Let's pretend we're in Antarctica

I've only recently become a fan, so I'm slowly becoming aware of what people mean when they speak of the latest album as uncharacteristically angry and frustrated. Some of the arrangements just keep evolving away from any kind of poppy hook. I kinda dig the solipsistic frustration and perhaps that's why I can ferret out the melancholy underneath this older song of theirs. It is a happy tune with a colorful, non-threatening vid but I sense a deeper vibe. Is it just me?

Of Montreal -- 'Wraith Pined to the Mist'

It's my turn to cry

On the anniversary of Elvis's passing, I figured it was a good day for a little tribute to the King in the form of an Elvis impersonator. The sound isn't so good but Tortelvis's facial contortions are pretty priceless. I saw these guys years ago and they rocked well, Tortelvis was a helluva drummer too.

Dread Zeppelin -- 'Your Time is Gonna Come'

BONUS -- I'm not sure what public access hell Dread Zeppelin ended up in here but they're still colorful. 'It's good for absolutely nothing, ladies and gentlemen!'

Dread Zeppelin -- 'The Immigrant Song'

Tinkle, plunk, crash

These guys are notorious for doing their versions of tunes by Nirvana or Aphex Twin, atypical fare for a piano trio. But jazz requires building on the music of the time, spurring it forward by absorbing it and spitting it back. When was the last time you heard piano jazz that was challenging? The innovative composers are typically solipsistic (even onanistic), but the innovative players are inclusive and wide-ranging. And piano jazz in the 21st century will probably look more like this: punk inflected, acid jazz derivative, rock and roll joy, beats from far flung locales, the cool calm of a DJ with none of the repetition. Fine with me.

The Bad Plus -- live at the Barbican

I smoke herb and work a turban

A homemade vid for a song from one of the finest albums of the last decade or so. The video is a bit one-note but strangely captivating just the same. (Is a new Deltron album coming?)

Deltron 3030 -- 'Madness'

What a gas it was to see him

An old-timey clip. The sound is terrific, the camera work and editing are suspiciously good and Black Francis looks like he's about 14. Sweaty fun from back in the day when music was still cool.
The Pixies -- 'Gigantic'

Find a way to make your natural tendencies to pay

A musical scene from a movie that actually was a musical--that may be a first for the music editor.

Steve Martin -- 'Dentist!'

BONUS -- Steve Martin & Bill Murray -- 'Say ah!'
Bill Murray reprises the role played by young Jack Nicholson in the original. Good fun at the dentist's office.

That's why they're called business socks

A tribute to the romantic habits of tired young professionals. Hey, even the petit Bourgeoisie deserves the National Geographic treatment. (Hat tip: Toddger)

Flight of the Conchords -- 'Business Time'

What else is in the teaches of peaches?

If Peaches in Mayberry doesn't offend the shit of you then you'll probably think it’s the funniest thing you've ever seen. (Sweet touch: notice the volume increase about 30 seconds in, that's magical!)

Peaches -- 'Fuck the Pain Away'

We all get raped on the planet of the apes

Gonzales is part Zappa, part Gould : namely 3 parts mad skillz, 2 parts juvenilia. My kinda guy. There's a lot of action here, just wind your way through and you'll be pleased. Canada just keeps cranking out the musical badasses.

Gonzales & Feist rocking out at the Trash Festival
Gonzales -- 'Take Me to Broadway'
Gonzales interview from Israeli TV
Gonzales -- solo piano recital

Folks lend a hand in a hell hole

Dig the Spinal Tap action figures at the end! I want one!

Spinal Tap -- 'Hell Hole'