Merge Records http://www.mergerecords.com/blog Fri, 24 May 2013 14:09:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Shout Out Louds live on The Tonight Show http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/bgMkxPOkM9s/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/05/shout-out-louds-live-on-the-tonight-show/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 14:09:50 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=11010 ]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/05/shout-out-louds-live-on-the-tonight-show/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/05/shout-out-louds-live-on-the-tonight-show/ Merge at the Brooklyn Flea Record Fair http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/4nXXmKhWWIE/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/05/merge-at-the-brooklyn-flea-record-fair/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 21:50:43 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10894 Merge Records at the Brooklyn Flea Record FairSaturday May 4! We’ll be posted up at the Brooklyn Flea Record Fair all day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come say hey, buy some records and eat some delicious snacks.

Between now and then, tweet us a picture of your record collection with the hashtag #bklynmerge to enter to win an LP copy of She & Him’s Volume 3 (on limited edition marbled robin’s egg blue vinyl no less) and Mikal Cronin’s MCII before they’re released on Tuesday May 7. You must be following us on twitter to win, and you must pick up your LPs in person from our table at the record fair. We’ll announce a winner via twitter the morning of May 4.

The fair kicks off at 11 a.m inside Smorgasburg Williamsburg Waterfront, N 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY, East River State Park.

See you there!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/05/merge-at-the-brooklyn-flea-record-fair/feed/ 1 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/05/merge-at-the-brooklyn-flea-record-fair/ Shout Out Louds perform live in Paris http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/NqQVL4I9bNk/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/shout-out-louds-perform-live-in-paris/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:41:11 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10843 Click here to view the embedded video.

Don’t miss Shout Out Louds on tour in North America this May, and buy Optica in the Merge Store now!

Shout Out Louds on tour:
May 07 Washington, 9:30 Club
May 08 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer
May 10 New York, NY Webster Hall
May 11 Boston, MA Paradise
May 13 Montreal, CAN La Sala Rosa
May 14 Toronto, CAN The Opera House
May 15 Detroit, MI The Magic Bag
May 16 Chicago, IL Metro
May 17 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater
May 21 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
May 22 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
May 23 Los Angeles, CA El Rey
May 24 Los Angeles, CA El Rey
May 25 George, WA Sasquatch Festival

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/shout-out-louds-perform-live-in-paris/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/shout-out-louds-perform-live-in-paris/ Telekinesis performs “Ghosts and Creatures” Live in Austin for KEXP! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/wgldDoH31eg/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/telekinesis-performs-ghosts-and-creatures-live-in-austin-for-kexp/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:39:50 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10809 Click here to view the embedded video.

Dormarion is in stores and available from Merge now! See Michael Benjamin Lerner & his fantastic live band on tour in April!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/telekinesis-performs-ghosts-and-creatures-live-in-austin-for-kexp/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/telekinesis-performs-ghosts-and-creatures-live-in-austin-for-kexp/ William Tyler performing live for American Songwriter http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/46lxq26LR2I/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/william-tyler-performing-live-for-american-songwriter/#comments Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:31:52 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10804 Click here to view the embedded video.

William Tyler invited American Songwriter to The Stone Fox, the bar he runs with his sister, and played them a few songs from his new album Impossible Truth which is in stores now. Read their extended Q&A with him here as well.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/william-tyler-performing-live-for-american-songwriter/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/04/william-tyler-performing-live-for-american-songwriter/ Divine Fits on Jimmy Kimmel Live! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/rYNUrFIl1Kc/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/divine-fits-on-jimmy-kimmel-live/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:18:10 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10790 Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/divine-fits-on-jimmy-kimmel-live/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/divine-fits-on-jimmy-kimmel-live/ Watch Mount Moriah play “Bright Light” at SXSW http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/xN0bTtf_vCM/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/watch-mount-moriah-play-bright-light-at-sxsw/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:27:40 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10720 Click here to view the embedded video.

Jenks Miller & Heather McEntire sat down with Russ Borris of WFUV in the shade of Hotel San Jose last week in Austin, TX for an acoustic version of “Bright Light,” and a chat. Watch the interview at YouTube, and order Miracle Temple now from the Merge Store or at your local independent record shop.

 

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/watch-mount-moriah-play-bright-light-at-sxsw/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/watch-mount-moriah-play-bright-light-at-sxsw/ Win a test pressing of William Tyler’s Impossible Truth http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/-hbG-JbSMIQ/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/win-a-test-pressing-of-william-tylers-impossible-truth/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:09:14 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10705 William Tyler - Impossible TruthNo, not from Merge. All the test pressings are being given away at our friendly neighborhood record store partners all over the country. If your record store isn’t listed here, we’re very sorry but we can’t afford to make 1,000 test pressings just so you can win. Count yourself lucky; you’re already winning by living in a community with a record store in it!

In any case, William Tyler’s new album, Impossible Truth, is out on Tuesday, March 19. You can find it wherever fine music is sold, but if you’re trying to get yourself an ultra-limited (only 10 made!) test pressing copy you can find one at each of the following record stores. You’ll have to ask them for specific details.

Crooked Beat Records – Washington D.C. – web / facebook
Other Music – New York City – web / facebook
Grimey’s New and Preloved Music – Nashville, TN - web / facebook
- Win the test pressing on Tuesday 3/19 when William performs here live in the store at 6 p.m.
Harvest Records – Asheville, NC - web / facebook
aQuarius recOrds – San Francisco, SF - web / facebook
Jackpot Records – Portland, OR - web / facebook
Strictly Discs - Madison, WI – web / facebook
End of an Ear – Austin, TX  - web / facebook (They’ve already given it away during William Tyler’s most excellent performance in the shop last Thursday during SXSW)

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/win-a-test-pressing-of-william-tylers-impossible-truth/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/win-a-test-pressing-of-william-tylers-impossible-truth/ Mikal Cronin in the 35 Denton Chat Room http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/khOsZkFa4lY/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/mikal-cronin-in-the-35-denton-chat-room/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:50:56 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10703 Click here to view the embedded video.

Mikal Cronin‘s MCII is out on May 7. Order it on CD or LP in the Merge Store now!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/mikal-cronin-in-the-35-denton-chat-room/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/mikal-cronin-in-the-35-denton-chat-room/ Eleanor Friedberger “Personal Record” album trailer http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/3tEY74QvjGs/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/eleanor-friedberger-personal-record-album-trailer/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:36:25 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10689 Click here to view the embedded video.

Personal Record is available now for pre-order digitally at iTunes and on CD and LP in the Merge store. Stream “Stare at the Sun” via SoundCloud and YouTube or download it at EleanorFriedberger.com.

 

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/eleanor-friedberger-personal-record-album-trailer/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/03/eleanor-friedberger-personal-record-album-trailer/ Telekinesis cover INXS! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/mtfSwUc1G5w/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/telekinesis-cover-inxs/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:13:42 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10649 Click here to view the embedded video.

See the new band having fun at rehearsal, and get your tickets for their upcoming tour!

Telekinesis on tour:
March 13-17 Austin, TX SXSW
April 21 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge*
April 24 San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill*
April 25 Los Angeles, CA The Echo*
April 27 San Diego, CA Casbah*
April 28 Phoenix, AZ The Crescent Ballroom*
April 30 Austin, TX The Parish*
May 1 Denton, TX Dan’s Silverleaf*
May 3 Birmingham, AL The Bottletree*
May 4 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn%
May 5 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506%
May 6 Washington, DC Black Cat Backstage%
May 7 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s%
May 9 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom%
May 10 Allston, MA Brighton Music Hall%
May 11 Montreal, QC Il Motore%
May 12 Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern%
May 14 Cleveland Heights, OH Grog Shop%
May 15 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall%
May 16 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon%
May 17 Minneapolis, MN 7th St. Entry%
May 18 Kansas City, MO Riot Room%
May 20 Denver, CO Hi Dive
May 21 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge%
May 22 Nampa, ID Flying M Coffee
May 24 George, WA Sasquatch Music Festival
* = w/ Mount Moriah
% = w/ Deep Sea Diver

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/telekinesis-cover-inxs/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/telekinesis-cover-inxs/ Watch William Tyler perform “We Can’t Go Home Again” for Shaker Steps http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/uNNjS0ggDvM/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/watch-william-tyler-perform-we-cant-go-home-again-for-shaker-steps/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:07:56 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10618 Click here to view the embedded video.

Pre-order Impossible Truth on CD or LP now in the Merge store.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/watch-william-tyler-perform-we-cant-go-home-again-for-shaker-steps/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/watch-william-tyler-perform-we-cant-go-home-again-for-shaker-steps/ David Kilgour shares new video for “Diamond Mine” from Left by Soft http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/2psJgoeYeh0/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/david-kilgour-shares-new-video-for-diamond-mine-from-left-by-soft/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:12:34 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10614 David Kilgour has given us a lovely winter surprise: a new video for “Diamond Mine” from his 2011 album with the Heavy Eights, Left by Soft.

Directed by Bridget Sutherland, the bright colors and pastoral imagery of the video will have you longing for the days of flip-flops and outdoor picnics under the trees!

Watch the video for “Diamond Mine” on Merge ’s YouTube page

Left by Soft as well as other albums from David Kilgour and The Clean are available now in the Merge store.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/david-kilgour-shares-new-video-for-diamond-mine-from-left-by-soft/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/02/david-kilgour-shares-new-video-for-diamond-mine-from-left-by-soft/ The Magic of the Music Tapes! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/v712iOjKXcs/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/01/the-magic-of-the-music-tapes/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:23:52 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10576 We were lucky enough to see the Traveling Imaginary in action this week, and we don’t want to give away any of the exciting surprises you can expect to find waiting for you within the walls of the new circus tent. However, we did want to remind you of the special magic of the Music Tapes by re-posting a few of their videos. Please don’t miss your chance to see this truly extraordinary band!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Music Tapes Present: The Traveling Imaginary dates (more coming soon!):
Jan 31 Washington, DC Rock & Roll Hotel
Feb 02 New York, NY Church For All Nations (2 Shows This Night)
Feb 04 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church – Basement (2 Shows This Night)

And see The Music Tapes open for Jeff Mangum:
Feb 8 Hartford, CT The Great Hall in Union Station
Feb 9 Portland, ME State Theatre
Feb 10 Providence, RI Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Feb 13 Ithaca, NY State Theatre
Feb 15 Poughkeepsie, NY Barvadon Opera House
Feb 16 North Adams, MA MASS MoCA

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Music Tapes’ albums can be found now in the Merge store.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/01/the-magic-of-the-music-tapes/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2013/01/the-magic-of-the-music-tapes/ 2012 Year End Lists: Brian Betancourt, Hospitality http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/pf_omo7IwOI/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-brian-betancourt/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:23:02 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10451

Brian’s Favorite Things of 2012:

Albums:
Chris Cohen – Overgrown Path
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Mature Themes
Field Music – Plumb
Scott Walker – Bish Bosch
Here We Go Magic – A Different Ship
TEEN – In Limbo

Late Discoveries:
Haruomi Hosono & Tadanori Yokoo – Cochin Moon
Led Zeppelin – Presence
Roberto Cacciapaglia – Sei Note In Logica
Mark Hollis – Mark Hollis
Favorite Show I Played That Turned Into A Big Dance Party:
The Radio Room in Greenville, SC

Favorite Hurricane Relief Benefit Show Featuring Chris Elliott Giving A Detailed Seminar About How Awful The Godfather Part III Is:
Tom Scharpling and Ted Leo Present a Very Special Hurricane Benefit Show

Favorite Weirdest Movie I Had To See Again The Next Day:
The Master

Favorite TV Show, Possibly Of All Time?
The Eric Andre Show

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-brian-betancourt/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-brian-betancourt/ 2012 Year End Lists: Taylor Townes, Warehouse Manager http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/-AJpcimd_1Y/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-taylor-townes-warehouse-manager/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:50:59 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10447 Taylor’s Best of 2012 playlist

One song from each of my favorite non-Merge albums of the year. Maybe heavy on the singles, but sometimes, the singles are the singles for a reason.

  1.  “Krokodil” – St. Vincent (Krokodil 7”)
  2. “Swing Lo Magellan” – Dirty Projectors (Swing Lo Magellan)
  3. “Origins” – Tennis (Young & Old)
  4. “Malefic Dowery” – of Montreal (Paralytic Stalks)
  5.  “Ice Age” – David Byrne & St. Vincent (Love This Giant)
  6. “Silent Song” – Daniel Rossen (Silent Hour / Golden Mile EP)
  7. “Down on the Lower East Side” – Justin Townes Earle (Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now)
  8. “New Loved Ones” – Toro Y Moi (June 2009)
  9.  “Alligator” – The Babies (Our House on the Hill)
  10. “Mothball the Fleet” – Deerhoof (Breakup Song)
  11. “Kill For Love” – Chromatics (Kill For Love)
  12.  “(This Is Why) I Don’t Wear White” – Flock of Dimes ([This Is Why] I Don’t Wear White / 15)
  13. “Holiday” – Poor Moon (Poor Moon)
  14. “Steady Pace” – Matthew E. White (Big Inner)
  15. “Yet Again” – Grizzly Bear (Shields)
  16. “Polvo” – Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (Intended Play Matador & True Panther 2012)
  17. “Endless Ladder” – The Antlers (Undersea)
  18. “Prettyboy” – Dan Deacon (America)
  19. “Every Man Needs a Companion” – Father John Misty (Fear Fun)
  20. “Hot Knife” – Fiona Apple (The Idler Wheel…)
  21. “After the Goldrush” – Patti Smith (Banga)
  22. “LUX 1” – Brian Eno (LUX)
]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-taylor-townes-warehouse-manager/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-taylor-townes-warehouse-manager/ 2012 Year End Lists: Adam Jackson, Retail and Project Management http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/bYjtsjUBdZc/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-adam-jackson-retail-and-project-management/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:48:46 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10444 Merge releases not included. Wonderful records forgotten I’m sure.

Beach House – Bloom
Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth
Deep Time – s/t
Bill Fay – Life Is People
Gross Ghost – Brer Rabbit
Neil Halstead – Palindrome Hunches
Hiss Golden Messenger – Poor Moon
The Human Eyes – Guiding Eyes For the Blind
Chuck Prophet – Temple Beautiful
Rangda – Formerly Extinct
Andy Stott – Luxury Problems
Swans – The Seer

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-adam-jackson-retail-and-project-management/feed/ 1 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-adam-jackson-retail-and-project-management/ 2012 Year End Lists: Mark Eitzel http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/X_ngubWdma4/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-mark-eitzel/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:19:11 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10436 In No Order – What I saw / heard this year that might have been from any year.

Modern Times – Charlie Chaplin – at Cinefamily LA -
Will Johnson – Scorpion (Album)
He Can Jog – Milwaukee Pinebender (Virginia Is For Lovers And Other Stolen Phrases)
Judee Sill – The Kiss
Rodolphe Kuffer – Leucippe
Vidro Azul podcast (from Lisbon)
Chris Squire – Fish Out Of Water (Album)
Another Year – Mike Leigh (Film)
Please Give – Nicole Holofcener (Film)
Requiem For Larissa – Valentin Silvestrov
Myke Dodge Weiskopf – Shortwave Radio Archivist – http://www.myke.me/

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-mark-eitzel/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-mark-eitzel/ 2012 Year End Lists: Mac McCaughan http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/OFJObm3mK-8/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-mac-mccaughan/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:46:18 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10417 Non-Merge Favorites of 2012:

Tanlines – Mixed Emotions
Chuck Prophet – Temple Beautiful
Cat Power – Sun
Spider Bags – Shake MY Head
PARKS & REC
Tim Hecker / Daniel Lopatin – Instrumental Tourist
Tig Notaro at Haw River Ballroom
WTF Podcast w Marc Maron
Andy Stott – Luxury Problems
Bat for Lashes – The Haunted Man
Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind
GIRLS tv show
Aimee Mann – Charmer
Rebecca Gates – The Float
playing MotorCo with John Darnielle and Greg Cartwright vs Amendment One
VEEP
Bill Fay – Life Is People
AC Newman – Shut Down The Streets
NEW GIRL
Laetitia Sadier – Silencio
Titus Andronicus – Local Business
Run DMC & Seaweed live at Fun Fun Fun Fest
playing w Spider Bags & Titus Andronicus at noon in Downtown Durham
FOX NEWS ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE
Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
Personal Space – Electronic Soul 1974-84 (Various)
The Sea and Cake – Runner
Hot Chip – In Our Heads

favorite books i read this year:

Le Freak by Nile Rodgers
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Bedsit Disco Queen by Tracey Thorn
This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
The Trees The Trees by Heather Christle
Agorafabulous! Dispatches From My Bedroom by Sara Benincasa

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-mac-mccaughan/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-mac-mccaughan/ 2012 Year End Lists: Laura Ballance http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/Igxs4g8xCyA/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-laura-ballance/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:45:55 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10427 My 2012 top 12 in no particular order:

Beasts of the Southern Wild
Nice canned tuna: you need it to make Spanish style tuna/egg/tomato salad.
Seeing X play all of Wild Gift (and more) at Fun Fun Fun Fest. They never cease to amaze me. One song that really struck me this time was “White Girl.” Somehow it never occurred to me before that this song is a conversation. Exene’s interjections being disgust with the male desire for the young and blond, etc. I might be wrong of course, but the way she did it this time made that feel really apparent. Exene Cervenka also needs to get more credit for her sense of fashion by the way, ripped off by many over the last 30 odd years.
Redd Kross re-activation. Yeah!
Seeing Seaweed at Mohawk at the Fun Fun Fun Fest. I love those guys. They have such great songs and are such dear friends. Too bad they live so far away.
The bravery of the Syrian people. It makes me cry.
The courage of Ai Weiwei. I am not as strong as him.
People voting.
Downtown Calling (a documentary about the late 70′s art, music, and fashion scene in NYC)
Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita
The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
The Food of Spain by Claudia Roden

Bonus Spotify Playlist: LB’s Playlist

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-laura-ballance/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-laura-ballance/ 2012 Year End Lists: Julia Rydholm, The Ladybug Transistor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/EkQ5piGMqxI/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-julia-rydholm-the-ladybug-transistor/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:40:51 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10419 Some of my favorite things of 2012:

Tig Notaro’s “Live”
Reading David Rakoff essays
Eleanor Friedberger “My Mistakes”
Hospitality “Eighth Avenue”
Taken by Trees “Other Worlds”
Tanlines “Mixed Emotions”
Jens Lekman “I Know What Love Isn’t”
Lena Dunham’s Girls
The return of BBC’s The Hour
Seeing The Aislers Set live at Chickfactor’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

 

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-julia-rydholm-the-ladybug-transistor/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-julia-rydholm-the-ladybug-transistor/ 2012 Year End Lists: William Tyler http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/KEtc-hcFeDg/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-william-tyler/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:28:57 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10411 my top ten favorite things of 2012:

1. There were two Cy Young winners from Middle Tennessee
2. We will never have to hear the phrase “Vice President Paul Ryan”
3. Daniel Bachman “Seven Pines”
4. Tasty Kakes will outlive Twinkies
5. “Argo”
6. Ken Burns’ “Dust Bowl”
7. the Oklahoma City Thunder
8. kale
9. listening to Josh Turner in the van with Megafaun
10. “Where the Heart Beats: John Cage, Zen Buddhism, and the Inner Life of Artists” by Kay Larson

Bonus William Tyler Spotify list: Remembering Joe South by William Tyler

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-william-tyler/feed/ 1 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-william-tyler/ 2012 Year End Lists: James Cartwright, Production Manager http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/gnx-EJF16k0/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-james-cartwright-production-manager/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:00:47 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10408 Everything I Watched or Rewatched on Netflix this Year that Received 5 Stars (in no particular order):

1. Ken Burns’ The National Parks
2. Father of My Children
3. Indie Game: The Movie
4. The Panic in Needle Park
5. The Art of the Steal
6. Midnight Cowboy
7. Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)?
8. Shut Up Little Man!
9. My So Called Life
10. Into the Abyss
11. When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
12. Resurrect Dead: Mystery of Toynbee Tiles

Some more obvious than others.  All highly recommended – most of these are still streaming on Netflix.  Watch one and let’s get some pie and discuss!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-james-cartwright-production-manager/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-james-cartwright-production-manager/ 2012 Year End Lists: Nick Cain, Accountant http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/9usadMfRx0w/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-nick-cain-accountant/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:52:53 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10404 Top 10 of 2012 – Non-Merge, Ordered by Release Date
Listen to selections from the below at Nick’s Top 10 Spotify Playlist
Tennis Young & Old (Fat Possum) 2/13/12
Carolina Chocolate Drops Leaving Eden (Nonesuch) 2/28/12
Sidi Touré Koïma (Thrill Jockey) 4/17/12
Royal Headache Royal Headache (What’s Your Rupture) 5/8/12
Delicate Steve Positive Force (Luaka Pop) 5/15/12
King Tuff King Tuff (Sub Pop) 5/29/12
Deep Time Deep Time (Hardly Art) 7/10/12
Spider Bags Shake My Head (Odessa) 8/7/12
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti Mature Themes (4AD) 8/20/12
Jens Lekman I Know What Love Isn’t (Secretly Canadian) 9/4/12

Spotify Playlist – Classic Vinyl
This playlist is comprised of used vinyl releases (see list below) I’ve obtained over the past year from local retailers such as Bull City Records, Hunky Dory, Nice Price Books, and The Salvation Army. I’ve chosen a few choice tracks from each release for purposes of brevity. The playlist is ordered by original release date.  Enjoy!

Joan Baez Joan Baez (1960)
Various Artists Walt Disney’s Merriest Songs (1968)
Joni Mitchell Song to a Seagull (1968)
Donovan Donovan’s Greatest Hits (1969)
Loretta Lynn Coal Miner’s Daughter (1970)
America History: America’s Greatest Hits (1975)
Blondie Parallel Lines (1978)
Willie Nelson Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1981)
George Winston December (1982)
Talking Heads Speaking in Tongues (1983)
Talking Heads Little Creatures (1985)

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-nick-cain-accountant/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-nick-cain-accountant/ 2012 Year End Lists: Jay Lowe, Indie Retail Coordinator http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/p-9WP69zk0g/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-jay-lowe-indie-retail-coordinator/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:47:00 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10400 10 favorite records from 2012
Baroness – Yellow and Green
King Tuff – King Tuff
Japandroids – Celebration Rock
Hospitality – S/T
Torche – Harmonicraft
Grimes – Visions
Fang Island – Major
Menzingers – On The Impossible Past
Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds – I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever
Gross Ghost – Brer Rabbit

10 best shows of 2012
Imperial Teen @ Noise Pop – San Francisco, CA
Joy Formidable w/ A Place To Bury Strangers @ The Bluebird – Denver, CO
Eleanor Friedberger w/ Hospitality @ The Casbah – Durham, NC
Converge w/ Torche @ Motorco – Durham, NC
Yacht Rock Revue @ Team Clermont Prom – Athens, GA
Fang Island w/ Asobi Shenk @ King’s – Raleigh, NC
Spider Bags w/ Golden Boys @ King’s – Raleigh, NC
Dum Dum Girls @ King’s – Raleigh, NC
The Love Language, Gross Ghost & The Toddlers @ Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC
Japandroids @ The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC

10 best miscellany
Hopscotch Music Festival continuing to rule very hard
Selling merch for classical musicians with Duke Performances
East coast winning the Team Clermont kickball game
Meeting Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, Wild Flag
3 years with Merge Records!
The record store game
Seeing so many friends getting married. I wish you the best!
Partying with Imperial Teen in San Francisco
Legally driving again
Japandroids, Wild Flag, Grimes, Godspeed! You Black Emperor @ Pitchfork Music Festival – Chicago, IL

And a bonus Spotify Playlist! Jay’s Not-your-typical-indie-rock-employee-playlist

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-jay-lowe-indie-retail-coordinator/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-jay-lowe-indie-retail-coordinator/ 2012 Year End List: Adam Olenius, Shout Out Louds http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/UmD6EHtGUEE/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-list-adam-olenius-shout-out-louds/#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:54:02 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10386 Here is my/SOL Topp 10 Mp3s this year:
Eddie Callahan – Santa Cruz Mountains
Kindness – House
Ariel Pink – Mature Themes
Jessie Ware – Sweet Talk
Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
Lightships – Stretching Out
Adam Kanyama – Golden Child
How To Dress Well – And It Was You
Torkel Rasmusson – Resan
Colin Blumstone – Say You Don’t Mind

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-list-adam-olenius-shout-out-louds/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-list-adam-olenius-shout-out-louds/ 2012 Year End Lists: Vanessa DeJongh, Design & Advertising http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/mXot081cr7A/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-vanessa-dejongh-design-advertising/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2012 21:06:23 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10382
Yummiest Eats: Zambra, Asheville NC

Prettiest Drive: Bethel, ME to Burlington, VT

Favorite New-To-Me Old Record: Link Wray, Link Wray

Kids Say the Darndest Things: “Mommy, you smell like dirty oatmeal.”

Best Album for Crown Chakra Activation: Prince Rama, Top Ten Hits of the End of the World

Still Learning to Love: beets

Best Netflix Instant Find: See the Sea, François Ozon

Cruelest Fortune Cookie: “Perhaps you’ve been focusing too much on yourself”

Best Deal on the Whole Foods Hot Bar: bacon

Spookiest Book I Read: The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

Best Lucky Break, Redux: not catching bed bugs from Urban Outfitters

Plus a bonus Spotify playlist!

 

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-vanessa-dejongh-design-advertising/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-vanessa-dejongh-design-advertising/ 2012 Year End Lists: Sarah Hager, Merge intern http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/lqNAQFfZuok/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-sarah-hager-merge-intern/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:27:34 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10378 Top Ten Albums of 2012:
Caspian – Waking Season
Pinback – Information Retrieved
Jack White – Blunderbuss
Divine Fits – A Thing Called Divine Fits
El Ten Eleven – Transitions
Mono – For My Parents
Matthew E. White – Big Inner
Titus Andronicus – Local Business
The Helio Sequence – Negotiations
Alabama Shakes – Boys and Girls

Top Ten NC Releases of 2012:
Spider Bags – Shake My Head
The Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth
Holy Ghost Tent Revival – Sweat Like the Old Days
Midtown Dickens – Home
Lilac Shadows – A Shallow Madness
Gross Ghost – Bear Rabbit
Bowerbirds – The Clearing
Hiss Golden Messenger – Poor Moon
Some Army – EP
The Flute Flies – Yes Means Maybe

Top Ten Concerts of 2012:
The Who
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Jack White
Future Islands
Caspian/Cursive/Minus the Bear
Andrew Bird/Mavis Staples
The Avett Brothers
Rubblebucket
El Ten Eleven
Mono/Chris Brokaw

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-sarah-hager-merge-intern/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-sarah-hager-merge-intern/ 2012 Year End Lists: Lindsey Kronmiller, Promotions & Project Management http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/l1jbRcJWmJE/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-lindsey-kronmiller-promotions-project-management/#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:27:24 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10358 My favorite non-Merge releases of the year, in no particular order:

Euros Childs – Summer Special
Jens Lekman – I Know What Love Isn’t
Ty Segall – Twins
Spider Bags – Shake My Head
Nick Waterhouse – Time’s All Gone
Lightships – Electric Cables
The Human Eyes – Guiding Eyes For The Blind
METZ – METZ
The Men – Open Your Heart
The World Record – Freeway Special

Bonus: Spotify Playlist!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-lindsey-kronmiller-promotions-project-management/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-lindsey-kronmiller-promotions-project-management/ 2012 Year End Lists: Christina Rentz, Merge Publicist http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/vUfZD_CJ48k/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-christina-rentz-merge-publicist/#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:18:02 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10354 Here are some of the things I was most enthusiastic about this year:

Lambchop on Fallon + video – Lambchop made their very first music video ever for “Gone Tomorrow” from the lovely Mr. M and as expected it blew everyone else out of the water. Also, Lambchop visited the most fun show in late night television to perform during “Perm” week AND Fleet week.

Tanlines Mixed Emotions – “All of Me” was on every mix I made this year. I love this record so much!

Mikal Cronin & Ty Segall – In heavy rotation at my house and in our office. We just switched between them nearly every day. So pumped to welcome Mikal to Merge next year!

Divine Fits live – The album is great, but the live show is the BEST! Watch their performance of “Baby Get Worse” on Letterman, and this great feature on Pitchfork.TV.

“Call Me Maybe” – My son & I’s favorite song of the year.

Jens Lekman at the Cradle – An irony-free evening of storytelling and airplane arms.  Jens is the most adorably earnest frontman in the biz!

People.com headlines – Always hilarious and head-scratching. Some of my recent favorites include: “Jessica Biel: It Took a Leap of Faith to Wear a Pink Wedding Dress” “Shania Twain & Jennifer Lopez: Looking Bangin’ in Bodysuits” “Could Miley Cyrus’s Canine Niece Be Any Tinier?”

Rebecca & I Capture the Castle – The two most engrossing and fun-to-read books I read this year! And for new fiction, give the wonderful Emma Straub’s debut novel Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures a go!

Merge @ CMJ 2012 – We called it the “Future Merge” showcase! William Tyler, Mount Moriah, Eleanor Friedberger, Telekinesis, Reigning Sound, & Mac solo!

Julie Klausner’s How Was Your Week? & The Dinner Party – My two favorite podcasts of 2012. If you talk to me, I will inevitably mention one of them along with something I learned from listening. Got to see How Was Your Week? Live in Brooklyn and it was soo much nerdy fun!

Nora Ephron – Nora has all of the wisdom. Listen to her audiobooks and watch her movies. You’ll be sad that now we are stuck with Nicholas Sparks and bro-mance.

The Billfold – My favorite website of the year. Of course, it is from the people behind The Awl & The Hairpin. Bookmark it!

And here is my very first Spotify playlist. It’s a version of a mix I made for a friend going through a rough time. I called it “Songs You Have Never Heard Before.” Except, of course, everyone has heard “Call Me Maybe.”

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-christina-rentz-merge-publicist/feed/ 1 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-christina-rentz-merge-publicist/ 2012 Year End Lists: Gerard Love, Teenage Fanclub & Lightships http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/m2IOOcz1YhY/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-gerard-love-teenage-fanclub-lightships/#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:16:43 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10350 here is my top 10 from 2012:
01. Beachwood Sparks – The Tarnished Gold (Sub Pop)
02. Celtic 2 v Barcelona 1 (UEFA Champions League football match : Wednesday 7th November 2012)
03. By The Sea – By The Sea (Dell’Orso)
04. Can – The Lost Tapes (Spoon/Mute)
05. Tenniscoats – All Aboard (Chapter Music)
06. Snowgoose – Harmony Springs (Open Hearth/ Ba Da Bing)
07. François & The Atlas Mountains – E Volo Love (Domino)
08. Linden – Bleached Highlights (AED)
09. BMX Bandits – In Space (Elefant)
10. Searching For Sugar Man – movie.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-gerard-love-teenage-fanclub-lightships/feed/ 1 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-gerard-love-teenage-fanclub-lightships/ Mark Eitzel performs live on KEXP http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/yzCC2rKvC18/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/mark-eitzel-performs-live-on-kexp/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:06:16 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10332 Mark Eitzel visited KEXP Seattle while on tour in support of Don’t Be a Stranger, and the amazing live set is now archived at KEXP.org. Listen to the session now and download Don’t Be a Stranger at iTunes to receive two bonus tracks.

Don’t Be a Stranger is also available in the Merge store now. Don’t forget to use the Merge Holiday coupon at checkout!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/mark-eitzel-performs-live-on-kexp/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/mark-eitzel-performs-live-on-kexp/ Tracey Thorn – “Joy” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/sb5dHS1_Znk/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/tracey-thorn-joy/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:21:06 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10323 Click here to view the embedded video.

Tinsel and Lights is available now on CD, LP and digital download in the Merge store. The LP version includes Tracey’s rendition of “25th December” originally written and sung by Ben Watt on Everything But The Girl’s 1994 album Amplified Heart as well as limited-edition wrapping paper. Also, Tinsel and Lights is included in our special holiday superbundle with She & Him’s A Very She & Him Christmas. And don’t forget to use the Merge Holiday coupon at checkout! The “Joy” digital single can be found at iTunes.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/tracey-thorn-joy/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/tracey-thorn-joy/ 2012 Year End Lists: Keith Artin, Merge Label Manager http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/cJWu5tgt_0g/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-keith-artin-merge-label-manager/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:25:13 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10305 Keith’s NJ-themed Spotify Playlist
(Please note, I had this idea before The Best Show on WFMU did their post-Sandy tribute to NJ set)

1.  The Feelies, “Crazy Rhythms”
One of my favorite bands ever, Jersey or otherwise. Although I must admit the original allure when I was first drawn to them as a kid is that they were, indeed, from New Jersey.
2.  Yo La Tengo, “Sudden Organ”
3.  East River Pipe, “Happytown”
4.  Frank Sinatra, “Three Coins In The Fountain”
I bussed tables for a couple of summers at a total stereotype, the NJ family-owned Italian restaurant. And to perpetuate the stereotype, the overhead music *always* included a Frank Sinatra CD. This song was the biggest ear-worm of the batch.
5.  Titus Andronicus, “No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future”
The video for this song makes me tear up a little. A video tour of NJ, and they start out in the Pine Barrens of all places! Simply brilliant. God bless Tom Scharpling.
6.  Adrenaline O.D., “Sightseeing”
7.  Hogan’s Heroes, “Full On”
Saw these two NJ hardcore bands at a local “5 bands 5 bucks” show when I was in high school. AOD was the big headliner, and Hogan’s Heroes were the hometown kids.  I remember some kid everyone called “Rat” getting tossed in the air, and his foot-high super-glued mohawk took out a ceiling tile.  At least that’s how I remember it.
8.  Skid Row, “Youth Gone Wild”
I think a couple of these guys dropped out of my high school. Seriously. Compelled to put them on the list because of their link to my home town.
9.  Bruce Springsteen, “It’s Hard to Be a Saint in the City”
Have found myself loving his music more and more as I get older and more nostalgic. Is it wrong, though, that I discovered this particular song because of the cover version that David Bowie included in the Sound + Vision box set?
10.  Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, “Bottled in Cork”
11.  The Misfits, “Astro Zombies”
12.  The Smithereens, “Blood and Roses”
Saw them play some local radio sponsored concert on the boardwalk in Asbury Park opening for Aussie-band Pseudo Echo. Remember Pseudo Echo? They did that hit cover of “Funky Town.” Remember? Of course you don’t.
13.  Spent, “Excuse Me While I Drink Myself to Death”
14.  The Bongos, “Space Jungle”
15.  Kool & the Gang, “Get Down On It”
The first band I ever saw in concert, and it was at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.

Keith’s Baker’s Dozen of Favorite Non-Merge Albums of 2012, in alphabetical order:
Cloud Nothings – Attack on Reason
Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas
The Evens – The Odds
Gross Ghost – Brer Rabbit
Japandroids – Celebration Rock
King Tuff – King Tuff
Lightships – Electric Cables
Lotus Plaza – Spooky Action at a Distance
Menomena – Moms
Royal Headache Royal Headache
Ty Segall Band Slaughterhouse
Titus Andronicus – Local Business
The Trypes – Music For Neighbors

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-keith-artin-merge-label-manager/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-keith-artin-merge-label-manager/ 2012 Year End Lists: Roddy Bottum, Imperial Teen http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/TcRq9uMEUKA/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-roddy-bottum-imperial-teen/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:03:49 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10308

my last year’s top ten tweets i felt went overlooked

@roddybottum: what is up with straight couples, their children and the word ‘buddy?’

@roddybottum: I just met a poodle named Cabernet.

@roddybottum: I used to know a big standard poodle in LA in the 80′s named Showbiz.

@roddybottum: Fred, The Show, featuring my musical score, premieres on Nick tonight at 8.
it’s sort of a companion piece to Downton Abbey.

@roddybottum: so when Neil Young speaks he has a Canadian accent?

@roddybottum: the only bummer about Berkeley is those kids that go to the college.

@roddybottum: the one about the leaf legged kid from the garden looks revolting.

@roddybottum: I wonder if Fred from B52′s and Einar from Sugarcubes were ever in the same room. maybe a wink was exchanged.

@roddybottum: Lilith is Kembra.

@roddybottum: Note to older self: turtlenecks.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-roddy-bottum-imperial-teen/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-roddy-bottum-imperial-teen/ 2012 Year End Lists: Madeline Newberry, Merge intern http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/QUxtO44OSSo/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-madeline-newberry-merge-intern/#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:47:34 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10299 Top 10 Albums of 2012:
Onuinu – Happy Home
Atoms for Peace – Default
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Cate Le Bon – Puts Me To Work
Concrete Blonde – I Know The Ghost
OHMphrey – Devil’s In The Details
The Flaming Lips – “Is David Bowie Dying?” (featuring Neon Indian)
Neon Indian – Hex Girlfriend
Grace Potter and The Nocturnals – Stars
The Tallest Man on Earth – 1904

The above aren’t in any order. I will say that I’m a pretty big Thom Yorke fan so the fact that his collaboration with Flea (under the band name Atoms for Peace) finally has turned into an original album is something that requires documenting. The full album won’t be out until February but you can still check out the Default and Tamer Animals/Other Side singles here (http://www.last.fm/music/Atoms+for+Peace). They first started working together in 2006 so I think six years of waiting for this masterpiece is long enough.

Television Shows I Watched in 2012:

Weeds Series Finale
Jenji Kohan finally tied up all loose ends on the series. I must say, I hated the season before because it was all over the place. Kohan realized that she needed to step up her game in the final season and do what she could to stop wasting 25 minutes of people’s time every week. I used to be a pretty big fan of the show but after about seven years of being a fan, I can’t say I’m not glad the show’s over.

The Gossip Girl Series Finale
Why I still watch Gossip Girl and I’m in my early ‘20s is beyond me. I think it’s this certain nostalgic past-time where my teenage problems seemed so petty compared to those of the Upper East Side and I never can get enough of the overly rich scheming bunch. I also will forever drool over Nate Archibald. It’s my vice, what can I say? I also need Chuck and Blair to get married so that my life will be complete.

American Horror Story: Asylum
I ritualistically watched the first season and this season is even creepier. I’m a sucker for horror flicks so this show gives me a weekly dose of the heebie jeebies. The first season is on Netflix so if you haven’t seen it, you should definitely check it out. Its historical innuendos to actual 20th century murders add to the aesthetics and overall feel of the show.

Don’t Trust The B—- In Apt 23
Krysten Ritter has always played roles where she’s second-in-command. This time she gets the opportunity to shine as a malicious but hilarious b—- what wows me with her wit. James Van Der Beek is also in the show and has a lead role as himself, trying to make it in New York after being a failed actor since Dawson’s Creek.

New Girl
The second season of Zooey Deschanel’s hit comedy show has reeled me in even more than the first. I used to just wait until the end of the week and watch all of my shows on Hulu but I enjoy winding down on Tuesdays and watching 25 minutes of Jess and her quirkiness. It makes my day better, no matter what.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-madeline-newberry-merge-intern/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-madeline-newberry-merge-intern/ 2012 Year End Lists: Linnie Greene, Merge Publicity Assistant http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/klkrq2_CRww/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-linnie-greene-merge-publicity-assistant/#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:24:46 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10286 Top Ten Discoveries of 2012

1. NC Day Trips: Were you aware that about 45 minutes out of Chapel Hill, there’s a block-wide antique mall in Sanford with everything from terrifying dolls to LPs to costume jewelry to Members Only jackets? That 2.5 hours away is Wilmington, where you can take pictures of every Blue Velvet landmark you recognize? Other highlights: the zoo in Asheboro (and an Asheboro psychic), downtown Graham and its movie theater, Saxapahaw in general, and for an evening drink, The Wooden Nickel in Hillsborough.

2. Mac DeMarco: singer of odes to cheap Canadian cigarettes, player of a Pinhook show that was boozy & energetic. His full-length record has a permanent place of residence in my car.

3. Museums: The Nasher, The Ackland, the NC Musum of Art, and most recently, Raleigh’s CAM — sometimes, instead of loafing around in Spongebob pajamas, it’s nice to have a weekend full of edification & inspiration. Plus, the price is right and you look cultured if you take your date.

4. New Girl: It seemed too cute to be true, but this new Zooey-helmed series has been endorsed by my two hip male roommates. I mean, it’s just really funny. I don’t think there needs to be any more explanation.

5. My Continued Surprise & Astonishment at the Triangle’s Music Scene: There’s some weird and wonderful stuff going on here y’all. The local proliferation continues, but let us not forget the venues booking huge national acts. Some 2012 favorites: Ty Segall at King’s, Woods & Widowspeak at Duke Coffeehouse this Halloween, Mac DeMarco at Pinhook, Guardian Alien at Hopscotch, Thee Oh Sees at Hopscotch, Ed Askew at Nightlight.

6. The Value of Print Media: Oh hey, soapbox, didn’t see ya there! Let me expound — print media, particularly of the local variety, is what I trust. There’s always a margin of (human) error, but I value outlets like The Independent Weekly, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker for their commitment to long-form, in-depth coverage. Also shouts out to all the college papers (The DTH at UNC was my first rodeo).

7. PAPER BOOKS: Michael Chabon’s Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Stayed, Paris I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down by Rosecrans Baldwin, The Minus Times, and a plethora of fiction & memoir at my former place of employment, Flyleaf Books.

8. Miyazaki: I had never seen Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro before. What even?! Anyway, cured that deficiency by way of the Carolina Theater’s Miyazki film fest. I keep hoping my roommate’s cat Archie is secretly a Totoro.

9. The milkshakes at 9th street’s Ox & Rabbit: While you slurp a thick shake (my favorite is white ginger, but lavender vanilla’s nothing to scoff at) at a converted, updated soda-shop counter, you can pick up fancy candles, cookbooks, letterpress cards, or a necklace whose pendant resembles a piece of chewed-up gum.

10. Most importantly… Twin Peaks: In 2012, I watched both seasons of this uber-hip, prematurely-canceled series directed by David Lynch. If I ever have offspring, I will describe this period of my life as the Twin Peaks Era. The time when I reconsidered scrunchies, watched Mullholland Drive, wore fake glasses, and pressed my coworkers as to whether I was more Donna or Audrey. The time when I considered sitting on my couch with a VHS and a bag of chips a date. I will never erase the indelible, nightmarish image of Bob from my mind. As for my Twin Peaks totem, I maintain: Log Lady til I die.

Spotify Playlist: Ten Favorite Songs of 2012
1. Tame Imapala — Elephant (from Lonerism)
2. Mac DeMarco — Ode to Viceroy (from LP2)
3. Mount Moriah — Plane (reissued on Merge in 2012; initially released in 2011 on Mount Moriah)
4. Ty Segall Band — I Bought My Eyes (from Slaughterhouse)
5. Frank Ocean — Thinkin Bout You (from Channel Orange)
6. Liars — No. 1 Against the Rush (from WIXIW)
7. Thee Oh Sees — Nervous Harvest (from Thee Oh Sees/Total Control split)
8. Woods — Bend Beyond (from Bend Beyond)
9. Father John Misty — Nancy From Now On (from Fear Fun)
10. Sharon Van Etten — Give Out (from Tramp)

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-linnie-greene-merge-publicity-assistant/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-linnie-greene-merge-publicity-assistant/ 2012 Year End Lists: Michael Benjamin Lerner, Telekinesis http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/DwR9kH-Teek/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-michael-benjamin-lerner-telekinesis/#comments Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:50:54 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10272

Lil Meebles top 10 for 2012 (in no particular order) + a Bonus Spotify Playlist!

Chris Staples – American Soft
Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel is Wiser….
Hospitality – S/T
Nada Surf – The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy
The Shins – Port Of Marrow
The Walkmen – Heaven
Divine Fits – A Thing Called Divine Fits
Father John Misty – Fear Fun
Beach House – Bloom
The Cribs – In the Belly of the Brazen Bull

Favorite Reissues of 2012

Donnie & Joe Emerson – Dreamin’ Wild
Karen Dalton – 1966
Lee Hazlewood – The LHI Years: Singles, Nudes and Backsides (1966-71)
Paul & Linda McCartney – Ram
Ray Stinnett – A Fire Somewhere

My favorite Television shows watched in 2012, some not actually from 2012

Homeland

I watched almost all of season one on a trip to New York City recently, and I couldn’t believe how each episode kept my interest. It’s no wonder this show     has been awarded so many accolades as of late. And MANDY PATINKIN. Come on.

Dexter

I’m so entrenched in this show, even though it sometimes verges on really super cheesy and predictable. I have sipped the Dexter Kool Aid, and now I am hooked in deep.

Breaking Bad

Similar to Dexter, I started watching Breaking Bad, and felt like it was pretty cheesy, and predictable. That all changed after the first and second season. This show makes me have so much wonderful anxiety, and the last episode of Season Five was such a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see the next season.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

This might be a controversial choice, but I downloaded all of season one, and literally watched all of the episodes over the course of the day. Say what you will about this family, but they have FUN. Like, capital F FUN. I think they are a charmingly normal family, and the ‘sketti episode is absolutely amazing. There are some serious unintentional comedic gems in some of these episodes.

Battlestar Galactica

Just like it is depicted in the Portlandia episode, my girlfriend and I got SO obsessed with this. It’s SO good.

Freaks & Geeks

I had never watched this, but it recently became available on Netflix. What an incredible show, with some incredible people that were destined to become famous movie stars, and directors. I have no idea why this only went for one season. It’s one of the best coming of age shows ever made.

Six Feet Under

My girlfriend had seen all of these, but they were on HBO go, so we watched them together. What an absolute achievement of a show. The last episode made me cry my eyes out, and that’s hard to get me to do!

Girls

I think Lena Dunham is awesome, and she is taking crazy risks, and that’s so refreshing. I really enjoy this show.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-michael-benjamin-lerner-telekinesis/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-michael-benjamin-lerner-telekinesis/ Merge Christmas albums available at a record store near you http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/GnG6L35btf0/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/merge-christmas-albums-available-at-a-record-store-near-you/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:08:12 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10223
It’s December now, and if you’re the kind of person who reads record label blogs that can only mean one thing; you love music and probably can’t escape all the Christmas tunes. If Bing Crosby and Michael Buble aren’t cutting it for you this year, do yourself a favor and get down to your local record store for Tracey Thorn’s brand-new winter soundtrack Tinsel and Lights or the already-classic A Very She & Him Christmas.

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of these stores, you can enter to win a holiday prize pack featuring each of the aforementioned records on vinyl as well as a pair of toasty She & Him mittens and a set of specially designed Tinsel and Lights greeting cards. Talk to your store for specific entry and prize details.

Dearborn Music – Dearborn, MI
Electric Fetus – Minneapolis, MN
End of an Ear – Austin, TX
Finders Records & Tapes – Bowling Green, OH
Fingerprints – Long Beach, CA
Grimey’s – Nashville, TN
Horizon – Greenville, SC
Lou’s Records – Encinitas, CA
Luna Music – Indianapolis, IN
Main Street – Philadelphia, PA
Music Millennium – Portland, OR
Origami Vinyl – Los Angeles, CA
Park Avenue CD’s – Orlando, FL
Record Exchange – Boise, ID
Repo Records – Philadelphia, PA
Rhino Records – Claremont, CA
Schoolkids – Raleigh, NC
Sonic Boom Records – Seattle, WA
Sound Garden – Baltimore, MD
Twist & Shout – Denver, CO
Waterloo Records – Austin, TX
Wax N’ Facts – Atlanta, GA
The Long Ear – Coeur D’Alene, ID

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/merge-christmas-albums-available-at-a-record-store-near-you/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/merge-christmas-albums-available-at-a-record-store-near-you/ Shout Out Louds — Blue Ice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/d6kY-acboxU/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/shout-out-louds-blue-ice/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:21:25 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10212 Click here to view the embedded video.

Shout Out Louds will release their fourth album, Optica, on February 26, 2013.

Pre-order Optica now on CD or LP in the Merge store. LP Preorders will include a free Merge Records LP slipmat and a poster. Preorders will ship to arrive on or around the release date of February 26, 2013. Don’t forget . . . the Merge Holiday Code works on pre-orders, too!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/shout-out-louds-blue-ice/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/shout-out-louds-blue-ice/ 2012 Year End Lists: Devin DiMattia, Merge Digital Intern http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/YQQ38eN7pfQ/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-devin-dimattia-merge-digital-intern/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:19:13 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10210

Devin DiMattia’s Top 10 Music Videos of 2012

Ten more nuggets of awesomeness for your viewing pleasure. An eclectic mix of heartfelt narrative, absurdist comedy, psychedelic animation, throwback ’80s sci-fi, cardboard hip-hop, and Jon Hamm with a mustache! Plus a bonus video from remix master POGO. Watch the whole playlist here or check out each vid individually:

Lushlife, “Magnolia” (dir. Lamar + Nik)

Aimee Mann, “Labrador” (dir. Tom Scharpling)
I still laugh every time Wurster says “Stanley Klubrick.”

Starcadian, “HE^RT” (dir. Starcadian & Rob O’Neill)

Tame Impala, “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” (dir. Joe Pelling & Becky Sloan)

Lambchop, “Gone Tomorrow” (dir. Zach Spiger)
It was hard to pick just one of the amazing Merge vids this year, but this one is endlessly rewatchable.

YUKSEK, “Off the Wall” (dir. Romain Segaud)

The Shins, “Simple Song” (dir. DANIELS)

Beach House, “Lazuli” (dir. Allen Cordell)

EIMIC, “Brittle Crystal” (dir. Iiya Kolesnikov)

Pegasvs, “Brillar” (dir. CANADA) (NSFW)

Bonus Video: POGO, “Wizard of Meh.” (dir. Nick Bertke)
The song is made up entirely of vocal and music samples from The Wizard of Oz.

And a Bonus Spotify playlist!

In putting together a playlist of my favorite songs of the year, I tried to make sure each song flowed seamlessly into the next, with decidedly mixed results (as you can see, all the hip-hop kinda got lumped together). Still, there were a few surprises. I was amazed at how well that Beach Boys song transitioned into Lambchop. I hope you enjoy my little mix, and I hope you will forgive me for including a Keane song. What can I say? I love me some mopey Brit-rock.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-devin-dimattia-merge-digital-intern/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/12/2012-year-end-lists-devin-dimattia-merge-digital-intern/ Win a kit to make your own version of Shout Out Louds “Blue Ice” single on actual ice! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/nc6XwWWPLeU/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/11/win-a-kit-to-make-your-own-version-of-shout-out-louds-blue-ice-single-on-actual-ice/#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:15:55 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10158

Shout Out Louds have released “Blue Ice” the first song from their upcoming album as a 7-inch single made of ice! To enter, email your mailing address to merge@mergerecords.com with the subject line “Blue Ice Giveaway.”

We will announce the winner on December 3. Please note that by entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to receive the Merge Records Monthly Newsletter.

Click here to view the embedded video.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/11/win-a-kit-to-make-your-own-version-of-shout-out-louds-blue-ice-single-on-actual-ice/feed/ 4 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/11/win-a-kit-to-make-your-own-version-of-shout-out-louds-blue-ice-single-on-actual-ice/ Divine Fits play “Baby Get Worse” on Letterman http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/xSUOPkjDOmo/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/11/divine-fits-play-baby-get-worse-on-letterman/#comments Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:20:15 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10079 Click here to view the embedded video.

From A Thing Called Divine Fits.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/11/divine-fits-play-baby-get-worse-on-letterman/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/11/divine-fits-play-baby-get-worse-on-letterman/ Zooey Deschanel sings the National Anthem at the World Series! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/I_5Kktv3TFw/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/zooey-deschanel-sings-the-national-anthem-at-the-world-series/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:58:18 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=10007 Click here to view the embedded video.

A Very She & Him Christmas is in stores now!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/zooey-deschanel-sings-the-national-anthem-at-the-world-series/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/zooey-deschanel-sings-the-national-anthem-at-the-world-series/ John Darnielle sits down with John Norris for “Face Time” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/fRxoBL_Q6NU/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/john-darnielle-sits-down-with-john-norris-for-face-time/#comments Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:09:51 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=9988

The Mountain Goats are on tour & Transcendental Youth are available now on CD, LP and digital download.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/john-darnielle-sits-down-with-john-norris-for-face-time/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/john-darnielle-sits-down-with-john-norris-for-face-time/ Redd Kross play live on KEXP from MusicfestNW http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/_E3TrLrNVgA/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/redd-kross-play-live-on-kexp-from-musicfestnw/#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:40:13 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=9973 Click here to view the embedded video.

The McDonald brothers played a live set from Portland’s Doug Fir last month and included a number of songs from Researching the Blues. Buy the album on CD, LP or digital download from the Merge store now!

“a big, brash, vital, immaculately produced blast of rock ‘n’ roll” – NPR Music

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/redd-kross-play-live-on-kexp-from-musicfestnw/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/redd-kross-play-live-on-kexp-from-musicfestnw/ M. Ward – “Me and My Shadow” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/jntMyctBhhs/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/m-ward-me-and-my-shadow/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:25:37 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=9965

M. Ward’s A Wasteland Companion is available on CD, LP and digital download now in the Merge store.

 

 

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/m-ward-me-and-my-shadow/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/m-ward-me-and-my-shadow/ The Mountain Goats – “Cry for Judas” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/HgCgWofsOt8/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/the-mountain-goats-cry-for-judas/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:40:59 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=9954 Click here to view the embedded video.

Transcendental Youth is available now on CD, LP, and digital in the Merge store.

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/the-mountain-goats-cry-for-judas/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/10/the-mountain-goats-cry-for-judas/ Mark Eitzel talks with acting coach Drew Droege about “Oh Mercy” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/ku_s7Qvnvuo/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/09/mark-eitzel-talks-with-acting-coach-drew-droege-about-oh-mercy/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:28:17 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=9912 Click here to view the embedded video.

Splitsider premiered this video, the fourth in a continuing series of videos chronicling Mark Eitzel’s quest for advice on how to make his new record Don’t Be a Stranger a success. Watch the full series and see Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain on tour!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/09/mark-eitzel-talks-with-acting-coach-drew-droege-about-oh-mercy/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/09/mark-eitzel-talks-with-acting-coach-drew-droege-about-oh-mercy/ Mark Eitzel asks DJ Foodcourt for advice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MergeRecordsBlog/~3/rbveofStJno/ http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/09/mark-eitzel-asks-dj-foodcourt-for-advice/#comments Fri, 21 Sep 2012 20:30:30 +0000 Merge http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/?p=9886 Click here to view the embedded video.

San Francisco Weekly premiered this video, the third in a series of videos chronicling Mark Eitzel’s quest for advice on how to make his new record Don’t Be a Stranger a success. Watch the full series and see Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain on tour!

]]> http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/09/mark-eitzel-asks-dj-foodcourt-for-advice/feed/ 0 http://www.mergerecords.com/blog/2012/09/mark-eitzel-asks-dj-foodcourt-for-advice/