Feeding the Frenzy

I think it's clear that we as a society are drowning in a sea of new technology. Cell phones, mp3 players, computers, game boys etc.. its a never ending cycle of new gadgets to amuse ourselves with. Don't get me wrong I love my iPod as much as the next person, maybe even more. What makes me wonder is how businesses are being affected by these new, easier ways yo get media. Instead of buying Cd's at the local music stores, many now just purchase mp3's offline not only because it is much more easily accessed, but because its much cheaper to purchase offline for your mp3 player, then drive to the store and purchase the actual CD, much more time efficient too.

Granted, you would think those music stores would suffer, lose business. But FYE, the local entertainment store, has recently decided to hand out flyer's, encouraging that the customers use their Used Product Program. The flyer's passed out by FYE say on them "Buy it, Rip it, Trade it." FYE has recognized the fact that many people are using programs such as iTunes to get their music and have now pushed this policy to redirect some of its business. What FYE wants you to do is to buy their Cd's, burn them on to your mp3 player and then return the CD for store credit or cash, not full price though. This way, sure they will take a small financial hit, but its better than not getting the business at all.

This isn't a bad thing, I'm 100% guilty of buying music off of iTunes and not in the store. It's just interesting so see this massive transformation. It just makes me wonder, whats next? In the future, will music stores be obsolete?

The Sugi Tap...EP

Remember EVE6?

They were my favorite band since I was eight years old, and needless to say I was heartbroken when they broke up. John, the guitarist left and created another band, whereas Max (vox) and Tony (drums) stuck together and created The Sugi Tap. Don't ask about the name, I have no idea what it means, but apparently its pronounced SUE-GEE (as in geese) Tap. Their EP was just released through SNOCAP music, an online music store. I bought it as soon as it was released.

The Sugi Tap EP has six songs on it
Little Tiny Everything
BOLD
Pick Up the Pieces
Red & Black
Mr. Bones
Good Associate

Little Tiny Everything is definitely my favorite track its incredibly catchy and even though parts of the lyrics are a little corny, Max is an amazing writer. In Pick Up the Pieces, Max's poetic ability shines through.

"Blessed by your genetics.
You possess a certain aesthetic charm.
But somethings disconnected.
And you're quite capable of causing harm.
Your malice is volcanic.
Your insecurity...titanic.
Your mood is always manic, and I do suppose.
When you hear this song you'll have a tantrum."

His ability to intertwine pretty poetic words into an angst-y song blows my mind. Max has always been quite the wordsmith.

I'm so glad that Max and Tony will continue to make music, I grew up to their music and not once was able to see them live, even when I won free tickets off of the radio (I was too young, they were playing at a club) so now that they are back in action, I'm hoping to catch them live.

Overall I highly recommend this EP to anyone who liked EVE6 or just likes alternative acoustic rock. It's cheap, only 5 bucks and can be purchased directly thorough their myspace or at SNOCAP.com.


Check them out at myspace.com/thesugitap

10 songs you need to download...now.

I have comprised a list of 10 songs I cannot stop listening to.

1. Naomi- off of On Avery Island by Neutral Milk Hotel, this song has absolutely great harmonies, Jeff Magnum is a genius.

2. Sister Jack Piano Demo- off of Gimme Fiction (Bonus Disc) by Spoon. This song has a great chant-line chorus you can't help but hum along to.

3. A Comet Appears- off of Wincing the Night Away, the new Shins' album. This song is beautiful, depressing and uplifting at the same time.

4. Fax Machine Anthem (Dizzee Rascal Remix) - off of Guero (Deluxe) by Beck. This song is really eccentric using machine-like sounds to convey a techno-ish beat.

5. Legionaries' Lament- off of Of Castaways and Cutouts by The Decemberists. This is one of The Decemberists harder songs, but still manages to keep that folky sound we all love.

6. Man It's So Loud in Here- off of Mink Car by They Might Be Giants. This song is an incredibly upbeat techno song that really gets your body moving.

7. Stereo- off of Brighten the Corners by Pavement. This is one of those edgy-rock songs where bad signing is good signing.

8. Mary Jane- off of Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette. This song is my favorite to sing, its a ballad about a girl whose life isn't going so great. The vocal performance Alanis delivers on this one is absolutely breath-taking.

9. Half a World Away- off of Out of Time by R.E.M. This song instantaneously makes you close your eyes and drift away.

10. Shady Lane/Jus- off of Brighten the Corners by Pavement. It's an oddball song with a nice blend of Eve6 bass line with The Strokes' raw energy.


So here's my list, put your iTunes to use.