The new boss is demanding!

Unfortunately, champing at the bit and being prepared aren’t mutually exclusive. But now I’m about ready to get this blogging thing going…

First, a big thanks to djeddieo for allowing me to crash his space. I hope this will be a win-win, not only for Edward and myself, but for the loyal readers… even more bands and tunes for you to check out and hopefully enjoy.

Love as Laughter

The band Love as Laughter have already put in some blogosphere miles this year (and years past for sure, having formed in 1994!), but are still seemingly unheralded. Their new album Holy is quickly warming on me as a real contender. The lead single, All Parts of Me, which you’ll hear immediately on going to their MySpace page is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a while. Don’t let the Talking Heads and world music rhythms completely set your expectations. The rest of the album is a bit more straight-forward, but in a good way. Crosseyed Beautiful Youngunz and Konny and Jimmy (if you can find it) are two more keepers.

Catfish Haven

The newest entry on my list of eagerly anticipated releases is Devastator by Catfish Haven (out October 7). I had never heard of these guys until last week, but the single Set in Stone has set my expectations high. Download it from their site or just listen to it at MySpace. Grizzly looking indie-rockers from Chicago playing with R&B/Soul can never be a bad mix… can it?

Carried to Dust

Far from being new or undiscovered, but still a little off the main radar, Calexico have a new Mexicali/folk/rock album coming out on September 9 called Carried to Dust. The first single is Two Silver Trees. Incredible musicians, these guys continue to put out music that’s sincere to the roots they honor, but still make it feel fresh by throwing in some dub or electronics when least expected.

I hadn’t realized until now how heavily they contributed to the I’m Not There soundtrack. They back up various folks on 5 separate tracks. Goin’ to Acapulco, featuring Jim James from My Morning Jacket on vocals, is the one showcased on Calexico’s MySpace.

posted by: Buzz Biscuits

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Switches, Lily Allen

Well, I thought that Rick “Buzz Biscuits” Corson was champing at the bit to start blogging, but it looks like I’m squeezing one more in before he takes the baton.

Flipping thru a 3 month old Spin Magazine, I see Switches listed among editor Doug Brod’s faves. (odd that it would interest me, as his other faves – Cheap Trick, XTC, Fountains of Wayne – didn’t have me running for Limewire). Anyway, a quick trip to their MySpace page hooked me. (warning: this is one of those MySpace pages where a video way down the page starts automatically, then the audio player starts, resulting in sonic trainwreck….pause the audio player before it starts, and enjoy the video to Drama Queen, whether you look at the images or not, then listen to the equally great Inferior Interior on the audio player). Check the website too; obviously this stuff has been out for a while (released 7/17/07!), so some the hipper visitors to this blog are already over it, but my core audience of reluctant middle-aged suburbanites should eat it up. I found a free download at Sideload.com, a site I check frequently; search “switches” and grab Drama Queen before it’s gone.

I thought I was all done with Lily Allen, to be honest. Once she gave us Kate Nash (possible big mistake on her part), her stuff seemed a bit trite by comparison. A few songs on her MySpace page, however are nicely Kate-Nash-ish, about falling in love, breaking up, despising each other, and other touching topics. As easy on the eyes as ever with the blonde ‘do, Lily shines in “Who’d Of Known” [grammar police: shouldn’t that be “…have known”?] , “I Don’t Know”, and “I Could Say”. “Guess Who Batman” is fun too, though be careful not to play for the kiddies, lest they learn fun new phrases! Also see what a “good sport” she is in this video clip:

Alright, NOW maybe the next voice you read will be Rick’s…..ciao!

introducing….guest blogger!

Hey, I just got a genius suggestion from occasional contributer Rick, sometimes known as “Buzz Biscuits”: Let him do some djeddieo.com blogging while I’m so busy. Genius! I always wanted the blog to be somewhat interactive anyway, and I love Rick’s taste in music. He does tend to find things I like, but might not have found myself. His may be the next voice you read! Stay tuned………..