get four different albums by Rascal Flatts! I know what I’m going to be rocking… err… country rockin’ out to tonight!

Actually, Stars is not even popular enough to be found on bestbuy.com. Neither is the other CD I wanted this week, Jose Gonzalez’s new album, In Our Nature. Ouch. Other than the target end-cap that holds 20 CDs and doesn’t refresh very often, this is my main source of albums not on emusic.

But, hey! They’re both on spinner! Oh, and I already got an advance copy of the Stars album. That’s already old to me. Smiley! Because they’re on spinner, I’ve found out the Jose Gonzalez has a sweet remake of Massive Attack’s Teardrop (otherwise known as the theme song from House).

Today’s song has been salvaged from my iPod since my computer is still dead. It is by Kevin Drew, a member of Broken Social Scene. More accurately, the actual band name is Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew. That’s a band name that’s not going to fit on my player. Here is Lucky Ones and it’s a long, satisfying track. Enjoy

I’m sure most of you have seen the video of the University of Florida student, Andrew Meyer, who was tasered at a recent John Kerry question and answer session after acting a little bit, oh, I don’t know… crazy. If you haven’t, check it out here.

I’m not really here to comment about what happened here, just giving it as the newest example of a catch phrase popping up overnight and being embraced by the internet community (aka people with too much time on their hands). What phrase is this? Why, it’s “Don’t tase me, bro!” which was shouted by little ol’ Andrew before police decided to use force.

What’s great about an audio clip like this is that stupid parodies can be created. Here’s a couple of those parodies:

MC Hammer’s Can’t Touch This Remix

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO): Don’t Bring Me Down Remix (This link has been iffy lately)

Both of these remixes have been banned from being talked about or sung in my house. That usually means that it’s good stuff. Obviously, there’s others, but these two are my favorites.

(I’m really hoping you didn’t show up here today looking for substance)

Today’s song comes from my brother since my computer is currently kaput. It is called Matchbook Seeks Maniac and is by Deerhoof. Oh, and welcome to the new toy I’ve added to the site: my very own media player. Let me know if it doesn’t work for somebody and I’ll see what I can do.

Ok, not kaboom, but on Wednesday night, my computer went sparkle-fizz and the motherboard is no more. I’m hoping that the hard drive is still working, but I can’t figure that out until I get some new parts. So yeah, sunny side of the argument is that I’ll eventually get to build me a new computer. Maybe next week…

That means that today I won’t be posting a song. My bad. I’ll work something out over the weekend and hopefully have a song or three set up for next week. I’m also hoping for a little bit of a media player upgrade, but now I’m not sure.

Aren’t you happy that I posted a Friday Fun Song on Wednesday now? I must be psychic, or psycho. Whichever one means I can talk to animals. Except for sea mammals. You breathe air, and yet you live underwater? I just can’t deal with this lack of foresight on their parts.

Earlier this week, I saw a video of Nine Inch Nails lead singer Trent Reznor telling his fans to steal his album since the price hasn’t gone down since the last time he was in Australia. Whether the CD was an import or not, I’m not sure. I’ve read that the price of a CD in England is outrageous when factoring in the exchange rate, but a quick look on amazon.co.uk is refuting that. I think it was video games, not music. Oh well.

Trent Reznor has been a vocal supporter of a need for change in record business. It should be interesting after he puts out his final record on Interscope. There’s been talk of releasing no-loss audio tracks from his website the day after the album has finished production.

Now, telling people to steal your music doesn’t sound quite kosher for me. By doing this he’s saying that he can take the financial hit in order to do harm to his record label. Like most familial squabbles, I’m just going to stay out of this one.

Have a good weekend, people! Hopefully I’ll have some songs for next week!

It’s that time of the month again. I have 28 tracks left and a day and a half to figure out what to do with them. With them, I’ve decided to pick up:

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew - Spirit If…

Kevin Drew is probably the most recognizable male voice in Broken Social Scene. They’ve decided to help him put out a solo record. Good for him. This one’s on spinner if you want to check it out. So is the new Motion City Soundtrack, which is disappointing since it’s not on emusic – thanks for leaving emusic, Epitaph.

Les Savy Fav – Let’s Stay Friends

Yes, let’s stay friends indeed. I don’t know much about this album, but some of the 30-second clips sounded interesting and it’s gotten good reviews… err… it’s gotten, “Yay, another Les Savy Fav album!” kind of reviews. Also, they’re Les Savy Fav. That’s a name you can dance to.

Colette – Push

Finally, I picked up two track from this cheap floozy of a CD to round out my selection. Why? Well, I like the album cover and I’m a sucker for ironically dancing to non-ironic dance music.

This week, I’d like you to share in this ironic love with me. That’s why I’m moving fun song Friday to today. Here’s If by Colette.

P.S. I’m amused by both Kevin Drew’s and Colette’s websites. Check ‘em out if you’ve got the time.

“You gotta hear this one song – it’ll change your life.”
-Garden State

Today is (technically) my 100th post. I’ve had three status posts, so I’m pretty sure that this is post 97. Oh, and I didn’t try for at least 10 other posts, so we’ll call it post 87.

I, for one, welcome our new 87th post overlords!

And, being that this is a special day, I decided to debut a new feature…

Nick’s Essentials!

The above quote is spoken by Natalie Portman when she meets indie lover, and creator of the “Braff”, Zach Braff. What is the Braff? Well, according to Webster’s:

Braff [brah-f] -verb

1. To play an unpopular song in a popular venue, thus making it popular.

When I saw Garden State and realized that Natalie Portman was indeed listening to The Shins, I was excited. At the time, I had been rocking out to Chutes Too Narrow for a couple of months, and this was instant validation that I was even more cool than I expected.

Did I listen to Chutes Too Narrow more often (and possibly enjoy it even more) because it was referenced in a movie? It’s possible. Then again, I’d like to think that I love Chutes Too Narrow because it’s a great album. The CD opens with the line, “Called to see if your back was still aligned.” and continues on in glorious pop simplicity for the next 10 tracks. It’s the kind of album I put on while zooming around in traffic so I can sing/scream along to all the lyrics, singing mostly the harmonies. Ask Erin. She’s experienced this firsthand multiple times.

I think that this lack of simplicity is why Oh, Inverted World and Wincing the Night Away don’t work for me. What?!? Did he just say that he doesn’t absolutely love Oh, Inverted World and Wincing the Night Away?!? Get him, fellow Zach Braffians!!!

Well, I don’t. I know… how controversial. But hey, that’s just the way I roll. However, with how good Chutes Too Narrow is, The Shins could put out a couple of above average albums and still be considered a great band. And that’s why Chutes Too Narrow is one of Nick’s essentials.

Check out Young Pilgrim.

Happy 87th post!

Whew! I’m exhausted from this week’s posts. You guys are so not getting anything of substance today. Instead, I bring you Stereo Total. That’s right. German indie pop for all of you German indie pop lovers.

Stereo Total’s new album, Paris-Berlin, is currently sitting on my “Save For Later” playlist on emusic because I’m not sure if I really want to have an album where the majority of the singing is in German.

Well, like I said, there’s not really any substance here. Check out Do The Bambi.

October is not only the month of my birth, it is also a rockin’ time in Minneapolis. I need to get through seventeen shows, so that’s all the intro you’re getting. I’m writing another book. My goal is to take up an entire page with this and Monday’s post.

Wednesday, October 3rd – Hot Hot Heat with Bedoiun Soundclash and De Novo Dahl Fine Line Music Cafe

Canada’s Hot Hot Heat’s new album, Happiness, Ltd. came out yesterday. If I hadn’t gone overboard buying CDs last month, there would probably be a song coming from them on Friday. Hey, isn’t Bedoiun Soundclash a cool band name?

Thursday, October 4th – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah with Elvis Perkins, Fine Line Music Cafe

I caught the end of the CYHSY show at lollapalooza this year, but I was more interested in getting a good spot for The Hold Steady so I don’t remember much about them. I don’t think I’ll be going to this show.

Friday, October 5th – Of Montreal with Grand Buffet and MGMT, First Avenue

Originally, this was the opening part of my grand birthday plans, but now it’s up in the air. While I would enjoy Of Montreal, I can’t help but think that the average music listener might be weirded out by lead singer Kevin Barnes.

Friday, October 5th – Girl Talk with Tay Zonday, Dan Deacon, and The Show is the Rainbow, First Avenue

That is a long list of artists. Makes sense that the doors open at 10:30, and the show will probably go until 4 in the morning. Girl Talk and Dan Deacon will be a blast, but I’m not sure if Tay Zonday (”chocolate rain“) is there for musical merit or because somebody finds him hilarious.

Saturday, October 6th – Regina Spektor, Myth
Let’s see… should I celebrate my birthday by going out and drinking, or should I enjoy the stylings of Regina Spektor? That’s a tough one… I’ll have to let you know what my final decision is. Oh, and the myth is technically Maplewood, not Minneapolis. Oh well.

Sunday, October 7th – Electric Six with Gore Gore Girls and We Are The Fury, First Avenue

Oh, Electric Six. For some reason I can’t shake you. Maybe it’s the image of the homo-erotic Abe Lincolns lifting weights together burning into my brain. Click the picture to get a better idea of their type of strangeness. Oh, and they play a pretty tight show, too.

Wednesday, October 10th – Spoon with T.O.G.P.T.F.F.S.O.T.W.O.T.H.E.A.T.S.Y.O.A. and The Ponys, First Avenue
Thursday, October 10th and 11th – Spoon with The Ponys, First Avenue

It’s Spoon. Do I need to say more? Really? You picky people. Wednesday is the 21+ and Thursday is the All-Ages. I do like those 21+ shows.

Friday, October 12th – Interpol with Liars, The State Theatre

My brother was once asked if he liked interpol. His response? “I like people who like Interpol.” Good answer. I’d agree with that sentiment. But hey, the State is a nice place to sit back and enjoy a show, even if their tickets are usually overpriced.

Saturday, October 13th – Jose Gonzales with James Blackshaw, Fine Line Music Cafe

Jose Gonzalez is a great show if you have the chance, especially if you can get near the stage. Listening to his album, it’s hard to picture where all of the sounds are coming from. After seeing him live, I’m still not sure. Oh, his new album, In Our Nature, drops on September 25th.

Saturday, October 13th – Ted Leo and The Pharmacists with A-Sides and His Mischief, First Avenue

Ted Leo puts on a very high energy show, especially for a vegan. It’s sad that I couldn’t get into Chicago in time to see him at lollapalooza. Maybe he, Erin, and I can enjoy a bottle of buckie together on the 13th.

Tuesday, October 16th – The New Pornographers with Emma Pollock and Benjy Ferree, First Avenue

I love the picture on the left. It’s my new computer wallpaper. I also love The New Pornographers. Outside of seeing Muse at lollapalooza, this is probably my show of the year.

Friday, October 19th – The Polphonic Spree with Rooney and The Redwalls, Pantages Theatre

Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Good description, huh?

Tuesday, October 23rd – Brand New with Thrice, Myth

Typically, Brand New would be pretty high up on shows I want to see. Too bad they’re grouped with Thrice, one of my least favorite bands that I’ve ever seen. If you like a guy posing and screaming, or you’re a teenage boy filled with angst, then Thrice is the band for you. If you can make it past Thrice, Brand New is pretty darn cool.

Wednesday, October 23rd – Architecture in Helsinki, The 400 Bar

Once again, the 400 Bar. Intimate show time again. I’m trying to figure out how they’re going to fit six people on this stage. I’m also torn, because even though I’m not a huge fan of Places Like This, I really liked In Case We Die.

Wednesday, October 23rd – Matthew Dear with The Mobius Band, Triple Rock Social Club

Just down the street from Arhitecture in Helsinki, Matthew Dear is playing at the Triple Rock. If you’re a fan of good music, and a nice microbrew, then this might be the show for you. Oh, and his song, Don and Sherri, was used in a recent Hummer commercial.

Saturday, October 27th – Josh Rouse with Maria Taylor, Fine Line Music Cafe

And with the final show of October, here comes Josh Rouse and Maria Taylor. It’s funny. I like Josh Rouse, and I know my brother likes Maria Taylor, but I’ve never been able to find the Maria Taylor CD, and I’m not sure if he listens to Josh Rouse. Between the two of us, we’ve got the perfect concert attendee.

Bonus Show! Thursday, November 1st – The Hold Steady with Art Brut, The State Theatre

Yikes, what a great show! I don’t understand the venue, though. You need to stand for a band like The Hold Steady. You need to be able to rush the stage. At the State, you’re assigned theater seats, which aren’t exactly great for the world’s greatest bar band.

Now that I’ve spent a very long time writing this post, it’s time to pick today’s song. Know what? I haven’t picked one yet, and I’ve run out of new music. So, to pick a song from one of the bands above, I think I’ll play The Ghost of You Lingers by Spoon.

P.S. I’m surprised that you made it this far.

I’ve always enjoyed First Avenue in October. No, not the street, but the Minneapolis venue. I wish I could find a list of the bands that have played First Avenue in October. In October of 2005, I felt like I could have gone to a concert every three days. Last year, there wasn’t the plethora of bands as there was in 2005, but it was still good. This year, once again, there a lot of shows in September and October.

Today, I think I’ll list the Minneapolis shows that I like in in September. Since it is the 10th of September, some of these shows are coming up this week. Click on the images to find tickets.

Friday, September 14th – Rilo Kiley with Jonathon Rice, First Avenue.

Ah, Rilo Kiley, I’m not sure if you’ll be around much longer. With the popularity of lead singer Jenny Lewis‘ solo career, she may become Gwen Stefani to Rilo Kiley’s No Doubt, except she’s a red-head. Catch them live while you still can.

Friday, September 14th – The Sea and Cake with The Zinks, Varsity Theatre.

I own The Sea and Cake’s newest album, and I’m not sure what all the hubbub is, bub. It’s a fairly mellow album that feels very familiar to me. I think it’s something my dad would have listened to on vinyl while I was growing up, but it’s not quite for me. Even without my musical blessing, the band is tight, and tight bands usually put on some good shows. Then again, they also sometimes put on some amazingly boring shows, but I won’t go into that.

Thursday, September 20th – The National with St. Vincent, Fine Line Music Cafe

This show contains two artists that have been getting heavy play-time on the ol’ iPod lately. Personally, I’m having a hard time deciding whether or not these two would create a great show together. I would, however, like to use this show as an excuse to check out the Fine Line Music Cafe, which is a venue that I have mysteriously evaded.

Monday, September 24th - Peter Bjorn and John with The Clientele, First Avenue

September 24th is a big music day in Minneapolis, with Peter Bjorn and John leading the pack. I’d like to see this show if only to make up for the missed show at lollapalooza. The songs I did see them play there were surprisingly energetic. That, and I enjoy their Swedish accents when talking to the crowd.

Monday, September 24th – The Noisettes, 7th Street Entry

The Noisettes are playing in the same building as Peter Bjorn and John in the smaller venue. It’s always interesting to see what the bigger band will do – will they tell everyone to go to the other show when they’re done? All I can say about this concert is if The Noisettes can match half the energy that they have on their CD, this will be a fun concert.

Monday, September 24th – The Brunettes with Ferraby Lionhart, The 400 Bar

Rounding out this manic Monday are The Brunettes. I first saw The Brunettes when they opened for The Shins. They were the first conglomerate group that I had seen, with band members playing multiple instruments and having a good ol’ time. The finished the show by donning masks with the likeness of Michelle Tanner (i.e. Mary Kate / Ashley Olsen) for their final song. Oh, and with the 400 Bar, you’re guaranteed an intimate experience – that’s music lingo for it’s small!

Wednesday, September 26th – Metric with Crystal Castles, First Avenue

Ok, so I didn’t buy Live It Out, but Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is one of my favorite albums. Combine Metric with a band named after an Atari game I spent too much time playing as a kid, and you’ve got what sounds to me to be a good show.

Wait, you still want your daily song after all of this? Well, ok. Today’s song comes from Super Furry Animals. I’ve always avoided these animals that have a lot of fur, because I confused them with Animal Collective, who I find weird. Anyway, here’s Into the Night.

Hey guys,

It’s been brought to my attention that the songs on my site are not working correctly in Windows Media Player. I will be looking into that this weekend. For now, if you have Winamp installed on your system, they play fine with that. Sorry for any inconvenience this might cause people at work who can’t download winamp.

UPDATE: Ok, so I complained about having to write today’s post at 5:55 AM and now I’m finishing up fixing the web site at 11:30 PM. I don’t see this becoming a tradition.

Anyway…

If you’ll notice, there is now an associated ‘(wma)’ link with each of the songs. This will allow you to stream the wma version of the song, which will play just fine in Windows Media Player (and probably Winamp, too). Feel free to test out any of the songs on the website. I think I checked them all successfully, but you never know. See you Monday!