with cheese, please

Thumbs Up: Those that know me well realize that Miles is my all time, all-around, favorite musician. (Tattoo coming in ‘08, for real) His incredible career reinvigorated me during a time when I was down in the dumps and tired of Rock and Roll. On The Corner isn’t necessarily my favorite Miles record, but this box set is absolutely delightful. In addition to some ridiculously sweet packaging and a booklet with more info on the recording of OTC you’d ever need to know - this set includes 12 previously unreleased tracks, all of which are meaningful to anyone curious to know this man’s music inside-out. “The Hen,” an early standout track from disc 3, makes me want to dance as well as melt into a fog of world peace and harmonic convergence.

Bonus Thumbs Up: Kiva.Org - a sweet new place to donate financially to those who need it most. Entrepreneurs from third world countries are the beneficiaries here - and you can reinvest your money as they pay you back. To date, Kiva has had zero defaults on their loans - and has helped a vast array of folks around the world.

Pig Destroyer Phantom Limb
Like a nihilistic shot to the forehead with a tire iron, Phantom Limb is a record for those who appreciate the darker truths in life. Deep thoughts from “Heathen Temple” such as “beliefs must evolve or face extinction” and “even a loving god is still a master” ring as true as science itself. PD backs this realistic take on life with an aural assault of shredding vocals, guitar and drums that will take the listener to the brink. Highlights include “Loathsome” and “The Machete Twins.”

The Walkmen

Thumbs Up: I caught the Walkmen live this weekend for the 5th time - and was again impressed. Geez! These guys know how to deliver the goods. Catch ‘em if you get a chance. I was fortunate enough to work with these handsome lads on the Stubbs The Zombie soundtrack (from “Stubbs The Zombie” xbox game), where they turned in a fantastic version of “There Goes My Baby.” (check that link for the mp3) The song ended up being my favorite on the record - and it was wonderful to reconvene with the Walkmen this weekend. Check out this fun pre-release hype the soundtrack received from the currently venerable ‘Gorilla vs. Bear’ blog here.

Dustin Coffey of Shapes Have Fangs

Thumbs Up: I love me some Shapes Have Fangs. I saw them, for a second time, at Mohawk on Friday night. Good stuff. Really good stuff. These guys vaulted me to a world of gritty, nuggets-era rock. I suggest checking ‘em out and sending them cash in the mail.

Russian Circles

Thumbs Up: The hardworking staff of Emo’s. Good Lord. I’ve been to a lot of shows in my time…Emo’s is unsurpassed in their ability to 1)kick assholes out of the club, 2)let VIP folks into the club, and 3)knowing how to make a ‘rock and roll’ show ROCK.

If you ever have the opportunity to see a show at Emo’s, make sure and appreciate the rock gods that have traveled there before you (like Johnny Cash and the Butthole Surfers) Some of the very best moments of my life have happened at this shit-hole club. For example, I’ve seen The Locust (best band in the universe) play at Emo’s - and that is pretty much the pinnacle in any regard. I’ve also seen Caroliner Rainbow, Cave In and Spoon on the same stage. Amazing shit! Long live Emo’s!!!

Mike Dickinson of Chicken Ranch Records

 Thumbs Up: The Clutters‘ Don’t Believe a Word
I’ve decided to use this forum as a spot to slowly unveil my top 5 records of 2007 - which I know you’ve all been dying to obtain. So…I’m going to tease y’all a bit with a  slow/daily countdown of my favorite records of  the year - in reverse order.  This year, the fifth best album of the year was The Clutters‘ Don’t Believe a Word - and I’ll tell you why.

Nashville’s best rock exports outdo their rollicking debut, T&C, with this full-throttle collection of stinging tunes. Don’t Believe a Word confirms suspicions that this band is ready for the limelight. Lead Clutter Doug Lehmann vocalizes his way through the tunes like a fisherman in a turbulent sea, always reaching salvation – but only after fighting through sweaty desperation and pummeling waves of sound. Opening with the gritty “9999 (Ways To Hate Us)” and ending with the powerful, “Surrender,” the Clutters’ latest (produced by Ben Folds’ bassist, Jared Reynolds) is an ode to melody and rhythm, squeezing the salty parts from each. Highlights include: “Fire” (check the YouTube clip below) and “Living Thing.”

Doka Estate Costa Rican coffee

Thumbs Up: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale This is one of the better beers I’ve had in a long, long time. Buy yourself a sixer of this brew and remind yourself why beer is good food.