Thrillpeddlers :: Weblog

Damn hippies!

Many more outrageous album covers at BizarreRecords.com. I have to admit I've wasted entirely too much time browsing the collection. Several of the entries even include audio samples, like this one by Tom n' Jerry's Rockets. Dig in.

The iPod era

The New York Times Magazine published a very interesting examination of the iPod phenomenon today. [Note: Requires free registration to access the article.]

I've had my iPod for just over a year now, and while I won't go so far as to say it's changed my life, it has certainly brought music back into my life. Over the years, I've amassed a huge collection of CDs. Unfotunately, the bigger my collection grew, the harder it was for me to manage it. What ended up happening was that I would only listen to a handfull of CDs on a regular basis, not having the time or energy to sift through the 400 or so others. The iPod changed all of that. Now I carry most of my music with me. Random playlists serve up songs that I haven't heard in years. And the iTunes Music Store has got me browsing (and buying) new releases again.

Yes, the iPod carries a hefty price tag, but for size, style, and ease of use, it can't be beat. I've used mine daily for 14 months, and it's still going strong. That breaks down to around $1.20 per day... a bargain, if you ask me.

Aquarius Records

If you enjoy music that comes from somewhere other than your local Top-40 radio station, you owe yourself a click on Aquarius Records. This online CD shop features the best alternative, underground, and downright unbelievable selection of music anywhere. Been looking for Cambodian psychedelic rock from the 70's? How about Techno covers of Iron Maiden? Or maybe a DJ that mixes rap with Rush? It's all here... and much, much more. But be warned: A trip to the Aquarius website might result in an hours-long musical detour. The hundreds of album descriptions are entertaining and informative, written by people who are passionate about music (betcha can't read just one). And, if you're like me, at the end of the day your cart will be filled with CDs you've never head of, yet know you must own.

For anyone who lives within 100 miles of San Francisco, the actual Aquarius Records store is located at 1055 Valencia.

Everybody to the Limit

I just stumbled across the amazing music video for the song "Move Your Feet" by Junior Senior. (Apologies if you've seen it a million times... I don't keep current with the MTV.) It reminded me instantly of Strong Bad's "Everybody to the Limit" video, which I suspect was an inspiration for the Junior Senior clip (or vice-versa?). Your assignment: Compare and contrast.

Baguette Quartette

Adrien and I had a great night out in Berkeley on Friday. We had a very spicy dinner at a terrific Pakistani restaurant and then headed over to Freight & Salvage to catch the Baguette Quartette. If you're not familiar with them, they play French 'cafe music' from the early 20th century known as musette. Led by Odile Lavault on the traditional chromatic accordion, their repertoire includes a variety of waltzes, tangos, and classic examples of les chansons Francais. I've listened to their CD "Rendez-Vous" pretty much non-stop for the last several months, and recommend it to anyone who might be interested in this type of music.

And while we're on the subject of good music, if you live in the Bay Area, do yourself a favor and head over to Freight & Salvage sometime. Easily one of the best traditional music venues around.