tunequest

In the past, I've taken issue with the tendency in some circles to lump Ratatat's music in with that of the 8-bit crowd. I can understand the temptation, what with the band's programmed, electronic beats, screaming guitars and ample keyboarding. But while their tones may sometimes sound similar to those produced by the Nintendo Entertainment System, their origins are much more organic. So it surprised me to ...

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I've been kickin around some of The Strokes albums lately and after repeated listenings, here are the ten songs I've found to be their greatest (so far). 12:51 (from Room on Fire) "The world is shutting out... for us." The upbeat melody and carefree feel make this one of the Strokes' most addicting songs. And its tragically short running time just makes you want to play it again ...

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This is it. The Strokes inaugural recording. I discovered it the other day while browsing the XL Recordings page at eMusic, which at the time this was written, was the only place you could find it (unless you want to pay collectors' prices for a hard copy). Sadly, it seems to no longer be available. Released in 2001, this eleven minute EP features rougher, less unpolished versions ...

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The Moneymaker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtyhWo8qngk Rilo Kiley is back, and in a big way. After a three year hiatus, the indie rock wunderkind of the twenty-first century is back with a new album, Under the Blacklight, and it rocks. Though technically, with this release Rilo Kiley can no longer be called "indie rock" as the new album is being released by a major label, Warner Bros. Records. Indeed, both in ...

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From the album Superunknown (1994) One of the best songs from one of the 90s best albums (a 4.51/5 on my scale). The Day I Tried to Live is Chris Cornell and company at the tip-top of their game on an album that delivers smash after smash. It's not as frantic as Spoonman or as sour as Fell on Black Days, but more steadfast and determined in its ...

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OK. I like Prince; let's just set that on the record. But after the recent Superbowl Halftime show, my respect for the man just tripled. I swear that was the best halftime show in recent memory, and possibly ever. Certainly much better than anything offered in the past few years, especially 2004's infamous profligacy. Prince's performance was showy, but tasteful, spectacular, but not gaudy or opulent. ...

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[audio:061025Fire.mp3] Fire, as performed by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, New York. August 18, 1969. This rendition is just great; I prefer it.

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For some reason over the years, Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. Here we have one of those songs that no one ever talks about. It sits around being under-appreciated, despite all the hard work it does at being one of Nirvana's true great masterpieces. For some reason, it's constantly overshadowed by its bigger brothers. Come on! It ...

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i've got a case of the blogger's ennui, so if posts seem few and far between, there's your reason. anyway, i listened to sonic youth's dirty on this evening's interminable communte home. for an album that's 14 years old, i gotta say it still packs a punch.

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