Jon's Writing on Venuszine

For Venuszine, I recently reviewed the newest album by St. Lola in the Fields.

Here's the group's track, "Unless":

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I recently reviewed Cours Lapin self-titled album for Venuszine, here.

Here's them singing a track off their album:

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I had the pleasure of reviewing The Charlatans latest album for Venuszine, here.

Here they are singing a single off their latest:

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I had the good fortune of reviewing the soundtrack to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on Venuszine recently. Enjoy!

Here's a bit about the the movie and soundtrack:

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

You can read my review of the School of Seven Bells new album, here.

And here they are singing "Half Asleep":

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I recently reviewed, for Venuszine, Seattle's own Hey Marseilles' new album. You can read said review, here.

And, for your edification, here's their video for "Rio":

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I reviewed Nada Surf's latest album - one chock full of cover songs. You can check it out, here.

For your edification, here's their video for "Weightless":

Jon's Writing in Venuszine

I recently reviewed Ratatat's new album, LP4, for Venuszine. You can read the piece, here. And to see their video of their song, "Falcon Jab," look no further...

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I had the great opportunity to see the Scottish-born band Frightened Rabbit as they toured promoting their new album here in Seattle the other day. You can read said review, here. My pal Michael Fox took pictures there and my coworker swayed next to me there in the front row, so all in all it was a swell evening.

Here's Frightened Rabbit singing a track off their new album:

How Do You Rock 'n' Roll at Music Writing?

PopMatters has started a great new series...

Over 100 music scribes are confronted with this not-so-simple question: “If an eager young writer cornered you and asked ‘What’s the best advice you could give me?’ what would you have to say?”

They begin exploring answers, here.

Jon's Writing in Venuszine

I did a brief review of The Album Leaf's new album, A Chorus of Storytellers. You can read it, here.

And here's a video of the song "Always For You":

Jon's Writing on Venuszine

I recently went to a show by Ontario-based The Most Serene Republic. Good, they are. You can read my review here.

Here's a video of them singing "Content Was Always My Favorite Colour":



Photo by Michael Fox.

Jon's Writing in Venuszine

In the summer '09 issue of Venuszine I review a new album by The Horse's Ha. Here they are performing at Schubas in Chicago in March '08:

Jon's CD Review on Three Imaginary Girls

I reviewed a swell new album by Black Swedes for Three Imaginary Girls recently. To give you a taste of their music, I found this little bit on YouTube:

Jon's CD Review on Three Imaginary Girls

I reviewed Hey Marseilles' great debut album To Travel and Trunks for Three Imaginary Girls recently.

They're definitely worth a listen. Here they are singing the title track at Q Cafe in Seattle:

33 1/3: The Longlist

Many of you may know that I wrote a book proposal for the great 33 1/3 series. I wasn't the only one to write a proposal in hopes of getting a book done. There's about 600 others I'm competing with.

The basis for the book series is to write one book about one particular rock album. The parameters in regards to what to write about the album is totally up to the author. The last time they requested proposals, I did one on the John Denver and the Muppet Christmas album. They didn't accept my proposal.

I think I may have better odds with the one I wrote this time around - Beck's Sea Change album, arguably the best album Beck's done.

We'll see what happens (and I'll be sure to keep you apprised as to progress).

In the meantime, you can do two things. Try and win every 33 1/3 book yet published and/or enjoy Beck's video "Paper Tiger," one of the great tracks on the Sea Change album:

Jon's CD Review on Venuszine

I listened to and reviewed Andrew Bird's latest album, Noble Beast. Do you not yet know the musical stylings of Mr. Bird? You should get acquainted.

Here his "Imitosis" from the Armchair Apocrypha album:

Jon's CD Review on Three Imaginary Girls

I recently reviewed Conrad Ford's latest album, Secret Army. What I didn't realize when I was writing it was that the lead singer for Conrad Ford, Andy McAllister, was the childhood friend of my good friend, Michael J. Fox (not the "Family Ties" guy, the other one. The one that is very good at playing the vibraphone and enjoys, as I do, bacon).

Here's Conrad Ford singing "Radio Station" live at the Crocodile Cafe:

Jon's CD Review on Three Imaginary Girls

I recently reviewed William F. Gibbs' great new album, My Fellow Sophisticates.

Here's Gibbs singing "Here Comes Your Steamboat Brother! Here Comes Your Freightline Sister!":

Jon's CD Review on Three Imaginary Girls

I recently reviewed Paul Taylor's most recent album, Clear Blue.

Here he is, with the wonderful Portland Cello Project, playing "Be Happy":