binge&purge

I LIKE FRUIT

2010-01-12T12:09:00.003-05:00

I LIKE FRUIT

RED DELICIOUS APPLE

BARTLETT PEAR

POMEGRANATE

sandwiches

2009-11-24T11:51:00.003-05:00

BACON AVACADO

ITALIAN

PAUL

Brandon Scott Gorrell and Tao Lin - The Brandon Book Crisis (2009, Muumuu House)

2009-05-30T14:06:00.009-04:00

The Brandon Book Crisis may be the funniest book ever written about making a book.

The story revolves around two real people, the book's editors, Brandon Scott Gorrell and Tao Lin in their attempts to finish putting together Brandon's forthcoming poetry book During My Nervous Breakdown I Want to Have a Biographer Present. The BBC chronicles the actual events of April 20-24 and is described by Lin as a"'thriller' conveyed through unedited Gmail chats, emails, voicemails, and text messages."

The Brandon Book Crisis presents an extremely entertaining trip through the processes of attempting to edit, format, and revise a final copy of Gorrell's book. The duo struggles in contacting and working in accordance with their manufacturing company, finding themselves in a constant state of disarray working between different time zones (Seattle and Brooklyn) and technical troubles. Through Gmail chats and emails we read into the character and private conversations of the team.

The work is extremely witty in its layout. The straight, unedited chats of Brandon and Tao are raw and hilarious. Internet terminology, blog referencing, and countless typos swing the reader into the heart of a real experience. It is a base concrete reality that any internet user, blogger or Gmail user finds himself in at any given moment, and it is projected across paper in a surprising page turner.

The work also reflects on the personal lives of the two internet personalities. Tao Lin and Brandon Scott Gorrell are widely published throughout the internet. Often considered gimmicky and unoriginal, the heroes of The BBC suffer from great criticism and press abuse across the blogosphere. However, this publication dives deeper and humanizes the two from their work. Talks of relationship issues, eating, computer problems, misunderstandings, and even "poop" bring to life the bloggers. Tao remarks on his use of the library and Gorrell brings forward his unemployment and work on the streets. Phrases like "bro" and "bitches" seem relatable and hilarious.

It also includes an extensive glossary, which cites everything from "Statcounter" to "Ellen Kennedy" to "Thomson Shore, Inc." with deadpan humor and accuracy. One excerpt defines the term "jesus" as "a colloquialism indicating awe."

This book is post-postmodernism in action. I enjoyed the shit out of it.

I do have to say, for those who do not read the blogs of Lin and Gorrell, this work could be extremely alienating. It essentially would not make a lot of sense and there wouldn't be a pretense to read it. I can see this book being largely criticized by the unfamiliar and unengaged. If read with an open mind, though, I think those who are unfamiliar with Lin and Gorrell still have a good chance of enjoying the book's wit and commentary on the modern processes of independent publication. And for those of us who are avid Muumuu enthusiasts, The Brandon Book Crisis was a surprising and funny treat.

It is also a great supplement to During My Nervous Breakdowns I Want to Have a Biographer Present, which I received by mail and began reading today.

Because this book appeals to maybe .001% of American readers and maybe closer to 2% of the blogosphere, I will give it 2 ratings:

6/10 (for those unfamiliar with Lin and Gorrell)
9/10 (for those familiar with Lin and Gorrell)

Important Links:
Blurbs, Order, and Other Info.
Tao's Promotion
Brandon's Promotion
Muumuu House

Danger - 9/14 2007 (2007, Ekler’o’shock)

2009-05-15T13:42:00.000-04:00

The French electro-scene wave has finally inundated America, with acts such as Justice paving the way for other French DJs. Danger is no such exception. Danger, whose real moniker is Frank Rivoire, doubles as a graphic designer, as can clearly be seen in his MySpace, where flashing images seem to be able to give seizures at any moment. Who is this mysterious figure, and why do none of his tracks have real names? What do the dates for his albums mean, and for that matter, why aren't his EPs in chronological order? Indeed, his whole aura is mysterious.

Wearing his ski-mask as he goes through his set, his energy can clearly be felt throughout. His shows combine Commodore 64-era chip-bit tunes with retro cartoon clips, along with a thumping bass line. He sounds somewhat like Kavinsky, but Danger's style is distinctive in the sense that there's a story to it that goes along with the pictures he creates for the audiences.

His very EP, 9/14 2007, consists of four tracks - 11h30, 11h30 (datA remix), 14H54, 19H11. To be honest, the main highlight here is 11h30. With an upbeat tempo that never relents, the track is almost transcendental. It takes you on a journey, with well placed electric sounds and vocal samples that keep up the pace. 14H54 seems to keep up the same pace, but as hard as it is to convey, on a parallel universe. The same instruments are being used, yes, but the story being told could be conceived as different. And in the end, all of this music is perfect to get the room shakin'.

8/10

Notes: Good production, etc. Not perfect, but 11h30 is a gem.

Key tracks: 11h30, 11h30 (datA remix)

Key links: MySpace

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us (2009, Graveyard Records)

2009-05-04T20:29:00.006-04:00

Psilocybin would probably be a better name for Black Moth Super Rainbow.

Black Moth Super Rainbow (BMSR) have been supplying the world with otherworldly psychedelic songs and they're latest output "Eating Us" is no different. BMSR's signature sound of vintage analog synthesizers over Incredible String Band style folk with vocals that sound like a certain man who wears awesome hats.

The album is produced by Dave Fridmann, who's the man behind the boards for bands such as The Flaming Lips, MGMT, Elf Power, and Mogwai. The album doesn't signify any change in BMSR's sound, they do explore writing actual songs instead of repeated patterns that sound pretty.

The album begins with "Born on a Day the Sun Didn't Rise", which begins with a funky chord pattern played on a Rhode's piano with sampled drums, a passage that wouldn't sound out of place on an RJD2 track. Then come in Strawberry Fields Forever style Strings, with "singer," Tobacco's signature vocoded vocals. Frankly, the vocoder constricts BMSR from expressing true soul in their music.

This becomes "Eating Us"'s downfall. Despite more consistent tracks and songs that actually are, well, songs, the album lacks the depth that similar bands such as The Octopus Project and The Books. If Black Moth Super Rainbow awoke from the psychedelic trip they've been inducing on themselves for the past 7 years (and mastermind Tobacco's been making the same music for 10+ years), they could show themselves as a project that's more than just something to listen to when your baked out of your mind.

But if you are baked out of your mind, be prepared to be soaked into a world full of, "Iron Lemonade", "American Face Dust, and "Bubblegum Animals." Honestly, those names aren't surprising coming from a band who has members named Father Hummingbird and Power Pill Fist. Sure it's not going to change your life, but it's an interesting record from a band that sounds incredibly unique.

8/10

Keytracks: "Dark Bubbles", "Gold Splatter", "Smile the Day After Today"

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South (2009, Merge Records)

2009-05-03T13:31:00.007-04:00

Conor Oberst makes a record that can be considered good and “not embarrassing.”

Most people had a lot of doubts after the melodramatic-folk icon released his first solo album in over a decade last summer. It was disappointing to say the least. Leaving behind Mike Mogis, Oberst tried out new song structures and lyrical formations, which seemed to please lazy critics but shocked and alienated his fanbase, who have come to expect high performance with a celebrated history as “Bright Eyes.” It seemed to me like The Mystic Valley Band represented Oberst’s midlife crisis and perhaps the end of his career.

I guess I'd spoken too soon.

A second attempt with his new band, less than a year later, yielded much better results. Outer South marks a return to the songwriting and persona Bright Eyes fans came to love. “To All the Lights in the Windows” strings social commentary and sadness into a classic folksy ballad, and “Cabbage Town” resonates a feeling of the Oberst angst established in Fevers and Lifted.

Another impressive factor in the album is the integration of other songwriters and voices taking the lead on the album. The Mystic Valley Band has a lot of talent hidden behind their iconic frontman, and this record emphasizes the power behind these unknown names. Californian singer-songwriter Nik Freitas gets two leading tracks, which turn out, surprisingly, to be some of the best of the whole album. “Big Black Nothing” is a cold and catchy folk tune that feels almost like an old Dylan song, and the poppy and fun “Bloodline” sounds like a toned down David Vandervelde. Taylor Hollingsworth and Jason Boesel both get their own songs, and Macey Taylor sings a song Oberst wrote for him.

Hollingsworth’s “Air Mattress” gets its own paragraph because it is the most fun song on the album. It sounds like nothing Oberst has ever released before. The quirky-pop love song is highlighted by a catchy synth-line and doo-wop backing vocals. It is certainly the most upbeat and unexpected tune on an album of surprising quality. The song asks again and again “Can I sleep on the air mattress with you?” I’d probably let the whole band.

“Snake Hill” closes the record with a refreshing feeling of a psych-folk and sadness. Outer South represents a serious change for Oberst with his new bros but rekindles the sounds and reasons we started listening to the Nebraska neurotic in the first place.

7/10

Key Tracks: "To All the Lights in the Windows," "Air Mattress," "Bloodline," "Snake Hill"

Important Links: Official Website, Myspace, NPR

"Louie" by Brian Moore

2009-05-01T15:24:00.008-04:00

Louie from Brian Moore on Vimeo.

This video, about Louie (The Boston Tricycle Guy), is amazing. Please watch it for an in-depth look into the life of an infamous local hero.

9/10

WHAT IS BINGE&PURGE?!?!?!?!

2009-04-30T20:43:00.001-04:00

binge&purge is a new review blog.

bing&purge is a place where you can find reviews on new and old music, movies, and lit.

everything is reviewed on a scale out of 10. for example, ethan long gave chester french's love the future a 6/10.

bing&purge is place for shit talking and praising.

it is a place for posting pictures of art and saying something.

review art. sure. i don't care.

review youtube videos. review other blogs. review life.

if you want to become a part of binge&purge first become friends with me or one of the other contributors (in person or via blogging). then, when you feel comfortable enough, email me (dfishkind[at]gmail.com) or one of the other contributors and ask to become a contributor. each contributor must publish a minimum of one review per month.

sometimes reviews will be constant.

sometimes reviews will be less than constant.

binge&purge promises to be biased and rude when necessary.

<3us h8us readus.

The Lonely Island - Incredibad (2009, Universal Republic)

2009-04-30T11:43:00.011-04:00

Are you wondering where all those ridiculous music videos parodies that everyone has been showing each other has come from? Look no further.

The Lonely Island is a comedic troupe consisting of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer. The group performed comedy skits and were originally hired by Saturday Night Live. Continuing their work of musical parody, they produced the well-acclaimed Lazy Sunday, which is included in the album. They continued to produce these parodies, which resulted in their very first album, Incredibad. The album includes many of their SNL hits, including "Dick in a Box" and "Jizz in my Pants."

The group's album transcends many genres in their quest to quite simply, make fun of nearly everyone. Surprisingly enough, their efforts are quite solid - much of the music is catchy and lyrically sound. "I'm on a Boat", which features T-Pain, comedically parodies the many R&B videos that seemingly abuse the ubiquitous Autotune and flout bitches and riches. Nothing is quite as ridiculous as talking about being on a boat, but the group and T-Pain manage to make a music experience out of it. With such potent lyrics as "I'm riding on a dolphin / doing flips and shit / the dolphin's splashing / this ain't sea world" the group never quite takes itself seriously, yet if you didn't listen to the lyrics you would quite simply assume it was another catchy, synthy Top40 hit. And as if that wasn't enough, T-Pain is sure to reassure you that he has "fucked a mermaid."

"Like a Boss" combines the daily life of a "boss" with an entertaining rap with the Rick-Ross-esque "Like a Boss" setting the beat. Samburg explores the depth of office life, whether it includes "fuck[ing] the brains out [of a giant fish]" or "chop[ping] my balls off." In the end, it is an entertaining romp, but hardly a musical masterpiece. The YouTube phenomenon, "Jizz in my Pants", seems to parody the ever-present Timbaland. With such a ridiculous premise and title, one would wonder how the song could ever work, but amazingly enough, the lyrics are once again, the savior. It's quite a catchy tune, with synths and heavy bass permeating throughout the song structure, quite adeptly imitating Timbaland's style. What's important to note here though is that the music videos tend to provide a far better experience than just listening to the music; indeed, one may not find the music funny until the videos are watched.

The album includes some of their older hits such as "Dick in a Box", and the music has been flawlessly transferred over. Justin Timberlake is still fantastic in his bit role. All of the other tracks all mesh to their respective genres. One specific highlight is the track featuring Natalie Portman, "Natalie's Rap" which seeks to throw away Natalie Portman's good girl image and shows her less altruistic side.

It's hard to deny what the Lonely Island has done is nothing short of avant-garde. Hearkening back to Weird Al Yankovic, they have revolutionized the parody genre - much of this music could potentially stand on its own.

Favorite tracks: "Jizz in my Pants", "I'm on a Boat", "Dick in a Box", "Like a Boss"

9/10

Give these boys a Grammy. This is one of the better albums of the year.

Important link: Official Website

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz! (2009, Interscope)

2009-04-29T21:20:00.004-04:00

Just bought It’s Blitz! on vinyl LP.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs are known for loving you differently than they love you. It’s Blitz! proves that they actually probably do.

Karen O. and her boys have always been known for their raw simplicity and grit. And up until this point, they have achieved just that: a reckless alcoholic and her two minimalist bros, fronting the New York alt-scene

However, It’s Blitz! has a totally different feel. 10 new tracks are 10 new ways to experience one of the most talked about bands of the decade. The opening/single “Zero” is a surprising disco/club song, utilizing synth and electro elements. This electro feel is present throughout the album with the dance-party “Heads Will Roll” and poppy-synthy “Dragon Queen.”

Another common trend is melodic melodrama. “Runaway” is dark and emotional with a simple piano hook under the softer, more-developed vocals of O. It’s like we’re hearing her completely different person. Her voice cries with sentiment and nostalgia: “Lost, lost, lost my mind / Want you to stay / Want you to be my prize.” “Skeletons” and “Little Shadow” are the slowest and quietest songs the band has ever recorded. They remind me of baby raindrops. Or something.

“Hysteric” can simply be described as one of the coolest and catchiest love songs in the past several years. O swoons “flow sweetly, hang heavy, you suddenly complete me.”

The band has shown immense development and promise. They’re growing as people and as artists. The complexity and beauty behind this record will be something to seriously contend with.

This album suddenly completes me. I like this album. I like this album a lot. Perhaps the best I’ve heard in 2009.

9/10

Key Tracks: "Hysteric," "Runaway," "Dragon Queen"

Important Links: Myspace, YYYs Blog

Chester French - Love the Future (2009, Star Trak)

2009-04-29T19:53:00.002-04:00

With the release of Chester French’s debut album, “Love the Future,” a musical spasm of melodic and harmonic ingredients, mixed into a bowl, and eventually, coming out as an album that includes some pretty nice arranging and subtle additions. While it provides some great musical ideas and phrases, it also includes some very average and plain boring aspects that brings down the album.

The first track, easily named “Introduction”, begins with a very Spanish-influenced tune. Singer Davis-Andrew Wallach beautifully sings in Spanish as Maxwell Drummey plays acoustic guitar in the background, before being added by drums and very sorrow strings that makes the ballad into a very heart-felt song to start an album on. It’s a very strong song, and sets the mood, as a very good album is set to begin.

Every piece of music on the album is wonderful. The strings add a very dense level of depth onto the music. Synthesizers add in helpful fills that aren’t as cheesy as some music has been lately….(we’re looking at you Mr. Stevens) The synthesizer has found a nice balance in songs such as “the Jimmy Choos”, and Chester French doesn’t overuse it. It’s used as a tool only when needed, instead of basing an entire song around an effect or instrument.

Wallach ditches the classic singing from the first track for a more contemporary sound, replacing the quiet Spanish sung with pretty cheesey lines that seem like they’re written by a high school freshman to their current crush in their Livejournal or Xanga page. “No, no, no,/don’t you tell me what to do/cuz I’m going on my own” Every aspect of music on this album is great, except for the stuff coming out of Wallach’s mouth. Jesus, it really brings the band down. He sounds nothing more than your average high school garageband singer who can’t sing, but was brought into the band because they didn’t want to play with someone they didn’t know.

The album is pretty strong, but if Drummey wants to continue with this band, he has to either reassign Wallach, replacing him with a new singer, or he’ll just have to go out and form a better group of musicians. Seriously, the music is great, except when the vocal track is added on top of it.

6/10

Important links:
Myspace
'Love the Future' on Vinyl or CD (Both include digital download)