New Music- Vintage Trouble

Live-wired, straight-shooting, dirty-mouthed, pelvis-pushing juke music. Vintage Trouble are from LA & record in a studio in Venice Beach. Despite playing a style of music firmly rooted in the past, & at this point let’s face it what music isn’t, it feeels almost cutting edge to see the quartet actually enjoying their craft instead of looking like they’d rather hide or burst in to tears, a new band that doesn't pretend their music is impossible to categorize because it’s like nothing else before it or since.

New Music- Jack White... Love Interrupted On Such A Winter's Day

I am a fan of White Stripes & the understated songs that suggest something simpler, but the work of Jack White is not for the faint of heart, speaking of murder plots & doors slamming on fingers, to lost friends & fresh enemies.

Love Interruption is not a song that needs a video, & the grey tones & a simple set in the video does not seem very compelling. What becomes the focal point is not the camera work, but the throaty sound of Ruby Amanfu mixed White’s vocals, a combination that shouldn't work, & almost doesn't. Love Interruption works for me in the midst of winter skies & winter sickness & winter regrets.

I want love to

roll me over slowly

stick a knife inside me,

& twist it all around.

I want love to

grab my fingers gently

slam them in a doorway

put my face into the ground

I want love to

murder my own mother

& take her off to somewhere

like hell or up above.

I want love to

change my friends to enemies,

change my friends to enemies

& show me how it's all my fault.

I wont let love disrupt,

 corrupt or interrupt me

I wont let love disrupt,

 corrupt or interrupt me

I wont let love disrupt,

 corrupt, or interrupt me anymore.

I want love to

walk right up & bite me

grab ahold of me & fight me

leave me dying on the ground.

& I want love to

split my mouth wide open

 & cover up my ears,

& never let me hear a sound.

I want love to,

forget that you offended me

or how you have defended me,

when everybody tore me down.

Yeah I want love to

change my friends to enemies,

change my friends to enemies

& show me how it's all my fault.

I wont let love disrupt,

 corrupt or interrupt me

I wont let love disrupt,

 corrupt or interrupt me

I wont let love disrupt,

 corrupt, or interrupt me anymore.

White

2012

New Music- Rumer

My new musical obession is Rumer. It is 2012, the era of over-produced pop-shlock & along comes a breath of Bacharach sound, blessed with effortless, rich, warm, velvet smooth vocals- Anglo-Pakistani musician- Rumer. I feel as if I have tripped back in time to my first Golden Era, the early-1970s, listening to the sounds of Karen Carpenter & Carole King.

Born in 1979 (!) to British parents living in Islamabad, Sarah Joyce, began writing songs with her 7 brothers & sisters, after finding a huge passion for musicals & Judy Garland. In 2010, she signed to Atlantic Records, changed her name & was personally invited by Burt Bacharach to sing for him at his California home. Her album-Seasons of My Soul was released in 2011 & she was nominated for several Brit Awards. I really dig this. Do you hear what I hear? Do you find her to be a smooth musical flip-side to Adele? She is not a Willis.

This is the February 2012 Mix. I would so burn it for you if you would ask nice.

Alfie- Rumer
Hanuman- Rodrigo y Gabriela
The One That Got Away- Katy Perry
It Will Rain- Bruno Mars
Stare Into The Sun- Graffiti6
I'll Be Around- Seal
License To Kill- Elvis Costello
With God On Our Side- K'naan
Make You Feel My Love (Live)- Adel
Just Like A Woman- Carly Simon
I Want You- Ximena Sarinana
Ghost- Ingrid Michaelson
Slow- Rumer

New Music... Mayer Hawthorne

Mayer Hawthorne is actually Andrew Mayer Cohen. He is a producer, songwriter, arranger, audio engineer, DJ, rapper & multi-instrumentalist based in LA. The stage name "Mayer Hawthorne" is a combination of Cohen's real middle name & the name of the street he grew up on in Ann Arbor. 

My most listened to genre while growing up was Motown & other R&B. No wonder I am loving Hawthorne, who draws influence from the music of Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Barry White, Smokey Robinson & the legendary songwriting & production trio of  Holland–Dozier–Holland.

Hawthorne's song, Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' was featured in the finale episode of Ugly Betty. The song is used in the romantic scene at Betty's good-bye party when Marc asks Troy to dance.

What do you think? I dig it. & Hawthorne is so adorkable.

New Music: Foster The People & Pumped Up Kicks

Foster The People is a 3 man outfit from L.A. with Mark Foster on keyboards, guitars, & vocals; Mark Pontius on drums; & Cubbie Fink on bass & backing vocals. This song was on my March Mix, but it continues to make me happy & get me moving. Totally adorkable!

New Music: Take Me Somewhere by Tennis

New Music... Fitz & The Tantrums

This is so up my alley! I love this retro sound & I can't wait for more. Fitz & The Tantrums’ SONGS FOR A BREAK-UP VOL.1 was recorded entirely in Fitz’s living room in L.A., using one old micraphone. The songs are influenced by late 1960s AM radio, Motown & early Hall & Oates records. Fitz was born in France & moved to L.A. as a child. A soulful voice with infectious songs, Fitz’s music makes me want to grab a tambourine & dance. What do you think?

Good News For A Change... New Music From 2 Of My Favorite New Artists

What is the deal with the 21st Century British Female Soul Singers? Thank the Music Gods for letting the spirit of Dusty Springfield live on, & for having someone to pick up Amy Winehouse when she falls down. Duffy & Adele produce a kind of new Heartbreak Soul that feels good to hear right now. may I share a single by each of them with you?
Duffy is 26 years old & this is the sound that her little Welsh body can produce. Stunning looking & staggerlingly mature music.




Adele's new single is the dark bluesy gospel disco tune- Rolling In The Deep. Adele is an amazing 22 years old. Where does this come from that she can sing like this. I really love this sound.

New Music... Interpol

I had been digging their sound for a few years, & I assumed that they were British, given the petulant delivery & sleek suits... but these are NYC boys. Their music is moody, smart, dryly humorous, & aggressively sophisticated. The members of Interpol come across as notably dispassionate. With their artful scowls and custom-made suits, they can come off like a GQ photo spread. The former quartet is now a trio, but the sound is better than ever.


Interpol, along with the Strokes, & Yeah Yeah Yeahs, are credited with launching a new NYC–centric sound: artsy, smart, urgent. Their 4th album, the self titled- Interpol was released was released last Tuesday, & I downloaded it that day. I have really been engaged by their new songs, the perfect soundtrack for the transition to autumn.



The Post Apocalyptic Bohemian is zany for music.  If you love the tunes like I love the tunes, check out my friend Howard's blog. His site is all about the music.

New Music... Edward Strong & The Magnetic Zeros

This tune really puts me in a good mood & I love songs about home: This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), A House Is Not A Home, Take Me Home, The 2 Of Us, Celebrate Me Home. The Husband gets the credit for this one. Never tiring of telling me what to do, he strongly suggested seeking out Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros. I was just hoping he was talking about a band & not our new neighbors. Their sound is rich, dynamic, eclectic: sort of Radiohead + June Carter + Sgt. Peppers era Beatles + FM friendly come to mind.

I really admire the Husband’s taste in music… & in all things. Here is the groovy video for their song Home:

New Music- Robbie Williams' Shame

I am a Robbie Williams fan & have been since 1990's It Only Takes A Minute by Take That. Here he is with Gary Barlow, his mate from Take That. I really dig the song & the Brokeback Mountain homage. From Robbie's In & Out Of Consciousness-Greatest Hits 1990-2010.

New Music... Tokyo Police Club

I am zany for this song & video. The boys are so adorkable & emo-rrific. They look they are practicing in one of the boy's rec room. I am zany for canines, & love the idea of all the neighbor dogs taking off to commandeer a swimming pool for their party. We live in Dogtown with 14 dogs on our block. I wonder if Larry & Junior have canine party time when we are not around.

The band is Tokyo Police Club from Ontario, Canada. All procedes from the song & video go to ASPCA. Their new album is- CHAMP, check it out. The boys are touring all summer & are playing Seattle tonight.

New Music: Who Died & Made You King Of Anything?

This is my current favorite song, with personal resonance for me. It was written & performed by young & pretty Californian- Sara Bareilles. & no, Husband...there is no veiled reference to you.





Keep drinking coffee,
stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I’d say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet & count the cars that pass by


You’ve got opinions, man
We’re all entitled to ‘em, but I never asked
So let me thank you for your time,
& try not to waste anymore of mine
& get out of here fast


I hate to break it to you babe,
but I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save
Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?


So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died & made you king of anything?


You sound so innocent,
 all full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to jump up on board with you
& ride off into your delusional sunset


I’m not the one who’s lost with no direction
But you’ll never see
You’re so busy making maps with my name on them in all caps
You got the talking down, just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
who died & made you king of anything?


All my life I’ve tried to make everybody happy
While I just hurt & hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to decide


Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?

So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died & made you king of anything?


Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?

So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died & made you king of anything?


Let me hold your crown, babe.

New Music... Charlie Winston

In Your Hands. As I pondered this country's anti-immigrint era that we live in, this song really held my attention with its great hooks & powerful message.

New Music- Call On Me

June means many things at Post Apocalyptic Bohemia. This month in Portland can bring the start of summer (last year we had several days in the 90s), but more often, we are forced to endure "Junuary", with tempertures in the 40s & 50s. We have had a fire in the fireplace during the last week of June.

One thing that is certain. June is a month that I become unabashedly & unapologetically GAY. Gay Pride is the 3rd weekend of this month in Portland. The stereo will be blaring disco & showtunes at our little hovel. How nice then to start off June with the new single- Call On Me from Andy Bell. The Erasure alumni has a new album- Non-Stop will be released next Tuesday. I consider this to be a sign of good things to come. Great video!

New Music... Portland's Own Broken Bells & Hockey

I am absolutley zany for the Portland bands: Hockey & Broken Bells. I think they both have the potential to break out in a major way. Hockey has played the Bonnaroo Festival & apperaed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. They are currently on tour in Europe.

Broken Bells has quite the pedigree. The band is a collaboration with artist/producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) & James Mercer, the lead vocalist & guitarist for the Portland indie rock band The Shins. The pair decided to work together after finding they were fans of each other's work.

Portland has an eclectic & vibrant music scene. Some of the Portland music scene: The Crazy 8s, The Dandy Warhols, Everclear, Storm Large, Courtney Love, The Shins, Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, M. Ward, Viva Voce, Laura Veirs, Frank Black, Mat Kearney, Sleater-Kinney, Nu Shooz, Chris Botti, Johnny Marr  (The Smiths)  Ana Matronic (Scissor Sisters), the late great-  Elilott Smith, &  the most adored- Pink Martini.

New Music

I am a big fan of the Brooklyn band Vampire Weekend with openly gay member- Rostam Batmanglij. Their new album Contra was released early this year. This song is on the Husband’s current exclusive- Just For Him Mix. Their parents seemed to have played Paul Simon’s Graceland a great deal when these lads were infants.

New Music... LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

When was it that Brooklyn became the center for all things hip? When I lived in NYC in the mid-1970s, Brooklyn was Nowheresville. I spent the Naughty Aughts loving various Brooklyn bands: GRIZZLY BEAR, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, MGMT, ST. VINCENT, VAMPIRE WEEKEND. My love affair with LCD SOUNDSYSTEM's dance/punk continues into the new decade with the release of their new album- This is Happening with the nasty little single- Drunk Girls. I totally dig it, even if I would be shunned by the Brooklyn hipsters (correct, Little Jake?). LCD Soundsystem is the musical project of American producer James Murphy, co-founder of the label- DFA Records.

Filthy Gorgeous... New Music From Scissor Sisters

New Music from Scissor Sisters! It has been 4 years since Ta-Dah, & I have been craving some Scissor Sisters & a chance to see lead singer/songwriter Jake Shears in action again. I have a little bit of a crush, what can I say? Scissor Sisters' new album- Night Work, is produced in collaboration with Stuart Price, & will be released on June 28th. The album is described by Shears as "supersexual & sleazy", Scissor Sisters is the queerest band since Abba. They carry on in the tradition of ABBA, the Bee Gees, Blondie, KC & the Sunshine Band, Duran Duran , Supertramp, & 1980s era David Bowie.

Jake Shears grew up in Friday Harbor, in San Juan Island, Washington state, one of the most beautiful places on the planet. He went to high school in Seattle & started his career in the city that I got through the 1980s & 1990s living in. I like to think I would see him wondering around Capital Hill. I love his style & I love his luscious singing voice. When asked if the especially fine ass on the cover is his very own, Shears stated- “No, no, no. I wish. It's a ballet dancer named Peter Reed, who died in 1986. It's a Robert Mapplethorpe photograph. He represents a time period that we're drawing a lot of inspiration from on this album - the light & the darkness, the hedonism & liberation & tragedy of the 80s.”

With a new album being released & the opening of the new musical version of Tales Of The City opening at ACT in San Fransisco this summer, Jake has been a busy boy. The musical, based on my very favorite books by Armistead Maupin features a score & lyrics by Jake Shears & John Garden of Scissor Sisters & a book by Oregon’s own Jeff Whitty (a Tony Award winner for Avenue Q), & is directed by Jason Moore (Shrek the Musical, Avenue Q). This is going to be one big gay musical, because musicals are just not gay enough.

New Music

One of my young wards came to me with this song: "Stephen, you have got to hear this song. You are gonna love it. It is has a sound that is early U2 mixed with The Smiths!" I bounced back with- "hmmm, let's see. Early U2 was guitar driven anthems & The Smiths produced tight, little art songs about being miserable. I think it would be an unlikely crossbreed!' I get home & connect to Itunes. My boy is correct. U2 + The Smiths! I am zany for this song. Repeated listening makes me love it more. It is one of those songs that seems like  the songwriter has been reading my diary.

The Temper Trap (great band name, they should do a cover of The Tender Trap) is made up of 4 members from Melbourne, Australia. I also hear a bit of Radiohead, Prince, & Massive Attack, but I think that they are onto an original sound. Sweet Disposition is sweet inspiration for spring music mixes.