I must admit that over the past couple of weeks, my enthusiasm and passion for posting on the blog had somewhat been shaken. The past week though has been even moreso because of a few choice emails I recieved that managed to really bother me more than it should have. Apparently my integrity was put into question and I was told that the way that I was posting music was somehow disrespecting artists and I was a reason that the music industry was in the current shape that it’s in. I must say that it really bothered me, as if something pierced through my heart as I read it. I don’t understand how what i’m doing is disrespecting anyone as that’s not what i’m trying to do. I love doing this blog everyday and discovering new music to share with all of you, but having people say shit like that to me really made me question how much this blog was worth doing anymore. Honestly though, it really doesn’t bother me anymore though as a few people picked me up with some kind words and reassured me that what I was doing here with the blog was a good thing. So yeah, i’m not going anywhere and hopefully i’ll be able to regain my passion for writing here again.
With all that crap being said, I can never go a week without doing the Daily Graboid (which was the reason for the harsh emails). There’s always something good being released for the most part and I think it’s a good great way for people discover new music along with the much hyped releases. This week’s releases are no different as you have Clap Your Hands Say Yeah being the big name out of the bunch with their new album Some Loud Thunder. I’ve been pretty up front with people at how much i’ve enver been a fan of the band, but I really like “Underwater (You and Me)”. I just can’t seem to handle Alec Ounsworth’s vocals most of the time as it’s not appealing listening to someone who sounds like they’ve gotten kicked in the balls too many times.
Three nice EPs were also released as you have Beirut’s Lon Gisland officially being released despite it originally making it’s debut digitally on iTunes back in December. Also Lavender Diamond aka Becky Stark, who’s made a name for herself opening for The Decemberists, releases her EP Cavalry of Light. If you haven’t listened to “You Broke My Heart” yet, than please do yourself a favor and check it out as you’ll be humming that melody all day, trust me. Really excellent song, and makes sense that it was on a lot of people’s 2006 lists for best song. The third EP out of this group is from the Australian trio Love Of Diagrams and their self-titled EP. I’m not sure how to describe them as it’s more of a stripped down punk sound. Both of these EPs are out on Matador.
Lastly, we have two albums making their U.S. releases with Lily Allen’s Alright, Still finally making it’s release stateside. It feels like it’s been out in the UK for like 10 years now. I’m sure everyone know who she is by now as well, so no need explaining. I just can’t believe how long it took for it to be released here, it’s ridiculous. Also, the very incredibly underrated Youth Group release Casino Twilight Dogs after being out in Australia since last July. I really loved 2005’s Skeleton Jar as I think it was highly overlooked as I had a feeling being featured on the O.C. or whatever made people turn their heads away or something. I highly recommend everyone pick up the new album though, as you’ll find a consistently good number of songs on it.
Beirut | Lon Gisland EP
Beirut | “Elephant Gun”
Some Loud Thunder | Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
“Underwater (You and Me)” | Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
“Love Song No. 7″ | Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Lavender Diamond | Cavalry of Light EP
Lavender Diamond | “You Broke My Heart”
Love of Diagrams | Love of Diagrams EP
Love of Diagrams | “Pace or the Patience”
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Don’t listen to these people, this is a great way of letting people listen to new music. It can only generate sales for the artists.
I don’t believe for a second people aren’t going to buy the record because they can get 2 or 3 songs for free at blogs like this.
Ignore those tossers! I have been introduced to SO MANY bands through your blog and your choices are excellent. This saves me having to listen to commercial radio, who tend to ignore so much of the talent you are giving an air to.
I am able to purchase more discriminately. I can support talent, globally, that deserves recognition. If this causes a problem to some then their receding attitude to consumers is part of the strangehold that has turned so many people away from main labels and high stores.
Please ignore these luddites. The world has changed and some people cannot get over not being on A&R expenses…
Ta, Shane
Don’t sweat it- I (and others) use the blog (and your collective taste) to discover new artists, and if they strike a chord, buy the albums… I’m inevitably disappointed when I pick up an album without hearing clips beforehand- I’ve bought a number of albums recently based of the strength of songs that I’ve downloaded and had a chance to digest (not just 30sec clips)…
Fuck the haters. I wouldn’t have found (and bought) a lot of good music if it weren’t for this blog.
Hey, I was just telling a friend of mine today about the wonders of the Daily Graboid! It is one of my best options for checking out new music. F*ck the dinosaurs who are trying to shut down their most effective methods of sales.
I only found this blog a few months ago (just before you all switched from Blogger) and I can’t count how many albums from the music store and songs I’ve purchased from eMusic after hearing about the band on this site. And I’ve gone to way more shows in the past few months than I have in a year!
The problem with the musc industry isn’t your site or any other respectable mp3 blog. The problem with the music industry is that they are relying on practices that are 50-years-old and fail to acknowledge that it is failing until it has completely gone down the toilet. Their inflexibility will destroy them.
Keep doing what you’re doing. If I like the artist, I will ALWAYS support them.
Yeah, you are the reason for the shambles of the music industry! Gimme a break. Thank you for everything you have introduced me to. When I hear something I like, I then buy it at the store or on emusic if it is available. Keep the music in a dark closet and I won’t. Furthermore, now I will want to see these guys when they come to my town. Some people are frustrating and they always will be. Keep it up and thanks again!
I’m glad someone else has falen in love with “Underwater (You and Me)” too! The other songs I’ve heard fron the new CYHSY didn’t really grab me, but that one is one of my favorite of the year so far.
Oh, and long live the Graboid!
There will always be negative people in the world, the important thing is to realize that, when it comes down to it, their critisicm says more about themselves than it does about you.
the daily graboid is a beautiful thing and i look forward to it each week. yours is one of the few blogs concerned with weekly releases. objectively, i don’t see how what you are doing with your blog could do anything but help the bands that you post.
I know it sucks Paul, but that most likely won’t be the last negative email you get. You just gotta do what you enjoy doing as long as you enjoy doing it. I know a ton of people who really love reading this blog, and the daily graboid in particular…so just remember that for every one person who has negative stuff to say, there’s at least 30 who are enjoying and appreciating what you do.
On a side note, i need to talk to you…answer yer phone would ya?
The music industry is a wreck because corporate morons and their minions keep trying to shove square pegs into holes that have changed shape. Also don’t be such a drama queen.
Your music selection stinks! Real blog put disco on.
haa haa…
(come on, what good is running a blog without occassional soul searching? That’s the point right? asking everything.)
[...] Interesting list. “Super Fun Music Hour Podcast #6” by LA weekely. It’s fun listening to “oldies, from different city” hah… Morrissey, the Temptations, Kiss “The Daily Graboid | 02/01/07” by The Yellow Stereo — Blog soul searching mixtape. “365 Days #36 – The Best of MP3.COM Part I” by wfmu – serial post, this one is particularly sweet. “Radioshow” by undomondo – file at archive.org. Undomondo radio list. Hey, everybody is going on the air. I need one too.
“Wednesday, January 31, 2007” by moistwork – several versions of wade in the water, very interesting. “SID. Chip but not Cheap.” by la blogotheque – a look at SID, early electronica artist. (in french, with pix and d/l) [...]
it’s funny that the mp3s that I had to take down were for people i’ve never even heard of. You’d think that they’d WANT me to put their shit up. It made me lose a lot of respect for certain PR people.
Thanks everyone for all the kind words. I shouldn’t let small thing like that bother me so much. It’s just i’ve been doing this for so long that it’s odd that people would all of a sudden get on my case about it.
I, for one, love your blog, and there’s tons of music I never would have heard without you. So, for what it’s worth, your efforts enrich my world.
As for the hate mailers . . . I’ve recently taken to posting the hate mail I get (usually for my anti-Bush designs) in my blog. It’s amazing how quickly that can turn the messages from a source of frustration to a source of inspiration. I commend the practice to you.