Thursday, April 1, 2010

Broken Bells announce tour with The Morning Benders


holy smokes. two of my favourite records of 2010. at the Regency.
curaaaaaazy.

05-18 San Diego, CA – Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay *
05-19 Los Angeles, CA – Henry Fonda Theatre *
05-21 San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom *
05-24 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom *
05-25 Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market *
05-26 Vancouver, British Columbia – Commodore Ballroom *
05-29 Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre *
05-31 Chicago, IL – Vic Theater *
06-01 Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall *
06-02 Toronto, Ontario – Queen Elizabeth Theatre *
06-04 Boston, MA – Royale NightClub *
06-05 New York, NY – The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza *
06-06 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory *
06-07 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club *
06-10 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage *
06-11 Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club *

* with the Morning Benders

the morning benders - waiting for a war (daytrotter) [mp3]

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

concert review: Titus Andronicus @ Slims 28 March 2010


Punk music is associated with many things, but morality is not always the first that comes to mind. The essence of punk, however, lies in a rejection of the undesirable conventions of society, whatever they may be. Titus Andronicus' SF show last Sunday strayed away from normative punk elements in so many ways, down to the promptness of the band, their early finish and lack of encore before closing up shop, but it was a punk show regardless.


It is fittingly punk that Titus Andronicus are here to revive a sense of ethics within us all. Early on in the night, Patrick Stickles (lead vox, guitar) declared “Fuck the devil. Fuck evil. Do only good,” succinctly summing up the band’s persona. Patrick’s songwriting nods heavily to what he told me was “the most ethical band of all time”, Crass. He even has their logo tattooed on his right arm to remind himself of the importance of doing good with his dominant hand.


The real star of the night, however, was Amy Klein, who spat out rambling guitar hooks and dumbfounding electric violin solos. Drawing inspiration from girl punk bands and noise rock like Vivian Girls, she transformed her childhood music lessons into something truly remarkable on stage.



The rest of the band performed admirably while Patrick grappled with tension induced by his SSRI medication for his anxiety and heightened sensitivity. He confided in the audience about his apprehension and then proceeded to perform a heartwrenching version of “No Future: Part 3: Escape from No Future”.



So many mysteries were unraveled on stage and after the show, down to the band’s moniker. According to Patrick, they chose to name themselves after the lesser known Shakespearean play because they feel that, like the play, their music grapples with reconciliation between the cerebral and the visceral elements of choice in this world. Right on.


you can see me raise my arms to take a picture at :06 XD

Titus Andronicus - Richard II [mp3]

This band has so much damn integrity and, more than anyone out there today, deserve to be heard and seen and loved. Check them out.

The Strokes Post #397


HOLY SHIT JULIAN GOT INTERVIEWED BY AN ACTUAL FAN.

intelligent questions. in depth analysis. I dig it.

he sings to his baby. if that isn't the most precious thing ever, I don't know what is.

PS I got a kick out of THIS. you might too.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Henry Clay People sign to In Rainbows label


does this put them at the same level as Radiohead? yes, I believe it does. kudos to them for getting on TBD.

very stoked about new music from these guys, due out this summer

they are currently on tour with Drive By Truckers. check out the dates below:

Mar 24 2010 9:00P
Bootleg Theatre w/ Admiral Radley Los Angeles, California
May 5 2010 8:00P
Rialto Theatre w/ Drive-By Truckers Tucson, Arizona
May 6 2010 8:00P
House of Blues w/ Drive-By Truckers San Diego, California
May 7 2010 8:00P
Avalon Ballroom w/Drive-By Truckers Hollywood, California
May 8 2010 8:00P
The Fillmore w/Drive-By Truckers San Francisco, California
May 12 2010 8:00P
In The Venue w/ Drive-By Truckers Salt Lake City, Utah
May 13 2010 8:00P
Boulder Theater w/ Drive-By Truckers Boulder, Colorado
May 14 2010 8:00P
Aggie Theater w/ Drive-By Truckers Ft. Collins
May 15 2010 8:00P
Belly Up Aspen w/ Drive-By Truckers Aspen, Colorado

spectacular, eh?

record review: Kaki King - Junior


Kaki King broke into the mainstream in 2007 through her stunning contributions to Eddie Vedder’s Into the Wild soundtrack. Her guitar creations cannot be reduced within the bounds of the measly six strings from which they dissipate, as her signature brand of experimental music uses the instrument in fresh and varied ways—most notably as an object of percussion.

On her latest album, Junior, Kaki King finds her voice (quite literally) in a more straightforwardly rock direction. There is a notable shift from her previous work: there are fewer instrumental tracks and much more emphasis on King’s strengths as a vocalist.

At times, the guitars and vocals are airy like Pink Floyd (“Spit It In My Mouth”), elsewhere, more aggressive drums are followed by siren guitars (think early Foo Fighters). There are definitely nods to Pearl Jam, probably as a direct result of King’s collaboration with Vedder.

This album is interesting not only because of King’s mastery of the guitar and her innovative approach to songwriting, but also because it is truly unlike any other form of contemporary music. It doesn’t fit into any of the popular indie subgenres (post punk, surfer rock, lo fi). It finds its strength in a steady diet of 90s alternative rock but also incorporates experimental sounds. “The Hoopers of Hudspeth” even hosts a seductively subtle horn section.

King ends the album on a bitter note, in a ballad to a bad breakup called “Sunnyside”. The honesty found on this track is empowering by virtue of King’s openness about her lesbianism, but it will resonate with people of all sexual orientations. King explained “I’m hoping there’s something universal in that song that someone’s gonna listen and think ‘Wow, I can relate to that’ because I don’t want it to be my pity party.” Mission accomplished.

4/5

Kaki King - Death Head [mp3]


the album drops on April 13th, you’d be well advised to check it out

tour dates:
April:
15 Williamsbury Music Hall New York, NY
16 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
17 Middle East Boston, MA
19 Iron Horse Northampton, MA
20 Port City Music Hall Portland, ME
21 Higher Ground Burlington, VT
28 Theater of the Living Arts Philadelphia, PA 29 The 9:30 Club Washington, D.C.
30 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC

May:
1 The Variety Atlanta, GA
2 3rd & Lindsley Nashville, TN
4 Beachland Cleveland, OH
5 The Ark Ann Arbor, MI
6 Park West Chicago, IL
7 High Noon Madison, WI
8 The Varsity Minneapolis, MN
9 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE
11 The Fox Boulder, CO
12 Belly Up Aspen, CO
14 Neumos Seattle, WA
15 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
16 W.O.W. Hall Eugene, OR
19 Knitting Factory Reno, NV
20 Mystic Theater Petaluma, CA
21 The Fillmore San Francisco, CA
22 El Rey Theater Los Angeles, CA
24 Belly Up San Diego, CA
25 Glasshouse Ponoma, CA

The Strokes Post #397



hot damn. I like that Julian's wardrobe is getting more casual. I'm still holding my breath for the shirt to return.

concert review: Nico Vega & Metric @ Fox Theatre 24 March

It is a rare luxury to be in the presence of a lady frontwoman who can really rock. Odds are, they will underwhelm us and our insatiable thirst for thrashing sound and bravado. That being said, Wednesday night at Oakland’s Fox Theatre was a mixed bag in the badass department. The night started off extremely strong, with LA’s Nico Vega absolutely killing it. So much noise was made by a measly three people, and the glittery-clad lead singer Asia captivated the audience with her intense vocal deliveries, spasmic dancing and passionate interaction with the band’s guitarist. At one point, she had thrown herself on the floor of the stage and looked as though she was experiencing some sort of sexual ecstasy through the music. Most of the songs were loud and powerful, abundant with declarations of fearlessness and independence, but they managed to fit in a couple of more delicately brooding tunes in their spellbinding raucous set. The crowd was chanting along to songs they had never heard before, and spirits ran high as Nico Vega set forth their plans for world domination through music.

photos:







The second opener was called Codeine Velvet Club and it also featured a female leading lady, but collaboratively, as there was a guy singing lead vocals at the same time. The band, which had horn sections and classic guitar riffs, had a great 50’s feel, but with a bit of an edgy hard rock twist. They weren’t spectacular, but they weren’t half bad. Unfortunately for the audience, however, the night’s trend of declining musical excellence carried on to the headlining slot, Metric.



Emily Haines has a voice for studio. It was not fitting for such a big venue, but I can’t imagine it working well at a smaller club either. Everything was very internalized, because she does not project her voice whilst singing, a real problem for the live experience. The rest of the band delivered a very run of the mill musical backbone, there wasn’t much improvisation or quirkiness in the air. Emily danced around stage a bit but it did not make up for the flat sound that coerced me to do something I rarely ever do, and leave midway through the band’s set. When it came down to it, even the band’s mesmerizing singles did not translate well on stage. Or even translate at all.






song of the day: Kaki King - Doing the Wrong Thing



today, I decided to post this song whilst listening to my favourite contemporary experimental guitarist...when I came home, I was delighted to see a promo copy of her new record in my pile. I'm listening to it right now and really loving it. a review is forthcoming.

Kaki King - Doing the Wrong Thing [mp3]

Kaki King is almost exactly the same age as Julian. their birthdays are a few days apart. a pretty cool coincidence if I do say so myself.

Wilco on La Blogotheque

watch "Country Disappeared” performed in the streets of Montreal below


Wilco - Country Disappeared - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.



like whoa. Canada's cool factor just shot through the roof.

The Strokes Post #396

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



via Ripcord News.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Saturday Music Definitions - Confusion


The Clash - Cool Confusion [mp3]

Jimi Hendrix - Love or Confusion [mp3]

Elliott Smith - Confusion [mp3]

Led Zeppelin - Dazed and Confused [mp3]

Sebadoh - License to Confuse [mp3, recommended!]

Handsome Furs - I'm Confused [mp3]

The Temptations - Ball of Confusion [mp3]


The Kinks - State of Confusion [mp3]

Beachwood Sparks - Confusion is Nothing New [mp3]

New Order - Confusion [mp3]

band of the week: Titus Andronicus


Titus Andronicus make no nonsense Springsteen loving punk rock, and no, they are not just another Gaslight Anthem. Don't get me wrong, I am under the impression that we should have 17 other Gaslight Anthems, because they're so damn good and annoyingly underrated, but really, Titus Andronicus escape the confines of sounding like their fellow NJ band. Formed in 2005, the band put out its first full length, The Airing of Grievances, in 2008. Just a couple of weeks ago, they beat sophomore slump to a bloody pulp with The Monitor, showcasing Pixies swagger immersed in an uncompromising DIY aesthetic. They even have a few slow tracks like "Four Score and Seven" (harmonica anyone?) that'll come in handy when you need to catch your breath during their bound-to-be-incredible live performances. But, never fret, even those slow tracks build up into a fit of harmonious noise.

give them a listen below, check out their tour dates on MYSPACE

Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union [mp3]

I'll see you at Slim's tomorrow.

The Strokes Post #394

do you guys remember...

this?

The Strokes Post #393



JP as "the Guru". very nice.

Classic Track Thursday


Guided by Voices - Alright [mp3]
from Alien Lanes (1995)

this track is so cool. it's mostly instrumental, and really showcases the GBV-sound-like-my-best-friend's-cool-older-sister's-boyfriend's-band. you know exactly what I mean.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Strokes Post #392

go Jules go!



shit audio quality but I love that he did it again.
what I wouldn't do to have heard that song live in NY in 2001

PS nobody can rock colourful skinny jeans + leather like JC does. he is just the ultimate badass. all the time.

PPS: another video:



dude all these people need to get my camera. it has the best audio ever. I bought it for that very reason. er, I have the 8 MP one but whatevs.

last one, I promise:


good sound quality, terrible video. but who the fuck cares?!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Strokes Post #391 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

YES.



Julian you sound like all of my dreams rolled into a poppyseed muffin

Phoenix giving away free live album


check it!

Phoenix - 1901 (live, Sydney) [mp3]

this is keeping me very happy until that video of Hard to Explain surfaces.

this makes me want to reproduce

no lie

Girls cover Radiohead

title is self explanatory



I love you, Christopher Owens, you beautiful man, you.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Strokes Post #390

I just wanted to say:
I don't understand all the backlash about the interview I posted yesterday in which Jules says "the money". that's the reason for the TOUR, not for Strokes IV, so money doesn't have anything to do with the music. I'm sure, with almost all of them having families etc now, it would be stupid to pass up this opportunity to tour before their album will be released. plus, they need a warm up period before a proper tour begins. if you are as insane as I am, you're thinking of the University of London gig right now. you know how they all seemed pissed off? yeah.



anyhow, I will stick to my boys until the end of time. I trust them more than I trust myself.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Friday, March 19, 2010

band of the week: Broken Bells

Danger Mouse is one of our best modern composers. Although I have never been a huge fan of The Shins, this project showcases James Mercer’s voice perfectly, and I dig it—a whole fucking lot.

Broken Bells sounds like anything but their raucous title, and the debut album is only consistent in the quality of music—that is, excellent. The interplay of Mercer and Brian Burton beautifully melds so many genres: hip hop, folk, electronica. Gorgeous string arrangements seem to pop out of nowhere. It’s hard to believe that these songs derive from the same album, but they form a unity like that of a soundtrack or film score: inconspicuous relationships that make perfect sense once you see them all together, but not immediately noticeable at first. Best of all, the music doesn’t seem to fit any sort of time period (ie 60s psychedelia, 70s punk, 90s restlessness or what have you) and doesn’t have any obvious influences. It’s music for music sake, if you will. Pure artistic expression.

Broken Bells are annoyingly listenable, from start to finish. Go out and pick up the record if you haven’t already.

song of the day: Rise Against- Savior



I love Rise Against. I always will. I don't listen to them a lot anymore because they remind me of my sXe vegan teenage self and then my cigarette smoking, drug consuming, cheese eating modern person feels guilty.

regardless, I always try to catch them in concert...they were at my first ever festival (BFD 2006!) and continue to awe me every time Warped tour comes to town.

oh, and here's an mp3

Rise Against - Savior [mp3]

from Appeal to Reason

The Strokes Post #386


I'm back! just finished sorting through a monstrous mound of emails and RSS goodness.

to make up for the last week of non-posts, here is the Phrazes for the Young Bonus Disc ZIP FILE as per requested by dozens of you. literally, dozens!

enjoy!

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Strokes Post #385

didn't realize this was on YT...



watch it if you haven't. for the love of twinkies, watch it.

temporarily incapacitated

yo
I have not died. my battery adapter, however, has. Music Induced Euphoria will resume once I recieve my new one in the mail. but don't fret, cause it shipped this morning, y'all

Saturday, March 13, 2010

The Strokes Post #384



Julian on SNL tonight. Boombox? yes, please.

cheers to Olivia for the tip.

I am currently revisiting Transference and g-d damn Britt Daniel owns my soul, yes he does.

Free Energy to play Letterman on Wednesday


the fantastic Philly band will grace your television this St Patty's. the band is also all over SXSW this year.

their debut album, Stuck on Nothing, was released digitally last Tuesday, and I will review it when it gets its physical release in May.

in the mean time, enjoy the following live version of one of the tracks from the album

Free Energy - Bad Stuff (Live From KEXP) [mp3]

visit them on MYSPACE

Ryan Adams is back!


because, all amazingness aside, his youtube channel has never quenched my relentless thirst for Ryan Adams. thankfully, though, he's gone back on his "I have quit music" schpeal and it looks as though a new LP is about to see light of day! huzzah!

from his website:

"We're going to begin pressing ORION -- my most legit METAL record -- on vinyl next week."

is it bad that I am rooting for his marriage to fail?

Ryan Adams - Electrosnake [mp3]

The Strokes Post #383


I love Record Store Day.

cheers to Shane for the heads up about Julian's 11th D 7". I still haven't gotten my xmas single from amazon. bastards.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Classic Track Thursday


is this not the perfect mixtape song?

Dramarama - Anything, Anything (I'll Give You) [mp3]

from Cinéma Vérité (1985)

The Strokes Post #382

I am currently reading I Drink for a Reason by David Cross and laughing my ass off. I had no idea he had a book up until two days ago. anyhow, no offense to Tobias, but Mr Cross's greatest moment can be seen below:

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

concert review: Delta Spirit @ Bottom of the Hill (08 March)



Delta Spirit shows get me pumped like no other. They are real people making real(ly good) music and there is nothing more to it. You really don’t need anything else. Monday night’s show at Bottom of the Hill was their self dubbed trial run of songs from their forthcoming sophomore album, and it was fucking epic. The album, which will be called History From Below, was crafted as an ode to Howard Zinn before his recent passing. It was influenced by lead singer Matt Vasquez’s love for the late historian as well as Tom Waits and will see a release on June 8th. A supporting tour will follow.


Now for the good stuff. The band had me and the rest of the crowd completely mesmerized by their newer material. I was just spinning my copy of I Think I’ve Found It and realized how much Delta Spirit have honed their sound lately. The songs have a cleaner rock feel, which I realize sounds kind of bad but it really isn’t. The arrangements are more thought provoking, or as much as they will allow it to be, seeing as how noise making is their favourite thing. The only other band that makes music that makes me feel like Delta Spirit songs do is The Gaslight Anthem, but they’re in a completely different musical boat.

The second half of their set was composed mostly of older material, which the band nailed, no question. Damn it to hell I love them. They are definitely still my favourite live band, and will continue to be until August.


Dave Quon, the lead singer from opening band We Barbarians, has been filling the vacancy as guitarist since Sean left the band. He was really great and has my vote to become a permanent member of Delta Spirit.

Highlights of the set were “Strange Vine”, “Vivian”, and, of course, “Motivation" (which they closed the set with). When they encored with "Trashcan", I knew all was well in the universe. Bless them.


set list:


We Barbarians:




I’m still uploading videos so keep your eyes peeled for those, but here’s something to hold you guys over:

Dr Dog: free mp3 + tour dates


y'all might be familiar with Dr Dog via the incredible "Heart it Races" cover I've posted a few times on here. you'll be pleased to know that a new album, entitled SHAME, SHAME will be released April 6th. there will also be a Jimmy Fallon performance on the release date. you can grab a free mp3 of the album's first single below and then check out the tour dates

Dr Dog - Stranger [mp3]

March 18 SXSW Showcase @ Lustre Pearl (12midnight) Austin, TX
March 19 Filter Party @ Cedar St Courtyard (4pm) Austin, TX
March 20 Rachel Ray Party @ Stubbs BBQ - outside (1:30pm) Austin, TX
April 14 Lee's Place Toronto, ON
April 15 Blind Pig Ann Arbor, MI
April 16 Metro Chicago, IL
April 17 Fine Line Minneapolis, MN
April 19 Belly Up Aspen, CO
April 20 Gothic Theatre Denver, CO
April 22 Neuroluz Boise, ID
April 23 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
April 24 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA
April 25 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA **
April 27 Henry Fonda Los Angeles, CA **
April 29 Santa Fe Brewing Company Santa Fe, NM **
April 30 The Loft Dallas, TX **
May 1 Emo's Outside Austin, TX **
May 2 Warehouse Live Studio Houston, TX **
May 3 Majestic Fayetteville, AR **
May 5 Workplay Birmingham, AL **
May 6 Cannery Ballroom Nashville, TN **
May 7 Headliners Louisville, KY **
May 10 Port City Music Hall Portland, ME
May 11 Paradise Boston, MA **
May 12 Paradise Boston, MA **
May 13 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA **
May 14 9:30 Club Washington, DC **
May 15 Terminal 5 New York, NY **
May 23 Magnet Berlin, Germany
May 24 Blue Shell Koln, Germany
May 25 Paradiso Amsterdam, Netherlands
May 26 Tabernacle London, UK
May 27 Nouveau Casino Paris, France
May 29 Primavera Sound Barcelona, Spain
May 31 Sasquatch Festival George, WA
June 4 Mountain Jam Woodstock, NY
June 11 Bonnaroo Manchester, TN
July 1 High Sierra Music Festival Quincy, CA

** With Deertick

visit Dr Dog on MYSPACE

The Strokes Post #381 (LOLLA LOLLA LOLLA!!!)


I totally scared my roommate when I started screaming when I read...

THE STROKES ARE CONFIRMED FOR LOLLAPALOOZA THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julian says:

“It feels great, because I remember people writing things like ‘We’ll see if they’re still around in 10 years’ when we first came out.” (read more HERE)

to celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm giving away a vinyl copy of Is This It. leave me a comment telling me what your best festival experience thus far has been and how it inevitably will be trumped by August's epicness.

I hate birthdays but this year will change everything. I'm turning 21 the day after the festival ends.

new songs: MGMT - Flash Delirium + Congratulations



MGMT - Flash Delirium [mp3]

MGMT - Congratulations [mp3]

there's something about being absolutely exhausted and then listening to trippy music...mmm

I am very much digging these two tracks. way to go, Andrew n Ben.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Strokes Post #380

Q magazine, ladies and gents:




that photo makes him look like he did in 2002. glorious.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

band of the week + record review: The Morning Benders


The Morning Benders are very good at many things, and likeability is high on that list. On Talking Through Tin Cans, their irresistibility came from their channeling of The Shins but executing it like early Beatles. Syrupy, instant feel good record? Yes please.

And, just as alluring as the opening chords to “Dammit Anna” were on their previous full length album, The Morning Benders begin Big Echo with the ever comforting crackling sound of vinyl, and diffuse into a ballad—yes, a ballad and a fucking good one at that—“Excuses”.

When did this happen? When did The Morning Benders graduate from elementary school and enter the quiet realms of teenage heartbreak? The atmosphere evoked is like journeying through 80’s melancholia, whilst refraining from actually channeling bands like Joy Division or The Smiths. Big Echo is like that quiet kid in the class who was secretly in love with you…subtle, reserved but overflowing with emotion just waiting to be found out.

But it doesn’t stop at that, the record is full of surprises, like when they dabble into the musical territory of fellow SF band The Dodos on “Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)” or when they get uncharacteristically aggressive on “Hand Me Downs”. Go out on Tuesday and buy this record, and listen to it as you drive to the beach, before it gets sunny and warm. Cloudy days have never seen a better soundtrack.

4.2/5

The Morning Benders - Hand Me Downs [mp3]

you can stream the whole record HERE, but just know that it's gonna make you want to hold this album in your hands even more than you already do.

Sunday Morning Covers


ZIP FILE!

Mumford & Sons - Cousins (Vampire Weekend cover) [mp3]

Elliott Smith - Out On The Weekend (Neil Young cover) [mp3]


Cat Power - I Found A Reason (Velvet Underground Cover) [mp3]

Built to Spill - Someday (The Strokes cover) [mp3]

Cut Off Your Hands - The Witch (The Sonics cover) [mp3]


Rufus Wainwright - Across the Universe (The Beatles cover) [mp3]

My Morning Jacket - Oh Sweet Nuthin' (Velvet Underground cover) [mp3]

Matt Pond PA - Champagne Supernova (Oasis cover) [mp3]

David Bowie - Debaser (Pixies cover) [mp3]

Beirut - Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) [mp3]

Winter Gloves - Someone Great (LCD Soundsystem cover) [mp3]

Mates of State - Long Way Home (Tom Waits cover) [mp3]

The Strokes Post #378



I think I will post a bootleg tomorrow. I am going to spend today writing letters and then go for a bike ride. I love Sundays.