June 10th 2006 at the Elevens in Northampton, MA
Half way round the world. Well, half way round the year at least. So I figured I’d throw out my favorite records/films of 2006 thusfar. Let’s see what gets bumped by the end of the year.
Sounds
Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere
Flaming Lips – At war with the mystics
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party – Soundtrack
Quasi – When the going gets dark
Shadows Fall – Fallout from the war
Tool – 10,000 days
Sites
V For Vendetta
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
Match Point
The New World
Munich
Mission Impossible 3
Busy lately. Just finished a mini tour with Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall. Much fun was had. Everyone treated us very well. I had to cancel a handful of shows because of a flare up in my allergies like I haven’t had in over 15 years. I use to get shots for them. Looks like I might have to again. My apologies to those that came out to support us. I feel horrible about cancelling but hopefully we’ll reschedule soon.
My record is getting some great reviews. I’m so thankful. The most recent one is on babysue.com. Here it is:
Mark Schwaber - The Killing Card (CD, Pigeon, Progressive pop)
This is an intriguing album that immediately caught our attention. Mark Schwaber creates uniquely entertaining music from a different perspective. His tunes combine highly melodic thoughtful vocal melodies with abstract musical passages...and the end result is extraordinarily effective. Instead of predictable tunes and cute arrangements, Schwaber writes and records mature, intellectual tunes that are sometimes reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens. There is a wealth of material to take in here. The Killing Card presents sixteen thought provoking compositions that flow by seamlessly...combining classic elements with unpredictable spontaneity. This man is bound to be a major player in the years to come. Cool reflective tracks include "The Pressure It Feeds," "Torture Ground," "Island of the Burning Trees," and "You Are Just Like Me. You Will Never Be Free." Recommended. (Rating: 5++)
You can read the others, as well as buy a copy of my new record “The Killing Card” by clicking here.
Spouse has wrapped up its first round of mixes for its forthcoming record. Wow. This might be my favorite record of theirs/ours yet. Which is big props coming from me, since “Nozomi” essentially changed my musical landscape.
Check out this magazine if you get the chance. My name was in it! Thanks to the great friends in Shadows Fall. You can get a copy here.
Horns!
Please feel free to let me know if you have any records or movies that I left off my shortlist. I’m always game for new sites and sounds.
