Tag Archives: Nom Now

Music Monday 6.14.10

Posted on by under #musicmonday


This week was all about Wisdom Tooth. John’s long awaited album release show was this past wednesday, which finally allowed me to get a copy of his newest work Baby Neptune. I have to say, he’s really outdone himself this time. In production quality, songwriting, artwork, basically the whole package has been brought to a new level, though I’m not surprised. John is a good friend of mine, so this is going to sound bias, but you need to get his new album, because it quite worthy of your time. Fortunately/Unfortunately this is a record that whatever I say isn’t going to do it any justice, you just need to hear it. Great work John!

As far as the rest of this goes, worthy of mention is Brick + Mortar an insane 2 piece band tearing up the Asbury music scene right along side bands like River City Extension. This band is literally unbelievable and I HIGHLY recommend you listening to them.

I was passed some new Dark Surfers tracks from my boy Brian, apparently before Yapes got them (soooooo VIP), and much like the new Wisdom Tooth album, this is something else coming out of Trenton that I can’t wait for.

Get me on last.fm if you want to check compatibility.

Realize. Create. Beautify.

Posted on by under Nom Now, Poster



Last weekend I went to a park in Pitman to take a few photos for some projects I’m working on. I was sorting through them a little last night and came across a few that I had no use for as far as what I originally needed. So I used a couple of them and made this. I had been looking to make something involving our mantra of sorts, “Realize. Create. Beautfiy.” and this finally felt right.

NOM NOW Wallpaper

Posted on by under Nom Now



Here’s a new wallpaper for anyone looking to update that musty old one you’ve had for too long. I haven’t been updating as much as I’ve liked to, but there will be some more things coming your way in the near future. I’ve working on some ideas for Nom Now pins, which I’ll be sure to post most likely on the NOM NOW facebook page, and let you decide. Anyway, enjoy.

Music Monday 5.31.10

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I was finally tuned into the world of No Age this week. And in all fairness it was because I saw a photo of my buddy Mike Walsh showing off a vinyl of theirs. He’s up on the good stuff as much as anyone I know, so I took it as a sign to give it a peek. Described often as noise rock, I found them to be less noisy then some of the other bands being called the same. Which I was happy about…I often find those bands too be a little too noisy. No Age was doing it all right in my book. I’ve only listened to their album Nouns but I’ll be exploring some of their other stuff for sure.

Some other new bands I just got into are Avi Buffalo, who I’m just loving, The Alps who are this chill instrumental band who I was feeling, Junip and their awesome new EP, which led me into some José Gonzalez who I hadn’t listened to in a while and it was long overdue. I also found the first Bruce Springsteen album I actually can say I liked thanks to my pal James Ramirez. Surprisingly enough it was his 2005 album Devils & Dust. Despite my distaste for The Boss, and the fact that guys like him make worse each year starting from their debut, this actually did something for me. Check it out if you’re not too embarrassed to have it show up in your last.fm.

Contribute

Posted on by under Nom Now, Poster



I hadn’t made a strictly Nom Now poster in a bit, but with the Facebook page in full gear, I’m more excited about this than ever. Go on over and “like” it if you haven’t already, there will be many updates through there, and plenty of ways for you to get involved. Speaking of, that’s sort of where the inspiration for this came out. We’ve had quite a few people looking to get involved with Nom Now, and while I’m not in the business of turning people away, especially those looking to help, the idea is that you go out and do your own thing and contribute something of your own to the world. Because you can, and because you should. I’ve asked myself many times “How are you going to contribute?” It’s a question worth asking often. It keeps me in the mind set of never becoming stagnant. It’s also a reminder that our world is only comprised of what we put into it, that being said, we have quite the duty. I hope this all sparks something in you, and you “contribute” this week. Let us know what you’ve done, we’re looking for inspiration all day every day.

And Where Did You Come From?

Posted on by under Uncategorized



In regards to the Arizona Immigration Law…
It’s pretty mind boggling that is actually happening. I’m ashamed by the regression of our country through this bill, so I wanted to flip this around and ask a question to the people who are afraid of immigration. We’re here because our ancestors came and stole the land from the indigenous people who were living here. Now, if that isn’t an illegal immigrant, I don’t what is.

This new bill is opening the door for legal racial profiling and is absolutely a step backwards in history.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to leave a comment.

Music Monday 5.17.10

Posted on by under #musicmonday


It’s been just under 4 months since I started this Music Monday thing, and I wanted to talk about what’s been topping the charts in that past time. And because next week will introduce the new format of Music Monday, I wanted to give you a culmination of the past time. So above is all the accompanying pieces of art from past entries combined to make one big piece. Last.fm offers me a chart for the past 3 months, so that’s what I give to you.

Real Estate is not surprising to be found at number one because I went through a few waves of obsession. These guys are playing with Kurt Vile at Johnny Brendas on July 11th and I will be there, so do me a favor, and do yourself a favor and meet me there and let’s have a good time. If you still haven’t checked these guys out…well I don’t know what to say besides help me to help you.

Joanna Newsom no undoubtedly makes this because of her seriously great new record Have One On Me. I know that some of you may be on the fence with her, for various reasons, but in my opinion, this is by far her best work. It such a dense record that has a lot to offer in its many layers, which keep unpeeling themselves a few listens in. I also love the album artwork.

Harlem is one of those bands that almost slipped by. But I obviously was able to latch onto them, and once I did, I realized it was a good thing I did. Hippies is one of the most fun sounding albums I’ve heard recently, and it makes you want to put it on loud and drive with the windows down.

I came across Local Natives in the beginning of February and have been listening to them pretty consistently since then. They are one of my favorite new bands, and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, these guys are on the edge of blowing up in a big way, pretty much in the same way that Fleet Foxes did. The dynamic of this band isn’t necessarily anything you haven’t heard before, but they are doing it so well that it just doesn’t matter at all.

Dr. Dog is a band that because of their latest album, Shame, Shame, my interest in them has grown even stronger. It’s a great album that I wouldn’t be hesitant to call their best, and like I said, has put them on my permanent radar. I feel like I can recommend these guys to almost anyone and they would enjoy it.

King Tuff had a wild grip on me these past few months, and much like Harlem, I want to put it on loud and drive my car. The music makes you want to get wild and eat pizza. I can’t really think of a better way to describe it than that…so if anything of those things sound like stuff you can get down to, well by all means, this is for you.

The Avett Brothers are a huge staple in my music listening. In the past year I’ve become obsessed with them, and now they’ll be a part of my life forever. I can’t really think of better songwriters than this band, and I think anyone who gives them a chance, will soon be bitten by their bug, and from there on out, you’re pretty much helpless to them.

Broken Social Scene garnered some plays in part of their new record which reconnected me with them. The cool thing about BSS is that their records are usually packing some serious songs, this most recent one had 14, which is pretty impressive with all things considered. I don’t think I need to convince any of you to give these guys a listen, as I’m sure you have already. But if you haven’t heard the new album yet, I certainly would advise you to give it your ears.

River City Extension just happens to be a group of people who I know, but they’re also a band that even if I knew none of them, I would still be in love with. I’ll spare you because I’ve more than talked your ear off in regards to this band, but RCE is by far one of my favorite bands and I will forever be recommending this band to anyone willing to listen.

Washed Out. To be honest, I can’t really say that I listened to this much after it initially captivated me. It’s one of those things where I listen to something perhaps too much too quickly, and then it’s hard to go back to it for a while. I’m sure by the next EP, the ban will have been lifted. Which speaking of, if you’re looking for a place to start, Life Of Leisure is the way to go.

As always check me out on Last.fm.

We Were Once Children / Foxes & Lions Split

Posted on by under Printed Work


Had the pleasure of working with these two fresh bands from the Toms River area on a DIY project they were undertaking. I’m actually really pumped with how this turned out, and it’s a good example of how you can make something look good on a budget. This has started being sold at shows a few weeks ago, so if you can catch either of them live, check this thing out.

In fact, there’s a big show in 2 weeks with these guys, and River City Extension in Baville. It’s on all their myspaces if you need more information. It’s also for my birthday, so I’d like nothing more than to see all of my friends.

Music Monday 5.10.10

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I was feeling Blitzen Trapper a bit this week. I had got my hands on Furr a while back which is a pretty good album, and a very good song. This week though, I was more about Wild Mountain Nation, which was a recommend of Jeff, and that’s another instance of a great title track song. I don’t know how to categorize these guys really, some of it sounds like it’s from 1969, and some of it is more modern, but just very weird. However, weird isn’t bad, and these guys are certainly worth a check out. Also, I love the song Saturday Nite.

Best Coast. Can I take a minute to say this band just grew on me in the biggest way possible? I’m seriously loving her stuff, coming from thinking it was just okay. The song Something In The Way is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard this year and it’s usually in my head at least once a day. She’s writing some great melodies and mixing them with a fuzzy guitar sound, but deep down most of the songs are just awesome pop songs.

I had a need for Luke Brandfon this week. Luke has this strangely enormous canon of songs that range from really minimal acoustic diddies to really complex multi-instumental 6 minute songs. He’s one of the most honest and in love song writers I know and also one of the nastiest musicians I’ve heard. While all his recorded songs fair closer to the traditional song in one way or another, his live sets are something very different and maybe even more incredible. He does looping better than anyone I’ve seen or heard. A lot of guys with a loop pedal are boring me after their first press, but with Luke you somehow forget he’s looping anything. I love seeing him play because you can see his mind work, and it’s incredible how precise he is with what he does. Most of you probably don’t know him, and might have trouble getting access to his music, so if anyone wants anything, I’d be glad to hook you up.

Death Vessel is one of my favorite bands who can never steer me wrong. I happened to catch them with The Books in 2006 and I remember not being able to tell if the singer was a woman or a man. I was far enough away, and his hair was long enough to fool my eyes, but his voice is in such a high register that it sounds so much like a woman, it’s hard to believe it isn’t. This unique quality certainly sets them apart from any other band I know. He’s also a great lyricist and the music is really good folk based rock. I always recommend this band to anyone who hasn’t heard them, and I’m doing the same right now. Stay Close is one of my favorite albums ever.

I somehow got a hold of Tame Impala’s upcoming album Innerspeaker and for those who are anticipating this, you’ve got a gem coming your way. Their little 5 song EP was only a slight indication of what they’re capable of. They are supposedly touring with MGMT soon, so along with their record release, it won’t be long before these guys blow up.

The Soft Pack is another relatively new band I’m feeling. It’s kind of west coast punky but still poppy and not at all corny. I saw a video of these guys playing ten shows in one day to promote their new record and I loved it. The self titled record pretty much draws you in right away. This is a major summer album. Get it while it’s hot!

Harlem is still doing me right. I’m still surprised by how much I like this band, considering I went into them thinking I wouldn’t care for them too much. A definite must hear.

I finally had the chance to see GIVERS again this past Tuesday. I caught them in November opening for Dirty Projectors and was blown away. Since then I’ve been waiting and waiting for them to come around and after a few canceled shows because of the February snow storm, the wait was getting unbearable, but my hopes and dreams finally came true at Kung Fu Necktie, which by the way is an awesome bar/venue. I can’t stress how much I love these guys and girl. They by far have one of the best live shows I’ve seen, ever. Too much energy, too many priceless faces, and too much dancing. It was also great seeing them knowing their songs this time, and it was even more fun seeing how they riffed and jammed on the regular. This is going to be one of the strongest recommends I’ll ever give, so please see them live, get their EP, and GIVERS, if you’re reading this, I’m looking for the full length ASAP!

I may be changing the format of how I do music monday soon, but I will talk a little more about it next week, which will most likely be the final week of this current state. It’s not going anywhere, but it is changing. Add me on last.fm if you’re on there.

Nom Now Wheat Pasting

Posted on by under Nom Now


This past weekend I took a trip into the city with my brother in graphic design, Mike Smith, along with a few helpful friends to continue the spread of Nom Now. I’m kind of a baby (at least for right now) when it comes to this stuff, but I wanted to help further this idea as much as I could, so I decided to film it and compile a video. It documents the work, and immortalizes the often short life of street art. Nom Now is all about making yourself a better person and the world a better place. These posters are largely inspirational. Those two facts are far from being new notions, but the approach to them is what sets them apart. These aren’t the inspirational posters hanging in your elementary school classroom. I hope this inspires all of you to become active and creative. No one is going to give you permission to make the world a better place, you just need to go ahead and do it.

Keep an open eye for this stuff, it’s popping up everywhere.

Rotten Pampers

Posted on by under wallpaper



There’s no shortage of bad smells in our apartment. This in most part is due to our downstairs neighbors, who always seem to be deep frying a diaper. At least that what it smells like. The term “rotten pampers” soon got coined and ever since it’s creation, it’s made me laugh. Whether someone else says it, I say it, or I just think it, I usually blow my cool. It’s thankfully been a good way to make light of the fact that at certain times it honestly smells like rotten pampers.

Anyway I don’t know who else would have an interest in this, but I wanted to make something cool involving this small piece of insanity within my life. Click for full size, and save as wallpaper from there!

Michael J. Ritacco, Fraud & Corruption

Posted on by under Clothing, Nom Now


Many of you already know who Michael Ritacco is, and are quite familiar with his latest brush with the law. For those of you who don’t, he’s the superintendent of the Toms River Regional Board of Education. In other words, he’s the biggest name in all of Toms River regional schools.

A few days ago his house was raided by both the FBI and the IRS for what we are told is part of an investigation for corruption. This honestly comes as no surprise, and raises more of an “it’s about time” reaction. I know that coming from the perspective of students, parents, and teachers, Ritacco often came off as pompous to say the least. He’s the kind of guy who has an enormous building, that became the centerpiece of the school district, built and named after himself, but can’t provide new books to the high schools. Looking for a few more kickers? In addition to his wife, he’s got a girlfriend…her house was also searched. And oh yeah…that guy Chris Christie? They’re pals.

I found it so fitting how “Michael J. Ritacco” and “Fraud & Corruption” went so hand in hand, both as words and an in real life, that I wanted to make something to show that one was just an extension of the other. Feel free to post this wherever.

Check out the article on nj.com

Impeach Chris Christie

Posted on by under Nom Now, Poster



Since my “Chris Christie Sucks” poster has gotten so much traffic, I wanted to expand on it and create something a little more “school friendly”. Not that “sucks” is particularly a crude word, and there are far worse words he deserves, but I was trying to think of something that could be hung in an elementary grade classroom. Teachers, students, parents, and those who care about the future of any of those… feel free to print this out and show your defiance at your public school. Here’s to hoping for a better New Jersey.

Music Monday 4.19.10

Posted on by under #musicmonday


Broken Social Scene was laying it on thick this week in part of their new album Friendship Rock Record. Now I can’t say I’m the biggest listener of BSS, partially because I forget about them a lot. I feel like I’m hearing mixed reactions to this record, but I think it’s actually really strong and I’ve been giving it all the listens it deserves. If you liked them before, this is another little gift. If you haven’t listened….where have you been?

I was having such a Bob Dylan week. And I can tell you why! I’ve been blowing through Mad Men this past week, and at the end of one episode (which I wish I could remember more exactly) it ends with Don sitting on the stairs and “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” playing the show out. It was such a perfect scene that reminded me how much I love that song. I listened to The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan a few times in a row right after that.

I had my first experience (aside from a few Smog songs) with Bill Callahan. And now I’m a believer. His baritone voice can go toe to toe with Josh Dean anyday. A compliment to both. Too Many Birds is one of the best songs I’ve heard recently.

I was part of a time warp video for a little bit as I listened to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah this week. I loved their self titled in 2005, didn’t care for their follow up in 2007, and feel pretty much the same way about both in 2010. Their self titled also still reminds me of driving to Kirby’s house when I first started dating her. Apparently this band isn’t doing much these days, but if they do nothing else again, that first record will always be something I’ll go back to at some point or another.

Paul Simon is a king. And his self-titled debut album is one of the finest examples of a group of songs I can think of. Check that out if you don’t have it already.

Nick Drake can put me at ease on the tensest of days. Bryter Layter into Pink Moon is also one of the strongest succession of albums I can think of.

Townes Van Zandt popped up this week because I had a hankering for Flyin’ Shoes. Speaking of, that’s a great album to start on for those who know nothing of his and want to get into it. He’s probably the most underrated and under appreciated folk singer I can think of.

Let’s talk about She & Him for a minute. Right before Volume Two came out I started to realize that She & Him is bad music in a sheep’s costume. You may be in disagreement because we are told that Zooey Deschanel can do no wrong. But the truth of the matter is that she shouldn’t be doing what she’s doing. She’s kind of inserted herself into everyone’s heart with an image of herself that she created in order to do so. And I’m not buying it anymore. She’s not even that good looking. It’s all in how she’s styling herself. Ayway M. Ward is leagues better alone than he is with her on any account. I agree with my friend Jeff who said that I hope I never see a Volume Three.

Last.fm friends dude.

Music Monday 4.12.10

Posted on by under #musicmonday


Still heavily feeling Cymbals Eat Guitars.

Bonnie “Prince” Billy & The Cairo Gang did me right throughout the week. It amazes me that he is capable of writing so many songs, doing some many collaborations and keeping it fresh all along the way. He’s a magic man.

Last Friday I had the pleasure to catch Truman Peyote in a basement. They quickly exceeded me expectations. They are kind of a more human Animal Collective. Some of their record is a bit too noisy for me, but their New Wife, New Life is just too good. I listened to that on repeat because I literally could not get enough of it. Check that song out right now, and if you can catch them live, do so, it’s a dance fever.

I finally got into Alex Bleeker and the Freaks this week. Upon first listen I thought it just sounded like a few guys jamming in a garage, which I didn’t care for. But maybe I just listening to the music at too low a volume, because upon revisiting, and turning it up a bit, this was exactly what I was looking to hear. Not as good as Real Estate, but still good.

Listened to Dinosaur Jr. for pretty much the first time ever time this week. I feel like I’ve heard so many people talk about or reference this band in the past year or so, that I wanted to finally understand what that was all about. Some songs are awesome and sound like they could have been put out this year. Others sound dated, not necessarily in a bad way, but it is indeed very 90s. Sometimes it also sounds like Eddie Vedder is singing. If that’s your thing.

Ramona Falls is the solo project of the dude from Menomena, who I haven’t yet heard, but have been told I would like. It’s pretty decent, as you can tell I didn’t listen to much, but what I did hear was alright. I don’t want to say too much because I really don’t have the right too say anything at this point. I’ll be giving this some more time.

Sun Araw is certainly the strange pick for this week. A cross breed of dub and chill wave and who knows what else, this is some lo-fi music to relax to. I honestly feel like the time I spent listening to this was kind of a blur. All the songs are super long and wind you up in a weird cocoon of fuzz. If you’re feeling wild, give it a shot. Also, backwards this bands name spells out War Anus. I tried to figure out if it was intentional or not, and couldn’t. Either way, I like it a bit more because of that.

Last.fm friends dude.

Music Monday 3.22.10

Posted on by under 1


I was riding the chillwave wave so hard this week. Washed Out quickly became a new favorite, especially after hearing his new Life Of Leisure EP. For fans of Toro Y Moi, this guy is the next step up. He seems to be kind of leading the pack in this group of artists, and I am going to be following.

Nite Jewel is to me, the female counterpart of Washed Out. She’s really floaty and I hit this one heavy early last week, pumping her jams all day at work. She’s another player in the chillwave game, and if you have any interest in that, she’s worth checking out.

King Tuff was strong again this week. Sun Medallion is king.

I finally got a taste of Cotton Jones, and I was really feeling it. You can still hear traces back to Page France, but this seems to be a bit more evolved and solid. Blood Red Sentimental Blues is a standout track, though I think I’m a bit bias because I love the Secret Mountains version so much.

Surfer Blood is an absolute favorite of the past few months. I really need to catch these guys soon. Give these guys a few listens, the more you listen to it, the more you can’t help but love it.

Telefon Tel Aviv is another great electronic band, who I was hesitant to get into because I had heard a song I didn’t like a while back, but Mike passed me Immolate Yourself and I was happily getting work done to that for many hours.

Paul McCartney made his way back into my daily listening after months of being absent. I was more or less obsessed two summers ago and played almost everything of his to death. However, I can always revisit RAM, which this time led me into Venus And Mars which I think could be his second best.

And because any band with “surf” in their name seems to be grabbing my attention lately, I rounded this week out with Surf City who have a cool little EP out, and a really cool sound. They’re playing in Philly soon, and I think I may try to catch them.

You know how it is, last.fm.

Wallpaper

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Here is a wallpaper I made. I feel guilty because I usually only remember to make these after Mike does. But even so, I had fun with this one. You can click it to get it full-size, and then I’m sure by now you know how to save something from the internet. Downloading, they call it.

#musicmonday 3.1.10

Posted on by under #musicmonday



I got my ears on Frightened Rabbit‘s The Winter Of Mixed Drinks and had a field day with it. I really wound up liking The Midnight Organ Fight and in turn had high hopes for this new record. I read that they were being conscious about clearly making this a studio album, and taking advantage of what that could offer, and I think that shows through. The production on it is great and the songs are just simply good songs. Definitely check this one out.
The Strange Boys also released a new record with Be Brave. They are sloppy, they are raw, and they are fun. His voice is so unique that for me it’s hard not to like, even it’s only because you haven’t heard anything like it.
So glad I’m getting to talk about Secret Mountains. I’ve been chipping away at their awesome EP Kaddish since the summer, and pretty much since then have been looking for more tunes to satisfy my interests. Well, I’ve finally got some more ammo to work with. As they seem to keep on doing, they are cementing themselves as Baltimore’s most promising up and comers. However it won’t be long before they’ve outgrown that title. This past week they recorded a microshow at Mobtown Studios. SO good. I almost have to insist you head over and download the session, FREE. We’re talking about a Smokey Robinson cover of “I Second That Emotion”. Yeah, do yourself a favor this week, and let this be your soundtrack. Jeff is a great friend of mine and I’m so happy for him that this is going in great directions. If you’re in Baltimore at all, be sure to check them out. They’re playing at the Ottobar on the 12th with Hop Along. Decent, Decent.
The Beach Boys. So nice. I really think everyone should listen to The Beach Boys. It’s so much fun, and there’s so much to enjoy. If you don’t know where to start, Endless Summer is a great compilation of their best and brightest. Also, I got Love You on vinyl this week, mainly because I was loving the cover, but it proved to have some nice jams on it as well.
I got to see Algernon Cadwallader this week at a Haiti benefit show they played at Rowan University. Which got me back into their albums a few times through. I know I’ve said this before, but Algernon is doing Kinsella better than the Kinsellas are. It’s pretty impossible to not have a good time while listening to these guys, and even harder while watching them. If you have the chance to see them, just give it a shot, especially if you can catch them in Philly.
Akron/Family is a great band who I haven’t had a chance to talk about since I’ve been doing these things, but I had a few moments this week where they were hitting the spot so well. I was listening to their self titled a bit and really appreciating some of the great moments on there especially the three song span of I’ll Be On The Water into Running, Returning into Afford. That’s like you’re three best batters up with the no outs and the bases loaded. For anyone completely unfamiliar, go ahead and watch any video they’ve got on YouTube, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the stuff they’re doing live.
The Consecos is my band, which is a bit embarassing, but hey, I was listening. It’s a two piece band I have with Biff. At this point in my life, I can’t commit to anything more serious than this, but I still love playing live music, and this is feeding that desire because it happens when it can, and there’s absolutely no expectations. Except for crowd surfing. We expect that you do that.
River City Extension. Have I shot this one dead yet? Listen to them! Honestly one of my favorite bands ever. The live show is amazing, the record is amazing, the people in the band are amazing… I can’t stress this enough. You all know I’m a huge advocate for these guys and I hope to bring you all over to their side with me.

You know the drill, let’s get groovy on last.fm, add me and we can monitor each other’s weekly mp3 intake. Sound good?

Snowy Days

Posted on by under Poster, Video


Here’s a video I put together of Nicky G getting out into the snow in during the blizzard. Everyone thought it would be funny for someone to do it wearing almost no clothes, and of course Nick was up for such a thing. Enjoy.