I’ve changed this blog to a style I had once before — years ago in the infancy of the internet — by broadening the scope beyond music. It feels more like me this way. And it gives me the chance to simply write about anything. My interests have always spanned from film to books to music to politics, religion, philosophy and an endless number of other subjects. I hope you enjoy the change. You can still feel free to send music links or albums to me if you want. I’m still reviewing them. Also, send e-mail requests in regard to book and film coverage. Thanks again — and happy reading. Welcome to my world.
To contact me, or to make suggestions, e-mail “daviddrobbins@hotmail.com”
theirbatedbreath.wordpress.com 
Occasionally, I’ll use this page to write about — well, anything. Feel free to leave any suggestions or just drop some names of bands you like. I’m all ears. Thanks.
https://soundcloud.com/dittyv/sets/mumblings-ep
Dave: I’d like to see more on your blog about Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum.
You never know. Taylor Swift, I don’t think so. Lady Antebellum … no to “Need You Now” and “I Run to You” — but I could dig some “Love Don’t Live Here”. The dude’s voice in that song reminds me of Edwin McCain singing “Solitude” I think they’re brothers. 😉
Hello David,
Any chance you could set up your site so that one could stream the songs being reviewed without having to press play after each track finishes?
Am I lazy? Either that or just busy and I’m listening while doing the dishes and my hands happen to be wet.
Thank you for considering it,
Cap g
Whatever it is about this genre called math rock and its various hybrids — I like it. Whether it’s straight up Battles, or Frank Zappa, Don Caballero, Breton — or the tangentially associated Michachu — it’s so much fun to listen to. Listening to the music must be like how Hans Namuth felt watching Jackson Pollock. I feel like I’m never sure exactly where the songs are going or where they were first forged. For some, it sounds repetitive and devoid of human touch. But I hear it as just the opposite. Sure, much of the music is made by proficient individuals with electronic awareness, machinery, etc. But its about the process, I think. That stumbling into a groove, that musicgasm, the point you reach for and sometimes fumble toward that turns into something unexpected. And then the aftermath, when the music reaches that zenith and the bands must find a way to then deconstruct everything that was built to come to an ending. The process.
I also Loves Math rock!
Have you ever heard of Hella? That is the most intense math rock band I’ve ever heard. The drummer Zach Hill is just insane. Check em out if you haven’t already. Beware though it may take a few listens to even figure them out because their patterns are that complex. Many people find them just noisy. Once you catch on though they will blow your mind.
@Jay: No, I haven’t heard of Hella. But I love recommendations! Thanks! I’ll check the band out in the next few days. I appreciate the comment. — david.
Hi i just stumbled upon your site today after googling xiu xiu. i was blown away by your description of the band. i REALLY enjoy reading your words.
i read that you said power animal was similar to xiu xiu so i looked them up and now im obsessed with that band! not many people like xiu xiu so i am always searching for someone who does. do you know of any other bands that are similar to xiu xiu besides power animal? xiu xiu is so unique its hard to come across anything near the sound and talent of them.
also did you ever listen to dark dark dark? saw you didnt have anything written about them. check them out, its good stuff. https://brightbrightbright.com/listen.html
looking forward to your response
@heidi: Thanks so much for the kind words. Well, let me get back to you on other bands that sound like Xiu Xiu. That’s a tough one. I really can’t think of any off the top of my head. I’ve always thought Jordaan Mason & The Horse Museum were as “psychologically strange” as Xiu Xiu. They tread the same honest/dark/ territory, but don’t really sound like Xiu Xiu. As strange as this may sound — I see Egon Schiele paintings when I hear Xiu Xiu and JM&THM. Not sure why exactly. Maybe because so many things seem to be working underneath the surface of the music, much like the paintings. Both bands create music that takes you places without necessarily having a destination. It seems there are so many musical or lyrical nooks, alleyways, detours — that even dedicated listeners will never fully unravel. I like that. It makes the music worth going back to. It’s a bit of a Catch-22 … their styles create a distance between the listener and the music (because the lyrics or music can be so strange) — but at the same time — their bands create such intimacy and devotion because you feel like they’re sharing a real piece of themselves, however obscured. Ugh — I’m starting to sound like a parody of a critic, aren’t I? Sorry. Ha. (You know — the one rubbing his chin — in deep thought.) I better stop. Oh, no. Ha. Never listened to dark dark dark — but I will now. Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t often get a lot of suggestions from friends anymore — ‘cuz they assume I’ve already heard things. A small pitfall to writing a blog about music. Take care. And thanks again! — david.
Hey if you like Xiu Xiu may I suggest you simply check out Jamie Stuarts other bands? He has one called “Ten In The Swear Jar and another called IBOPA (international beats of paulo alto) they do some original versions of Xiu Xiu tracks and it’s interesting to see where they got their start.
Hi David, I am curious what your opinion might be of The Northern Crowns. They are supposedly in cleveland right now working with some big wigs to redefine their sound into something cutting edge. Im iffy about that but their old tunes I’ve heard on the radio in the west are somewhat catchy. Id like to know your opinion.
Cheers!
Gosh — somehow I missed this comment after so long. Anyway, I don’t know — but I will go listen to the music. Thanks Brendon for the heads-up.
i may have just fallen in love with you. best music blog i’ve seen in eons, hands down.
Really liked your review of the sunshine factory Twisted in clover. I write most of the lyrics for the band. Ian is the primary composer singer, guitarist. Sally Robertson plays bass (she is only seventeen but going on thirty. Mathew Hendrich plays drums. After reading this review we would love to have you review the whole album when it is completed. We will send you an advanced copy as soon as it is done along with a release date. A comparison to the pixies, Lush and Elliott Smith. What good company! Talk to you soon, Robert
Dear David,
I hope this note finds you well,
thank you so, so much for your kind words – – I am so glad you found the music and you understand it.
Your site is something special and I’m honoured my music has been shared here.
All the best,
Happy autumn!
Alessi
I am really enjoying reading everything here
open minded people that realise how much music there is to enjoy are always refreshing to encounter
🙂
David,
The Sunshine Factory’s Twisted and Clover video is up on youtube after premiering on PopMatters….
thanks so much,
Robert
http://primitivepatterns.bandcamp.com/ new easily suede album
Thats my brother
NICE BLOG! Keep up the good work!
MY BLOG : http://www.akaHipHop.com
Thanks so much! I’ll have to check out your blog.
Hey I just happened to find this blog today and I must say, I’m very impressed.
So glad to hear other lovers of music’s thoughts and very impressed that you can string a sentence together and spell correctly.
Keep up the great work because I’m loving it.
Shez — So glad you enjoy it. Thanks for the comment! Best wishes. — david
David, somehow I missed this page til now. “Music has never been better or more unique than it is now”. Agreed!
Ha! Your in DesMoines. I was born there!
Sweet. Yeah, been here for a few years now. It’s not a bad place, really. Although I kinda miss some of my old haunts … Tucson, Corpus Christi, San Fran.
I’m in DC now as ‘veI probably mentioned. My family moved here before I was 2, so I haven’t that much experience with DesMoines but grew up here instead. I have also lived in L.A. (Venice, Mt. Washington/Highland Park, Silverlake), Berkeley, Oakland, and…saving the best for last spot in my list,San Francisco! (As well as a few points north of it.). Tucson & Corpus Christi, unexplored territory to me. Do hang out in NYC from time to time. At any rate…thanks again for your work here on this indispensable blog!
Hey, just noticed an old note from Robert Taylor of Sunshine Factory above. I got the vinyl of the Sugar LP and I think the whole thing is awesome.
Dude. After digging some of the reviews I wanted to see what you’re about. And it’s simply the music, This is the most down-to-earth awesomely relatable bio yet. I’m going to email you my music now! Cheers from Philly! Rob
Thanks for the kind words, Rob. Really. I appreciate you taking the time to write a comment. Cheers. I hear a good number of talented artists out of Philly.
Hey I’m an Aussie music lover who stumbled across your awesome blog. You might be interested in australia’s indy radio station: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/ and http://www.triplejunearthed.com
Cool mix of new Aussie indy sounds on there.
Be sure to check out Bleeding Knees Club, Jezabels and Abbie Mae
Cheers 🙂
My oldest and bestest neighbor! I came across your blog while looking for a review on an album…not sure if you listen to folk/singer songwriter stuff, but my wife and I just recently went to an Eric Bibb concert…I had one of his albums before the concert but never realized that he was so talented…he put on quite a performance. Ruthie Foster opened for him and she was amazing as well. If you can suggest any other artists similar to Eric Bibb, I’d love to know about them.
Say hello to Hazie and Dave and Nicole and her family.
Take care,