Turtle Boat Music Blog

Alice in Wonderland Trailer

2009-07-23T00:28:00.003-04:00

Too tired to write... but I can't wait for this:

Interior crocodile alligator. I drive a Chevrolet movie thee-ate-er.

2009-07-16T20:54:00.007-04:00

Do you know what this line means? Well I don't know either.

But Chip Da Ripper thinks it's pretty fresh.

Please listen to this freestyle... also find the lyrics in the video info.

Or just check this truncated version, only my favorite word-augmented force rhyme to make an incoherent sentence.

Hilarious. I don't know where LySoul found a clip of a man riding a flying alligator, but it's so perfect.

Is it stuck in your head yet?? Interior crocodile alligator....

Still laughing,

Rants and Raves

2009-06-27T14:01:00.011-04:00

Here we go again, it's time for...
RANTS AND RAVES!

Beat that timpani, because man alive it's been a long time. Let's get started.

SICK LIST
1. Sunflower Seeds

Oh the summertime. Outside in your bare feet, gettin' tan in the sunshine, beaching it if you have the means, shoveling handfuls of salty black seeds in your mouth and cracking them with your teeth and spitting them out after. It's just the best. David makes them the best.

2. Bonnaroo

There are no words. Road tripping to Tennessee, camping with your friends, great people all around, even better music all the time exiting together in one place. I mean, what could possibily be better?
Top Performances: The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear MGMT, Animal Collective, Of Montreal and Bon Iver.

3. Happiness

The best picture.

'You're never fully dressed without a smile!' I phrase I always thought of as absurd and dumb, but it's become a modern proverb proving that it's a good thing to be happy. In 1937 some students at Harvard began a study to figure out the perfect formula for love, work, and a good life. After 72 years, these are the three tips they have established:
1. Have a healthy outlet. Pick up a sport, find a good hobby, create a strong relationship.
2. Don't take yourself too seriously. My graduating class quote was "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive" from Van Wilder.
3. Happiness must be shared. Give hugs, but if you're Kristen, you can also say "I Love you" and "I Miss you." There's lots of way to share love (be safe!), so go do it.

4. Cheese Rolling
The fact that this exists is phenomenal.

BITCH LIST
1. Lifetime Movies
Back home, my Saturday afternoons consist of household chores and a Lifetime movie in the background. My mom is an intelligent woman, in fact many moms are intelligent women, but why oh why do they watch these terrible programs? I mean you can summarize any one of these god-awful plots in three sentences. Well this woman has some sort of problem, and then there's a small twist, and everything is resolved in the end. That's about it. Now Lifetime has its very own network, so you can watch this nonsense garbage all day and kill more brain cells than you would sniffing turpentine. Bah.

2. Wisdom Teeth
Since we've single handedly put a stop to evolution with our technological blockades against nature, we still have to worry about wisdom teeth. What a stupid name, if they actually gave us wisdom then we wouldn't have to get a dentist referral and yank them out of our gums around the age of 18 because they will cause more damage to our mouths than extra large sweet tea from McDonalds. They should be called dumb, inconvenient and pushy teeth.

3. Genius

Go great together? More like, have the same skin color. Genius is straight up racist. Try to make a Genius playlist based off a Erykah Badu song and you'll get Sly and the Family Stone and Wu-Tang Clan. Plus the artists will repeat throughout one playlist and randomly you'll get those songs in your iTunes that you never listen to. For me, it was once 'How Do I Live' by LeAnne Rimes... that song definitely flows right into MIA/Diplo.

4. The NY Times
The good news: New York Times reporter David Rohde has escaped his Taliban kidnapping after seven months of captivity. Thank the Lord!!
My problem: To protect Rohde, the Times requested that all information remain undisclosed - no need for the Taliban to see anything on the news or in the press to foster some reason to kill the reporter. Totally fair. Well let's think back to the Bush administration circa December 2005 when the NY Times got their hands on top-secret CIA information and released it to the entire public. They published an article about the wiretappings of potential terrorist activity that were not court-approved. Yes, the media is a watchdog and a check to government power, but do you think that was the best way to protect those CIA agents (not to mention the government and our country) when the Taliban got word of that? I don't think so. In fact, the Obama administration opted to keep those Guantanamo Bay pics under wraps for the same reasons. The hypocritical bitch move.

Ok, my political agenda is done for now. And so is this addition of Rants and Raves.
Enjoy those summer days!

King of Pop Dies at 50

2009-06-25T18:24:00.005-04:00

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with." - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson died today at age 50 today from cardiac arrest in UCLA medical center. He arrived at the hospital without a pulse and in a deep coma. So strange how deaths always come in three, pitchman Ed MacMahon, the glamorous Farrah Fawcett, and now MJ the King of Pop.

Despite all the controversy that has always surrounded Michael Jackson, I think it's safe to say this death is a shock to all and a shake to the world of music.

Everyone's seen the Jackson 5 movie on VH1, the plastic surgery before-and-afters, the baby-over-the-balcony controversy, the court appearance in PJs, and all of those under-the-microscope moments of his life. His talent robbed him of any childhood and continued to live under the eye of the entire world. These things always seemed to be the focus of his life over the past years, and it's so sad that people forget the parts of his life that will now make him a legend.

As both a solo artists and a member of the famous Motown brother band Jackson 5, Jackson produced some 30 albums plus countless compilations. It was no surprise that his solo career skyrocketed past Jackson 5, peaking with the release of Thriller, the single most high-selling album of the 80s in America that made him the first artist to ever generate seven top ten hits from a single album. He is the only artist to have five number one hits from a single album (Bad). He was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame twice, once in 1991 for his role in Jackson 5 and again in 2001 for his solo career. His halftime performance for Super Bowl XXVII drew in the largest television audience in American history.

Many are unaware of his altruistic contributions - he held a charity event at Neverland Ranch, and his "Heal the World" foundation airlifted food, medicine and supplies to Sarajevo while providing educational programs. He also once paid for a child's liver transplant in Hungary.

So let's forget his self-induced androgynous features, his overly childlike characteristics, the scandals, the controversy. Let's remember the footage of screaming girls when young Michael screams "C'mon girl! I think I love ya!" during ABC. His gravity defying dance moves like the moon walk and of course the crotch grab. The sequined glove, the jheri curls, the white socks paired with black shoes. All of his trademarks that has made him a respected musician despite the scrutiny of the media.

Jackson is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.

Michael Jackson was understood as a legend far before his death. The world will miss this musical prodigy, this brilliant businessman, this cultural phenomenon, this American entertainer. Rest in Peace.

The Beatles: Rock Band Cinematic Trailer

2009-06-04T14:28:00.015-04:00

Passion Pictures, the animation production company that has contributed to many of the visual elements of Gorillaz, has created a cinematic trailer for the upcoming game The Beatles: Rock Band.

The trailer is absolutely gorgeous. Kudos to Passion Pictures, especially director Pete Candeland and animation director Robert Valley.

As for the game itself, I'm not sure how I feel about it. Is John Lennon rolling over in his grave? I can't afford to be too hypocritical here...I will inevitably end up playing this game at some point (and I will probably enjoy it). However you feel about it, the game will be released for Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii on September 9th of this year.

People have been attributing this trailer to the work of Jamie Hewlett, the head honcho of Gorillaz animation. That's what drew my attention to this piece, although after some research, it appears that Hewlett did not contribute to the E3 spot. Hewlett has rubbed elbows with the Passion Pictures crew in the past through his Gorillaz ventures, but not this time.

According to the Reel Newsletter, these are the culprits:

'Production Company: Passion Pictures
Director: Pete Candeland
Producer: Debbie Crosscup
Executive Producer: Hugo Sands
Animation Director: Robert Valley
Character Design: Robert Valley, Ree Treweek (from Shy the Sun)
Backgrounds: Alberto Mielgo, Daniel Cacouault, Lukasz Pazera, Jim Bowers, Alan Aldridge'

If you want to see a Jamie Hewlett + Pete Candeland collaboration, check out this BBC Olympics promo from last summer. The promo was stylistically modeled after Monkey: Journey to the West, the stage opera for which Hewlett was head of design and visual concepts. The soundtrack is from our buddy Damon Albarn (again, from 'Monkey').

Hewlett and Candeland also worked together on these Gorillaz music videos:

Feel Good, Inc.

El Mañana

Dirty Harry

DARE

DubFX

2009-05-26T01:49:00.005-04:00

Check out this street performer from Bristol.

He goes by DubFX

I hate you

2009-05-23T17:51:00.003-04:00

So my brother tells me, "Court, I HATE Boxxy."

I asked, "Who's Boxxy?"

For those of you who are asking the same question, take a peek. As long as you can anyways.

What is this world coming to?

Hopelessly,

The Best (& Worst) of Love Songs

2009-05-14T23:38:00.006-04:00

If any of you live in the Berkshires, you'll understand the pain...
... the pain of having to listen to WBRK. You know, "Today's hits and yesterday's favorites."

The circulation of playlists have not changed in three years, I kid you not.

So intead of tearing out my hair at work where they only play this radio station, I thought of a lovely blog post. These heavily rotated tunes have inspired me to compile an ultimate list of the greatest and the worst of love songs.

Excuse the plethora of youtube videos, but if I post songs, google will take me down.

1. The "Grow Some A Pair, Please" Love Song
Look Away- Chicago

Really? You don't have to tell a girl to look away when you are walking along the street and crying - she'll look away, trust me.

2. The "Deal Maker" Love Song
Danny's Song - Kenny Loggins
Embedded link disabled, wtf?
It's just really adorable. He loves her, the end.

3. The "Deal Breaker" Love Song
Every Breath You Take - Police

Clearly he's stalking her. Restraining orders always end in heartaches.

4. The "Let's Sing Along" Love Song
To Be With You - Mr. Big

So maybe this one should have been 'You've Got that Loving Feeling' but that's just by Top Gun's standards. Pay attention to the gang vocals... total sing along requirement. Also, my friends and I once went to a really small Tally Hall show and we all sang this together... magical.

5. The "What the Hell are You Talking About" Love Song
Heart of Glass - Blondie

She's confused about love, we're confused about her lyrics. "Mucho distrust?" Don't understand the use of Spanglish, but still a great tune.

6. The "We're in This for Real" Love Song
Let's Stay Together- Al Green

Actually one of my personal favorites. Part of a marriage vow is acutally part of the chorus. Now that's committment.

7. The "We Just Got Back Together and Rekindled Our Love" Love Song
Still The One- Shania Twain

Oh what the word "still" implies. It's like hey, I tried other dudes, but guess what? YOU'RE STILL THE ONE! Good for you, Glen Cocoa.

8. The "I'm Only Playing This To Sleep With You Tonight" Love Song
I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner

I think this one is self-explanatory.

9. The "We're Making Love on a Mountain Top Right Now" Love Song
We Belong- Pat Benatar

Please enjoy this video of orcas I found that plays this song in the background. Love is no Battlefield, hooray!

10. The "Help Me" Love Song
Somebody to Love - Queen

All of a sudden, the usually perky harmonies of Queen sound so sad. But Freddie Mercury did find Mary Austin... and gay bathhouses... hope for us all!

11. The "Forgive and Forget" Love Song
It's All Coming Back - Celine Dion

Oh the little lyric change in the last line says it all. Bad case of nostalgic love.

12. The "Any-th Anniversary" Love Song
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? - Rod Stewart

Sweet, sincere, appropriate for the guests.

WELL, I need a life, clearly.

Whoa-ho-ho!

2009-05-03T23:55:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful world we live in...
Convert any YouTube video into an mp3 using this site.
I just used it, and the sound quality is just as good as the video!

Three cheers for technology!

Have a beautiful night,

Does Everything Sound Good Auto-Tuned?

2009-04-27T22:34:00.005-04:00

What's up everybody? It's been a long time...I shouldn'ta left you without a youtube clip to step to.

Props to my boy Peter Bonzani for digging this one up

Auto-tuning the news

Bonus clip of a young, upset T-Pain

Auto-tuned Baby

K-Os - Yes!

2009-04-09T09:55:00.005-04:00

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
well its been quite a while since I did anything to add to this blog. I think the main reason for this ridiculousness is that I am currently getting my ass kicked by the school that is Boston College. Also I've been gettin bent (that's getting drunk for all you non-ebonics speakers) every weekend respectively so I also haven't made time to do this. This is my fault...my apologies lol. HOWEVER, I could not pass the opportunity up to let yall amazing people slip by this bad boy.

So, one of my favorite artists since I've been aware that there is an alternative to radio for listening to or finding music has been K-Os. K-Os is a Canadian rapper/vocalist who can rap or vocalize the shit out of any song. He also looks like Will.I.Am. He's dropped 4 albums, (including this one that I want to speak on but instead I'm giving yall an introduction that may not be needed) 3 of which I've heard/own and I personally thing are beautiful albums. My personal favorite was Joyful Rebellion. This guy can sing the hell out of a ballad then turn around and rock the mic with a hard hittin hip hop joint. Bottom line, K-Os is a monster..

Now, Yes! is his fourth studio album, and the man again hasn't let me down at all. K-Os starts off with the track Zambony that definitely starts the CD off with a bang. The next track that stood out to me was called I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman who's meaaan ass sample probably will surprise the shit outta you on this rap/r&b collab. They flipped the title theme from The OC! haha. The first single on the album is 4,3,2,1 and when I heard the title of the track the first thing I thought was this crazy ass hip hop track by LL Cool J DMX Redman Method Man and Canibus. I was WRONG. but this track by K-Os is just as dope! the video is pretty crazy as well. He sometimes raps in a British accent, and I'm definitely not mad at that, cuz he kills it either way, but the thing about this song is this hook is gonna be in my head for the next couple weeks. I'm not mad at it. At least its a good joint. Bottom line is Yes! is one of the best albums I've heard of '09 (I never give yall anything less) and everyone need to go out and support my man K-Os cuz honestly, he can reach every audience with his music, and well...it's dope as hell when he does it!
According to my sources, Yes! drops in stores on April 14 and you should definitely cop that. I know its a recession and all, but I mean if its worth it, why not? Let the Prez worry bout that, and go buy that new album by K-Os!!
I leave yall with the first single off the album, 4,3,2,1. ENJOY!

Pieces!!
-S-Diggy

Thank you, Peter!

2009-04-08T02:36:00.006-04:00

A friend just linked me to this via facebook...

Once upon a time, Disney made one cartoon movie and traced all the the others.
And they lived happily ever after. The End.

Ridiculous? I think so...

Watch Disney Templates and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

Rrrrrriiiight?!

Follow up

2009-03-29T19:46:00.005-04:00

I'll keep it short and sweet...

As a follow up from the last post, just found a fantaaastic version of Wake Up.

Enjoy:
Arcade Fire - Wake Up (ft. David Bowie)

And God said, "Let there be Hype Machine so you can listen to all the best music online in a fast and convenient fashion." Or something like that.

Oh, and now you can watch it. Superb!

<3 Love,

Claws and Teeth

2009-03-25T15:26:00.004-04:00

This looks amazing:

I've been all about this video posts lately, if you haven't noticed, but this is such a beautiful trailer, no?

Producer/Director Spike Jonze steps back from music videos and Jackass movies to whirl his creative ingenuity around a fantastical adaptation of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.
For writer Dave Eggers, I feel this may be his big come up.

and the music? Wake Up by Arcade Fire. What a splendid pair of visual/audio matchmaking.

Release date: October 16th, 2009

I really can't wait to see this. Who's with me?

KILLERS COVER BRIGHT EYES

2009-03-24T01:55:00.005-04:00

Killers covers Bright Eyes?! No Lie!

1:51 am and for once I'm almost done with my homework, and I get this crazy IM from Josh.

Take a look-see:

Ok, so self-admittedly... even though I loooove Bright Eyes, Cassadaga wasn't my favorite album (try least favorite). Yet I've always had a soft spot for this twangy, toe-tapping song with great harmonies and some smart lyrics.

But this? Brandon Flowers, you synthesizing scoundrel, you.

I love when covers are so distinct that it just works. Conor Oberst and B. Flowers? Like really, I think the only commonality may be a propensity to don themselves in woman's apparel... even if Oberst does so inadvertently.

I heard it once, and thought it was pretty brilliant. Josh? not so much:

(and yeeah, I did lose my ID, so if you find it on lower, please kindly return it!)

Anyways, I think it's super cool.
Take a few listens fooo sho' and take a peek at the original Four Winds if you haven't already.
I hope you don't hate both of these bands because often times, that's the case. But for me, they are two of my most favorite.

Ok, turtleboaters... time to crack down on the books (waah).

With much love as always,

Rants and Raves!

2009-03-19T02:34:00.010-04:00

HI I’M KRISTEN AND I’M BACK because my classes are giving me no work to do lately. It’s funny how you complain about essays and exams and readings and art projects but when you finally don’t have anything to do and you and your roommate are just sitting and reading the unfortunate stories of others on fmylife.com, you realize how unexciting life really can be.

Today, I had a philosophical moment and I posted on the World Wide Web that my life is unexciting. FML

lol leave it to Turtle Boat to ruin your day. JUST KIDDIN, it’s rants and raves time and we’re so happy!!!

We’re making up for lost time, Turtle Boaters, so this is gonna be long… but we know you’re clearly all as excited as we are in that picture.

SICK LIST
1. Slumdog Mill-un-aire
Even though this post should have been created during the prime time of Slumdog obsession when it won like 17 Oscars, this movie and everything about it is still the definition of sick. Amazing soundtrack? Check. Creative storyline? Check. Action to keep you on the edge of your seat, love to make you want to melt, and gorgeous leading roles to top it all off? Check, check, and check. You’ll leave the theater with an addictive soundtrack and an uplifting story resonating with you, feeling like a million bucks… no pun intended. But the real reason Slumdog Millionaire has made it on this sick list is for other wonderful reasons!! After learning that two of the little kids who played Salim and Latika in the movie are still living in the slums of Mumbai, Danny Boyle is ensuring that they and their families live in apartments with electricity, running water, and good sanitation and is providing transportation to and from school every day to make sure they get an education. AND the guy who hosts the show in the movie wants to host a Slumdog-themed, real life episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire with either Dev Patel or Freida Pinto in the hot seat. My life may be complete if that happens.
Everyone from Slumdog is the best.

Just a final word for you all, I really can’t help myself:

WHO WANTS TO BE… A MILL-UN-AIRE?!?!?!

2. Hipster 5 Dollar Bills

One day, Courtney and I were counting money for some reason. We came across some 5 dollar bills, and then we realized that clearly the person who was in charge of making these new bills at the U.S. Mint was a complete and total hipster. Someone got bored of all the non-trendy 5s in all the corners and decided to stick a HUGE PURPLE 5 (likely in Helvetica font) on the bottom right for absolutely no apparent reason. But lol, props to you, mystery hipster mint man. Hipsters everywhere can now be assured that their currency will be just as fashionable as their American Apparel attire and grandpa glasses (you will be addressed on the bitch list, grandpa glasses, be patient).

3. Morrow, Georgia
Courtney and I went on a service trip over spring break. Yes, we were unintentionally placed on the same service trip from a pool of 600 people, and yes, we’ve come to terms with our predestined soul mate status. But we went to Morrow, Georgia, a little town of about 5,000 people right outside of Atlanta, and ended up encountering more southern hospitality, delicious food, and sweet tea than is probably necessary for an entire lifetime. And we watched a major motion picture being filmed across the street. And the town loved us being there so much that we now have a holiday named after us in Morrow. Let me repeat that for you… we now have a holiday named after us in Morrow. I’ve already planned out my future in Georgia… anyone coming with?

4. My Apple Store Experience

So my negligent self broke my lappy and I had to bring it to the Apple store last week, expecting to sacrifice my life savings. However, I got to the Genius Bar, started chatting with the Genius who was working, and he ended up telling me he’d fix my computer for free. It is now good as new. I am the least smooth person in the world, so if I flirted my way to a fixed computer, I assure you, it was not intentional. But even if you thought I wanted your shit, thanks, Apple store guy! You’re the best, and for that, you’re on the Sick List.

BITCH LIST
1. Octomom
STOP HAVING BABIES. STOP GETTING SURGERY TO LOOK LIKE ANGELINA JOLIE. STOP BEING OUT OF YOUR MIND.

Courtesy of Perez Hilton and his admirable art skills:

2. Grandpa Glasses
Unless you are in fact a grandpa, please stop wearing these. You look ridiculous. Stop trying so hard.

3. Ticketmaster Convenience Charges
Courtney and I bought tickets for Cut Copy (House of Blues, Sunday night, come dance) and tickets were $20. As I typed and confirmed my billing information, though, Ticketmaster, being its sneaky self, gradually added “convenience charges” to my final purchase. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!?! I’m sorry, am I causing you such inconvenience by buying this ticket that I must reimburse you for the convenience you could have possessed had my selfish purchase never occurred? I should have known, Ticketmaster, that convenience costs half the fucking price of my actual ticket. I hate you.

4. Horrendous Cover Attempt of Grizzly Bear's "Knife"

Take it easy, champ.

On an unrelated note, I have this song in my head and I want everyone to listen to it so I’ll have someone to sing it with and also because everyone should like Vetiver.
Vetiver - Roll On Babe

LOVE YA BYE
krrrrrristen!

Clucking Rabbit says its Goodbyes?

2009-03-18T21:46:00.004-04:00

I think this is an older commercial, but regardless, I just stumbled upon it, and instead of reading spanish in Bapst like I should be, I'm going to make a quick post...

Preeeettttyyyy coool, right?

Who knew Broken Social Scene could advertise you some chocolate?

...or could make you emerge from a giant beach ball with a smaller beach ball in hand?

Dig the song? Of cooourse I'll hook you up:
Stars and Sons - Broken Social Scene

Keep your ears perk... some of my favorite music has surfaced though commercials.

Now get off the computer and go enjoy the beautiful days.

Falling Star

2009-02-23T01:19:00.004-05:00

The Demise of Joaquin Phoenix
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

This is what we like to call, in the blogging business, the ultimate RANT.

He has single-handedly made himself the perpetual spot holder for #1 item on the BITCH LIST.

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy:

The Announcement
The Proof
The Foreshadow
The Embarrassing Feature on a Talk Show (Originally coined by Tom Cruise)
The Point in Which You are Mocked at a Notable Event (Coined by you, Joaquin)

My great friends Amanda and Jared hear it is all an act... "the ultimate punk'd." They go to Williams, so I trust their knowledge.

All I have to say is,
COME BACK TO US!!! GLADIATOR WAS THE BEST!!!!

With Hope,

They're No Clowns...

2009-02-21T22:55:00.004-05:00

Gather the kids...

FERRIS WHEEL
is coming to town

2 am on a barely-Tuesday morning, and nine people, friends and roommates alike, are sealed like sardines in Josh Bolduc's two-man room. Typical BC chill-time usually entails TV watching in the more spacious common room, but this night we needed to go where the recording equipment was.

I take a break from Adobe Illustrator - it's almost been an hour of rearranging and resizing the track list of "Goody Twos," Ferris Wheel's debut EP.

Josh teaches us the melody: Lada da. dadaa. dadaa...
Last minute gang vocals for the closing track "The Wrigley Field Faithful," a nostalgic story line of a song boasting a style that resembles that of Conor Oberst - minus wavering vocals, plus more authenticity, and an equivalent of the heartache.

This is an instance of the typical spontaneity it takes to maintain a band like Ferris Wheel, a seven-member folk/Indie group hailing from five different colleges. "Goody Twos" would be released that Friday at Rockus, Rolling Stone's battle-of-the-bands competition. Despite their unfortunate loss (at unfair costs at that), Ferris Wheel has gained more media attention than ever, and Turtle Boat is more than happy to join this band wagon. No pun intended.

"Goody Twos" is a short, five-song EP, but its conciseness does the job. The other reviews I've read keep persisting this theme of a spring time sound, and I have to admit, listening to "Goody Twos" is like a groundhog failing to see his shadow... you've got high hopes that the end of these winter blues is just around the corner.

The opener "Whistle" showcases pianist and vocalist Justine Bowe: see-saw chords behind her sweeter-than-honey, smoother-than-velvet voice.

"Paper Cranes" emulates a Postal Service vibe with a power-poppiness that doesn't compromise its quality, plus the Josh-Justine duo achieves harmonies rivaling the Beach Boys.

...Now here's the real gem of the CD.

Shaheen Lavie-Rouse on cello sets the somber intro of "The All Time Train Dodge," a sensory instrumental parading each member's talents - Joe Solof and Josh Bolduc on guitar progressing from simple strums to trilling solos while Justine Bowe's delicate chords out-grace the plucking of a harp. Mike Moschetto paces the heartbeat of the song and speeding up at just the right moments, and Mike Wolfenden anchors the song with those low, vibrato bass notes. The steady, soft and brassy trumpet of Sawyer Bernath provides an elating level for its listeners, and don't forget about that cello, just wait for Shaheen's ascending little ditty to send chills down your back, which eventually tapers til the end, bringing a brilliant full-circle ending.

Things take a turn again, back to that spring-is-in-the-air feel. It's safe to say "Lay Down" is a fan favorite, the acoustic-electric combo brings that bittersweet feeling of love and sadness. Makes you want to simultaneously dance and cry, and admit it, that's about the best feeling in the world.

This EP is a pretty good representation of the band, but it's a little like sloppy seconds in comparison to their first-rate talent. The best experience you can get is to go to a live show and listen to other hits like "The Big Dance."

But for now, go ahead and visit their myspace to stream their entire EP, and then buy it!!

They have plans for a full-length album within the year... don't y'all worry, I will of course keep you posted.

That's all for now! Bring in the spring with a little Ferris Wheel in your life!!

LOOK AT ART

2009-02-21T16:58:00.005-05:00

ART SHOW
Noir
February 25th - March 13th

Opening Night: February 25th
Place: Bapst Art Museum
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The show will be based on the subject of "Noir", that is, anything associated with the word. Think color, film genre, etc.

Student submission will be accepted until April 20, 2009.

Complimentary refreshments will be served.

DJed by WZBC.

Come take a look at pieces done by the artstiest of BC students... not to mention work featured by yours truly.

THE LINEUP IS HERE

2009-02-03T00:39:00.000-05:00

For the 2009 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Phish (2 Shows)
Beastie Boys
Nine Inch Nails
David Byrne
Wilco
Al Green
Snoop Dogg
Elvis Costello Solo
Erykah Badu
Paul Oakenfold
Ben Harper and Relentless7
The Mars Volta
TV on the Radio
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Gov’t Mule
Andrew Bird
Band Of Horses
Merle Haggard
MGMT
moe.
The Decemberists
Girl Talk
Bon Iver
Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Galactic
The Del McCoury Band
of Montreal
Allen Toussaint
Coheed and Cambria
Booker T & the DBTs
David Grisman Quintet
Lucinda Williams
Animal Collective
Gomez
Neko Case
Down
Jenny Lewis
Santogold
Robert Earl Keen
Citizen Cope
Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
The Ting Tings
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kaki King
Grizzly Bear
King Sunny Adé
Okkervil River
St. Vincent
Zac Brown Band
Raphael Saadiq
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Crystal Castles
Tift Merritt
Brett Dennen
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue
Toubab Krewe
People Under the Stairs
Alejandro Escovedo
Vieux Farka Touré
Elvis Perkins In Dearland
Cherryholmes
Yeasayer
Todd Snider
Chairlift
Portugal. The Man.
The SteelDrivers
Midnite
The Knux
The Low Anthem
Delta Spirit
A.A. Bondy
The Lovell Sisters
Alberta Cross

MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION

2009-01-20T15:01:00.005-05:00

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION

If you haven't noticed, I have a not-so-secret love affair with Animal Collective.
Today is the release of their newest and highly anticipated album, but I honestly don't know how I feel about it yet. It is no doubt catchy, but there's some unnamable change in sound that I may love or may not.

STREAM THE ENITRE CD HERE for freeeeeeee

Things I've established to far:
1. Sounds like Panda Bear is singin' in a cave. Or is this what good production sounds like?
2. Old Animal Collective with this veil that edges on electronic music (think South London drum'n'bass in slo-mo)
3. Nice album art

... a formal review to follow.

Interview with Ra Ra Riot

2009-01-11T19:42:00.007-05:00

When I attended Syracuse University last year, I was a writer for Equal Time magazine on campus. I had the fortunate assignment to track down the lovely ladies of Ra Ra Riot for a feature write-up. Here's an interview from the 2008 Fall issue:

The Deb Duo of Ra Ra Riot
Cursive, Straylight Run and Paramore. What do these three bands have in common? Each rock group features a fierce female member: Cursive’s Gretta Cohen on the stings, Michelle Nolan vocalist and pianist for Straylight Run, and Hayley Williams (love or or hate her) the spunky lead singer for Paramore.
Indie Rock is becoming a less male-dominated music scene as more up and coming co-ed bands rise to the stage. A manifestation of this fortunate progression is Ra Ra Riot, whose melodic tunes started right here at Syracuse University. In order to get this female perspective of music-making, we have Rebecca Zeller and Alexandra Lawn of Ra Ra Riot.

Courtney Allessio: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
AL: Rebecca is from Ridgewood, NJ, and that’s where she was born and grew up in. My family currently lives in Florida, but I was born in Myrtle Beach, SC.
CA: How was family life? Was your family any part of an influence with your musical talents?
AL: Neither of my parents played music. My brother and sister have both dabbled, but now they have gone in their own directions. Neither did Becca’s parents, but her grandparents did, and both of her sisters play musical instruments.
CA: Did your family and friends ever discourage you from pursuing the music scene?
AL: Oh no, my family has always been really supportive. Even when I was playing classical, I was driven everywhere to lessons and to play in orchestras and quartets. And even with the band, they were happy and supportive; they’re great. I think the same goes for Becca’s family, too.
CA: How did Ra Ra Riot come about, how did everyone meet each other?
AL: In January 2006, Milo, our guitarist, had an Electronics Music class with Becca. He had heard that she played the violin, so on their last class he went up to her and said, ‘Hey, I heard you played violin, do you want to play in a band? And if so, do you know any harp players or cello players?’ I had played in Orchestra and Quartet with Becca, so she mentioned me. The boys [in Ra Ra Riot] had all played in various bands together, and it all just kind of came together after Christmas break.
CA: What were your majors?
AL: Both Becca and I were in VPA as Music Industry majors with Performance Honors.
CA: What made you choose Syracuse?
AL: I think what it was, last minute I decided that the whole conservatory thing might not be exactly what I want to do. So I figured a well rounded, good Liberal Arts school would be beneficial, and maybe a little more fun. The Music Industry program seemed pretty, pretty neat. I wanted to do something different.
CA: Is your time dedicated to the band alone, or do you work anywhere else?
AL: No, it’s all band now. We just tour and do band things; it’s our job. But at the beginning, we had our own jobs to make money.
CA: Ra Ra Riot is a catchy name, who came up with it?
RL: Our really good friend Emily actually came up with it and graciously let us use it. It was actually going to be temporary, but it ended up sticking because we never really got around to coming up with anything we liked.
CA: Where was your first gig? Did it go well?
AL: Our first gig was booked before we were even a band. It was at 855 Ostrom, which is our manager’s house. He wasn’t our manager then. It was a really great crowd because the other two bands that we played with had a following, so it was kind of an installed audience, and here we were a brand new band.
CA: You’re currently on tour as we speak, right?
AL: Yeah, we just got into the fine state of Washington, and we’re going to Seattle tonight and Vancouver tomorrow.
CA: How’s the tour going, are you guys having fun?
AL: Oh yeah, it’s been a really fun tour; a lot of us have never been out West. Those of us who have, haven’t gone this route, so it’s been really interesting. We all brought our bikes, so we’ve been on a lot of neat bike rides, and camping- just some really fun stuff when we get the chance to.
CA: And you’re going on a European tour soon?
AL: Yes, with the band we are touring with right now, The Editors. This month we are going to the UK with them for about another month. We’ll be going around Scotland, London, all those good places.
CA: How long have you been playing the cello, and Becca, when did you start playing the violin?
AL: I’ve been playing cello for 18 years and Becca…
BZ: 16 years.
CA: When you picked up these classical, string instruments, did you ever see yourself in an Indie rock band?
AL: I never thought I would pursue a career in this. It was always kind of in the back of your head, ‘I wish I could do something a little different than classical.’ But it was never something that ever crossed my mind as a career, so I feel very lucky.
CA: I once watched the movie Haggard with a group of guy friends, talk about uncomfortable. Are there ever awkward moments of mixed company?
AL: I don’t think we have ever really had a moment like that; we have more of a family dynamic. None of the boys really say or do lewd things. We can totally watch a movie, and not feel awkward about a scene with sex, or about being a man or a woman.
CA: The focus of this article was the significance of your gender in the music industry. We find it incredibly interesting, but do you ever think about it?
AL: It can be fascinating. For example, a lot of the times we have to arrive at a venue early to load in, and get everything set up, and get our wristbands. Becca and I can spend a half an hour loading in with the band, and the boys are never questioned whether they are actually in the band.
CA: Top Three favorite albums?
BZ: Blonde Redhead, The National, and Radiohead – all of their albums.
AL: Right now my favorites are The Velvet Underground, the Royal Tenenbaums Soundtrack, and I guess Sirius Radio 80s Hits, I can’t really think of an album right now.
CA: Any pets? Do any of them go on tour with you?
AL: I have two dogs, but they don’t go on tour with us. I don’t think we could keep a pet alive on tour. Becca doesn’t have any pets.
CA: What was your favorite restaurant when you went to ‘Cuse?
AL: I’d say Alto Cinco for Becca and myself, but she also ate at this wonderful French restaurant in Armory Square, …L’adore. But Alto Cinco, whenever we come back to Syracuse, we eat there three time every trip. You have to go there, it is so good!
CA: Ever meet famous bands on tour?
AL: The band we’re touring with [The Editors] is pretty famous. Tokyo Police Club, The White Rabbit, and The Cribs. We stood really close to Andrew Bird at a couple of festivals. Amy Winehouse, we’ve seen about five times in one day. Oh, we’ve met Architecture in Helsinki, and they’re really sweet. The Little Ones, I guess I could keep going, but…
CA: I understand there’s been a recent tragedy over the summer, and I am very sorry for the loss of your drummer John, as are all of us from Syracuse. How are you handling the loss, and what does that mean for the future of the band?
AL: Well, we have each other, which is helpful. We have the music that we made with him, so in the future, we have that part of him and it helps to celebrate him rather than mourn him. It’s sad, and it gets hard, but we have each other. Of all situations, we are lucky to have each other, and we were lucky to have spent time with him.
CA: One more question before we wrap it up. Does Ra Ra Riot have a collective message for its fans?
AL: We usually start out shows off with, “We’re Ra Ra Riot, and we’re here to have fun.” Stay positive, and have fun.

Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to 2009!

2009-01-02T22:37:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

I don't really know what this is, but it's the only remotely applicable picture I found when a google-imaged "2009." Apparently the new year means computers on tropical islands that are actually the size of a tropical island. wow.

Your favorite bloggers at Turtle Boat have been slacking a little, but it's mostly because we are all on break in our respective hometowns. Regardless, we are sorry for the delay.

We planned on some grandiose end-of-the-year review of all in the world of everything, but quickly realized how vague and encompassing this is and how lazy and inefficient we are. That's a big lol for everyone.

So instead, Kristen came to the great land of the Berkshires to visit me, and we sat in Starbucks brainstorming new features in this year.

As you can see, the first order of business was a fresh new layout. U LYKE?!!?&$@!!@

Also on the agenda:
1. MORE FASHION! we plan excursions to the middle of Boston and stalking the fashonistas of this great city. We have no qualms in invading your privacy when your style calls our attention.
2. SNEAKER WATCH #2! watch out, I'm coming to get your feet.
3. A MORE CONSISTENT RANTS AND RAVES! enough said.
4. MAN-ON-THE-STREET. we think of witty questions, ask strangers, take pictures, and then make you famous on the Net.
5. SHOW UPDATES. more of them comin' your way.
6. INTERVIEWS. this is just an idea. no promises here.
7. ART. who doesn't love finding new art? oh, you don't. sorry... there's plenty of other things on Turtle Boat!
8. REVIEWS. of all kinds. movies, tv, and of course, music.
9. A POST FROM BILLY. he's blog-shy, but we're making this a new year's resolution.

The new years is calling for blog diversity... and we will deliver. Everyone luvz zee myoosik, but there's more to life, people!!

Take a dive with Turtle Boat 2009... GET EXCITED!!

Alssssooo, maybe some staff picks of '08 or something... we are slackers though.

Helllloooo, World!

2008-12-18T21:23:00.005-05:00

Thanks to the fabulous Internet phenomenon called Site Meter, we at Turtle Boat are able to lurk a lot info about you viewers. Not only are we reaching you across the US, but we've also tracked clicks from all around the world... Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, Australia, Spain, Africa, South America, the Middle East, some island I've never even heard of, and mooore.

So we would like to say welcome and thanks for stopping by!!!

We think it's time we go more global, after all, this whole thing spawned in our globalization class.

I've recently been amazed with this indie Swedish chick duo called
First Aid Kit.

I was surfing the web, trying to get my Fleet Foxes fill (which I'm finding impossible) and stumbled upon a riveting cover by these two adorable plaid-clad ladies singing and strumming in a forest.

It's a cover of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, which is actually not my favorite of their latest, self-titled album. But after this rendition, I appreciate it much more... check it out:
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (Fleet Foxes cover)- First Aid Kit

... annnd the orginial:
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song-Fleet Foxes

First Aid Kit writes and sings its own stuff and it is well worth listening to; get a real hold of their musical style on their myspace.

Come to find out, they are sisters! They're so sweet, it's giving me a toothache.

Fill up on sweets this holiday season, and check 'em out.

With love always,

First Timesculpture Commercial

2008-12-12T02:49:00.005-05:00

Toshiba Makes the first ever Timesculpture Commercial:
WATCH

Addicting right? I watched it like, 6 times.

The Point: TV and Film are constantly revolutionizing their techniques to just blow our minds straight out of the water... enhanced and increased green screen use, interpolated-rotoscope, etc. So why can't advertisers reflect this progressiveness with its commercials? The targeted audience should be captivated and then think, how the hell did they do this?

How did they do it?
No computer generated stuff here... they arranged 200 cameras around the room in a circle about 7 ft off the ground to individually film each person, then hand-picked each shot in order to achieve the desired action.
It's all about the space each person uses so that they can capture the simplistic movements, then they are able to composite each piece onto the main background.

WOW, that's all I have to say. Go TV! Go Advertising! I luvz media.

Think Cash Cab... but for Music

2008-12-11T19:46:00.008-05:00

No doubt that finals blow... here's some great music sites to get through the studying.
(Total props to Josh.)

Black Cab Sessions
[link]

Think of your top ten favorite shows that you've been to.

One of the most decisive factors of mine is the level intimacy.
Why? Because I want to see artists in their element as close as humanly possible and notice which foot they stomp to keep a beat, I like to get so up close and personal that I can see their nasty sweatiness, and most of all, I love the acoustics. By default, they are always better in a smaller venue.

So what better place for a show than the back seat of cab?

Some brilliant Brits ingeniously started these unplugged series they deem the Black Cab Sessions. The cab driver cruises around as band members squeeze their bodies and their instruments into the back seat with just enough time for one song.

They aren't too particular with the genre, but it mostly falls under the large umbrella of indie/rock. There are a few rare gems in there like Daniel Johnston, a manic depressive with the spottiness of a folk singer and the charm of a little boy, and Cool Kids, a swagger rapper duo from Chicago and Detroit.

In all, there's an archive of 68 sessions so check them out and find something you love.

My favorites:
Lykke Li
Fleet Foxes
Sunset Rubdown
Man Man

Other suggestions:
My Morning Jacket
Death Cab for Cutie
Spoon

But! I don't know what you like, so check it out yoursellllf. (I'm not a psychic, jeez.)

ALONG THE SAME VIEN....
DAYTROTTER
[link]

Daytrotter sessions feature wonderful bands, artists and rappers who take two hours out of their tour travels to visit this studio in Rock Island, Illinois.
The result? Downloadable, rare songs for avid music collectors. The sound quality is crisp but it still maintains that open-mic feel. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?!

The site also features interviews and info about the many bands and artists you love!

Use the search to find desired tracks, or check out their session archive to browse their comprehensive collection.

Alright little muffins, good luck with finals and see you soooon.

2nd Time

2008-12-10T20:33:00.005-05:00

I found this joint appropriate, seeing as its my SECOND TIME POSTING! A ha A ha A ha.
nah but this song, "2nd Time" by DC phenom Wale and Minnesota's albino animal, Brother Ali is DOPE. The song itself isn't as impressive as my boy Brother Ali's verse where he GOES IN, and lets every other rapper in the game know the deal. Wale does his thing, and his game is always on point, but I'm stuck on this verse by Brother Ali...

"they say the truth don't belong to nobody,
if you see it you speak it,
it would be a sin to keep it a secret,
so if i need to breathe it, believe that i mean it
quit tryna be somebody's boss, be a leader!"

yo he just put everything i been thinkin since summertime into the perfect verse!

yeah man this whole song goes pretty hard, so if you wanna listen/dl hit this link up!

2nd Time Around - Wale ft Brother Ali

so yeah Brother Ali dropped his Undisputed Truth album in 07, and it was definitely one of the best joints last year. This past spring, Wale dropped the Seinfeld based The Mixtape About Nothing, definitely a candidate for mixtape of the year. Check both of em out, im pretty sure their on imeem or something. if you like either SUPPORT THEM! well idk where you can get the Mixtape to buy but the Brother Ali joint is all over Amazon or any other site that sells albums.

and heres a few videos of each artist from youtube...

Brother Ali - Uncle Sam Goddamn

Jake One - The Truth ft Brother Ali & Freeway

Wale - Nike Boots

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (remix) ft Wale

Worst Song EVER

2008-12-10T17:35:00.007-05:00

Oh. My. God.

This video was first brought to my attention by Carles, the online web editor and CEO for the popular weblog HIPSTER RUNOFF.

This is the worst song I have ever heard in my life. Literally, ever. This is the worst music video I have ever seen in my life. Literally, ever.

I'm sorry for posting this.

Finals Bad, Walkmen Great

2008-12-05T16:36:00.006-05:00

For me, studying is not in cards right now.
I considered napping, but if I'm not going to prepare for exams then I should post before the work kills me.
This may be my last post... death by finals is approaching. I feel it.

Ok, ok, kill the dramatics and onto the...
THE WALKMEN

Maybe you know them, maybe you don't.
Maybe you hate them, and maybe we will never be friends if this is true.

I would simply categorize them as indie rock, lots of hallow-y drum crashing, little organ chord progressions every so often, angular guitars and then all that iced over with this man's straining, dipping, pulling vocals. On their myspace, they describe their sound as "horsesh*t." Sometimes modesty is the best part of band. It doesn't sound like horseshit... I don't even know if that has a sound.

I'm pretty sure they got "big" some time ago, but they've popped into my life again just recently. My friend from home Amanda and I exchange mixed CDs about every other week and she snuck this little guy onto my last mix:
We've Been Had- The Walkmen

Actually, it was Amanda who first burned me Bows + Arrows after I heard the song "The Rat" some years ago. Here are some of my fave tracks for you to sample:
Little House of Savages - The Walkmen
New Year's Eve - The Walkmen

They have much more, I just never kept up on downloading their albums:

Pussy Cats starring the Walkmen (2006)
Pussy Cats (2006)
A Hundred Miles Off (2006)
Bows and Arrows (2004)
Bows + Arrows (2004)
The Walkmen/Calla Split EP (2002)
Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone (2002)
The Walkmen (2001)

I have Pussy Cats, which is also pretty phenomenal...
Old Forgotten Soldier - The Walkmen

But if you're looking to make the Walkmen a long-term relationship, first base should be Bows + Arrows. Or be a ture gentleman and check out their earliest work... then tell me about it because I'd like to know :).

There's something so wonderful about rediscovering a band you loved years ago. It's like going home for the first time in a while... or listening to "Grand Theft Autumn" when it comes on your iTunes shuffle. lol.

Enjooooy.

(hey, look! I made a tag)

Rants and Raves

2008-11-26T22:13:00.006-05:00

SICK LIST
1. Thanksgiving
Food-wise, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I don't even like turkey, I think it's an ugly bird with bad meat. Stuffing is number one; in fact, I considered calling this 'The Stuffing List' because stuffing equates with greatness.

BUT what else does this day of thanks mean?
No, not the massacre of Indians by Pilgrims in buckle shoes... it's the fact that seasons greetings are on their way. It's now totally appropriate to bust out holiday songs, movies and decorations.

Sooo prep up for snowy goodness and the bitter cold (location pending) with this tune:

White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes

2. No Cancer
Number of new cases of cancer in the US drops for the first time today! I would read more, but I needed to subscribe online...

3. Woman's Work
Jay-Z doesn't make a move, Beyonce writes a song and makes a killer video. Then some creep memorizes the choreography and posts it on YouTube. Please, take a look:
Single Ladies/Single Man Mashup

Ok, ok, maybe it belongs on the Bitch List...

4. FUN FACTS
Back then: It took 66 days for the Mayflower to reach Plymouth.
Today: Thanksgiving night is the biggest night for strip clubs... because after eating turkey and visiting with old relatives all you want to do is see naked women?

BITCH LIST
1. Really... Ducks?

I'm watching Iron Chef, and what's the secret ingredient? Ducks... bills, feet, feathers and all. They're stuffing these whole white ducks in giant stockpots by the neck. Awful.

2. Pro-life Week at BC
Turtleboat loves people with informed views and blah blah blah... but a University-sanctioned Pro-life week? A hundred little white crosses covering the Dustbowl, priests handing you flyers, giant pictures of week-old embryos? It's a bit much to get the point across. Maaan, rep both sides!

3. Radioooo Suffers

2008 has been the worst year for radio since 1954... and they call newspaper a dying media. Revenues are just not picking up, so financially, radio is just hurting badlllly. Wah.

New Jousteece DVD + Live CD

2008-11-20T16:49:00.045-05:00

New Justice DVD + Live CD "A Cross the Universe"

Coming out this Monday

Check out the teaser, and we've got a few leaked tracks. I actually got to see this show last year in NYC. If you look reaalllyyy hard in the video you can see me, just for second. Just kidding.

Justice - Let There Be Light (Live) [yousendit]

Justice - Phantom pt. 1.5 (Live) [yousendit]

Justice - Metallica Finale [yousendit]

New S^&%!

2008-11-13T00:24:00.009-05:00

well, kinda new. I'm actually kinda referring to myself...
So whats good blog world, the names S-Diggy, and like the homie Courtney said, I'ma be covering most of the hip hop on Turtleboat.
I think ima start off with something a little light and just put you on to a couple albums i been bumpin lately, 2 joints specifically: Dahlak Braithwaite (of Ill-Literacy) in Commencement: A Kanye West Tribute & 88-Keys - The Death of Adam

Dahlak Braithwaite is in California-based spoken word group, ILL-Literacy. He's made a few appearances on Def Poetry Jam [If you don't watch that joint, you definitely need to get on that] and rocked it every time. Here's one of my favorite poems, called A Peculiar Evolution
As you can see, he's pretty blunt with it, and he covers subjects from racial profiling to being DRI (Drunk and Hi)...if you ain't with his subject matter, then just dl the mixtape for the beats. He flips some of Kanye's beats off graduation to make some straight up bangers...

its a free download when you go HERE courtesy of ILL-Literacy

Now on to 88-Keys...
this album is one of the most refreshing joints i've heard all year. I'm a dude that listens to a lot of underground hip hop. So naturally i hear a lot of conscious rap about society, racism, and materialism, and change. Well this is one concept album that definitely is taking the title as one of my favorites. This dude 88-Keys works with Kanye and dropped a gem called Death of Adam about a guys troubles from woman to woman. He sings on some tracks and raps on others. He's produced almost every beat, and they range from an Outkast sounding Morning Wood to a sample ridden Stay Up! (Viagra) starring Kanye himself. yall should def pick up this album--it was released this past tuesday!! buuuuutttt if you don't buy albums, 88-Keys upped it on Imeem lol

so yeah
im not only gonna do hip hop album reviews, ill send yall singles, and ill let yall know bout some local shows comin up, anything. lemme know of any other topics i can put up... enjoy!

-S-Diggy [I don't have a cool picture for my name yet...]

The Very Best

2008-11-12T12:42:00.010-05:00

Esau Mwamwaya + Radioclit have released a free mixtape!

The trio are calling themselves "The Very Best." If you want to learn a little bit about them, check out their myspace or check out my old post. They are still finalizing a full length album scheduled for a Spring '09 release.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE ALBUM

or click on the cool album cover

The mixtape comes in a .ZIP archive filled with 15 high-quality 320kbps MP3's

Rants and Raves

2008-11-10T18:06:00.006-05:00

SICK LIST

1. WELCOME!
New on the crew: S-Diggy.
He'll be covering the hip-hop scene. Keep a look out for posts by our newest member, he'll be bringing the heat, for suuuure.

2. Victory
BC 17, Notre Dame 0.

3. Deerhunter comes to Paradise
Kristen, Billy and saw Deerhunter at Paradise Rock Lounge. The ambient sound filled me so much that I swear my body only existed as an outline last night.
Lead singer Bradford Cox has Marfan's Syndrome, I refrained from using "suffers" because I think he's doing some exceptional things despite of it. Needless to say, not only is their punk-noise sound totally dig-able, there are other elements to just leave you spellbound. Check out Cox's solo project Atlas Sound while you are at it.
My fave:Hazel St. - Deerhunter

4. Vocal Chords and Cotton Threads
I love when music and fashion collide.
R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe is releasing a whole line of Lacoste shirts, take a look! And if you are filthy rich, you can even buy one!

BITCH LIST

1. Idiots
I'm referring to Billy and me because get this - before Deerhunter, we are pacing outside of Q'doba, waiting as Kristen changes out of her Jumpstart uniform in the bathroom. Then this long-limbed, spindly man comes slinking on the sidewalk. I'm just staring at him, and I say to Billy, "That's Bradford Cox."
What do we do? Stop in awe and just stare until he slips by behind us.
Then later as the Vivian Girls were about to end their set, we see him again and still, we can't speak.
I don't get star-struck, I get star-shy.
Point of the story: we suck.

2. Lupe Taps Out?

There are rumors of retirement for Lupe Fiasco after he releases a three-disc set entitled LupEND. Although he denies it, this title really has me skeptical. Last month at a show in his hometown of Chicago, he claimed that it means everywhere, nowhere and down here. Rewind to last December, and Lupe tells Billboard that his last album will indeed be called LupEND. Let's hope it's just a scam for everyone to buy his "last" album... dick move, but in the words of Rihanna, please don't stop the music, Lupe Fiasco.

3. Got my food and nowhere to go
THERE IS NEVER SEATING IN HILLSIDE. ALL I WANT IS A SEAT SO I CAN EAT MY PANINI.

Row, Row, Fight the Power

2008-11-09T18:12:00.042-05:00

I've been tagging along with BC's premier B-Boy crew, Conspiracy Theory. Conspiracy Theory has a close working relationship with the BU crew known as Bulletproof Funk. When the planets align correctly, the two groups join forces to form a crew the likes of which has never been seen:

The collaborative effort known as Bulletproof Theory had its first major performance of the year at the ninth annual ELEMENTS showcase at BU this past weekend. They absolutely killed it, check 'em out. They also found a new use for Wiimotes.

More shows will be coming up, stay tuned, I'll let you know.

That New[er] Shit:

Wu-Tang with a Bloody Beetroots twist. This song has been passed around teh internetz under the moniker "Stomp (Bloody Beetroots Remix)," although I have never heard the original and can't seem to find it anywhere. Anyway, U-God and the GZA are definitely on the track, and the Bloody Beetroots are once again doing what they do best. Your computer isn't messed up, the CD isn't skipping, that's what it's supposed to sound like

Wu-Tang Clain - Stomp (The Bloody Beetroots Remix) [yousendit]

Aside from being another great mash up from Party Ben, this song makes me chuckle inside. Kanye West, douche bag extraordinaire, crashed Justice's acceptance speech when they won an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video in 2006. "We Are Your Friends" beat out "Touch the Sky," and while the award was being accepted by resident Ed Banger artist So Me and video director Jérémie Rozan, an angry West stormed the stage, saying at one point "If I don't win, the award show loses credibility." He claims to have never seen the Justice video, but he was certain that he deserved to win because he "spent a million dollars" on his video for "Touch the Sky." The dude has no class. I like some of his tunes, but not his ego. What's even more hilarious is that after slapping electronic music in the face in '06, he has since jumped on the cash cow/bandwagon that is electro. Ok, enough ranting. Check this song out: Love Lockdown vs. Let There Be Light

Party Ben - Let There Be Love [yousendit]

Still in Steady Rotation:

WhoMadeWho are an innovative trio hailing from Denmark. They are signed with the GOMMA label based out of Munich, and they have a new album being finalized for a March '09 release. I like this song

WhoMadeWho - Hello Empty Room [yousendit]

Fuck tha Police.

N.W.A - Fuck tha Police [yousendit]

Sorry for the long absence everyone! I have been getting destroyed by academics lately. Hopefully more posts soon! Courtney has been doing a great job of keeping the blog funky fresh, much respekt.

Bringing the Noise

2008-11-06T12:42:00.004-05:00

RJD2

Pinch my arm because I must be dreaming. Tonight Kristen and I are going to see this white boy, formally known as John Krohn from his days growing up in Oregon, throw down amazinggg beeatzzz.
The venue? Believe it or not, Boston College.
$5 a ticket is almost insulting to this Philly DJ, who's responsible for ingenious tracks produced for major rappers and fellow hip-hop musicians like Soul Position, Copyright, Cage, Cunninlynguists, MF DOOM, Blueprint and Diplo.

Although he's prominently renowned for his beats and instrumental work, his latest album The Third Hand (2007) features RJD2 singing on almost every track.

Hopefully y'all got your tickets because this event is SOLD OUT.

Get your dancing shoes on, or maybe a pair of high tops... we're going to shake down the Rat with RJD2 and some serious dancing.

Can't go? Get the mp3 experience:

Final Frontier - Soul Position feat. RJD2 and Blueprint
Can't resist the beat, percussion almost gives it a juke feel but it's split up by strong bass. Lyrics are ridiculous... plus how good is the Microsoft Sam mixed in??

Take Your Time - Soul Position feat. RJD2 and Blueprint
Slow it down a bit, but it still has a great build in the beat and in the song itself after intro. Beat has that glichey gospel voice with that whole round-sound effect.

DO IT!

2008-11-04T00:24:00.008-05:00

Are you 18 +? Free today, November 4th?

This is no invite to some hip club or some rave lounge...

TODAY, NOVEMBER 4th:
GO OUT AND VOTE!

Get out there and have a voice, stand for your beliefs, and carry out all of those other cliche patriotic phrases!

We at Turtleboat don't give a damn about who you're voting for, all we ask is to just do it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T14:25:00.005-04:00

It's spooky time...

Hey Halloweiners,
The following is a list of scary movies I've compiled for your frightful viewing pleasure. So grab some candy, a bowl of popcorn, and a few friends and get creepy together.

1. The Exorcist
We're not talking monsters and fictitious villains here, this is real life Jesus-Devil mayhem. It was actually banned in Britain for several years where the country deemed it 'video nasty.'
Favorite scene: when she crawls up the stairs on her hands... I just got the heebie jeebies.

2. Psycho
Everyone knows the famous shower scene, but if you've never seen this culture icon classic, use Halloween as an excuse to finally see it. It really isn't as scary as it is suspenseful. Hitchcock's the man.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the first film that has a take of a toilet.
Favorite scene: When Norman Bates is totally creeping through the hole in the wall.

3. The Ring
Maybe you didn't think it was that scary but this movie still haunts me to this day. I watched this movie with my sister, and when we got up to go to bed I PASSED OUT IN UTTER FEAR. That's right, The Ring made me unconscious, so I still deem this a fright fest.
Favorite scene: when the horse jumps overboard.

4. Planet Terror
I like zombie movies, and this one's good. This Rodriguez-directed flick dominates in all greatness and ridiculousness. Tarantino's ingenuity shines through with his cameo - priceless... best line in the entire movie. Plus a chick with a gun leg? Just do it.
Favorite scene: Fergie's busted head.

5. Jaws
Yes, the effects are absolutely horrendous, but do you still fear sharks a little when you step into the big blue? The answer is, fo' sho.
Favorite scene: it's been a while, I'm not going to lie... so, any of the flesh-eating parts.

6. Night of the Living Dead - 1969
Don't. Watch. This. Alone.
Nihilistic. Terrifying.
"When there's no more room left in hell, the dead will walk on earth."
Favorite scene: all the ones with the dead gorging on living flesh.

Horror flicks actually really freak me out, so here are some I've been meaning to see, but am still too scared:
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Don't Look Now, Carrie, The Vanishing

So check 'em out. And if you don't like scary movies, you must watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! wooooOOooOOOooOOoOOo.

Rants and Raves

2008-10-28T22:17:00.011-04:00

Holy Jesus!

It's been a week. We at Turtle Boat are totally sorry for the overdue post. I'm beggin' on my knees for forgiveness.

Onto business...

SICK LIST:
1. Lykke Li

I have one word to describe the performance of this Swedish goddess, and it's this: fierce. Think the bubble-pop vocals of Kate Nash, round 'em out like Duffy, then add bipolar, simplified rhythms. The chick's got cowbells... yes, COWBELLS. Not to mention a kazoo and a megaphone...
She kept a drumstick in hand to add impromptu percussion, and danced like nobody's business - thrusting hips and chest.
Admit it, no guy would pass up a make-out sesh with her, and every girl wouldn't mind standing in her shoes.
I'm Good, I'm Gone

2. Caramel Latte Frios
I finally found something I liked at the Chocolate Bar. This doesn't exempt it from the Bitch List, but I will fess up that this drink is per-itty tasty. No chalk, all delicious. Downside: I feel like such an idiot saying the word "frio."

3. HALLOWEEN
The most underrated non-secular holiday. Why is it only celebrated by the youth? I don't get it... how great would it be to see senior citizen trick or treating.... but I guess the concern would then be - who are the distributers of candy? I don't know, I can only analyze it so much, I have a mid-term to study for... Regardless, Halloween is just so much fun. So this weekend stay safe, be creative with the 'stumes, and be a little spooky.

4. Voting
GO AND VOTE. GO DO IT. IT IS OUR CIVIC DUTY!
But in all seriousness, this campaign is groundbreaking. Don't be that loser parent who has to tell your kids that you didn't vote in the 2008 McCain-Obama election.

5. This cat

rawfulz.

BITCH LIST
1. Me

I'm a slacker... This post is so late, I still feel slightly bad. However, I think number 5 on the Sick List really made up for things.

2. Vitamin Water

YOU'RE NOT EVEN THAT COLORFUL EVER!

I'm sorry, I know they are chic little drinkies, but everyone likes only one flavor. Not in the universal sense; I'm saying that out of the whole variety you only personally drink one. Por ejemplo, Kristen and I only like the lemonade one. Amir only likes grape. I'm sure you thought, "You know, it's true, I only really like the blehhblablaah." Not to mention that the beverage should be called Vitamin and Hella Lotsa Calories Water.

3. Bad economy is affecting MYOOSIK
Global satellite radio provider WorldSpace had filed for bankruptcy. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SIRIUS? XM? Where will we find our outlet to FREE-FORMAT MUSIC? Maybe they will have to start going down commercial avenue. Bwaah, this is terrible. For the sake of the alternative, let's pray this is no trend... maybe if I take down the pic of Jesus I'll have God on my side... naaah.

It's the second day of the week, and it feels like it's the almost beginning of a good one. Have a pleasant one, little foxies.

FANCY FOOTWORK (PT. I)

2008-10-20T22:13:00.019-04:00

Finally! The long awaited...
$neaker Watch!!!
I was aiming for some more shots, but quite honestly, there are only so many pedi-fashionistas on campus.
So here is the first batch of your raging kicks:

CLASSIC:
Ben's rocking all black, yes, but admit it, these Converse are not your typical canvas. We dig the old-school flare.

COLORFUL:
Marina's gold Nikes are truly amazing. The palette reminds me of the movie Aladdin. Arabian or not, the colors are great for fall.

Nick, loving the neon contrast. What a sophisticated neutral shoe. I think the laces total ice the cake... foot cakes, that is...

My Mom bought these babies for me out in Cali. I was at the great institution of BC at the time (orientation sesh 6), flew back to meet the fam, and was greeted by the brightest b-day present ever. My Mom is a total hipster...

ENOUGH OF THE NIKES:
Go Asics... I love these for track, but observe their supremacy as daily wear, too! Dave knows where it's at... even if there is a little bike grease on the side...

So I forgot to write down the owner of these bad boys, my b. Again with the laces, they transform the plain old brown shoe. We met at Megan McCain's little meet 'n' greet. Nice to meet you, boy in my globalization class.

That's all for now. I'm still on the hunt... stay tuned for more sneaks.

I Am Academically Unchallenged

2008-10-16T00:15:00.008-04:00

So some of you devout followers may be asking, "Why is Courtney the only one posting, ever?"
There are a few answers to this question:
1. Billy is having technological problems, we're working on this. No worries, Billy, really.
2. Kristen has all the work in the world and then some.
3. Luke is kicking it.

As for me? Let's just say my major is... well, considered a joke at BC, and I can attest to that statement. I have not done work in a week because I simply don't have any. So I blog...

What did I do today (besides classes)?
-Fundraise
WZBC 90.3 FM - Newton. Go radio . Thank you, donors.
-Fashion
Transformed a giant, floor length abomination into a high-waisted skirt. What did it cost? 90 cents at the Garment District where you buy second-hand clothes by the pound. Find it at 300 Broadway... take the red line to Kendall/MIT.
-Friend time
Kristen and I discussed halloween costume ideas. Luke and I texted each other about Paper.

OK, OK, so I'm a little bitter... let's change pace and talk about some art and music.

This is Justice :

With all of my free time, I had an opp to draw them. I'm a Strathmore Sketch Book snob.. and with my drawing class, I realized that mechanical pencils really weren't the best afterall. I think I used 2B and 4B lead.

Justice is a funky-fresh French DJ duo ready to rage you hard. If you haven't heard them by now, you may just live under a rock or maybe you attend Boston College.
But we will introduce you or re-introduce you to any music despite the status it currently owns. Justice is great no matter how many ears are perked to the sounds or how many feet are stepping to the beats.

Already posted the remix, here is the original: Thhee Ppaarrttyy - Justice feat. Uffie

I like the way Uffie thinks (a fierce Frenchie as well)... Kristen and I would rather rock high tops over stilettos any day.
This is just so catchy, it's made it on satellite radio: DVNO- Justice
The best four capital letters.

Ok PYTs, hitting the sheets. Good niiight.

Rants and Raves

2008-10-14T14:03:00.007-04:00

SICK LIST
1. Upper Campus
What's the big deal about living on lower? I mean, we get down there for the weekend, but it doesn't mean we have to LIVE there, doesn't mean we have to MARRY it. I live in Welch, Kristen lives in Williams plus Billy and our good friend Amir live in Roncalli. Roncalli, what a great name. We think it's where it's at.

2. CT legalizes gay marriage
Third state after California and Massachusetts. Woo hoo!

3. M.I.A=no retirement

*photo cred*
We can still get high like planes, but she can't... being preggo and all (5 months!) Maya squashed the recent rumors of retirement with her fierce Brooklyn performance on Saturday night. We'll keep you posted on the prenatal pop star.

4. Sneaker Watch
My most recent project for the blog. Watch out for the crazy girl on camps with a camera in tatters, asking to take pics of your sweet kicks. But be flattered - Not creeped out! And you viewers, get ready for this feel good display of visual amazing-ness.

5. This song:
Y'all know by know that I have a slight obsession with Animal Collective, so here's Animal Collective's Panda Bear:
Bros- Panda Bear
Nice and mellow, really, it's lovely.

BITCH LIST
1. Mercantilist policies
Full of restrictive laws. Colonies have to send supplies to Spain to be manufactured there. It's a closed system enforced as much as possible. This makes competition harder because Spain doesn't always send goods back to the colonies. Government is the only institution that benefits because... oops, sorry, globalization notes. haaa.

2. Backstreet Boys

Right back atchya, Nick.

NEW MUSIC!? C'mon guys, give it up. Look, I have respect for (ok, ok, a love for) Justin TImberlake... going solo, doing the pop thing, bringing sexy back, etc. Even Lance, he can go get married in CT or even aim for the moon... But to go back to your teeny bopper music group... it's a little desperate. Take a pointer from your boy band nemesis and do something.

3. The Stock Market.
Seriously, WTF? At least gas prices are going down?... This item belongs on the scary list.

Well, let me just end this by saying... that in 17th-19th centuries, Portugal was in no place to settle in West Africa because of the sugar production... Now You Know!! You can thank Davey Northrup for that one.

Enjoy the weather, beef cakes.

SHOWS/EVENTS in BOSTON

2008-10-12T23:00:00.010-04:00

MSTRKRFT and LA Riots
TODAY/ The Estate/10pm/$20

I just found out about this ahora. And needless to say, I'm psyched.
I hope I can attend this, but not sure... You, on the other hand, should NOT miss this.
Do you like to dance? then just go.
I thought it would be cute to put up their remixes of the same artist:
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice (MSTRKFT remix)
Party- Justice feat. Uffie (LA Riots remix)

Ice Cream Social W/ E-MARCE & DEVLIN (SPANK ROCK/BBC SOUNDSYSTEM)

Tuesday, Oct. 28/Great Scott/10pm

50/60s Dance Party
Music provided by: Paper/Throwed resident *DJ E-MArce* and *Chris Devlin* of Spank Rock/BBC Soundsystem.
Free vegan ice cream floats and $1 vanilla cokes!!
$5 if you dress up
$7 if you show up
Myspace
Facebook
Should be a fun tiiime.
Loose - Bangers & Cash (Spank Rock)

M83
Tuesday, Nov.18/Middle East/8:30pm

This band (one guy? a case of the Girl Talk complex..) was recommended to me because I was a fan of Animal Collective. I can see the parallelI - it shares that eerie noise feel to it, but at times more instrumental. Some songs are more synth-y, too... think Animal Collective hooking up with David Bowie and having a secret affair with Journey.
Don't Save Us From the Flames-M83

Hellogoodbye
Tuesday, Nov. 11/Middle East/6:30pm

I've seen these fools a few times, and no matter how mainstream you may consider Hellogoodbye, I still love em.
Nerdy romantics dressed up in costumes and banging on synths...
All Time Lows-Hellogoodbye

PAPER DELIVERS, yet again

2008-10-08T20:46:00.005-04:00

As you know, Kristen and I are devout attendees to PAPER.

PAPER is an all night dance party with some sick mash-up DJs and lots of people to meet. (But watch out for those creepers.)
Linnnnk

This past Thursday, we brought Cool Hand along because of his deep appreciation for electronic music. He also assigned and commanded people to dance with us... at that point, he became NOT Cool Hand Luke.

So Luke is getting all buddy-buddy with DJ E-Marce, and next thing you know, we hear this.

That's right, Hot Chip's 'Ready for the Floor' remix by LA Riots and Villians.

And wouldn't you know,
VILLIANS is DJ-ING AT THE NEXT PAPER

Get your dancing shoes ready and go to town. These crazy mo-fos are coming all the way from Cali, so give them a big ole Boston welcome by gettin' down; and I mean gettin' real buck.

THURSDAY, OCT. 16
HARPER'S FERRY PRESENTS:
PAPER with VILLIANS
9:00pm -1:30am

note: dancing starts around 10:30. Local bands play beforehand... the crowd tends to be tiny before the DJs play.

Take the green line to Harvard Street Stop. Walk towards Marty's Liquors (not towards Pizzeria Uno.) Walk two blocks and turn left on Brighton Ave. Harper's Ferry is two doors on the left.

I wouldn't miss this for the world. If the world came aknockin' on my door, and said, "Courtney, you are going to miss me."
I would respond, "World, I'm going to dance, dance, dance to Villains. Laaata."

GOOO!! And if you see us say hellooo. We look like this:

Rants and Raves

2008-10-06T23:04:00.006-04:00

A little late, very sorry...
HEERE WE GO AGAAAIN

SICK LIST

1. Blazin' Bowls
All the veggies you want plus chicken/beef with three choices of sauces?!?! Go BC dining. Sesame chicken is clearly the best, and make sure you ask for the tortilla bowl.
2. Bird Party Part II
While walking from my dorm on College Road (yeeeeah, it sucks), I found another bird party. I think they were finches. It was a tree next to McElroy, but watch your head... the bird party quickly turned into a poop fest.
3. WZBC
BC's 1000 watt college radio station. Totally alternative, always classy. Tune in on 90.3 FM or check it online.
WZBC site
4. This Song:
What you know about slang - The Smash Brothers
Garden State meets middle school dances.
A mash up done by Syracuse's finest. We already linked you on the side of the blog.
5. And this song:
A dark congregation - the Hush Sound
It's just so addictive. Kristen sings it everyday, and then it's stuck in my head forever. Chick with an angelic voice over ragtime keys and catchy little guitar rifts.

BITCH LIST:

1. Weather
Now I'm no meteorologist, but the switch from heavy hot to effin' chilled is no fun. Bust out your winter jackets and get ready for the brrrr.
2. Veeps
Way to pick a VP that looks just like an SNL celeb. Not saying that Biden's a bundle of bubbles either...
3. Making friends
Ya'll suck.
4. Nickelback
I mean, I know it's a given, but I thought by now these fools would die out like the Aztecs did when Cortés invaded with Spanish guns and Eurasian diseases...
Where are the conquistadors when you need them?!

Okk, that's enough ranting for now.
As always check back next week, snuggle bunnies...

Things are turning up?

2008-09-30T15:56:00.012-04:00

A few of my friends are beginning to feel the infamous sophomore slump, sooooo...
In the event of any sort of despair, I've prepared a playlist to remind you that life is tres beautiful. Then maybe it can slap a smile on yo' kissah.

Pick your head up:
(Fo' reeeal this time.)

1. Juni Jarvi - I love you
I feel like it belongs on the Juno soundtrack. Mellow, soft, adorable.
2.MGMT- Kids
Catchy little ditty here, get this song stuck in your head over and over again.
3. Minus the Bear - Pachuca Sunrise
Mellow and fast at the same time. The pioneers of glitch with guitars
4. Cut Copy- Going Nowhere
Aussies creating dance/pop music, what's not to love?
5.Animal Collective -Did you see the words?
Edging on noise music, but it's beautiful. Has lots of transitions, reeeallly dynamic song.
6. Bright Eyes- Bowl of Oranges
The happiest song that's dripped out of Conor Oberst's soupy head.
7. Jukebox the Ghost - Stundenlanges Warten
Piano-guitar band, maybe a little traditional, but I like it.
8. Maximo Park - Going Missing
Euro-invasion pop/rock.
9. Black Keys - Till I get my Way
Bluesy rock. I'm telling you, get ready to love these guys.
10. Cursive- Art is Hard
Aggressive vocals over a symphony on speed.
11. Black Kids-Look at me (When I Rock Wichoo)
Crunk/pop Brits talking about raging the dance floor.
12. Chromeo-Bonafide Lovin'
"An Arab-Jewish DJ duo. I believe in world peace." - Cool Hand Luke. Not to mention they're based in Canada and NYC, I believe, too.
13. Hot Chip-Ready for the Floor
British electropop. Soo catchy, but for those who savor the electro more than the pop, check out the LA Riots remix. Uh-maze-ing.
14. Matt & Kim - Yea Yeah
Boyfriend on the synthesizer/vocals and his older girlfriend on drums. Yea Yeah is right.
15. The Helio Sequence - Can't Say No
Duo bringing in some serious sounds. Indie rockers from Portland, Oregon.
16. Of Montreal-A Sentence of Sorts in Kongsvinger
Kristen is not a fan, but I love 'em. The cool vocals over the most danceable synths. These crazy mo fos are the ones doing the "Let's go Outback tonight" commercials.
17. The Snake, The Cross, The Crown - The Great American Smokeout
Little folky song about Jim, John, Jackie, and Suzie Q.

Ennnjoooooooooy.

Rants and Raves

2008-09-28T20:05:00.004-04:00

Alright guys, it's once again time for the sick list/bitch list.

SICK LIST:
1. Just Bunches

Honey Bunches of Oats - (corn flakes + milk) = Just Bunches
Who knew tastiness was such simple math??

Post has finally realized that Honey Bunches of Oats, should be just that, honey bunches of oats. No more soggy, orange crap at the bottom of the bowl. What's good for the horses is good for the product consumers.
So instead of the usual fried mozzarella sticks at Late Night, go out an grab a box of Just Bunches. You'll be so happy you tried these clusters of honey-baked goodness. You might even eat the whole box in one sitting... like we did.

Next step... Just Lucky Charms??

*Technically, as the box says, Just Bunches is a cereal, but the truth it that Just Bunches wouldn't be as great with milk. They just wouldn't.

BITCH LIST:
1. Everything that isn't Just Bunches.

Kristen and I had bad week... check back next weekend for more optimistic rants and raves.

Have a sparkling week, sunshines.

Randoms and Such

2008-09-27T21:46:00.004-04:00

Okay everyone - I'm sitting in Alex's room and have a few minutes (he's watching La Vie En Rose which I have already seen). It really is a wonderful movie if you have two and a half hours to commit. The story is told out of order in a "piece it together" kind of way. Some of the story is told here, some there - the effect ends up contrasting different times in Edith Piaf's life and contains one of the most daring and effective creshendoes I have seen in a movie.

As for recent music anyone reading may want to check out. The Royal We has been up on my playlist lately. They manage to come up with some of that old-school rock and roll brashness while staying melodic. Try out Jasmina Machina (hope I spelled that one right) for a very low key affair.

King Geedorah and Bigg Jus have shown me that there is still life and innovation in hip hop, a genre I had tuned out a long time ago because of monotony. The lyrics of these two artists made me think and stuck with me. The music is there, of course, but I feel like something is being wasted when a writer fails to capitalize on a good tune. These two guys did not miss that boat and are well worth listening to.

For an absurd (if shameful) good time try Travailler by TTC. The rest of their collection is very spotty (re: a waste of time) but this one song will be stuck in your head for quite awhile.

A few days ago Courtney (the co-creator of this blog) said that she thought "Turtle Boat" sounded like some angry and menacing thing. I remember her saying something or other about North Korea and bombs and that "Turtle Boat" was too warlike. On the other hand, the name reminds me of a turtle... in a (cardboard box) boat, just floating down a river, peering over the side with his turtle-eyes and wondering how he, a turtle, got stuck in a boat...

New Gorillaz Album & More Tracks

2008-09-25T00:11:00.011-04:00

Hello again everybody,

I'm going to jump right into it

New Gorillaz Album

Big news for my fellow Gorillaz fans out there: last week, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett (the men behind the curtain) announced in a CBC interview that there would, in fact, be a third Gorillaz LP. There had been a slew of rumors on the 'internets' surrounding the fate of everyone's favorite virtual band since their sophomore release, Demon Days, in 2005. Albarn and Hewlett publicly expressed interest in pursuing a full-length Gorillaz film, but the plans had subsequently been placed in show business purgatory. Prior to the stagnation of the movie plans, Albarn was quoted in Uncut Magazine as saying the Gorillaz project would be finished following the film and its soundtrack. Many fans believed that no more film meant no more Gorillaz, but thankfully they were wrong.

And just because the two had taken a break from working under the Gorillaz moniker does not mean they had been idly passing the time since 2005. The British pair teamed up with accomplished Chinese theatre director Chen Shi-zheng to stage Monkey: Journey to the West. Mirroring their Gorillaz relationship, Albarn composed the play's score while Hewlett was in charge of all things visual (costumes, sets, animation). Albarn has also kept himself busy by fronting the British supergroup that has come to be called The Good, the Bad & t h e Queen. Their debut album of the same name was released in January 2007 and has been well-received by Albarn fans and critics alike.

In beginning the process to create a third album, Albarn may have had to do a little coaxing to get Hewlett to come back to the project. As has been evident throughout his career, Damon Albarn rarely takes breaks from creating music (Blur, solo work, last year's supergroup) so the ball was really in Hewlett's court concerning the future of the band. He basically had to decide if he wanted to continue to supply the animation. With both Brits on board, the third album has just entered the production phase, so the fans will still have to wait a little while for their simian satisfaction.

In the meantime, if you haven't already, check these out to tide you over:

G-Sides - 2002 B-side collection that has some great stuff you may have not heard before
D-Sides - 2007 B-side collection, same story
Laika Come Home - 2002 dub reggae album featuring tracks from Gorillaz's eponymous first LP remixed by Spacemonkeyz.

That new[er] shit:

London-based production duo Radioclit needed some better transportation, so they purchased a bicycle from a Malawian fellow that ran a second-hand furniture store on the same block as their studio. Long story short, Radioclit has now teamed up with that furniture-store-operating guy from Malawi (Esau Mwamwaya). They have released a few songs on the net while a full-length album is being finalzed for an '09 release. They are truly bringing something new to the table with their heavy African influence. What might be bigger news to some people in this post-Pineapple Express, Paper Planes-crazed world we live in is the fact that our girl Maya has come out of her "retirement" (somehow, I'm not surprised) and has appeared on a couple of tracks for this project ("Rain Dance" and "Get It Up"). Another exciting element to these tracks is the fact that Santogold appears on "Get it Up" with M.I.A. I thought this was surprising and also pretty cool, seeing as the entire blogosphere pitted them against one another and/or labeled Santogold as an "M.I.A. wannabe." While they are stylistically similar in a few areas, there is no way you can listen to the Santogold album and believe that she is trying to replicate what M.I.A. has been doing. Anyway, enough blabbing, here is the song in question

Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit ft. M.I.A. & Santogold - Get It Up [zshare]

The Radioclit remix with a verse from Gorilla Zoe - "Hood Nigga" plus more Santogold on the track
Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit ft. Gorilla Zoe, M.I.A. & Santogold - Get It Up (Radioclit Remix) [zshare]

A Spank Rock remix to a '94 club track
Dominatrix - Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight (Spank Rock Remix ft. Aman da Blank) [zshare]

Still in Steady Rotation:

Notorious B.I.G. - Party & Bullshit (Ratatat Remix) [mediafire]

Kitsuné Music is a French label that is always at the forefront of the indie electronic scene. Since 2005, the label has released five phenomenal compilation discs. The compilations are good enough as is, but Euro mash-up artist ElectroSound got his mitts on them and produced two of my favorite mash-up albums of all time: Kitsuné Maison Mashed in '07 and Kitsuné Maison Mashed 2 in '08. If you see me around in person, ask me how to get the full albums (ElectroSound encountered some legal troubles). Here are some top picks from the Mashed collection:

Muse vs. Klaxons (Soulwax remix) - Supermassive Rainbow [zshare]

Daft Punk vs. Passions - Harder, Harder, HARDER, HARDER! [zshare]

The Artful Dodger vs. Dragonette - I Flex Around [zshare]

M.I.A. vs. Phones - Phones Showers [zshare]

seriously, download those.

Ace Norton has directed some of my favorite music videos. He has made videos for Aesop Rock, Bloc Party, Simian Mobile Disco, Santogold, and Guster, to name a few. Check out his video for Sébastien Tellier's "La Ritournelle" from 2004. I tried to embed it, but because these computer machines can be so gosh darn finicky, I'm going to have to ask you to click this link:

Sébastien Tellier - "La Ritournelle" dir. by Ace Norton

click it, it will make you feel warm and fuzzy

Converging the world, Kublai Khan style.

2008-09-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

Prepare yourself for a ridiculously haphazard set of musicians from all over the world that I love right now. I, like Courtney, don't really think that categorizing music into genres is quite my forte, but I'll try my best.

Gogol Bordello

When I was first introduced to this band, I thought it was a joke... and you could quite plausibly have a similar reaction. But really give this self-coined "gypsy punk" band a chance and you'll see how much fun it is to listen and dance to. Eugene Hutz is the Ukrainian main vocalist and plays instruments ranging from the guitar to the fire bucket. He's joined by bandmates from Russia, Israel, Ethiopia, the U.S., China, Ecuador, and lots more, mashing together several different cultures and languages into each song they play.

I saw this band in New Haven and it was by far the best show I've ever been to--I literally did not stop dancing for a second and it was awesome to watch Eugene get trashed during the set and to see the gypsies do their gypsy thing. Very theatrical. I highly suggest if you ever have the opportunity to see this band live, even if Gogol doesn't end up being your favorite, DO IT. And while you're at it, watch Wristcutters: A Love Story, which features a character inspired by Eugene along with some of Gogol's tunes.

If you like this, check out DeVotchKa (less of the punk aspect and more gypsy/folk), Kultur Shock (mostly Eastern European languages, has similar vocals to Gogol), and Balkan Beat Box.

Top tracks (d-blocking Court's term): Start Wearing Purple; Think Locally, Fuck Globally; Through the Roof and Underground

Basshunter

Jonas Altberg. This guy is the fuckin' man. He's a Swedish DJ who describes his own music as "Eurodance" and creates songs that mostly revolve around "geek culture," with video game references galore. All I can picture when I listen to Basshunter is a hot insane European club, like the one in Eurotrip except better, or one in Montreal, because Montreal's the best. He's ridiculously popular in Scandinavia and pretty much all across Europe and is making his way over here with songs like "Now You're Gone," catering to us English-speakers who are not so fortunate as to live across the pond. While I give him props for his attempts to Americanize himself and for his increasing success in this country, though, I'm a HUGE fan of his Swedish stuff and in my opinion, it would be cool if he stuck to that. But you might like his English language music, give it a shot--"Now You're Gone" was at No. 1 on the UK charts for some ridiculous amount of time.

Oh, and while you're at it, play Flash Flash Revolution with his songs. It's like DDR but with your fingers. So much fun.

Top tracks: Vi Sitter I Ventrilo Och Spelar DoTa, Boten Anna, I'm Your Basscreator

Kate Nash

Maybe you've heard of her, maybe you haven't. I'm going to assume you have because she's getting pretty big, but if you're new to her, think Lily Allen for the Cockney drawl and add it to Amy Winehouse for the piano and the sooouuul. Kate Nash, though, has a little rougher vocals and a bit of a foul mouth, made obvious by songs with titles like "Dickhead." She does the whole love and failed relationships bit but in a different way, sounding more like she's actually telling you a story with different characters and emotions. At least that's what I hear when I listen to her. "Birds" is one of these songs and is about a guy trying to tell a girl exactly what she means to him, comparing her to birds, which the girl doesn't understand until right at the end of the song. It's pretty cute, and so is she.

Top tracks: Foundations, Birds, The Nicest Thing, Pumpkin Soup

NoG Jam

I'm going to go local here (local to me is southern Connecticut), and I mean really local. These kids are still in high school and have only had two shows or something, but they opened up at a tribute to the Doors and really seemed to know what they were doing. They've got a really chill reggae/rap kind of flair goin' on, even though they are from a predominantly white and affluent beach town. Whatever. They're a little like Slightly Stoopid and maybe Sublime, maybeee. If you can think of anything else they sound like, let me know, but as for right now, my ears are a-tellin' me that they sound pretty unique. They have yet to release any sort of actual compilation besides the demos that are currently on their Purevolume. I got faith in them, I think they could make some really ace music eventually if they haven't already.

Top track: All Right demo

Sound discoveries from the poop deck

2008-09-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

Kristen and I are sitting in our Globalization class, listening to David Northrup lecture the class about Bartolomeu Dias. He commanded his crew to fire from the poop, Kristen and I keep giggling. Professor Northrup has such nice diction. But clear words don't really cut it right now, so time to post about some BEATS ON THE STREET.

I don't know genres, so just bear with me, por favor.

CURSIVE

I feel like everyone knows Cursive, then I come to discover that they don't.
This band is from Omaha, and actually lead singer TIm Kasher is pretty good pals with the one and only Conor Oberst. They get drunk and high and depressed together, each producing a wonderful sound in their respective groups.
Cursive is a clashing sound of dissonance and ghostly harmonies, fluid lines and angular chugs, loud strings of guitars and cellos plus brass and drums, aggressive grunts and heavenly whispers. Yah, it's that good.
Top tracks: The radiator hums, The recluse, Dorthy at Forty, The Great Decay

THE BLACK KEYS

Open your doors, The Black Keys are coming to town. Simply a duo bringing on soulful, bluesy, raw rock 'n' roll. Rough distortion, echoing drums, and of course hand claps.
Top tracks: Stack Shot Billy, Strange Times, Busted

MINUS THE BEAR

Fast-paced music somehow made mellow... I can't explain it, I just think these guys are magical. They don't usually distort their guitars, then they pulse the strings creating this sharp, stop-and-go beat. But since it's a guitar so it's smoooth. I honestly don't know the schematics of it all... I'm no professional, but it's real cool, so just trust me. Plus his voice is sexaay.
Top tracks: Parucha Sunrise, Drilling, Electric Rainbow

THIS NEVER HAPPENS
Going local here. I'm from the Berkshires in Western Mass, and this band deserves to got big someday. According to Myspace, TNH genre-izes itself as "Thrash/Dutch Pop/ Death Metal." Uh, I don't know what this means, but I assure you TNH will whoa you away. Believe it or not, those low grunts and high shrieks are produced by the same vocal chords. Plus they have hilarious, prolonged song titles like, "Of course Nancy Kerrigan will get into Valhalla." Give them a listen...
Top tracks: Of course Nancy Kerrigan will get into Valhalla, the Ludavico Technique
http://www.myspace.com/thisneverhappens

The Heat from the Street

2008-09-22T20:44:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

I have today joined the group of BC transfers attempting to add some flavor to the otherwise bland Chestnut Hill music scene (“if it were an ice cream flavor, it would be pralines and dick”). I'll be dropping in to suggest some nifty tracks that will hopefully get your toes tapping.

That new[er] shit:

Check out the LA Riots Remix of the title track from Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon's umbrella group known as North America South America (N.A.S.A.). This duo began the project by digging in crates and sampling old Brazilian records, and they have grown the group into a intercontinental, final frontier-exploring collabo powerhouse

N.A.S.A. ft. Method Man, E40, DJ Swamp - N.A.S.A. Music (LA Riots Remix) [zshare]

If all you do is party, this is a great track
MSTRKRFT - Bounce Feat. N.O.R.E. & Isis (Felix Cartal Remix) [zshare]

The Bloody Beetroots released their EP earlier this month. Most of the tracks had been on the interweb for awhile, but now they're on wax. I respect these Italian fellas: they're not really breaking any new ground, and most of their songs sound pretty similar, but they are dedicated to throwing one hell of a party. They have been constantly touring and ripping clubs apart with their high-octane DJ sets. This tandem puts the focus back on the music by donning masks à la Daft Punk (before they permanently turned into robots). All the electronic music purists out there know that it should be about the party, not about the DJ. Kudos, Bloody Beetroots. Check 'em out in their element:

New tracks considered, my favorite song on their Rombo EP is still the title track

The Bloody Beetroots - Rombo (feat. Congorock) [zshare]

Still in Steady Rotation:

Surkin - Next of Kin [zshare]

M.I.T.C.H. feat. Uffie & Feadz - Fais Rentrer Les Euros (Feadz's Vocal Remix) [hm stream]

I absolutely love Amanda Blank. Think of her as a Philly-bred Uffie who actually would pop her glock. Her flow is infinitely better as well.
Teki Latex - Disco Dance With You (Spank Rock Remix ft. Amanda Blank) [last.fm stream]

Out of Left Field:

The Netherlands' sole contribution to the Old School Rap genre...wait, does this count as a contribution? You decide.
MC Miker G and Deejay Sven - Holiday Rap [zshare]

Well, that's it for my first post. Go see Cut Copy tomorrow night at the Paradise Rock Club.

Chuck Palahniuk... to the path of overratedness?!

2008-09-22T16:12:00.000-04:00

So it seems that a good chunk of our generation has blindly followed the Fight Club cult since the beginning of 2000, but I blame that mostly on David Fincher. The movie is great.

The book, on the other hand, is plainly fantastic. Take it for its surface value: a well-crafted plot with a few surprises and a constant flow of beautiful writing. Orr, dissect it like a high school English teacher and find existentialism and postmodernism according to Nietzsche, traces of Walt Whitman, and a lot of nihilism.

Be it a blessing or a curse, the 1999 film version of Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club has burrowed a tunnel to the underworld of Palahniuk's twisted, effed-up head. And that's why we love him. This craze has gradually built up to a very distinct following of readers. Aficionados aboard the Palahniuk wagon hoard his books like they are their crack n' hoes.
Buut, his most recent novel has left me with more to be desired. Snuff was just a little too sexually-motivated and didn't provide enough... things to grab at. That is really vague, but it's the best I can do at describing this hallow lacking. It was like a pretty plant without any soil. I guess. Plus a lot of pollination? I just hope this isn't the formidable turning point that scars the career of rising pop icons. You know how it all goes. Hopefully Snuff is just an analogy to M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening - just one little oopsie in a solid career.

However, don't let me discourage you from checking out his other books, which are for the most part, overall masterpieces.

Ones I've read:
Fight Club: beautiful, moving, and of course, kick ass. Kristen's favorite.
Lullaby: my personal favorite. Cases of crib death trace back to a book of lullabies.
Survivor: Life after a cult. Alleged favorites of Jim Jones, Charles Manson, and David Koresh. JK
Haunted: Short stories that are WHOA CRAZY.
Snuff: eh. Porn star sets goal of having sex with lots of men.
Diary: where do you get your inspiration? Totally killer, another fave of mine.
Rant: mind boggling. Written in oral biography form, truly original. About a world of night and day.
Fugitives and Refugees: Non-fiction. Everything to know about Portland, Oregon and little insights you never know about Chuck.
Stranger than Fiction: no, not the WIll Ferrell movie. Another non-fiction. Hilarious, disgusting, absurd stories written between major novels. Also reveals inspiration to his previous books.

Yet to read:
Invisible Monsters: about a girl for a change. Heard a many great things.
Choke: I know, I know, I really need to, especially before I see the movie!! A sexaholic who chokes on food.
You Do Not Talk About Fight Club: I Am Jack's Completely Unauthorized Essay Collection: non-fiction

Coming Soon:
Pygmy: no clue about its content, due in 2009

READING IS COOL. DO IT.

Art, art, art, all the time art.

2008-09-22T12:47:00.000-04:00

We haven't really written anything concerning art yet, so here goes. Courtney, our friend Billy, and I went to Art Night last Friday at the O'Connell House. We went expecting to dodge the drunk scene for a night to create some legitimate art, butttt we got there and were disappointed to discover that the primary media provided were poster paint and construction paper. Heartbreaking. (With the exception of the good music playing, and the fact that we still had a fun time.) Oh, and while I'm on this topic, WHAT IS WITH THE LACK OF 24-HOUR ART STUDIOS ON THIS CAMPUS? NO MAC LABS? NO SUITABLE PLACE TO CREATE ANY SORT OF ART AFTER 10:00? I don't know what anybody else thinks, but this is blasphemous to someone who's double majoring in Studio Art. I could go on with a rant about this campus's complete deficiency in accommodating the needs of any students who would like to work in an atmosphere past midnight that is the opposite of everything massive, blinding, intimidating, no-working-vending-machines 24-hour Bapst has to offer, but I won't, because this post is supposed to be about art. Ha. Point is that we still haven't located a place where art is truly appreciated at BC. It could in fact exist, but it doesn't make itself known very well. This in itself is a problem. Let's begin an attempt to actually make art respected on campus... starting with next Thursday! Art Club's hosting a photography exhibit at Bapst (I'll store away any existing bitterness for a night) from 5-6, followed by MFA College Art Night. Sounds good to me.

More info, click "attending" as your RSVP or I might shank you: http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=27205982611&ref=mf

A continuation of #2 on the Sick List.

2008-09-21T21:11:00.000-04:00

I was browsing around today and stumbled on some photos of Courtney and I from Paper on Thursday.. here's one for your viewing pleasure. Now, although we may have laughed a great deal when we first saw these pictures, I think they do a pretty ace job justifying just how much fun this night was. Ready, set, go to it on October 2.

Rants and Raves

2008-09-20T17:09:00.000-04:00

It's Saturday... should be doing work...
But I'm going to give you this week's Sick List and Bitch List!

SICK LIST:
1. Hillside Cafe paninis
Especially the vegetarian-friendly ones.
2. Paper at Harpers Ferry
Come every other Thursday and listen to local bands, rage to some awesome smash-up DJs, and meet some super cool kids from the Boston area. 18+. See post above.
3. Bees - Animal Collective
The end of the song is the best. "The beees, the beees, the beeees, the beeeees, the beeeees wat wat wat waaat."
4. Chipotle Burriots
Wow, delicious. Get them with steak, chicken, pork or just rice and beans like me. Plus all the fixings. Great guac, too. Totally worth the extra $1.75. There is one right by the Reservoir stop, so there is no reason for you to not go.
5. Babby
Ever see those god-awful Q&As on Yahoo.com? No one knows how to type or make coherent thoughts. Well someone made a video out of an actual Yahoo Q&A, and it's so, so funny. Watch:
http://www.somethingawful.com/flash/shmorky/babby.swf
6. Bird Party, Bird Bird Party.
So there is this tree outside of 90, across from lower commons... And around 6 or 7 o'clock there is a party in this tree among all the chickadees. Considering Kristen and I will most likely be reincarnated into birds, we think this is great. They all hop around and chirp away... one day, we will be going to the bird party. We will post about it on our bird blog...

BITCH LIST:
1. Chris Crane
Dear BC QB who is not Dominic,
We have found that your good plays are always canceled out by your terrible passes. Therefore, you have no redeeming qualities. Just kidding, that's a little harsh. We're certain you are a great guy, just not a great quarterback. We've got the rest of the season to see your progress, and maybe one day you will make it on the Sick List.
Yours truly,
Kristen and Courtney
2. Lack of Money
OMG, WE ARE ALL BROKE.
3. The Chocolate Bar
"Mmm, what's that amazing smell. It's the Chocolate Bar. PSYCHE, this is the worst ever. Your drinks blow. Hard." - Kristen Kehlenbeck
But really, I tried a "frio" and it was icy milk with chalky chocolate. Liiike, the chalkiest of chocolates. Dairy with ice chips and chalk, mi favorito.

Ok, more to be added, Kristen has to clean. Then we have to nap, and then we are eating burritos. Toodles.

Upcoming Shows

2008-09-19T16:12:00.001-04:00

HARPERS FERRY
Allston, MA
(Corner of Harvard and Brighton, take the green line to the Harvard stop)

Saturday, September 27:
Spiritual Rez

Great funk band. Get read for some wiggly hippie dancing and total jam time. I saw them at Funk 'n' Waffles in Syracuse, and I had a great, great time.

Wednesday, October 15:
Cunninlynguists

Southern hip-hop trio with a unique sound. They vary their sound from folky beats to bluesy breakdowns. Recommended if you like Atmosphere.

Sunday, November 2:
Portugal. The Man feat. Earl Greyhound

Portugal. The man boasts a melodic indie sound with a Chiodos-like lead man. Cool sound, very eclectic and catchy.
Earl Greyhound is a rocking duo of back-to-basics blues rock 'n' roll. The chick is fierce, the guy is so concretely cool it's intimidating.

MIDDLE EAST
472 Mass Ave./Cambridge, MA (Red Line)

Saturday, October 18:
Ra Ra Riot, Walter Meego and the Morning Benders

Wow, wow. Ok, so I'm a little biased here. Ra Ra Riot is a group of great people who make beautiful noises. I had the pleasure of interviewing the two lovely ladies of Ra Ra Riot. They started the band together at Syracuse University where they all attended (Go Orange!!!!) They have a flowing indie feel, almost similar to Guster? Most definitely check this out. Walter Meego is getting big on the electronica scene. Please listen to the song Forever, it is so catchy even my mom likes it. Enjoy his muppet-like vocals over some serious synth.

PARADISE ROCK CLUB
967 Commonwealth/Boston (Red line)

Tuesday, September 23:
Cut Copy and the Presets
Cut Copy has pulsing beats, but still maintains a mellow fluidness. Let them move you around like gelatin. The Presets are of a similar genre, but the vocals are purely unique... a hallow Interpol-like moaning, at least check them out online or sooomething.

Sunday, September 28 and Monday, September 29:
Ratatat

Uhhh, Ratatat enough said. Go see this show. Wowzahs.

Tuesday, October 1:
Chromeo

A guaranteed dance-a-thon. Two hilarious guys producing great songs about being a Momma's boy, getting into girls' pants, and kicking it gangsta. Plus they've got fancy footwork. I personally am mega pumped for this.

Wednesday, October 2:
Black Kids

These guys are really moving on up in the mainstream scene. They were featured in an article in Spin Magazine over the summer, portrayed as a fun-loving, dance-dancing group of guys and gals. Funny enough, they are not all black... go figure. Their stuff is really poppy, more of an indie band than a dance band, but enough elements to get your body moving. If you haven't heard it already, check out "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance." Another good pick is "Look at Me (When I Rock WIchoo)"

Sunday, October 5:
Pinback
Orginally, they were a super mellow band with very smooth bass/guitar lines. Little distortion used ever and the vocals are like velvet. Then I got their new-ish album Autumn of the Seraphs. Totally different sound. Soo, I don't know what to expect with these guys, but check em out!

Tuesday, October 14:
Cold War Kids

I don't listen to them, but I know a lot of people do...

WELCOME

2008-09-19T16:12:00.000-04:00

First post, pressure's on.
Ok, so here's the quick story:
Kristen and I (Courtney) just transferred to Boston College. Of course BC is a hot spot location holding down a top-notch rep, but We've got one HUGE problem with this institution, and it's the college's lack of arts.
No student magazines, no music scene, the tiniest of art spaces. Truly, it's quite the travesty.

So, we've created this blog in hopes of making it into some sort of student publication in the near future. We feel it will reach an outlet of people hiding under the sewers of this campus, hiding from the boat shoes and oxford shirts.
As for now, check out this blog for frequent updates about:
Under the radar artists, DJs and music groups
CD reviews and the latest music news
Cool art by students, local artists and others
Rants and raves about pop culture
Boston fashionistas
Tips for having fun and local concerts
Overall greatness

We need some more bloggers as well... we are especially weak on the underground hip hop scene.

So basically this is our goal...
Do you like dance/rpm music, indie and hardcore rock, or just plain nonsense no one has heard of at BC? Are you sick of hearing DMB and John Mayer blaring out of Walsh? Well you've found your safe haven at Turtle Boat Music Blog.

Have a sparkling weekend. Go out for some fun and stop studying already.