why of course, i'm a natural redhead.

i think i might have a hoarding problem.

CROCODILES!

omg you guys. one of my fave new bands now is this duo from san diego called the crocodiles. they KICK ASS. even no age thinks so. so cmon, jump on the hipster flave of the week IT BUZZ band-bandwagon. you know you want to, hit it up b4 p4k. or something. . .

seriously, their album set to release this may, summer of hate. is . so . effing. radical. bodacious. old school 80'sish rocker swagger. garagey. throwback something something. just fucking good.they could totally kick the pains of being pure at heart's ass. that's how bad ace they really is.

anyway. i heard it thru the grapevine they might be touring. i google actioned that shit and sure enough, they're playing chicago on april 14th. on a monday. at the empty bottle. which can only mean one thing. . . .

FREE MUSIC MONDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

finally, a band i LOVE. let alone like. playing the same night as my beloved $1 pbr special night. a hop, skip and jump away on the western bus. woo hoo.

anyway, check these guys out at stereogum. b/c you know, they like, rule and stuff.

don't believe that i have hipster cred? well now, did you make the fader blog? SOME people need proof that i can back up my recommendations, like THIS GUY. (cough, dept of eagles, hood internet, cough cough).

moral of the story? jodi likez gewd muzik. and da crocodiles are GOOD.

Motherly Advice : How to Pick up Dudes

My mom rules.

What Would Really Make Jodi the Happiest Girl in the World #1

I'm sure every other female in her right mind had me beat with dibs on this gent's heart. But seriously, Andrew Bird is incredible and nothing would make me more ecstatic than to be his wife. Or girlfriend. Or friend. Or maid. Or neighbor. Or to just walk by him on the sidewalk and have our hands accidently brush. Ohhh man. I'm lying in bed on this lazy Sunday morning, going to painstakingly ridiculous lengths to find an excuse to stay in bed today. I finished laundry and basic cleaning tasks, work shit, yesterday. So today the only things I can think of would be to finally pay my overdue fee at the local library or go grocery shopping--both of which I'm dreading.

So instead, I'm curled up in my blankie coccoon, listening me to some lovely Andrew. I've listened the dickens out of his latest release, Noble Creatures, time and time again. But just like a Wes Anderson film, everytime you revisit you find some hidden variation or layer you never really picked up on before. Man, his whistling, strings, loops, sexy sexy vocals, it's all like melted butter. Or a jar of the creepy honey bear honey, when it's been sitting in a hot window and the combination of the softened plastic and sticky yellow top with residue of honey turn into a big sticky mess you'd rather just throw away rather than deal with wiping off. That's Andrew Bird. He's delectable and upbeat. Melodic and amazing. A genious. I heart him. So if he would fall in love with me? This would really indeed make Jodi the Happiest Girl in the World.

SXSW: Thermals/Cursive/Telekinesis

No vids for these 'uns (well, actually I do have a pretty good Cursive vid but the instant it uploaded on Youtube got yanked down for whatever reason, so come over to my pad and I can show ya).

Both the Thermals and Cursive rocked my face off on separate days at the same place, the Radio Room on 6th street. Both are super solid rockin bands, something that's not as common of a genre (that's good anyway) these days. Cursive rocked their older and new catalog, with the highlight being "From the Hips" from their new record.

The Thermals damn blew me away. So good. Their new album is ridiculously catchy and full of power pop hooks. I LOVE IT. sxsw, these two were the rockin picks of the week. so fun. so anyway, enjoy the photos and pick up each of their records. damn smooth.

meanwhile, telekinesis was a surprise act that rocked flamingo cantina during team clermont's showcase. pure pop, easy going and upbeat. perfect soundtrack for a sunny day with a nice cold beer, fired up grill and maybe some frisbee action. check em OUT.

SXSW: Kanye West, Common, Kid Cudi, Erykah Badu, ETC

I'm getting lazy of writing for Muzzle of Bees, uploading pics into Facebook and posting blurbs here so since I wrote a more in-depth write-up of my YE experience, I'm copying and pasting from my MoB post (which you can see in full detail Here: http://www.muzzleofbees.com/2009/03/22/sxsw-day-four-saturday-recap/ )

. . . At this point my group all went their separate ways and I was the only one ballsy (or dorky) enough to man the Fader Fort lines and crowd for the at this point infamous Kanye West rumored set. Caught Jadakiss’s set in the outter line and then made my way into the most crazy packed set of my life. Rumors struck true and Mr. West, along with SEVERAL friends took the Fader stage around the 9 o’clock mark, kicking the 2-hour set with 808 and Heartbreak’s “Amazing.” INCREDIBLE. (But no Young Jeezy, present, sad to say.)

Several old favorites were represented, including my personal pick, “Gone,” featuring Consequence. Many older numbers like “Drive Slow Homey,” “Spaceship,” “Crack Music,” a shortened “Diamonds from Sierra Leone,” “Get Em High,” “Heartless” w/the lameoid “Pinnochio” interlude were all accounted for. But when Ye stepped out with Kid Cudi? SHIT. The duo busted out “Welcome to Heartbreak,” which got the crowd’s heads spinnin’ tenfold. This of course, led into Kid Cudi’s set, including an insane dance extended remix of his ridiculously catchy single “Day N Nite” (Crookers’ Remix, even.) Also up were “Paranoid,” with Mr. Hudson (the random white blonde headed dude from England), the all-star sing along of “Good Life” and the show closer “Love Lockdown,” backed by a full band. INSANITY.

But the real crowd pleaser? Shit. That award is split in half–one to Chicago superstar Common, who wowed the crowd as he stepped up to perform his single “Universal Mind Control” and when a stunning Miss Erykah Badu stepped out briefly to join Common on the duet “The Light.” Crowd simply lost it. I can’t even begin to summarize the mad energy that was flowing in this sea mass of sweaty, drunken, dancing bodies. Just craziness.

People can hate on Kanye as much as they want. Sure, dude’s got an ego (he did, after all, “bring hip hop back”), but he used his celebrity last night for a good cause–to bring back SXSW to what it’s really all supposed to be about–showcasing the newer artists. I have a feeling Kid Cudi is going to be HUGE in 2009, (maybe not so much Mr. Hudson, sorry dude), and the artists showcased from Good Music were definitely represented last night as one big musical family. I know I’m leaving out some of the other performers’ names, but I was busy dancing my ass off with everyone else to take super proper notes. Nothing could have possibly topped this set for me–so this def wrapped up Jodi’s coverage of SXSW 2009 and it couldn’t have come in a better way. Good Music prevailed last night. Thank you, Mr. West.

Jodi's View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CukNMDLM_H0 (But head to kanyeuniversity.com for actual close-up quality vids, shit was bananas!!)

SXSW: We Have Band

Thanks again go to Arlo the honorable for sending me in the direction of checking this British pop electro dance outfit. Post BMI Brunch and probably way too many Mimosas / Screwdrivers/ Bloody Marys (and ANOTHER hollywood holt sighting) led me to the Fader Fort (my fave place in the world, obvs) for we have band. I could NOT stop boogying. Shit was bananas!

We Have Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvWp-cf1QiY

SXSW: Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Pitchfork really dug these guys. So does my friend Arlo. I value both musical opinions, and the buzz on this group has been all but avoidable the past few months. I kinda get a reminscent vibe of a less obnoxious Black Kids meets The Raveonettes meets the Wannadies. Just light, refreshing, old school pop music love song jazz. Fun shit. These guys will be huge in the very near future.

Here's da scoop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-Uxcw5vKBM

SXSW: Handsome Furs

Obviously, I love me some handsome furs. They were up against Daniel Johnston at the Paste Party and I gotta admit I damn near missed this set since I had just caught this duo at Empty Bottle on Sunday. . . but the line was too long. So Fader ahoy!! Electro keys, thumping drum machine, Shredding guitars courtesy of Mr. Dan wolf parade Boeckner.

Enjoy the vid here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkfo0-6aqh8

SXSW: Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

This Brazillian pop troupe was one of my surprises over the week. I had heard and read about them for a while now, drawing comparisons as a male dominated CSS--fun, upbeat, dancey pop pop pop MUZIK! super fun and dreamy. loved it. check my vid here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe5WCL9js44

SXSW: Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer is cooler than me. She's cooler than you. Your mom. Your dad. Your neighbors. The homelss dude on the corner. Fuck, man, she's just cool shit, period. You may know her from the Dresden Dolls or maybe you're a fan of her solo work, or maybe you don't know her at all yet. But you will. And you should. Because bitch can kick some major ass. Don't believe me? Check the vids yourself, here at my Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqshTXMaTlI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u8zSyoCiQI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zr9Qb5qqco

SXSW: Wavves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNj-cJxf8Mo

I saw Wavves at Fader Fort. Dude can shred. Seriously. Looking forward to the Empty Bottle show here in Chi in early April. Anyone wanna come wit? One of the better acts I caught over the week, this dude rocked several sets with his garagey modern throwback vintage rock on Sat at the Fader Fort, aka, Jodi's second home in Austin the week of March 18-22, second to America's Best Value Inn, of course. The link above is to my Youtube video of Wavves' set @ FF. I officially hate the Blogger's method of uploading vids, so instead of embedding vids on this page directly, you'll have to head ova to my youtube page. Dig it.

HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

extensive sxsw recaps to follow soon, promisies.

but oh my god.

rumor mill had been churning all week that kanye was coming to sxsw, particularly the fader fort to promote his good music label.

he did.

and brought along some friends.

kid cudi, mr. hudson, couple others, oh and. . . COMMON!!!! ERYKAH BADU!!!!!!

shit was insane.

opened up with 808's "Amazing" and closed with "love lockdown."
spaceship. crack music. good life. heartless. diamonds from sierra leone. gone. (my fave!!!!! with consequences!!!) kid cudi rocked an extended dance party version of day n nite. soo fucking hot. i couldnt stand it. common rocked universal mind control. erykah badu sang. shit was soooo fucking good. i can't even believe it. this will be blowing up the blogosphere soon.

seriously.

best show of my life.

i went solo and left the happiest girl from wisconsin ever. the show made the trip. worth it alone. i saw hood internet there. hollywood holt (HAHAHA). natalie portman's shaved head was ahead of me. peter bjorn and john were in the back. i was rocking out next to jona and claire from yacht. it was a celeb fest big time. soooo fucking good. i can't even tell you. . .but i will again, tomorrow when i get back to chi and i post a shit ton of pics and recaps. you can head over to www.muzzleofbees.com now for a couple daily recaps and some vids i posted.

jesus christ. kanye claims he brought back hip hop--well, son, you may be a bit full of yourself, but you sure did bring hip hop to texas this year. THANK YOU.

SXSW 09 : LET THE COVERAGE BEGIN!

Just got to America's "Best Value" Inn--by which I mean, you pay all up front with a paper handwritten receipt, get to the room with a suspiciously stained ironing board, no guests after 11:00 pm allowed front desk sign, sick sick food all over the lobby tables and a glorious poolside view. . . well, whatever. i'm here to party and dance, not lounge in luxurious 4-star hotel--i am staying in austin's hotel row after all, with the likes of motel 6's, la quintas and a variety of others near by. . .

just got to austin an hour ago. gorgeous day. absolutely beautiful. sunny, warm, got the AC cranked in the room as court is taking first dibs on the shower duty. after i beauty up it's day one of exploration and off to the fader fort to pick up our wrist bands and find some nerdy underage kids to sell us their wristbands for the rest of the week's admittance. . .maybe get inked, maybe not, but def get some more cocktails. i say more because the drinking already commenced at 8:15 this morning on our flight down from chi--first the free st. patty's southwest beer (99% sure c and i are the only two on our flight who noticed, cared or spoke up about the advertised free booze and/or were drinking this early) and then the old man next to us gave us some free drink coupons for some scrumptious bloody maries.

so far, today, vacation day 1 has been a hit. *minus the nasty hotel, but whatever

WILL keep you posted. looking forward to the most: paste, vice, fader, filter parties, bmi brunch, friends!!!!!, dancing, drinking, sunlight, marcy playground & lil jon

SHIT WILL BE TIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTT. stay tuned. . . .

Handsome Furs: Empty Bottle, Chicago

Last night rocked the tightest squeeze of bodies in Chicago’s Empty Bottle in as long as I can remember. I couldn’t believe how full of a house it was—diverse as hell of a crowd, I thought maybe I had mistakenly gone to the wrong show. But nope—turns out I was in the right place, THE place—to check the lovely husband/wife duo beats of Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry, better known as the Handsome Furs. The Furs brought the windy city a taste of their latest release, the fantabulous, electro-pop infused rockin’ “Face Control.”

While last evening’s set was a brief one, (a whopping nine songs prior to the encore), it was nowhere near forgettable. Thumping bass beats, digital key work and a backdrop of claps opened up the set with album opener “Legal Tender”—getting the indie kids quick to their feet right off the bat. Friendly, appreciative banter followed throughout the set, as several numbers from “Face Control” made their Chicago debut including “Talking Hotel Arbat Blues,” my personal fave “All We Want, Baby, Is Everything,” the 80’s-esque “Evangeline,” single “I’m Confused,” synthed up gem, “Nyet Spasiba” and album (and show) closer “Radio Kaliningrad.”

Also accounted for was the Bowling Green dedicated “Handsome Furs Hate This City,” as well as a few other older tracks I didn’t recognize in the encore.

Boeckner damn right KILLED it with his guitar shredding, jerking and spazzing like no other while Perry frantically leapt and thrashed on her keys. I did notice that Boeckner’s vocals were taking a hit, as he started to sound a bit hoarse and scratchy on the yelp work, but the enthusiasm centered on the stage was still undeniably contagious. The hipster brigade ate this noise up quicker than you could say American Apparel—shit was bananas. Claustrophobia and fatigue got the best of me after this music packed weekend, and I admit that I ducked out during the encore a bit early. No regrets, however, as I fully intend on catching these Canadian dance machines in a more sunny and open space this next week in Austin, particularly at the Fader’s Thursday day set. If you’ll be representing at SXSW, def check this duo out.

I seriously witnessed the most appreciative roar of applause and approval from the crowd that I can recall in forever. The audience was literally losing their cool—prompting Boeckner and Perry to pronounce their appreciation and love for Chi, laughing that while NY, LA and Chi are the most intimidating U.S. stops, the difference is that they “don’t really care about the people judging” in LA, and in NY it’s “50/50,” whereas the people in Chicago are just “seriously really cool.” Well thanks, guys. We dug you too—come back anytime.

molly likes lipstick

see? my cat's fave color is pink--re: pearls, lipstick on nose.

YACHT - Schuba's, Chicago

(YACHT - pictured above; Opener Via Audio - below)

I can’t even remember the last time I visited a merch table after a show. Probably not since high school—it’s been a while. Sure, I’ve witnessed countless awe-inspiring performances and have contemplated swinging by post-performance to give props or pick up a disc—but I’ve always felt a bother and too impatient to man the lines. There are always email/internet methods to pick up memorabilia and/or swap interview questions. But last night? Shit. There was NO way I was being kept back from meeting Jonah and Claire—the two masterminds of the electro-pop DFA outfit YACHT.

While iPod commercial darlings Chairlift may have headlined last evening’s Chicago set, YACHT down -right owned the night. Their audiovisual seizure-inducing backdrop, combined with manic yelps, shouts, claps and piercing digital beat breakdown undeniably got the crowd up and down, shaking the confined walls of Schuba’s Tavern to no end. Friendly crowd banter was aplenty and no one was exempt from the dance party madness as Jona Bechtolt and Claire Evans busted out new tracks from May’s upcoming release as well as older faves from I Believe in You, Your Magic is Real.

While I must admit, prior to last night the only off-hand knowledge I had about this duo was that Mr. Bechtolt is one helluva production fiend, mixing up bands like Architecture in Helsinki and had toured extensively with DFA label mates LCD Soundsystem. I recently got my hands on the Summer Song EP, and cannot stop listening to it. All three tracks from that EP were accounted for last evening as well, including the “love song,” “I’m in Love with a Ripper,” the monotonous chanting booty shaking “It’s Boring/You Can Live Anywhere You Want,” and the set finale fave “Summer Song”—which had initially been written as a love letter to friends LCD Soundsystem.

As if this unforgettable, energetic thrashtastic party wasn’t enough, fans patient enough to wait in line by the back bar (myself included this time), were treated with 100% graciousness and humbleness from the duo—not introduced as YACHT, but each fan received handshakes and granted first name basis. Not a single body was rushed, regardless of whether or not the fan’s intention was to purchase a t-shirt or just give kudos. In my five minute chat with Bechtolt I learned the duo will be present at SXSW next week, but won’t be playing any sets—just around for the atmosphere. Email addresses were swapped and a MoB 5 Questions feature will be forthcoming soon in the future.

Also worth mentioning was opening band Via Audio—a dancey, upbeat contemporary AM gold outfit stemming from Brooklyn. Before last night, I hadn’t heard of this group, but after their 45 minute set of power key/organ pop and sugary male/female vocal harmony action, there will be no keeping me away from their numerous sets next week at SXSW. If you’ll be in Austin, keep your eyes peeled for their sets—you won’t regret it.

Following my encounter with the merch stand and new wardrobe addition, I did stick around for the first few songs of dream pop headliner Chairlift. Chairlift had solid sound and stage presence, giving off a vibe similar to School of Seven Bells. While I dug the soundtrack, I won’t lie that I bounced early. I’m thinking that Chairlift is more of a band to see on its own or in a non-dance party environment—this trio will also be in Austin next week; and even if I don’t catch them then, they will be returning to Chi on April 23rd to open up for Peter, Bjorn and John at the Metro. But it’s not the band’s fault for my early departure, there was just no way that they could follow up to the mad energetic, mind blowing sets that Via Audio and YACHT just brought; and while Chairlift’s tunes were super pretty, they were putting me to sleep after the candy-high induced dance party I just partook in. Moral of the story? DEFINITELY do not let YACHT pass you by next time they swing round your parts, good times will be had by all.

As seen here: http://www.muzzleofbees.com/2009/03/15/review-yacht-schubas-chicago/

Vids:

Everything is Fucked : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk1oPRu1ydk

YACHT in Chicago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhmYpwgwBPY

Claire gets intimate w/the mic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Ya65Iz3pg

The Whigs: Bottom Lounge, Chicago

The Whigs are great. They make simple, solid rock and roll. With every new it band of the week, it gets really easy to overlook the basic musical formula of which all today’s genres are stemming from—guitar+bass+drums+vocals. No gimmicks, no extra polishing, no super side project connections. Just flat out loud and basic rock and roll. This Athens trio brought their refreshing sounds to Chicago’s Bottom Lounge last evening to a full house and literally rocked the crowd’s faces off performing tracks from last year’s “Mission Control” and 06’s “Give ‘Em All a Big Fat Lip.”

I’ve been a huge fan of Mission Control and fell hard for these guys after catching the last half of their set this past summer at Lollapalooza. My one regret though is that I wish I had been familiar with their older material prior to checking this show as several tracks were accounted for from their debut album. Songs like “Nothing is Easy” sounded hella solid, but I still felt a bit like the awkward 8th grader who wasn’t really invited to the birthday skating party, but showed up at the roller rink anyway—not really sure what’s going on, but still dying to be a part of it.
Highlights from the hour long set included opener “Mission Control,” which led into my personal fave the up-tempo, guitar blazing “Like a Vibration,” and the dance worthy “Hot Bed.” The audience totally lost their shit with the percussion opening of crowd favorite “Right Hand on My Heart”—as far as I could see, nobody was standing still—just a big old dance party, like shows should be, sans any pretentious bastards in the back with arms crossed.

The Bottom Lounge had perfect acoustics and sound set up as always, complimenting the energetic head banging and Animal like thrashing of the musicians on stage. Every time I check the BL, I’ve been impressed by the crisp quality of sound and lighting. The fact that the Whigs were the center of attention just upped my love for this downtown venue.

Last night’s performance was the second or third show I’ve heard of in Chicago in the past few months from this trio, but was actually the first headlining set I was able to catch. I just wish I hadn’t let this pass me by earlier, and know not to again in the future. For an escape from the kitschy trend of the week hype, The Whigs are definitely the perfect solution for an energetic and therapeutic night of true southern rock and roll.

Did anyone else happen to catch this show last night? What were your personal highlights?

MySpace: The Whigs

As originally seen here: Muzzle of Bees

hey jodi, whatchya been up to?

getting the fuck ready.

waffle/anorexia diet (meaning no more than 230 calories a day, i eat SOMEthing--usually a waffle or rice noodle soup followed with the mysterious "super diet" tea i bought from china town). is werkin. 5 pounds in 4 days! totally healthy, right? well, i'm hoping to shed all the pounds i'm going to gain next week in austin. . . . if mary kate and ashley can do it, why the fuck can't i? coffee coffee coffee is the key.

anyway. instead of my blah blah rambles, there will be some actual content approaching soon.

friday: whigs, bottom lounge
saturday: yacht/chairlift, schubas
sunday: handsome furs, empty bottle

REVIEWS to follow.

then the official j.ro.sxsw.'IX.recap.

HOLLER!

think i can shed 5 more??

ramble ramble ramble *pause*

oh man. i'm chilling in my bedroom in my old 7th grade cheerleading shirt. listening to THIS.

you should also go listen to some of this. it's yacht. they're fun. they're also playing a set at schuba's this upcoming saturday and i'm hella stoked. wanna go? i need a date. so holler at me and that plus one is all yours. i'm pretty sure (at least according to this month's death + taxes), that yacht will also be reprezenting in austin next week.

NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!

that's right, supervisor jodi will be getting the funk outta chi and hopping a plane to austin next tues, 8 days, for sxsw weds-sun. soooo pumped. perfect timing too as that's the week all the new hires start at werk, but what evs. i gotta get my suntan(burn) on and drink me sum sparxxx. shit will be hott. 4 realz. at least if what i'm listening to is a tiny representation of that shit, anyway.

i'm stoked for handsome furs this wknd (sunday @ empty bottle), whigs friday (bottom lounge) as well. so this will be joe d's mini music tour sxsw preview prior to the texass heat. i'm stoked to see peter bjorn and john, m. ward, hood internet, fuck, everybody i guess. i'm trying to go into it this year (3rd go around) without as many wish lists that way whoever i stumble upon can be my new favorite band without any presumptions. last year i walked away with bon iver and santogold so i'm faithful i'll get sum other gewds this year as well.

this week has been the weirdest iPod lineup for me though; with last night's mini-Wes Anderson fest I got my Bowie/Kinks on at work today, rocking the Yacht/LCD Soundsystem tonite, yesterday was allllll grizzly bear (omfg so good!) and i feel some aimee mann coming on shortly. . . .

oh and also--pitchfork tix go on sale friday, remember to go buy yers. grizzly bear and walkmen will be there. as will built to spill and the national. some good stuff. lolla's big acts leaked--beastie boys, depeche mode and jane's addiction--it's 1995 all over again, apparently. $60 tix are soon on the way. not so sure about a repeat lolla this year, i think bw sxsw and p4k i should be spent in my golden years, but only time shall tell. . .