via//chicago

np: "trip dude delay" - black dice

this EP wasn't really what i was expecting, but i guess its not horrible. apparently its the soundtrack to some art installation or something if that sort... very spare and ambient in an Eno-ish sort of way. the first track is fine if you are in the mood for 12 minutes of crickets, random tamborines and bells, and the sound of large animals snoring. i like this, the second track, a little bit better... random rumblings and fade ins and outs. heh, wish i could explain it a little better than that, but words are failing me tonight, because...

THE PIXIES ARE COMING TO CHICAGO! i knew it was bound to be announced sooner or later, but just seeing that in print on Pitchfork and hearing the ads on the radio have me hyped as all hell. i know the chances of me actually getting tickets are almost zilch, what with the show being at the Aragon and the demand for this show destined to be sky-high. it's nice to dream though.

i've taken a break from Project AZ for the past few days, catching up on some of the 2004 releases i've not given enough attention to. i'm definately digging the new Modest Mouse, "Float On" has got to be one of their strongest tracks ever... even if it has been featured on a FOX teen drama. i've also been really enjoying the new Iron and Wine as well as the new Oneida release. Sam Beam's added production on this new album works very well, and he is still a master at casting a spell with his simple tunes. but my favorites of the year so far have got to be the Kanye West album and Franz Ferdinand. the FF album is definately my favorite debut album since Turn On the Bright Lights. it's nice to see a band actually live up to all the hype, i'm not even close to growing sick of that album. every track is a winner.