WHY? "Sod In The Seed"

WHY? started out as a solo musical project for Yoni Wolf, previously a member of experimental hip-hop band cLOUDDEAD. With his brother and a couple of other members enlisted, it is now a band. They play a mixture of indie rock and hip-hop (more Beck than Kanye). The title track to last year's 'Sod in the Seed' EP turned out to be one of the songs of the year on Bitter FM. Yoni's rapping is excellent and the rhymes are even better.



Lyrics
His hooves in dirt, pound
And knead up ground
He cannot remain bound
When the trumpets sound

Let's review some recent facts
I make decent cash, I'm a minor star
And we can't last if she don't drive a hybrid car
I scribble vapid raps on your flyer backs
The word is I purchased a refurbished Mac G4
Pull up to critical mass in a gas-guzzling Ford
Just to ask you when next your rock outfit performs
Before you tell me the facts, I'm down the road yelling back
Please post it on the Whole Foods bulletin board
I'd earn a lick of respect and slum hard for sure
But I threw out my lumbar picking up cheques
I'm so numb, Lord yes, despite how I'm blessed
I'm destined to end up a slum lord depressed
Come by poorly dressed, your address on the first
Hum something under my breath that half resembles some words
And like a bird in a suit cut for a brutish bear
Back out of there bowing like a Jew in prayer

I'll never shirk this first world curse
A steady hurt and a sturdy purse

A small dark bard, I'll give an inch to start
Then leave you home dreaming of the whole nine yards
Leave you home dreaming, believing that you'd seen me
Loose skin breathing like a cathedral at evening
Screaming like a demon in the Garden of Eden
Missing what parts that a stork in its beak brings
But even what an evil man thinks is really pink and on his insides
Doesn't mean you shouldn't pull his card out
So what if a man blinks in Morse code while he sings
If he sings his heart out?
Everybody's gotta get paid
I'd say "far out, no way"
Frankly, I'd be amazed
But a patriot would save the day
Make the hitch, help C.I.A
What's bad, what's good
A complicated man is misunderstood
Even to himself
Acutely unaware what's in a shallow breath of air
And long exhale of something else

I'll never shirk this first world curse
A steady hurt and a sturdy purse

Two sips, instant drip, Sanka mud
New corpus publicist, thanks ya bud
His hundred bucks worth of wordy blogger thugs
Come forth forthwith to four seasons of flood
To morbidly orbit your toilet like hornets abuzz
Forming above like buzzards in love
When you first wake up, spitting sick from the gut
And shitting black blood at six
Then you wonder why I'm high up, sitting, yup
The blundering braggart
From a covered wagon spitting under the vagrants in gutters
What, does it make me evil? Am I a feeble deranged fuck?
Cause Jesus would and I would not drive the needle exchange truck?
Well if I'm out of luck, I'm still pitching notes through this throat
Pissing fears and hopes through the ears of folks listening
No matter what, batter up enough of this nonsense
You can gather up the content of the catcher's cup and suck

Do you kneel and squint your eyes and cup your hands against the window
Just to see who rides, to get a glimpse inside the limo?
Have some self-respect and exercise some tact
While I supply the info that you lack
One must pay the frat fee to enjoy the fat-free snacks
Strippers, roofies, and six-packs, and groupies with big breasts
Sending out mass texts asking who's next
To get his lance waxed in the wickedest sex acts
Step back from the stretch, mack, and mind the gap
With all due respect sir, there's a limited cap
You'll need a ticket to kick it in the back
Of this rented, tinted-out black Cadillac
But I can tell by your polo, slacks, Sebagos and blank stare
You're good for the total package and game to be back there
But who am I to judge a man's heart by his yacht wear?
And it scares me to death, yes, that I'm starting to not care

I'll never shirk this first world curse
A steady hurt and a sturdy purse

Good and evil's often neither strength or flaw
But sod in the seed of what you are
A filthy silt stashed in a white silk sash
Or a doula dove smashed in an airplane crash

You'll never shirk this first world curse
A steady hurt and a sturdy purse
A steady hurt and a sturdy purse

Blow Up Hollywood - "Kite"

Blow Up Hollywood are a New York band who have built up a diverse catalogue over the last 10 years or so. Their self titled debut album from 2002 was an overlooked classic... a concept album about life and death. Brilliant songs like "Kite" don't deserve to go unnoticed any more. It's up to you... no pressure.

Cool Rainbows - "Southern Summer Sun"

You don't need to spend too much money and time in a studio with a shit hot producer to create beautiful atmospheric music. Lil' Chief records' band 'Cool Rainbows' is proof of that. "Southern Summer Sun" is from their debut album 'Whale Rocket' released early 2012.... a buried treasure.

Austin Tayshus - "Australiana"

Our neighbours across the ditch have just celebrated Australia Day and every year I see their celebrations on the news, or where ever (this time it was a T20 cricket match on TV), I kind of wish we celebrated our national day (Waitangi Day) with as much pride and passion. So here's a toast to Australia and you will not find anything more Australian than "Australiana" by Austin Tayshus... fair dinkum, mate!

Thieving Irons- "Poison"

After the demise of New York indie rock band Pele, guitarist Nate Martinez started his new project Thieving Irons in 2010, while other members formed We Are Augustines. On the single "Poison" the Poison in his head may be the memories that he can't shake... but for us, it's that catchy tune that we can't shake. Cool and Fuzzy.

San Cisco - Awkward

Australian band San Cisco, who have recently signed to Fat Possum Records, play catchy indie pop music with a bit of Vampire Weekend thrown in. "Awkward" is a modern tale of dating and stalking - told from both sides.

Split Enz - "Spellbound"

I've just been watching Maria Sharapova at the Aussie open and it brought back an old memory. I know what you are thinking... a beautiful young Russian tennis player that grunts... where is this going? Well, let's concentrate on the grunting for a while. There was once a late night music show on TV called Grunt Machine.... sorry about the long segue. Anyway, except for the lip syncing, Grunt Machine was unlike the other music shows of the time - it featured original music and was the only opportunity for most of them to get through to the wider TV audience... even if it was buried late at night. One such band was 'Split Enz' in 1975, the year they released their debut album 'Mental Notes.' "Spellbound" featured Phil Judd on vocals... as seen here in the clip from Grunt Machine.
Go Sharapova!

The Polyphonic Spree - "Hold Me Now"

After 'Tripping Daisy' disbanded, due to the death of guitarist Wes Berggren, singer Tim DeLaughter decided to put together an orchestral pop rock band... and 'The Polyphonic Spree' was born. Their first concert was in 2000 and it featured 12 musicians, where they supported 'Grandaddy' and 'Bright Eyes'- fuck! what a line-up. It wasn't long before their personnel grew to well over the original 12. Their robes started out white, then went multi-coloured and they eventually opted for black army outfits for their third album 'The Fragile Army' in 2007. One early member was Annie Clark (now recording under the 'St Vincent' name). "Hold Me Now" was a single from their 2004 album 'Together We're Heavy.'
If they were actually a cult, it's one you wouldn't mind joining.

The Hairdos - "Night Creeper"

The Hairdos "Night Creeper" sounds like LCD Soundsystem... if they had a budget of $25.

Sondre Lerche - "Sleep On Needles"

Sondre Lerche is a Norwegian musician with a vast range of influences and the majority of them are from the 60's. "Sleep On Needles" is from his 2001 debut 'Faces Down.' The album was bought on a whim, while going through a lo-fi Norwegian faze led by 'Kings of Convenience,' and it ended up with a residency in the CD player.

Chlöe Howl - "No Strings"

On the strength of Chloe Howl's debut single "No Strings" there is a good chance that 2013 will be a good year for her. "No Strings" is dance-pop with the indie snarl of Kate Nash. A chorus which leads with "Fuck your no strings" from a seventeen year old, about a casual relationship, just doesn't seem out of place in 2013.

First Aid Kit - "Emmylou"

First Aid Kit's tribute to the country singing pairings of 'Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons' and 'June Carter and Johnny Cash' is as sweet as anything the name-checked artists released themselves... big call, but I will stand by it. In fact, usually when I hear a song name-checking other artists, I go back to those artists - but this one just makes me want to hear more of these Swedish sisters. A love song for music lovers.



Lyrics to Emmylou
Oh the bitter winds are coming in
And I'm already missing the summer
Stockholm's cold but I've been told
I was born to endure this kind of weather
When it's you I find like a ghost in my mind
I am defeated and I gladly wear the crown

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June
If you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too
No, I'm not asking much of you
Just sing little darling, sing with me

Now so much I know that things just don't grow
If you don't blessed them with your patience
And I've been there before I held up the door
For every stranger with a promise

But I'm holding back, that's the strength that I lack
Every morning keeps returning at my window
And it brings me to you and I won't just pass through
But I'm not asking for a storm

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June
If you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too
No, I'm not asking much of you
Just sing little darling, sing with me

And yes I might have lied to you
You wouldn't benefit from knowing of the truth
I was frightened but I held fast
I need you now at long last

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June
If you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too
No, I'm not asking much of you
Just sing little darling, sing with me

I'll be your Emmylou and I'll be your June
If you'll be my Gram and my Johnny too
No, I'm not asking much of you
Just sing little darling, sing with me
Just sing little darling, sing with me

Luckless - "Perfect Form"

Auckland duo Luckless will be a great discovery for anyone who hasn't, well, discovered their sparse indie-rock music yet. Their self-titled debut album is full of beautiful, while sombre, tracks like "Perfect Form" which are 'perfectly formed' in every way.

WHATEVER!

I've run out of time to post a song today. So here is a bit of useless information. Did you know (although, if not, you won't be surprised) that 'Whatever' was named the most annoying word in 2012 for the 4th year running - by Americans? The conversation stopper is just as annoying to everyone the world over... they even take the piss in countries where English isn't an official language.

The Dream Academy - "Life in A Northern Town"

London band The Dream Academy's first single "Life in a Northern Town" was their biggest hit by far. Released in 1985 it was a Top 10 hit in the USA and Top 20 in the UK. "Life in A Northern Town" was a tribute to English folk hero Nick Drake, although his name isn't mentioned in the lyrics. The African chant-like chorus was something quite different at the time, but it's impact was powerful... and still is. They should've been huge but sometimes things don't go to script.

Datarock - Catcher in the Rye

Norwegian Dance-punk duo Datarock decided to do something a little different with the release of their "Catcher in the Rye" single in 2011. They packaged it as a 4GB USB stick, in the shape of a diamond toy, which included the following... A five-song EP Catcher In The Rye, A new album Music For Synchronization, Datarock Datarock LP/ Red LP (with bonus tracks), B-sides and rarities compilation, 15 new instrumentals and a 40 track remix album.... oh, I just about forgot the 20 videos, 1500 photos (I think that is a bit much, even for the nuttiest fan), and a 60 minute concert film. I think the CD store here in Taupo may have overlooked this one. Anyway, let's get back to the song (which I downloaded) "Catcher in the Rye." I have only got two words to describe this song. So here are the two words... Talking Heads.

Anya Marina - "Spirit School"

Anya Marina's 2010 EP 'Spirit School' is possibly no more than a prelude to her album to follow or a clean-out before she started recording her album 'Felony Flats' released in 2012. Either way, it certainly wasn't a throw-away. The Dandy Warhols' Courtney Taylor-Taylor was a guest on the track "Whatsit", which could be the best thing he has been part of in recent times. The title track "Spirit School" has a bit of the noise-pop charm of the 'Dum Dum Girls' thrown in for good measure. It sticks like rubber and glue.



Spirit School Lyrics
uh, uh-huh, uh-huh . . .
Semester is out
The teacher is in
There ain't no exams but oh you better betchya gonna learn something
So get in the van
And pay all your dues
And stay awhile
Yeah stay here in the spirit school
Gimme your tired
Gimme your weak
Gimme the gangly boys
Gimme the girls with the funny feet
We'll call you Sticks
And you'll play guitar
I promise you
I promise you're gonna go far
We're rubber and you're glue
And no matter what you say we're gonna stick it right to you
(repeat)
You won't get expelled
and we'll never tell
I got a pocket full of secrets and a magic pill
We keep it movin' where everything's cool
So stay awhile yeah stay here in the spirit school
We're rubber and you're glue
And no matter what you say we're gonna stick it right to you
(repeat)
Lone road, do you think I sold my soul?
won't see my love for weeks
we've miles and miles to go before we--
Sleepy Jean, we're living out our dreams
Don't fret your pretty head
Just cos we're looking like the walking dead
Uh uh-huh uh-huh
Oh we're rubber and you're glue
And no matter what you say we're gonna stick it right to you
(repeat)
uh uh-huh uh-huh

Pulp - "This Is Hardcore"

Pulp's ode to porn had Jarvis Cocker at his sleaziest. The title track to the 1998 album was a continuation of their big hit "Common people" but this time it's not the class differences, it's straight to the sex. In fact, my mate Charlie Sheen from Turangi loves this song. Although, not as much as my friend Dominique Strauss-Kahn from West Auckland. I also remember running into my mate Bill Clinton from Mt Eden, while on a train in Auckland, who had a vinyl copy with him. Who wouldn't love this. Sit back, grab a cigar and enjoy this Pulp classic.

Great Moments In Rock n' Roll History - Part 1

Maybe it is time to add some historical moments in rock n' roll to this blog. The start of a new year is a good excuse for anything, so here we go with the first installment of our random posts celebrating some great historical moments in the short history of rock music.
In 1976 bland was still in and even disco, which was a refreshing enough fad, didn't quite kill the crap that was filling the airwaves. From "Seasons In the Sun" to "Silly Love Songs" and with "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" in-between, generally, music was as mainstream as it was in the 50's when Perry Como ruled and rock n' roll didn't even exist. Music needed a shakeup and someone had to deliver it. That person turned out to be Malcolm McLaren. He put a band together called 'The Sex Pistols' and inadvertently invented punk rock. I say inadvertently because I'm sure what followed what he had started could not have been part of a long term plan... more of an ever developing movement that he started. That development was, of course, punk rock. The savior of music... the much needed outlet for the frustrated and disillusioned. Don't get me wrong, it didn't completely change the world - the Westies still loved Led Zep, the AM radio listeners still loved their MOR hits and disco wasn't over at all. But there was something DIY about punk that was exciting for all the others... outcasts? maybe at first, but accepted over time - not that they gave a fuck about being accepted, but accepted all the same. This takes us to the mainstream media. They weren't so accommodating when it came to this new style of music. When the Sex Pistols were invited on the Bill Grundy show in December 1976 it was obvious he (and maybe the producers) had no respect and was provoking them to behave, well, as they did. Even they would would look back with a cringe, but you can't get past the fact that the Bill Grundy Show was going out of their way to provoke hatred and basically a set up to their conservative audience. Johnny Lydon has been quoted recently that had Bill Grundy been a nice guy, or at least, more respectful, there may have been a different outcome. Anyway, what they managed to do was widen the gap between the old and the rebellious young. Punk got new recruits in the thousands. The moral of this story is that we didn't have to put up with MOR rubbish anymore... and we got The Stranglers, Boomtown Rats, The Clash, XTC, and the Damned on the radio. So this great moment in rock n' roll history wasn't so much about saying Fucker on national television but more about changing the musical landscape. If it wasn't for punk, I don't know if I would be the music nerd I am.

Tom Waits - "New Year's Eve"

Tom Waits' "New Year's Eve" is about that New Year's Eve party that turns into a disaster. I know from experience that most of them don't live up to the expectations, but sometimes they just sink. But no matter how bad it gets, we all sing along to 'Auld Lang Syne' come midnight. So no matter how bad your celebrations turn out to be, don't worry, they won't have as much drama as this one. Enjoy your night.



Lyrics
The door was open I was seething
Your mother burst in it was freezing
She said it looks like it’s trying to rain
I was lost I felt sea sick
You convinced me that he’d left
You said keep talking but don’t use any names
I scolded your driver and your brother
We are old enough to know how long you’ve been hooked
And we’ve all been through the war
And each time you score
Someone gets hauled and handcuffed and booked

It felt like four in the morning
What sounded like fire works
Turned out to be just what it was
The stars looked like diamonds
Then came the sirens
And everyone started to cuss

All the noise was disturbing
And I couldn’t find Irving
It was like two stations on at the same time
And then I hid your car keys
And I made black coffee
And I dumped out the rest of the rum

Nick and Socorro broke up
And Candice wouldn’t shut up
Fin he recorded the whole thing
Ray he said damn you
And someone broke my camera
And it was New Years
And we all started to sing

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot for the sake of auld lang syne

I was leaving in the morning with Charles for Las Vegas
And I didn’t plan to come back
I had only a few things
Two hundred dollars
And my records in a brown paper sack

I ran out on Sheila
Everything’s in storage
Calvin’s right I should go back to driving truck

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot for the sake of auld lang syne