I have a friend that’s soon going to be a famous actress. This is not a lie. I woke up yesterday morning to find “Paranormal Activity” as the top Twitter trending topic. See, I have friends in high places, and soon you’ll have to recognize that this is just how I roll. I eat fine cheeses and fly around in helicopters on the weekend. Brad Pitt sends me Christmas cards. Occasionally, I email the Olsen Twins about good music; I do this for fun and because people like me.
Not really. But I’m absolutely stoked that my friend, Ashley, appears on the short cast list of Paranormal Activity, supposedly one of the scariest movies ever made. I’ve posted the trailer below, and if it doesn’t get your ass off the couch and to your nearest movie theater, check your pulse immediately. I graduated high school with Ashley, and she’s been working her ass off since college trying to break in and the current flurry of buzz surrounding this movie just may be her ticket. A couple of years ago, she landed a “reality TV” spot on a show about party planning. I flew out to LA and actually appeared for six seconds on the TV show. While this is my six second claim to fame, I certainly wish Ashley (who’s dating my best pal, Aaron) all the luck in the world. Originally, the movie wasn’t set for viewing in every city, but the viral marketing has exploded. It should be playing in a theater near you. By the time you’ve read this post, I will have seen the movie. From what I understand, it’s so creepy that you’re probably reading this post as I cower in my room, afraid to open the door. If you’ve seen it, hit the comment section. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Here’s the trailer for it…
On the music front, I’d like to use this space to atone for some music blogger sins lately. I feel a little dirty every time I write our Radio Dick post, particularly because I blast the ether with 10-15 tracks with very little discussion about the music I’m peddling. The main reason for this is that it’s a weekend post, and we try to keep things smooth and simple as the week draws to a close. The flip side of this, however, is I don’t often write about the worth and merit of the tracks we’re posting on Sundays. Throughout the week, we hit some in-depth reviews, but this day is usually reserved for simply handing you free tunes of emerging bands. In this effort, I always feel like I screw over the record stores. When the dust settles, you probably should be spending your cash at the record store. I’ll go out on a limb and assume that a majority of our readership has a turntable. If you’re digging deep for obscure indie music, it’s no secret at this point that vinyl is the best way to listen to any of the music we post. So I’d like use this space to showcase two of our favorite local stores that just so happen to do business on the same eastside Cleveland street.
Music Saves and Blue Arrow are excellent local record stores and the people are great, to boot. Melanie and Kevin at Music Saves are on top of things, and a quick browse through their website shows the soft and gentle nature of their enterprise. I grow tired of pompous and abrasive “smarter than thou” record store owners. You know who I’m talking about, right? The snobby and aloof musical genius that judges every purchase you make, taking every chance they get to show you their prowess in uncovering emerging music. Melanie and Kevin steer widely clear of this mentality and their shop is more homey and inviting. The interior is warmly decorated, “Vinyl” the cat marches around you while you shop, and both owners make it a point to promote the Cleveland Scene. Check out their website HERE and if you’re in the area, make it a point to stop by Waterloo Road in Collinwood and say hello.
Blue Arrow Records is a kickass vintage vinyl store a few doors down from Music Saves. To tell a family secret, I’ve not been able to shop here as much as I’ve liked due to my schedule, but from what I can gather, they’ve been doing well and the several visits I have been able to make have been great. Just like Music Saves, Blue Arrow is a husband/wife enterprise, focusing on collecting and reselling quality vintage vinyl. They run the gamut here from obscure records (we actually managed to see a copy of Trent Reznor’s first band’s LP) to the staples of any decent vinyl collection. The prices are insanely affordable and it’s a great place to catch an in-store as well. An elevated stage sits in the back and they host DJ sessions and in-stores whenever possible. The point of emphasis with Blue Arrow, however, is the unique floor design. The entire floor is made up of old LP covers, lacquered over and polished. No expense was spared on the floor, and it has to be the most unique and coolest idea I’ve seen in a record store. Check out more photos through their website, HERE.
So as you listen to today’s big ass list of music below, make it a point to support your local independent record stores. Even though I get a lot of music demos handed to me free over here, I make it a point to pick up anything I love on vinyl. I try my best to give back to the industry and you should, too. Today’s list is a mixture of the remix and the upcoming. Oddly, the tracks on this list I keep playing are not new, particularly “Mouth Breather” from The Jesus Lizard. Remastering and re-releasing is popular for this iconic band lately and as tracks get released, I keep playing them like crazy. I hit up the excellent Canadian music blog, Chromewaves, the other day to catch a great live version of White Rabbits’ “Percussion Gun” and posted it here. I don’t think he’ll mind. Check out the blog while you have the chance. We’ve also got a new Royksopp remix that’s fresh out of the birth canal and sure to get you moving this morning. Enjoy the list and have a great week of work, folks. Good times.
Molina & Johnson – Twenty Cycles To The Ground
Sleep Whale – We Were Dripping
White Rabbits – Percussion Gun (Live On Myspace Transmissions)
Slaraffenland – Meet and Greet
Of Montreal – Brush Brush Brush
Alela Diane feat. Alina Hardin – Bowling Green
The Jesus Lizard – Mouth Breather
Mando Diao – Dance With Somebody (The Hood Internet Remix) Feat. GZA and Cadence Weapon
Royksopp – Tricky Tricky (Feat. Fever Ray) (Salem’s Remix)
