Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
WOXY.com Lounge Act: Say Hi
Even though I got a physical copy of The Wishes And The Glitch well before 2007 was over, I opted not to include it in my favorites since it didn't officially get released til this year. That being said, expect it to be way up there when we close out 2008. The band will be stopping by the WOXY.com studio today at 4:00 pm ET today for a third session. Click below to hear their first two when Eric and his crew went by Say Hi To Your Mom. Oddly enough these dates were exactly one year apart.
Say Hi To Your Mom Lounge Act 07/19/06
Say Hi To Your Mom Lounge Act 07/19/05
Say Hi on MySpace
Say Hi on The Hype Machine
Thrushes: "Heartbeats" Remixed
In January, Thrushes put out an open call to friends and fans to remix "Heartbeats." The response the band received was overwhleming and now they've picked the ten best mixes, which are being previewed every day this week at SĒN Baltimore. Click on the link below to check 'em out!
SĒN Baltimore
Also, I wanted to let you know that Thrushes has been working on a second album, Night Falls. Expect to see it in the Fall. Yay!
Live Dates:
Also, I wanted to let you know that Thrushes has been working on a second album, Night Falls. Expect to see it in the Fall. Yay!
Live Dates:
March 28 - Ottobar - Baltimore, MD (w/The Raveonettes)
April 11 - The Fire - Philadelphia, PA
April 12 - The Annex - New York, NY
May 10 - Metro Gallery - Baltimore, MD ("Heartbeats" Remixed Release Party)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
ticket giveaway: The Big Sleep
I just love The Big Sleep. And I'm almost certain I love their new disc more than the debut. Sleep Forever is out now from Frenchkiss and you definitely should own it. The band will be playing new songs on Thursday night in DC at Black Cat. As if this show won't be impressive enough, they're coming back on April 4 to play here again with Les Savy Fav and The Dodos. Wow! Sadly, I'm not going to get to go to this first show, but if you'd like to try and win a pair tickets, email me with your favorite track from the new album as the subject line. I'll pick a winner at random by tomorrow at 5:00 pm. Good luck!
The Big Sleep on MySpace
The Big Sleep on The Hype Machine
Major Indie Artists Release
Albums On AmieStreet.com,
Giving Pricing Power To Fans
Albums On AmieStreet.com,
Giving Pricing Power To Fans
New York, NY (Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008) – Cat Power, The National, and Of Montreal are among the many distinguished artists releasing their music on AmieStreet.com today.
The release of top artists from industry leaders Beggars Group, Matador Records, and Polyvinyl Recording Co. reinforces the growing trend of fan-driven pricing as the future of the music industry.
"More than just a place to sell music, Amie Street is a great marketing tool for our labels and artists," said Lesley Bleakley, CEO of Beggars Group USA. "They know that to successfully sell music you have to provide customers with much more than just a buy button. They give customers a social experience around music discovery that has up to this point been lacking in digital retail."
All songs on Amie Street, including the thousands being released today, are initially free to download and then rise in price based on popularity, up to 98 cents. AmieStreet.com is the only online music store where fans determine the price of songs.
Today's release will also include such artists as Interpol, The New Pornographers, Sigur Rós, Pavement, Yo La Tengo, Devendra Banhart, Belle and Sebastian, Architecture In Helsinki and many more.
"We couldn't be more excited to offer these incredible artists to our customers," said Peter Asbill, Chief Content Officer for AmieStreet.com. "This is an important validation of Amie Street's vision that empowering customers is the best way to maximize revenue for the artists."
About AmieStreet.com
AmieStreet.com is the first digital music store to leverage community-driven pricing and social discovery tools to make buying music fun, easy and social. Founded in the Spring of 2006, AmieStreet.com is a site where the community determines the price of songs, which start out free and rise in price the more they are purchased. For recommending songs that subsequently rise in price, AmieStreet.com rewards its members with free downloads. Amazon.com led AmieStreet.com's Series A round of financing in August 2007. The company is located in New York City.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Cats On Fire
Åbo/Turku, Finland
"Higher Grounds"
Cats On Fire on MySpace
Cats On Fire on The Hype Machine
"Higher Grounds"
Cats On Fire on MySpace
Cats On Fire on The Hype Machine
Friday, February 22, 2008
PopMatters.com loves Headlights!
PopMatters.com has once again declared love for Headlights, giving the new disc 8 out of 10! Head over to PopMatters.com and read the full review right now.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
ticket giveaway: Headlights
Headlights will be playing tonight at Iota, sandwiched in between We Were Pirates and Evangelicals. If you want to win a pair of tickets to see them, e-mail me and tell me your number one reason for wanting to go to the show. Maybe it's to see the awesome bands play... or maybe it's just to see me. I'll pick winners at random by 5:00 today. Show starts at 9:00. Good luck!
Headlights / Evangelicals Tour Dates:
02/21 Arlington , VA @ Iota
02/22 Charlottesville , VA @ Tea Bazaar
02/23 Fredricksburg , VA @ The 3rd Floor
02/24 New York City , NY @ Mercury Lounge
02/25 Philadelphia , PA @ Johnny Brendas
02/26 Hamden , CT @ The Space
02/27 Boston , MA @ Mideast Club
02/28 Princeton , NJ @ Terrace Club
02/29 Brooklyn , NY @ Union Hall
03/01 Buffalo , NY @ Mohawk Place
03/02 Toronto, Ontario , CAN @ El Mocambo
03/03 Cleveland , OH @ Beachland Tavern
03/04 Bloomington , IN @ Waldron Arts
03/06 Urbana , IL @ Canopy Club
03/07 Chicago , IL @ Schubas
03/08 St. Louis , MO @ Billikin Club
03/09 Springfield , MO @ Randy Bacon
03/10 Norman , OK @ Opolis
03/11 Dallas , TX @ The Cavern
03/12 Austin , TX @ Force Field Day Party
03/12 Austin , TX @ Tuscon Scene / A Fine Tooth Day Party @ Beso Cantina
03/13 Austin , TX @ DAG Presents & Tangled Snark Productions Party @ The Hole in the Wall
03/14 Austin , TX @ Polyvinyl - Team Love SXSW Showcase @ Habana Calle
03/15 Austin , TX @ Impose Magazine & KVRX Day Party @ Communications Courtyard Univ. of Texas
03/17 Tucson , AZ @ Plush
03/19 Los Angeles , CA @ Silverlake Lounge
03/20 Visalia , CA @ Howie and Sons
03/21 San Francisco , CA @ Hemlock Tavern
03/22 Portland , OR @ Towne Lounge
03/23 Seattle , WA @ Nectar's
03/24 Missoula , MT @ The Badlande
03/26 Salt Lake City , UT @ Kilby Ct.
03/27 Denver , CO @ Hi-Dive
03/28 Omaha , NE @ Waiting Room
03/29 Minneapolis , MN @ Nomad World Pub
03/30 Milwaukee , WI @ Cactus Club
03/31 Dekalb , IL @ The House Cafe
04/01 Rock Island , IL @ Huckelberry's Pizza
04/02 Madison , WI @ High Noon Saloon
04/03 Iowa City , IA @ The Mill
04/04 Lake Forest , IL @ The Chapel
04/05 Beloit , WI @ C-Haus
Headlights / Evangelicals Tour Dates:
02/21 Arlington , VA @ Iota
02/22 Charlottesville , VA @ Tea Bazaar
02/23 Fredricksburg , VA @ The 3rd Floor
02/24 New York City , NY @ Mercury Lounge
02/25 Philadelphia , PA @ Johnny Brendas
02/26 Hamden , CT @ The Space
02/27 Boston , MA @ Mideast Club
02/28 Princeton , NJ @ Terrace Club
02/29 Brooklyn , NY @ Union Hall
03/01 Buffalo , NY @ Mohawk Place
03/02 Toronto, Ontario , CAN @ El Mocambo
03/03 Cleveland , OH @ Beachland Tavern
03/04 Bloomington , IN @ Waldron Arts
03/06 Urbana , IL @ Canopy Club
03/07 Chicago , IL @ Schubas
03/08 St. Louis , MO @ Billikin Club
03/09 Springfield , MO @ Randy Bacon
03/10 Norman , OK @ Opolis
03/11 Dallas , TX @ The Cavern
03/12 Austin , TX @ Force Field Day Party
03/12 Austin , TX @ Tuscon Scene / A Fine Tooth Day Party @ Beso Cantina
03/13 Austin , TX @ DAG Presents & Tangled Snark Productions Party @ The Hole in the Wall
03/14 Austin , TX @ Polyvinyl - Team Love SXSW Showcase @ Habana Calle
03/15 Austin , TX @ Impose Magazine & KVRX Day Party @ Communications Courtyard Univ. of Texas
03/17 Tucson , AZ @ Plush
03/19 Los Angeles , CA @ Silverlake Lounge
03/20 Visalia , CA @ Howie and Sons
03/21 San Francisco , CA @ Hemlock Tavern
03/22 Portland , OR @ Towne Lounge
03/23 Seattle , WA @ Nectar's
03/24 Missoula , MT @ The Badlande
03/26 Salt Lake City , UT @ Kilby Ct.
03/27 Denver , CO @ Hi-Dive
03/28 Omaha , NE @ Waiting Room
03/29 Minneapolis , MN @ Nomad World Pub
03/30 Milwaukee , WI @ Cactus Club
03/31 Dekalb , IL @ The House Cafe
04/01 Rock Island , IL @ Huckelberry's Pizza
04/02 Madison , WI @ High Noon Saloon
04/03 Iowa City , IA @ The Mill
04/04 Lake Forest , IL @ The Chapel
04/05 Beloit , WI @ C-Haus
Foals - Cassius
So I'm 100% stalker-like obsessed with Foals right now. I've loved them ever since I got some demos in the mail from them way back in 2007. I know it's a little early to be predicting a favorite album for this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if Antidotes tops my list.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Headlights - Cherry Tulips
The video premiere of "Cherry Tulips" from Headlights...
Erin recently told Paperthinwalls.com about the inspiration for "Cherry Tulips" which is reflected in the video: "The song was inspired by a dream that I had. Sounds a bit cheesy but it’s true. It was extremely vivid. I woke up in my old house and walked to look out of our front-door window. Outside there was a woman who eerily resembled my mother about 20 years ago. She was going up and down my street with buckets of planted red tulips and filling the whole street up with them. I don’t have a clue what it means, if anything at all, but the image of this street lined with red tulips never left my mind. The other “meaning” in the song is personal... So I’ll keep that a little secret between me and the song."
This past sunday, while in Nashville, the band recorded a few songs for "The Backstage Sessions," a feature on the blog Hard To Find A Friend - videos and MP3s are posted here:
http://hardtofindafriend.blogspot.com/2008/02/headlights-hard-to-find-friends.html
To all my DC friends - please come out and see Headlights at Iota on Thursday night.
Grand Archives
With Mat Brooke (formerly of Band Of Horses and Carissa's Weird) fronting this project, how could Grand Archives be anything be delightful? The self-titled disc is out today via Sub Pop.
Run Dan Run
I just discovered Basic Mechanics from Run Dan Run and I'm really enjoying every second of it! Please head out to The Red & The Black tomorrow night as the band makes a stop in DC tomorrow night during their northeast tour.
The Epochs
Check out the great new video for "Love Complette" below.
Holy Fuck
A few live dates for you...
Feb 19 - The Aquarium - Fargo, North Dakota
Feb 20 - Parkway Theatre -Winnipeg, Manitoba
Feb 21 - The Exchange -Regina, Saskatchewan
Feb 22 - The Starlite Room - Edmonton, Alberta
Feb 23 - The Hi Fi Club - Calgary, Alberta
Feb 25 - Richards on Richards - Vancouver, British Columbia
Feb 26 - Chop Suey - Seattle, Washington
Feb 27 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, Oregon
Feb 29 - Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, California
Mar 1 - Spaceland - Los Angeles, California
Mar 3 - Casbah - San Diego, California
Mar 4 - Plush - Tucson, Arizona
Mar 6 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 7 - Larimer Lounge - Denver, Colorado
Mar 8 - The Record Bar - Kansas City, Missouri
Mar 9 - Waiting Room - Omaha, Nebraska
Mar 10 - The Bluebird - St. Louis, Missouri
Mar 11 - The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mar 16 - One Eyed Jacks - New Orleans, Louisiana
Mar 17 - Drunken Unicorn - Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 18 - Local 506 - Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Mar 19 - Rock & Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
Mar 20 - Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 21 - Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Mar 22 - Music Hall of Williamsburgh - New York, New York
The Shondes
Recommended for fans of Magneta Lane and any other great girl rock. The Shondes are playing DC at Rock & Roll Hotel on Saturday night.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Hallelujah The Hills
Here lately there have been a lot of bands naming a song after themselves. I'm not sure why this is, but I think it's pretty lame. However, "Hallelujah The Hills" by Hallelujah The Hills is too damn good, so I'm making an exception to be alright with this one.
Or, The Whale
This bunch is so adorable. They're set to start recording their follow-up to Light Poles & Pines, so look for new material from Or, The Whale soon.
Pattern Is Movement
Pattern Is Movement's fourth album, All Together, is out April 1 via Hometapes.
Fuck Buttons
Fuck Buttons come to North America...
March 18 – The Casbah - Hamilton, Ontario
March 19 – Starlight Lounge - Waterloo, Ontario
March 20 - Lee’s Palace - Toronto, Ontario
March 21 - Lee’s Palace - Toronto, Ontario
March 22 – Babylon - Ottawa, Ontario
March 23 – La Tulipe - Montreal, Quebec
March 24 – Strafford Room - Durham, NH
March 25 – Iron Horse - Northampton, MA
March 26 – Paradise - Boston, MA
March 27 – Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
March 28 – Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
March 29 – Johnny Brenda’s - Philadelphia, PA
March 30 – Rock and Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
March 31 – Satellite Ballroom - Charlottesville, VA
April 01 – Cat’s Cradle - Carrboro, NC
April 02 – 40 Watt Club - Athens, GA
April 03 – Common Grounds - Gainesville, FL
April 04 – The Social - Orlando, FL
April 05 – Culture Room - Fort Lauderdale, FL
April 06 – Crowbar - Tampa, FL
April 07 – Club Downunder - Tallahassee, FL
April 08 – Mercy Lounge - Nashville, TN
April 09 – Wexner Center - Columbus, OH
April 10 – Illini Union Courtyard Café - Urbana, IL
April 11 – Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
April 12 – Triple Rock Club - Minneapolis, MN
April 13 – Royal Albert Arms - Winnipeg, Manitoba
April 14 – Amigos - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
April 15 – Starlite Room - Edmonton, Alberta
April 16 – Grand Theatre - Calgary, Alberta
April 18 – Biltmore Cabaret (two shows) - Vancouver, British Columbia
April 19 – Sugar - Victoria, British Columbia
April 20 – Chop Suey - Seattle, WA
April 21 – Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR
April 23 – The Independent - San Francisco, CA
April 24 – El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
April 25 – Plush - Tucson, AZ
April 26 – Club 101 - El Paso, TX
April 27 – Emo’s - Austin, TX
April 28 – Palladium Loft - Dallas, TX
April 29 – The Continental - Tulsa, OK
April 30 – The Record Bar - Kansas City, MO
May 01 – The Bilken Club - St. Louis, MO
May 02 – Waldron Auditorium - Bloomington, IN
May 03 – Oberlin College - Oberlin, OH
May 04 – Big Orbit’s Soundlab - Buffalo, NY
Friendly Fires
Nottingham, England
"Paris"
Friendly Fires on MySpace
Friendly Fires on The Hype Machine
"Paris"
Friendly Fires on MySpace
Friendly Fires on The Hype Machine
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Clubfeet
Here's a great remake of one of my favorite James songs. Clubfeet doesn't have a lot of info about themselves on their MySpace page, but the rest of their demos are definitely worth checking out. Hopefully we'll be hearing more soon!
Sunny Day Sets Fire
On February 26 Sunny Day Sets Fire will release the Stranger Remix EP featuring remixes by CSS, XXXChange from Spank Rock, Diplo and The Cool Kids. Here's a sampling of what it will sound like.
Dragonette
I highly recommend Dragonette for anyone who misses old school Saint Etienne.
Cannonball Jane
I cannot get enough of this track from Cannonball Jane. Fun fun fun! Would fit well in the Pulp Fiction soundtrack.
Ruckus Roboticus
Ohio is a state that has more to offer than most would even imagine, and here's just one example - the Dayton DJ wonder boy that is Ruckus Roboticus.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Santogold
I saw Santogold open up for Architecture In Helsinki and Black Moth Super Rainbow last year and my socks weren't blown off. However, I really like the studio versions and I'm looking forward to hearing more.
Glass Candy
I've been listening to Glass Candy a lot here lately. Very retro electro.
Studio
These guys should definitely appeal to fans of other Swedish acts like The Tough Alliance.
Sissy Wish
Sissy Wish returns to the States! Dates are below.
03/13 Austin, TX Official SXSW Showcase: The Wave
03/16 Circle Bar New Orleans, LA
03/17 Hot Springs, AR TheVapor of The Vapors Independent Music Festival: Maxine's
03/18 St. Louis, MO PlayBack StL Presents: Cicero's
03/19 Chicago, IL Reggie's Rock Club
03/20 Madison, WI Cafe Montmartre
03/21 Kansas City, MO Record Bar
03/22 Kirksville, MO The DuKum Inn
So So Modern
So So Modern... so so fun!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Bridges And Powerlines
I could not have been happier when Bridges And Powerlines asked me to help pick out the first single for their upcoming full-length, Ghost Types. I've been waiting for this album for almost two years now and it's everything I hoped it would be. It was produced by the always amazing Chris Zane and the guys are putting it out on their own label, Citybird Records, on April 22. In the meantime, check out a live show - Bridges And Powerlines are playing Pianos in NYC on Friday night. Here's "The Golden Age," the first single from the new disc. Hopefully a fun video will soon follow.
A Brief Smile
A Brief Smile is playing Union Hall in NYC on Saturday night with Jukebox The Ghost and Hymns. Last time I checked tickets were almost all gone, so I hope you have yours!
Yesan Damen
The new disc from Yesan Damen is catchy from start to finish and features lovely guest appearances from artists like Jen Wood (the girl from Postal Service's "Nothng Better" who also put out some really great solo stuff).
Please Quiet Ourselves
Please Quiet Ourselves is most often described as infectious jangly indie pop, and the lead singer is only 15. Look out Jonas Brothers - you may have some competition!
The Raveonettes
Lust, Lust, Lust is finally out here in the States from Vice on February 19. We even get a couple bonus tracks!
Tracklist:
01 Aly, Walk With Me
02 Hallucinations
03 Lust
04 Dead Sound
05 Black Satin
06 Blush
07 Expelled From Love
08 You Want The Candy
09 Blitzed
10 Sad Transmission
11 With My Eyes Closed
12 The Beat Dies
13 My Heartbeats Dying *
14 Honey, I Never Had You *
*only available on North American release
Tour Dates:
02-29 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
03-01 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse
03-02 Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar
03-04 LA, CA @ El Rey Theatre
03-05 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
03-07 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
03-08 Vancouver, BC, CAN @ The Plaza Niteclub
03-09 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
03-12 - 03-16 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03-17 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
03-18 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
03-19 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
03-21 Toroto, ON, CAN @ Opera House
03-22 Montreal, QC, CAN @ Les Saint
03-23 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell’s
03-24 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
03-27 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
03-28 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
03-29 Washington, DC @ Black Cat
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Malcolm Middleton
If I could make out with a song, I'd be all over this one. Seriously, I love it.
Sons & Daughters
This Gift is out today and it's way more diverse in style than the previous efforts from Sons & Daughters. They'll be in DC at Rock & Roll Hotel on March 19 along with Holy Fuck and A Place To Bury Strangers. What a great lineup!
Siberian
With Me is the latest record from Siberian. They released it in October of last year, but I've really just started getting into it here recently.
Wild Sweet Orange
Tour dates for Wild Sweet Orange below. Last night they kicked off a three week residency at Schubas in Chicago!
Feb 5 - Horseshoe - Toronto, ON
Feb 6 - Petite Campus - Montreal, QC
Feb 7 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
Feb 8 - North Star - Philadelphia, PA
Feb 9 - Penn State - State College, PA
Feb 11 - Schubas - Chicago, IL
Feb 12 - Varsity - Minneapolis, MN
Feb 13 - Majestic - Madison, WI
Feb 15 - Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI
Feb 16 - Crofoot - Pontiac, MI
Feb 18 - Schubas - Chicago, IL
Feb 19 - Birdy’s - Indianapolis, IN
Feb 20 - Basement - Nashville, TN
Feb 21 - Smiths - Atlanta, GA (BMI Showcase)
Feb 22 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA
Feb 23 - The Social - Orlando, FL
Eskimo & Sons
Here's some sweet and timid music with a big heart. Quite the opposite of this song title today. We're supposed to have a high of 65. What the hell?!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Grampall Jookabox
...is playing the backstage room tonight at Black Cat. It's only $7 and starts after 9pm.
Bob Mould
DC musician Bob Mould has made one of the most easily enjoyable albums to come out in early '08. District Line is in stores tomorrow and March tour dates for Bob are listed below.
03/05 First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
03/06 Shank Hall - Milwaukee, WI
03/07 Metro - Chicago, IL
03/08 Grog Shop - Cleveland Heights, OH
03/10 Mod Club Theatre - Toronto, ON
03/12 The Paradise - Boston, MA
03/13 The Fillmore at Irving Plaza - New York, NY
03/14 Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
03/15 9:30 Club - Washington, DC
03/17 The Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC
03/18 Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA
03/20 Antone’s - Austin, TX
03/22 Fox Theatre - Boulder, CO
03/24 Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
03/25 El Rey Theater - Los Angeles, CA
03/26 Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
03/28 Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR
03/29 Neumos - Seattle, WA
03/30 Richards on Richards - Vancouver, BC
Nada Surf
I highly recommend Lucky from Nada Surf if you enjoy bands like Youth Group. They'll be in DC at 9:30 Club on April 12 during their extensive tour to support their new disc.
Bear In Heaven
Here's another bear band you'll wanna hibernate with!
Red Monroe
Maybe a little late for me to be talking about resolutions for the new year, but I think this list from Red Monroe should be inspiring to everyone.
- Eric will not storm off stage anymore because it's rude to do that
- Andrew will stop monopolizing rehearsal time
- Neal will help with load-in and load-out
- Jeff and Eric will stop fighting
- Matt will be more patient and will buy a keyboard
- Chance will learn to play nice with the other boys
- the band vows, collectively, to drink less
- the band has a goal to lose a combined total of 65 lbs
- Matt will remove the tire from the rehearsal space
- the band will pay rent on time
- Andrew and Neal will let Jeff and Eric play with their toys and share