Podcast 14 - ACL 2010

When it comes to music festivals in Austin, you can trust me to help you navigate the sea of unknown artists. Just like I did for SXSW, I have listened to every artist coming to ACL and put together a mix of those essentially unknown artists that I think deserve a little more attention. Since I only had time for 8 songs there are obviously some people missing. So in addition to those on the mix, here are the rest of my picks for the show.

Beats Antique
Deadmau5
Balmorhea
Matt & Kim
Kinky
Ozomatli
Manchester Orchestra
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
The National
Ruby Jane


Notethat you can go to the ACL website and preview songs from every band. That was my main source.

If you're goin, enjoy the show, and if not, well, maybe next year.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron



Track List
1. Heart of My Own by Basia Bulat on Heart of My Own
2. Like a Bird, Like a Plane by Charlie Mars on Like a Bird, Like a Plane
3. Spanish Sahara by Foals on Total Life Forever
4. Crystalized by The xx on xx
5. Wonder by Dan Black on UN
6. Silvia by Miike Snow on Miike Snow
7. Hurricane Season by Trombone Shorty on Backatown
8. Safe and Sound by Rebelution on Courage to Grow

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 13 - Darkness

Oooo scary number 13. Actually it's more of a Charlie Murphy reference than anything sinister. "F*ck yo'r couch!"

Anyway, I've tried to put together a collection of what some people might call dark jazz but I really don't know what to call it. It's great for driving around, studying, or probably even plotting schemes in your basement. I've been into these type of tunes for a long time so it was really fun getting to go back and dig out tracks from the old collection.

A present from me to you on my birthday. Now how awesome is that?

Enjoy and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron



Track List
1. Ricky's Theme by The Beastie Boys on Ill Communication
2. Building Steam with a Grain of Salt by DJ Shadow on Endtroducing...
3. My First Song Here by DJ Egadz on Sad Music Makes Me Happy
4. Que Tu by Alif Tree on Clockwork
5. Sound of the Ghost by Clutchy Hopkins on Walking Backwards
6. Lonely Souls by UNKLE on Psyence Fiction
7. Basique by Little People on The Mickey Mouse Operation
8. Transitions by The Beastie Boys on Ill Communication

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 12 - Guitar

After the jazz trio podcast I was really feeling like the guitar needed some recognition. I think ya'll are really gonna like this one. Instead of speaking generally about the whole mix I'd rather expand a little on just a couple of the songs (and what they have to do with my upcoming birthday). When I record the audio commentary, I am somewhat limited because while I may have a whole long story about why I picked that song, I don't want to interrupt the music for the five minutes it would take to properly tell the tale. There is also the problem that I just forget to mention things I meant to mention. For example, during the 10th podcast, I meant to let everyone know that the podcast has been downloaded on all continents but Africa and Antarctica and I want to send out a special thanks to my listeners in Australia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Greece, Italy, Brazil and all my other international fans out there.


I should also say, not only are there things that I forget to say but there are songs I forget to include. The last track on this podcast is a good example. I had finished everything and then remembered it and I just couldn't hold it back. I love it too much. Some of you who are more familiar with my tastes may notice a glaring omission from this guitar focused podcast. It's another case of my forgetfulness but don't worry, that incredible album recorded at Luther College will make an appearance soon.


So there are two groups here that I hold close to my heart. For the first it all started, strangely enough, with my all time favorite band Dispatch. My roommate and I had gone down to LA to see a screening of the live Dispatch dvd at the Knitting Factory and then we were treated to a bonus performance by Dave Pransky, Braddigan, and one other guy who I can't remember. Braddigan was the drummer for Dispatch as well as singing, playing guitar and whatever else (played guitar and sang at this show). If aren't familiar with Dispacth, it was an amazing three person group and they were always switching instruments and changing who was in the lead. Anyway, after the show we got to talk to them for a bit and at some point Brad told us that if we were into acoustic guitar music we had to go buy the album Friday Night in San Francisco. Wow, was he right. When I was putting this podcast together I did a little Youtube searching to see if I could find video of the guys playing the included track. Amazingly enough I found actual footage of that Friday night in San Fran. The video quality leaves something to be desired but it was recorded on video in mid August of 1981 so what do you expect. Here's the link. How cool is Youtube?


Now on the to the most important part, my birthday this year. Rodrigo y Gabriela are playing Stubbs on Friday September 3rd and I am adopting that show as my official birthday party. So come out for dinner at one of the awesome food trailers during First Friday over at Starving Art and then lets go get blown away by these virtuosos. If you've never seen them, here is a video just to wet you appetite.


Enjoy and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron



Track List
1. Rumba Mediterranea by Seis Cuerdas on Vivencias
2. Luna Flamenca by Benise on Spanish Nights
3. Just One of Those Things by Continental Graffiti on KLRU In Context: Jazz In Austin
4. Gone, Just Like a Train by Bill Frisell on Gone, Just Like a Train
5. A Go Go by Scofield, Medeski, Martin, and Wood on A Go Go
6. Hora Zero by Rodrigo y Gabriela on 11:11
7. Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho by John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, and Paco de Lucia on Friday Night in San Francisco
8. Day at the Beach by Joe Satriani on Flying in a Blue Dream

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 11 - Aceyalone

I've got something a little different set up for this episode. Instead of organizing around some musical theme, I've decided to focus on just one artist. The result is basically a retrospective of the 20 plus year career of my favorite emcee, Aceyalone. Note, I don't call it a greatest hits. He's got so many good tracks covering such a wide variety of sounds that instead of dictate what I think are his best tracks, I really wanted to just give the uninitiated a broad overview and a good place to start looking to find more of what most appeals to them. For those that are already fans, well, ya'll can just get excited. This mix is good.

Aceyalone came up in LA during the late 80's. He, along with a number of other amazing emcees, got his real start at The Good Life Cafe. The Good Life was a health food store in south central that had an open mic night from 8-10 on Thursday nights. There were rules, such as no cussing among others, to help foster real creativity. The music that came out of The Good Life was basically the exact opposite of the music LA became know for, NWA and all the other gansta rap. Also worth mentioning, that many credit these guys with the invention of "freestyling".

There's a great documentary about it called "This is the Life: How the West was One". You can get it on Netflix. Highly recommended.

Enjoy and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron


Track List
1. The Guidelines by Aceyalone on A Book of Human Language
2. Mic Check (Kemo Remix) by Aceyalone on All Balls Don't Bounce (Revisited)
3. Disconnected by Aceyalone & RJD2 on Magnificent City
4. Hardship by Aceyalone on Accepted Eclectic
5. Workin' Man Blues ft. Bionik by Aceyalone on The Lonely Ones
6. Eazy ft. Chali 2na by Aceyalone on Lightning Strikes
7. Cornbread by Freestyle Fellowship on Innercity Griots
8. Makeba by Aceyalone on All Balls Don't Bounce (Revisited)
9. Options ft. Aceyalone by Myka 9 on 1969
10. Mike, Aaron, and Eddie by Haiku D'Etat on Coup de Theatre

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

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- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 10 - The Jazz Trio

Thanks for stickin' in there during this delay. Between vacationing, losing my microphone, and a little spontaneous computer failure, it's been quite a task to get this one out for ya'll but here it is, podcast number 10! To mark the occasion, I have put together, what I think is a really special mix, focusing on jazz in one of it's simplest manifestations, the trio. Easily one of my favorite forms, jazz trios have put together some of my absolute favorite tunes which, I have included here. Really, almost every piece presented has been my favorite song at one point or another. I get goosebumps just thinking about some of them.

I wanted to take a moment to remember an amazing piano player and all around jazz great who passed away in May, Hank Jones. The older brother of famed drummer Elvin and composer Thad, Hank was the last of the Joneses. While I certainly can't say I have known his work all along or anything like that, I did know him as the piano player on one of the first jazz albums I bought. I bought The Great Jazz Trio's album 's Wonderful around 2006 and really connected with it. I played their version of "Take Five" on a previous podcast but truly the whole cd is outstanding. While the list of his accomplishments since his birth in 1918 could be a book in and of itself, one thing he is known for that almost anyone, jazz fan or not, might like to know is that he was playing the accompanying piano when Marylin Monroe sang happy birthday to JFK.

So anyway, thanks again for listening. Making these ten mixes has been a blast. I love hearing what people think and the recommendations people have given me. I'm really enjoying this so expect the podcasts to keep coming.

Don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron


Track List
1. Wave by The Ahmad Jamal Trio on The Awakening
2. Fly Me to the Moon by Eldar on Eldar
3. Question and Answer by The Roy Haynes Trio on The Roy Haynes Trio
4. Diamonds and Pearls by The Marcin Wasilewski Trio on January
5. Eighty-Eight Days in My Veins by E.S.T. (Esjorn Svensson Trio) on Viaticum
6. Pinzin Kinzin by The Avishai Cohen Trio on Gently Disturbed
7. Mami Gato by Medeski, Martin, and Wood on End of the World Party (Just in Case)

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 9 - Punk Rock

Making a sharp shift from the electronic tunes of the previous edition, this Memorial Day weekend it's all about punk rock. I should say, there is nothing on here from the 70's New York or London punk scenes. Nope, these songs are all from my teen years to present and they rock. You'll notice a loose San Diego theme here. So many punk bands that I love have come from southern California, specifically San Diego. So this podcast is dedicated to all my San Diego friends, who spent their hard earned high school allowances on enough cd's and concert tickets that these bands got big enough for me to hear about them all the way over in Austin, TX.

I know we've been pretty high energy here for a while. I promise to mellow it out at some point but for now I hope you're ready to rock, because this podcast is fast and furious.



Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron


track list
1. Teenage Suicide by Unwritten Law on Unwritten Law
2. Letter Home by Strung Out on Blackhawks Over Los Angeles
3. I Want to Conquer the World by Bad Religion on All Ages
4. The Meaning of Life by The Offspring on Ixnay on the Hombre
5. Mr. Amsterdam by Sum 41 on Does This Look Infected
6. Panic Song by Green Day on Insomniac
7. Wasting Time by Blink 182 on Cheshire Cat
8. Stay With Me by Finch on What It Is to Burn
9. Jude Law and a Semester Abroad by Brand New on Your Favorite Weapon
10. Matchbook by Strung Out on Twisted by Design

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 8 - Coachella

Several weeks ago I was fortunate enough to make it out to Indio, Ca, a three hour drive east of LA, for the annual Coachella music festival. This was my second time going and let me just say, it was awesome. There were so many good acts but for me the focus was really on the incredible array of sweet techno acts playing. I should mention that I have already been harassed by the music genre labeling police for using the term techno is this manner. Apparently techno is only supposed to refer to some very specific sub genre of electronic music. However, language is fluid and I use the term to refer to electronic dance music but I digress. Either way, it's a genre of music that I haven't gotten to see many good shows of lately. I have put together a mix of some of my favorites from this year's Coachella as well as a couple tracks from the last one I went to back in 2006 when it was only a two day event. This is a high energy mix so use with caution.


In the podcast I refer to a video I took during the Kaskade show. Here's the link: Kaskade at Coachella 2010


As always, the album art on the mp3 file contains the track list but I know sometime Itunes won't display the proper track list for the podcast that is playing so I am including the track list in blog entry. I have also posted all previous track lists to their respective blog entries.


Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists.


Aaron




track list
1. Kaleidoscope (Extended Version) by Tiesto on Kaleidoscope
2. Angel on My Shoulder (EDX's Belo Horizonte at Night Remix) by Kaskade w/ Tamra on The Grand
3. Ghosts N Stuff (Original Mix) by Deadmau5 on Ghosts N Stuff Single
4. Monday (The Glitch Mob Remix) by Nalepa
5. Total Fascination by Pretty Lights on Making Up a Changing Mind EP
6. Out of the Dark by Hybrid on Morning Sci-Fi
7. Human After All/Together/One More Time (reprise)/Music Sounds Better With You by Daft Punk on Alive 2007 (bonus disc)


Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 7 - SXSW Recap

I am still in a bit of awe at just how awesome SXSW was. I've never experienced anything like that before. It was great to walk all over downtown Austin, everywhere from the Scoot Inn over on the east side to that awesome 24hr diner with the chicken and waffles on 6th and Lamar. I heard some much new music and discovered so many new venues. If you've never gone, you gotta go. Anyway enough gushing, I put together a little compilation here to bring some of that excitement to your ears. These are all from bands whose shows I saw and thought were incredible. Some of the tracks are from the SXSW mixes but I've also got some new stuff on there from artists whose albums I've actually bought. Turn this mix up loud and go enjoy some of the great spring weather.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron

Tracklist:

1. Bourbon Lassi by Akasha on Into ... Akasha

2. I'll Get You (Gigamesh Remix) by Gigamesh ft. Jeppe on Kitsune: I'll Get You Remixes

3. Nigeria What? by dEbruit on Spatio Temporel EP

4. Hermetico by Balkan Beat Box on Nu Med

5. Put Em Up by Soulico ft. Lyrics Born and Axum on Exotic on the Speaker

6. Olvidalo by Brownout on Aguilas and Cobras

7. Bienvenidos by Systema Solar

8. Fuego by Bomba Estereo on Blow Up

9. Crossbow by More or Les and Fresh Kils on The Les Kils - EP

10. Hi - 808 by Blue Scholars on Oof! EP

11. San Francisco Knights by People Under the Stairs on The Cat

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

SXSW Edition: Volume 1 - The Independednt @ 501 Studios

Do you ever just feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of bands that descend on Austin for South by Southwest (SXSW)? Do you wish someone would just make a short mix of a few bands that really match what type of music you are looking for? Well your wish has come true. Last Wednesday, I got my hands on a 5 gig torrent containing songs by over 1000 of the bands playing at SXSW. (It’s all legal. You can get it here http://torrentfreak.com/sxsw-2010-on-bittorrent-3-35-gb-of-free-music-100306/ ) Since then I have gone through every single song, over 60 hours of music, and cut that number down to one hundred solid tunes spanning all genres. From those hundred songs I have compiled 13, thirty minute, mixes organized by genre so you can get right to what you want to hear. I should say though, all this music is incredible so I encourage trying something new.

In order to get this huge amount of music out so quickly I have left off the commentary but have still included the track lists as album art as well as below in the volume descriptions. If you like the tunes, go out and see the shows and buy the music. Remember, these are the artists still trying to get that first break. To that end, please, forward this to anyone and everyone you know that is going to SXSW to help them make the most out of the experience.

I’ve put a lot of time and effort in to putting this collection together and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it has turned out. Thanks for listening and enjoy.

Aaron

Volume 1 – The Independent @ 501 Studios

To start, I had to do a special mix highlighting the incredible hip hop themed line up at The Independent @ 501 Studios. It is the one venue that has a ton of artists who I have known and loved for years. I dug into my own collection a bit for this one because I already had at least half these guys lined up to be on future hip hop podcasts. #’s 3,4,8,and 10 cannot by missed.

Also, there are even more artists playing The Independent on other volumes of the podcast. I have marked them accordingly.

1. Sirens by A-Alikes

2. Trouble by Planet Asia ft. Tristate

3. Blowin Wax by People Under the Stairs

4. Aw Naw Remix by Nappy Roots

5. Dance Sucka! By Blacklisted Individuals

6. Volcano by Anti-Pop Consortium

7. Motor Music by Finale

8. Reality Check by Binary Star (One Be Lo)

9. Holla Like U Know Me by Black Milk ft. Que Diesel

10. 93 ‘Til Infinity by Souls of Mischief

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to aPodcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

SXSW Edition: Volume 2 – Dance Grooves

I am really at a loss when it comes to finding labels for this mix. It starts with a Latin feel and moves into almost afro-beat with the incredible song “Nigeria What” then slips into something Indian and finishes with house/disco. However you feel about it, your feet are gonna be move and your body sawyin.

1. Un Canto de Mi Tierra by Quantic and his Combo Barbaro

2. Olivdalo by Brownout

3. Calypso Town by Sol Okarina

4. Nigeria What? dEbruit

5. Bourbon Lassi by AkashA

6. Varanda by Alessandra Leao

7. Cross the Dancefloor by Treasure Fingers

8. I’ll Get You (Gigamesh Remix) by Gigamesh ft. Jeppe

SXSW Edition: Volume 3 - Mellower Grooves

Slightly toned down from the previous volume was the idea for this mix. I don’t think that really worked out quite right though. It’s just different. Deeper might be a way to describe it. If volume 2 is playing outside all day and night, volume 3 is bumpin inside.

1. Beauty Beats by Beats Antique

2. Koli Stance by Sub Swara

3. Brueke Beat by Tuh-nie & Gnaws

4. Boom Clack by Jon Kennedy

5. Tey Know What Ghost Know by Yppah

6. P-Funk Skank (Nadastrom Remix) by Nadastrom

7. Be With You Kam Franklin

8. Jr. Kong Pt. 2 by Grimy Styles

9. Lo Mas by Hermano L

SXSW Edition: Volume 4 - Fun Rock

What other way is there to describe music like the Arctic Monkeys or Vampire Weekend?

1. Volcano by Jupiter One

2. Fight the Start by Kilians

3. Back and Forth (Part 2) by The Bright Light Social Hour

4. You and Me by Attack! Attack!

5. Austin’s Birthday by the Burning Hotels

6. Lowiza by the Lovely Feathers

7. Stick Up Kids by Bad Rabbits

8. Check My Mind by Woot

9. Party People by Winter Gloves

10. As Long As I’m Sinning by So What

11. Ballad of a Shallow Man by Kiernan McMullan

SXSW Edition: Volume 5 - More Fun Rock

Again, this was supposed to just be more mellow version of the previous mix but this bunch of bands just has too much energy. While these maybe a bit more subdued at times, don’t expect to relax.

1. In Spain by Vadoinmessico

2. Modern Drift by Efterklang

3. The Takers by Barcelona

4. Selene by Imagine Dragons

5. She’s Got You by Cosmo Jarvis

6. New Goodbye by Hey Rosetta!

7. Road Regrets by Dan Mangan

8. Sing by Sounds Under Radio

9. Losing the Signal by XV (@ The Independent)

SXSW Edition: Volume 6 - Rock Harder

We open here with a new punk anthem and then find some Japanese ska on our way to instrumental surf rock with the spectacular finale of Austin own Eagle Claw with their spectacular instrumental metal.

1. Skeleton Key by Banner Pilot

2. You’re a Fake by I am Empire

3. Heads Up, Hearts down by I Fight Dragons

4. Perro Come Perro by Superlitio

5. Mark of Excellence by Verona

6. Toki by JinnyOops!

7. Raga Nova by Yahowha 13

8. Surfing Tuba by Boom Pam

9. Helm by Eagle Claw

SXSW Edition: Volume 7 - Electro and Latin Rock

I can’t lie. This is two mixes in one. First there is electro rock in the same vein as Digitalism and then we have an abrupt shift to some Latin/Spanish/Western rock. What can I say? The world doesn’t always fit into our nice little labeled boxes but who’s gonna complain?

1. Pockets by Woodhands

2. Hotwax by Viva City

3. I Can Make You Feel It by Home Video

4. Bone Deep by The Walls

5. Sweet Maria by Vallejo

6. Soul Company by Hogni

7. Temptation by Girls Guns and Glory

8. Subete! BY Vitera

SXSW Edition: Volume 8 - Hip Hop to Make You Move

I said before that the beat is the most important part of a hip hop track for me. Well these are some bangers that will have the crowd jumpin.

1. Bienvenidos by Systema Solar

2. Can’t Stop by Ozomatli

3. Costa Rica by Bomba Estereo

4. War Again by Balkan Beat Box

5. Exotic on the Speaker by Soulico ft. Rye Rye

6. Pop N Chips by More Or Less

7. Rizzla by Jovi Rockwell

8. Jukebox by Kidz in the Hall

9. DJ Felli Fel’s Get Buck in Here (Villians Remix) by Villians

10. Humdrum Town by Theophilus London

SXSW Edition: Volume 9 - Krunk Music

I’m from Texas. How could I not have a fully bassed out volume to rattle your trunk?

1. Government Name (Spontaneous Lover) by Rockwell Knuckles (@ The Independent)

2. Streets Love Me by Big Sid

3. Swagga Jack’n by Balance (@ The Independent)

4. Salt Shaker by Damaged Good$ (@ The Independent)

5. Superbad by Diamond

6. Loftin n Austin by Da C.O.D.

7. Hi- 808 by Blue Scholars

8. “Grassroots!” Campaign by Truth Universal (@ The Independent)

9. Fire by B-Real of Cypress Hill

SXSW Edition: Volume 10 - Lyricists Let Loose

The word is the basis of rap. This form can be used to deliver a powerful message for grand ideas of social change or more prosaic notions of who’s more bad but either way lyricism is key.

1. Which Side Are You On? By Rebel Diaz

2. Don’t Sleep by Invincible

3. I Wish by YelaWolf ft. Raekwon

4. What It Be Like by Freddie Gibbs

5. New Sheriff in Town by Solillaquists of Sound (@ The Independent)

6. Proper Aim by Souls Of Mischief (@ The Independent)

7. 1977 by Anita Tijoux

8. Revolution by J-Boogie ft. Lyrics Born and The Mamaz

9. Your Friend Will by MC Frontalot

10. The Sea Is Rising by Bliss N Eso

SXSW Edition: Volume 11 - Balmorhea and other Soundscapes

There is nothing closer to looking at a painting, gazing out over an amazing view, or just letting the colors of your imagination run wild than listening to the soundscapes presented by these incredible musicians.

1. Schones Madchen by Hauschka

2. Bowspirit by Balmorhea

3. The Beast by Gadarene

4. Evil Genius by Michael Feinberg

5. Goblin Attack! by Two Star Symphony

6. Spectrum of the Sky by Break of Reality

7. Mr. Brightside by ELEW

8. Death of a President by Dustin O’Halloran

SXSW Edition: Volume 12 – Singer/Songwriter

You may know what’s coming here but somehow that still never detracts from the allure of a female (or male, there’s two guys in there) voice with minimal accompaniment. We start with the rather troubling but move up to a lighter finish.

1. Whistling Past the Graveyard by The Trishas

2. The Mistress by Amelia Curran

3. Gimme a Call by Tommy Reilly

4. Say Goodbye by Sophie Barker

5. Divide and Conquer Vandaveer

6. Broken Headlights Joey Ryan

7. If I Were a Tree by Forest City Lovers

8. Carousel by Julia Marcell

SXSW Edition: Volume 13 – Singer/Songwriter plus a Band

While that allure is duly noted, you know I love a drummer and actually just a full band. Not that all these have that but there is more to the music here than on volume 12. Check out the cover by Mads Langer of the trace anthem originally by Olive.

1. Get Up and Go by Broadcast 2000

2. Gold Rush by Basia Bulat

3. Compass by Venice is Sinking

4. Salvation by Scanners

5. Pills by Jen Wood

6. All the Same to Me by Anya Marina

7. My Heart is a Drummer by Allo Darlin

8. You’re Not Alone by Mads Langer

Podcast 6 - Hip Hop

Hip hop, rap, whatever you wanna call it, refers to a huge body of music. Really, calling something rap is about as descriptive as calling something rock. A good portion of people however, seem to be unaware of the manifold styles which make up this form. Whenever I listen to rap there are basically three main components that go into making a song I like. For me personally, the beat is probably the most important. Most of the time when we think of a rap song we only think of the emcee (MC - master of ceremonies) in the same way we only think of the lead singer or lead guitarist in a rock band. I'm no different. I don't know the names of basically any of the guys that make the beats for songs I love. It's a shame but it's just the way it is and it doesn't mean I love their beats any less. The second part is the rhyme. The rhyme is all about delivery and is much more than just the lyrics. Lyrics are the third part. If the cadence, rhythm, speed, and creativity of word melding is right, it can make up for the most banal lyrics about the most prosaic topics. This is why party rap can be so good.

So with that in mind check out the podcast, especially if you're someone that thinks you don't like hip hop. I've tried to put a good variety in there and would be really surprised if you can't find at least one track that you are really into. And for those hip hop heads out there, well, you're in for a treat. This podcast will remind you of some of the greats you maybe haven't listened to in a while and I'm sure there's something new on there for you too. Enjoy.

One last thing, in the podcast I reference a website for Zeale. The url is http://www.zealerapz.com. He's playing this Friday at Lambert's. If I were you, I'd go.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron

Tracklist:

1. Return of the "G" by Outkast on Aquemeni

2. Speed Law by Mos Def on Black on Both Sides

3. Deception by Blackalicious on Nia

4. Stop Complaining (Morcheba/Capricorn II Mix) by Lyrics Born on Same !@#$ Different Day

5. ...And I'm Out by Galactic ft. Mr. Lif on From the Corner to the Block

6. Thynk Eye Can (Haiku D'Etat Mix) by Abstract Rude on Rejuvenation

7. Classic by Hieroglyphics on Full Circle

8. After Hours (Extended Euro Mix) by Living Legends on The Gathering

9. 1st Class by Zeale on Microphone of Time

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 5 - Jazz: An Introduction

Jazz has become a huge area of interest for me over the last couple years. There is of course, a great deal of ambiguity as to what "jazz" means but instead of delving into that let's just note that fact and move on. It's funny to think that before 2005, I listened to essentially none. I thought it was all slow trumpet or old, big swing band stuff. While that never piqued my interest, I always kind of figured that I didn't really have any qualms with the genre. As with so many types of music, I just hadn't heard the right songs yet. So if you're new to the area, I think I've got some tunes to ease you in. Or if you're already deeply immersed, I bet there's some stuff you haven't heard before. Either way, prepare to hear genius.

Also, I didn't get a chance to actually put their song on this podcast but I wanted to share with you a song by Continental Graffiti, a local jazz group, which features the former guitarist and singer from 8 1/2 Souvenirs, Olivier Giraud. It was shot for a PBS program called iN Contex, and the quality of the video is incredible. This is just one example of the incredible talent that is consistently on display in Austin.

Continental Graffiti - Just One of Those Things

If you have questions or comments, please don't hesitate to post them to the blog. And finally, I've had a few people ask if they can share this podcast with other people. Simply put, YES! Please do. My whole reason for making this a podcast is to enable sharing. Thanks to this sharing, in the last month, the podcast was downloaded by people in the UK, Australia, and Thailand. That's awesome, but I know we can do better.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to support the artists,

Aaron

Tracklist:

1.Ocean Wave by Jack DeJohnette & Foday Musa Suso on Music from the Hearts of Masters

2.Take Five by The Great Jazz Trio on 's Wonderful

3.Raoul by Roy Haynes Quartet on Out of the Afternoon

4.Last Chance to Dance Trance (Perhaps) by Medeski, Martin, and Wood on Friday Afternoon in the Universe

5.Smash by Avishai Cohen Trio on Continuo

6.Melancholy Melody by Esthero on Wikked Lil' Grrrls

Same old directions on how to access the podcast

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 4 - Dubstep

It's a cold and rainy morning in Austin. Luckily, I've got just what you need, a bangin' fourth podcast. In this episode I have tried to share a bit of my exploration of a genre that is relatively new to me, dubstep. It's been a couple years since I first heard the name dubstep but recently I feel like it has reached a tipping point in US popularity because I am hearing it all over, in many different forms. Dubstep started and has been huge for a while in the UK. It's quite a jump from the bluegrass you heard last time but that's what the Active Listener Podcast is all about.

I forgot to mention during the first track that the artist, Ultragamma, a Canadian producer, made a mixtape for the Curb-Crawlers blog that you can download for free. If you're into the music on the podcast, I highly recommend the mix. You can see the tracklist on Ultragamma's myspace here (http://www.myspace.com/ultragamma) or you can just get it here( http://thecurbcrawlers.com/audio/2009/aug/CCMIXTAPE1.mp3 ) Right-click and "Save Link as..." to save the mp3 to your computer instead of streaming.

Thanks for listening. Don't forget to support the artists.

Tracklist:

1. Stars Collapse by Ultragamma on Resident Advisor Podcast by Falty DL

2. Archangel by Burial on Untrue

3. How You Like Me Now? (Joker Remix) by Heavy on How You Like Me Now?

4. Heartifact by Magic Heart Genies on Heartifact

5. Fail by Druley on Fail

6. Art of Revolution by Bassnectar on Art of Revolution EP

7. Scapegoat by Randomer on Scapegoat

8. Parisian Goldfish by Flying Lotus on Los Angeles

Same old directions on how to access the podcast.

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

- Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2. Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find the link that says “Play Now” under the desired podcast and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I release a new podcast.

Podcast 3 - Bluegrass

Happy New Year,

Bluegrass is another of those genres which, for a long time, I thought I didn't like. Really though I just hadn't heard the good stuff. I bet I can get you hooked in the next half hour, if you aren't already. As usual, I am making very liberal use of the genre label so theres something new for everyone. Enjoy.

Check out the track list, complete with logo, that is the album artwork on the mp3. Thank you Beth for the design work (thank you plug... www.wondercraft.com www.pairedhearts.com). The last two podcasts files have also been updated so if you redownload them the track lists will be attached.

Tracklist:

1. Smoothie Song by Nickel Creek on This Side

2. B Song by Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer on Live from Bonnaroo 2002 DVD

3. Big Country by Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Mike Marshall on Uncommon Ritual

4. Lover’s Leap by Bela Fleck & The Flecktones on Live at the Quick

5. Mountain by Bela Fleck and Chick Corea on The Enchantment

6. Eureka! by Chris Thile on Not All Who Wander Are Lost

7. Glass Eye by Milkdrive on Live ‘09

8. Slopes by Strength in Numbers on The Telluride Sessions

Same old directions on how to access the podcast:

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

-Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box:http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2.Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find spot that says play and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name then download. This needs to be done each time I realease a new podcast.

Podcast 2 - Austin Local

Merry Christmas.

Episode 2 is ready for download. This time I have focused on the local scene in my home town, Austin, TX, the live music capital of the world.

Tracklist:

Dancin’	LAX	L
Do That Danze	Zeale	Haterz and Robotz Mixtape
Long Way Home	Boombox ATX	Feel the Boombox
About:Skank	About:Blank	Rise
Lie to Me	Odis	Feel
Voodoo Woman	The Reddies	Cultivation
The Call of the Milkmen	MilkDrive	Live ‘09
Settler	Balmorhea	All is Wild, All is Silent

The best ways to get access to the podcast is one of the following:

1. Use Itunes

-Open Itunes

-Click the “Advanced” pull down menu and select “Subscribe to a Podcast”

- Paste following URL into the box: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

- Click “OK” and you’re set. Downloading should begin immediately and Itunes will automatically download new episodes

2.Download the file direct

-Click the link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ActiveListener

-Find spot that says play and right click on it

-from the right click menu select “Save link as…”

-Choose location and file name and download. This needs to be done each time I realease a new podcast. I will probably stop sending out a mass email each time I release one so you’ll just have to check back periodically.

Podcast 1 - Drum and Bass

Inaugural podcast

Theme for this one is drum and bass but the songs probably aren't what you expect.

Tracklist:

1. Stars Get Down by Subwave on Future Sounds of Russia

2. Walking Wounded (Dave Wallace Remix) by Everything but the Girl on Adapt or Die: 10 Years of Remixes

3. Brief Encounter by High Contrast on High Society

4. Fastlane by Esthero on Wikked Lil’ Grrrls

5. A Little While by The New Deal on Gone Gone Gone

6. Eve by Emancipator on Soon It Will Be Cold Enough

"gave my mind goose bumps"

Just found the Hospital Records podcast on Itunes, premier drum and bass label, (High Contrast, London Elektricity,...) and it is amazing. London Elektricity hosts it and it happens to be that the first one I heard was their 100th podcast. It's two parts and all requests. I like the first part a lot more than the second. It's basically a shopping list of amazing drum and bass.

Favorite tracks include
London Elektricity - Just One Second (Apex Remix) (the original is one of my all time favorites)
Sunchase - Remember Me (= mind goose bumps)
Pendulum - Girl in the Fire (this is a live band playing)
Vivid Dreams - Rise Up

The story behind the last song there is great. Obviously it was a request but no one at Hospital Records had ever heard of it and they couldn't find it anywhere, super rare. It's from 1996. To put it on the podcast they used a version someone uploaded on youtube. The link above takes you to the hq upload to youtube by the guy that requested the track. Really cool. I hope the person that wrote it hears it on the Hospital podcast.

Also have started going into their back catalog and number 98 is a gem. They feature Randomer. He does some sick dubstep. Check out that podcast or his myspace. Scapegoat is a killer track.

I challenge anyone who thinks they don't like jungle, drum and bass, or dubstep.

And once again, I gotta link to the first track off the Faulty DL podcast for Resident Advisor. So so so good.

Ultragamma - Stars Collapse

Thavius Beck

I heard this guy on the Big Dada podcast with his song "Go". I loved it immediatly with it's heavy electronic glitchy beat. Immediatly made me think of Saul Williams. Turns out Beck raps with and I guess helps make beats for Williams. Anyway, his new album is out and it is really solid. The Mush Records release date says 2010 but you can download it now, probably cause the record is out on Big Dada in Europe.

The beats are all over the place, in a good way and the lyrics are actually worth listening to, positive but not cheesy as well as societal critique that's not prosaic. "Go" is still my favorite track with it's heavy/hard beat and inspirational message.

These beats though...man...

http://www.mushrecords.com/release/169