That Ghost

That Ghost is a one-man band created by eighteen-year-old Ryan Schmale from Northern California. I've been looking forward to talking about That Ghost for some time now. I came across Ryan's music last fall through myspace, and ever since then, I've really enjoyed his recordings.

That Ghost records out of his bedroom, which along with that lo-fi sound, really adds a personal and "homey" feel to his music, which I think brings comfort to the listener.

When it comes to variety, there is no shortage. That Ghost ranges from more danceable beats to mellow, bright eyes-esque melodies.

In the past 2 years, Ryan has released three full lenghts, and two EPs

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of "Winds From Westward" and "Up Cabins" ep, which are both excellent releases. Aside from excellent music, the packaging is unique and hand-crafted by Ryan himself. He is in every aspect of his music, down to the way the album looks. It's that DIY ethic that is really great about That Ghost, and many other artists.

Although his releases are out of print, fear not! Head over to myspace.com/thatghost and send a message to Ryan. He sends out music via email to those who ask!

Personally, That Ghost is one of my favorites, and it's really worth giving a listen.
This music has inspired me in many ways, and I hope it can do the same for you.

Click here to download track "Open Windows"
Download made possible by Ryan Schmale.

Spacecake Apparel

New clothing company on the rise.

Check it out.
Click the picture!

Edit: (aug. 11, 08)
Spacecake apparel is no more.
please visit:
www.myspace.com/harborastromagic
www.harborastromagic.blogspot.com

Holy !!!!

The real reason why I'm featuring the video for "Milkshake" by Holy F*** is because Chad Vangaalen created all the animation for it. I enjoy Chad Vangaalen's music, and I thought that it was great to see his creativity used in other forms of art as well.

If you have any videos that you've created, or have any recommendations, please feel free to share them.
avantnoise@yahoo.com

Little Tony

Anthony Green (front man of Circa Survive) is releasing a solo album entitled "Avalon". These past few months, he's been sending his fans out on "missions". Currently, mission number 9,
"Meet Little Tony", is underway. Green has asked his fans to make their own "Little Tony" by printing out and cutting out these miniature dolls. In addition, each fan who does this, is to document them and the little tony (or many little tonies) either by photos or videos. The fan that completes the mission best, will receive "something special."

for more information about this mission and anthony green's solo project, visit:
www.myspace.com/anthonygreen

for cut-outs of Little Tony:
click here for little tony holding a mic.

click here for little tony holding a copy of avalon (album)

The Whale.

If someone were to ask me to list the top albums of 2007, Berlin Whale's self-titled debut effort would be on the list, most definitely. These St. Louis natives create some frantic beats, as I like to call it. It makes you move. And I also love how the lyrics are written.

In my opinion, these dudes are talented. I would love to be able to see them live, if only i lived in the Midwest.

One day, soon.

If you don't know who Berlin Whale is, you should. Do your ears a favor, and take a listen.

edit: ATTENTION! Berlin Whale Has Changed Their Name To "EXERCISE"
www.myspace.com/exerciseaudio
www.last.fm/music/Berlin+Whale

radio heads.

If there's one radio station I'd ever recommend, it's somaFM. It broadcasts from the Bay Area (California, for all you non-Californians). They have various shows on this station, and I really like their selection of music. You can stream it through iTunes by clicking on radio -> alternative -> indie pop rocks somaFM

Or visit somafm.com for all the different varieties of shows they have.

Close your eyes to see.

Music, I think, is my one true love. It's God's finest creation. I think it's the most beautiful thing that humans are capable of ever producing. What it does to the soul is indescribable. I cannot explain in enough words how I feel about music, and it's infinite and grandiose beauty. It stirs the soul. It moves you. That's how you know that there is much more out there than what is tangible. Everything essential is not seen with your eyes, or felt with your hands. Music can take many different shapes, and it is the art form that impacts a person faster than any other art form. Music is honest. Music is vulnerable. Music can't ever leave you. It's always there. Always.

The Octopus Project.

a somewhat old song from the Octopus Project that I'll never cease to enjoy. "Wet Gold"

I've been procrastinating with this blog for a few months now. I had written a review of a Beirut show I attended on May 31st, and I still haven't posted that up. I'm behind.

Conquest- Tapes 'n Tapes

Recently, I've been really into Tapes 'n Tapes' new album Walk It Off. It was released this past April. I think it's one of those albums that you become immediately satisfied with, just after listening to the first few tracks. That was my experience, anyway.

Give these tracks a listen: "Conquest" (currently playing) and "Say Back Something"

"Say Back Something" can be listened to here: http://www.imeem.com/damianmann/music/GKqzMGyA/tapes_n_tapes_say_back_something/

I woke up in the age of wires.

Conor Oberst never quits. The brilliant Omaha, Nebraska native has returned yet again with another musical project. This time, Conor Oberst will be accompanied by The Mystic Valley Band.

The Mystic Valley Band is comprised of;
Taylor Hollingsworth (guitar)
Nik Freitas (guitar)
Macey Taylor (Bass)
Nate Walcott (Keys, Trumpet)
Jason Boesel (drums)

I was especially excited to see Nik Freitas in this lineup, having discovered his music shortly before hearing about Conor's new project. My life is full of those types of coincidences. Of course, I was also pleased to see Nate Walcott on the list, who is also a part of Conor's other (beautiful) band, Bright Eyes.

You can stream two tracks entitiled "Danny Callahan" and "Sould Out!!!"off the debut album on www.conoroberst.com/album/

The album was recorded in a Mexican mountain villa called Valle Místico, which translates into "Mystic Valley", hence the name of the band. El Valle Místico is noted for various extraterrestiral sightings. Juding from the previews I've gotten of this album, the feel of such a location really permeated the music. It has some hints of folk and powerful rock guitars. Conor's voice ranges from soft and subtle to loud, raw, and shaky.

I feel like Conor really brings an element of either the location where he's recording/or where he's been into his albums. Most notably on 2007's Cassadaga, named after a Spiritualist camp Oberst came across in Central Florida.

With the Mystic Valley Band, you can feel/hear hints of an eerie, mystic mexican valley in the music. It's an intangible experience that offers you something to feel good about, and much like the album cover, makes you want to lay in a hammock somewhere and just live.

The album entitled "Conor Oberst" will be available this August.
You can pre-order it now through Merge Records:
http://www.mergerecords.com/store/store_detail.php?catalog_id=542

Catch Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band on tour.
Shows for Los Angeles are already sold out in August, but they'll be back here in October.
I plan on attending then.

It's been nearly a year since I've seen Conor on stage. Time for a renewal.

*Special thanks to my friend Kyle Jahns for letting me know about Conor's new musical ambition.

Repair.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION.


read this in the mean time; an interesting article from 1993 about the music industry.
http://www.arancidamoeba.com/mrr/problemwithmusic.html