HIPSTER RUNOFF

I remember back in the bloghousish days, there were two electro bands who were 'more than just another blog house electro band.' LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip. I still feel confused by their high level brand and critical acceptance. I think it is because they use 'real synths' or something.

Hot Chip's hit song "Boy From School" is from the year 2k6, possibly the most critical years in the formation of the current indie-perception-sphere, back when the mechanisms for distributing modern 'critical acclaim' were being formed. I think back then, there were still tangible 'barriers to entry' in the indie music industry. Back before 'the Macbook explosion of 2k_.' Never really vibed 2 hard on Hot Chip, but I think I felt pressure to enjoy/appreciate them for a while. Have heard mixed reviews of their live show.

Wonder if this 'chilled out' version of that Hot Chip song by the Grizzly Bear band is more in line with my modern personal brand than the original version of the song. I feel sorta distant from the whole 'electro vibe' these days. Would rather mellow/chill out. Get a little bit vulnerable.

[MP3]
Grizzly Bear Boy From School (Hot Chip Cover)

Do u think this cover is 'better than the orig', or has our consumer ear morphed over the past 4 years?

Really just been getting vulnerable, listening to Grizzly Bear. Saw this PSA from New Zealand that utilizes GB tunes, mixed with a cool dad with a beard wishing he could do something for his sick son. Seems 'heavy', like a pants-shitting emotional situation.

Wonder which band from The War of 2k9 will 'sell the most albums' when their next album drops? The xx? AnCo? Neon Injun? Washed Out? Dirty Projjies? Probs GrizzBear.

Apparently the Hot Chip has a new album coming out. Wonder if it will 'skyrocket' 2 #1 on billboard charts like the Vampy Weekend. Probably just in the UK, or some other foreign microscene. Do yall think that their title track 'One Life Stand' is n e good?

Seems like the usual hot chip formula. Lil bleep bloops, lil guy singing, zany video filmed in some conceptual studio.

Still searching for 'a new vibe.' Wanting to 'ease into' 2k10 without getting too consumery [via VampWeek#1]. Might be mildly worried that the new Panda Bear album is going to 'blow' based on the initial live footage/bootlegs. Maybe if it critically flops, we will learn that Avey 'Avatar' Tare is truly the most important member of Animal Collective.

Not sure if AnCo + Panda Bear will ever be able to be taken to 'the mass market' like more traditional bands. Tween parents might associate them directly with drug culture. I think Vampy Weekend/GrizzBear have more appealing back stories because they are associated with groups of bros who united to create something beautiful at a relevant American university. Seems like the 'stay in school' message is important. AnCo might be 'too old' to be 'young adults who set a good example.'

Part of me wishes I could go back to the blog house era, and just have fun again.
Might just listen 2 this song ovr & ovr again. It seems like conceptual Scandinavian electro pop with falsetto bros might 'come back' in 2k10.

Also wanted to give a shout out to MGMT and Arcade Fire in this post. Maybe a lil bit of M.I.A., and some Feist?

2k10. Feels really consumerwave.

[Photo by the Cobrasnake]

A lot of people ask me 'Carles... which trends are gonna be around 4ever?'  That's an incredibly relevant question to most of our existences.  We must spend money in order to buy things that represent us, but finding something that will accurately represent our personal brands for more than 1 year is extremely difficult in 'The Internet Age.'

Child Predator Glasses are one of the most era-transcendent accessories that you can purchase.  They have been around for a long time, and they will probably be around for the next 20 years, until doctors start to prescribe Medical Shutter Shades.  After the recent 'EconoCrisis', we're all just looking to spend money on things that will last longer, instead of wasting them on Macbooks, consumables, and arts&crafts.  Investing in glasses is investing in your health + adding 10 or more years to your alternative social life.

Michael Jordan : Sneakers :: The Lil Hot Chip guy : Child Predator Glasses

[Photo by Jay West Photography]

XX BONUS BAND PERSONAL BRAND RANKINGS XX

The popular Lectro band The Hot Chippers

[Photo by Redheadwalking on flickr]

I think one day we will look back and realize that the lead singer of Hot Chip was one of the most important people in the history of the Serial Kiler/Child Predator Glasses Movement.

In this picture, he has the gaze of a man trapped in a society that doesn't understand the complexity of his social and emotional needs.

[Photo by Stephen Mcleod]

The National Sex offender Registry (look up predators in ur neighborhood and start a street fashion blog)
http://www.familywatchdog.us/

HOT CHIP - Ready For the Floor

What's up with Hot Chip? I feel like after their video for "Over and Over," they have already proven 'We know how to use green screens really well," so the video for "Ready For the Floor" left them with the challenge of finding some other over-visual concept they would try to relate to the song.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW94AEmzFhQ&rel=1]
If you're going to use the HORIZONTALLY SCROLLING BANDMEMBERS effect, they better be as hot and charming as Au Revoir Simone in Shinichi Osawa's "Star Guitar."
FINAL VERDICT: "Well, at least this video gives me an excuse to post a Cut Copy MP3." -music bloggers

Cut Copy: They pretty much don't know how to write a song that sucks.

[MP3s]
Cut Copy Lights and Music [Boys Noize Happy Birthday Remix]

Cut Copy Lights and Music (Super Discount Remix) [HIGHLY RECCD if you're really into SIREN INTROS]

Cut Copy's Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy

MC Steinberg has garnered nothing but positive feedback. In case you wanted to know more about his personal life, here is his situation in a familiar format:

MC Steinberg's interview with Hot Chip is even better than a James Lipton interview. One highlight of the interview is when MC Steinberg asks that one dude with wacky glasses in Hot Chip where he got his wacky glasses. HIGHLY REC'CD:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtq7BhbuweY]

[MP3]
Hot Chip So Glad To See You

Buy Hot Chip at Amazon.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MCSteinberg
MC Steinberg on Myspace

God Bless America

New Year's Resolutions:
1. Search for meaning.
2. Be a better blogger
3. Take life seriously enough to blog about.
4. Embrace the power of the blogosphere
5. Convince others to back up their hard drives

Songs of the day:

Party Time 2000 - Miss New Booty (Party Time 2000 Remix)
This is a song about searching for meaning.

Renewal Plan vs Party Time 2000 - Elizabethtown
This is a song about douche bags who shop at Whole Foods while searching for meaning. Please feel free to comment: Do you prefer Patagonia or North Face? This was also the last song that Saddam Hussein listened to before he died. Does any one know what Saddam's last meal was? Timothy McVeigh had an all-dessert last meal.

Hot Chip - So Glad To See You
Hot Chip's songs are deeper than the Postal Service and Dntel combined. In 'So Glad To See You', Hot Chip effectively honors Generation Y's desire to find love that matches the intensity of the connection between Zach Braff and Natalie Portman in 1999's Hit Movie 'Garden State.'

Read more about Timothy McVeigh's last moments of life here.