On Ear Phones

Reformed and in defense of loud music it has been fascinating spending time finding music and other innovative and interesting media. I am here for the latest installment, the summer time version, of the sounds that continue to vibrate my ear drums. This post brought to you by Apple's Ipod, a truly modern marvel and the greatest proliferater of mobile sound via Itunes, Boomkat.com, podanza.com, audible.com and now available from your local library(downloadable books that is check it out).

Special note before we start Tuesday, July 14, Marian, Patrick and I attended probably my only concert of the summer as The Guggenheim Grotto played at SPACE 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Marian performed the voice over for the introduction/first track on their latest album, Happy the Man. A great venue with probably the best sound I've heard at a live gig. Tadhg Cooke (crazy incredible voice) and the Kaiser Cartel opened both very nice. And we had a great if late night with them afterwards.

If you do not already know podcasts are the best development in communications EVER. Sure television was pretty important but after that and the computer/internet /mobile phones and anything else you might think of.....podcasts I'm in love. Better than playing tapes on a walkman. That is why I need your help to find me more or tell me what you like. Also, here are a few of the ones that I found that you might like too. Let me know if you have any others for me.

MUSIC

Wired Playlist—If you are like me and out of the know with respect to who is making or made good music this is a pretty good place to start. I especially like #5 with special guest Thomas Darby.

National Public Radio—How all news media should be organized so All of it!!! I'm sure they have enough money but they do some great things....So be sure to listen and contribute to Chicago Public Radio and NPR related programming. The NPR app on the Iphone or Touch allows access to all NPR member stations including those that play just music including jazz, classical etc. Favorite here is WFUV 90.7 in NYC. The below list of songs would be much longer for all the brilliant tracks I've heard on this commercial free station. All Songs Considered, On the Media, Marketplace, it is all there. Locally produced favorites include The World, Sound Opinions and This Ameican Life--Ira Glass is a story telling icon. Laugh and cry at the spoken word—Inauguration Show good example .

As if All Songs Considered hosted by Bob Boilen wasn't brilliant enough there is also ASC Live Music. If you for example wish that you could go to the Newport Folk Festival to see Arlo Guthrey or Billy Bragg but didn't you can listen to them here. Radiohead in Santa Barbara--awesome show. I am sure that there are others that I am probably not familiar with if you think one is good let me know. Anyway loads of live shows you are sure to love.

For variety Podrunner, Drum and Bass Arena and State of Trance are good productions.

NEWS/Current Events

Again, imagine all your favorite NPR programs available ON DEMAND….Hooray.

Council On Foreign Relations—The World Next Week

Bill Moyers—it is difficult to find good extended interviews or conversations with people that are interesting and sort of just out of the mainstream.

OTHER

Demand Side Economics with Alan Harvey--Love this guy!!! If you are interested in economics this is your place for real perspective and if you are not a demand sider you should be.

The Playlist--

Introduction and Fee Da Da Dee --Marian Hussey & The Guggenheim Grotto

Sunny Afternoon—The Kinks
The Passenger—Iggy Pop

Two Weeks--Grizzly Bear

Electric Feel—MGMT
Summerteeth—Wilco
Le Femme d'argent-- Air

Blood Bank--Bon Iver

Peace in the Valley---Alabama 3

Flying Over Bus Stops--Athlete

Liszotamania--Phoenix--I don't know why but I do.

At Least That's What You Said---Wilco when its late and you want to play air guitar and drums

Camera Obscura--My Maudlin Career--the whole album out now excellent
Everything In Its Right Place--Radiohead--I have identified this as being my favorite live track

Note 2 tracks from Wilco Summerteeth album which I can't get out of the rotation especially now that Will Van Namen likes it so much.

That's it.

Except that when I'm out, I like to take my personal Jukebox family, the Gronholm's--all three with a brilliant take on it all. Of the lot, I love it most when its late and it's the Bowlers turn to spin some records. The almost senior member of the clan takes it way back, usually shades of the Rev. Al Green so that he can make sexxxxy dance moves for the ladies and another round of beers. There is no stopping him.