P1 Western Michigan

The Wild Things Are Here

2009-04-05T16:07:00.004-04:00

Finally, a movie that is going to be worth the 8 dollars I shell out every time I want to see something in the theaters. Where The Wild Things Are is a childhood classic, I remember my parents reading it to me as a kid and how much the sentiment of the book meant to me as I pulled it out of storage last year. The trailer looks exactly like the type of re-creation I'd like to see come from the book, paired with the Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" it creates an ambiance that really drives the movie home, I'm guessing most fans feel this way as well. The best part is that the director is Spike Jonze, most known for his work on Jackass and music videos as well as skate videos. His take on the book as a movie looks inspirational, refreshing, and visionary. As for indie or popular music setting the mood in movies, it works hand in hand with the overall feel of the film. Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" being paired with this trailer is absolutely perfect. Notice the way the words fit the theme especially well, and the music while uplifting has dark and shadowy undertones that really bring the story to life. Based on the trailer, I feel that the movie will portray what it is to be human, what its like to feel, and explore and examine the world around us. At least that's my take on it. But all in all it looks like a great movie with a solid cast that will truly bring something different to the big screen. Thank you Spike Jonze from all the kids at heart out there, including myself.

2009-03-18T03:11:00.002-04:00

I say we make MTV change its name to RCTV (Reality Crap TV).

Leave the name for someone who actually cares about music.

Do you Bleed American?

2009-03-15T16:26:00.007-04:00

If there was ever an album that really changed my outlook on things, especially music, Bleed American would be it.
The album was Jimmy Eat World's entrance into mainstream music and came at a time when bands like Green Day and Blink-182 were crafting pop-punk. "The Middle" was one of the biggest singles off the album and continues to remain timeless in movies, advertisements and basement parties all over Michigan and the United States.
It was the tracks like "My Sundown" that really nodded back to their earlier days on Clarity and pulled the album together as a whole for me. Overall, every song on the album fits perfectly and shows the overall character of my favorite band. The songs are unforgettable, timeless and above all universal to all respective listeners. The vocal harmony backed by flawless guitar and a drum kit that was seemingly mic'd perfectly are what made it such a powerhouse.
The most important aspect that really changed things for me however was how the album was produced. The band only had a little money and saved almost every penny for studio time due to the fact that they were releasing the album independently. Mark Trombino, who worked on releasing Blink-182's Dude Ranch offset the cost of studio time until the album was released and allowed the band to pay him back later on once they had sold records. The move payed off and the album is certified platinum today selling over one million copies. For me that was what changed things, I've heard rags to riches stories but for a band to be dropped from a label and then spend their life savings on something they believed in, and knew would work really drives it home. The album inspired me and changed my taste in music quite a bit, alternative rock has become cookie cutter in the recent years but Jimmy Eat World maintains their unique sound by offering the listener something tried and true. The band is working on a new album to follow up Chase This Light, according to their Twitter. I cant wait to hear what they have in store.

TooL: Ænima

2009-03-15T13:01:00.002-04:00

This was the first “CD” I got, and never was there regret.
It all started with youth, inexperience, & an open mind.
I was looking for something I could really get into,
something to expand my world and intrigue my mind.
What I found was a part of my soul.
This epic melody infused with a uniquely styled tribal beat.
I was almost in disbelief with this wonderful sound tantalizing my senses.
The tone of a cynic, given up on humanity, but the words of a poetic genius
This was my newest reality of life and human existences.
I was amazed by Maynards rare voice and attention to rhythmical detail.
Danny’s Percussion precision with an incredible attitude, I was in awe.
This was music to express how thoughts and feelings can rage in beautiful harmony.
Tool was a completely new style of Rock only thought of in wonderful dreams. I have been hooked ever since.

Lolla!!

2009-03-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Lollapalooza has been known in the past for its amazing lineups, this year’s event is the same with a few exceptions. This is defiantly a very diverse event with a large amount of potential. I will be looking forward to a lot of the performers, but I would only make the travel for a few great bands. On the top of my reasons for going is Radiohead. If you have ever got into Radiohead, you know what I am talking about. Their creative simplicity is a musical gift to our generation. Another reason I will go is RATM, rage’s powerful music has always made me feel excited and energized. I love the strong drumbeat with complementing unique sounds from the creations of guitarist Tom Morello. Tears of joy came to my eyes when I found out these guys were back together. I think The Raconteurs would be another great reason to attend. Jack White is just fun, his music is amazing, he can do so much with so little, look what he did with what he called The White stripes. He could have just as easily had a drum machine playing in the background. Well ya know, for all the ridiculously complex percussion in their albums. But he needed that image of a girl and a guy two piece. The Raconteurs are amazing, its worth the trip just for them. Overall GO TO LOLLA 2009!! Its gunna be fun.

SXSW Blog

2009-03-08T22:55:00.003-04:00

So I am pretty excited about how the internship is going so far. This week we are supposed to write about our favorite South By Southwest artist. I chose to showcase Shiny Toy Guns, one of my personal favorites for the last few years.

You might remember them from their hits Le Disko, and You are the One off the hit album We Are Pilots. The band brings a new age twist on classic 80's techno as well as adding some earlier disco and electronic influences that create a sound all their own. For me the coolest part is the mix between a female vocalist and a male one as well. There have been hundreds of bands that used this lineup but STG's seems to do it better than the rest. The vocals are haunting at times especially in the later tracks of the album.

The band has made an even greater change to their sound with their new album Season of Poison. Carrah the female vocalist on We are Pilots has left the band but they remain strong. The song Ghost Town is a hard driving almost punk sound with what sounds like a synth straight out of Ghostbusters. I highly recommend you check it out.

Shiny Toy Guns will be playing SXSW on the 21st and they are sure to bring a good show

An open letter to the internet

2009-02-18T19:07:00.002-05:00

Thank you for The Onion, that is all....

T.V On The Radio

2009-02-17T18:58:00.002-05:00

A great album by the experimental rock group TV On The Radio. This band is an amazing example of what really good artists are doing in today’s music world. And that is taking bits and pieces of amazing sounds from our musical history and bringing them back together into a mix of musical harmony. TV On The Radio’s Dear Science is an Energetic fun ride throughout. I think music forms with this type medium mixing is going to be the new wave of good music. I am suggesting this album to any of my friends.

Hello, Donnie...

2009-02-15T00:25:00.002-05:00

28 days... 6 hours... 42 minutes... 12 seconds, the famous words muttered by a life size distorted bunny rabbit we have all come to know and surprisingly know as Frank. Donnie Darko became an instant cult classic especially after the release of the directors cut, which once you watched it made some of the simple ideas in the movie actually make sense.

You know you've always thought about it and wanted it, and its finally here: The Donnie Darko sequel, S. Darko. The film will follow Donnie's sister Samantha on her trip to LA to make it big, along the way things start to fall into place and once again Frank appears only to lay some heavy news on Sam.

The film has a budget of 10,000,000 and is being directed by Chris Fisher. Richard Kelly (Director of Donnie Darko) has denied all ties to the movie and says that he will not be a part of the filming or any part thereafter however has not objected to its creation. (Credit-Wikipedia)

It wont make it to the big screen but is set to hit DVD and Blue-Ray on April 28th
Check it out at www.sdarko.com

XOXO

2009-02-10T22:17:00.006-05:00

Valentines Day is coming up and if you haven't figured out what to give your significant other, your biggest crush or that dude who lives in your closet there is hope. Two albums that are sure to put a smile on that special someones face. (Special Thanks to my friend Courtney for making me a sweet header for the blog, it looks great)

1. XO-"SomeDay": As if Say Anything hasn't given us enough greatness already, there comes XO.

Comprised of members of Say Anything, XO is the side project of guitarists Jeff and Jake Turner. The music is a mix of piano driven, acoustic, ambient rock and is turning heads in the music industry pretty quickly. The band completed an extensive US tour with Shanti in 2008 and looks to tour more upon the release of their EP "Some Day".

You can pre-order the album at Smartpunk.com or interpunk.com. The Smartpunk pre-order comes with a limited edition valentine signed by the Turner's and the Interpunk pre-order comes just plain old signed.

2.Various Artists-"Sweetheart": A surprising compilation of artist covering some of your favorite love songs, need I say more. The album can be purchased on I-tunes and features songs from Death Cab for Cutie-"Love song", Rouge Wave-"Maps", A.C. Newman-"Take on me" and much much more. Check it out!

So bust out that plastic and give your valentine the gift of great music.

One More Time To Pretend

2009-02-09T22:14:00.005-05:00

As a tribute to one of the years most promising artists here are some cover's and remix's of MGMT's hits that I think you'll enjoy. (Credits to http://prettymuchamazing.com and SPIN.com)

1.Immuzikation: "One More Time To
Pretend". The song mashes Daft Punk and MGMT perfectly, it doesn't get much better or cooler than this.

http://prettymuchamazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/mgmt_vs_daft_punk_-_one_more_time_to_pretend_immuzikation_remix_.mp3

2.Katy Perry: "Electric Feel"- I don't know about you but there is something about Katy Perry's voice that I just cant stay away from. Sure "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot and Cold" are just simple pop chart toppers but her vocals are spot on for this cover and she really brings a different edge to it that I really liked.

http://pmatunes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/katy-perry-electric-feel-mgmt-cover.mp3

3.Of Montreal/MGMT: "Smells Like Teen Spirit"- Again, who wouldnt want to hear MGMT and Of Montreal play "Smells Like Teen Spirit". The song appears to be live and is a little quiet so crank those speakers up.

http://pmatunes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/of-montreal-mgmt-smells-like-teen-spirit-nirvana-cover.mp3

Say It Aint So

2009-02-08T21:22:00.003-05:00

The Grammy's are on and I hope your watching, Coldplay already won best rock album as well as song of the year. The performances have been amazing this year so far with my favorites being Kid Rock and Coldplay. I'm really looking forward to hearing T.I. and Justin Timberlake collaborate, Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl, Radiohead and "Swagga like us" featuring Lil Wayne, T.I., Kanye West, a very pregnant MIA and the one and only H to the O-V Jay-Z.

All of this aside one of the highlights of my year so far and the Grammy night was the appearance of Blink-182 on stage together for the first time since the band parted ways in 2005. The talk around the music world was that the band would present a nominee together and that would be it, but the guys announced on stage that they would be COMING BACK as a band! I honestly didn't think that the day would come when I'd hear those words come from Mark and Travis let alone Tom. Call them what you will but Blink-182 has been in my top 3 favorite bands of all time since I could work a stereo. I cant wait to hear what they come out with even if it takes another 4 years.

Top 5 Artists to look out for in 2009

2009-02-05T11:24:00.000-05:00

Well new years eve was quite the time and I'm happy to be starting into 2009, that being said here are the bands your sure to hear from this year....Enjoy:

#5 Cloud Cult
I'm sure you've been aimlessly channel surfing on a Monday night and come across one of those esurance commercials that are aimed towards a younger "modern" audience. If you have then you have almost certainly heard the band Cloud Cult on the newest of the commercial series. At first I was reluctant to check them out further thinking they were only a novelty band that would be soon forgotten after the ad's came and left......but once you hear more of the group they become infectious and you cant get enough of the perfect vocal harmonies and clean folk rock sound that is masterfully paired with a skilled cellist player. The groups 2008 album Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) had a great reception in the indie music scene and I feel will be a great addition to your 2009 play list as the band which started from experimental roots takes their music to the next level.

#4 Florence And The Machine
If you like Feist then you will definitely like this addition to the artists to look out for in 09' list. Florence Welch is her name and she brings an array of musicians with her to back her vocals up on the recordings. Her haunting melody brings everything together in a new age folk rock twist. A style all her own, from what I've heard the stage shows are amazing to watch and much more than just a concert but an experience. She has made a huge impression on the British music charts and with BBC radio and I feel 2009 will prove to be her rise on the US charts as well.

#3 Say Anything
One of my top 5 favorite bands of all time let alone one of the look outs for 09' Los Angeles California's Say Anything has been tearing the music scene apart at the seams since the bands formation in 2000. The emotionally charged lyrics and thoughtful composure draw you in and wont ever let you go. The bands older material is a bit hard to find but the release of ......is a real boy/.......was a real boy the bands first major album proved to be a huge success. Much of the lyricism stemming from front man Max Bemis's life experiences with drugs, women and relationships with god and himself. The release of their follow up album In Defense of the Genre shattered all theories of a sophomore slump and brought the band into a new stage in their overall sound. A lot of this having to do with many of the members leaving after Bemis's addiction to drugs sent them off tour early and caused issues all the way back to the recording studio. Fortunatley the band is as strong as ever now with a solid line-up of members, Max has been doing side projects including Razias Shadow; a rock musical written in collaboration with members of Forgive Durden, Me Without You and guest appearance's by Shawn Harris (The Matches), Chris Conley (Saves the Day) and more. Say Anything is currently working on This is Forever a fourth album set to release in 2009 which if all goes well I feel will be yet again another huge success for the band and a chart topper in 09'

#2 Taking Back Sunday
You definitely know who these Amityville boys are and if you don't then your living under a rock! Taking Back Sunday currently has 12 songs written for their latest studio album titled New Again. The guys also picked up Matt Fazzi in 2008 formerly of Facing New York. After selling over 600,000 copies of Louder Now in 2006 the new album is looking very promising in 2009 and I'm hoping that your as excited as I am about a new TBS cd. The band defined much of my teenage music years and continues to do so as they progress themselves.

#1 No Doubt
What?.......FINALLY were my thoughts when I first heard that No Doubt was planning to release their first studio album in over four long years. Don't get me wrong Gwen has made quite the name for herself with her solo career and much of the music (aside from that banana's song) I can actually listen to. But No Doubt is another staple of growing up in the 90's, I remember listening to them in my cousins car and realizing how different the music was and how the singer really had something going for her. The band was supposedly writing material on their own before Gwen's return (she was busy with her album going quintuple platinum in Canada(credits Wikipedia) and having her second child.......I wonder if she was busy?) and are set to finish up the album for 2009 as well as tour the US and play the Bamboozle festival. Look out for the return of No Doubt its set to be huge and that's why they fall on my number one prediction for 09'.

Vegas Baby, Vegas

2009-02-02T00:02:00.003-05:00

The Killers, they have taken the music community by storm and to think they almost never got recognized by anyone. I'd have to say that one of my favorite albums to come out within the past 3 months was "Day and Age" by the boys from Vegas. Ever since the release of their B-sides album Sawdust I had been waiting for them to come out with something even better as they continually top themselves. The album is catchy, insightful, and over all well written. It's nice to hear a band that changes little bits about the way they write music but still keep the overall feeling they convey to their audience the same. Day and Age does just that and more. "Human" is a synth powered track that quickly rose on the charts and was supposed to be a part of Sawdust but it got released on I-tunes instead for the new album. It combines some seemingly awkward vocals with an 80's background track to make the perfect blend. Overall the band yet again pays tribute to glam, synth rock, and trend setters like Bowie with Day and Age and I cant wait to hear what they come out with in the near future.

The Watchmen get Chemical

2009-01-31T20:22:00.007-05:00

They have been called "emo", sell outs, and hot-topic poster boys but when it comes down to it you cant deny that My Chemical Romance is at the top of their game. The band is talented in my book, they have a vision of what they want and backed by Gerard's vocals and lyrics it makes for all around good rock and roll.

The band has put their rock-opera hats aside and reverted back to the gritty, powerful sound that brought them into the limelight. My Chemical Romance has teamed with WATCHMEN director Zach Snyder to take on a feature song for the films soundtrack. The boys recently completed their cover of Bob Dylan's-"Desolation Row" which has been receiving some major flack and praise from fans of the movie, Dylan, and the band.

To me the song is more of a tribute than an atrocity and really adds to the passion that Dylan had originally intended for this piece. Gerard Way (MCR-Singer) adds grit and power to the lyrics which are backed by guitar riffs that lead back to classic punk rock and really play well with the ambiance of the movie.

Love it or hate it you can be sure to hear more of MCR as The Watchmen is predicted to be a huge success as a film adaptation. For those of you that don't know The Watchmen is a series of comics written by Alan Moore that details the struggles of a group of Anti-Heroes in an alternate reality set around the 1980's. The comics are great and I suggest you check them out as well as read up more on the movie before it premiers later in the year.

You can find the single "Desolation Row"-My Chemical Romance (cover. Bob Dylan) at I-tunes and the Cd Watchmen: Music From the Motion Picture and Watchmen: Original Motion Picture Score will be released on February 24th.

Thats Enough Corey Feldman......

2009-01-26T13:08:00.005-05:00

Well the semester has been going pretty well so far and I feel like this internship is going to be the highlight of my senior year, its been really cool so far working with everyone at P-1 to get the CMI project underway and I'm excited to see its impact on campus. That being said I've set up a Facebook Group for Western Michigan with Kyle so we can contact the masses and really make this project count. If your not on the friends list contact me on Facebook (Mike Markel) so i can add you or search groups for Platform-1 Western Michigan University. We will be having listening parties this week to get the artists out there and from the samples I've heard on the website they all sound great.

So am I the only one excited for some reunions and new albums from old favorites this year? I've really lost a lot of faith in music and humanity lately as people like "Soulja boy tell em" and Corey Feldman are allowed to make "music". Corey (the train wreck child actor turned rock singer and Peta spokesman) released an album recently entitled Technology Analogy by his band "Truth Movement" which pulled members in from Pink Floyd for inspiration and expertise. Don't get me wrong I love Pink Floyd, I just wish Corey would settle down and pay tribute in another way.........by not singing.....ever....on any recording.....for the rest of time.

Aside from some parts of the music world burning and falling to the ground there's some hope for everyone out there. The indie scene is thriving with brilliant talented musicians coming into the light and it seems like rock is making its comeback from the cookie cutter NickleBack sub genre, mainstream is having its day too with artists crossing the gaps in between hip-hop dance and electronica (notably Kanye West's 808's and Heartbreaks which after a few listens I'm used to ).

The year is set to have a few major re-unions including No Doubt and new albums from the likes of Third Eye Blind (Ursa Major 2009), Wilco (TBA 2009), Sonic Youth (TBA Summer 2009),Placebo (TBA 2009) and Garbage (TBA 2009). I cant wait to see what they all do with the new music 2009 is going to rockkkkkkkkkkkkk.

Snowwwwwwwwwwwww

2008-12-19T17:27:00.003-05:00

Well its been a little bit since I last posted, things were crazy with finals and figuring out financial aid for the next semester. Being back home for break has been good so far Christmas should be alot of fun as usual. We got dumped on today from that huge snowstorm and had to spend most of the day inside. I should have more up soon and a new review of a Cd my good friend Steve Brown just put out the band being Kardia out of Detroit.

Seeing Stars and Dreaming in Stereo

2008-12-01T19:31:00.003-05:00

Well I go to school at Western Michigan University and love Kalamazoo to death but sometimes you have to remember where you came from and give credit where credit is due. Point being two bands out of the east side that are bringing a fresh spin on hardcore by giving it a electronic/grunge twist. Dream In Stereo and I See Stars. It sounds a little crazy at first and I'm sure your wondering how people will react when you start raving at a hardcore show but it works.

Both bands are quickly storming the Eastern Michigan music scene especially I See Stars who just completed a large tour outside of Michigan. You can find Dream In Stereo at their home base at The Rec Center in Hazel Park, Michigan and all across Eastern Michigan as well. Both bands are in the process of recording albums after their music received great reception state and nation wide.

If your into hardcore and are looking for something new head over to www.myspace.com/dreaminstereo and www.myspace.com/iseestarsmusic and take a listen.

Anyways hope everyone is doing well/will be doing well on finals next week its been hectic but it'll all be over soon. Good luck!

Happy Holidays

2008-11-29T01:41:00.004-05:00

Well its around 1:40 and it was a good Thanksgiving, I've got some stuff to put up tomorrow and a few bands to talk about for whoever reads. Till then peace-Mike

A Breath of Fresh Air

2008-11-23T17:02:00.006-05:00

For those of you who haven't heard of My Dear Disco get out of your shell and get to http://dancethink.com as fast as you can. For those of you that have been a part of the experience you know there's only one word to describe them: "Amazing".

This eclectic group out of Ann Arbor, Michigan is quickly becoming one of the most popular live acts in Michigan and the nation. The fast paced heart pumping music they describe simply as "dance-think" sends you on a journey that you wont quickly forget. I had a chance to see them live at Bell's Eccentric Cafe in downtown Kalamazoo last month and their performance was a breath of fresh air into the electronic/techno genre.

The multiple synthesizers combined with perfect vocal harmony and a striking performance from drummer Mike Shea blend with the additional components of the band, and bring you to your feet for the party of a lifetime. It had been a long time since I was able to get out and dance in a room full of crowded people, (I never dance) but the music got me so involved that if i was the only one on the dance floor id be okay with it.

Aside from their many brilliant tracks including the hit "White Lies" they play cover songs that influenced them as musicians. Songs by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Prince and more. The show was one of the best I have seen in a long time, putting a new spin on techno/trance/funk and giving it a fresh modern twist. One of the key components in making their act a success is the fact that they actually play multiple synthesizers on stage. There are far too many bands today that use computers and electronics to make their music, but it always tends to lack any soul or heart when they come on stage and use a laptop to create a beat. The performance was an experience, it was all encompassing, it brought people to their feet, it was true refreshing music.

So what is the point of all of this? Get out there and discover My Dear Disco you wont regret it.

Getting Started

2008-11-23T16:23:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my blog, I recently received the position of Platform 1 Campus Rep for Western Michigan University. I'll be updating shortly as things get started and I am proud to be a member of the team!