Alwaysmovinginstereo

I want to go back.

Now Future Islands. They reduce me to pieces. They're the A-side on a recent release of the Less Artists More Condos 7" series benefiting the late Ariel Panero of the Brooklyn-based artist collective Famous Class. "Cotton Flower" is a comforting ode to letting go. 

They play SF's Independent September 4th.

Lorraine Loot.

sometimes i play.

To Coachella, or Not to Coachella.

.Coachella's 2011 lineup was announced this week, and I see the reunited Death From Above 1979 (omg) is on the bill for Sunday. I also see Arcade Fire headlining Saturday(the weakest day admit it). These two bands alone makes me consider the $269 price tag. Then again, the other artists I'm excited about - Cut Copy, Sleigh Bells, The Presets, and Yelle - I'd much rather see in a club. The desert sun is discouraging. I feel parched already just thinking about it. In years past, the annual Coachella weekend in April has proved to be a great time to catch headliners and others here in the Bay, albeit in more comfortable and less expensive fashion.  Alas, I'm catching Cut Copy April 16th at SF's Regency Ballroom, the Saturday of the festival. Which btw, I'm extremely excited about, since their leaked new album Zonoscope (out February 8th) is sooo doin' it for me. Listen to the opening track "Need You Now" on the tube. There's a rumor Daft Punk may storm Kanye's Sunday night headlining slot. Although nothing will compete with their Alive 2007 stop at the Berkeley Greek Theater (MOST AMAZING SHOW EXPERIENCE EVER) it may be the icing on the cake for what could be a musically fantastic weekend. I brought up Daft Punk in the first place because a couple ladies who call themselves Pink Is Punk remixed "Derezzed" and it's really effing good. It's better and more satisfying than the original and that's what we like to hear. Ladies outdoin' robots.  Ok ok, perhaps persuasion and some high SPF will coax me into a trip to Indio. We'll see.

In other news: Beth Ditto, singer of The Gossip just released a four song EP, teaming up with Simian Mobile Disco for a sassy dance floor jaunt that doesn't sound unlike the dancier moments of The Gossip's recent record Music For Men, which despite being produced by Rick Rubin, was actually pretty dancey. Simian's presence is obvious, with their vintage sounding, yet super clean synths. Lovin' the lead track "Open Heart Surgery." She won't be at Coachella this year. Oh snap!

p.s. i like this. A LOT: The Drums - Me & the Moon (Clock Opera Mix)

When I was young, my Mom would take my older sister and I in her modest Toyota Tercel on roads to anywhere and nowhere. Day trips to the Mendocino Coast, or down to Santa Cruz, through vineyards or artichoke fields. There was always a soundtrack for the road, for my mother was still young and big on cassette tapes. INXS, Madonna, and Fine Young Cannibals were heavy in rotation. Lest not forget Pat Benatar. My mom would kill me if I didn't mention her.

Alas, another band was often filling my impressionable ears, whether on the tape deck or ol' KRQR, and that band of course was U2.

Now, you could imagine the shit I've gotten over the years for my penchant for the band's music. Especially from music lovers my age, of whom I've endured so many "Bono sucks" rants I've lost count. 

In part, I understand, Bono's persona is incredibly self-righteous, and he's always had awful hair. It's too bad, because it detracts those who may be so inclined from their music. And their music my friends, has generally been outstanding. In their prime (1980 -1991), the band's catalog is unparalleled. They became the greatest rock and roll band for their passion, their sincerity and their sound, which now has been ape'd like a bad rash (Coldplay would be served well if Chris Martin stuck to his piano).

I have no qualms stating that tonight I'm seeing my all-time favorite band for the first time. I'm not going out on a limb saying I am who I am in part to the music I've grown up listening to, and U2 is a such a significant part of that. 

They're gonna play one of my favorite songs, which you can stream above.

And when they play, I'll sing and holler and put my arm around my brother-in-law(who in fact first saw U2 in '87 for The Joshua Tree tour) and stand in awe of it all. 

The Irish band plays the Oakland Coliseum tonight with Lenny Kravitz.

Some genius thought to set one of the best tracks off the new Arcade Fire's record Reflektor to Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Thanks internet.