PLAYLIST: Mondo Radio (08/29/12)

Here's the playlist for this week's edition of Mondo Radio, which you can download or stream here. If you enjoy it, be sure to find the show on Facebook and Twitter.

Artist - Song - Album

Ruth - Polaroïd/Roman/Photo - BIPPP: French Synth Wave 1979-85

C.K.C. - 20H25 - BIPPP: French Synth Wave 1979-85

Depeche Mode - If You Want - Some Great Reward

Depeche Mode - Blasphemous Rumours - Some Great Reward

The Legendary Pink Dots - The Key To Heaven - Shadow Weaver

The Legendary Pink Dots - Guilty Man - Shadow Weaver

Brian Eno - Baby's On Fire - Here Come The Warm Jets

Brian Eno - In Dark Trees - Another Green World

The Normal - Warm Leatherette - 12" Single

Joy Division - Colony - Closer

Joy Division - A Means To An End - Closer

The Normal - T.V.O.D. - 12" Single

Mondo Boffo With Scorpio - I Wanna Be A Marine (Rap) - 12" Single

Kathy Diamond - The Moment - Miss Diamond To You

Kathy Diamond - All Woman - Miss Diamond To You

Simian Mobile Disco - 10,000 Horses Can't Be Wrong - Temporary Pleasure

Simian Mobile Disco - Bad Blood - Temporary Pleasure

Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor - Made In The Dark

Hot Chip - Over And Over - CD Single

Cut Copy - Need You Now - Zonoscope

Cut Copy - Blink And You'll Miss A Revolution - Zonoscope

Sebastian - Embody - Total

Sebastian - Ross Ross Ross - Total

Lou Reed - My House - The Blue Mask

Lou Reed - The Heroine - The Blue Mask

Van Morrison - Cyprus Avenue - Astral Weeks

Van Morrison - The Way Young Lovers Do - Astral Weeks

Bruce Springsteen - Out In The Street - The River

Bruce Springsteen - The River - The River

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Effigy - Willy And The Poor Boys

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Cotton Fields - Willy And The Poor Boys

Neil Young - Big Green Country - Mirror Ball

Neil Young - Song X - Mirror Ball

Johnny Cash - Personal Jesus - American IV: The Man Comes Around

Johnny Cash - In My Life - American IV: The Man Comes Around 

ALBUM REVIEW: Dan Deacon - America

Since his 2007 breakthrough Spiderman of the Rings, Dan Deacon's star has been steadily on the rise, and while there're plenty of reasons to be excited about that, one of the biggest is just how unlikely it is. It takes a certain amount of luck and serendipity for anyone making challenging, original music to crossover and connect with a wider audience, but Deacon seems to pack enough complicated ideas (and just plain old weirdness) into his releases to scare off anyone whose tastes skew toward the conventional, and yet even those who have little use for a word like "minimalism" seem to latch enthusiastically onto his work.

And there's an easy explanation for that. As much as Deacon's music reflects his master's degree in electro-acoustic and computer composition, it's also exuberant, infectious and just plain old fun, and both sides of that dichotomy are in full effect on his latest, America. It's one of his most assured and confident efforts to date, finding an expressive and endlessly listenable middle ground between the freaked-out, Day-Glo madness of SOTR and its more serious, thoughtful 2009 follow up Bromst, effortlessly synthesizing those elements that make his music worthy of contemplation and those that make it apt for going nuts to.

Deacon conceived of the project, which, as the title suggests, examines the land of the free and the home of the brave, after an eye-opening trip abroad forced him to come to terms with the national identity he'd long distanced himself from. Whether those themes successfully come through the speakers in any concrete way is a matter for debate, one that hinges on your ability to follow the lyrics through layer upon layer of sound, but in a more abstract way, America encapsulates many of the qualities that define its namesake; which is to say that it's at once majestic and abrasive, straightforward and unwieldy, eccentric and wholly worth exploring.

FEATURE: Dance Party Grudge Match: Depeche Mode vs. New Order

Considering the impressive volume of quality music the two bands have produced over the years, the Depeche Mode vs. New Order Dance Party, going down tonight at Mad Planet, should be a happening little shindig, but it also poses a serious question (for music nerds anyway), namely, which of the two synth-pop giants is ultimately the better band? In the interest of settling the debate once and for all (that's likely, right?) I take a look at the two accomplished contenders to see who walks away with the title.

 

Read the full piece here.

ALBUM REVIEW: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Mature Themes

Though he'd long been known as a talented and prolific solo artist, Ariel Pink seems to have picked up quite a bit of steam since he brought in some more members and began making music as Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti in 2008. The extra personnel added additional layers to his already eccentric songwriting and the substantial attention garnered by 2010's Before Today meant more time and toys in the studio once it came time to record again. With all that going for them, the new Mature Themes is an exciting proposition, and it doesn't disappoint, in fact, it's kind of a pleasure; shiny, smart and at times unabashedly goofy, but consistently charming.

The biggest reference point for the off-kilter mutant sounds found on Mature Themes is probably early Brian Eno, but there's any number of incongruous things rattling around, dreamy pop, silky R&B, sleazy electro, and yet it all hangs together, even though it at times seems as if it's on the verge of all falling apart. It's a schizophrenic record, and also one that doesn't take itself too seriously; "Schnitzel Boogie" (you can guess what it's about) could fit right in on a Ween album. But again, it might be a hodge-podge of ideas, but they're melded into something cohesive, even if that may take a second listen to realize.

The biggest detriment to the album is the lyrics, which are simultaneously absurdist and sexed-up (it is called Mature Themes after all) in a way that sometimes recalls Beck's Midnite Vultures. For most of the album's 50-minute runtime, they stay on the right side of the line that separates crazy from corny, but couplets like "I don't mean to burn any bridges/But I can't get enough of these bitches" can't help but sound a bit ham-fisted and strained. That being said, it's not enough to derail the experience over all, and it is a unique experience. That uniqueness may turn a more cautious breed of listener off, but it should ensnare far more, which should give Pink and company even more momentum towards whatever strange place they're heading next.  

PLAYLIST: Mondo Radio (08/22/12)

Here's the playlist for this week's edition of Mondo Radio, which you can download or stream here. If you dig it, be sure to follow the show on Facebook and Twitter.

Artist - Song - Album

The Robbs - Cynthia Loves - The Robbs

The Robbs - Jolly Miller - The Robbs

The Quest - Love - Psychedelic States: Wisconsin In The 60s

Syndicate - Next 21st Of May - Psychedelic States: Wisconsin In The 60s

The Thirteenth Floor Elevators - (I've Got) Levitation - 7th Heaven: Music Of The Spheres - The Complete Singles Collection

The Thirteenth Floor Elevators - Slip Inside This House - 7th Heaven: Music Of The Spheres - The Complete Singles Collection

The Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat - White Light/White Heat

The Velvet Underground - Here She Comes Now - White Light/White Heat

The Stooges - 1969 - The Stooges

The Stooges - No Fun - The Stooges

The First Gear - Leave My Kitten Alone - Freakbeat Freakout

The Movement - Tell Her - Freakbeat Freakout

The New Colony Six - Last Nite - Breakthrough

The New Colony Six - I Confess - Breakthrough

The Box Tops - Neon Rainbow - The Best Of The Box Tops: Soul Deep

The Box Tops - The Letter - The Best Of The Box Tops: Soul Deep

Max Groove - Essence - City People

Eugene McDaniels - Supermarket Blues - Back To Black

Bill Moss - Number One - Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Mystic Minds - Funky Business Games - Mind Over Matter

James Brown - Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine (Part 1 & Part 2) (Promo Version) - The Singles Volume 7: 1970-1972

James Brown - Fight Against Drug Abuse (Public Service Announcement) - The Singles Volume 7: 1970-1972

James Brown - Super Bad (Part 1 & Part 2) (Promo Version) - The Singles Volume 7: 1970-1972

Ila Vann - What's The Matter Baby - The Ila Vann Collection

Ila Vann - Flying Solo Tomorrow - The Ila Vann Collection

Manfred Hübler & Sigfried Schwab - The Lions And The Cucumber - 3 Films By Jess Franco

Manfred Hübler & Sigfried Schwab - Dedicated To Love - 3 Films By Jess Franco

Mustafa Özkent - Dolana Dolana - Gençlik Ile Elele

Mustafa Özkent - Silifke - Gençlik Ile Elele

Dungen - Panda - Ta Det Lugnt 

Dungen - Familj - Tio Bitar

Catacombz - Long Pretty Fingers - Mother Tongue 2

Catacombz - Booyea - Mother Tongue 2

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Panic In Babylon - Aufheben

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Seven Kinds Of Wonderful - Aufheben

The Dandy Warhols - Godless - Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia

The Dandy Warhols - Nietzsche - Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Red Eyes And Tears - Sampler

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Love Burns - Sampler

The White Stripes - Expecting - White Blood Cells

The White Stripes - Little Room - White Blood Cells

FEATURE: How to Learn to Stop Worrying and Love the 2012 Milwaukee Noise Fest

In advance of the jam-packed three-day festival, starting tomorrow night at the Borg Ward, I run down a few things you may want to keep in mind if you're new to noise.

Read the full piece here.

FEATURE: The Brian Jonestown Massacre Does Berlin

I chat with Anton Newcombe, leader of venerable neo-psychedelic outfit the Brian Jonestown Massacre, about living in Berlin, the new album, Aufheben, and the coming apocalypse. 

Read the full piece here.

PLAYLIST: Mondo Radio (08/15/12)

Here's the playlist for this week's edition of Mondo Radio, which you can download or stream here. If you dig it, you can also follow the show on Facebook and Twitter.

Artist - Song - Album

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Waking Up To Hand Grenades - Aufheben

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Viholliseni Maalla - Aufheben

Blonde Redhead - 23 - 23

Blonde Redhead - Dr. Strangeluv - 23

Blur - Trailerpark - 13

Blur - Trimm Trabb - 13

Super Furry Animals - Sarn Helen - Mwng

Super Furry Animals - Do Or Die - Guerrilla

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Forever Heavy - Dandelion Gum

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Sun Lips - Dandelion Gum

Stereolab - Neon Beanbag - Chemical Chords

Stereolab - Chemical Chords - Chemical Chords

The Late Bronze Age - Farmers Earn Livings - Outside Looking Out

Nirvana - Wings Of Love - The Story Of Simon Simopath

Nirvana - Satellite Jockey - The Story Of Simon Simopath

The Kinks - Get Back In Line - Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround, Part One

The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow - Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround, Part One

David Bowie - Panic In Detroit - Aladdin Sane 

David Bowie - Moonage Daydream - The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars

Roxy Music - The Thrill Of It All - Country Life

Roxy Music - Prairie Rose - Country Life

The Velvet Underground - Candy Says - The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground - That's The Story Of My Life - The Velvet Underground

Brian Eno - Here He Comes - Before And After Science

Brian Eno - I'll Come Running - Another Green World

The Soft Boys - Human Music - A Can Of Bees

The Soft Boys - Leppo And The Jooves - A Can Of Bees

Television - Foxhole - Adventure

Television - Ain't That Nothin' - Adventure

Big Star - Kangaroo - Third/Sister Lovers

Big Star - Holocaust - Third/Sister Lovers

Bobb Trimble - One Mile From Heaven (Long Version) - Iron Curtain Innocence

Bobb Trimble - Killed By The Hands Of An Unknown Rock Star - Iron Curtain Innocence

Television Personalities - Arthur The Gardener - Yes Darling, But Is It Art? (Early Singles And Rarities)

Television Personalities - I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives (Original Version) - Yes Darling, But Is It Art? (Early Singles And Rarities)

Syd Barrett - Baby Lemonade - Barrett

Syd Barrett - Octopus - The Madcap Laughs

FEATURE: Man vs. Machine: Kasparov and Deep Thought

As chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov found out the hard way, when you're competing against a machine, it's best not to get too cocky, since technology evolves a lot faster than we do.

Read the full piece here.

PLAYLIST: Mondo Radio (08/08/12)

Here's the playlist for this week's edition of Mondo Radio, which you can download or stream here. If you like it, you can also follow the show on Facebook and Twitter.

Artist - Song - Album
Catacombz - External Head Drive - Mother Tongue 2
Catacombz - Transactive Memory - Mother Tongue 2
Disappears - Not Romantic - Guider
Disappears - Halo - Guider
Jeff The Brotherhood - Dark Energy - Hypnotic Nights
Jeff The Brotherhood - Changes - Hypnotic Nights
TV On The Radio - I Was A Lover - Return To Cookie Mountain
TV On The Radio - Wolf Like Me - Return To Cookie Mountain
Future Of The Left - City Of Exploded Children - The Plot Against Common Sense
Future Of The Left - Polymers Are Forever - The Plot Against Common Sense
The Fall - Green Eyed - The Real New Fall LP (Formerly 'Country On The Click')
The Fall - Mountain - The Real New Fall LP (Formerly 'Country On The Click')
The Mighty Accordion Band - The Syncopated Clock - They Said It Couldn't Be Done!
Depeche Mode - Dreaming Of Me - The Singles 81-85
Depeche Mode - New Life - The Singles 81-85
Erasure - Chains Of Love - The Innocents
Erasure - Sixty-Five Thousand - The Innocents
Yazoo - Situation - Upstairs At Eric's
Alphaville - Red Rose (12'' Mix) - The Singles Collection
Yazoo - In My Room - Upstairs At Eric's
Kate Bush - Watching You Without Me - Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush - Hounds Of Love - Hounds Of Love
David Bowie - Always Crashing In The Same Car - Low
David Bowie - Scary Monsters - Vampires Of Human Flesh
LFO - Blown - Sheath
LFO - Freak - Sheath
Polygon Window - Quoth - (Surfing On Sine Waves)
Polygon Window - Polygon Window - (Surfing On Sine Waves)
Simian Mobile Disco - Nerve Salad - Delicacies
Simian Mobile Disco - Sweetbread - Delicacies
Mad Mike - The Force - Death Star
Mad Mike - Planet X - Death Star

ALBUM REVIEW: Catacombz - Mother Tongue 2

I check out Mother Tongue 2, the new album from local favorites Catacombz.  

Read my full review here.

FEATURE: Inside the Writing of "The Cease is Increase: An Oral History of the Milwaukee Punk & Alternative Scene"

I catch up with local author/editor Steve Nodine to find out more about his upcoming book, The Cease is Increase: An Oral History of the Milwaukee Punk & Alternative Scene, which chronicles the city's exciting late 70s/early 80s musical milieu in the words of the very people who made it.

Read the full interview here.

PLAYLIST: Mondo Radio (08/01/12)

Here's the playlist for this week's edition of Mondo Radio, which you can download or stream here. If you enjoy it, be sure to follow the show on Facebook and Twitter. 

Artist - Song - Album

Jean-Jacques Perrey & Luke Vibert - Dream 106 - Moog Acid

Jean-Jacques Perrey & Luke Vibert - Ye Olde Beatbox - Moog Acid

Jean-Jacques Perrey - Groovy Leprechaun - At Home With The Groovebox

Bis - Oh My - At Home With The Groovebox

Cornershop - Candyman - When I Was Born For The 7th Time

Cornershop - Wogs Will Walk - Handcream For A Generation

Blur - Jets - Think Tank

Blur - Gene By Gene - Think Tank

Beck - Think I'm In Love - The Information

Beck - The Golden Age - Sea Change

Travis - The Last Laugh Of The Laughter - The Man Who

Travis - She's So Strange - The Man Who

Willis Jackson - Nuages - Nothing Butt...

Marvin Holmes And The Uptights - There Was A Time - Ooh Ooh The Dragon And Other Monsters

Marvin Holmes And The Uptights - I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) - Ooh Ooh The Dragon And Other Monsters

Bill Moss - Sock It To 'Em Soul Brother - Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

The Four Mints - Row My Boat - Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Dan Hartman - Instant Replay - Instant Replay

Dan Hartman - Double-O-Love - Instant Replay

Donna Summer - Can't Get To Sleep At Night - Bad Girls

Donna Summer - Sunset People - Bad Girls

Al Green - Love And Happiness - Compact Command Performances: 14 Greatest Hits

The Four Tops - Eleanor Rigby - Motown Milestones: Motown Meets The Beatles

The Supremes - Come Together - Motown Milestones: Motown Meets The Beatles

Shannon And The Clams - The Cult Song - Sleep Talk

Shannon And The Clams - Baby Don't Do It - Sleep Talk

Nobunny - Motorhead With Me - First Blood

Nobunny - Breathe - First Blood

Hunx And His Punx - Lovers Lane - Too Young To Be In Love

Hunx And His Punx - Too Young To Be In Love - Too Young To Be In Love

Davila 666 - Obsesionao - Tan Bajo

Davila 666 - Los Cruces - Tan Bajo

Jeff The Brotherhood - Heavy Days - Heavy Days

Jeff The Brotherhood - U Got The Look - Heavy Days

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard - Dead Beat - Willoughby's Beach

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard - Willoughby's Beach - Willoughby's Beach

Screaming Females - Humanity Arranged - What If Someone Is Watching Their T.V.?

Screaming Females - Starve The Beat - What If Someone Is Watching Their T.V.?

Mclusky - Alan Is A Cowboy Killer - Mclusky Do Dallas

Mclusky - Clique Application Form - Mclusky Do Dallas

CONCERT REVIEW: Screaming Females (Quarters Rock 'n' Roll Palace, Milwaukee)

New Jersey's Screaming Females take the stage at Quarters Rock 'n' Roll Palace for a set that was terribly short, but undoubtedly sweet, continuing a trend of excellent shows that has turned the once irrelevant club back into something worthy of its name. 

Read my full review here.