Sharp Corners Volume 1: Home

The first volume of our mixtape is coming soon to a street near you! Be on the lookout.

I just got the pre-release copy from my compatriot here, and I’m going to let you know what I think.

• Little Kingdoms – F’in Rad
• RVIVR – Derailer
• Sundials – Neighborhood Well

So this is a pop punk mix, clearly. I’m digging these songs. I think I need to listen to more RVIVR – I only know one of their other songs but they’re really good.

• Mary Lou Lord – Some Jingle Jangle Morning

This sounds like it’s going to be a folk song. But, wait, no, it’s a pop song too. It kinda reminds me of Dinosaur Jr, but more faded. It’s cool.

• Big Eyes – Since You Left
• Slingshot Dakota – Ohio

I kind of love Slingshot Dakota. They write these noisy pop-punk songs with cool twisty synth lines propping them up. And Carly has a great voice. “While others sleep to dream, you make your dreams come true” – I hope someone says that about me someday

• Japandroids – The Boys Are Leaving Town
• Andrew Cedermark – Hard Livin’

This is the first I’ve heard of Andrew Cedermark, but this is really cool. It’s grandiose and elaborate while still being catchy. Orchestral is the word I’m looking for, I think. Honestly this would probably be the standout track if it weren’t for…

• Waxahatchee – Grass Stain

which is of course wonderful. Also I like the transition from punk stuff, slowing it down through Hard Livin’, and fading out to the end.

• Yuck – Stutter
• Kings Of Convenience – Homesick

And the winding down is complete. Homesick could be a lullaby (full disclosure: I didn’t listen to the words very closely).

Sharp Corners Volume 1: Home

Download and tell us what you think!

Big Soda

Ok, so, personally I’m going to the clubz tonight, but in case you don’t have any plans yet this is what I recommend you do:

If you like pop punk or the band Swearin’ at all* then you should download Big Soda. Ex members of Little Lungs, Cheeky, and Loose Tooth, their 2011 Demo is free on their bandcamp HERE, and the Paper Rt. 7” is available free thanks to IYMI HERE. Download both!! (But remember to donate to these guys if you can.) Now, in your iTunes click to uncheck the little box next to the song Beep Beep ’cause I hate it and it gets stuck in my head and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Next click the repeat button so that when you run out of Big Soda songs they’ll start over. You’re the Worst and Swearin’ are the best and demand your attention. I think the band Swearin’ is even named after the song Swearin’, in case my recommendation wasn’t reason enough to listen. Now have a great night!

*If you don’t like pop punk at all then I don’t know what you should do. Sorry :(

ARE ESS

Robert Sergel lives in Cambridge, MA somewhere and he’s like a photographer/cartoonist I think, BUT he’s also a secret musical wonder who hides behind the name “ARE ESS” and refuses to play a show live no matter how many times I email him. His fuzzy pop album is available for free download on his bandcamp HERE !! Germs Rules.

Katie, I Made You A Gift

This post – as my life – is a love letter to Katie Crutchfield.

I remember when I first saw you, under the unsightly yellow lights of the grimiest venue I’ve ever attended. You stepped on stage in a shimmering black dress and started the show with Tennessee, We’d Never Agree, and Hail Mary and – in a theme that haunts our relationship – let me down by not playing Incoherent Love Songs next. It would be months before I saw you next.

You’re a traveling woman. I understand that. You’ve got shows lined up for months. If things come together maybe I’ll see you again in Brooklyn for an hour or two. And I know you’ve got your whole life ahead of you – but I don’t really care about the future.

They say behind every great man is a woman – but, Katie, I’d rather you stand next to me. I don’t care if I’m too young to be married. Consider this an open proposal – Will you marry me?
I promise we’ll be good.