Counting Dominos

2005-07-21T00:29:00.000-05:00

A Long Awaited Return

2005-07-20T23:48:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone

Less than a year ago, I, as a young boy, decided that blogging would be a jolly good thing to do --you know, for kicks and giggles. And so, I took a stab at it.
Even though it was fun while it lasted, the joy of blogging soon diminished and school started being a bitch. Which lead me to quit counting dominos.

A few funny thing have happened since that day in December... This little blog got 14500+ hits, and I found out I have 'fans'.

Anyway, after receiving 'fanmail' I decided I might give this thing another shot. My life has changed quite a bit since December, so has the top 100. There are far too many things to be done and said on countingdominos.

I can't promise a date that I will restart my blogging career, but it could be soon.

So kids... Any questions?

2004-12-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

Top 100 Finishing Touches

2004-12-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

So the list stands complete, and crowned with four bickering British lads.
It acts as a mix of old and new songs that swirl around my personality like watercolors, and splash against paper to form a, sort of, self-portrait. But why, you might ask, are the likes of the Beatles and Dave Matthews commingling at the peak? Well, this is my history. Sorry buddy; its not yours. I can’t help it if fiddle and saxophone solos bridged a musical gap between where I started and where I stand now. I can’t help it if I believe that ‘Before These Crowded Streets’ is a highly underrated piece of work, even though it stands cowardly pale against the giants of music history. I can’t help it if I’m a visionary, who believes in modern music, and who hopes that new music might, one day, surpass the likes of the Lennon/McCartney machine. It’s not my fault that I highly appreciate albums like ‘Is This It,’ that have managed to set rock and roll back on its right path, avoiding a decade of bad genres. I have no control over the fact that I consider this recent movement that has lead to a true masterpiece, ‘Elephant,’ a driving force that is currently leaking into indi and popular culture and will one day shake the world, pick it up, and hold it by it’s feet. Yes, I’m a believer in new music. But, for now, the forefathers reign supreme. Can Beatles or Stones ever be insecticided and grinded by amazing new talent? I’m afraid the answer lies too far into the future to see.

The Beatles Claim the Top Spot

2004-12-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the White Album’s victory, I’m including not only Beatles tracks, but White Album related tracks from DJ Danger Mouse and Phish.

And the winners are….
Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Blackbird
Rocky Raccoon
Martha My Dear
Why Don’t We Do it in the Road
Mother Nature’s Son

DJ Danger Mouse – The Grey Album
Public Service Announcement
What More Can I Say
Encore
December 4th
99 Problems
Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Moment of Clarity
Change Clothes
Allure
Justify My Thug
Interlude
My 1st Song

Phish cover of the White Album
Intro – Back in the USSR
Dear Prudence
Glass Onion
Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
Wild Honey Pie
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Happiness
Martha My Dear
I’m So Tired
Blackbird
Piggies
Rocky Racoon
Don’t Pass Me By
Why Don’t We Do it in the Road
I Will
Julia
Birthday
Yer Blues
Mother Nature’s Son
Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey
Sexy Sadie
Helter Skelter
Long, Long, Long
Revolution 1
Honey Pie
Savory Truffle
Cry Baby Cry
Revolution Number 9
Good Night

And, as always, more mp3's to the right.

'Top 100' Closing In

2004-12-01T16:03:00.000-05:00

Close, but no cigar.
Weezer - Say it Ain’t So
Radiohead - No Surprises
Radiohead - Everything in its Right Place
Radiohead - How to Disappear Completely
Radiohead - Idioteque

Even more mp3s this way ----->

Massive 'Top 100' Update

2004-11-30T20:36:00.000-05:00

An incredible amount of mp3s have been added to the top 100, including the amazing 'Sometimes,' the original pre-9/11 'New York City Cops,' and Sgt. Peppers in its entirety. (Note: The Sgt. Peppers Download speed is somewhat slow)

So, here they are in no particular order.

My Bloody Valentine - Sometimes
The Strokes - Soma
My Bloody Valentine - To Here Knows Why
Van Morrison - The Way Young Lovers Do
Paul Simon - Homeless
Bob Dylan - Girl From the North Country
My Bloody Valentine - Only Shallow
The Beatles - Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, and The End
The Strokes - New York City Cops
Van Morrison - Moondance
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al
The Beatles - Something
PAvement - Lorettas Scars
The Beatles - Come Together
My Bloody Valentine - Soon
John Lennon - Working Class Hero
The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
The Beatles - Because

The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonley Hearts Club Band

1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
2. With a Little Help From My Friends
3. Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
4. Getting Better
5. Fixing a Hole
6. She's Leaving Home
7. Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite
8. Within You Without You
9. When I'm Sixty Four
10. Lovely Rita
11. Good Morning Good Morning
12. Sgt. Pepper's Reprise
13. A Day in the Life

Top 100 Albums Update

2004-11-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

Well, the end is almost here.

Radiohead - High and Dry
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Radiohead - Bullet Proof… I Wish I Was
Radiohead - Nice Dream
The Rolling Stones - You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Be sure and listen to all the tracks from 'The Bends,' which almost make up the whole album.

I'm sure you've heard the Stone's song, but if you haven't heard 'Pink Moon,' listen to it. It has life-changing power.

Here is Some More Stuff (Part 2 of 2)

2004-11-26T07:41:00.000-05:00

Say hello to Animal Collective and White Magic.
Animal Collective - Leaf House
White Magic - Keeping the Wolves from the Door

2004-11-24T19:17:00.000-05:00

Here is Some More Stuff (Part 1 of 2)

2004-11-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

And that stuff is music from Bonnie 'Prince' Billy!
Hard Life
A King At Night

'Top 100' Album Update

2004-11-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

Thank you for family.
Thank you for friends.
Thank you Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin.
And thank you for five more albums.
Van Morrison - Into the Mystic
My Bloody ValentineWhen You Sleep
The Strokes - Someday
The Strokes - Hard to Explain

Featured Music From Arcade Fire

2004-11-23T14:22:00.000-05:00

This music is tearjerkingly beautiful.
Rebellion (Lies)
Wake Up
I'm thankful for tokens and sparks.
Check 'Reid's Picks' for more Arcade Fire tunes.

'Top 100' Album Update

2004-11-23T09:10:00.000-05:00

Instead of Turkey, try roasted rabbit with pomegranates or five new albums!
The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize
Bob Dylan - Blowin’ in the Wind
The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1
The Beach Boys - Wouldn’t it Be Nice
Bob Dylan - Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
The Beatles - A Day in the Life

2004-11-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

Featured Music from Devendra Banhart

2004-11-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

This young, lo-fi, folk-pop, art school graduate has been compared to the likes of Nick Drake and ---Tiny Tim.

This is the Way
This Beard is for Sibohan
For more mp3s, just check ‘Reid’s Picks’ in the column to your left.

'Top 100' Albums Update

2004-11-22T02:42:00.001-05:00

Quick; look to the right.

Q. How did those five new albums get there?
A. Movie Magic

Don't freak out. It's only an illusion.

The Beatles - Norwegian Wood
Paul Simon - Graceland
The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil
The Beatles - Michelle

Canada's Greatest

2004-11-19T01:41:00.000-05:00

William Shatner may be known as so-and-so on that space show, but I know him as that weird guy that recorded hypnotically hilarious music in the sixties, who passionately belted out each word thinking it was the very essence of universal life. He may have been serious or he may have been joking with this material, but now he's back with a new album in hand. And this time he's got Ben Folds on his team.

Transformed Man - 1968
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Mr. Tambourine Man
It Was a Very Good Year

Has Been - 2004
Common People
That's Me Trying
Is it bad that I kinda like this stuff?

For more laughs watch this performance of Rocket Man on the 1978 Science Fiction Film Awards. If you don't use Windows, you probably won't be laughing very hard. Sorry.

'Top 100' Albums Update

2004-11-19T01:12:00.000-05:00

Well, here you go.

Elton John - Tiny Dancer
R.E.M. - Nightswimming
Jars of Clay - Worlds Apart

The Jars of Clay album was probably one of the first cd's I bought, and still remains a favorite. It stuck with me even after I quit listening to Christian music, long ago. Worlds Apart still gives me chills everytime I hear it. (In a good way)

Nightswimming! --also good

Coco Rosie

2004-11-17T17:10:00.000-05:00

Do I like Coco Rosie?

Well, I like Cocoa Pebbles and the name Rosie has the perfect amount of letters. I guess that means Coco Rosie is a-okay with me. On the other hand, I wish I was writing in a highschool yearbook. Does everything relate to coffee?

I have no idea what's going on right now.

Good Friday
By Your Side

2004-11-17T04:02:00.000-05:00

Reid it and Weep?

2004-11-17T03:08:00.000-05:00

Coming in at number 37 on the countdown is a work of my very own--something I did over last Christmas Break on the ol' desktop. Why? Well after I listened to everything I'd previously recorded from the years before, I decided it was time to bump up the quality and give my music a much fuller sound.

The opener is a awkward mix of noises that start with a phone call and spiral down into a fun rendition of Weezer's 'Jamie.' When this finishes the crowd goes wild and cheers in a solo artist who acoustically covers 'Honkey Tonk Woman.' The crowd loves it, but are quickly silenced by a authoritative librarian-like figure who leads into 'Me and Julio Down By the School Yard,' which comes complete with some sort of coach. No that's not a dog in the background! A few chirps away lies a Beatles medley of sorts, and then a cover of Damien Rice's 'Cannonball.' Which eventually leads to the singalong, 'Long Black Veil,' followed by a whistle and a machine. A special guest joins for the opener to the second half. I won't give away any secrets, but I will say that this track includes the most fan-loved moment on the album. Next, the crowd returns to hear 'Factory Girl,' which fades into 'Oh Yoko!' A Revival strikes up after a sweet little girl introduces 'Hey Ya,' which acts as a the climax of the album. The last few songs are mere extras. The first of these starts out as a cover of 'War on War,' but soon becomes chaotic medley. Don't worry; listeners are properly forewarned. The last track is a song I made up for my nephew, when he interrupted my recording session. Some of you might even find a hidden track.

To the many of you that have this jewel, feel lucky. To the ones that were early to receive a copy, you probably have the first version, which is horrible. You haven't heard 'Reid it and Weep,' until you've heard the latest version. So, if you want another one then just say so. I'm not promising a speedy delivery (wink wink). And to those of you that got your copy extremely late, just be glad you have it, and don't come at me like Frankenstein.

Donnie Darko Soundtrack?

2004-11-17T02:20:00.000-05:00

So, there may be this movie known as 'Donnie Darko,' that might not have a soundtrack, which possibly appears at number 42 on a so called 'Top 100' album list. Would this count as yet another burnt disk on the list? Why, yes; yes it does. But don't cry, for you too can make a Donnie Darko Soundtrack to call your own.

Just find these songs:

Echo and the Bunnymen - Killing Moon
Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
The Church - Under the Milky Way Tonight
and Gary Jules - Mad World

Now mix.

For a little more depth, just add some of tracks from the score.

And if you still want more, these songs will do, also.

Duran Duran - Notorious
INXS - Love Will Never Tear Us Apart
Tears for Fears - Mad World

And if you don't care enough to make this, then I'm going to have to start doubting your commitment to Sparkle Motion.

'Top 100' Albums Update

2004-11-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

So, now there's more stuff. You probably know how things work around here.

The Rolling Stones - Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
The Clash - Lost in the Supermarket
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Radiohead - I Might Be Wrong
Pink Floyd - Welcome to the Machine
The Rolling Stones - Under My Thumb
Nick Drake - Northern Sky
The Rolling Stones - Lady Jane
Van Morrison - Sweet Thing
The Rolling Stones - Dead Flowers

The Professor

2004-11-14T04:38:00.000-05:00

The other day I stumbled over Damien Rice's B-Sides, via Rio Karma. For some reason it stuck to me. I kept listening to this one song throughout the day, and have no idea why. To be honest I probably only heard it 3 or 4 times, but hey--that's devotion. Anyway, here is the song. It's a little vulgar, so beware.
The Professor

I even learned a new French word from the thing! For the curious--Dodo means nighty night.

'Top 100 Albums' Update

2004-11-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

You heard it folks. 5 more albums.
Be sure to listen to "Hello Operator," which has my all time favorite drum solo. Go Meg! Also, listen to "Love Will Tear Us Apart," which is one of my all time favorite songs, in general.
Good luck, kids.

The White Stripes - Hello Operator
The White Stripes - You’re Pretty Good Looking (For a Girl)
Echo and the Bunnymen – The Killing Moon
Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart
The Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm
Gary Jules – Mad World

Featured Music

2004-11-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

Here is my first attempt to cycle new music into the "Featured MP3s" section.

Enjoy
Seriously--This is good stuff.

Tim Wilson - Past Cure 1974
Luke Temple - Make Right With You
Amestory - #2
ps - Vena Cava
The Anomoanon - Mr. Train
Treewave - Sleep
Matters & Dunaway - Memorial

2004-11-09T02:52:00.000-05:00

Eighties Week?

2004-11-09T02:43:00.000-05:00

Great news. An eighties week may be on the way. It might even be an eighties fortnight! The plan is to start the festivities after the 'Top 100 Albums' list is completed. So, hopefully, this will happen. Be sure to come back and check it out.

-Reid

'Top 100 Albums' Update

2004-11-09T02:28:00.000-05:00

Here's the best; you know where to find more. ---->

Simon and Garfunkel - El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
The Velvet Underground - Candy Says
The Velvet Underground - Pale Blue Eyes
Simon and Garfunkel - The Boxer
Patti Smith - Horses
The Strokes - 12:51
The Beastie Boys - Triple Trouble
The Strokes - The End Has No End

New Music

2004-11-09T01:15:00.000-05:00

Check out the indie folk pop of The Go! Team and the experimental collage folk of The Books.

The Go! Team - Junior Kickstart
The Books - The Lemon of Pink
The Books - The Lemon of Pink Pt. 2
The Go! Team - We Listen Everyday

For more music, check 'Reid's Picks.'

Folk Songs For Cowboy Robots

2004-11-08T23:31:00.000-05:00

So, this is the second, of four 'personal mixes,' that has made my 'Top 100' countdown. Coming in at number 61, this lengthy collection is probably the best I've ever constructed. The basis was to mix and match folk and folk-influenced songs from the past and present. At the time,(mid-highschool) I didn't have much to choose from, but I made it work anyway. Here is the running list.

1. The Beatles - I'm Looking Through You (I used to be obsessed with this song)
2. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize
3. The Faces - Ooh-La-La (Worlds Beyond the Rest of the Faces' catalog)
4. Bob Dylan - It Ain't Me Babe
5. Beck - Bottle of Blues
6. Nick Drake - Road
7. The White Stripes -Hotel Yorba
8. The Beatles - Wild Honey Pie
9. The Beta Band - Dry the Rain
10. John Lennon - Oh Yoko!
11. Nico - These Days
12. The Beta Band - She's the One For Me
13. The Beatles - Rocky Raccoon
14. Nick Drake - Fly
15. Beck - Lost Cause
16. Paul Simon - Kodachrome
17. Bob Dylan - Mr. Tambourine Man
18. The White Stripes - I Can Tell That We Are Going to Be Friends
19. The Beatles - The Continuing adventures of bungalow Bill
20. Beck - Lord Only Knows
21. The Velvet Underground - Sweet Jane
22. Grandaddy - So You'll Aim Towards the Sun

Of course the mix was not as easy as simply burning the songs together. The intros to "Do You Realize" and "Lord Only Knows" were removed. An intro to "bungalow Bill" was added, which was also removed from the end of "Wild Honey Pie." The intro to "So You'll Aim" was cut and reduced to a fade-in. The second half of "She's the One" was cut and became a fade-out. And finally, all tracks were adjusted to balance the volume correctly. One problem that might be assumed is that the mix heavily relies on The Beatles and Beck, but I don't see this as a problem; the order still sounds great. The only problem is that "Kodachrome" doesn't fit at all, and the album ends on a song that is a bit too bittersweet.
Besides myself, there are only 3 people, on this earth, that own a copy of this thing. So, to those of you that do, feel lucky.

2004-11-08T02:33:00.000-05:00

I think I may start a new campaign.

Massive mp3 and "Top 100" Update

2004-11-07T23:20:00.000-05:00

Good news to all. More mp3s have been found! These extras will simply fall into place with others under the 'Top 100' list and the 'Reid's Picks' list. These little delights are as follows:

Bjork - Venus as a Boy
Dave Matthews - One Sweet World
Weezer - Keep Fishing
Weezer - Slob
Weezer - Dope Nose
DJ Shadow - Best Foot Forward
DJ Shadow - Midnight in a Perfect World
DJ Shadow - Organ Donor
The Beatles - Get Back
The Velvet Underground - Who Loves the Sun
The Velvet Underground - I'll Be Your Mirror
Joni Mitchell - Case of You
Aimee Mann - Wise Up
Sufjan Stevens - Holland
Mirah - La Familia
Mirah - Person Person
Mirah - Pollen
Mirah - Advisory Committee
Mirah - Oh! September
Mirah - Lonestar
The Microphones - Moon Moon Moon
The Microphones - I Felt Your Shape

But, wait. There's more news. A total of 15 albums have been added to the 'Top 100' list, marking the half-way point. It only gets better from here.
As always, here's a recap of the new stuff, in 'best only' mix-tape fashion.

DJ Shadow - Organ Donor
Weezer - Slob
Cat Power - He War
Damien Rice - Volcano
Sufjan Stevens - Holland
Nirvana - Dumb
Neil Young - Don't Let it Bring You Down
Nico - These Days
Cat Power - Maybe Not
Bob Dylan - Mr. Tambourine Man
Damien Rice - Cannonball
Neil Young - Only Love Can Break Your Heart
The Microphones - I Felt Your Shape
The Who - Happy Jack
Dave Matthews - One Sweet World
The White Stripes - Hotel Yorba
Mirah - Pollen
The Beatles - Rocky Raccoon
Bjork - Venus as a Boy
Mirah - Oh! September
Miles Davis - All Blues
The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever

P.S. - Similar to the Aimee Mann track, 'Shelter from the Storm' is not the actual version that appears on 'Blood on the Tracks.' Also, I'm not sure if 'Happy Jack' is the actual version that appears on 'Live at Leeds,' but it's close enough.

The Dream is Over

2004-11-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

Here's an email that was sent out to the Kerry Edwards Campaign mailing list.

"Dear Reid,

Earlier today I spoke to President Bush, and offered him and Laura our congratulations on their victory. We had a good conversation, and we talked about the danger of division in our country and the need, the desperate need, for unity for finding the common ground, coming together. Today, I hope that we can begin the healing.

In America, it is vital that every vote counts, and that every vote be counted. But the outcome should be decided by voters, not a protracted legal process. I would not give up this fight if there was a chance that we would prevail. But it is now clear that even when all the provisional ballots are counted, which they will be, there won't be enough outstanding votes for our campaign to be able to win Ohio. And therefore, we cannot win this election.

It was a privilege and a gift to spend two years traveling this country, coming to know so many of you. I wish I could just wrap you in my arms and embrace each and every one of you individually all across this nation. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

To all of you, my volunteers and online supporters, all across this country who gave so much of themselves, thank you. Thanks to William Field, a six-year-old who collected $680, a quarter and a dollar at a time selling bracelets during the summer to help change America. Thanks to Michael Benson from Florida who I spied in a rope line holding a container of money. It turned out he raided his piggy bank and wanted to contribute. And thanks to Alana Wexler, who at 11 years old and started Kids for Kerry.

I thank all of you, who took time to travel, time off from work, and their own vacation time to work in states far and wide. You braved the hot days of summer and the cold days of the fall and the winter to knock on doors because you were determined to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans. You worked your hearts out, and I say, don't lose faith. What you did made a difference, and building on itself, we will go on to make a difference another day. I promise you, that time will come -- the election will come when your work and your ballots will change the world, and it's worth fighting for.

I'm proud of what we stood for in this campaign, and of what we accomplished. When we began, no one thought it was possible to even make this a close race, but we stood for real change, change that would make a real difference in the life of our nation, the lives of our families, and we defined that choice to America. I'll never forget the wonderful people who came to our rallies, who stood in our rope lines, who put their hopes in our hands, who invested in each and every one of us. I saw in them the truth that America is not only great, but it is good.

So here -- with a grateful heart, I leave this campaign with a prayer that has even greater meaning to me now that I've come to know our vast country so much better and that prayer is very simple: God bless America.

Thank you,

John Kerry"

The Microphones Featured in Reid's Picks

2004-11-04T08:53:00.000-05:00

I think the Microphones came directly from another planet. Check out this lo-fi experimental band who are known for their mixture of sounds, ranging from majestic pop to folk, and even futuristic spacey noises. I could say that the sound is similar to that of Grandaddy's, but that wouldn't describe the band fairly. So, just listen.
Ocean 1,2,3
The Glow Part 2
For more Microphone songs, look in the column on the left, under Reid's Picks.

Major Change and Addition to Top 100 Albums

2004-11-04T07:22:00.000-05:00

The unthinkable has happened. Yours truly has been using the wrong list for his, so called, top 100 albums list. What happened? Well, I was using a list that wasn't finalized-a rough draft, so to speak. But, thankfully, this came to my attention early on. The new list meshes in three more albums, bumping the others up a few spots. The albums I speak of are:
91. Neil Young - Harvest
Heart of Gold
Needle and the Damage Done

83. Bjork's Greatest Hits
All Is Full of Love
Hyperballad

78. Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits
Like a Rolling Stone
Just Like a Woman
Rainy Day Woman
The Times They Are a Changing

Along with this, seven more albums have been added, which makes for a total of ten.
As always, I'm here to show you the best of what I could gather from the vast world wide web. So enjoy. And, of course, for even more pleasure browse your way through the right column to find a plethora of other 'Top 100' mp3s.

Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
The Beta Band - Dry the Rain
Bjork - Hyperballad
Dave Matthews Band - Grey Street
Aimee Mann - Save Me
Dave Matthews Band - Grace is Gone
Neil Young - Heart of Gold
Jimmy Eat World - For Me This is Heaven
Neil Young - Needle and the Damage Done
Bjork - All Is Full of Love

Finally, I'd like to add that the track "Save Me," linked under the Magnolia Soundtrack, is not actually from the album. In Fact, it is an acoustic version of the song, but it's close enough.

2004-11-02T01:54:00.000-05:00

Mirah Featured in Reid's Picks

2004-11-02T01:41:00.000-05:00

Check out some tunes from this Washington native who was apparently born on a kitchen table.
Jerusalem
Cold Cold Water
Of Pressure
To hear more Mirah tracks, just look under Reid's Picks in the left-hand column.

Nevermind

2004-11-02T01:18:00.000-05:00

What ever praise I may have given a supposed Gwen Stefani in a previous post is now void after viewing this, the latest video.

Top 100 Albums Update

2004-11-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

All right, here is the essential list. And for your information, I left out 'certain' Outkast songs that have really taken a hit from overexposure.
Bob Marley - Stir It Up
Outkast - Happy Valentine’s Day
Bob Marley - Could You Be Loved
Beck - Lost Cause
Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry

have fun!

Top 100 Albums Update

2004-10-31T10:05:00.000-05:00

So, I've Updated the list and for your convenience I've also provided a shorter essential mp3 list from the larger chaotic one in the right-hand column. Also, if you haven't noticed, Counting Dominos has a new look.

Phoenix - Too Young
5,6,7,8's - Woo Hoo
David Bowie - Starman
The Ramones - Judy is a Punk
Santa Esmeralda - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

Note: I could not find an mp3 of My Bloody Valentine's 'Sometimes,' which is the sole reason Lost in Translation made the list. Sorry.

Also: Bowie's Starman seems to be the theme song in the trailer for Wes Anderson's new flick 'The Life Aquatic.' View Here.

The Life Aquatic

2004-10-31T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Life Aquatic finally has an official site...here.
Wes Anderson's new film will hit theaters on Christmas Day.
Looks like Santa's present will just have to remain unopened a little bit longer than usual.

Trick or Treat

2004-10-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

Instead of candy, you get halloween mp3s!

Chain Saw - The Ramones
Room 237 - Shining Dialog
Rosemary's Baby Theme
The Time Warp - Rocky Horror

What You Waiting For?

2004-10-31T07:45:00.000-05:00

The new single from Gwen Stefani's upcoming 'Love, Angel, Music, Baby,' is quite impressive, and is on a completely different level from anything within the No Doubt library. Just by hearing 'What You Waiting For,' it can be seen that Gwen has finally cut the strings loose from her band, and from what is expected of her; now she has the freedom to creatively do anything she wants. We'll just have to wait a little while longer to see if the same creativity flows through the album as a whole.

Listen to 'What You Waiting For' here!

2004-10-29T09:18:00.000-05:00

tenenbaum

You've Got a Bat in the Cave

2004-10-29T08:41:00.000-05:00

Iron and Wine, otherwise know as Samuel Beam, is the closest thing to Nick Drake since....well, Mr. Drake, himself. His music is simple and speaks for itself. Just listen to 'Naked as We Came,' and you'll see what I mean.

Iron and Wine's songs are featured in 'Reid's Picks.'

Lazy Fingers

2004-10-28T20:17:00.000-05:00

So, I think I've finally got this blog under control and ready to go. I've decided to slowly phase out the 'more mp3s' section, and start collecting my own research on artists. I'll try to mix it up with new stuff and some of my older favorites. I also want to start posting some of my photography, like the crazy Beatles picture. Anyways, welcome.

Well, Aren't You A Piece of Meat

2004-10-28T18:23:00.000-05:00

Reid's Picks Now Featuring Sufjan Stevens.

This artist, once a member of Marzuki, has made four solo albums since the year 2000, and uses sounds that vary from folk to electronica, at points. One of these albums, dedicated to Michigan, is the first in his planned series to musically explores each state--a total of fifty records. Regardless of his strangeness, the man is extremely talented and manages to play practically every instrument within his songs, which tend to deal with the human spirit.

Sweet Potato Hands

2004-10-28T17:19:00.000-05:00

I was really uplifted yesterday after flipping through Spin Magazine, which I usually don't due to their focus on being 'hip' and 'clever,' rather than journalistic. But, anyway, there were three great articles in the thing that made me appreciate modern music, which has really come a long way since the late 90's. I'm usually one to focus on stuff from the past to find inspiration, but history is being made right now, people; some great things are happening. Let's examine just a few key points.

Technology is changing music.

First of all, early in the decade, we had the decline of Napster, which proved that the output and practices of large record companies was unacceptable to listeners, and that things needed to change.

Years later, where we are today, mp3 blogging and online journalism is on the rise, which gives practically anyone, with a computer and a brain, the power to hold an influence within the world of music. This is all thanks to sites like Fluxblog and Pitchfork Media.

Finally, we've had the greatest musical device created since the Walkman, via Apple.

Ultimately, all of these things lead to putting the control of music back into the hands of listeners, which, I say, is historically noteworthy.

Another point to make is a shift in popular music.

We've witnessed an amazing revival in popular music thanks to artists like the Strokes and the White Stripes, who paved the way for hundreds of other bands to bring popular music back to the basics.

Currently, there is another scene brewing under the surface of popular music, which may explode any minute. This scene has yet to be given a name and probably doesn't want one. No one knows what to call the thing; but it's original and heartwarming, and authentic, and so on. So keep your eyes peeled for artists like Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Animal Collective, Panda Bear, and Ariel Pink.

2004-10-28T03:23:00.000-05:00

All Work and No Play Makes Reid a Dull Boy

2004-10-28T02:29:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Halloween.

Top 10 Horror Films:

10. Halloween
9. Exorcist
8. Rosemary's Baby
7. Blair Witch Project
6. Scream
5. Poltergeist
4. The Ring
3. Texas Chainsaw massacre
2. Carrie
1. The Shining

Other horror films I want to see:
Alien
The Thing (1982)
The Innocents
The Haunting (1963)
The Fly (1986)
Aliens
Cronos
Tokyo Fist
Videodrome
Shivers
Suspiria
Scanners

I Wanna Get With You (and Your Sister)

2004-10-28T01:45:00.000-05:00

Good News! More albums have been added to my top 100 list. If this does not excite you enough, I've also added a new feature, and it is.......
TOP 100 MP3S.
Yes, hold yourself together, it's true. Just look to the left. Do you see'm yet. Probably not, but if you look to the right you will.

If your in the mood for a Christmas song then listen to the incredible 'Christmas Time.' Otherwise, you need to hear 'Across the Universe,' 'The Scientist,' 'Debra,' 'Lo Boob Oscillator,' and 'So Right.' For those who've think they've heard it all, look again. Yes, there is a bonus track by Beck. Also, the Christmas Album may strike you odd, but hopefully my previous entry will answer your questions.

Deck the Halls With Buddy Holly

2004-10-28T01:21:00.000-05:00

OK, let me clear some things up regarding this disk. So, Maybe it isn't real and It's just something I burnt myself, but it's still really good. Here you can see the art work for the CD label. Now, some of the artists are not very credible, but oh well. It's hard finding 'hip' Christmas songs. What makes this thing cool is the production. The songs are mixed together quite well, with small classic Christmas pieces in between. The art work was fun making too.
If you can't read this, the list is as follows:
Run DMC - Christmas Is
Run DMC - Christmas in Hollis
Beck - Little Drum Machine Boy
The Flaming Lips - Christmas at the Zoo
Local H - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Weezer - Christmas Celebration
No Doubt - Oi to the World
Everclear - I Will Be Hating You For Christmas
Jimmy Eat World - 12.23.95
Weezer - The Christmas Song
Phantom Planet - Winter Wonderland
Jimmy Eat World - Last Christmas
Oasis - Merry X-mas Everybody
The Smashing Pumpkins - Christmas Time
Ben Folds - Lonely Christmas Eve
Blues Traveler - Christmas
Pearl Jam - Let Me Sleep
Jack Johnson - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Hootie and the Blowfish - The Christmas Song
Dave Matthews Band - The Christmas Song

Note: 'The Christmas Song' is the title of three tracks but each one is a completely different song.
Best Transitions:
Beck - Flaming Lips
Local H - Weezer - No Doubt
Smashing Pumpkins - Ben Folds (This transition is amazing)

Wow! I just listened to this thing again, and I must say that it could be the best Christmas album ever.

Reid's Picks Features Nick Drake, Beta Band, Cat Power, and Van Morrison

2004-10-26T20:06:00.000-05:00

Is there a better song to start Reid's picks with than 'Northern Sky' by Nick Drake. I think not. I would have to say that this track is my second favorite of Drake's--the first being 'Pink Moon.' So, listen to it. It's good, I promise.
Besides Nick Drake's there are several other great songs. If I had to choose one of each, I'd choose 'Dry the Rain,' 'Maybe Not,' and 'Into the Mystic.' But, I'll let you hear all of them if you want.

Look Listen Vibrate Smile!

2004-10-26T18:58:00.000-05:00

Wow. Is That the original SMiLe I see? Why, yes--yes it is.

For those of you who know nothing about SMiLe, well, it's a pretty big deal. I'm really not in the mood to go into it, but I'll try to sum it up for you.

OK, SMiLe is a Beach Boys album that was never finish or released. It was to be completed in the year 1967. This record would have been monumental, and could have been the greatest then and even now. At this time the Beach Boys were neck and neck with the Beatles when It came to musical innovation and talent; the Beatles had Rubber Soul and Revolver. The Beach Boys had the even more amazing Pet Sounds. But then something happened to poor Brian Wilson, the mastermind behind the project. He was pressured by his record company, his overbearing father, and his uncooperative bandmates. Adding more to this problem, was Brian's extreme drug abuse. When Brian gave up SMiLe, he gave up his leadership of the band, and an incredible piece of work that would have inspired millions. The Beach Boys continued to make music, adding reworked SMiLe tracks to albums here and there, but quickly faded out of the spotlight and left music fans wondering what could have been.

Thankfully, Brian finally finished SMiLe with a new band in 2004, to the excitment of critics and fans, alike. The release truly showed how timeless the music is, and will forever be seen as a great achievement in one man's life.
Anyway, to get to my point..... The original SMiLe recordings are located in the left column. So, enjoy.

For More info on SMiLe:
History
SMiLe Shop

Reid It and Weep

2004-10-26T18:39:00.000-05:00

Congratulations. Your lucky enough to hear features from my last project, 'Reid it and Weep.'
Just look to the column to the left and click whichever song you choose. Whether it be, Hey Ya, Factory Girl, Blackbird/Short Trip Across the Universe, or Me and Julio. If your actually interested, the running order for the album is as follows:
Intro
Jamie
Honkey Tonk Woman; Be Quiet
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Sound of Birds; Blackbird, A Short Trip Across the Universe
Cannonball
Long Black Veil
Sound of Machines; Welcome to the Machine
Will You Play My Piano; Tiny Dancer
Factory Girl
Oh Yoko
1,2,3 Go; Hey Ya, You Know What to Do
War on War and Jam
Sing a Song; Don't Let Me Down

Now, if you are interested in hearing this thing as a whole, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you on it.

Thanks,
-Reid

Ashlee Simpson Performs Amazing Ventrillaquism on SNL

2004-10-26T05:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is a sad day when one finds out that an Ashlee Simpson cannot sing (at least live). But, it is an even sadder day when one finds out that an Ashlee Simpson cannot dance.

Here is what went down in video form!

Vote!

2004-10-26T04:48:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd post this great article I read yesterday. I'm usually not one to push my political views on others, but things tend to change around crunch time. If your a huge Anti-Kerry activist, then don't read this. I'm not telling you to vote against your man. But, I would like to tell everyone to vote. I don't really care too much about the party you stand for--Just vote. Do some research on each candidate, find their viewpoints, compare this to your own, and vote.
Anyway, here is the article.

"Our current leadership seems to have lost its way and its moral compass. Dishonesty has become a national policy.
We have been asked to debase our Constitution for political purposes, to enshrine bigotry and to take away fundamental rights from Americans. We have abandoned scientific and medical research, bowing to narrow religious beliefs. We have handed over even more of our national wealth to the rich and taken it from the poor and the workingman. We have gone to war for reasons that have been proved wrong, and we have sanctioned torture as acceptable policy.
We must not make war on other nations because we think we hear God telling us who is evil. We must not unleash the terror of war -- death and destruction and the inevitable murder of innocents -- as if it were some God-given right. The fear of terrorism cannot be used to cover up secret agendas and policy failures nor to curtail the rights handed down to us by the Founding Fathers for generation after generation, through crisis after crisis, from president to president.
It is time for the nation to face up to the truth about Iraq. We were told there was a clear and present threat to our security. We were prepared -- in a time of apparent crisis -- to believe our president and vice president.
As we now know, none of what they said was true.
What mix of arrogance and blind faith, incompetence and inexperience, deliberate untruths and deceptions on the part of the president, the vice president and their closest advisers brought us to this horrible turn in our national policy will be for history to decide.
For now, it is our job to right the wrongs of the Bush administration, to fix the damage before it is too late. But to simply list the dangerous failures of the Bush presidency as the primary reason to vote for John Kerry would sell short a man of high purpose and moral courage. He is battle-tested, both as a young man in war and as a political leader up against the withering and unprincipled assault of the Bush-family attack machine.
John Kerry brings gravity and experience to this historic race, not to mention an intellect equal to the challenges before the nation. A complex, modern world demands we make judgments based on facts and careful analysis, not on ideology or religion.
What is the cost of this war -- in the deaths of more than 1,000 U.S. soldiers, the disfigurement of thousands more now in hospitals, of Iraqi women and children maimed and killed by the massive weaponry of our military?
What will be the cost in dollars: 300, 400, 500 billion? To think what we could have done for a safer, better America and for the welfare of the world with that money. It should make us weep.
The Middle East is in flames, due to the neglect of President Bush. Since the very beginning of his administration, he has all but walked away from the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. There can only be a durable peace in Iraq when there is a durable peace between Arab and Jew in Israel. The talks must be restarted. John Kerry understands that a great president must use his political capital to make this happen.
He also understands that we can begin to reverse the decline of the environment and save ourselves from the disaster of global warming only when we do something serious about our dependence on oil. We cannot have a secret energy policy. And we must have real, immediate action on fuel-efficient cars. John Kerry and John McCain have already jointly introduced this legislation. As president, John Kerry will not postpone action for another decade, hoping for a technological miracle. This is well within our abilities to accomplish now, within our lifetime.
Mr. Bush has delivered on almost every rollback and giveaway his wealthy supporters have asked for. Not once has he shown the courage or strength to stand up to special-interest contributors and narrow voting blocs, let alone forge policy for the common good -- or the common man.
How often do we have to be fooled to say, "We won't get fooled again"? A so-called renewal of Head Start ends up draining its funding. The "Healthy Forests Initiative" opens up Western lands and forests for more clear-cutting and mining. "No Child Left Behind" turns out to be severely underfunded. The "Clear Skies" policy is, in fact, a back door for more air pollution. The "middle-class tax cut" is primarily for the top two percent. Medicare reform bans drugs imported from Canada and bulk purchasing to lower drug prices while putting billions into the pockets of the insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
It's like WMD. Haven't we been hoodwinked enough? Haven't we learned our lesson? It is hard to accept the idea that our president has misled us. It is against everything that we have been taught about the presidency and against what we most dearly want to believe. But the facts leave us no other conclusion.
I have known John Kerry and have followed his career for nearly thirty years. He resonates with the best values and ideals of our shared generation and is one of its outstanding leaders and heroes. The anger at the stupefying misleadership of America by George W. Bush is enough cause to vote for change, but it should not overshadow the quality and substance of John Kerry. He is an honest man and a fair man; he goes where his intellect and high ethical values take him; and he tells the truth, and is willing to trust the American people with that truth, and make them his partner in the leadership of this country.
I urge you to read the interview with Senator Kerry conducted in early October on the eve of the second debate. It lays out very clearly where he stands and where he wants to go.
It is time to return to the idealism, the boldness and the generosity of spirit that marked our great presidents. We need a leader who lifts our hopes -- not one who divides us with disguise and fear -- and tells us the truth. We want to bring America back to our bedrock values of tolerance, honesty and hope, the beliefs that hold us together."

Author of article
~JANN S. WENNER

Click to read article on official site
Click to read interview with John Kerry

Welcome

2004-10-26T03:23:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. As you can see, I've returned to blogging, after a sudden gain in free time. To those of you who are not familiar with the older blog, don't worry about it-- it was only a summer fling; It didn't mean anything-really. As for the new blog... let me give you the tour.

I think the main aspect of this blog is the mp3 column to your left.
<------- When I first started getting mp3s, I was just basically going to some nifty mp3 sites and creating the same links that they have. The list I made from this is in the catagory of 'Even More mp3s.' Although, I've yet to listen to the entirty of this large collection, I plan to go through it and delete anything that absolutely sucks. The tracks that I have heard and recommend are in the 'featured mp3' section. So, far this list includes the amazing David Byrne, formally of the Talking Heads, a collaberation of Kylie and the Sissor Sisters, A Velvet Underground cover by the Modern Lovers, a catchy, high-schoolish rendition of the all-to-easy-to-laugh-at 'Touch Myself,' and more. It was only a few days later when I realized that If I scowered the internet enough I could find my favorite songs and compile my own list of personal recomendations. This is how the 'Reid's Picks' section began. My goal is to update this section everytime I work on the blog. Also, I could update the 'Even More mp3s' section to add a little flava to the mix.

Oops. I almost forgot the best part about the mp3 section-- it includes some of my work. I have a hobby of recording music, which I don't do very often. The peak of my recording career was during the winter of 2003, when I recorded a pretty spiffy album known as 'Reid It and Weep.' As you can see, I've included a few tracks from this little jewel. I might even add more later, but there are a few that I feel would be better off the public domain known as the internet. This being because, some alleged singers my have apeared on the album even though they were somehow mistakenly absent during the recording process. But, if your heart is bursting to hear the whole thing then just respond to this message and I'll see if I can hook you up. In the future I may add more non-weep tracks including extremely rare early stuff. So, keep your eyes peeled.

The next featured included is a hard-to-find collection of the SMilE sessions recorded by Brian Wilson and the rest of the Beach Boys in the mid-60's. Listen to this stuff while you can before it completely dissappears from internet as it is doomed. Now, aside from all this mp3 business,

I've also included my 'top 100 albums' column.
------------>
I plan to update this frequently, and provide as many 'top 100 features' as I can, or am willing to do.

Anyway, I guess that's all for now.

Come back soon.

-Reid