Ted Shred

02:17 am - New mix on my podcast: DESTINATION AHEAD

Despite being too busy, I am still making time to create some mixes & posting them, even if it's @ 2:00 AM. If you're obsessed with travel (like me), then this one is for you. Whatever the journey, I need a soundtrack. Cheers.

Current Mood: sleepy

11:22 pm - New mix on my podcast: BLUE ROOM SESSIONS: AFTER MIDNIGHT

My sleepless nature is persistent, so I spend those late hours just listening to music & working on more mixes. I just posted a new mix on my podcast that's born from these late night sessions, so please check it out if you can. Cheers.

Current Mood: tired

04:16 pm - Underdogs

I totally understand what it feels like to be written off, always treated as the underdog:

Current Mood: busy

11:34 am - Rough week for mainstream news & other updates

It’s been a recently rough time for mainstream, popular news, with the DC Metro train crash, the sudden death of Michael Jackson, & Farrah Fawcett’s failed battle with cancer. That’s quite a bit of domestic negativity in a short time period.

DC Metro: I had just missed that Red Line train by mere minutes. After I got off the Red line train to switch to the Orange line, the PA speakers @ Metro Center notified patrons of a ‘delay @ the Fort Totten station.’ Delays are normal during this gridlock period, hence I thought nothing of it. But about 30 minutes later, after my Orange Line train ride was over & I had gotten in my car, WAMU 88.5 news on the radio reported a severe train crash on the Red Line. I was floored.

I experienced a similar (read: floored) feeling just yesterday while driving back to the house: WAMU reports that the King of Pop has passed away. What? Wow. It sounded so unbelievable that for a few seconds, it did not register with me at all. Did I just hear that? Immediately, visual images of my youth ran through my mind like a movie on fast forward. I thought of the many days I spent glued to my little Panasonic radio, listening to whatever radio station California offered. Michael Jackson dominated the airwaves, along with a slew of forgettable hair bands (the latter of which keep coming back to do ‘reunion’ tours). As an impressionable grade schooler, I thought Jackson was cool because he wore a leather jacket, an act I equated with an understanding of punk rock (oh to be young again). I would see his “Thriller” LP at Tower & think to myself: this guy is magical – he is beyond human. R.I.P. I’m going to revisit “Off The Wall” now.

Remembering an Angel: a majority of my co-workers are considerably older than me, which I think helps me to understand why they took the passing of Farrah Fawcett quite hard, particularly for the males (understandable). I do have fond memories of watching the local TV channels playing repeat episodes of what would later become my staple childhood viewing diet (The Streets of San Francisco, Starsky & Hutch, S.W.A.T., Rockford Files, Charlie’s Angels). I didn’t really understand all of these shows. I focused mainly on what could be now construed as the trivial aspects, i.e., the cars used in these shows (that Monte Carlo in The Streets of San Francisco was too cool) and all the gritty action.

When it came time for Charlie Angels, I will admit that I did think Farrah was the best-looking out of all 3 of these good-looking ladies. She looked like all the California girls I saw wherever I went. Moreover, I thought it was cool that they were involved in crime-fighting action for a faceless boss known only by a speaker. Also, Stacy Peralta was in an episode, so this show had to be cool – right? Perhaps Farrah could be considered my first childhood TV crush, although at the time, I had no idea what that world was about. I did know that every older teenage boy most likely had that infamous swimsuit poster. I was always amazed that their parents would let them have that whenever I saw it at a friend’s house. Amazing.

USA win over Spain

Yes, I monitor this stuff, & this particular game is a true gem. To me, it’s up there with the 1980 Olympics, when the USA beat Russia in hockey: a shock upset. World soccer is a great window into world relations. I’ll save the explanation for that one (that could be a book), but suffice it to say that no one expected (including me) the USA NT to reach this far in the Confederations Cup. And now here we are, facing Brazil this Sunday. It’s a rematch to end all rematches. Because we have reached this point, Brazil national team coach Dunga is not taking Sunday’s game lightly:

“We are anxious as the game approaches which is normal. The two best teams are in the final, they have been the most efficient and they deserve to be in the final,” Dunga told a press conference at Ellis Park Stadium, the venue for the final.

Should be a great game.

SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE reform

Yep, it’s true: the original ‘Diary’ line-up will tour again starting Sept 17 in Vancouver. It’s been years since I listened to this band. Nostalgia sure does have a way of creeping into your psyche. I remember spending quite a few late nights in my bedroom, figuring out all the guitar riffs on Diary. I know it sounds predictable, but the first LP is my favorite, not to discount the others. I have all their releases, but Diary stands above the rest.

GASLIGHT ANTHEM in October

Perhaps the most anticipated show for me this year is the GASLIGHT ANTHEM @ 9:30 Club in October. Of course I have my tickets already. I got those the first day of the soft sale. It’s no surprise this band has become very popular very quickly. Their songs are too damn catchy.

CHURCH have new LP & tour

If you are old enough to remember ‘Under The Milky Way’ on the radio, then you may remember the band The Church. Well, years later, they are still releasing albums & touring. They will be here in the DC area tomorrow @ the State Theatre. I am still debating whether or not to go. This venue is definitely stepping up in terms of booking. Peter Murphy is there July 3.

Official Church website:

http://www.thechurchband.com/

Current Mood: busy

07:28 pm - Amoeba: I will see you soon...

Current Mood: busy

09:10 pm - New mix on my podcast: '77 STINGRAY

Folks, I'm back on decks & creating mixes. Just posted a new one on my podcast, so please check it out if you can. This one's strictly for fun. Nothing heavy - just good vibes for your 8-track car stereo:

Current Mood: busy

01:45 pm - Thanks for coming to our show!

I just want to thank EVERYONE who came to our show last night. Show was sold-out again = wow. What a great crowd & what an awesome response. The House of Sweden is & has always been a unique party. Massive thanks to Jenny for making it all happen. Tons of pics coming soon! Cheers.

Current Mood: tired

06:01 pm - We're back: upcoming show @ House of Sweden

Folks, if there's one show this year I hope you can attend, it's this one. I'm back at the House of Sweden with Rick/Reehee on Saturday, May 16, 2009. The House of Sweden recently started their Living Green campaign, & this upcoming Saturday show is part of that.

For anyone who came to our show back in October 2008, you know how much fun these events really are. For those of you who have never been here, do yourself a favor & buy your tickets now. There will be no door sales, as these events tend to sell out.

Current Mood: busy

01:34 pm - Updates, i.e., "Where you been?"

What can I say. It’s been weeks – months – since the last entry, & if you’ve stuck around this long, then I commend you for your patience. Why has it taken so long? Well, here’s all the updates:

We (as in Reehee & Shred) have what we have dubbed a “massive” show in May at a venue I am not allowed to mention until the promoter allows us. We were given this opportunity weeks ago, hence I have been compiling music & practicing on decks since I got that phone call from Rick. I am also using some new equipment, so while I soak in the music, I am doing so using new tools. I want to step up the game from our last show in October 2008 @ the House of Sweden, so I have been preparing for this upcoming show more so than usual. It’s all quite a bit of work, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. More details to come very soon, as the promotion side of all this starts in about one week.

I have also been rummaging this area for a good videographer, which has been much more difficult than I thought. I never knew this area could be so dry in terms of technical talent, but as is my history with this area, you always learn the hard way. Because we’re placing a huge importance on this show, I want video & pics. We failed to capitalize on this last time, which was a huge mistake, one I refuse to repeat. If you know of anybody with a good eye behind a video camera, please let me know.
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Record Store Day is coming up soon (April 18, 2009). Yes, this is important. You can view all the info here, including all the exclusive releases available that day. I think events such as this are invaluable. The only disheartening fact is that it takes a special event to draw attention to a vibrant music community, even if it appears to be fading. Still, this year, many artists have coincided their releases with this day. I personally cannot wait to get The Gaslight Anthem’s live 10”. For those of you that do not have any sort of record store, believe me when I say, “I understand your pain.” The West Coast is spoiled in terms of good stores, a fact I am blatantly jealous about with public admission. Again, my nostalgia bug kicks in, despite it being a current event. Get away from the keyboard & support your local record store. I’d rather talk to a music lover than click a shopping cart.
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Despite being so busy, I have done a minimal amount of traveling. I have already missed Booka Shade @ 9:30 Club & Kruder & Dorfmeister @ WMC, although you can see clips of the latter here. The focus on music has really made time fly by very quickly. In addition to preparing for our May show, I already have 3 mixes lined up for my podcast (PS: please go & check out Reehee's latest mix & our first submission for 2009 from J-Bird). I haven’t been this far ahead of the game ever. Amazing what patience & persistence will bring. I have also been working at saving money for a new guitar. I am looking at a custom model made by Sparrow Guitars. Overall, the inspiration coming from all musical angles has been immense. For example, I cannot wait for the new Way Out West, due to drop in early fall of this year. I have already heard teaser tracks through random video clips, & it all sounds absolutely delicious.
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Who believes in karma? Do you believe that by helping others, you are doing your part to make this world the better place it needs to be? I have made some friends abroad, & they all have optimistic viewpoints on the rest of the world, no matter what our current economic & political realities may suggest. It’s quite a relief to meet & encounter other people who share your optimism. It’s also a bit uncanny to realize that people thousands of miles away are more similar than you imagine, thereby making the physical distance a mere technicality. Do your part & make a positive impact. Who knows: you may end up saving someone’s life. Cheers.

Current Mood: busy

09:15 pm - New mix on my podcast: NEON CYBER

Folks: it's been awhile since I've been on here. I've been so busy I don't know where to start, so I'll being with the fun stuff. I just posted a new mix to my podcast, titled NEON CYBER. It's my soundtrack tribute to a short-lived comic book series I followed years ago. If you like tech sounds & soaring electronics, then this one is for you, so please check it out if you can. Cheers.

Current Mood: working

05:13 pm - New York for a day

This past Sunday, I decided to venture out to New York City (a 4-hour drive one way). I had been thinking about going up there for a bit, partially because the Virgin mega store (the last music retailer worth anything) was closing its doors to all 8 of its stores for good by Feb 2009, but mostly I had grown quite tired of seeing my area a bit too much. I need that change of scenery to refresh my outlook. It’s as simple as that.

I got up early & was out the door by 5:30 AM. I surmised that there would be little to no traffic the entire drive. Sure enough, the drive up north was as easy as pie. The only interference I encountered was the long line for coffee at a rest stop in Delaware (what in the world is going in Delaware at 7:30 AM?). Cruise control was my standard driving mode for the vast majority of the northern trek. It was a bit uncanny to encounter little to no traffic on I-95, one of the more hellacious interstates in this country. This was a great opportunity to check all the new music I had recently acquired. For some reason, all that music seemed a bit more compelling than usual. Perhaps it was because I could actually pay attention to it. It’s the little things.

Driving through the Lincoln Tunnel while listening to Q-Tip seems borderline cliché NY, but it just works. There is a parking lot for the Manhattan convention center that is almost too convenient. You could walk to Times Square from it (which is what I did on the way back to my car – just a few city blocks). I took a cab to Times Square & immediately chatted up the driver. It’s 10:15 AM.

Driver: “Are you from here?”
Me: “No – I just drove up from DC.”
Driver: “Ah – DC – is there anything happening down there?”
Me: “Nope – quite boring actually.”
Driver: “Well, what you see here is quiet for NYC (streets are still crowded). But it’s a good place to have fun, see beautiful places, meet beautiful women – it’s all here.”
Me: “Well, I doubt I will meet any women, but I’ll keep that in mind. I’m not going to hit any clubs or anything.”
Driver: “Ah, but see, you will not find good women in clubs. Good women do not go to clubs. They go to family gatherings, social gatherings – these kinds of places.”
Me: “I totally understand – it’s the same in DC, albeit a bit tougher, as men outnumber women there.”
Driver: “Really? Are you sure?”
Me: “Well, government jobs are absurdly male-dominated. It’s really boring.”
Driver: “But that does not mean there are more men overall, does it?”
Me: “Well, you could easily get this impression by just walking streets. Plus, I can’t think of a club right now that will charge a female for cover.”
Driver: “But you should not go to clubs anyway. The people there are not the types you want to meet. You will meet a good woman at a family gathering, or the grocery store. This is how it happens.”
Me: “I agree with you, plus I am not looking. I believe that if something like this happens, it’s quite random.”
Driver: “Hmm – maybe, but you just need to be where they are, then you will randomly meet a good woman.”

He seemed genuinely concerned about telling me how to try & meet women, which I found somewhat cool but also inapplicable. My mind simply does not work that way. When I think of NYC, I think of music long before women come into play. Still, he is an example of a welcome persona I simply do not encounter at all in DC.

At Times Square, some of the metal barricades had already been set up for New Year’s Eve. Teenage tourists loitered around that stage area in the middle of Broadway across from MTV. Everyone had their digital cameras out. I heard quite a bit of German, some French & I think Farsi. The clouds did nothing to somber the mood. It’s just another day in the biggest city in America. I went to the Virgin mega store & upon immediately entering the place, my ears were attacked by God-awful rap music at an obnoxious volume. Not hip hop – but rap. Yes, I am one of those who think there is a difference. Do people listen to this stuff? Anyway, some sections had been moved around since my last visit, so I went straight for the vinyl bins. There were some gems to be had, but I will admit I already had most of their good stock. While a feeling of slight disappointment set in, it also reminded me that doing my homework has paid off. After browsing all the sections briefly, I called Rick/Reehee to see if he needed anything (we are both not looking forward to the demise of music retail). I ended up getting him a couple things.

One of the enjoyable things about huge places like this is not necessarily the stock to be found but moreover to see the people here. It was a complete mish mash of teenagers, parents trying to be hip & senior citizens who just don’t care. I identified most with the seniors. As I was trying to remember my mental list of things to look for, I kept getting distracted by a guy who insisted he was “dope,” i.e., he was “rapping” while walking all throughout the store. Look everybody: it's MC Virgin Mega Dogg. Ug – so boring. He seriously acted like a camera crew was following him around. He was alone. I then modified my definition of hell. At first, I always dreamed that hell is working at a Wal–Mart in Kansas in the middle of August with no air conditioning. Now I also think hell is being stuck with Mega Dogg in this store with no way out - & I must film him as his personal assistant. It’s the stuff of nightmares for sure.

After getting quite a few things, I realized I had not eaten in the past 10 hours. I definitely wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, so I opted to walk back to my car, hoping to find some hole-in-the-wall local spot to have my next meal. I ended up at Monetti’s NY Pizza, home of Gino’s Italian Ices. Places like this may seem forgettable, but to me it’s exactly the kind of place I look for when I’m in a city where I don’t live. This place is small yet personable. Lots of pizza choices. Little shakers of red pepper flakes everywhere – definitely my kind of place.

After my meal, I decided to head back to DC. For some reason, I didn’t feel like driving without the sun. Well, that plan was a bust, as traffic was absolutely horrible from the NJ border to all throughout Delaware. Again: what in the world is going on in Delaware? I feel like I’m missing something. What is it about the second smallest First State that creates the environment for all this? I could have traveled faster on a bike. Needless to say, NY in a day was done. I got back to DC not too late but exhausted from just sitting in my car in Delaware, like I had just flown from San Francisco to DC but I didn’t sleep on the plane. Getting tired from doing nothing – that’s a new one for me.

Cloudy morning @ Times Square, 12.28.2008.


Virgin Mega-Store - gone by Feb 2009.


Monetti's NY Pizza


Home of Gino's Italian Ices

Current Mood: working

01:46 pm - Best of 2008

2008 was an incredibly strong year for releases, a welcome change from 2007. Here’s a short list of gems from the past year on repeat in my headphones. Let’s hope for an even better 2009. Cheers.

The GASLIGHT ANTHEM
The ’59 Sound



Every year, there seems to one release that’s on repeat since the day I get. This year, that release is clearly The GASLIGHT ANTHEM – The ’59 Sound. I have to really prevent myself from playing this because I will wear it out. I didn’t think this Jersey crew could top Sink Or Swim, but to me this release does just that. It’s the type of album that I must listen to in its entirety. Every song on here is damn catchy, particularly “The Patient Ferris Wheel,” which is what SOCIAL DISTORTION’s “Far Behind” was in 2007: my single of the year. These guys are poised for big things to come. Recent shows with the Bouncing Souls point to a bigger following. The GASLIGHT ANTHEM is one band to watch. Mad talent & choice songwriting here. Easily my favorite release of the year.

NICK WARREN
Lima: GU 35



What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Nick Warren has proven to be the highlight of the Global Underground series, & his latest mix for Lima, Peru, only validates this further. Some truly tasty cuts are served up, most notably on the first disc. Seamless mixing, beautiful tracks, clean production – it’s no wonder Nick Warren has a mad following. Count me in this lot. Always setting the standard with each successive mix, Nick Warren presents the future of electronic music.

MARCEL DETTMANN
Berghain 02



While the tech-electro sounds have never really appealed to me, Marcel Dettmann’s mix has me doing a double-take. I was a bit biased in picking this up because Kate Simko is on it, & anything she does is golden. Well, this mix just shows how compelling tech sounds could be. Who knew? Dettmann’s take on this fairly dark sound has made me reconsider what it’s all about. Import only, so if you’re looking for it, expect to pay a bit.

SOS
Balance 013



Last year’s release by Luke Fair stands as one of my all-time favorites. So could the Balance label really continue releasing high quality mixes? The latest from the trio known as SOS affirms this. This 3-CD mix starts off ambient & brooding, taking its sweet time to build up to dancefloor-worthy bpms. I expect nothing but the best from this label, & this release just shows why: with a choice record pool & top-notch producers, the Balance label has consistently been brilliant. SOS has succeeded in creating beautiful soundscapes.

The (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY
The Cross of My Calling



Perhaps one of the most anticipated releases for me, I have been following The (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY since REFUSED broke up. I was even more eager for this release when I found out Rick Rubin was behind the mixing board. And true to form, the (I)NC does not disappoint. Although the volume of A New Morning is long gone, what replaces that is more intricate songwriting. The production is slick, which you would expect with Rubin, but this actually enhances the 1960’s vibe I got from my initial listen, right down to the “groovy” artwork. The lyrics are intelligent & political, a welcome respite from all the vapid music being releases ad nauseum. Definitely worthy of your time. Now what about that tour?

SATOSHI TOMIIE
Renaissance Masters Series



Underrated. Overlooked. Severely talented. These are descriptions that hit me whenever I read the name Satoshi Tomiie. What really made me take notice was his Nu Breed mix years ago on the GU imprint. Since then, Tomiie has evolved much the same way as Nick Warren. The Masters Series is a fitting home for Tomiie, as this mix is without a doubt pure butter & then some. From the track selection to the incredibly fluid mixing, Tomiie shows he is a producer of experience. If you get this, try & get the CD version, as the brief Q&A section shows just how much Tomiie works to keep his love of music going. I get mad inspiration from this mixer. Crucial.

GREYBOY
15 Years of West Coast Cool



While not necessarily “new music,” Greyboy makes it no secret his love for old funky sounds & rare groove gems. 15 Years of West Coast Cool further exhibits this. If you were ever curious as to where producers get the bulk of their funky samples, you need to do some homework like Greyboy. This comp features Sharon Jones = ‘nuff said. Get it on double-LP.

Q-TIP
The Renaissance



I’ve been missing hip hop for years, so when I heard Q-Tip was finally going to release another solo album, I knew I would not be let down. Sure enough, “The Renaissance” is easily the best hip hop album of 2008 for me. No misogyny, no blatant profanity – just laid back beats with smooth flows & a high-quality guest list (Norah Jones, Amanda Diva) that isn’t 5 pages long. I don’t know why other hip hop artists can’t sound like this. Q-Tip makes it so easy to get into these grooves. His vocal stylings continue to sound unique. “Move” & “Dance On Glass” are stand-outs. The entire release is solid. I want more singles from this album!

MARK FARINA
Mushroom Jazz V.6



If the laidback beat scene ever needed a leader, Mark Farina stands as candidate #1. Mushroom Jazz 6 further exemplifies the skills we’ve heard years ago. Farina no doubt impresses with this new chill mix. It’s a bit more hip hop than earlier volumes, and Farina also has been using more & more of his friends’ works (J-Boogie, Colossus, The Jazzual Suspects). All of this results in an absurdly solid mix, with some funky gems I may need to work into my own sets (FLASH “Wasn’t Really Worth My Time” = unbelievably catchy). It’s no small wonder he is so highly revered. You need this.

The CURE
4:13 Dream



Has it really been 3 decades of creating music for these guys? I still have that very first Fiction Records single from 1979. Fast forward to 2008, & I am still listening to The Cure. "4:13 Dream" continues the dream guitar work & Blue Boy songwriting I always look for whenever they release a new album. As long as they keep writing music, I will continue to follow. Don’t let this one slip beneath your radar.

NAKED MUSIC
Re-Creation



What? An all new Naked Music release in 2008? I was just as surprised as anybody who follows this label to learn that Jay Denes was working on new material for a full-length release. After all, it’s been years. Listening to Re-Creation (& the 12” single for “Hurry”) made me nostalgic for these modern sounds. I really miss premium electronic sounds like Blue Six. No one is really making music like this anymore, which makes searching for these vibes ever more elusive. Buy get, get it, love it.

The VERVE
Forth



Let’s face it. Despite Richard Ashcroft’s distinctive voice, The VERVE is nothing without master guitar player Nick McCabe. That’s the only way this album was going to work: Nick McCabe must be on it. Thankfully, we get a return to form with this long-overdue release. If you’re looking for the volume of A Northern Soul, you better try again. However, the lush guitar sounds & Ashcroft’s uplifting voice are all present. Huge riffs & gigantic song structures still abound ("Appalachian Springs"). It’s as if The VERVE has never left. I hope it doesn’t happen – again.

V/A All Aboard: A Tribute To Johnny Cash



This fairly obscure tribute comp could have easily gotten lost among the countless tribute albums, but with appearances by the BOUNCING SOULS, The GASLIGHT ANTHEM & Russ Rankin, I am surprised that it remains somewhat hidden. The music reflects a real tribute, & not sub par cover versions of a stellar songwriter. The vinyl is a double-LP, so go to interpunk for that.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS
Little Honey



Lucinda Williams has always been compelling to me. Her off-key southern drawl & heartfelt lyrics just always grab my complete attention. “Little Honey” is perfect for those cross-country road trips across the I-10 westbound. Images of desert roads & searing heat always hit me whenever I hear her voice. Another crucial album from this roots songwriter.

MARY-ANNE HOBBS
Evangeline



If you follow Mary-Anne Hobbs on BBC’s Radio 1, then you’ve probably heard most of these sounds already. Hobbs has this uncanny knack of focusing on some challenging tracks that still maintain solid grooves. The dark dubstep vibes on “Way of the Gun” by Cult of the 13th Hour clearly showcase her penchant for difficult electronic listening. Look for it on vinyl – that’s a 4-record set.

U2 box set



The first 3 albums remastered. If you like them, then you probably already own this. Revel in it. If you could care less, then I cannot explain it to you. It’s an incredibly long box set full of nostalgia.

DISCHORD reissues

DISCHORD has reissued much of their earlier catalog (Dag Nasty, Minor Threat, Faith), most notably on vinyl. You should look for the vinyl reissues, as 1) the prices are still low & 2) each vinyl release contains the necessary code for you to download the entire release as an mp3. I have to admit: that’s a smart move on their part, since it appeases turntable-philes are well as those who gravitate towards their iPod.

Current Mood: working

06:48 pm - SOMETHIN' ELSE on the pod

2008 is almost history. It's uncanny to think about how fast this past year has been. With all the shows, the pod, the constant music hunting – with all of this, it's hard to believe that all of that took place. I'm getting a few days off from work (I hope you are, too), so Reehee & I put together a laid back, straight-ahead jazz mix for the pod. With all the digital music we post on there, I thought for once we should post something completely analog. I turn to Blue Note jazz, specifically from the 1960's, whenever I need some chilled-out, soulful sounds. It's definitely the kind of music I reach for after a hectic & loud show. Lee Morgan just brings my mind back to base, so please check it out if you can.

I'll be doing the usual list of notable stuff I think you should check out from the past year. Whenever I hear good sounds, I definitely want to share them. More to come. Cheers.

Current Mood: working

07:19 pm - For the 1,000,000th time: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORE

I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to acquire music in a physical form in DC until today. I wanted to buy Nick Warren’s Lima mix on GU for a good friend of mine. She loves electronic music, & Nick Warren picks delicious tunes for his releases, so it seemed like an obvious choice. I consider any DJ release on GU “mainstream” (this detail is important), since Sasha & Digweed have become staple names to drop when talking about electronic music. Well, after going to all the mainstream chains that still sell CDs (Best Buy, Borders, etc; keep in mind nearly all the music retailers in this area have closed: Tower, Kemp Mill, etc), not only did no one have Nick Warren’s latest (released in October), but no one in any of the stores knew what I was talking about when I asked for it. Unbelievable. Is it that obscure? Who knew? The “electronic” sections at all these places were all too predictable: numerous copies of the Chemical Brothers & countless comps featuring bikini-clad Euro women on all the covers with the word “Ibiza” strategically placed for maximum effect (not that you would be reading the word Ibiza. Absurd.).

I called a local CD outlet (CD Cellar), & the guy responded, “Can you spell the last name?” Right there, I knew I was in trouble. If an independent music outlet has no idea, then I’ll need all the luck I can get.

So I called a DC store called CD Warehouse. This store is closed until next year because they are moving to a different location, but the owner answered the phone. After a couple minutes, I explained to him all the trouble I had been encountering to get this double-CD. He started to laugh, knowing full well how my frustration sounded ultimately comedic. He then went on this humorous but slightly heated monologue about the state of music today: that nowadays, if it’s not directly in front of your face & available through one click, people simply will not care about it at all. In order for your music to be heard, you have to be front & center & only one click away. Otherwise, “searching” is something that simply does not occur with the mainstream public.

I thought about this, & for the most part I was inclined to agree, as I have felt that as physical retail outlets close, finding & acquiring good music has become a much more arduous ordeal than ever before. But what gets me is that what I was searching was not that obscure at all – or so I thought. How can this be? Nick Warren is a great example of how popular electronic music has become – outside of the USA. Is that the difference? It can’t be. What about American DJs like Mark Farina? Maybe it’s the genre itself that seems still “rare”?

Other genres have their big names that the mainstream public can attach to them (whether you like it or not): Metallica, Kayne West, Lil Wayne, Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Nickelback, etc. I wondered: what is the mainstream equivalent for electronic music? Does one exist? Or is electronic music still relegated to horrible clubs & the occasional car commercial? Dare I say, is electronic music still misunderstood?

I ended up going to a DC store called Melody in the NW neighborhood. I remember consistently skipping over this store when I first moved here because at the time, numerous great record stores were to be had. Today, all those other stores are long gone & Melody was the only shop that had the Nick Warren release. Thankfully, it was not overpriced at all.

From odd to potentially depressing: these are the adjectives that come to mind when I think about the state of music stores available in the DC / VA / MD area: there simply aren’t any to write home about. It’s simply uncanny to think that in the nation’s capitol, music retailers are a closed chapter in history. Searching for music using a right-hand scroll bar rather than your own hands in dusty bins strikes me as tedious, impersonal & cheap. What’s the summation? SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORE.

Current Mood: weird

01:09 am - Journal ramblings

Some journal entries from the past few days...

11.23.2008, 5:59 PM – JFK airport. Sitting here, on a 3 hour layover, waiting for a 7-hour flight. Just watched the 2nd half of the MLS Cup on one of the news monitors here. It’s ironic that I am here in NY, & there’s a massive sports bar here, but none of their 12+ screens are showing the MLS game, which has the NY Red Bulls. Instead, you can watch the game in NY on a news monitor.

I am forcing myself to take some time off, away from the persistent hatred, rudeness & immaturity of DC. I have to make minimum 2 of such trips. The mental consequences of no travel are annoying & disastrous. The last thing I need is to let the outside world control my inside world. Sometimes you have to physically remove yourself from such an environment in order to give yourself that reminder that you feel like you never need, but then you’d be lying to yourself: that another world exists, where people exist & are civil to each other. I need to visit such places, lest my sanity is forever lost. The “other” excuse is that I need music, & the West coast definitely delivers the goods.

The fading format of vinyl continues...

3 of my favorite websites that sell vinyl are no longer carrying this format. With these last bastions ending their sale of vinyl, I am in an unusual predicament. I think I relied too heavily on those websites, or perhaps I am still denying what has been painfully obvious for awhile now: that the digital format will take over regardless. I actually almost have no problem with this. The problem lies in acquiring the actual music. Searching / shopping for music online is so tedious, impersonal & faceless. It is utterly boring. I much rather favor an actual, physical store or venue, even if that venue sold strictly digital formats. Using the right-hand scroll bar to read titles instead of using your hands to go through dusty bins has no character at all. Perhaps I am just too “Old School.” I come from the days when Tower Records was THE place to go to acquire music, regardless of genre. Now I must don the headphones & listen to digital samples of digital product. The sound quality leaves much to be desired, which is a pithy concern, but it does not make the constant transition any easier. Also, keeping up with releases requires even more attention, as bases of knowledge tend to be varied & inconsistent. Blogs, online zines, artist pages, myspace pages – it can take literally hours to find anything decent no matter what the genre. When I was a kid, the actual search was part of the overall memorable experience. Today, searching serves as an annoying formality, like a ritual you must endure every time in order to deem if you are worthy of the (possibly disappointing) end result.

Searching for music will never end. Further irony just seeps in with the following mental revelation: technology was supposed to make all of this easier. Instead, the floodgates have truly opened, with good music becoming ever more elusive due to the sheer volume of “product” out there. With a simple internet connection & maybe a discount version of Pro Tools, the music “market” reached its saturation point years ago, particularly if we’re talking about digital formats. Sometimes searching feels like a high school physics homework assignment: true, it means something in the end, but to get there becomes arduous at best.

Layover ramblings

On the flight from DC to NY, the flight attendant was handing out free samples of Arm & Hammer toothpaste. To all of those that refused: please don’t breathe on me. To tide me over for all these hours just sitting around, I went to the airport bookstore & picked up a copy of Lewis Black’s latest book on paperback. Some of this material is on his Carnegie Hall release, but no worries. I need reads like this after completing heavy texts. For example, I will read Kurt Vonnegut after Naomi Klein, just to put the intellectual bombardment into perspective. Plus, I need to do this, as authors on the caliber of Naomi Klein possess so many facts that both fascinate & depress me, the latter being a bit prominent. I am morbidly curious to know what a person like Naomi Klein does for “fun.” The Shock Doctrine is a great read, but it can difficult to digest, especially if you truly care about the state of the world & not those who run the state. I wonder if she would ever frolic through Central Park, barefoot, with her husband on a nice spring day. It’s silly to realize that I cannot conjure up such a mental movie in my head after reading The Shock Doctrine. Absolutely ludicrous.

11.25.2008, 9:47 PM – I am currently out in California, enjoying the West coast winter that requires only a sweatshirt at most during the day. It’s such a welcome respite right now from the mid-Atlantic chills. I try to make these trips at least twice a year. This year has seen the least amount of visits, primarily due to work. This is something I need to drastically change in 2009.

No matter how much these trips take me from relief to nostalgia in nanoseconds (i.e., a mental rollercoaster), I will forever hold this area close to me, as it gives me that reminder that real people exist, that a real place exists void of adults having attitudes. As repetitive & simpleton as that sounds, it is so true & applicable. It really puts into perspective the amount of immaturity & hate I deal with on a daily basis. When I come out here, all I care about is family & music. Now that’s a simpleton life I welcome. 2008 is fading out fast. It’s uncanny to think how fast this year has been. If given the choice between more money & more time, I’d definitely choose time over money, because you cannot replace time once you spend it.

Current Mood: tired

11:36 pm - New mix on my podcast: COLD WATER MUSIC

As the cold months begin their entrance, I decided to post a new mix on my podcast that serves as a soundtrack for the past year. It's chill-out at its best, so please check it out if you can. Cheers.

Current Mood: mellow

10:34 pm

The patience to vote

Yesterday, I went to my local government office to vote early. I decided to get there early due to the expected crowds. I didn’t want to repeat the wait from 2004. Sure enough, the line spanned the entire length of the government building (about ¼ mile), then curved around. I predicted it would take 3 hours until I could perform the 10-second act of voting (4 issues this year). It took 2 hours to finally reach the voting desk. I was quite encouraged by the huge turnout, despite the army of undisciplined loud children running amok & their neglectful parents just standing around. I came prepared: I brought music & my headphones. Wow – what a difference. I was easily the youngest person there in line, if you’re only counting voting age. If it took that long to cast my ballot, I can only imagine what the wait will be like on Tuesday morning. In 2004, I waited approximately one hour. I remember I got there early (5 minutes to 6:00 AM), & the line was already long, but it was nowhere near the spectacle I witnessed yesterday.

Early voting in my neighborhood does not use those laughable electronic touch-screen machines. The voting form you fill out is akin to those Scan Tron tests you most likely took in grade school: you fill in little bubbles, making sure to indicate a clear choice. Then you slide the form facedown into a huge metal box scanner. There are 4 Congressional Districts in my immediate area, so each District had its own big metal box. When I submitted my vote, I was in the 4,600 range. That means over 4,600 people had already voted. I peeked at the metal box to the left: 11,000+. Wow. People have really turned out for this election, & it’s not even “officially” voting day.

I am not going to tell you how to vote. I am not going to get on a soapbox & try to convince you of something you’ve already decided ages ago. But I will say this: vote. Just do it. No excuses, no delays. VOTE.

Flashback to red rock shopping

I am a fanatic of spicy food. This is going somewhere. Where I live, your choices of food are quite predictable & boring. It’s mostly your usual meat & potatoes. Nothing fancy, nothing “exotic.” There is very little of what I would dub international options. This is very true when it comes to hot sauces, flavors I have loved since I was a little kid eating messy tacos with shells already broken when you took them out of the box. Ah, the memories. Well, after searching all the usual supermarkets in my area with absolutely no results, I knew I had to go to a place that specialized in the spice. I had to go to a market that literally seemed like a different world. In order to get the real deal, you had to shop at the real deal.

In a corner of town, near the airport, is a market called “Bestway,” which is the only English word on display. Beneath that word, it proudly displays in flickering green & red neon letters “Mundo Hispano.” I knew that in order to get the hot sauces I wanted, I had to go there. And that’s exactly what I did.

Upon entering the place, I felt like I was immediately transported to a market in southern Arizona, where everything is labeled in Spanish, then English. The place is packed & loud: it’s a Sunday afternoon. I see a display of candles of the Virgin of Guadalupe in front of me. I immediately look up to the directory for the salsa aisle. A place like this must have an entire aisle devoted to salsa. Sure enough: Aisle 9. What a wall of sauces. I had to keep reminding myself that I was not in Tucson. I was in Spice Heaven. I had to limit myself, now knowing of a place I can go to for the heated goods, even though I can speak zero Espanol (I am fluent in German).

I go up to the register. Every single cash register has an obnoxious sign that tells you No ID – No Beer (in Spanish). The line I’m in has a cashier who has hands fast as lightening. She could not have been older than 21. There are 2 guys in front of me. They have an odd assortment of items: a bag of Serrano chiles, a 10-pack of corn tortillas, & 4 cans of artificially flavored soda, all different flavors, all look tasteless. One of the guys begins to pay. He produces a prodigious wad of strictly one-dollar bills. The cashier is curt & short with them. I was waiting to witness her rolling her eyes. The entire transaction is in Spanish. At this point, I will admit I felt nervous, even though none of this is new for me. I don’t speak any Spanish. I think the cashier caught on to me as soon as she looked at me, then glanced at my shirt: “VANS – Off The Wall.” Could I have been more obvious? She knows English. In fact, she speaks it quite well. I am intrigued. She is very nice to me, with her “Hello, how are you?”, etc. I am further intrigued. I immediately wonder to myself what a typical day for her is like: busy, loud, trying – a test of intestinal fortitude.

I left that place with memories from years ago, living in Arizona with my then-woman friend (I get annoyed with the GF term – she is a woman, not a girl). Arizona may have turned out much differently, much more positive, if I had a different mindset. I do not look back at that time with hatred – far from it. I look back at that time as an era of confusion, frustration, & ill-preparedness. I simply was not ready for a lot of what had transpired out there, much to my current (& unfortunate) remembrance. My sister calls it regret. What started out as a Mission for the Spice turned into a southwest flashback. Uncanny how these things can creep up on you.

Current Mood: busy

10:10 pm - Thoughts on Sweden...

Our show at the House of Sweden has come & gone, & I’m still reeling from it. We had a sold-out crowd in what is perhaps one of the best "venues" in DC. It’s not some dingy night club – it’s an Embassy. First of all, I’d like to thank those of you that made the trek out to the G-Town area. We received a very positive reaction from the crowd, more so than any of our previous shows. We had one mission: to bring the sights & sounds to the public for an unforgettable experience. Judging by the reactions we received both during & after the show, I think we accomplished that mission. It’s all about the music, the feeling you get from a moment in time that cannot be bought in a store. What we try to present is not some consumer item that can be easily purchased: we are going for something much deeper than that, even though the vibe during the whole show was one of carefree fun. I think I can safely say this was perhaps our show of the year, but who knows? 2008 is long from done, although it is passing by at a rate I am not fully comfortable with. Regardless, it was truly positive & memorable for me, & I hope for everyone else. I would personally like to thank Jenny M. for booking us & giving us a chance that really was more of a golden opportunity for us than anything else. I knew we were in a very enviable position, so I prepared many hours, days for this one night, with one intention: to make 2 fairly obscure music junkies into 2 music lovers whose names everyone would remember.

I never got to hear HEJ HEJ on the rooftop lounge, nor did I see Division of Laura Lee, although I did hear the band acted like spoiled rock stars, which is really disappointing, given I do like their music. Sometimes I think I would much rather know bands on a much more superficial level, but that fleeting nanosecond of a revelation gets quashed, as I always look for the deeper connection, since music is a universal language everyone understands, which is ironic, given that music as a language has no grammar, no defined structure & no strict translations or interpretations. Perhaps I just take all of this too seriously.

After listening & practicing with electronic sounds for so long, I definitely need a break from all of that, which means a much-anticipated return to jazz & punk rock. I have busted out very old mix tapes from well over 10 years ago. I find it fascinating to hear compilations that I put together with specific themes in mind: skate sessions, childhood nostalgia, a crush on a woman. It’s amazing to hear the inspiration behind those selections, but it also hits me left of center to realize that in some ways, I simply do not feel that way anymore, such as a crush on a woman. It’s not exactly depressing as much as it is now becoming more of a memory of a feeling long gone, rather than a constant state of mind. The more I become involved with music, the more work I put into it, which means the less I think about other distractions, such as crushes. It’s a bit uncanny to think that the work has become much more of a focus, which has in turn led to some productive results. Again, perhaps I take much of this too seriously.

Just before soundcheck at the House of Sweden, 10.3.2008:

Current Mood: busy

11:42 pm - Need time, not money

It’s the eve before our show at the House of Sweden. The show sold out on Wednesday – unbelievable. I have been doing so much preparation that I literally made myself ill, as in I am currently trying to get over a cold. Part of this comes from my incredibly unforgiving work load (the “other” job). I really should not complain that I even have a day job (I’m not), but a job does not solely constitute a life, even though it takes up all my weekends & any other “free time” I may have. Last year, I made 5 trips to the West coast. This year, I have only done 2. I treat traveling as a high priority, yet you wouldn’t know that from lack of it.

I would trade more time for money any day. I do not like how fast time has been going by for 2008. I also do not like that most of it has been a blur of forgettable occurrences. 2008 has been dominated by work, which really needs to change. I totally welcome the opportunity to play tomorrow – I just feel like we would have more of these opportunities if we devoted the time necessary to pursue them. Nevertheless, tomorrow will be a very long day & a true test to see if I can deliver while I am 70% healthy. Whatever happens, let one thing be known: we will not disappoint. If I can help to create an environment where people forget where they are & just get lost in the music, then my job is done. You cannot buy such a thing. It is not a consumer item or a perishable good. It is simply a moment, an event documented in the mind that no one can ever take away. I live for these moments. It’s what endlessly drives me. I have been interested in music since I was 5. All I know how to do now is to keep going.

Current Mood: tired

11:50 am - Our next show: Friday, Oct 3, 2008 @ HOUSE of SWEDEN

Folks, it's official. Rick & I (aka, REEHEE & SHRED) will be doing our next show at the HOUSE of SWEDEN on Friday, Oct 3, 2008. Here's the raw details:

www.houseofswedenafterdark.com

HOUSE of SWEDEN
2900 K St NW
Washington, DC 20007

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
9:30PM - 12:30 AM

FEATURING:
Scandinavian rooftop lounge
Swedish rock n' roll LIVE by DIVISION OF LAURA LEE
Spectacular denim by NUDIE JEANS CO.

Music by:
REEHEE & SHRED
HEJ HEJ DC

Admission: $25.00
Ticket sales on TICKETWEB.COM ONLY
NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR
DRESS CODE: DENIM
CASH BAR ONLY

Buy tickets NOW through TicketWeb

I cannot believe we are sharing the bill with Division of Laura Lee. That in itself is so cool. Anyway, it has been a long time coming for Rick & I, so we have been preparing hardcore for this show. Special thanks & nothing but love go out to Jenny for putting all of this together. I really hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Ted

Current Mood: busy