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Digital Noise Academy’s kickstarter reboot
Yikes! I haven’t blogged all month! Keeping busy at work, not as many shows this month for me, and I suppose not much “new music” breaking in June. Fiona Apple’s new album The Idler Wheel coming out today; so grab that!
Also, I posted a couple months ago about Digital Noise Academy’s Kickstarter. The collaborative group is:
- Ken Andrews (Failure, On, Year of the Rabbit, worked with Tool, A Perfect Circle, NIN, Tenacious D, Copeland, etc)
- Sharky Laguana (Creeper Lagoon)
- Charlotte Martin
- Justin Meldal-Johnsen (NIN, Beck, Air, M83)
- Fernando Sanchez (Lenka, Ben Jelen, Racheal Yamagata, Chris Cornell)
- Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker the Star, Sam Roberts).
The original Kickstarter had lofty goals, but didn’t meet them (too much, too short of a window)… well, they rebooted it and are almost there – needing only another $4k with 45 days to spare. I think it’s going to be a rad album!
Check it out and help them out!
~Dan – np: Celldweller – Wish Upon A Blackstar
FINALLY… Digital Noise Academy – debut album {kickstarter}
So, Digital Noise Academy/DNA (formerly Los Angeles Digital Noise Academy/LADNA) has been teasing us with new album promises way back since the MySpace days. The collaborative led by one of my favorite musicians Ken Andrews (Failure, On, Year of the Rabbit, worked with Tool, A Perfect Circle, NIN, Tenacious D, Copeland, etc) is what brings me to the table, but the other members are tops, too… Sharky Laguana (Creeper Lagoon), Charlotte Martin (Herself), Justin Meldal-Johnsen (NIN, Beck, Air, M83), Fernando Sanchez (Lenka, Ben Jelen, Racheal Yamagata, Chris Cornell), and Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker the Star, Sam Roberts).
Well, now they officially have a kickstarter. I think it’s a great project, and I sincerely hope it gets made. Check out the first single they released two years ago (which will be on the album), then check out the Kickstarter page… rebooted link
KICKSTARTER PAGE rebooted link
They have already completed two songs “Melting Inside” and “Thursday Night Party.” Both these songs are currently available for free download on their website www.digitalnoiseacademy.com.
~Dan – np: DNA – “Melting Inside”
Digital Noise Academy (update)
Ken Andrews posted a new blog with an update about Digital Noise Academy, his online collaboration with Charlotte Martin, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Sharky Laguana, Tommy Walter, Fernando Sanchez, and Jordon Zadorozny. His blog is annoyingly white text in a jpeg format… so, head on over to his blog site to read it (I ain’t about to type it up).
Digital Noise Academy (May 11, 2011)
There’s a new streaming song (“Thursday Night Party“) – the second and last free tune from the project. Join the discussion about how to monetize the project; so it sees the light of day without being thieved. The songs “Thursday Night Party” and “Melting Inside” can also be downloaded for free via links at http://www.digitalnoiseacademy.com/.
~Dan – np: Precious Death – Southpaw 
Ken Andrews is a crazy old man
Ken Andrews is a songwriting, producing, mixing genius. He is a now a blogger… ya know… now that blogging has been out for 10+ years. The “crazy old man” quote is from him…
http://web.me.com/kenandrews/Artist_Producer_Mixer/News/
I hope this new burst of info means something is coming soon from him. Perhaps the Digital Noise Academy release that was rumored of 4-5 years ago? Perhaps more from ON? Perhaps another Year of the Rabbit? Perhaps another Ken solo album?
What? You don’t know who Ken Andrews is? He’s the front-man for 90s rock group Failure, he’s done other side-projects (noted above), he produces & mixes (NIN, Beck, Tenacious D, Charlotte Martin, etc). He’s friends with the Tool gents (has done videos and toured with them). He’s married to the aforementioned singer-songwriter Charlotte Martin. His music is rad. Failure’s Fantastic Planet is one of the few perfect modern rock concept albums.
~Dan – np: Chris Potter’s Underground – Ultrahang
2010 anticipated albums
So, the year end and decade end recaps are in process (the monkeys I ordered are in the back room typing away) … I needed something to fill the gap… here are some artists who are expecting to release new material in 2010, all of which I’m looking forward to…
The Album Leaf‘s A Chorus of Storytellers, My Brightest Diamond‘s Shark Remixes box set, Go from Jónsi Birgisson of Sigur Rós, French singer Jeanne Cherhal‘s Charade, George Hrab‘s Trebuchet, 12 new albums from John Zorn, Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane and hopefully Crudo (if they’re both not put off due to Faith No More reunion touring), Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 (and he’s even recording with Caedmon’s Call for a 2010 release or two), guitar phenom Kaki King, maybe the Secret Chiefs 3 will finally release Book of Souls (it’s their “Chinese Democracy”), Eisley & Perma (a side project with Sherri from Eisley), Ellery from Cincinnati, Ty Tabor of King’s X, A.N.M. featuring Doug Pinnick of King’s X and Jimi Hazel of 24-7 Spyz, Ken Andrew and Co’s Digital Noise Academy, Trent Reznor’s just announced new Nine Inch Nails album, Silverchair are working on one, Radiohead are hitting the studio (maybe something out by year’s end), and… Ani DiFranco – I mean, it’s inevitable… right?
Plus many more great albums due out in 2010, I’m sure.
~Dan – np: Skerik / Dead Kenny G’s – Bewildered Herd
Digital Noise Academy is Melting Inside
So, the Digital Noise Academy dropped the “Los Angeles” from the front of their name… it’s been a while since there’s been any activity to report, but yesterday they posted their new official video for “Melting Inside“…
The DNA is Ken Andrews (coincidentally brought up in my Puscifer live show review from yesterday), Charlotte Martin (Ken’s wife), Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Sharky Laguana, Tommy Walter, Fernando Sanchez, and Jordon Zadorozny. I hope this means there’s a DNA album on the way. I think the last LADNA news was prior to Ken’s Secrets of the Lost Satellite CD (in early 2007).
~Dan – np: Greydon Square – The CPT Theorem
* Favorite VOCAL Albums of 2007 *
My Other Favorites of 2007 Recaps:
Fav Concerts of ’07 are recapped *HERE*
Fav Local / Vinyl / Internet-Only / Podcasts of ’07 are *HERE*
Fav EPs / Compilations / Music DVDs of ’07 are *HERE*
Fav Instrumental Albums of ’07 are *HERE*
Favorite Vocal Albums of 2007
1) Silverchair – Young Modern – Daniel Johns, leader of Silverchair, is one of my rock heroes. On Young Modern, he and the boys didn’t disappoint. This album is a continuation of the feel from Diorama, but perhaps more cohesive. Diorama was fantastic (A++), but this one seems less disjointed. Best album of the year, by far.
http://www.chairpage.com/
http://www.myspace.com/silverchair
2) Radiohead – In Rainbows – This is a quintessential Radiohead album. Check out my track-by-track review HERE.
http://www.radiohead.com/
http://www.myspace.com/radiohead
3) Elliott Smith – New Moon – I had many of the songs on this double-CD already from the demo stockpile on the internets, but this collection also had many new tunes from my favorite long lost songwriter. His death affected me more than any other “celebrity.” His words really cut through, and I’m glad that his unreleased music still made its way out.
http://www.sweetadeline.net
http://www.myspace.com/elliottsmithnewmoon
4) Ken Andrews – Secrets of the Lost Satellite – Another rock hero of mine… I got into Ken Andrews via Chroma Key (Ken’s 1st On record was highly talked about by CK’s Kevin Moore, or Kevin was touring with Ken). Anyway, this newest solo album is a bit like On but also a bit like Failure & Year of the Rabbit. You can’t go wrong in my book, Ken. Some great hooky hardrock.
http://www.kenandrews.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kenandrews
5) Puscifer – V is for Vagina – Another Maynard James Keenan side project. His main band (Tool) is still my favorite of his artistic outlets, but Puscifer has a really good vibe. Poor choice in album title (in my opinion), but I realize that it’s a stand against censorship (which I support.. meaning I support the stand against, not the actual censorship). Alas, the packaging for this album wins the Best Packaging Award for 2007. It’s built like an emergency airline pamphlet… and it’s quite hilarious. Kudos, Maynard!
http://www.puscifer.com/
http://www.myspace.com/censorshipisacancer
6) Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog – Hush-toned singer-songwriter tour de force. Gritty and witty, subtle brutally honest lyrics. Nice story telling…
http://www.ironandwine.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ironandwine
7) Dug Pinnick (of king’s X) – Strum Sum Up – I love Dug/Doug. This is by far his best album. Great songs, and the extended jams are exciting, too (I kinda was disappointed when I first heard of the idea, but loved it once I heard the music). Wally Farkas (of the Galactic Cowboys) and Hal Sparks helped out on this record.
http://www.dugpinnick.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dugpinnickpoundhound
8 ) Michael Kelsey – The Way It Rolls – Michael Kelsey gets added to the list of things I’m sad about moving away from Ohio. Michael Kelsey (not from Ohio, but neighboring Indiana) is a fucking Midwestern U.S. musical TREASURE. His records are always great, but his live show is one of legend. He blows your mind, the mind of the guy next to you, and the mind of the lady in the parking lot paying the meter… all with 6 strings and 37 fingers. I mean, the way he plays, he has to have 37 fingers. Doesn’t he?
http://www.michaelkelsey.com/
http://www.myspace.com/michaelkelseymusic
9) Wussy – Left For Dead – Best local CD (Cincinnati, OH) for me in 2007. Lisa and Chuck are a great songwriting team. I dig both of their vocals, and the band knows how to kick it! Great rock and a well-produced sophomore record!
http://www.wussymusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/therealwussy
10) Nellie McKay – Obligatory Villagers – Quirky, cute, brilliant songstress and obfuscator of journalists. Short and sweet third record. We got to see her this year in Eugene (concert review) this year. Fantastic show!! She rarely disappoints. I hope to hear more of her music now that she’s out of the clutches of Columbia/Sony/Artist Screwers Int’l.
http://www.nelliemckay.com/
http://www.myspace.com/prettylittlehead
11) Tegan and Sara – The Con – Great indie pop rock record from this twin sister songwriting duo. This is their 5th record (by my count), and they truly get better with age.
http://www.teganandsara.com/
http://www.myspace.com/teganandsara
12) Abigail’s Ghost – Selling Insincerity – For fans of Porcupine Tree… get this album now. It did for me what Steven Wilson didn’t do for me this year… get to 12 on my list. ;) Don’t worry, Steven Wilson continually impresses, too. Regardless, Abigail’s Ghost is right up a PT fan’s alley — lush progressive rock without the spandex, frizzy hair and crotch-too-tight falsetto.
http://www.abigailsghost.com/
http://www.myspace.com/abigailsghost
13) Blackfield – Blackfield II – Ok, Steven Wilson made it to 13. I got to see Blackfield in NYC this year (concert review). Aviv Geffen and Steven Wilson have a great chemistry. Blackfield II continues on the path laid out by BF I.
http://www.blackfield.org/
http://www.myspace.com/blackfield
14) Eisley – Combinations – A harder-edged Sixpence None the Richer, perhaps. This five-piece band of siblings astonishes me. Mainly because if I could never be in a functioning band with my 3 other siblings. Add another… fahgetaboutit. Eisley brings great vocal harmonies and a rocky edge to what might have otherwise been sugary pop. Kudos on the sophomore album! I dig it.
http://www.eisley.com/
http://www.myspace.com/eisley
15) Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace – You may have heard some of their songs on the radio. Dave Grohl and Co know how to rock and grab you with a hook. That’s all I can say.
http://www.foofighters.com/
http://www.myspace.com/foofighters
16) Megadeth – United Abominations – Chunka chunka chunnk. I’m glad Dave Mustaine is back at it. Sometimes cheesy lyrically, usually brutal and fun listen, though. A+.
http://www.megadeth.com/
http://www.myspace.com/megadeth
17) Dream Theater – Systematic Chaos – Complex and more rewarding after each listen.
http://www.dreamtheater.net/
http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater
18 ) Crunchy – Loserville – Monty Colvin (of the Galactic Cowboys) knows how to write a good pop-punk song about being an outcast. Some may say that’s his downfall. Oh, but what a sweet downfall… or… er… resulting record. His 3rd record under the Crunchy moniker… it’s a welcome addition to my collection of Colvin art (I also own one of his paintings… he’s a superb painter, yo!).
http://www.montycolvin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/montycolvin
19) Finger Eleven – Them vs. You vs. Me – I had no idea that “Paralyzer” was big this year. Just shows you how much I know about radio (I haven’t purposefully listened in going on 20 years). Anyway, I’ve been a big fan of F11 since Tip (late 90s), and I’m glad that their last two records have been solid consistent hard rock… with vocals that I love.
http://www.fingereleven.com/
http://www.myspace.com/fingereleven
20) Over the Rhine – The Trumpet Child – Well, I got “fired” by the band for being a “bad fan.” It was equal parts embarrassing, and equal parts rewarding. Alas, I still liked this record enough to crack the Top 20. “If a Song Could be President” (while quaint in lyric) is one of the worst songs ever for me (way too country for me), but “Don’t Wait For Tom” makes up for it. Totally fun track… and a solid record overall. Oh, and, Karin… sorry for being a bad fan. I still like ya.
http://www.overthewhine.com/
http://www.myspace.com/overthewhine
21) Greydon Square – The Compton Effect – Great rap style with free-thinking atheist lyrics too boot. Infectious rhythms and vocals. I hope his follow-up this coming year tops it. :-) I also hopes he catches on more and can tour more beyond skeptical/atheist conferences to which I can’t afford to travel.
http://www.greydonsquare.com/
http://www.myspace.com/greydonsquare
22) Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam) – Into the Wild – Got this for xmas from my brother (and sis-in-law). Fantastic short set by Eddie. I really need to see this movie, too… it’s from a book that I actually read. :P
http://www.pearljam.com
http://www.myspace.com/intothewildmovie
23) Tori Amos – American Doll Posse – Solid album by pop’s bad girl. I think her many personas are getting tiring (see, I’m a “bad fan” of more than just Over the Rhine), but she still brings her A game for 95% of this CD. I wish I’d have seen her on her latest tour, too… I heard it was killer.
http://www.toriamos.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toriamos
24) Porcupine Tree – Fear of a Blank Planet – Their material on the Nil Recurring -EP- should have made its way onto this record. Great stuff nonetheless… it grows on me, slower than prior PT work, but solid songs nonetheless.
http://www.porcupinetree.com/
http://www.myspace.com/porcupinetree
25) Tomahawk – Anonymous – Mike Patton and Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard) on Native American sourced rock songs. Not as all over the place like prior Tomahawk records… which is unfortunately missed. Alas, Mike and Duane still bring it, and over up a wonderful take on traditional tribal melodies.
http://www.ipecac.com/
http://www.myspace.com/tomahawkofficial
honorable mentions:
Coheed and Cambria – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV – Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow / That1Guy and the Magic Pipe – The Moon is Disgusting / La Mar Enfortuna (aka Elysian Fields) – Conviviencia / Ozomatli – Don’t Mess With the Dragon / My Brightest Diamond – Tear It Down (remixes)
myspace/coheedandcambria – myspace/that1guy – myspace/lamarenfortuna – myspace/ozomatli – myspace/mybrightestdiamond
That’s it for my 2007 lists… whew… next year it’ll take less time to do (hopefully)…
~Dan – np: George Hrab – Interrobang
Another Wave of Fave (2007)
My Other Favorites of 2007 Recaps:
* Fav Concerts of ’07 are recapped *HERE*
* Fav Local / Vinyl / Internet-Only / Podcasts of ’07 are *HERE*
Well, this “Round 3” is decidedly less flashy (sans pics)… I’ve got too much homework to do to be putzing around on my 2007 pontifications… :-) I have included MySpace links for artists represented on MySpace, whether officially or fictionally represented (just click their names and check out their stuff).
Favorite EPs
1) Porcupine Tree – Nil Recurring
2) Holy Fuck – Holy Fuck
3) Kelly Evans – Easy
4) The Album Leaf – Green Tour
5) Auragami – +/-
6) Sia – Lady Croissant
7t) Sarah Masen – Magic That Works
7t) Sarah Masen – A History of Lights and Shadows
7t) Sarah Masen – Woman’s Work is Alchemy
8 ) Múm – The Peel Session
Favorite Compilations/Re-issues
1) Secret Chiefs 3 – Path of Most Resistance: In History and Presence
2) Ani DiFranco – Canon
3) Sigur Rós – Hvarf-Heim
4) Peter Mulvey – Notes From Elsewhere : solo acoustic
5) Derek Webb – One Zero (Acoustic & Remixes)
hm) Nick Drake – Family Tree
Favorite Live Albums
1) Dave Douglas Quintet – Live at the Jazz Standard
2) Ken Andrews – Never Say Never – Tour CD
3) Ellery – What I’ve Said Out Loud
4) Dub Trio – Cool Out and Coexist
5) The Cracow Klezmer Band – Remembrance: Live in Warsaw
hm) Ani DiFranco – Boston, 11.10.06
hm) Over the Rhine – Live from Nowhere Farm, Volume Two
Favorite Music-related DVDs (huge tie for 5th, obviously a rigged election… or a sign of getting too many DVD for xmas from family)
1) Sigur Rós – Heima
2) Silverchair – Across the Great Divide
3) That1Guy and the Magic Pipe – Live in the Land of OZ (late-late 2006 release)
4) Ellery – An Evening with Ellery
5t) Ben Folds – Live at MySpace
5t) Estradasphere – Palace of Mirrors Live
5t) Incubus – Look Alive
5t) Kaada / Patton – Live
My final two rounds (Fave Instrumental & Fave Vocal Albums) should be posted next week or so. Yeah, I know. Whatever. :-)
~Dan – np: Crunchy – Loserville
<prelim.oh.seven.fav.list>
Well, my 17-day vacation/ holiday break/ hustle-and-rent-the-house-2,600-miles-away trip went well… alas, my oft “too time consuming” year-end list of all that is fantastic to my ears is not done/barely started.
Now that I’ll be back to school, I’ll have some time to re-listen to my 2007 music. Expect something in mid-to-late January (perhaps). In the meantime, for those that care (all 2 of you)… here are some preliminary choice tunes from last year (in no particular order, except for likely the 1st two):
2. Radiohead – In Rainbows
Wussy – Left for Dead
Ken Andrews (from Failure/On/Year of the Rabbit) – Secrets of the Lost Satellite
Puscifer (Maynard from Tool) – V is For Vagina
Elliott Smith – New Moon
Antibalas – Security
Explosions in the Sky – All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
Hiromi – Time Control
Holy Fuck – Holy Fuck LP2
Marc Ribot – Masada Book Two: Book of Angels, Vol. 7 (Asmodeus)
John Zorn – Six Litanies for Heliogabalus
Dave Douglas & Keystone – Moonshine
The Lithuanian Empire – The Lithuanian Empire
The full “Top ??” list will be jam-packed with more info, pictures, and links than you cared to know about said artists… as I would have it no. other. way.
~Dan – np: Gaston Zirko‘s experimental music on myspace
The 4 Elements (Mix CD)
Posty‘s Not-All-That-Quarterly Compilation
The 4 Elements
It’s thematic, obviously. Some of it is new music, yet most of it is just music I’ve always liked that seemed to fit the compilation’s schema. The liners are not completed, yet. Hell, a test pressing hasn’t even been completed; so the track order might change some. I’m just drumming up interest before I decide how much energy to expend… email me if interested. It’ll likely go out sometime in mid-to-late July ’06…
/ 
/ 
Music Shared without permission, but without ill-intent either, from these artists…
EARTH
1 – On “Avalanche” (from the album Shifting Skin )
2 – El Douje “Colision De Mundos” (from the album Worlds Collide )
3 – Celldweller “Own Little World” (from the album Celldweller )
4 – John Zorn “La Flor del Barrio” (from the album Music Romance, Vol. III: The Gift )
5 – Porcupine Tree “Collapse the Light into Earth” (from the album In Absentia )
SKY
6 – Tristeza “Stumble On Air” (from the album A Colores )
7 – Dredg “Ode to the Sun” (from the album Catch Without Arms )
8 – Pearl Jam “Thin Air” (from the album Binaural )
9 – The Tango Saloon “The Little Plane That Could” (from the album The Tango Saloon )
10 – Nick Drake “Pink Moon” (from the album Pink Moon )
WATER
11 – O.S.I. “Bigger Wave” (from the album Free )
12 – Au4 “An Ocean’s Measure of Sorrow” (from the album On: Audio )
13 – Chroma Key “Even the Waves” (from the album Dead Air For Radios )
14 – The Squirts “Lobster” (from the album Resquirted )
FIRE
15 – Tori Amos “Spark” (from the album From the Choirgirl Hotel )
16 – The Times “Laser Beams” (from the album Begin )
17 – Heatmiser (early Elliott Smith) “Flame!” (from the album Cop and Speeder )
18 – Fantômas “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” (from the album The Director’s Cut )
19 – Angeldust “Firestorm” (from the album System 3 )
Think of it as a stroll through a museum installation. The headsets are free this weekend.
And since we’re germophobes… um… go on and keep those there headphones…
~Dan – np: electric masada – john zorn’s 50th birthday month, vol. 4
Liner info, for those that care-o (fuzzy due to not having a proper Adobe P-Shop install on my new work laptop, had to do this via screencaps & MSPaint… oy…).
-Eyvind Kang
-Frank Zappa
Amazon.com mp3 downloads
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