Fans of the band Far can rejoice once again. According to lead vocalist Jonah Matranga who recently spoke on Live 105, Far has (almost) signed with Vagrant Records to make a brand spankin’ new record. Apparently guitarist Shaun Lopez has been sending tracks from Airport Studios in Southern California to Jonah over past few weeks for him to write lyrics to. The release date is supposedly to be around May/June 2009.
That is all we know so far but don’t expect anymore hip-hop covers. However, expect a tour to support it the new record. So anyone on the East Coast waiting to ride the pony, the wait is over. In the meantime enjoy this acoustic number of the now famous radio hit.
Motel De Moka: Stunning artwork mixed with the best minimalistic, experimental, and ambient music I’ve never heard of.
ipickmynose: His weekly song obsessions quickly become my song obsessions. Plus his view into the Bay Area indie scene helps me understand this strange new land I’ve found myself in.
Captain Obvious: His library of covers is unrivaled as well as his detailed and spot-on album reviews.
Björk – Wanderlust: Officially my favorite. The rest are in no order whatsoever. Anyway, I bought the massive LP for this single, which came with it’s own 3D glasses for the ‘enhanced’ version.
Chad VanGaalen – Molten Light: Super bizarre but simply incredible.
She & Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?: You couldn’t find a cuter music video.
Radiohead – House of Cards: Gorgeous. They never cease to push the boundaries of art.
The Mae Shi – Run to Your Grave: Crazy video for an even crazier band.
Weezer – Pork & Beans: If you didn’t enjoy this video, then what the hell are you doing on a computer?
Portishead – We Carry On: Wow…just, wow.
Girl Talk – Play Your Part (Part 1): Not official (as far as I know) but perfectly cut.
Flying Lotus – Parisian Goldfish: This video below contains some explicit cartoon scenes, flashing lights and is FOR OVER 18’s ONLY. I repeat, not work friendly…however, on so many levels of awesome.
Beyonce – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It): It makes me wanna get up shake my booty…well, maybe not, but fun nonetheless.
Justice – Stress: Violent and fucked up, therefore making it an amazing video by my standards.
WORST MUSIC VIDEO
MGMT – The Youth: Just utter garbage…ugh!
Best Music Video I Can’t Show You
Sigur Rós – Gobbledigook: Click the picture to be taken to where you can watch it. It’s brilliant.
5. Rival Schools and Innaway
Sunday 12 October 2008
Bottom of the Hill
San Francisco, CA
This was quite a season for reunions. With My Bloody Valentine returning and The Get Up Kids coming back together, you’d would think that Slash would run to Axel with arms wide open in a field of flowers (okay maybe not). But one of the my favorite reunions this year was that of the post hardcore band Rival Schools. Having loved their debut from back in 2001 which featured some of my favorite musicians; seeing Rival Schools was kind of a big deal. Despite my high expectations, they tore it up and then some. Featuring some new tunes and a little announcement that they are recording a new album (I asked Ian, and he confirmed it), this show was particularly special to me.
picture by www.alucinante.net
4. Outside Lands Festival Day 1-3: Radiohead, Beck, Jack Johnson, Cake, Broken Social Scene, Regina Spektor, Wilco, Manu Chao, Stars, Andrew Bird, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Lupe Fiasco, dredg, Black Mountain, Goapele, and Animal Liberation Orchestra
Friday 22 August 2008 – Sunday 24 August 2008
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
This was the first concert I attended when I moved to California. This was my introduction to the audiences and atmosphere of the Northern California concert scene. I can safely say I had a wonderful time and met some pretty cool people. Oh yeah and I witnessed some pretty fantastic performances. Whether it was Andrew Bird’s brilliant instrumentation, Radiohead’s light show, or finally getting to see Broken Social Scene in all their glory; Outside Lands Festival did not disappoint.
picture by A Power of Facing
3. Jeremy Enigk and Damien Jurado
Saturday 31 May 2008
Great Scott
Boston, MA
Music always has a way of healing me when I’m in complete despair. Last winter, Jeremy Enigk’s solo music helped me up, patted me on the back, and guided me on my way. So hearing him perform some of those heartfelt songs live was very special to me. What made it even more special was that fact that he played some old Sunny Day Real Estate songs that sounded simply flawless.
picture by chartno3
2. Sigur Rós and Parachutes
Friday 3 October 2008
Greek Theatre – U.C. Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
There are not many concerts these days that are as delicate and epic as a Sigur Rós show. At one minute you feel like the only person in the venue and another minute you feel connected with not only the band, but the entire audience. You feel closer to the people you’re with because you feel as if you’ve all witnessed something special and monumental. Like watching the birth of a dinosaur (I imagine). Missing a Sigur Rós show is not a choice, it’s a mistake.
picture from katarokkar
1. Far
Thursday 16 October 2008
Troubadour
Los Angeles, CA
Am I a little biased about this choice? Yeah, I guess I am. But holy shit cans of monkey poo, this show was so much more than I expected. I felt like I was 17 years old again, pushing and yelling and sweating and OH MY GOD!…sorry. Anyway, this band has always had a special place in my heart and to see them reunite after 10 years and completely slaughter the crowd was something I will always remember. I would like to thank my buddy Kimo for making this happen for me too. This was by far one of my favorite shows of all time.
10. Treasure Island Festival Day 1 – Goldfrapp, Hot Chip, TV on the Radio, Justice, Amon Tobin, CSS, Aesop Rock, Foals, Nortec Collective, Loquat, Chester French, and Mike Relm:
Saturday 20 September 2008
Treasure Island
San Francisco, CA
What could have been a fantastic festival with non-stop fun ended up being…well just okay. While the performances were outstanding, the crowd was the biggest issue I had. I’ve never seen so many people avoid conversation in my life. I guess that’s what these Berkeley trust fund babies consider proper communication these days. On top of that, I was smack dab in the middle of what felt like an ecstasy party just before Justice’s set. Remind me to never go to another festival the day before I have to get up for work. But besides all that horse crap, TV on the Radio was unbelievably fun live, Foals seemed bored at first but livened things up around mid-set, Loquat gained a new fan (me), Aesop Rock can spit rhymes pretty well despite how high he said he was, Hot Chip were good from what I could tell, Goldfrapp was adorable, and Justice is a fucking beast live. So yeah, I had fun. But God damn it people, show some respect to this lowly New Englander living on the West Coast.
picture by hunta
9. Holy Fuck, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Tiny Whales:
Friday 21 March 2008
Middle East Upstairs
Cambridge, MA
Now before you ever decide to see A Place to Bury Strangers live, remember your earplugs. They will most likely cause tinnitus. Anyway, the improvisation of Holy Fuck is a marvel to watch. I look forward to see what they have in store for 2009.
picture by vocoders
8. Cursive, Deer Tick, and Malipas:
Monday 21 April 2008
Club Hell
Providence, RI
Finally seeing Cursive in concert was quite an expectedly awesome moment for me. An unexpected moment was my discovery of Deer Tick. I foresee myself attending more Deer Tick shows in the future. (P.S. – don’t let anyone fool you. There seriously is nothing to do in Providence, RI)
picture by mel.opho.be concert photos
7. Saul Williams and Buddy Wakefield / Saul Williams and Dragon of Zynth:
Saturday 19 January 2008 / Brandeis University
Tuesday 8 April 2008 / Paradise Rock Club
Boston, MA
He may be aloof at times and a little over dramatic, but he is without a doubt a master showman. Seeing both his performances in slam poetry and with a full band helped me better understand this truly unique artist.
picture by data jockey
6. Explosions in the Sky and Lichens:
Saturday 5 April 2008
Lupo’s
Providence, RI
The sheer breathtaking power of Explosions is indisputable. This is what I’ve been told time and time again and I finally found that out on a cold day in April with some good friends.
Kata Rokkar is a place where you can download free mp3 from artists and bands that I currently love and listen to. They are only for sampling purposes and to influence you to go out and support these artists by purchasing their records and going to their concerts. If you are a record company or an artist that is displeased with a song being displayed, feel free to contact me and I will remove it ASAP. Thank you and enjoy!
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Jonah Matranga (Far) – Pony (Ginuwine Cover)
