Jeff Bridges Hearts Deerhunter

Two things everyone like: Jeff Bridges and Black & White. God. Just look at that poetry. Stunning! There's something about black and white, it can make anything look purposefully elegant. Nevermind he's probably kill shotting someone from a mirror over his shoulder, which is already way fucking elegant.

Jeff Bridges gets it, and apparently, so does Deerhunter. Take their new video for example. Slap a few overlapping reels of faces dubbed over LA Sunsets and dark spots and you've got yourself a timeless piece.

That being said, if I had to pick a song I think this B&WJB (see what I did there?) would like, it'd have to be Deerhunter's new one, 'Helicopter'. Classy, accessible, sexy, bubbly, all attributes both Jeff and Deerhunter share.

Off of their new album Halcyon Digest, released in September, it's one song of many 'I know-everyone's-saying-Deerhunter-is-good-but-I-just-haven'- listened-to-them-ye-ohhhh, yeah-they-actually-are...' songs. I'll admit, I have much to learn about them, but in the mean time, let's all share in this classy Black and white video:

And remember, if you just can't figure out a way to make it classy, just put it in black and white.

Cheers,
Merman

Grab 2 Beers and Jump!

Today at the office, a disgruntled employee lost his voice, freaked out on the account team, and quit via resignation letter and 'fuck you' e-mail to the entire company. Classy. Kind of like this! He only left one piece of himself, meticulously placed at the corner of his recklessly abandoned desk. Not unlike a serial killer's calling card, like an Ace playing card, or a severed ear - as if to say 'Your welcome, corporate America':

Just kidding. That's mine. To be fair, he was acting a dash 'swedish candy toy dog' today. But hey, if you - newest member of the Fuck you Jet Blue community - see this post and decide to wear my skin as a dress, I want you to remember one thing. One time I went to the corner store and bought you Swedish Fish. Yeah, I saw that look in your Rage induced twitching glimmering eye. That's right... just put the gun down... Swedish Fish.

Anyway. This song is for you. And by for you, I mean not at you, but what I think you would want to sa-uhhh forget it...

Cheers,
Merman

Daily Drop, Montly Mix.

So you guessed it by now. I forget about this thing sometimes. I also think that when I say 'you', I really me 'me' and 2 other 'you's'. I'm guessing it's Don & Dylan, but I digress. So here's the deal: Daily track. Monthly Mix. And a picture of my life to boot. I think I can handle it.

This is Grace. She's not a business man, she's a business, man. I went home to Ohio for a Keller family reunion this weekend, and I must say, I think I know where I get my swagger. Speaking of which, I can't think of one track more fitting. Stylish, genuine - an instant classic. Pretty much sums up both Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, and my little cousin Grace.

Home, released in 2009, is a bit of a departure for Alex Ebert, who was also the lead singer for Ima robot. Under this new rootin' tootin' maw & paw moniker, he's crafted some sort of time warp that manages to contrive both nostalgia and freshness. On Sunday my sister and I were listening to NPR's bluegrass hour, and she mentioned that [they] just don't make music like they used to. I beg to differ, and this track is why. 'Home' is like the first leaves of fall. Specifically, it's the smell. All other seasons let you forget how much you love a woodsy smell that sinks into the skin, and every September it still feels new in lungs. That's how I felt about seeing my family. And that's how I think I'll feel about this song in 20 years. So thanks, Mr. Sharp. You've saved me from a lot of song writing classes, guitar lessons and tortured nights of longing and reflection. Shew!

Cheers,

Merman

A Summer MMMMixtape

Less talk. More Action. And before these 27 tracks are no longer relevant, I'd like to give you my favorite songs for this summer, and a little sumpin' sumpin' about each.

Cheers!

Merman

PS. Promise, no more 3 month hiatuses.

Post Acid - Wavves: From their upcoming album King of the Beach, a song that's much more fun than it's name implies. Recommended to blast for the 1st 30 minutes of a road trip to the beach.

Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells: This song is so fun, and good luck getting it out of your head. It's sticky and sweet with kick, and even better in a great set of headphones.

Younger Us. - Japandroids: The first time I read a "low-fi post-beach surfer-alt rock" review I wanted to puke. C'mon guys. This song screams nostalgia, and it makes perfect sense that Mark Hoppus is obsessed with this band. They are the perfect cure for the discord between a nostalgic heart and a cynical opinion.

The Only One - Manchester Orchestra: Off the 2009 album Mean Everything to Nothing, it was the song that tipped me in favor of Andy Hull & Co. It kicks ass while taking your hand and teaching you to dance.

Surrounded by your friends - Hooray for earth: Some songs can capture the way your friends can give equal parts comfort and joy. I couldn't think of a less gay word than joy, 'cause that's just what it is. Times when you you realize that your with your chosen family, that's what this is.

Sometimes I don't need to believe in anything - Teenage Fanclub: TF never gets old, and their music doesn't either. Thanks to Nick Hornby I have a very biased opinion, but this track is so fresh and so clean, it's hard, yet unavoidable, to believe they are the veteran pop rock de facto.

What part of forever - Cee Lo Green: Yeah, whatever. I know, it's on the Twilight Soundtrack. And you know why? Because the song is great, and so is that soundtrack. But I also know it's one half of Gnarls Barkley, and that's okay with me. Yeah, I said it. Perfect for writing love letters when you've forgotten how to channel the 16 year old heartsick in you.

Moves - The New Pornographers: Epic chorus + catchy, syncopated beats+ major key tonality + incredible talent and chemsitry + a dash of pretension = hate to love it, but you totally do.

On Melancholy Hill - Gorillaz: Hands down, one of the best albums this summer. Looking back, I think the Gorillaz will be a perfect zeigeist to what music means in our generation, whether you like it or not, they really fucking got it.

Pow Pow - LCD Soundsystem: I can't get enough of LCD's new album This is Happening; flawless. And this song in particular is the example of perfect delivery. The only way this could get better is if William Shatner decided to do guest vocals. Incredible.

Teenage Color (Russ Chimes Remix) - College: And sometimes you just need to put on something with a good beat. Straighten up! Look Sharp!

The High Road - Broken Bells: Love to hate them, because they'll never touch the Shins. It ain't bad though, folks. This single ain't bad at all. It certainly won't marsh your mellow, anyway.

Sinister Kid - The Black keys: Absolutely, without a doubt the sexiest song on Brothers. Actually, it might just be the sexiest song of the summer. Every song on their new album is incredibly soulful and well thought out; and this one really makes me want to get to know Dan Auerbach a little bit better...in the dark.

Tell 'Em - Sleigh Bells: There are a couple of artist on the summer list I'll repeat, sleigh bells being one of them. And again, good headphones are required, or it gets a little fuzzy. Anyway, this one will wake you the fuck up, but do it ever so cheerfully.

The Suburbs - Arcade Fire: At first, I didn't like it, until I caught myself singing it over and over until I had to listened to it again. And then, just like that, the lyrics caught me;I was sucked into the Arcade Fire Fanwagon.

This is Real - Best Coast: Any cuter and you'd need a bib. Bethany Cosentin has been described as noise-pop and space-drone, but really, she understands the space between the noise, and that's where she sinks into you. Great B-side to 'When I'm with you'.

Right Ahead, Young Sailor! - Right Away Great Captain!: A side project of Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra, but only recently discovered by me. The acoustic folk-pop is quite a departure, but isn't that what side projects are for? Great for lounging in the park by the water.

The Girl - City and Colour: I'm a sap for the lyrics, end of story.


Older - Band of Horses: Although I liked their first 2 albums much better than Infinite Arms, there are 2 tracks that tug at the heartstrings like BoH used to. This being one of them, and the other (my favorite) at the end. It seems like the fans said "Hey, Band of Horses, this is what we like" and they delivered, but too eagerly, too succinctly. Sometimes I think you've got to make us work for it, make us really listen. Don't give it all to us up front, you know. Cross the legs a bit, I like my lady with a little bit of mystery. 'Older' and 'Blue Beard' aren't as eager as the rest of the album.

Signs (MMMathis Remix) - Bloc Party: Kick the track, change the beat, repeat.

When We were young (breakbot remix) - Sneaky Sound System: Great beat. Love it for the evenings when you're not sure if you want to go to the bar or not. It's begging to be remixed.

Dance Yrself Clean - LCD Soundsystem: The first time I heard this song I was floored. Awesome minute after minute, it's the longest song you'll never get sick of.

Next Girl - The Black Keys: One of my other favorite tracks of the new Brothers album. Sometimes bands write lryics for the music, and sometimes they write the music for the lyrics. And sometimes, the truth is so thick and deep, so saturated with sweat and tears, that both word and song come from the same place in the heart. I don't think you could have one without the other in this song. They really hit home with this one.

Many Shades of Black - The Raconteurs: After the remorse and pain has settled in a less than perfect situation, all your left with is your lessons to teach. And if I've ever heard a lesson with fervor and sarcasm, with every kind of shit, and the kind of shit you can live with, it's this.

White Blank Page - Mumford & Sons: I feel like I'm personally in love with each member of Mumford & Sons. The first time I heard them was in my favorite Irish bar, Sweet Afton, in Astoria. Stu, the bartender/co-owner, was sitting with his Nut Brown Ale in the corner, looking faintly at the lights singing along "...I really fucked it up this time/and it was your heart on the line...". Goosebumps. The second time was at Bonnaroo, andI saw the same faint expression painted in the lead singers eyes, it was in the air, it was in the lyrics being screamed back. This group of gentlemen laid their heart out on their bows, and we've picked up every ache.

Blue Beard - Band of Horses: The other song that isn't an eager girl on Infinite arms, and my personal favorite. Give it a shot, it's not as catchy as some of the other manufactered songs on the album, but once you get to the chorus, you'll remember how you felt falling in love at a Halloween school dance.

To Build a Home - Cinematic Orchestra: If you don't slip into a contemplative, quiet calm while listening to this, I'm really not sure what would make you. This reminds me of an Ohio river sunset on a Sunday, the way you feel between homes. The way you feel when you're not sure what is home, but you feel it calling somewhere deep down.

Meant to play start to finish, I hope you like it as much as I did. You can tell me what you think if you want. Happy Summer my little music geeks.

Want one? Just ask :)

Springles

Ah....Finally NYC. Wind that doesn't cut through to the bone; just gusts of comfortable that's cool around the edges. At last, a sky that more closely resembles bottoms swimming pools than slabs of concrete sidewalk. That's right, folks. It's fucking spring. Bring it on, pollen! I will sniff you up and stuff you in my nose, put you in my lungs and cough you out ANYDAY before I go back to snowy booby traps thinly disguised as my morning commute.

This weekend was A++, with a sticker in the corner, in bright red ink with exclamation points. And if the sweet, warm breeze and a blanket of sun weren't enough to warm my heart, the Hayley Maker came to town. You guessed it. Momma Keller visited for the first time in a year and we basked in all spring's glory.

Today's mixtape is especially dedicated to New York City spring chickies. And by chickies, I mean everyone. We just appreciate it so. much. When the first warm weekend comes people just go bananas and start lying on the sidewalks and shit. Seriously, we'll hop right up on that dumpster lid and have lunch if that means we get to sit in the sun. Everyone becomes ridiculous amounts of excited and let it all hang out. Then it's like "Shit, I can't wear these hot pants to work!? What was I thinking?" and they tone it down just enough to not offend building security or subway passengers. But that's it! That's all you're gettin'! Finally, we'll squeeze, yes squeeze, into Central Park, perch upon a hot rock and rock it like a fucking lizard (Said it, don't care).

So listen to the movements of NYC spring in the mix: Excitement. Whoa, too much excitement; put those boobs away. Bustin' out the capris. Jesus Christ. Putting the capris back in the closet. Nostalgia. Bonfires. And a sunset you swear you'd never see again. Sweet city springtime.

Cheers,

Merman

Tiger Year

Nothing looks appetizing at 7:30am, not even those battery acid pineapples stained from it's blueberry neighbors. I pushed my 'tropical fruit delight' around with my plastic airport fork, listening to CNN have a meltdown about the stock market hitting an all-time low. My dad, mom, and sister were at the diner table behind me; Trish, sitting with me, bitched at the cashier for stealing her favorite pen, or something like that. I threw away my uneaten mush (I think they were supposed to be grapes?) and nervously smirked as we embraced for one last picture before I went through security, and fly into my new life. Mom teared up, to which I rolled my eyes, and sister squealed and waved excitedly until I rolled my carry on down the ramp in my yellow easter dress and newly purchased 'city' brown boots. I think I was numb to how much I'd miss them, either that, or so pleased to be leaving my orginal 'Tri-State Area' that I couldn't feel anything else. After a 2 hour plane ride and a traumatizing cab ride through Queens, I was here. 2068 23rd street, New Life, New York, 11105.

Yes, before you ask, I certainly feel like it has been a year. And yes, I love it, and yes, I'm glad I did it, and no, I don't know if it's going to be forever, and no, it wasn't easy, and yes, it was all worth it. Shew. Good. I'm glad we've covered those pre-depth awkward questions. But, the question is, what really happened this year? I won't bore you with my butchered attempts to describe it, so I'll show you.

But first! Please, like I wouldn't make a mixtape especially for this occassion. If you don't think I wouldn't carefully craft a mixtape that reflected my emotions and experiences of this year with seamless transition, then I just don't think we're on the same level of mutual respect.

So, put this on and listen from the first track to the last, scroll down, then I think you'll have a taste of a Mulberry New York Year.

The Comets Happened

Bonnaroo Happened.

Spencer Happened.

A weekend in Jersey Shore happened, YIKES!

Playing my flute after a 4 year hiatus happened.

Going back home with new friends happened.

Loving my old and new home at the same time happened...too

Helping my Marshall Girls and speaking at the conference that gave me my job happened.

The Inexplicable happened.

My childhood best friends tied the knot happened.

The Family Christmas card happened.

And who could forget? Sorry boys... happened.

No, I didn't slip into Williamsburg and return with a fanny pack, tattoos of cupcakes, and an apathy to corporate America. Though, I did drink outta cups (you're welcome). Some things just couldn't be captured in the click of a camera, so this i what you get, folks. I wish I got paid to push myself and say something all encompassing, pithy and cute. But the truth is, the rain today isn't doing any favors for my prose, and frankly I'm too preoccupied about surviving a zombie attack, anyway. So there you have it, a tip of my iceberg that is New York...

If you must know about the crack diving, pantless subway rides, or harlem speakeasys, I've also taken up answering fun questions here

Cheers,

Merman

You probly think this poem is about you! Don't you?

Well... this is a first for me. I have written a poem. Yes, I know. I was surprised too. Yes, I've written a poem that I'll share with you. I might even suggest that it is not bad.

It's shocking for me too. I'm sorry, I just had to add these. There not much funny beyond this point. Just this once, I'm going to nix the mix and get a little naked for you. Not really, you know, just in the 'Tada! Here are some deep emotions!" kind of way. This winter has been a time of getting it all out in that cold and snowy (and far too windy) air and feeling better for it. Hey, it might even be a good guessing game for you, see if you're in it!

Cheers,

Merman

To Those Who Have Scorned Me

To you, my lost lamb
who saw something I didn’t
who knew the way
You, who saw that light ahead
A stern shepherd grasping an impervious cane
You, a stupid, stupid little lost lamb.

And to you, my emergency flare,
I saw Jesus in your eyes and in your bowed head
Jesus in your porch swing
in your open hand and guitar
in your pitcher of rum and rolled paper cigarettes
after midnight
under your shirt
in the small of my back
in the haze and headache
and hungover communion

I couldn’t tell who needed saving.

And to you, Mixtape Fantastic
quid pro quo pianos
electronics, quick quips
You, so quick to change the track
kick the beat

I kept up with your steps

I sweat, laughed, recited
memorized the steps
the turns and tempo changes

I shared your morning coffee

And to you, the Charleston South Carolina Cook,
You should know better, master chef,
than to twist your knife
so carelessly through bone
Especially when you’ve invited
them to dinner.

And to future scorners,
I will not believe
You
I will not dance to your drum
I will not believe your silence
Or your naked gospel

Times of Wine and Roses - The Duke Ellington Orchestra