David Owen’s eye-opening new book exposes the misguided deeds of the modern “green” movement and exposes our fundamental deficiencies in the face of impending environmental disaster.  Owen challenges the reader to look beyond the small acts we so proudly flaunt and see where the real problem lies. The fuel efficiency of your car is inconsequential compared to the fact that you have a car…and two refrigerators and a house on half an acre of land in the suburbs. Or consider the parade of disposable junk that gets tossed every day, from fast food wrappers to cheap Scandinavian furniture that will not last through a full season. Why buy a nice refillable pen when you can buy two packs of pencils made from recycled newspaper for the same price, or a bushel of Bic disposable pens?

Part of the problem is a disproportionate focus on the end use energy consumption. Getting a hybrid gives a person certain measurable results, i.e. decreased gas consumption. This does not account for all the material, refuse, and energy that go in to development, production, and disposal. This made headlines a few years ago when one study challenged that despite the savings at the pump the still developing and highly technological hybrids had a higher environmental cost than the notoriously gas-guzzling Jeep Wrangler with its sixty year old design and easily manufactured parts. Regardless of the veracity of these findings, they highlight Owen’s point, that these are not really “green” but slight improvements on a fundamentally problematic item. It is like replacing a rat with a slightly smaller rat…maybe a mouse.

Owen is certainly economical in his use of space here getting to the point by the second page, “How do we truly begin to think about less…when our sense of economic, cultural, and personal well being is based on more?” We know what the problem is, and we know what to do about it, but the solution may be worse than the problem.

In line with the example of hybrids there has been a huge push to improve the efficiency of the electronics which drive modern society. Owen, however, finds this solution to be counterproductive. Besides the diminishing returns it is doomed to encounter, higher efficiency tends to bring greater consumption. He notes the example of air conditioning specifically, from the early energy drains reserved for the hottest days to becoming omnipresent. It is commonly referred to as the rebound effect or the “Jevon’s Paradox” after William Stanley Jevons, a nineteenth century economist who noted the effect in the British coal industry. The general idea being—and this is very much simplified—that the easier and cheaper you make it to use, the more people will use it. Airplanes are huge contributors to the yearly carbon output but as long as tickets are affordable, count on people to take to the sky. Suburban sprawl is another good example of this. As households became able to afford multiple cars and gas remained low in price people grew willing to accept longer commutes. Increasing gas prices and a downward economy might at least stem this trend if not for the emergence of hybrids and incentives to turn in your uncomfortable, gas guzzler and tax breaks on getting a new hybrid which will make that thirty mile commute easy, cheap, and comfortable.

The Conundrum tells it like it is, like Dr. Perry Cox, it has some truth for you but you are probably not going to like it. The most important take may just be that a true commitment to saving the planet may be more that a hemp shirt and bike ride around Portland, but something uglier, more crowded, and—god help us—smellier, namely, the subway. The solution, as far as Owen is concerned, was actually in his last book, Green Metropolis, which espouses many of the environmentally friendly aspects of New York City. This is clearly the direction he leads you in The Conundrum as well as he rails against suburban sprawl, big houses, and cars. He brings to the fore many of the out of sight, out of mind aspects of technological advance. Wind and solar power are often seen as sustainable and clean, but as they become more prominent they, as well will require a great amount of material and land unless consumption is addressed.

The book is long on complaints and short on solutions. The Manhattan model is an eye opener, but applying that elsewhere would be extremely difficult. The real opportunity would be in developing nations, where few are interested in Owen’s writing and even fewer interested in sacrificing luxuries they have yet to achieve. So what does that leave? Redesign America’s cities? Furthermore, he begins to speak about economic growth as unsustainable, a dangerous road to start down and one that he wisely abandons before too long.

The problem with any book on climate change is the nebulous nature of the problem and the solutions. It is hard for most people to visualize what climate change looks like and what progress looks like. Especially when Owen is speaking about a complete overhaul of our infrastructure and economic systems, and doing that across national borders in a global effort, one wonders where to find the line. When is the cure worse than the disease? Owen’s confessions to his own lifestyle suggest that he knows no better than the rest of us what to do next.

The book tends to jump around a bit without much of a structure. This is reflected in the summary, which happens to be the longest chapter in the book. Here he does attempt some answers ranging from the expected denunciation of some failing programs, to pragmatic and actionable—my favorite line in the book: “We haven’t found the ideal ways to generate energy from noncarbon sources, but we know enough to be doing more than we’re doing”.—to the far-fetched and unfeasible.

Despite its problems, I think this is an important book for anyone concerned with climate change, which should be everyone. Doing “your part” is nice, but being informed is the key to any real progress, and Owen provides a fine primer to the big picture of climate change. The book tends to lag in the second half but it still hits on some good points. He explores some of the new technologies being tested, which are mildly interesting, though not as cool as he seems to think. More interesting are the myriad obstacles to getting these technologies to use. Owen probably would enjoy the sales, but the environmentalist in him might agree with me to try the library on this one.

The Chattanooga, Tenn., natives have whet their fans’ whistles with a new EP, Twin Lakes, which is their first recorded material in nearly three years. And what they compose is something a lot of people should take notice of.

Taking the best aspects of Silversun Pickups and Los Campesinos!, Moonlight Bride write songs that have a nice dreamy quality to them, courtesy of some good guitar fuzz. While “Drug Crimes” ends in some ominous and heavy guitar work, “Lemonade” is a sunny track with a nice hook, and “Diego” is fast and catchy. Most of this EP is a nice throwback to shoegaze, which of course I generally like. Sometimes it can feel forced, but not here.

When the pounding drums of ambitious closer “And the Death Ship has a New Captain” roll in, you realize there’s a lot of maturity in this band. The hooks are good and the production is surprisingly crisp without derailing any of the band’s distortion and rough-around-the-edges parts.

The band said on its website that there is plenty more in store for 2012 in terms of releases. If true, the band is off to a good start. In “Lemonade,” singer Justin Giles says, “I’m feeling like the whole world is ours.” If the Moonlight Bride can push forward with music like this, then someday it might be. This is a band to watch.

The singer, who had told us some of his stories from the road in an interview we did with him, has announced several gigs along the East Coast and South in support of a three-song EP, Ten Degrees and the Floor, he recently released. The dates are listed below.

We’ve covered PJ quite a bit here at Buzzlegoose, and he’s a really cool dude. He’s a people person, and he’d probably love a big turnout at his performances. Check him out if you get the chance.

Tour Dates:

FEB 03 – Richmond, VA @ Alex’s Haus w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 04 – Raleigh, NC @ Tir Na Nog w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 05 – Wilmington, NC @ Bottega w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 06 – Charleston, SC @ 60 America St w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 07 – Savannah, GA @ No Control w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 08 – Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 09 – St. Petersburg @ Fubar, FL w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 10 – Gainesville, FL @ Loosey’s w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 11 – Tallahassee, FL @ Shark Tank w/ Billy + Joe
FEB 15 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
FEB 16 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
FEB 21 – Oklahoma City, OK @ TBA
FEB 23 – Memphis, TN @ Chicken Coup
FEB 25 – Asheville, NC @ Pessimansion

The release, titled Nehru Jackets, was produced entirely by Mike Finito. Early listens sound pretty cool, and it’s obviously got more of a mixtape feel then that of a finished album.

Anyway, take a listen for yourself — the mixtape is available for free download here.

Anarchy, My Dear will come out March 13 on Equal Vision Records. It’s the band’s first independent release since …Is A Real Boy in 2004. It’s the band’s first album since its self-titled record in 2009.

The album artwork was also released and can be seen above and here. Also released was the track listing, which is below.

I’ve always liked this band for its tongue-in-cheek approach, mostly due to singer Max Bemis’ lyrics, and catchy melodies. Hopefully this album doesn’t disappoint.

Track Listing:

1. Burn A Miracle
2. Say Anything
3. Night’s Song
4. Admit It Again
5. So Good
6. Sheep
7. Peace Out
8. Overbiter
9. Of Steel
10. Anarchy, My Dear
11. The Stephen Hawking

As the B9 points out, the only information seems to be coming from their website and their (possible) twitter feed. It says:

¡ ATTENTION ! To whom it may concern: AT THE DRIVE-IN will be breaking their 11 year silence THIS STATION IS …NOW…OPERATIONAL

This, of course, is huge news and is pretty awesome. This could all of course be an elaborate hoax, but looking at the recent trajectories of The Mars Volta and Sparta, them getting back together doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

In the meantime, watch their official video for “One Armed Scissor”:

As you probably know, the seminal indie-rock outfit broke up unexpectedly early this year. However, that wasn’t until after they released Collapse Into Now, which, as I am only know coming to recognize, was a pretty great album.

Well, better late then never, right? Check out the band play “Discoverer” off of Collapse in a studio in Germany early this year:

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15. Grouplove- “Colours”

Another one that really grew on me. It was just too damn catchy to not like.

14. Young the Giant- “Cough Syrup”

These guys blew up this year, with two hit singles in this one and “My Body.” I personally like this one a bit better.

13. The Strokes- “Under Cover of Darkness”

They finally came out with an album, and it was a good one. I had the lead single on repeat for months. Good vocals and good guitars.

12. Foo Fighters- “Walk”

These guys are definitely in the running for best rock band in the world right now. They don’t ever disappoint, and this song has just so much emotion in it, especially in the bridge.

11. AWOLNATION- “Sail”

One of the few electronica artists to make my list this year. This song blew up much bigger than anyone expected, and singer Aaron Bruno certainly has an interesting voice.

10. Cults- “Go Outside”

A playful tune. This is one that will get stuck in your head for awhile. I think it’s a fun song, even with the music video about the People’s Temple.

9. The Decemberists- “This is Why We Fight”

I fell in love with this song the moment I heard it. World-weary sounding with a nice folky twang and a catchy chorus.

8. Adele- “Rolling in the Deep”

One of the biggest songs of the year. Adele is a phenomenal songwriter and singer. Her vocals here (and on all her songs) are fantastic.

7. Black Keys- “Lonely Boy”

The opening riff just melts your face, and the drumming is relentless. These guys can rock like there’s no tomorrow.

6. Joy Formidable- “Whirring”

A big, soaring track with tight musicianship and vocals. Just a solid track.

5. Foster the People- “Pumped Up Kicks”

Another band that blew up this year. This is easily one of the catchiest songs of the year, despite its very grim tone describing a school shooting.

4. Naked and Famous- “Young Blood”

I just love everything about this song. It’s peppy, it’s catchy and it’s a happy song about being young. Definitely one of my favorites of the year.

3. Thrice- “Anthology”

This album was my best of the year, and this was the best song on that album. It’s uplifting and emotional and is a throwback to the rest of the band’s career.

2. Radiohead- “Codex”

Almost sounds like a followup to “Pyramid Song” on 2001′s Amnesiac. A piano-based song that shows Thome Yorke bearing his soul. This song shows one of the many reasons I love this band.

1. Florence and the Machine- “Shake It Out”

I wish I could write a song about a hangover this beautiful. Florence Welch, who wrote this song while dealing with a hangover, flashes her flair for grandeur and her vocals are among the best in the business. A big anthemic track that is the best of the year.

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30. The Sounds- “Something to Die For”

This Swedish band has been popping out solid music for awhile now, and more people in the U.S. should take notice. This was another good one, and as usual, singer Maja Iversson shows she has the chops.

29. Limousines- “Internet Killed the Video Star”

Limousines gives its take/update on the popular 80s hit “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. It’s catchy, has a solid beat and a great music video.

28. Cage the Elephant-”Shake Me Down”

Their first album was fun, and these Kentucky boys started this album was a sad song and a sadder video. Still, it’s really good and you’re awful if this makes you feel no emotion.

27. Dropkick Murphys f/Bruce Springsteen- “Peg O’ My Heart”

C’mon, it’s DKM and the Boss. This is just an awesome song. I don’t think there’s much else to be said about it.

26. Snow Patrol- “Called Out in the Dark”

These guys know how to write good songs, and this one is slightly different from their usual offerings, with more electronica flourishes.

25. Taking Back Sunday- “This is All Now”

Arguably the best song they’ve written. The powerful lyrics and guitars really get you, as does the dual singing of Adam Lazarra and John Nolan.

24. Sleeper Agent- “Get it Daddy”

This is just a flat-out fun song, with a cool breakdown and a video featuring the band beating the crap out of pinatas.

23. Beastie Boys- “Make Some Noise”

They still got it after all these years, and the video is fantastic (see how many cameos you can make out). A good beat and some nice synth lay the foundation for this one.

22. Coldplay- “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall”

This band was always about being happy and they were unapologetic with its new album’s peppiness. This song especially is just one you can smile while listening to.

21. Atlas Genius- “Trojans”

Keep an eye on this band. This is a nice, laid back song that gets in your head, much like the lyrics in the song suggest.

20. Company of Thieves- “Death of Communication”

I was a fan of their 2009 song “Oscar Wilde,” which was a nice chill song. This one, though, shows the band can rock with the best of them.

19. Bombay Bicycle Club- “Shuffle”

From the opening piano part to the ending fade, this song is all kinds of awesome.

18. Death Cab for Cutie- “You are a Tourist”

I love the main guitar riff in the song. It’s a sweet, catchy track. But with his divorce to Zooey Deschanel, you wonder if singer Ben Gibbard will be as cheery on the band’s next album.

17. Wolf Gang- “The King And All Of  His Men”

This was one that really grew on me. I wasn’t a huge fan the first time I heard it and now I listen to it all the time. A cool song, that mixes in some electronica.

16. M83- “Midnight City”

This song is so wonderfully 80s, with some big synth riffs and a hint of the Smiths. My favorite part is the sax solo that comes in at the end, like a cherry on top.

It’s even weird when the soundtrack ends up being good — Twilight: New Moon, for example, had a pretty incredible soundtrack including great tracks from Thom Yorke, The Killers and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. I guess it gives the artists a pretty stable paycheck, and when listened to without the movie, a pretty good overall listen for us.

Well, it looks like tween blockbuster gods are at it again. Stereogum points out, while assembling the soundtrack for The Hunger Games (which is out 3/23), Arcade Fire and the Decemberists will be contributing to the soundtrack, which already includes the likes of Taylor Swift (who’s contribution ‘Safe and Sound’ you can listen to here).

The movie, which is as I understand it, is a bit like a young adult version of The Running Man, with people battling to the death on a reality show. That being said, the soundtrack seems to be shaping up pretty good, and with Pleasantville director Gary Ross behind the camera, I might just check it out.