tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16480742881345507362024-03-14T00:31:26.892-05:00Things I Don't RememberNews, interviews and reviews in music, earth-friendly products, film and literature!Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-59264390595612176382012-10-14T10:03:00.001-05:002012-10-14T10:03:27.980-05:00Updates on my birth dateIt has been far too long, and oh how I've missed you my friends!
I have a ton of album reviews to put up, as well as some book and product reviews for something a little different:)
I also joined Influenster and will have some exciting giveaways! You can learn more about the new <a href="http://influenster.com">Influenster.com</a> by visiting their revamped site or Facebook and Twitter pages.
I look forward to giving you guys improved content, and more consistent posting in the coming months!
Love and peace,
Renia Zen
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Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-91984191912943748802011-09-11T16:28:00.000-05:002011-09-11T16:30:00.035-05:00A Return From a Reasonable Hiatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jagjaguwar.com/thumbs/JAG168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="150" src="http://jagjaguwar.com/thumbs/JAG168.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Organ Music, Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped</i>, the newest release from Moonface (aka Spencer Krug of Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade, among others,) is more than a treat. A delight for your ears, this album delivers a heaping dose of keyboards, synth, and drum machine along with Krug’s incredible vocals. While it is a bit raw and vulnerable, this album is anything but dainty. You experience a powerhouse of sound from one of music’s most genius creative minds. Floating around on chords much like waves in the sea, this record of approximately 38 minutes will take you to a wonderful place of ethereal sounds. I cannot recommend this highly enough! </br>
Purchase at : <a href="http://jagjaguwar.com">jagjaguwar</a>
Download a free track too!</br>
Peace out,
Reniazen
Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-70999736229171119602011-05-10T15:43:00.000-05:002011-05-10T15:43:08.598-05:00Middle-aged MelancholySometimes we imagine the worst possible scenarios when meeting someone new, then the one awful situation we didn't think of is what actually comes to pass. This is somewhat the story in Daniel Clowes' <i>Mr. Wonderful</i>. You may be familiar with his quiet, quirky characters from <i>Ghost World</i>, and they too could inhabit the world of Marshall, the titular character of this particular piece. Clowes has a way of using 1950s romance comics, gay erotic romance, and boring everyday life to create an interesting version of our own reality. Instead of wondering what might happen, Clowes explores many possibilities and offers some laughs in what might otherwise be a bleak drama about a middle-aged man whose luck in relationships has just about run its course. Fleeting moments of joy scattered throughout immense embarrassment make this an engaging graphic novel not to be overlooked.<br />
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Today I am happy to announce that I have a galley copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. All you need to do is comment below with your thoughts on the best format for romantic fiction, and be sure to leave your email so I can contact you if you win!<br />
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If you don't win, but still want a copy, be sure to visit <a href="http://http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/home.pperl">Pantheon Graphic Novels</a> to purchase.<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
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ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-77015295246818907852011-02-27T10:38:00.000-06:002011-02-27T10:38:18.318-06:00Pontypool Changes Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VshPgXYgfuk43U3iUM2muIH1JYq76hI8Jo0HcvxtuVpsYTuSzWAe9Y-g_-0l1Z8hWREe-gcHh85CK5afj_td2K5mPqVev6WY5w_39wirJM8lD52-5d46-0GZUL7dsES9x2OThGPxWzk/s1600/pp6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="80" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VshPgXYgfuk43U3iUM2muIH1JYq76hI8Jo0HcvxtuVpsYTuSzWAe9Y-g_-0l1Z8hWREe-gcHh85CK5afj_td2K5mPqVev6WY5w_39wirJM8lD52-5d46-0GZUL7dsES9x2OThGPxWzk/s320/pp6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<i>Pontypool</i> (2008):<br />
Dir- Bruce McDonald<br />
Writer-Tony Burgess<br />
Stars: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, & Georgina Reilly<br />
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Sick of glittery vampires without fangs, shitty remakes of true cinematic masterpieces, and movies with 18 sequels (aka franchises bent on destroying the film industries' last breath of creativity)? Well do I have a gnarly gem for you; <i>Pontypool</i>. Many of you may know that I love a good, gutsy zombie film, whether it's <i>Dead Snow</i> or <i>Fido</i>, but this one takes the cake! Fresh, original, and damn thrilling, <i>Pontypool</i> delivers what few horror films manage, though many have tried; you are actually tense during this film, constantly trying to figure out what the hell is going on (in a good way.) <br />
Did I mention there's politics, philosophy, and a tiny bit of quantum physics, too? Hot damn, how's that for entertainment! Don't wait too long for your next trip to the soon-to-be-deceased video store, so you can find out for yourself just how stellar this film truly is.<br />
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Check out the trailer here:<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ehq2a8lum_4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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And purchase here:<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002TZS5G0&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-80860822434090611142011-02-25T21:47:00.000-06:002011-02-25T21:47:21.837-06:00"What if our pain was the most beautiful thing about us?"This is one of many questions asked by (as well as printed inside the front flap of)<i>The Illumination</i> by Kevin Brockmeier. At once thoughtful yet understated, this book makes you wonder how people you know would view you if every ache and pain, whether on the inside of your body, the outside, or emotional, were visible as light emanating from the source of said pain. Would everyone freak out up "the illumination's" sudden beginning? Would fundamentalists declare the end times to be upon us? Would you try to hide your pain? All this and more is examined within the pages of this novel.<br />
It's a pleasant, fairly quick read that I felt only fell short in one area: it should have probed deeper. Brockmeier delves into some pretty heady material, only to stop short of making a few precious, and in my opinion necessary, realizations. Otherwise, I found this to be a wonderful piece of fiction. Not to mention a great contribution to local literature (as the author resides in Little Rock.)<br />
Buy your own copy here: <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0375425314&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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Peace and positive vibes,<br />
ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-8870386808592080802011-02-15T16:07:00.000-06:002011-02-15T16:07:13.750-06:00Deerhoof Takes Me to a Better PlaceUpon first listening to <i>Deerhoof vs. Evil</i> I knew I would have to listen to the album many more times before I could properly review it, as said album blew me away. After about 30 more listens, I feel a bit more qualified, so here it is.<br />
This album will be one that constantly stays on rotation in the car and at home. If I could sum it up in one word, I'd be a genius, because at this point, I don't know a way to describe it in just one word. Cerebral, terrific, utterly breathtaking, these are just a few of the adjectives I feel come close to expressing my affection towards this masterpiece. <br />
You may have heard the incredible single "Super Duper Rescue Heads!," which is still one of my fave tunes on the album. However, this doesn't give you the whole picture. Ranging from dance/electro/pop-rock to european and asian style instrumentals, with some psychedelic ambience thrown in the mix, this is truly an epic record, that I think would appeal to those with tastes in many different musical styles. Give it a listen after you pick it up from the always fabulous <a href="http://www.polyvinyl.com">Polyvinyl</a> and let me know what you think!<br />
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Super Duper Rescue Heads!:<br />
<a href="http://hypem.com/#!/item/162eq/Deerhoof+-+Super+Duper+Rescue+Heads+">HypeMachine-Listen and Download</a>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-68958096104129844282011-01-05T14:26:00.002-06:002011-01-05T14:26:50.630-06:00Happy Thoughts 2011I'm slowly making my way back, so for now here's some happy thoughts for the new year:<br />
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<div><div style="position:relative;width:400px;height:400px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/for_reel_good_year/set?.embedder=1730429&.mid=embed&id=26763933"><img width="400" alt="For a Reel Good Year" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkhId056Z2taNEJHS2haVExHbXpZemcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="For a Reel Good Year" height="400" border="0" force="1" /></a></div><br/><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/for_reel_good_year/set?.embedder=1730429&.mid=embed&id=26763933">For a Reel Good Year</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=1730429&.mid=embed&id=1730429">reniazen</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></small></div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-29824140074194034272010-12-01T10:39:00.000-06:002010-12-01T10:39:56.499-06:00It's hard to keep out the cold when you live in a house full of holes.Amazing music isn't really that hard to find these days, thanks to the wide variety of offerings available on the internet. However, truly great music is still rare, and it feels wonderful to be introduced to another artist capable of producing just that. Shugo Tokumaru's latest release <i>Port Entropy</i> feels like a trip through Japan in the late 80s and early 90s, with a few stops in Canada over the past decade. Some songs evoke a feeling of such joy that you can't help but smile, while others are so beautiful you may find your breath taken away. If you're a fan of The Beatles, The Magnetic Fields, Radiohead or Headlights (or you're just looking for something fresh,) definitely give Tokumaru a try.<br />
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Find out more here: <a href="http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=1553">Polyvinyl- Shugo Tokumaru</a><br />
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In further Polyvinyl news, the recent 7in release "I'm Giving Up on You" by Sharon van Etten is just to die for. Pop really can be good, if the artist has talent:) Visit Polyvinyl to find out more, and preview the song here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30u4eu5vOLE">"I'm Giving Up on You" via Polyvinyl on Youtube</a><br />
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In case you missed it, you have until Dec. 13 to comment on a Chronicle Books Hauliday post for a chance to win $500 in books- visit my list and comment to win! <br />
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<a href="http://reniazen.blogspot.com/2010/11/please-help-me-with-haul-idays.html">Hauliday Post</a><br />
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Love and peace,<br />
ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-25839103008036836372010-11-12T17:14:00.001-06:002010-11-12T17:14:54.232-06:00Please help me with the Haul-idays!I know, I know. I always complain about the awful C day, but this time, it's not actually about that, it's about helping me win $500 worth of books- and if I'm picked, one lucky commenter on this here blog will get the books listed below! So comment and enter yourself to win:)<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
Reniazen<br />
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My list of Chronicle Books favorites I'd love to win:<br />
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<i>The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights</i> by Autumn de Wilde and Jim Jarmusch<br />
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<i>Elliott Smith</i> by Autumn de Wilde- includes live cd!<br />
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<i>Sexy Book of Sexy Sex</i> by Kristen Schaal<br />
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<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</span></h3><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a class="plist" href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,8898/path,1-7-38/title,Lets-Bring-Back/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;">Let's Bring Back:<i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> An Encyclopedia of Forgotten-Yet-Delightful, Chic, Useful, Curious, and Otherwise Commendable Things from Times Gone By</i></a> by Leslie M. Blume</span></span></h3><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Exquisite Book</i></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><i>Rift by </i>James Jean</div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><i>Anna Sui</i> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">By Andrew Bolton, Jack White, Anna Sui, Steven Meisel</span></i></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #636466; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a class="plist" href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,9034/path,1-4-21/title,DC-Comics/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #636466; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;">DC Comics:<i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> The 75th Anniversary Poster Book Quirk Books</i></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;"> By Robert Schnakenberg, Paul Levitz</span></i></span></span></h3><div style="font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><i>This is NPR</i> by Cokie Roberts et al</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><i>Bangs: A Sketchbook</i> by David Choe</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><i>Kindling</i> by James Jean</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I hope you enjoy finding out about these titles and more over at <a href="http://www.chroncilebooks.com/">Chronicle Books</a>.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Thanks!</span></span></div></div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-7904660636732148552010-11-08T10:51:00.000-06:002010-11-08T10:51:40.512-06:00Happy, SadWeird things are happening at fast food restaurants, at least as far as music is concerned. One day whilst enjoying some chicken nuggets at the hot and juicy redhead, I heard Yeah Yeah Yeah's "Soft Shock" playing. Not long ago I heard Sea Wolf in both Chick fil A and KFC/Long John's. Then it happened. I recognized a melody and some chords, then had my breath taken away from me when I realized it was the most horrendous cover of The Killing Moon I could ever imagine. WHY???!!! Here is a link so you can decide for yourself: <a href="http://hypem.com/#/track/1191006/Greg+Laswell+-+Killing+Moon+Echo+and+the+Bunnymen+Cover+">Hype Machine- the awful killing moon cover</a>. Pavement already kicked everyone's ass covering this song, so why ruin the Bunnymen for fans this way? I'm not saying Mr. Laswell doesn't have a right to cover the song, just that he doesn't have the talent to do it well.<div><br />
</div><div>In other news, Zola Jesus has a fantastical new ep out titled <i>Valusia</i> which I think you should really give a listen. The best song is definitely number 1, "Poor Animal" which has a similar sound to her previous ep, <i>Stridulum</i>, but expands on the the instrumentation. <a href="http://hypem.com/#/track/1233016/Zola+Jesus+-+Poor+Animal">Poor Animal</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The War on Drugs have released <i>Future Weather</i>, a delightful piece that will win over fans of Tom Petty, Vetiver, maybe even Dylan. I recommend beginning with "Brothers" a 70s rock extravaganza! <a href="http://soundcloud.com/scoubidou/the-war-on-drugs-brothers">Brothers</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>More excellent new releases include Bird By Snow, Powerdove, and Sharon Von Etten 7in series.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In books, you should definitely give Charles Burns' <i>X'ed Out</i> a try if you dare. It's quite well illustrated and delves into some interesting psychological arenas, with shoutouts to Burns' biggest influence Herge (Tintin creator.) Find out more at: <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307379139">Pantheon Graphic Novels</a>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you are bored and looking for some movies to watch, I suggest <i>Leaves of Grass, </i>starring Edward Norton and Edward Norton, and <i>Half Nelson</i>, starring Ryan Gosling (thank you Becky:) Both of these actors give very different performances in these films that what you may have come to expect from them, quite refreshing if you ask me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I suppose that's all the confusion I have to offer for now.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ta ta for now,</div><div>Reniazen</div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-90839770260747866462010-10-19T21:09:00.000-05:002010-10-19T21:09:52.018-05:00Odds and EndsThe most amazing single to come out in a long time: <a href="http://polyvinylrecords.com/drop/Starfucker_Julius.mp3">Starfucker- "Julius"</a> (right click, Save As to download)<br />
<br />
<i>An Introduction to... Elliott Smith</i> is one of the most well done compilations I've come across in a long time. Even if you've been listening to his music for some time now, you can be taken back to the first time you heard those memorable chords and vocals, softly spoken yet powerfully worded. If you haven't ever heard any Elliott Smith, there are only a couple of essential tracks missing and I think you'll find this a great way to get started. Find out more at fourpawsmusic.com:)<br />
<br />
Lately I've been trying to catch up on my review music, soon we'll have The War on Drugs, Bird by Snow and Zola Jesus. Plus, I'll give some movie and book recommendations, which I know you'll want to read. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
Love and peace,<br />
Reniazen<br />
<br />
P.S. Sign up for Polyvinyl's awesome newsletter to get free music and discounts! Polyvinylrecords.comReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-38280033916539521652010-09-27T15:42:00.000-05:002010-09-27T15:42:36.531-05:00Arrested Motion Greg Simkins Art Contest for "Spider Dreaming"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">In the interest of trying new things (or at least getting back to things I used to enjoy) I've entered a writing contest to win a super rad print of a painting by Greg "Craola" Simkins. (Details here <a href="http://arrestedmotion.com/2010/09/giveaway-greg-craola-simkins-hand-embellished-print-spider-dreaming/">AM giveaway</a>)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcnC6do4wTeJMwk0WgnpGgSMOZ8LfJPUWlxmhAYVf9sIqx002-RVSQeLsh-rSmZ99m1Wx6M3x2bxUTNZyINKtbHEbAger00cmI05kpAjTzJyR0iLBQGoRbhE7-XsWteniI9Qmf1GvrMo/s1600/spider_dreaming_for_web-2-450x565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcnC6do4wTeJMwk0WgnpGgSMOZ8LfJPUWlxmhAYVf9sIqx002-RVSQeLsh-rSmZ99m1Wx6M3x2bxUTNZyINKtbHEbAger00cmI05kpAjTzJyR0iLBQGoRbhE7-XsWteniI9Qmf1GvrMo/s320/spider_dreaming_for_web-2-450x565.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPIDER DREAMING by Greg "Craola" Simkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>An Ode to "Spider Dreaming"</i><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">As the purple mountains' majesty </span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">fades into the smog,</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">the spider carries onward</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">dreaming of a world restored.</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Though the wretchedness of humanity</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">so often makes her ill,</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">she goes forth bravely</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">carrying the hope for the future safely upon her back.</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Your help in suggestions for further entries is greatly appreciated. You can have unlimited entries, they just have to be sent in a separate email.</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><br />
Thanks!</span></i></div></span></span></span></div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-19062718332910866922010-09-27T14:37:00.001-05:002010-09-27T14:46:53.394-05:00Out of the Blue and into the Black<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Friends and familiars please welcome Starfucker (or for those people who've seen the latest Polyvinyl promos STRFKR) for a brief Q&A. They are currently touring the U.S., and if you are going to be in Little Rock this Wednesday, Sept. 29th they are playing a show at Juanita's with The Octopus Project- go check it out!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwRjrj9da9UQify4NtKIRPtDmaV3jAq1vmQHsyqksDfT9UX6j5T31KJBYhfkflBeUBmV2XbLK1FU1tZ2BsIJKIeGUXzwFl4HCOBoOKAwVV5q_aQmVlMA5he04fCYphYjPv5zpDp5DP2I/s1600/starfucker29_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwRjrj9da9UQify4NtKIRPtDmaV3jAq1vmQHsyqksDfT9UX6j5T31KJBYhfkflBeUBmV2XbLK1FU1tZ2BsIJKIeGUXzwFl4HCOBoOKAwVV5q_aQmVlMA5he04fCYphYjPv5zpDp5DP2I/s320/starfucker29_3000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhYiEKgpQ_x7HiXp9_P1GGYEyUlYbLbg2trhLrWu9sbPC1jJdSysi4ZYaXVP4o9K4kkbXpNZq4lAgZRDhrD4FYIXPnMsTEu26dzOHK0PQBpfcXYRdJXMukM-tMCq4xQ0CG-8DazQZkik/s1600/starfucker30_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhYiEKgpQ_x7HiXp9_P1GGYEyUlYbLbg2trhLrWu9sbPC1jJdSysi4ZYaXVP4o9K4kkbXpNZq4lAgZRDhrD4FYIXPnMsTEu26dzOHK0PQBpfcXYRdJXMukM-tMCq4xQ0CG-8DazQZkik/s320/starfucker30_3000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Questions:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1. What influence have your travels had on your music?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Josh has recently started writing on the road while on tour, so it's had a lot of influence. Every place we go has a different feel and sets off various moods, and that comes through in the music. Especially the darker side. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>2. </i>To whom do you look most for inspiration in life and art?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Friends are a big one, usually try to think of friends when writing and if they'd like it or not.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3. Who are some of your favorite creative minds (artists, musicians, writers, etc.)?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Alan Watts, Stevie Wonder, Longmont Potion Castile</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">4. Do you have a favorite venue at which you've performed?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Neumos in Seattle is amazing, they really have their shit together and are super nice. and also have a stellar VHS collection in the green room. Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco and Empty Bottle in Chicago are also both amazing, mainly because they are so nice as well.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">5. Why do you think so few (talented/good) artists will play in Arkansas (I have some ideas, but I like to know what others think)?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Not quite sure? it might just be routing thing? we're playing in Little Rock this time! which is a first for us, so we're excited to see what Arkansas has to offer! we stayed in Texarkana once, it was scary...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">6. How has your move to polyvinyl affected you, and do you think it's been a good move?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>We feel that signing with Polyvinyl is one of the best things to happen to us. they are AMAZING! and it truly feels like the perfect fit. As a band we really hate the music business. There's a lot of people in it for the wrong reasons, and Polyvinyl are obviously in it for the right ones. they're real people that actually care about music!</i></span><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>To find out more about the band, and to purchase some sweet sounds, head over to POLYVINYLRECORDS.COM:)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Love and peace,</div><div>Reniazen</div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-43644955694390032912010-09-21T14:13:00.003-05:002010-09-21T14:15:36.862-05:00POYLYVINYL LOVE FEST<div class="MsoNormal">STRFKR <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julius</i> 7in</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Julius” is bouncy and full of life. I could play this and the subsequent track “Helium Muffin” (which slows it down a notch then kicks it right back up) on repeat for days and not get weary of these infectious songs. With amazingly alluring bass lines, trippy keyboards and fantastic layering of guitars and synth effects, you don’t want to miss this release!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Preorder here: <a href="http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=1496">http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=1496</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">XBXRX <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">O </i>7in</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">O</i> proves that good American punk does exist after 1979, a fact which I found to be quite a relief. Noisy, fast-paced guitars with simple drums and raucous vocals carry this brief album to its climax. Gritty and determined to crawl under your skin and make your ears melt, this fun little record combines some of my favorite sounds such as The Cramps, The Slits and Jay Reatard. “Knowledge is Death” is a total knockout, bringing the beastly guitar lines crunching down hard and intensifying the drums. If you would like to find out for yourself, please visit the link below to learn more and purchase this fine release.</div><div class="MsoNormal">More info: <a href="http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=1374">http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=1374</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love and peace, and more to come:)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Reniazen</div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-89345029258315347312010-09-09T23:12:00.001-05:002010-09-09T23:13:07.832-05:00Farming for Hipsters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bostonist.com/attachments/austinist_kerry/juliet-naked-hornby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://bostonist.com/attachments/austinist_kerry/juliet-naked-hornby.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Juliet, Naked</i> by Nick Hornby is the best thing he's written since <i>High Fidelity.</i> A cult favorite making fun of hipsters and over-enthusiastic/obsessive fans loses no irony on fellow hecklers. I enjoyed the narrative even when I was frustrated by the characters, which is a good indication of how involved you become with said characters. Engaging, thoughtful, humorous and not at all overly heartfelt or Lifetime Movie-ish, I found this novel to be a captivating look at seemingly unrelated lives coalescing into something greater than the sum of its parts. If you are a fan of music trivia, excellent writing, and/or subtle humor, this book will most definitely have something for you to enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For purchase info please go to: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Juliet-Naked-Nick-Hornby/dp/3462041398?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Juliet, Naked</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=3462041398" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-25942718001536899612010-08-31T15:10:00.000-05:002010-08-31T15:10:51.916-05:00Funky Freshness<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/shared/uploads/photos/03806_prc-200estore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/shared/uploads/photos/03806_prc-200estore.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OF MONTREAL- FALSE PRIEST</td></tr>
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Boisterous, rowdy, and impeccably mixed are things one might expect from the indomitable Kevin Barnes, but that doesn't make the superlatives any less true. With a slew of magnificent musical offerings already available, the sweet beats and trippy lyrics on <i>False Priest</i> leave me satisfied and tempted. The single and third track on the album, "Coquet Coquette," changes how I previously felt about dance rock and pop together, meaning this song melds them well enough for me to want more. "You Do Mutilate" is full of awesomeness, most notably the ending monologue. You really should hear for yourself. <i>False Priest</i> does not lack the inventiveness of a solo-produced Of Montreal/Kevin Barnes album, and Mr. Brion can rest assured that he hasn't lost any fans for the band, but has quite possibly gained some more for himself. (On a side note, I still hate Kanye West.)<br />
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Please visit <a href="http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=1287">POLYVINYL RECORDS</a> for more information.<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-26767218717339390312010-08-31T15:01:00.000-05:002010-08-31T15:01:25.759-05:00United in Difference<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUs5rjYVsOrqjbxJL8DXOmaN9acHCDXjZAkBJ-4G-hCkmF1EUb_-9eWMiHQrcLO3Nkwn7bHVB9BvYKYEHbzE3o7D4SGU1OVjpOHLar-Bt0Po5ujH4z3zcH-S4Zn1o8iY-SWXp61G4EIA/s1600/womenps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUs5rjYVsOrqjbxJL8DXOmaN9acHCDXjZAkBJ-4G-hCkmF1EUb_-9eWMiHQrcLO3Nkwn7bHVB9BvYKYEHbzE3o7D4SGU1OVjpOHLar-Bt0Po5ujH4z3zcH-S4Zn1o8iY-SWXp61G4EIA/s400/womenps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women- Public Strain promo image<br />
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</tbody></table><i>Public Strain</i> by Canadian band Women possesses distinct originality and captures the essence of music through lo-fi sonic experimentation. Sounds similar to Warsaw, Neutral Milk Hotel, and The Unicorns can be found throughout the disc. Track 2, "Heat Distraction," reminds me of what rock should be- simple, powerful, melodic and thoughtful. Great guitar intros, sizzling drums, and understated, sparse vocals skillfully backed by steady bass make this a standout track. Could this album be what Iggy Pop and Paul McCartney might have produced if they formed a band in the mid-70s? Possibly. Elegantly subtle, yet raw and full of energy, this album will have you gathering household objects for noise-making parties. At times melancholy and somber, breaking into upbeat, joyful harmonies, <i>Public Strain</i> is indicative of what I hope is a lasting resurgence in melodic rock.<br />
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For more information please visit <a href="http://www.jagjaguwar.com/onesheet.php?cat=JAG152">JAGJAGUWAR</a>.<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-31188119228322464382010-08-19T14:21:00.001-05:002010-08-19T14:22:10.849-05:00Reader and Curious Passerby SurveyHello darlings!<br />
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It's time to gauge your level of interests in topics and formats for this lovely little blog. I've been getting a decent amount of response, but feel that to boost interest and readership (and thereby increase available review materials), some changes may be in order. Please take a few moments to respond to the questions below by commenting on this post.<br />
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Thank you ever so much for your continued support,<br />
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Reniazen<br />
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Survey Questions:<br />
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1. Do you prefer shorter reviews that give an overview of an album, or longer more detailed reviews going over each song?<br />
2. Do you feel there has been a fair variety of bands and artists represented thus far? Why/not?<br />
3. Would you like to see more pinups profiled and interviewed?<br />
4. Do you have any bands, artists, models, photographers or writers you would like to see featured?<br />
5. Do you enjoy the current format with one item per post, or would you better enjoy multiple subjects per post?<br />
6. Any further comments or suggestions?Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-68372926407331751772010-08-13T15:54:00.000-05:002010-08-13T15:54:07.576-05:00Follow the Graphite and InkMany people have seen the wonderful covers by comic artist Alex Ross, but few have seen the beginnings of such covers. With <i>Rough Justice</i>, Alex Ross and editor Chip Kidd provide a glimpse of some never before revealed sketches and roughs for many iconic covers and comic book characters. Inside the pencil-drawn, canvas bound hardcover book you will find the beginnings of covers for <i>JSA, Kingdom Come, </i>and<i> Batman RIP</i> among others. With an easy to follow layout, and sketchbook like design, fans and newcomers to the works of Ross will enjoy perusing this volume and learning about some proposed, but never published stories and character arcs, as well as long-loved favorites at DC- the big three. You can find Alex Ross on Facebook and Twitter, and you can purchase the book, published by Pantheon Graphic Novels, a division of Random House, at your local bookstore, or online at:<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0375714901&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
Five stars go to this delicious book!<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
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ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-68839696821385283972010-08-05T13:23:00.000-05:002010-08-05T13:23:05.749-05:00A Violent Wind From a Modern Band<i>The Suburbs,</i> by Arcade Fire, is one of those rare albums that gives you goosebumps from the first time you listen to it through all subsequent listens. I will do my best not to gush too much, but come on man, this is outrageous! <div>Beginning with the title track, "The Suburbs," has a smooth rock intro; right away you're grabbed by the lyrics and movement (a la "Tunnels"). Opening the album up to a wonderful world of musical possibilities, we experience excellent timing and sensational vocals, exhibiting the band's growth since the release of their ep. </div><div>"Ready to Start" gives plenty of evidence for Win's love of Bruce Springsteen, some qualms with immoral and religious leaders, and a bit of 90s rock influence as well. Masterfully bridges tracks 1 and 3, while strongly standing on its own with glittery, gorgeous guitar and bass, along with lyrics such as, "I would rather be wrong, than live in the shadows of your son." F'in A!</div><div>"Modern Man" further explores some Springsteen style music, yet is absolutely their own. You want to pick up a guitar to play and sing along with this powerful tune. Another shot at self-righteous, self-described "modern men" (ahem Bill O??), this track ends with a Built to Spill-inspired riff, which I adore.</div><div>Orchestral sounds pepper the opening of "Rococo," even though the band returned to their 8 piece original for this record. This is the first "big band" track on this killer album. Heavy bass and strings add to the ominous feeling which is reconciled with lovely keyboards and guitar moving into lighter strings. The ups and downs in the music successfully mimic the tides of popular culture in North America. See and hear for yourself:</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo6KO3YK99o&feature=related">Roccocco live in Longueuil 06/09/10</a></div><div>"Empty Room" is our first reminder of a previous time, building on the ferocity of the re-worked No Cars Go, then punching up the volume with guitar and strings, droning into super sonic happiness. A beautiful vision of independence when conformity is still the norm, this is a quick interlude with much presence.</div><div>Hand claps and sweet vox with some more smooth guitar work open "City with no Children," an excellent showcase of this band's immense talent. Anyone who's driven through Dallas or Houston (or Atlanta for that matter) during heavy traffic will most likely identify with this piece. It also speaks of the evils associated with being rich and lazy, you get the sense Win fears becoming that which he despises most, and don't we all?</div><div>"Half Light I" is a light refreshment of sound quietly leaking in with beautiful vocals and guitar, increasing slowly but steadily in volume and intensity much like "How it Ends" by Devotchka. A gorgeous song for a gorgeous record (if you guessed I kinda like this album, you're wrong. I freakin love it!) I'm always a fan of Arcade Fire's string arrangements, and this song has some of their best to date.</div><div>Next you get smacked in the face with the awesome "Half Light II (No Celebration)." Think U2, <i>War</i>-era, only, well, better. This tune is frightfully good and lyrically and rhythmically succeeds in caressing your ear holes with affection. Rousing vocals, Strummer and Boeckner- esque guitar, and fabulous strings backed by heavy bass and well paced drums, this tune will turn you inside out. Another excellent example of their sensational synthesizer skills as well.</div><div>In another nod to Arcade Fire's past, with "Suburban War" I'm reminded of the tropical storm of "Ocean of Noise," but again they've built on to the success of such a song and made another great anti-love ballad. Keyboards and guitar carry us on this wonderful drive through economically and emotionally broken towns and give us something amazing to hold onto. With the line "The music divides us into tribes, you choose your side and I'll choose my side;" the song explodes into an amazing drum crescendo, moving the "tribes" apart amid reminisces of an aging young man, carrying us out into the next whirlwind.</div><div>"Month of May" is the most eccentric, yet somehow still familiar song for Arcade Fire, at least on this cd. Very evocative of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World," this song was written about tornadoes in Toronto, making you feel surrounded by the wave of mistrust in society and young people's anxiety. A true rocker, you can't deny the band's heritage as a rock'n'roll band with this one.</div><div>Moving on to Neil Young's "Harvest Moon," we have the sweetly enchanting "Wasted Hours." Comforting you after the turbulent ride through the storm of the previous track, you will be thankful for this song. This is a slow piece with real musical integrity; the contrast is nothing short of masterful. It's also slightly similar to some of the newest M. Ward, only, again, better. (Sorry guy, you're great, but it's true.)</div><div> Picking up the pace a bit to prepare for some more rock awesomeness, "Deep Blue" has an incredible piano arrangement mixed with higher male vocals moving into some excellent strings and guitar. It may make you think twice about what you see on TV news (even if you're one of those people that actually watches and enjoys Fox & Friends.)</div><div>Outstanding keyboard and vox open "We Used to Wait." Layering terrific guitar and bass with a steady beat, you're drawn in by a switch to a fantastical melody which continues to build throughout the song. Stings enter after two verses rounding out a killer chorus and giving us one hell of a tune. You might think track number 13 on a 16-track album would be sloppy and boring, but that couldn't be further from the truth here.</div><div>"Sprawl I" is a stunning display of Mr. Butler's vocal abilities, a track that reminds you why this band is known for subtle yet amazing arrangements and astounding musical creativity. Somber and revealing, this seems to be about the darker side of suburban life, making you feel on edge while listening, yet at the same time you're marveling at the beauty of this brief musical expression.</div><div>My absolute favorite track is "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)." Regine stars in this outstanding synth-rock beauty. Reminiscent of Kate Bush (<i>The Dreaming</i>) and a bit Cyndi Lauper and Soft Cell, this is strong yet pretty, electronic and rocking. You fell the pressure of stuffy, over crowded neighborhoods, but you want to dance with the keys that are just sheer genius. Featuring even more incredibly subtle guitar and bass work, this song is one of their most focused tracks. We get our favorite face-melting spiral into musical insanity about 3/4 of the way through this masterpiece, and Regine's voice never wavers. I get chills every damn time!</div><div>Finally, "The Suburbs Continued" is an alluring, peaceful closer on this musical roller coaster ride through society's most popular urban areas and not so rural towns.</div><div>Once in a while, an album comes along that has been talked about and hyped up for months or years before its release, only to be a monumental disappointment. Well, have no fear, because <i>The Suburbs </i>absolutely delivers. It is so far beyond any expectations I had, I almost cried when I first heard it (embarrassing but true.) There is divine power, emotion, breathtaking vocals and musical arrangements, and a salient depth that most bands releasing albums today seriously lack. If you only buy one album this year, I'd ask for you to pick this one. You will not regret it!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Love and peace,</div><div>Reniazen</div><div><br />
</div><div>P.S. DO NOT MISS THIS- Arcade Fire live from Madison Square Garden at 9pm central time here:</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/arcadefirevevo">AF Youtube channel</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Buy here:)</div><div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003O85W3A&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div><br />
</div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-76372356145562183492010-07-02T11:19:00.000-05:002010-07-02T11:19:31.545-05:00Read my lipsI've got some great books to recommend to my lovely follower(s). If you have any interest in comics, may I suggest an interesting look at the uproar caused in the late forties in <i>The Ten-cent Plague: The Great Comic Book Scare and How it Changed America</i> by David Hadju, as well as the three volume series <i>Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes </i>by Michael Fleisher, featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. For further reading on Wonder Woman and a host of other heroines and villainesses, check out <i>DC Comics Covergirls</i> by Louise Simonson. If you'd rather dive into a study of graphic design, pick up <i>Pop: How Graphic Design Shapes Popular Culture </i>by Steven Heller, a magnificent authority on the subject of graphic design who's written hundreds of essays and even helped to found some new areas of the industry, including Design Literacy.<br />
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Find these and other fantastic titles below:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/DC-Comics-Covergirls-Louise-Simonson/dp/0789318695?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="DC Comics Covergirls" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0789318695&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0789318695" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/POP-Graphic-Design-Popular-Culture/dp/1581157150?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="POP: How Graphic Design Shapes Popular Culture" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1581157150&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1581157150" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Comic-Book-Heroes-Original/dp/1401213553?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes: Batman - Volume 1 (Original Encyclopedia)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1401213553&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1401213553" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Comic-Book-Heroes-Original/dp/1401213650?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes: Wonder Woman - Volume 2 (Original Encyclopedia)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1401213650&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1401213650" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Encyclopedia-Comic-Book-Heroes/dp/1401213898?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Original Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes, Volume 3: Superman" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1401213898&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1401213898" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312428235&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-77607694779704253322010-07-02T11:11:00.000-05:002010-07-02T11:11:17.189-05:00Did you dream of being a scorpion, a walker on the road, or a little ghost?I have been waiting all year for this album, and even though I expect amazing things from Wolf Parade, <i>Expo 86 </i>delivers more than even I could have dreamed. Opening with the killer "Cloud Shadow on the Mountain," this is not your grandpa's rock and oldies. This is in your face, fabulous rock madness, with a touch of technical perfection and sonic enlightenment. If you need something to wake you up, this is a great album to choose. "Palm Road" sounds like a cross between Tom Petty and Handsome Furs (fitting since Dan Boeckner has expressed a love of the best blondie in rock), you won't find any copies here though. Next we have "What Did my Lover Say?" which was one of the first songs most people were given a taste of prior to the release of the album, and remains a strong presence, with Krug keys and lyrics, amongst a powerhouse of musical tidbits. "Little Golden Age," and "In the Direction of the Moon" are examples of some fine-tuned guitar licks and smoothed out key changes as only Krug and Boeckner can succeed in so doing. "Ghost Pressure" fills your blood with swirling sonic happiness and makes you feel like you're listening to the death of awful dance-rock forever. "Pobody's Nerfect" opens with some classic punkrock chords but quickly goes into stylish key chords and light drums rolling along into a commanding combination of guitar and vocals. "Two Men in New Tuxedos" experiments with some amazing effects and brings us a lighter side of a darker subject. "Oh You Old Things," is decidedly enhanced by amazing synth and guitar, playing on earlier themes of Soft Cell and Talking Heads' influence. "Yulia" brings us into the now via Clash-style vocals and driving power chords. Last but not least, you'll hear "Cave-o-sapien," with even more stunning layers of guitar and keys, mixed with a joy and love for great music that is hard to come by these days. These boys really know how to put together an album, after two amazing full-length records, they've outdone themselves again! Please support the group and purchase this album:)<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003KIR1S8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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Love and peace,<br />
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ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-22379525982456935162010-07-02T10:56:00.000-05:002010-07-02T10:56:01.808-05:00Come close to me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOyZ83cBIMJzPztfEqgxHncknhfbALbtPuzG51zeWxDwe-jETcnknhso7prFWwtHdnjQvtPIzIudAOfk_hYfi8M1qu4u4bwBgS2IZyiAsD8Wl_gu7tCfmmXNvC7gRxLPUy9hxaGL8KeA/s1600/ZOLAJESUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOyZ83cBIMJzPztfEqgxHncknhfbALbtPuzG51zeWxDwe-jETcnknhso7prFWwtHdnjQvtPIzIudAOfk_hYfi8M1qu4u4bwBgS2IZyiAsD8Wl_gu7tCfmmXNvC7gRxLPUy9hxaGL8KeA/s320/ZOLAJESUS.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div>Zola Jesus, aka <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">Nika Rosa Danilova, is one of the most talented musicians/composers/songwriters of our generation. She weaves haunting melodies with strong bass and drum loops to give you a dark, beautiful, and somber ep titled <i>Stridulum. </i>This album is mature and full of longing, but not whiny or degrading as you might get with other 21-year old artists these days. In a world of Youtube sensationalism and manufactured corporate pop (aka crapfest), it is refreshing to hear something so powerful and unique. The opening song, "Night" paves the way with moments of cold certainty, appropriate given that this entire album was recorded in winter 2009. Next we have "Trust Me" and "I Can't Stand," two tracks delivering more enchanting, albeit somewhat melancholy, lyrics and expertly-mixed keys and bass/drum loops. The title piece is reminiscent of Kate Bush's <i>Hounds of Love</i>, breathtaking in its complexity and grandeur, yet subtle rather than pretentious, a great balance to say the least. "Run Me Out" follows without mercy, booming synth chords build to a slow, steady stream of alluring vocals, which continue over a chorus of ghostly wails and tempting piano chords, fading into a wonderful soft echo of the beginning of the album. We end our short bewitching journey with "Manifest Destiny," replete with droning bass and unyielding keys layered with forceful vocals. As an ep, it stands on its own in a world full of meaningless singles and mindless tracks. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking forward to a full length release in 2011.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">You can find more info at: <a href="http://www.sacredbonesrecords.com/releases/sbr032/">Sacred Bones Records</a></span></div><div>and you can buy this fantastic morsel of musical history here:</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Love and peace,</div><div><br />
</div><div>Reniazen</div>Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-38044638028427208172010-06-10T14:09:00.000-05:002010-06-10T14:09:35.580-05:00Learning to Love the Modern WorldAfter a brief interruption, I've returned to this site with a renewed sense of awe for wonderful works of art, and hope to have a chance to share some of the amazing experiences I've had over the past few weeks, in music and other forms of entertainment. Today we are extremely lucky to get an online interview with the lovely, immensely talented Alexei Perry of Handsome Furs. This is a band you will hear me talk about time and again, as Alexei and her husband Dan have given us some of the best music of the last decade, and I look forward to hearing more from them. If you'd like to know more, you can contact the band on myspace here: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/handsomefurs">HF Music</a>. <br />
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<div class="im" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">On your many adventures, where did you meet the friendliest people?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">WE'RE FORTUNATE IN THE FACT THAT THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE SEEM TO MAKE UP THE ENTIRETY OF THE HANDSOME FURS FAN BASE. THUS WHEREVER WE GO, WE MEET THE MOST AMAZING FOLKS. WE ARE TRULY LUCKY. SOME FAVOURITE CITIES WHERE WE HAVE MADE ENTIRE COMMUNITIES OF NEW FRIENDS ARE: BUCHAREST, BEIJING, HELSINKI, AND HONG KONG.</span></i></span><div class="im" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">Do you have any recommendations for places to visit as an independent musician?</span></b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">THE CITIES I JUST MENTIONED HAVE VERY MUCH CHANGED OUR LIVES - THEY HAVE INFORMED SOME OF OUR SONG-WRITING BOTH LYRICALLY AND SONICALLY. MY SUGGESTIONS TO ALL INDEPENDENT MUSICIANS IS TO TOUR YOUR ASS OFF. VISIT PLACES THAT YOU ARE BOTH DEEPLY INTERESTED IN BUT ALSO ONES THAT YOU HAVE NEVER CONSIDERED. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO AS AN ARTIST OF ANY KIND IS TO PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE IN EXCITING AND CHALLENGING WAYS. IT WILL CHANGE YOU. FOR THE BETTER</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">. </span><div class="im"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">On your first and second album, your sound evolved in a very thoughtful manner. What are some reasons for these changes</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">?</span></div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">I THINK OUR SOUND CHANGED THE MORE TOURING WE DID. WE STARTED REALIZING HOW MUCH FUN WE HAD PLAYING LIVE AND, EVEN THOUGH OUR MORBID OBSESSIONS HAVE NOT CHANGED (WE ARE STILL VERY MUCH OCCUPIED BY VARIOUS DISSATISFACTIONS AND GENERAL SAD THOUGHTS!), WE REALIZED THAT THE BEST WAY TO BEAT THE BLUES WAS WITH HEAVY BEATS. BEATS ENOUGH TO DANCE AWAY THE BADNESS, EVEN IF ONLY BRIEFLY.</span></i><div class="im"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">Do you feel that your music is most inspired by the landscape, people you meet, histories of places you've been, or a combination thereof?</span></b></div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">CERTAINLY A COMBINATION. DAN AND I ARE PRETTY BIG GEEKS ABOUT READING ABOUT THE PLACES WE TRAVEL BECAUSE WE FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO TRAVEL THESE PLACES. WE BOTH COME FROM WORKING CLASS BACK GROUNDS, HAD STRINGS OF SHITTY JOBS, SO TO BE ABLE TO GLOBE-TROT DOING THE THING WE MOST LOVE HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE - THE MOST IMPORTANT RAW MATERIAL TO THEN TURN INTO SONGS. THE PEOPLE, LANDSCAPES, ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORIES OF THE PLACES WE TRAVEL ARE FILTERED THROUGH OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF THEM IN THE MOST FRUITFUL AND BIZARRE WAYS. IF I BELIEVED IN ANYTHING OUTSIDE OF BEING A HUMAN STUCK ON THIS STRANGE PLANET, I WOULD SAY BE ARE "BLESSED" TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE THIS LIFE WORK IN THIS WAY. BECAUSE I DON'T, I WILL SAY, WE ARE FORTUNATE</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">. </span><div class="im"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">Who is most inspiring in your personal and/or work life?</span></b></div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">THERE ARE JUST OODLES OF PEOPLE I FIND INSPIRING. FOR ME, WRITERS LIKE WILLIAM T. VOLLMANN, MA JIAN, YAN LIANKE, SOROKIN, MISHIMA, BULGAKOV, AND OLESHA HAVE BEEN HUGE. AND THEN MUSICIANS SUCH AS JOE STRUMMER, TINA TURNER, OTIS REDDING, DR. ALIMANTADO, AND NEIL YOUNG ARE JUST SOME OF THE BIGGIES (THEY'VE BEEN IN MY LIFE FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER). AND DIRECTORS LIKE YE LOU, ZHANG KE JIA, DAVID CRONENBERG, LYNCH AND DARIO ARGENTO</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">. </span><div class="im"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">Whose work do you admire?</span></b></div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">SEE THE ABOVE FOR JUST THE MOST AMAZING FODDER FOR YOUR BRAIN.</span></i><div class="im"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"> Anything else you wish to share?</span></b></div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;">WELL, SO MUCH. THERE'S SO MUCH TO SAY ALL THE TIME BUT IT'S ALWAYS TRICKY TO KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN. </span></i></div><br />
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Thank you again for taking time to answer our questions! We anxiously await what comes next, and wish you the best of luck in all your musical and artistic endeavors.<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
ReniazenReniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1648074288134550736.post-10359425561058195172010-06-02T21:09:00.000-05:002010-06-02T21:09:15.974-05:00Don't call it a comeback!My goodness what a whirlwind we've been through. Stay tuned for some awesome updates!!! Thank you:)Reniazenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054065185975516659noreply@blogger.com0