...And So Anyway

Recorded in early 2003 by Steve Albini, Icarus by The Forms is quite simply not like any other album I own (believe me, Mr. Mark and I listened to the whole thing today trying to decide who it reminded us of). It clocks in at 10 tracks, a mere 18:20, and it’s not a punk rock album either. In fact it seems to move at a lumbering pace, with thick bass lines chugging away, it pokes and prods the listener with flourishes of drums and bursts of crunchy guitars. The vocals soar somewhere between a yelp and whale, slightly reverbed, and endlessly expressive. Take a listen and if it reminds you of another band, please feel free to let us know. Also, if you like what you hear, you should definitely buy it off of Amazon for $4, I mean $4 people!

Sunday (Part 1)
Seagull
Classical
Stravinsky

Buy It!

Threespheres Records


-Popkoff

So This Is Goodbye?


junior boys "so this is goodbye" [domino]

new tracks from the new junior boys album arriving instores shortly. these tracks further the duo into electro-pop bliss. this music sounds so effortless and elegant....

"in the morning"

"first time"

"when no one cares"

"count souvenirs"

---Mr. Mark

Simply put, this is very amazing. just sit back, pour yourself a drink, and let this take you away. from the full length "in between",

L.O.V.E. and You & I - JAZZANOVA [rope-a-dope/JCR].

V

---Mr. Mark

it all began on thursday...

These songs were the soundtrack to a beautiful weekend. now they are yours...

"thursday" Steve Spacek
"talking eyes" Pamela Beatty
"oh yeah, yeah, yeah" Vivian Carrol
"let nobody love you" Virginia Blakely
"try my love" Toni & the Showmen

---Mr. Mark

Try a little Adventure.
So I had lunch with an old friend today who works in South Austin, a part of town I do not frequent as much anymore. After lunch I went to Half Price Books, stood outside next to the Clearance racks waiting for the rain to yield, and then went to the nearby Goodwill. While there I purchased some $0.99 vinyl, Grace Jones’ “Nightclubbing” for Mr. Mark, Ian Dury’s “Laughter,” and this little gem:


The follow-up to Television’s fondly-reflected-upon debut “Marquee Moon,” “Adventure” seems destined to forever be overshadowed by it’s predecessor, which makes sense considering it lacks the prominent riffs and guitar solos so often associated with them. It’s also a somewhat softer record, but I believe it to be a stronger one, due in part to the epic soothing sweep (especially from the keyboards) on songs like “Carried Away” and “The Fire.” The album in a lot of ways seems more earnest than “Marquee Moon” and it lacks the New York attitude that record has, which I find interesting since I think singer Tom Verlane’s voice often echos that of Lou Reed's, especially here on the song “Glory.” I guess overall, I just think “Adventure” is a more solid effort, the second half of “Marquee Moon” always seemed to drag to me. I think I’m done now. Enjoy.

Glory
Days
Carried Away
The Fire

Buy It!

--Popkoff

"Love taught me who was, who was the BOSS!"

Recently, I have been into seventies r&b/soul/jazz/funk. My fascination began with two people; my Mom and Louie Vega.

Growing up in a rural smalltown, my mom was quite sophisticated. She ALWAYS had music on in the background. The music, though, was always urban. Funk/Disco/R&B were staples in the car [8 track of the Spinners anyone?], her workshop, and in the gameroom. I remember her hating Diana Ross [so "conceited"] and LOVING Donna Summer ["That my JAM!"]. I remember the Salsoul Orchestra, Sylvester, Lou Rawls, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder....The thump of the bass drum was omnipresent. Little did she know what she was playing would have a profound effect on me.

As part of the DJ/Produciton team MASTERS AT WORK, Louie Vega spins the vibe of the Disco era with the new music steeped in the spirit of the seventies. Three years ago while downloading music I came across a DJ set by Louie at the Winter Music conference. He played "Love hangover", "Another star", and "Is it all over my face". Hearing these songs again presented in the modern context of a house set blew me away. Not only was he paying homage to the influences he had, he was also showing the relevence the music STILL had on modern dance music.

My obsession to find these tracks was born. In a way, hearing this music takes me back to that golden age of my childhood...and the arrangements-AMAZING! All this being said, I recently had the pleasure of meeting a new friend who was also obsessive about this "vibe". These songs are for you.

"The Boss" (Masters At Work Remix) - The Braxtons [Diana Ross cover]
"Like a Butterfly" - Masters At Work featuring Patti Austin
"Feelin' Love" - Hott City


---Mr. Mark

The sounds of summer




















After a short haitus here at OPEN HOUSE, we are back and better than ever.
News about us-in no particular order:

• The summer begins like all summers-with a change: the heat seeping into everything, the warm evenings with clear skies, new music to listen to, dinners with old friends, and new faces to meet.
• We have recently moved into a wonderful new neighborhood in our wonderful city of Austin, Texas. What a lovely place to live!
• Snow cones, I am certain that the Raspa Snow Cones on Anderson is THE best place in the city, but Mr. Popkoff disagrees. I shall try the competition on Guadalupe this Thursday.
• Whatever happens-don't forget the sunscreen!

A few weeks ago we dined with our friend Mr. Chris Mosely. We chatted about dancing to soul and funk. These songs are my current favorites. Enjoy!

"Dollar" Steve Spacek [sound in colour]

"Don't joke with a hungry man" Quantic [tru thoughts]

"nervous like me" the Dap Kings [kay dee records]

"24 Carat Black Theme" 24 Carat Black [enterprise]

"A Rae" Joao Donato [EMI-odeon]

and last but not least, Welcome home Daniel Francis Doyle!

---Mr. Mark

The Sounds of (ESP) Summer


A big BIG thanks to Mr. Mark for introducing me to this album oh so long ago. ESP Summer was a one time studio project featuring Warren Defever of His Name Is Alive and Ian Master of the Pale Saints. Originally distributed in 1994 in very limited numbers on cassette, it eventually found it’s way on to CD in a slightly bigger, but still limited release.

The album’s complete lack of drums (there’s some tambourine percussion on "Sticky Sun") creates the illusion of sparseness throughout, but if you give it one listen on headphones it becomes apparent that there is a lot more going on, namely a lot of electronic noodling. The airy vocals and folksy experimental structures make it quite an interesting listen recalling everything from Stars to Sun Kill Moon to even Radiohead ("More Water," at least for me).

I had a hard time narrowing down the tracks I wanted to post, so I went ahead and posted the first 5, I figure this one is going to be hard to come by anyways.

Sticky Sun
Web of Dreams
Great Eye is Simple Eye
More Water
Golden Heart of the Year

Buy It!

Time Stereo

Bonus His Name Is Alive track (for Daniel Francis Doyle, who returns home today from his 6 week tour)

This World is Not My Home

-Popkoff