This is the latest in a series of running-specific mixes commissioned by Nike. When I started running, I often listened to LCD Soundsystem’s 45:33, which was my first exposure to the series. Although I like LCD Soundsytem, I’m not in love with this mix — it’s a bit too repetitive. In the liner notes for his mix, Aesop Rock writes about the requirements Nike gave:

There had to be a new element every 30 seconds or so (a new riff, a new layer, a new drum pattern) as other elements faded into the distance. Basically, I had to keep the scenery shifting while maintaining the “push.”

It turned out well. I like having a consistent mix to listen to, because it gives me a good idea of how long I’ve been running (without actually looking at the time). Plus, it’s nice to have Aesop Rock telling you “No Surrender” when you’re getting tired.

You can hear a sample of the mix on Aesop Rock’s MySpace.

Amon Tobin - Foley Room

I’ve always been a big fan of Amon Tobin’s dense instrumental music, and his latest doesn’t disappoint. It may be a bit dark for some, but somehow I find it to be a great soundtrack while working. The album’s nothing new or groundbreaking for Tobin, but it’s still quite good.

As of right now, it seems like Amon Tobin’s MySpace is the best place for samples (the official website has an annoying flash interface) — although two of his songs will start playing at the same time (scroll down, there’s a video that autoplays).

The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse

The Besnard Lakes play long rock songs with country tinges — their style reminds me of 2005’s excellent Z by My Morning Jacket. Although the songs are longer, there are only eight tracks so the album is only about 45 minutes long. As with My Morning Jacket, the lack of filler works to the band’s advantage.

Somehow, the MySpace page wins the usability contest for audio samples again. These artist websites are terrible.

Other Releases

A lot of artists I really like are releasing new albums. Sadly, I’ve been mostly disappointed.

• The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible: Not as strong as their great first album, but a solid second album.
• Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha: Good, but doesn’t compare to the Mysterious Production of Eggs.
• Menomena - Friend and Foe: More melodic than their debut; good, but not great.
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - Some Loud Thunder: A few great tracks, but falls flat overall. Theirs was a tough debut to follow.
• Air - Pocket Symphony: Nothing new from these guys, which would be fine if it was as good as their previous stuff. The no longer sound better than the bands that knock them off (ahem, Zero 7).
• LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver: A disappointment. I’ve liked so much of their albums and DFA production that it’s surprising there’s not a single track that stands out for me on this album.

Have I missed anything good?

• Edan - Beauty and the Beat: Diverse and succinct. Best hip-hop album this year.
• My Morning Jacket - Z: Beautiful, country-tinged rock. Much like Edan’s album, elegant and brief with no filler.
• Andrew Bird - The Mysterious Production of Eggs: Consistent, excellent album that reminds me of the best parts of Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and Jon Brion.
• Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary: People compare them to the Arcade Fire for a reason — although I liked Funeral better, this comes close.
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: I avoided this album for a while because of the hype, and then listened to it for a week non-stop. Upbeat, melodic, and consistently strong.
• Cloud Cult - Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus: A brilliant, sprawling, diverse album. I’m surprised this band remains so obscure.
• M.I.A. - Arular
• Four Tet - Everything Ecstatic: Slightly better than The Campfire Headphase
• Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
• DangerDoom - DangerDoom: Has surprising staying power given its gimmicky nature. Got me to watch Adult Swim a few times.

Also notable:

• Kanye West - Late Registration: Maddeningly inconsistent and full of filler, but the few high points make it worth while.
• Go! Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike: Fun and eclectic, but gets old quickly.
• Clor -Clor: Quirky and fun.
• Other “almost-great-but-not-quite” albums of this year: LCD Soundsystem, Run the Road, Franz Ferdinand, Boards of Canada, the White Stripes, Gorillaz, Beck, Spoon …

Once again, there are many albums I haven’t had a chance to listen to: Weareamonster, I Am A Bird Now, and Feels to name just a few. There’s too much good music out there to hear it all.

• DangerDoom - The Mouse and the Mask: Fun, but the skits will get old; not as strong as Madvillainy. Recommended (B+)
• Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine: Not as strong as When the Pawn …, but still Solid (B-)
• The Eels - Blinking Lights and Other Revelations: Should have been edited down to a single album. Solid (B-)
• Andrew Bird - The Mysterious Production of Eggs: Excellent, will remind you of Rufus Wainwright. Highly Recommended (A)
• Kanye West - Late Registration: Still too many skits, some horrible songs, but the highlights make it all worth while. Recommended (B)
• Sufjan Stevens - Illinois: Just because it’s overrated doesn’t mean it’s not worth listening to. Some outstanding tracks, but goes a bit long. Recommended (B)
• Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have it so Much Better: Very similar to last album, and just as good. Recommended (A-)
• The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan: Good, although I grew tired of it quickly. Recommended (B)

M.I.A. seems more confident than the last time I saw her, but her set is still way short, clocking in at 45 minutes (!). Also, she seems to have replaced Diplo another DJ, who kinda resembles Diplo from far away. Beats (and video) were the same as last show — disappointing.

Solid (B) High energy crowd, short set

Aside: This was the first show I’ve seen at the Commodore, which is Vancouver’s version of the Showbox (although it seems larger). The venue was fine, up until the show ended — the place must be a fire risk, it took at least 10 minutes to get out of the building.

Second aside: Due to lack of research, we didn’t know that the Arcade Fire played in Vancouver the same night. Oops.

I really enjoy seeing the Arcade Fire live, their music is excellent and they have great stage energy.

I don’t like seeing shows at the Paramount. The acoustics are mediocre and the advantages of a small venue are lost (e.g. close connection with the performers).

Recommended (B) Great performers, poor venue

I saw Matisyahu, everyone’s favorite beatboxing hasidic reggae artist, at the Showbox. Matisyahu has more talent than you would expect from an artist with a gimmick that screams novelty act. He’s also gained quite a following, this Monday night (all-ages) show was quite packed.

Bonus: I’ve posted a short video of Matisyahu’s beatboxing, for those curious. The audio quality is poor, but that’s expected for a small digital camera.

Recommended (A-) Strong stage presence and energetic crowd entertain when the novelty fades

I don’t typically like shows at large venues, but ended up seeing Coldplay at the White River Ampitheatre thanks to a free box seat (thanks Shar and Dan!).

Perhaps I should re-think my stance on large venues. The sound quality was surprisingly good, the light show well done, crowd energy was high (probably due to the fact that every woman there [and some men] were hoping they could sleep with the lead singer), and the seats were nice (admittedly, that’s an exception).

As part of our VIP treatment, tacos were served.

Recommended (A-) High energy, good sound and lights. Guacamole could have been fresher

For the registered users: Album of the week; all others can read more sensible reviews.

Solid (B) Straightforward, but consistent.

Highlights from this year’s Sasquatch! music festival:

The Arcade Fire

Great energetic hipster sing-a-long. They had some equipment issues (the vocals were tough to hear), but more than made up for it with great stage presence (in spite of the heat). Highly Recommended (A-)

Blue Scholars

Solid hip-hop on the small stage; a good mix of beats and improvisation. Recommended (B+)

Bloc Party

These guys were plagued by equipment troubles, yet still managed to put on a high-energy set (in the noonday desert sun, no less). Recommended (B+)

Others

It was ridiculously hot at the Gorge, I spent a lot of time trying to cool down (and ended up missing many acts). Here are the ones that stuck out the most:

• Jem: Her voice sounds way better on CD. OK (C-)
• Wilco: I’ve seen them a few times now, pretty standard. OK (C+)
• Kanye West: Standard hip-hop set, played a couple of new songs. Solid (B-)
• Modest Mouse: I’m not their biggest fan, but they sound better on CD. OK (C)
• Pixies: Another soul-less set, watching them makes me sad. Avoid (D+)

Like much of the trip-hop from the last decade, this album works well as background music. Manuva’s voice provides good variety, and the beats are all solid — but the album never makes the leap into excellence.

Registered users can form their own opinions (please) through the Album of the Week. Every one else should read more reviews.

Solid (B) More good UK hip-hop, but can be a bit repetitive

• the Automator → Danger Mouse
• Del the Funky Homosapien → Booty Brown, De La Soul, MF Doom, Roots Manuva, and Dennis Hopper
• Miho Hatori → a children’s choir

Despite all these changes, the Gorillaz sound hasn’t changed much. Yes, the beats are a little denser, and the rapping is obviously different, but the album is a straightforward progression from the debut.

Registered users may peruse through the Album of the Week.

Recommended (B+) Some filler, but strong overall

If you think listening to an Extinguished-heavy collection of Prefuse 73 songs at 130 decibels with live drum kits and sweaty hipsters sounds like a good time, then I have the perfect show for you.

Solid (B-) All but super-fans are better served by listening to the albums

Aside: I may have to stop going to shows at Chop Suey — unnecessarily loud.