5 Acts: June 2007

Saturday, June 30, 2007

on random: remixes

Stars


What does everyone think about this new track from Stars (link below)? In Our Bedroom After The War is out September 25 on Arts & Crafts.

"The Night Starts Here"

Stars on MySpace

Stars on The Hype Machine

Tracklisting:

1. The Beginning After The End
2. The Night Starts Here
3. Take Me To The Riot
4. My Favourite Book
5. Midnight Coward
6. The Ghost Of Genova Heights
7. Personal
8. Barricade
9. Window Bird
10. Life 2: The Unhappy Ending
11. Bitches In Tokyo
12. Today Will Be Better, I Swear!
13. In Our Bedroom After The War

Friday, June 29, 2007

Róisín Murphy

To My Boy

Von Südenfed

Shy Child

Magnet

Thursday, June 28, 2007

The Lodger

Leeds, England

I dare you to try and sit still while listening to this one from The Lodger. Their full length is entitled Grown-Ups and it's full of sweet little ditties just like this one.

"My Advice Is On Loan"

The Lodger on MySpace

The Lodger on The Hype Machine

Maps & Atlases

Chicago, IL

You'll eat these tunes up with a giant spoonula if you adore bands like Joan of Arc. This track I'm featuring from Maps & Atlases might not display it, but the majority of their music is quite spastic... good spastic.

"The Ongoing Horrible"

Maps & Atlases on Myspace

Maps & Atlases on The Hype Machine

Underwires

Berlin, Germany (orginally Paris, France)

I highly highly recommend Underwires if you like groups like Mum or Lali Puna. Here's the title track from their third album.

"In Your Room Again"

Underwires on MySpace

Underwires on The Hype Machine

The Grey Race

Brooklyn, NY

The Grey Race EP is available now, and the full-length is coming in September from Unfiltered Records.

"On The Chin"

The Grey Race on MySpace

The Grey Race on The Hype Machine

Vandaveer

Washington, DC

I posted about Vandaveer last year after getting his demos. Now he's put out a proper full-length on Gypsy Eyes.

Dates:
07-12 Higher Ground, South Burlington VT
07-13 Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry NH
07-14 The Grand Auditorium, Ellsworth, ME
07-28 Club Cafe, Pittsburgh PA
08-01 Stanhope House, Stanhope NJ
08-03 The Mercury Lounge, NYC
08-08 Bethlehem Musikfest, Bethlehem PA
08-09 Iota Club & Cafe, Arlington VA
08-11 The Tin Angel, Philadelphia PA

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

the roxy theatre

Unfortunately I don't live anywhere near West Hollywood. If you do, please head out for a spectacular show tomorrow night at The Roxy Theatre. The lineup includes Meho Plaza, Gliss, Mellowdrone, and Monsters Are Waiting. If you'd like a pair of tickets for this show, e-mail me at 5ActsBlog@gmail.com with the words FOXY ROXY in the subject line. If you're a winner, I'll let you know by the end of today.

Monsters Are Waiting - Christine
Monsters Are Waiting on MySpace
Monsters Are Waiting on The Hype Machine

Mellowdrone - Fashionably Uninvited

Mellowdrone on MySpace
Mellowdrone on The Hype Machine

Gliss - I Want You

Gliss on MySpace
Gliss on The Hype Machine

Meho Plaza - The Beach

Meho Plaza on MySpace
Meho Plaza on The Hype Machine

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

day of silence

WOXY.com will be one of the many web broadcasters to go silent today in protest of the Copyright Royalty Boards March 2 decision to increase the rates for stations like WOXY.com.

Thousands of web broadcasters will be alerting their listeners that “silence” is what Internet radio may sound like on or shortly after July 15, the day on which 17 months’ worth of retroactive royalty increase payments are due to the SoundExchange collection organization under the terms of a recent Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) decision.

To further educate yourself on the issue, here are some great articles and websites covering the day of silence.

Save Net Radio
Chicago Sun Times
Audio Graphics
Reuters
Kurt Hanson
Pitchfork

Please call your Congressional Representatives today to ensure the future of Internet radio. Click
this link for instructions how.

Monday, June 25, 2007

The National Lights

Richmond, VA

The Dead Will Walk, Dear from The National Lights contains some of the most thought provoking lyrics I've heard this year. Highly recommended!

"Better For It, Kid"

The National Lights on MySpace

The National Lights on The Hype Machine

Limbs

Brooklyn, NY

Limbs is coming to Jammin' Java on July 7. What a perfect way to continue the holiday celebration!

more dates:

June 30 - Creek and the Cave, Long Island NY
July 5 - Union Hall, Brooklyn NY
July 6 - Milcreek Tavern, Philadelphia PA

"Stages"

Limbs on MySpace

Limbs on The Hype Machine

Tears Run Rings

San Francisco, CA

Easily compared to shoegazer classic bands like Slowdive or My Bloody Valentine, Tears Run Rings is a band redefining the genre in 2007. Their EP, A Question And An Answer, is out on Disaster Club in the States and on Lavender Recordings in Sweden.

"Blur The Lines"

Tears Run Rings on MySpace

Tears Run Rings on The Hype Machine

Microfilm

Chicago, IL

Microfilm recently covered Sufjan's "Chicago" is up now on iTunes in the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Also included is a new b-side entitled "Ralf & Florian," which is a homage to the dynamic duo who wrote electronic music into the history books. If you love these appetizers as much as I do, make sure to pick up After Dark + Blueprints directly from Micofilm at their website.

"Young Adult Fiction"

Microfilm on MySpace

Microfilm on The Hype Machine

Domer

Brooklyn, NY

Domer combines danceable electronic hip-hop beats with intimate lyrical complexity to create a unique, innovative style. His full-length Work With Me is available now from the UK label Skipping Beats Records and he's already got material ready for another release later this year.

"Tacky Shoes"

Domer on MySpace

Domer on The Hype Machine

Sunday, June 24, 2007

sunday shuffle

more gear stolen


Yet again... WTF, people??? Friday night Jana Hunter and touring mates Castanets had much of their equipment stolen in Tucson.

"So, the story is, last night we played in Tucson at Solar Culture. Afterward, we loaded our stuff up, went downtown, had a drink, and went to a house to crash on the floor. en route, we damaged a door, making it such that the door won't close and such that eventually, before we return the vehicle to the rental company, we'll have to pay on the order of 2 grand to replace the door.

"Seeing as how we had an unsecured vehicle, Ray (castanets) slept in the van. Sometime during the night, some brave fug(s) very quietly opened the back door and took what they could carry. We assume there were more than one of them, given all the stuff they managed to walk away with.

All this after we had to fly our friend/drummer to the airport yesterday morning so he could go to the hospital. pretty big bummer all around." - Jana Hunter

This is what was stolen:
Jana Hunter:
fender classical guitar (serial # 9505151116)
boss rc-20 loopstation (serial # 0860399ev16879)
boss reverb/delay pedal
original digitech whammy pedal
original b k butler tubedriver overdrive pedal
peavey 6 mixer (serial # k0344300)
shure beta 98/s (serial # 4421303325)
custom flashlight circuit-bended thing
briefcase with "houston deserves to be a better place to live" sticker (full of Jana Hunter CDs, t-shirts and stickers)

Castanets:
late 60's blue fender music master guitar
line 6 delay pedal
boss tremolo
mutron volume/wah pedal
boss tuner pedal
digitech metal master
ebow
slides/cables

Anyone with any information regarding the stolen goods should contact Jana at: jana dot hunter at gmail dot com.

Thanks!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

saturday shuffle

Friday, June 22, 2007

The Shaky Hands

The Great Fiction

SoCalled

Lay Low

Keren Ann

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Epsilons - Teeny Boppers

I couldn't hold off on posting the video for "Teeny Boppers" from Epsilons. It's a Laguna Beach parody shot on several of the MTV show’s actual locations and featuring season one supporting cast member Claire Vogel. Epsilons all attended Laguna Beach High School while the MTV series was being filmed. "Teeny Boppers" is their revenge. Too funny!


The Bees

All Smiles

Los Campesinos!

Mando Diao

Bonde Do Role

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The White Stripes


If you're a fan of The White Stripes, you can now enter for a chance to win a "meet & greet" with the band - VIP tickets to their show to see them perform live in Anchorage, Alaska! Check out the link below to the AT&T Blue Room for more info.

http://attblueroom.com/promotions/promos/index.php?id=48


The White Stripes on MySpace

The White Stripes on The Hype Machine

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Emmon

Stockholm, Sweden

She's tickled our berries before with a few EPs, but none of them have given us as great a sensation as The Art & The Evil. Order Emmon's new full-length now - Wonderland Records.

"Down Below"

Emmon on MySpace

Emmon on The Hype Machine

Ronderlin

Gothenburg, Sweden

What a breath of fresh air! Ronderlin has really kicked it up a few notches on their latest. If you're impressed with the sounds of bands like Shout Out Louds or The Legends, I highly recommend picking up The Great Investigation from Ronderlin. It's out now from Tomt Recordings.

"What's The Time"

Ronderlin on MySpace

Ronderlin on The Hype Machine

thestar69

Los Angeles, CA

I really freaking love This Is Modern Soul from thestar69. It's out of my ordinary, and I think that's why I enjoy it so much. Maybe it's the Scottish tone I just can't resist. This is the solo work of Pete Macleod, who recently moved to Los Angeles from Glasgow and was previously the lead man for the band Coatbridge.

"So What Is The News"

thestar69 on MySpace

thestar69 on The Hype Machine

Rival Joustas

Hampshire, England

Rival Joustas first caught my ear when I got a copy of their demos about a year and a half ago. Now they're back with a great new single and some catchy remixes to accompany it. Get it now from everyone's favorite, iTunes (actually I've never gotten a song from iTunes in my life).

"Masquerade"

Rival Joustas on MySpace

Rival Joustas on The Hype Machine

People Noise

Louisville, KY

How can this not scream brilliance? People Noise is the collaboration of Zeke Buck (founding member of VHS or Beta) and Matt Johnson (former member of Boom Bip). You might think this production would be heavy on electronic wizzardry, but it's nicely influenced by a lot of retro rock. Buck says that they wanted to make a record that is "more human" than previous projects.

Dates:
06/19 Brooklyn, NY - Luna Lounge
06/20 Boston, MA - Harpers Ferry
06/23 Buffalo, NY - Broadway Joe's
06/24 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
06/27 Nashville, TN - The End
06/28 Memphis, TN - Hi Tone Cafe
06/29 Lexington, KY - The Dame
06/30 Louisville, KY - Headliners Music Hall
07/03 Athens, GA - Tasty World
07/04 Chapel Hill, NC - Blend Nightclub & Lounge
07/05 Atlanta, GA - The ISP Space
07/07 Orlando, FL - The Back Booth
07/09 Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
07/10 Tallahassee, FL - The Beta Bar
07/12 Delray Beach, FL - City Limits
07/13 Miami, FL - Churchill's Pub
07/14 Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic
07/15 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues (The Parish)
07/18 Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz Rock-n-Roll Chicken Shack
07/19 Lafayette, LA - The Grant Street Dance Hall
07/21 Austin, TX - Beauty Bar
07/26 Kansas City, MO - El Torreon Ballroom
07/30 Boulder, CO - The Trilogy Lounge
07/31 Denver, CO - 15th Street Tavern
08/04 Phoenix, AZ - Casa Blanca
08/06 Pomona, CA - The Glass House
08/12 Eureka, CA - The Boiler Room
08/18 Boise, ID - Neurolux
09/26 Durham, NC - Duke Coffeehouse

"The Sun & The Moon, The Moon & The Sea"

People Noise on MySpace

People Noise on The Hype Machine

Monday, June 18, 2007

tuesday night: Great Northern

Join me around 9pm at Black Cat to catch Great Northern. Openers include outputmessage and Screen Vinyl Image. It's a backstage show, but tickets are only 8 buckaroos.

Also, Great Northern is on Yahoo's "Who's Next" right now. Please help the band win by clicking the linky link below.




Great Northern on MySpace

Great Northern on The Hype Machine

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is


July 24 is the release date for Is Is, the new EP from Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Stream the track "Down Boy" below and pre-order it from Insound.

tuesday night: Illinois

Illinois will be at The Rock & Roll Hotel in DC tomorrow night. Tallest Highest and The Beanstalk Library are opening up the show. Doors - 8:00, Show - 8:30. Advance tickets are $8 and $10 at the door.

Illinois shows in the future:
06-20 State College, PA - Lumbrano Park
06-23 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brendas
07-01 Brooklyn, NY - McCarren Pool
08-03 Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza

Illinois on MySpace

Illinois on The Hype Machine

Team Clermont Summer Festival & Blue Ribbon Ball

(Press release from Team Clermont)

Team Clermont, a full-service PR firm based in Athens GA, has announced the dates and line-up of its 10th Annual Summer Festival and Blue Ribbon Ball on June 18. The Summer Festival celebration is a music event that showcases artists on Team Clermont’s client roster as well as other favorites, both national and local, over the course of four nights (and a day, too!). The last night of the festival, The Blue Ribbon Ball, is affectionately known as “The Prom,” and typically includes a featured artist doing cover songs and originals in the manner of the proverbial, slightly cheesy “prom band.”
For a constantly updated schedule and Summer Festival/Prom news, go here:
http://teamclermont.com/2007tcprom/index.html
This year’s “prom band” will be Chicago glam-rock raconteur Bobby Conn! Bobby is a Chicago rocker who has told many stories and known many faces (most of them obscured by stage lights, smoke and mirrors. Say what you will about freedom and success, Bobby Conn knows that self-delusion is the American dream. Does faith require spectacle? Is self-promotion the primary goal of American society? Bobby Conn knows the answer is YES, loud and clear. He is a student of the motivational speaker and the self-help guru and values confidence and authority above truth and knowledge. He loves a winner, but blames himself for his own lack of success. He is deluded and lost in the fantasy of his own ego, yet the pathos of his delusion arouses sympathy and is the key to his appeal. He is a walking metaphor for American culture. King for a Day is Bobby Conn's latest opus and his ode to self-delusion and celebrity status. It's the definitive Bobby Conn album, and it's all based on true stories. Call it his Don Quixote, the tale of his own delusions and everyone else's.

Previous Team Clermont Summer Festival performers have included Danger Mouse, The Wrens, Of Montreal, The Mountain Goats, Man Man, Dark Meat, Elf Power, John Vanderslice, The Polyphonic Spree, Trans Am, John Roderick of the Long Winters, Songs: Ohia, Man…or Astroman?, Enon, Eleni Mandell, Pattern is Movement, Radar Bros., and the Rosebuds.

The Blue Ribbon Ball, sponsored by
Pabst Blue Ribbon, is an actual prom-like event with a professional prom photographer to snap portraits, balloons, spiked punch, and the aforementioned prom band. This year’s Blue Ribbon Ball will feature a James Bond theme because it seems apropos given the year (2007, get it?). Also planned for the Summer Festival is the annual W’s vs. K’s Radio Station Kickball Showdown, sponsored by K Records. Last year, in a bloody battle for supremacy, the W’s prevailed, and the W stations look to defend their title this year.

The schedule is as follows (all times subject to change):

Wednesday, July 25 — 40 Watt Club, Athens GA
Starlight Mints - Starlight Mints are a group of beautiful pop mutants: four oddballs whose love for archetypal pop music and AM radio has provided a rock-solid foundation for a whole bunch of inspired weirdness. They began jamming together in the '90s, giving birth to their own funky brand of heavily instrumental, surrealistically worded pop sound. Maybe you could call it bubblegum psych. It all adds up to something very grand: one marvelous piece of orchestrated, catchy surrealism after another. The band combines classic string arrangements, cheeky boyish vocals, and a feel good vibe to bring a glossy, fresh sound to indie rock.

Download:
Starlight Mints—“Pumpkin”

The Ladybug Transistor - This Brooklyn-based collective crafts a delicate mix of hazy, airbrushed melancholia infused with a brighter undercurrent - a promise of good things to come in a country tinged manner that'll have the hardest of hearts melting. Channeling Fred Neil and Bobby Goldsboro, Gary Olson fulfills his promise as one of the more inspired songwriters of the past decade and anchors his current batch of songs with his restrained baritone.

Tin Cup Prophette - Songwriter/leader Amanda Kapousouz whips up an atmosphere of profound and powerful minimalism with her violin loops and energetic, but sparse beats. tin cup prophette’s sound is twofold; she still holds onto the traditional Irish music that saved her from putting down her fiddle for good, and her original music forges into a genre all its own. She remains an active performer in both the indie rock and Irish traditional realms. Tin Cup Prophette’s live performances are always memorable, whether you’re watching her red-haired bow blur in a whirlwind of uptempo fiddle tunes or whether you’re watching her loop her violin into pedals, creating a chamber of strings to back up her voice. Currently, Tin Cup Prophette’s debut album of original songs, Liar and the Thief, is receiving much praise and was nominated for Album of the Year in this year’s Flagpole Music Awards. She has also earned a four star review in Paste Magazine.

Download:
Tin Cup Prophette--"Going Numb"

Summer Hymns - Zachary Gresham’s long-running project Summer Hymns just released what might be its finest album ever, 2006’s Backward Masks, a cohesing of the band’s experimental and traditional elements. Summer Hymns’ songs are bittersweet and frequently lovely, but they come imbued with a shocking and caustic wit, which often translates to the band’s free-flowing live performances.

Download:
Summer Hymns—“Start Swimming”


Thursday, July 26 — Caledonia Lounge, Athens GA
Deerhunter - Deerhunter began in 2001 with the ambition of fusing the lulling hypnotic states induced by ambient and minimalist music with the clang and propulsion of garage rock. The band has weathered chaotic line-up changes, the death of a member, and much discouragement. Their live performances almost always leave audiences polarized. They are a five-piece based in Atlanta. Currently signed to Kranky Records, the band’s recent LP, Cryptograms, was highly acclaimed, most notably by Pitchfork Media.

Bottom of the Hudson - Philadelphia power-poppers Bottom of the Hudson are playing behind Fantastic Hawk, the band’s most anthemic and complete work to date (and also its first as a multi-person unit to date) with more aggressive arrangements, clearer production, and airtight songwriting without sacrificing the mid-fi charm for which the band is known.

Download:
Bottom of the Hudson–“Handwriting”

Ham1 - Jim Willingham is an intrepid English-as-a-second-language teacher by day and enigmatic songwriter and bandleader by night. Willingham’s dusty, surf-and-western-influenced indie folk is ably fleshed out by an ace band that includes Eric Harris, formerly of Olivia Tremor Control. Add trombones, cellos, and found sounds and you have a recipe for success. Ham1 is releasing its second album, The Captain’s Table, in the fall on Orange Twin Records.

Download:
Ham1—“I Had A Good Idea, But It Passed My Mind”

King of Prussia - One of Athens’ hottest bands, King of Prussia’s epic pop anthems will stick to your ribs. Band scion Brandon Hanick’s literate, poignant lyrics bounce along rich Brit-tinged songs that recall Belle and Sebastian, Richard Hawley, and even the decidedly non-British Unrest. The band’s first EP, Save the Scene, is a work of confidence and craft.


Friday, July 27 — 40 Watt Club, Athens GA
Castanets - Castanets is American music drowned then reborn clear-eyed and wet with sea spray. Castanets is murderous nights and the 10 west sunset and crying gulls. Castanets is Raymond Raposa. Castanets is Raymond Raposa alone, walking through the dark and crowded dancefloor, singing bare voiced (rangy, high, cracked and real) with acoustic guitar. Castanets is a four-piece or a five-piece, six-piece, seven-piece, all-of-us-everywhere-piece stomping out electric tombstone chants or something that sounds like Pink Floyd with more heart. Castanets is delta heart, Nashville hands, outer space brain. Castanets is Cathedral (Asthmatic Kitty, 2004) and First Light's Freeze (Asthmatic Kitty, 2005). Castanets is banjo and strings of bells and howling feedback and high plains drifting and horn sections and brother folk-rock riding in a beater Datsun with sister free-jazz. Note: Castanets and Phosphorescent will be playing together as one unit for this performance.

Download:
Castanets—“A Song Is Not The Song”

Phosphorescent - Matthew Houck's Phosphorescent recorded two frighteningly brilliant works, 2003's A Hundred Times or More and 2004's The Weight of Flight EP, both released on the WARM label to quiet but lavish praise. While they weren't widely heard, those who that did tune in felt the spark in Houck's cracked voice, wondered at the weird and beautiful poetics, sensed the involuntary smile behind the lyrics, and settled in for the ride. Aw Come Aw Wry (Misra) moved the band's loose, ever-shifting arrangements away from the sparse and melodic and toward the rowdy and unhinged, at times conjuring a free, revival-tent spirit awash in homespun orchestrations and brushed with spiritual and psychedelic undertones. Phosphorescent is entrancing, unruly, cacophonous. Note: Castanets and Phosphorescent will be playing together as one unit for this performance.

Download:
Phosphorescent—“I Am A Full Grown Man (I Will Lay In The Grass All Day)”

Arizona - Arizona is the ka-tet of five close friends who like to drink mezcal and sling songs forth. Each member dresses in a sexy pajama outfit. The band currently wanders in Asheville, North Carolina but still calls New York City home. The music sounds like sweetly sleeping faeries nestled in the dewy grass of a magical land while dark, sharp, drooling creatures lurk nearby. Arizona is a masterless wanderer. Listening to Arizona's richly imaginative music will allow you to hear colors and taste thoughts, to hold moonlight in your hand, and to better know your own heart.

Download:
Arizona—“Splintering”

A Northern Chorus - A Northern Chorus is a string-laden band of Canadians whose songs deal in the momentous and beautiful. Reviews regularly use words like “epic” and “ambitious” and they are not lying. ANC has toured the continent several times, and have even crossed the pond for a small tour of the UK. They've steadily gained popularity in North America, and are anxious to do the same overseas. Over the last few records, the band’s sweeping pieces have gained tempo and volume without losing the constant striving for emotionally stirring arrangements.

Download:
A Northern Chorus—“Skeleton Keys”


Saturday, July 28 — Kickball Tournament
Annual W’s vs. K’s Radio Station Kickball Tournament — Last year’s game brought sweat, tears, blood, sweat, the thrill of victory, the soul-punishing agony of defeat, and more sweat. Over 50 college radio station and record label types participated in a kickball game of epic proportions. This year’s event should surpass all other kickball games played ever in the history of the world. The W’s are anxious to defend their crown!

Performance by Calvin Johnson. Based in Olympia, Wash., Calvin's work in underground culture started as a teenage fan volunteering at the local community radio station, KAOS-FM. He moved on to writing for fanzines, organizing music and film events, playing music in various ill-fated bands. Calvin established K, a locally oriented media outlet, in 1982. In 1993 Calvin founded Dub Narcotic, a recording studio, in which he has documented the work of the Somehow Is and Never Was, such as Mirah, the Blow, Versus, Built to Spill, Fitz of Depression, Make-Up, and Little Wings. It has also been the incubator of many Calvin experiments in collaboration and self-expression, such as Beat Happening, Halo Benders and Dub Narcotic Sound System. The decade of the double zeroes has seen Calvin Johnson set out into the world, acoustic guitar in hand, as a solo artist of musical platitudes.


Saturday, July 28 — Happy Hour — the Go! Bar, Athens GA
Benjy Ferree - The cinematic element of Benjy Ferree's music is by no means an accident. Many of Benjy's songs have origins and inspirations taken from films, much like a detail taken from a painting. Furthermore, Benjy was inspired at an impressionable age by Will Oldham: not to rock, but to act, thanks to young Will's performance in John Sayles' Matewan. The movie held a special attraction to Benjy as his family originated from the film's West Virginia setting and characters in the movie were based on flesh and blood (The Hatfields of that famous familial squabble, if you must know). After high school, he moved straight to Los Angeles to pursue "the craft," supporting himself in a variety of service industry jobs (including a brief stint in the employ of David Lynch as an au pair). Frustrated with his experiences there, Benjy returned to The Mid-Atlantic. While bartending at The Black Cat in DC, he was befriended and encouraged by Brendan Canty (Fugazi), amongst many others, to focus instead on the songs Benjy had been writing for his own personal enjoyment.

Abra Moore - A founding member of Poi Dog Pondering and GRAMMY™-nominated singer of the top 40 hit, “Four Leaf Clover”, Abra Moore has learned a few things about music, life and the intrinsic value of happiness and balance. The quiet confidence she’s found seeps through every element of On The Way, the new record she’s made with long-time collaborator and producer Mitch Watkins. The new collection is subtle, seductive and assured. In her own words, it’s a “gentle sway” of an album. It recaptures the organic, intuitive style that led to worldwide acclaim for her breakthrough album, Strangest Places.


Saturday, July 28 — Blue Ribbon Ball — 40 Watt Club, Athens GA
The 10th Annual Blue Ribbon Ball featuring Bobby Conn. Chicago rocker Bobby Conn will do a mixture of covers and originals as guests at the prom will gadabout in their finest James Bond-influenced attire! The prom will feature decorations, photos, refreshments, secretive makeout sessions, too-close dancing, and plenty of Pabst Blue Ribbon. It’s the yearly highlight of the Athens social calendar! Bobby Conn is known for his wild live shows, so it should be a real treat for all!

Download:
Bobby Conn—“King for a Day”

DJ sets by DJ Twin Powers. Dan Geller (aka Tiny Danger, Twin Powers, Thumper) has been involved in Biofuels research for over 10 years. He received a Master’s degree in Biological Engineering where he studied the use of alternative feedstocks for the production of Biodiesel. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. He has authored over 10 scientific journal articles on biofuels and other energy topics. Dan also started the Kindercore Record label and was a member of bands such as I Am the World Trade Center, The Agenda, and, most recently, USSR and Ruby Isle.

Tickets will be on sale at the door of each respective venue. Ticket prices to be announced.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Sunday Shuffle

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Sundayroo Bonnaroo

AT&T has more live broadcasting from Bonnarroo tomorrow...

http://www.attblueroom.com/music

Robert Glasper Trio 12:30pm - 1:00pm
John Butler Trio 1:00pm - 2:00pm
The Flaming Lips 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Bob Weir & Ratdog 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Wolfmother 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Wilco 5:30pm - 7:00pm
The White Stripes 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Widespread Panic 8:45pm - 11:30pm

Random Bonnaroo Aritsts

Broadcasting from Bonnaroo

If you're not able to be part of the festivities this weekend in Manchester TN, you can still catch select live performances at http://www.attblueroom.com/music. Here's the schedule for today.

Old Crow Medicine Show 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Spearhead 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Regina Spektor 2:15pm - 3:30pm
The Black Keys 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Damien Rice 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals 5:45pm - 7:45pm
The Hold Steady 7:45pm - 8:15pm
Mago: Billy Martin & John Medeski 8:15pm - 9:45pm
String Cheese Incident 10:15pm - 11:30pm

Friday, June 15, 2007

Dave Fischoff

Chicago, IL

I don't even know how to describe the creativity of Dave Fischoff. He's one of the latest additions to the always dynamic Secretly Canadian roster, and his music will surely be welcomed by all lovers of chunky electronic.

"In This Air"

Dave Fischoff on MySpace

Dave Fischoff on The Hype Machine

Let's French

Washington, DC

Let's French will be working their magic in DC this weekend at The Velvet Lounge - on Sunday to be exact. Also playing with them will be The Substitutes and Kittyhawk. Victory is the new disc from Let's French, and it's on heavy rotation on my iPod. Head over to the band's MySpace page to order it directly from them.

"Boys And Girls"

Let's French on MySpace

Let's French on The Hype Machine

Scissors For Lefty

San Francisco, CA

Tonight Scissors For Lefty is having their CD release party in San Francisco. If you're lucky enough to live there, go out to The Independent and celebrate with them!

"Nickels & Dimes"

Scissors For Lefty on MySpace

Scissors For Lefty on The Hype Machine

The Loose Salute

London, England

The Loose Salute was formed by Ian McCutcheon (drummer of Mojave 3) and Lisa Billson, who met Ian after he heard her singing along to Bob Dylan songs. This particular track begins with a focus on the bells, so obviously I'm hooked! Despite its title, it's very sunny sounding to me.

"Death Club"

The Loose Salute on MySpace

The Loose Salute on The Hype Machine

Bowerbirds

Raleigh, NC

Here's yet another band I'm currently in love with that seems to just be sticking around their local area for the time being. Since I didn't get to catch their set the last time they were in DC, I have this request - Dear Bowerbirds: please take that home on wheels out for a road trip soon! North Carolina shows listed below.


Dates:
06-22 Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC
06-23 Rock and Shop Market - Raleigh, NC
06-30 The Blend - Chapel Hill, NC
07-17 Nightlight - Carrborro, NC

"My Oldest Memory"

Bowerbirds on MySpace

Bowerbirds on The Hype Machine

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Action Painters

Brooklyn, NY

There are only seven tracks on the debut from Action Painters, but it gives you all the diversity you can handle and then some. Some of the slower tracks remind me of music from bands like Snow Patrol and others are more anthemic, reminiscent of The Futureheads or Maximo Park. Right now it looks like they're only playing around home, but hopefully they're get out on the road soon!

"Cold Dead Corner"

Action Painters on MySpace

Action Painters on The Hype Machine

Southerly

Portland, OR

Southerly is the one man musical operation of Krist Krueger. He is the eipitome of DIY, as he also works as a recording engineer, record label manager, and booking agent. Please check him out if you like music from Stuart Staples, Elliott Smith, or Brendan Benson.

"Close To The Crime"

Southerly on MySpace

Southerly on The Hype Machine

The Black And White Years

Austin, TX

I hightly recommend The Black And White Years for all Of Montreal lovers. And besides, these guys are from Austin - how could you not adore them?

"Everyone"

The Black And White Years on MySpace

The Black And White Years on The Hype Machine

Lucky Soul

London, England

The Great Unwanted from Lucky Soul has received four stars from publications like The Times, The Guardian, and Uncut. They must be decent then, right?

"Lips Are Unhappy"

Lucky Soul on MySpace

Lucky Soul on The Hype Machine

Electrelane

Brighton, England

This one is dedicted to Spoonie Luv, who recently saw
Electrelane open up for Arcade Fire and was deeply impressed by their ability to rock it hard. No Shouts, No Calls is available now, and the ladies will begin to tour again at the end of this month to support it.

Dates:
06-29 Accelerator Festival - Stockholm
07-08 Roskilde Festival - Roskilde
07-10 Montreux Jazz Festival - Montreux

07-13 Summercase - Madrid
07-14 Summercase - Barcelona
07-29 Fuji Rock Festival - Yuzawa

08-11 Field Day Festival - London
08-17 Off Festival - Myslowice
09-01 Electric Picnic Festival - Laois
09-08 Bestival Festival - Isle Of Wight

"At Sea"

Electrelane on MySpace

Electrelane on The Hype Machine

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

tonight tonight

Tonight Black Cat welcomes a great triple line-up - Au Revoir Simone, Favourite Sons, and Voxtrot. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are $12.

Au Revoir Simone on MySpace
Au Revoir Simone on The Hype Machine

Favourite Sons on MySpace
Favrourite Sons on The Hype Machine

Voxtrot on MySpace
Voxtrot on The Hype Machine

Au Revoir Simone dates:
06-14 Middle East - Boston, MA (with Voxtrot)
06-15 Webster Hall - New York, NY (with Voxtrot)
07-02 O-Nest - Tokyo, Japan
07-03 Club 24 - Yokohama, Japan
07-04 K.D. Japon - Nagoya, Japan
07-05 Triton Cafe - Kobe, Japan
07-06 to be announced - Okayama, Japan
07-07 Urbanguild -Kyoto, Japan
07-08 Social - Kanazawa, Japan

Favourite Sons dates:
06-14 Middle East - Boston, MA
06-15 Webster Hall - New York, NY
06-17 Bonnaroo - Mancheester, TN

Voxtrot dates:
06-14 Middle East - Boston, MA
06-15 Webster Hall - New York, NY
06-16 Transit [Making Time] - Philadelphia, PA
06-18 Southgate House - Newport, KY
06-20 Berkeley Church - Toronto, ON
06-21 Common Grounds - Gainesville, FL
06-22 Studio A - Miami, FL
06-23 Crowbar - Tampa, FL
06-24 Backbooth - Orlando, FL
06-26 Beta Bar - Tallahassee, FL
06-27 Drunken Unicorn - Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
06-28 Bottle Tree Cafe - Birmingham, AL
06-29 Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge, LA
06-30 Proletariat - Houston, TX
07-14 Pitchfork Festival - Chicago, IL
07-16 Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
07-17 Ottobar - Baltimore. MD


Such conflict in the district this evening. Over at 9:30 you could see Grizzly Bear and Feist... unless you don't have your ticket yet because the show is SOLD OUT! Doors open at 7:30.

Grizzly Bear on MySpace
Grizzly Bear on The Hype Machine

Feist on MySpace
Feist on The Hype Machine

Grizzly Bear dates:
06-14 Carolina Theatre -Greensboro, NC
06-15 Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA
06-19 The Vic - Chicago, IL
06-20 Pantages Theatre - Minneapolis, MN
06-22 Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO
06-24 Moore Theater - Seattle, WA
06-25 The Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
06-26 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
06-27 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
06-29 The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA
07-07 Foskilde Festival - Roskilde, Denmark
07-14 Pitchfork Music Festival - Chicago, IL
07-16 Summerstage - New York, NY

Feist dates:
06-14 Caroline Theatre - Greensboro, NC
06-15 Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA
06-17 Baonnaroo - Manchester, TN
06-19 The Vic - Chicago, IL
06-20 Pantages Theatre - Minneapolis, MN2007
06-22 Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO
06-24 Moore Theater - Seattle, WA
06-25 The Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
06-26 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
06-27 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
06-29 The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA
07-28 Fuji Rocks Festival - Yuzawa, Japan
09-08 Montreal-Laval - Montreal, QC