Contest: Hall & Oates Live at the Troubadour DVD

UPDATE: Apparently we have horrible memories.  Seeing as this contest is basically the same as our last one, let’s switch up the rules.  John Oates once possessed one of the manliest mustaches the world has ever seen.  Sadly, it’s been years since he’s sported it.  So in memory of his glorious facial hair, link to or post pictures of what you consider to be the most bad-ass mustache you’ve ever seen in the comments.  It can be of an actor, musician, your uncle, whoever.  Bonus points if it’s a picture of you.  I’ll give you some time to grow one out.

I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it on ATG before, but I have an unhealthy obsession with all things Hall and Oates.  Sadly, I’ve never been able to see the legendary duo live.  Fortunately, you all have the chance to experience the next best thing: getting your hands on their latest live DVD.  Hall & Oates Live at the Troubadour is a two-hour DVD filled with plenty of footage of H&O performing re-adaptations of their greatest hits at the Los Angeles venue in May earlier this year.  If you’re at all a fan of these soul-pop legends, then this DVD’s for you.

Daryl Hall and John Oates go together perfectly like peanut butter and jelly. So if you want this DVD, leave a comment telling us what your favorite duo is.  This doesn’t have to be limited to music or people — it can be anything!  As long as it works, it’s eligible.  The more creative or funny it is, the better.  Comment away!

Here are a couple of clips from the DVD:

Video: Hall & Oates - Rich Girl (Live)

Video: Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams (Live)

And for those of you who haven’t kept in touch with the the happenings of the H&O world as of late, head on over to Live at Daryl’s House, a website created by Daryl Hall where he posts videos of him and his friends and fellow musicians playing Hall and Oates tunes at his farmhouse in New York.  My favorite episode by far is his collaboration with Chromeo — a match made in heaven.

- Adrian

The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Ocean and the Sun

I wasn’t too pleased with The Sound of Animals Fighting’s last release, Lover, the Lord Has Left Us. I’m all for experimenting and stretching the boundaries of traditional music. TSOAF tried to do that, elaborating on their brand of progressive post-hardcore that began with the release of their first EP, Tiger and the Duke. But instead of building upon that same formula, they went a bit overboard with the experimental aspect of their music. Lover was filled with interesting sounds and irregular song structures, but it lacked the driving energy that made TSOAF worth listening to in the first place.

Thankfully, the band took a step back for their latest full length, The Ocean and the Sun. Although I doubt they could’ve taken a more experimental route after having released Lover, TSOAF has truly managed to strike a balance between their rock roots and progressive ambitions. Take “The Heraldic Break of the Manufacturer’s Medallion” (what?) — it kicks in with a complex guitar riff (undoubtedly the work of Sir Matt Embree) that undergoes multiple key changes before falling into a powerful chorus reminiscent of Tiger and the Duke. After one listen of this song, I knew TSOAF was back.

But we also get our dose of the weird. “Uzbekistan” is a perfect example of this. It begins with a gurgle of industrial static before transitioning into an eerie synth loop. Drummer Chris Tsagakis (also of Rx Bandits fame) then comes in and backs this up with some impressive percussion work while some lady begins to make a chant that has an oddly M.I.A.-ish feel to it. I hope that confused you, because that’s part of the beauty behind The Ocean and the Sun. TSOAF takes what they know listeners will like, lets them get a little comfortable, and then throws them a curveball. And for the most part, it all works out. I’m hoping that we haven’t seen the last of these guys. With Circa Survive hard at work on their new album (and hopefully the Rx Bandits are doing the same?), this probably won’t happen for a while. But at least they’re back on the right track, and far as I can tell, things can only get better.

MP3: The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Heraldic Break of the Manufacturer’s Medallion

MP3: The Sound of Animals Fighting - Uzbekistan

- Adrian

Belle & Sebastian - The BBC Sessions

My favorite indie pop outfit from Glasgow is set to release a collection of live recordings from their appearances on the BBC from 1996 to 2001. The album is chock full of my favorite B&S songs, including “Sleep the Clock Around” and “I Could Be Dreaming”, but digs deep into the band’s seemingly endless discography. Check out the amazing live version of “Sleep the Clock Around”, which I have been listening to non-stop since getting my hands on The BBC Sessions, which you can do on November 18th.

MP3: Belle & Sebastian - “Sleep the Clock Around (Evening Session 7/97)”

By the way, Adrian and I have some pretty effing exciting news for you guys in the near future so stick around.

Love,
Zack

Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground

Multiple side projects have spawned from what can only be assumed to be the now-defunct Gatsby’s American Dream.  One of my favorites of these is Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, featuring Kirk Huffman as vocalist and guitarist, Kyle O’Quin on keyboards, and Phil Peterson on cello.  Kay Kay’s sound varies drastically with that of other Gatsby side projects that haven’t erred too far from the traditional pop-rock formula, so much that it’s very difficult to fit these guys into a given genre.  Kay Kay draws from multiple music styles of the past.  At times, they sound like they’re emulating the Beatles.  At others, they revisit the funky, psychedelic tunes of the sixties.  Sometimes they even throw in some old-timey saloon-like piano lines that hark back to sounds of generations past.  Kay Kay is a refreshing listen; the band successfully blends together distinctly different musical genres, and manages to breathe new life into a music scene that has often been criticized for lacking originality.  As much as I miss Gatsby’s, Huffman and company have released some solid tunes that I hope Gatsby fans will learn to embrace.

MP3: Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground - “Hey Momma”

MP3: Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground - “Bowie The Desert Pea”

- Adrian

On Kanye, 808s and Heartbreaks, and Hip-Hop

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past four years, you’ve come to realize that, like it or not, Kanye West rules the hip-hop genre with an iron fist. His samples, creativity, and antics enthrall you, whether you fell in love with “Stronger” and “Gold Digger” or whether you believe he’s just another under-talented, oversized ego who has butchered your favorite classics. I have always placed myself in the former category: a hesitant Kanye-believer; equal parts amazed at and afraid of what he will do next. That is why I am able to take 808s and Heartbreaks, ‘Ye’s newest effort, with a grain of salt. Mr. West has always been and will always be on the cutting edge in terms of beat creation, fashion, and musical stylings. He legitimized sampling, made “shutter shades” cool, and aspired to not only quality but also creativity with each music video he released.

For those of you who don’t know, 808s and Heartbreaks is an album stocked with R&B type songs that feature ‘Ye “singing” through Antares Autotune, more commonly known as “that program that T-Pain uses to make his voice do that thing.” Upon hearing this news, I was devastated. Not only can I not stand that kind of music or singing one bit, but I expected an even more dance-able, radio-ready output from one of my favorite rappers. Then I got to thinking. If Kanye decided to make his new album an extension of the synth-heavy and hook-laden Late Registration or Graduation, he would just be making more of the same. If he went back to his percussion and lyricism-heavy style featured on College Dropout, he’d be taking a step backwards in terms of creativity. While I cannot say that I really enjoy any songs that Kanye has put up on his site from the new album, I at least commend him for continuing his trend of being a pioneer, whether the results are good or, in this case, awful. In a hip-hop scene that has become increasingly stale and formulaic, it’s refreshing to see an artist try something altogether new, even if it disappoints.

On that note, check out this remix of Kanye’s “Love Lockdown” laid over the immaculate guitar riff from Radiohead’s “Reckoner”, courtesy of DJ Earworm. Also, head over to IGIF where Connor has posted the originals of “Love Lockdown” and the second single, “Heartless”. While you’re over there, be sure to check out the rotoscoped video for “Heartless”.

Here’s to Kanye at least pushing the boundaries and breaking the boring formulas that dominate the rap-genre right now (I’m looking at you Weezy, T-Pain, etc.). Now let’s hope his next album is not only controversial and creative, but doesn’t kinda….sorta….suck.

MP3: Kanye West vs. Radiohead - “Reckoner Lockdown (DJ Earworm)”

Love,
Zack

Claire’s Column: Puppies and Such

Initially when I sat down to write this post, I was unsure of what to write. The election is over and the Redskins have a bye week, my two favorite topics are somewhat irrelevant. As I tried to think of what I could write about I realized that I have yet to come up with a real format for my “weekly” posts. So naturally instead of coming up with something relevant and interesting to write about, I decided to write about the weather.

It has been rainy here in Connecticut the past few days and despite the wonderful election results, I have been in a pretty bad mood. Well…that was until I came across quite possibly the most brilliant website of all time. Whenever I feel sad, lonely or stressed, I just click this link and I am okay. You’re welcome. (Ed Note: I have been watching that live puppy feed for literally 28 hours straight. They’re Shiba Inus, and they’re my new life).

Why do puppies have the power to lift my mood, you might ask? Well, they are softer, cuter and more interactive than any other living creatures. Their cries aren’t annoying or loud, rather they’re endearing and comforting. Their idiosyncrasies are more than entertaining, they are educational. We can all learn from their simple outlook on life. They spend their days sleeping, cuddling and play fighting on constant minutely rotations. One minute they’re climbing on top of one another and the next they’re sleeping. Watching puppies learn and grow by the minute is not only fulfilling but allows me to truly understand why God put us on this earth…to watch puppies.

When I do not have puppies to watch, I ease my rainy day mood with music. Recently I came across a song that does the job perfectly. Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream” has been getting a lot of circulation recently and for good reason. It reminds me of a combination of MGMT and The Strokes. Zack prefers the Van She remix while I prefer the original but if you haven’t already, both are worth downloading.

MP3: Empire of the Sun - “Walking on a Dream”

Alright, I have to get back to watching puppies and writing about Chinese economic progress. Until next week,
-Claire

Girl Talk @ 9:30 Club - 10/11

Thanks to guest writer/my co-worker Mike for going to the 10/11 Girl Talk show at 9:30 Club in DC and for doing a quick write-up about his experience. Here goes:

Aside from the audience selected exclusively from GW frat boys from the J. Crew catalogue and ironically-dressed hipsters, Girl Talk took on DC in the perfect venue. Once we (the people) took the stage in a mad dash for the honor of being the guy sweating on Girl Talk, it was more of a party than a concert. Realistically, the show was totally unimpressive in a musical sense. I’ve been to parties where the host created a more intricate groove selecting from a well-stocked iTunes playlist than Girl Talk could manage with his seran-wrapped laptop (the computer is wrapped to protect against the aforementioned sweaty dance bros). However, Girl Talk does not bring the famed intricacies of his recorded work to the stage…he brings the ruckus. As a party, the show was unbelievable. By merits of the asymmetrical social dynamic of the audience and the constant bump of recognizable pop jams, every person in attendance wields free license to dance, drink and…well, that’s it! It was a party.

Do you hear that sound? That’s the sound of Adrian and I getting pissed off ’cause you all just realized that Mike is an exponentially better writer than us.

MP3: Girl Talk - “Shut the Club Down”
MP3: Peter Bjorn & John - “Let’s Call it off (Girl Talk Remix)”

Love,
Mike (through Zack)

YES WE DID

YES WE DID.

I am brought to tears by this beautiful night.

-Zack

While You’re Reading this You Could Be Voting

In case you didn’t know where Adrian, Claire, and I stand…

We voted.

MP3: Passion Pit - “Better Things”

-Zack

Claire’s Weekly Column: Yes We Can.

Hi everyone,

After two years of nonstop campaigning and eight years of Bush it is hard to fathom that Election Day is finally here. It feels a little surreal. Allow me to be the first to say that All Things Go officially endorses Barack Obama for president. Our blog has some serious sway too.

The anxiety and anticipation I’m fostering right now is not helping me get through the inordinate amount of work I have to do, so I figured I would write a post. I hope everyone reading this (who lives in the US) is planning on voting tomorrow. Don’t be discouraged by longs lines or take early predictions of the outcome to seriously, it is so important to get out there and cast a ballot. Tomorrow is going to be an amazing day.

Also, tonight the Redskins play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. I am hoping the game will provide me with temporary relief from my election anxiety. On that note here are a few songs Zack gathered in the spirit of the election:

MP3: King of Prussia - “Campaign Kids”
MP3: Sam Cooke - “A Change is Gonna Come”
MP3: Nas - “Black President”

Go Skins, GO VOTE and may the best candidate (Ed. Note: Barack Obama) win.

-Claire