Appropriately, this is the last post...

Hello Anyone that actually reads this still...

I am letting everyone know that I will no longer be posting new spots on the blog as I've kind of lost interest and my new job has given me far less free time to dig into music and such. So, I apologize to anyone that liked hearing me rant, but there may still be opportunities for that in person as well as over at Each Note Secure, where I'll still write occasional live reviews.

Also, the reason I feel this needs to be the last post is that Radiohead has officially stuck up the middle finger to the record industry, and single-handedly changed music as we know it.

They're better than you, and you know it

Well, that is it. I bid you adieu!

Get Ready: Child Rebel Soldiers

I hardly ever post about hip-hop music, as, quite frankly, I don't find much in the genre worthy of discussion. I believe hip hop is in a crisis at the moment, with very few stars burning. However, two stars that are worthy of note, Kanye West (yes, I know he's pompous, but he sampled Daft Punk for Christ's sake) and Lupe Fiasco are apparently teaming up with one half of the Neptunes, Pharrell Williams, to make an album as the group Child Rebel Soldiers. The link to the article is below. So, how many arguments are going to happen about who gets to do the beats?

CRS Album?

New: Josh Ritter - To The Dogs or Whatever (Track)

Head on over to Josh Ritter's official website to hear clips from all the tracks on his upcomiong album The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter.There is also the nice treat of a few full songs, including album opener "To The Dogs or Whatever", which I have to say is one of the most brilliant Ritter songs I've ever heard.

It's very different than the usual acoustic balladry that we have received from Ritter in the past, but the welcoming of horns and excellent production is a phenomenal artisitic step for a man deserving a much wider audience. I know I said The Animal Years was going to bring more fans, but it appears Josh wants only to be compared to two of the greats as far as fan base and musical excellence, Springsteen and Dylan. And I have to say, he is very much continuing on that path.

Plus, did you know he runs marathons? What a badass?!

In Memorium: Skip Prosser

I know this is a music blog, but those of you that know me, know that I am a huge Xavier basketball fan as well. And so, I wanted to take a moment to express my deep condolences to the Prosser family as they deal with the loss of Skip. There has been so much said about Prosser, and I think the important thing to note is that most of the talk has not been about basketball, but about how great of a person Skip was. The video below is that of the homily delivered by Fr. John LaRocca, S.J. I hope these kinds of losses can help us remember just how fleeting life truly is.

Get Ready: A few good shows around...

Just wanted to let everyone know of some solid shows that are coming up in Cincinnati and the aurrounding areas:

Modest Mouse/Band of Horses @ Lifestyle Pavilion (Columbus) - 8/15
Heartless Bastards @ Southgate House - 9/8
The National @ Madison Theatre (Covington) - 9/23
Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem @ Lifestyle Pavilion (Columbus) - 10/5
Nickel Creek @ Madison Theatre (Covington) - 10/19
Josh Rouse @ Southgate House - 10/23
Josh Ritter @ Southgate House - 11/4
Rumpke Mountain Boys @ Southgate House - 11/24

Post any more in the comments that you think are news worthy!

New: Okkervil River - The Stage Names

Still no computer, but I had to find time to post about this album, the latest from Austin's Okkervil River. I was sucked into Will Sheff's magnificently literate world a few years back with the brilliant and underrated album Black Sheep Boy, so I was pretty nervous about the follow up.

But, I have to say, The Stage Names is probably better. Released today on the ever-promising Jagjaguwar label, Sheff melodically careens through some extremely tough territory with seeming ease and brilliance. For fans of Arcade Fire or (a more self-assured) Bright Eyes, this should hit home. Probably the best straight indie rock album I've heard all year.

Okkervil River on MySpace

New: Robbers on High Street - Grand Animals

Robbers on High Street are releasing their sophomore album today, entitled Grand Animals. So far, I'm liking what I hear from these guys, often resembling Spoon, but with a little more energy and laughter and a little less seriousness. I've been a fan of these guys since I saw them open for Brendan Benson back in August '05, and I think this album and this band deserve all the attention they can get. Also, check out a live review of the band linked below.

Robbers on High Street at alchemize

Sorry...

Well, I'm officially irate. My computer got stolen from my OWN HOUSE yesterday. Someone broke in, rummaged through my belongings, and stole my computer. My apologies for the lack of updates that will be coming, but I don't really have access to any sort of internet at this point. I'll do what I can, but I'm not promising much. Sorry.

Out of Town! Until next time, enjoy these...

I'll be out of town for the rest of this week and beginning of next, so sorry, but no updates. However, check out Stereogum for their take on Radiohead's already classic album OK Computer (hard to believe that that album is only 10 years old?). Also, check out Daytrotter for a great four-song session from The National, featuring a few rarities. And, lastly, for those attending the Pitchfork Music Festival, have fun, stay cool, and tell me how kick-ass the New Pornographers were! Adios!

New: Lots of releases this week...

Welcome to another week in the music world! There are lots of big releases coming out this week, both in the blogging world and the billboard world. Check out the extensive coverage from Prefix:

Week in Preview - 7/8