Lewis

Did anyone else follow the Deep Elm Records roster circa 2002? Deep Elm Records was my blood. All I wanted to do when I got older (because of the bands on their catalog) was tour in a dingy, rusted out van. Playing shows to 20 people at a time, but still going balls to the wall with intensity. That is what Deep Elm was to me. It was bands who seemed not to care about anything other than making music that pleased them, and only them. It was as if no one but themselves existed. They didn't care if you liked their music, just let them sleep on your floor. Lewis was my addiction. The song "Feet on the Ground" blew me away (and still does). It is packed with everything that melow rock SHOULD have! It is without a doubt, one of maybe 10 songs total that have moved me the way it does and has. This summer I was on tour with a Deep Elm Records band, and was able to grab the very last Lewis record in print. Before that, all I had was LastFM to hear it. Having this CD has only progressed my obsession with what Lewis is. They are emotional rock and roll done very well.

Colourmusic

Colourmusic on Wikipedia

I accidently came across Colourmusic about 2 and a half years ago. I was drawn in very quickly. This song was fresh to me. It was exciting, and I found myself visiting their page very frequently. If you are a fan of good music, this is a band you'll want to follow. If you are one who respects a seal of approval from Wayne Coyne..they have it.

St.Vincent

I actually never intently sat down to listen to St.Vincent until just the other day. I was lost, but am now found. This (as I listen now) first track is incredible! Turn up the speakers, let the bass bounce the room, and sit back as Annie Clark (who is St.Vincent) and her voice give you an out of body experience. After a little googling, and online research, it's no wonder why Annie Clark has beautiful music flowing through her veins. Not only was she a member of The Polyphonic Spree (starting 2003), but also a member of Sufjan Steven's touring band (starting 2006). St.Vincent is/has picking up buzz very quickly, and I am sure that in no time your friend with the Death Cab t-shirt will come knocking on your door with a burnt copy of her CD, or at least a mix with her on it. I am glad the world has an Annie Clark in it.

Ra Ra Riot

Even though I don't have the greatest voice in the world, I enjoy singing or humming (other people's) catchy, creative melodies. Ra Ra Riot in "St.Peters Day Festival" delivers just that. I don't feel that the song is an A+ from start to finish, but I do believe that the parts that are A+, go above and beyond the grading scale making up for the parts that are B-. I dare you to listen to this song though. Don't be surprised if you replay it 3 or 4 (15 in my case) times. Ra Ra Riot is fun, easy to listen to, and enjoyable in their album "The Rhumb Line". Don't miss out by being a stranger to this group's work.

Javelins

One of the first shows that I went to was Anathallo, Colour Revolt, Foxhole, and Javelins. I was in awe. It was above a pizza parlour in Ohio, and the air was exciting. I was young, and really into any band that most of my friends hadn't heard of. This was the show to be at. I will venture out of describing the entire show, and move towards the glory that was Javelins.
Javelins is a three piece, but plays a large sound, and you soon forget that there are only 3 of them on stage. The drummer, who is also the singer, commands the forces with his naturally high voice belting through the speakers, and drumming pulsing through the room. With the one lone guitarist playing fast strumming patterns, and high amounts of reverb, there were moments where I thought God was resting his presence on the room. The bass player had stage left to himself, and played with perfect bass tone that swirled through the room. The bass player seemed to be responsible for the backing tracks that carried synths, auxiliary percussion, and some complimentary guitar parts. It was a great performance, and they have shaped me significantly. Give them a listen by clicking their band name, Javelins. Be sure to listen to their song "Entropy", which they released on a split vinyl with the band Anathallo.

Aloha

Aloha, a band that will have you bouncing when "Summer Away" is spilling from your speakers. A band that will have you rocking, or even pacing, when "Your Eyes" rolls through your ear canals. Aloha, a Polyvinyl Records band, first started in 1997 (Wikipedia) and is still creating today. The current lineup of Matthew Gengler,
Tony Cavallario, Cale Parks, and T.J. Lipple has existed since May 2003 when they began the writing process of their future 2004 album "Here Comes Everyone". I created links out of Cale Parks and T.J. Lipple, be sure to see what they do by clicking on their names.






up next: Javelins

The Walkmen

There are no words to explain how great "We've Been Had" and "The Rat" by The Walkmen are. These are two songs that I will throw on a playlist together without any other songs, and just drift away in their presence. I currently have two ringtones. One for my girlfriend (Headphones - Shit Talker...I mostly hear this one) and one for everyone else (The Walkmen - We've Been Had). Whenever someone else calls I find myself not wanting to pick up, rather just listen to The Walkmen belt out "see me age nineteen with some dumb haircut from 19...60, moving to New York" on their song "We've Been Had". Their song "The Rat" is equally ringtone worthy, and easily deserving of it's spot in Pitchfork's Top 10 Songs of 2004 (it was #6).

"The Rat"


"We've Been Had"

Vostok

One of the first bands that I really got into, that shaped my perspective on music was a band called Vostok. They had a song called "Christmas Is on Fire" that always gives/gave me the chills (this is a good sign in music). Vostok is no longer, but their music still moves. To my liking "Christmas Is on Fire" melts me right at 2:31 (listen to it from at least 1:50 to get effect) and punches again at 2:59 with vocal "screams" similar to Colour Revolt, Crystal Antlers, or Arcade Fire. I am a sucker for peaking vocals. Whether that is screaming, or just vocals clipping at the preamp. Loud distorted vocals win my heart. I would describe the song more, but perhaps you can just watch the video below and take a taste for yourself. Enjoy!



VOSTOK|

up next: The Walkmen

HEADPHONES / The First Post!

My name is Mark Ventura. I have spent most of my life being intrigued by music, and those who find a way to spin music in a way we never thought possible. I often get hooked on a single song, and will listen to it on repeat (over and over and over). I will elaborate on my listening preferences throughout the existence of this blog, but I would like to use this site to share with you songs I personally am hooked on, bands that you should listen to, and albums that you should own. Life is available!

"Because I talk shit about you too.
I swear I thought you knew
All the conversations
People have about you
Shit that you won't ever hear.
Shit, man. Oh shit, man."

-"Shit Talker" by Headphones

This song is my ringtone, my obsession, and easily the first song I want to talk about. David Bazan's (as well as TW Walsh and Frank Lenz) composition in Headphones is exactly what I needed, and I'll never forget the moment it was shown to me. If you aren't familiar with the work of David Bazan, he is notorious for creating dark music with a pop spin. His lyrics are honest, story like, and thoughtful. The lyrics to the last song, "Slow Car Crash", on the Headphones album are as follows:

"Your purse hit the windshield when I locked the brakes,
airbags inflated, seat belts engaged
a semi was jack knifed because of the rain
a hundred yards up blocking 3 lanes
We knew it was over and we both looked away
right at each other with spare time to say
Babe, I love you and Babe, I love you, too."

I think these lyrics demonstrate very well the mindset behind Headphones. Each song paints a picture, and makes it easy to imagine yourself IN the story. Headphones' self-titled album, which came out May 2005, is unfortunately the only album they have to offer, but easily in my top 5 albums in existence today. If you haven't listened to Headphones, please do.