John Stanier

I am a self confessed n00b when it comes to the drums but i've recently became obsessed with former Helmet and current Tomahawk, The Mark Of Cain and Battles drummer, John Stanier.

I admit to only having heard his work in Battles but it has completely blown me away. His input actually makes "Mirrored" the album it is for me. He's without a doubt one of the most innovative and talented drummers around.

Some of you may have seen John's strange kit set up and wondered why his symbol is raised so high. According to an interview I managed to dig up its because he "doesn't want to rely on it". He mentioned that he feels that most drummers overuse their symbols and that he doesn't want to conform to that style. What a breath of fresh air!

Anyway, check this performance from Buenos Aries out, when it kicks in its just.. wow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KzmHPxjS3M

Give me soul and show me the door

What I love about QOTSA's live set is how they always manage to add their own spontanious twist to the show without ever overdoing it.


This show took place in Washington DC way back in 2002 and is one of my favourite ever bootlegs. The sound quality is excellent.


1. Intro

2. Monsters In The Parasol

3. Feel Good Hit Of The Summer

4. Quick And To The Pointless

5. Ode To Clarissa

6. You Would Know

7. Song For The Dead

8. Hanging Tree

9. I Think I Lost My Headache

10. Avon

11. No One Knows

12. Gonna Leave YOu

13. Walking On The Sidewalks

14. Mexicola

15. Tension Head

16. Regular John

17. Do It Again

18. God Is Radio

19. Millionaire

20. Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7T9I8LB0

From Santa Fe to Paris

When I really fall in love with a younger artist I often confuse myself. It's as if i fall into some warped feeling of jealousy that is coupled with a heavy feeling of adoration. This more often than not results in me criticizing the artist to most yet secretly burning out their CD in my personal time.

However, Zach Condon (more commonly known as "Beirut") is completely different. Am I jealous of him? No, I only feel adoration, after all, how can you be jealous when someone so modest is so naturally gifted? At the tender age of 22 Zach already boasts two critically acclaimed albums, his debut "Gulag Orkestar" and his 2007 sophomore album which we will be focusing on "The Flying Club Cup".



What I love about The Flying Club Cup is the beautiful imagery it manages to create. From the Sunday streets of Venice like "St Apollonia" to the Cannes Friday night bar feel of "The Penalty", this album effortlessly conjures up European nostalgia. Condon himself actually moved to Paris to write this record, commenting that he wanted to make something special as a tribute to his deceased heroes, Jacques Brel and Serge Gainsbourg. The influence of the aforementioned is clear for all to hear, each song robust and dynamic with the same beautiful melancholy found in classic French cinema.



At the risk of sounding like an over excited fanboy, I really cannot recommend this record enough. It makes for a seamless listening experience.