UV Tigers
Ashley AKA Jax [Am I the only person that calls her Ashley??] and I often see eye to eye on music, and another band that we are both digging is San Diego's UV Tigers. While most of the impact they have made is on the other coast, it shouldn't be long before people know them on both coasts. Their writing is tight, the songs are catchy and they have that whole futuristic/dancey thing going on that I am a sucker for.
Audio: "Next of Kin"
MySpace: UV Tigers
Sure Juror: Download Their First Album
For those of us here in the Northeast, Memorial Day weekend typifies the beginnig of the summer, and it's usually filled with plenty of BBQs, parties and music. One of the bands that has already begun to fill the soundtrack of my summer is New Jersey's Sure Juror, a band that is slowly being championed by a number of other great blogs. The band is working on their second album as we speak and over the next couple of weeks, they are posting all of the songs from their first album at their blog.
MySpace: Sure Juror
Audio: "The Once Great Gender Debate"
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Also, while going through my e-mail today, I came across this track from Prototypes, which is on the band's new album on Minty Fresh, a label that is known for its sugary pop confections. Although filled with hooks, this track is straight up electropunk, the type that is designed to nuzzle up next to your Editors and White Rose Movement albums.
MySpace: Prototypes
Audio: "Je Ne Te Connais Pas"
Boston: Shows [Week of 05.29.06]
Zero 7
June 6th will see the release of The Garden, the newest full length from Zero 7. Their girl Sia shows up on six tracks and Jose Gonzalez makes an appearance on a few songs, which includes his own "Crosses." The band will be taking their signature downtempo sound on the road this summer, which will include a stop at KCRW's World Festival on August 27th. Also, the album is available on iTunes for download and it includes two bonus tracks, the video for "Throw It All Away" and a downloadable booklet.
MySpace: Zero 7
Audio: "Left Behind [f/Jose Gonzalez]"
Video: "Throw It All Away" [Quicktime] | [Windows]
Sonic Youth: New Tour Dates
Remember how I complained a few weeks ago about Sonic Youth not coming to Boston? Well, apparently the band reads my blog and added more dates to make me happy! Plus, their late summer dates will have The Flaming Lips as openers. Shit should be fun!
August 4 State Theater Detroit, MI
August 24 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair
August 25 Council Bluffs, IA Stir Cove at Harrah's
August 28 Columbus, OH Promowest Pavilion
August 31 Allentown, PA Allentown Fair
September 1 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair
September 3 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion
Audio: Sonic Youth "Incinerate"
Video: The Flaming Lips "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" [Quicktime] | [Windows Media]
Boston: Shows [Week of 05.22.06]
Show Review: The Frenck Kicks @ Great Scott [Saturday May 20th]
Although they were just here a few weeks ago [as support for Ladytron], The French Kicks waltzed into town with a bunch of new songs and a roomful of hearts to steal. The band's third album, Two Thousand, drops this summer on StarTime, but like any group of perfectionists, they need to make sure everything clicks before they hit the road, and last night they did just that.
The band's lead singer, Nick was adorned in his thrift store suit that, as always, looked one size too big. This time around, the band seemed much more comfortable with the new songs, expertly weaving between those and the tried and true classics. One thing that has always disappointed me about the band is that they have never been able to capitalize off of the hype and promise that has surrounded them, but with this new set of songs, there's a good chance that all of that will change.
Anyone see that couple that was molesting each other on the stage? Although funny, it was one of the trashiest things I've seen in awhile.
MySpace: The French Kicks
Audio: "Also Ran"
Cities Remix Contest
North Carolina indie label Yep Roc expanded its sonic palette early this year with the eponymous debut release from Cities, an album that merges forward-thinking indie rock with angular guitar transgressions. It's one of those rare albums that remind you how great new music can be, getting better with each listen. To further the band's aural explorations, Yep Roc is launching a remix contest for an upcoming EP. Here's what the press release says:
This is your chance to show everyone what you've been doing late at night your darkened room, bathed in the glow of blinking lights. Finally, someone will recognize your genius, and not just the guy in the apartment next door. We're not saying this contest is a sure-fire path to becoming a superstar producer. But we're not saying it's not.
What are we talking about? The VARIATIONS ON "A THEME" -- Cities Remix Contest, of course! We're giving you license to put your own personal spin on the hit single from one of Yep Roc's hottest new artists. Just download the individual tracks from "A Theme" by indie rock saviors Cities, and then do that voodoo that you do so well. If yours is the best, we will immortalize it forever on a limited edition EP alongside a bevy of other electronic artists. What are you waiting for? Start downloading! You should probably quit your day job now.
The contest begins Thursday, May 18th and ends at midnight on Saturday, July 1st. The Grand Prize winner will have their entry included in the limited edition Cities remix EP, and receive an autographed copy of Cities' self-titled debut album along with a bag of select merchandise from the band. The winning entry will also be featured on the Yep Roc website and Cities' MySpace page. (See what we mean? Immortalized.) Five runner-ups will receive an autographed copy of the debut album from Cities.
Rock the remix here!
MySpace: Cities
Audio: "A Theme"
The Favourite Sons
NYC's The Favourite Sons have been together for just two years, but are already experts at making dirty rock n' roll tinged with that goodness you can only get from the other side of the pond. Loog Records just put out the band's Treason EP, a set of four songs that combines the dark rasp of Nick Cave with the tautness of Interpol. The band is currently hidden from society recording their debut full-length, which is slated for later this year.
MySpace: The Favourite Sons
Audio: "Always Be A Morning"
Intonation Music Fest 2006
Shit looks pretty sweet this year at Intonation. Honestly, it looks sweet enough for me to haul my ass across a time zone to rock out in Chicago's Union Park during the last week of June. I am hoping some good friends will make the trek with me, and I am throwing that request out there in hopes that some of them are reading and will take me up on that offer.
Here's what the schedule looks like:
6.24.2006
1:00pm FAVOURITE SONS
1:30pm ERASE ERRATA
2:00pm 90 DAY MEN
2:30pm DEVIN THE DUDE
3:10pm JOSE GONZALEZ
3:50pm CHROMEO
4:35pm HIGH ON FIRE
5:20pm THE STILLS
6:05pm ROKY ERICKSON
6:55pm BOREDOMS
7:50pm GHOSTFACE
8:45pm LADY SOVEREIGN
9:20pm THE STREETS
6.25.2006
1:00pm TYRADES
1:30pm BILL DOLAN
2:00pm PANTHERS
2:30pm CONSTANTINES
3:10pm RHYMEFEST
3:45pm ANNIE
4:20pm LUPE FIASCO
4:55pm THE SWORD
5:30pm BLUE CHEER
6:15pm JON BRION
7:15pm ROBERT POLLARD
8:15pm DEAD PREZ
9:05pm BLOC PARTY
Two day passes are only $35 and are more than worth it. Do I sound like I am advertising? Whatever, this is more than a fun time. Get your tickets here. There are the obvious bands to be psyched about, but seeing some of the newer faces like The Favourite Sons and Lupe Fiasco will be the best part.
This week is also filled with birthdays, as I turn 27 tomorrow and this here blog celebrates its first birthday.
MSTRKRFT
I really don't talk about many personal things in this here blog, and that's pretty much a calculated move. You guys don't care about my personal life, what kind of sneakers I wear [I like Adidas and Puma, btw] or how much I drank this weekend. You come here for the music, and I give it to you without much fuss, but really, maybe it's time to be a little more talkative. I'm not going to drop any kind of Livejournal bullshit on you, but it might be nice to know a little more about me.
I've been sitting on MSTRKRFT's debut album, The Looks, for a few weeks now, but it's not because I am on the fence about it. Knowing that someone from one group is also in another, more established group, can sometimes cause you to form expectations without even thinking about it and that is what I let myself do. MSTRKRFT is made up of Death From Above 1979's Jesse F. Keeler and that band's producer, Al-P. They have rocked a bunch of solid remixes from artists like Bloc Party, Annie, Wolfmother and most recently, Polysics that indicate the duo is an expert at toeing the line between experimentation and accessible rhythm. The full-length, which drops on July 18th through Last Gang, is packed with eight dance floor anthems that are as groove-oriented as they are mind-jarring, which is exactly what you would expect from this duo. Look for them on tour this summer.
05/19 - Toronto, ON - Spin Gallery
06/15 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
06/16 - Los Angeles, CA - Little Radio
06/17 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
06/22 - New York, NY - Rothko
06/23 - Chicago, IL - Smart Bar
06/24 - Houston, TX - A38
07/07 - Toronto, ON - Brigantine Room
07/08 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda
MySpace: MSTRKRFT
Audio: "Easy Love"
Audio: Polysics "Ceolakanth Is Android (MSTRKRFT Remix)"
[EDIT: I put up a different remix]
So busy now...
Damn, the Orioles got killed last night. I am insanely busy right now, but I have a totally solid post planned for later. Promise!
Boston: Shows [Week of 05.15.06]
Ultra Electro
The dance compilations that Ultra Records put out are usually fulled with douchey shit I can do without, but this new installment is filled with some really great tunes -- everything from Depeche Mode and Gorillaz to New Order, Goldfrapp, Royksopp and a lot more. I am still not any closer to going to Avalon, but it might be easier to convince if the music they played was this good!
Audio: Check out a preview here
Show Review: Radio 4 @ The Annex NYC [Thursday May 11th]
Before their big European jaunt, Radio 4 threw a little party for all of their friends at The Annex on the LES. My co-worker and I grabbed some Mexican at El Sombrero, one of my favorite places to eat in the city and then rocked the show, which was topped off with open bar on Bass Ale. The guys totally owned the stage, working out with songs mostly from Enemies Like This, which drops on May 16th. I have some pictures below, which are pretty bad, but I was at an awful spot in the venue. The show was awesome, and the band will be back to tour the States in July!
New Division Day Video + The Futureheads!
Division Day just filmed a video for "Hurricane," which is off of their excellent debut album Beartrap Island. It was directed by Chris Levitus, photographed by James Goldman and edited by Christian Masini -- check it out over here.
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June 13th will see the release of News and Tributes on Vagrant, the second album from The Futureheads, and to hold you over until then, enjoy this e-card.
MySpace: The Futureheads
Audio: "Skip To The End"
Lily Allen
London's Lily Allen falls somewhere in the realm between MC and singer, cobbling together influences that range from Massive Attack to Morcheeba to Lady Sovereign, but she definitely does much more than simply rock the mic. Taking the best Angloisms and making them her own, she weaves urban tales with touches of hip-hop, pop and ska. Honestly, this is what Saint Etienne would sound like if they were children of the '80s.
MySpace: Lily Allen
Audio: "LDN"
Audio: "Knock Em Out"
The BellRays
Look at this band. The BellRays are a group of musicians that have been around the block and have fallen on a hard time or three, yet lived to tell about it. You can hear it all over their new album, Have A Little Faith, a record that cobbles together all of the greatest moments of rock, soul and blues to form a sound that is uniquely comfortable.May 11 Santa Barbara, CA TBAMay 12 Los Angeles, CA Safari Sam’sMay 13 San Diego, CA The CasbahMay 18 Portland, OR Dante’sMay 19 Seattle, WA Sunset TavernMay 21 Bellingham, WA The Nightlight LoungeMySpace: The BellRaysAudio: "Maniac Blues"Audio: "Third Times The Charm"
Boston: Shows [Week of 05.08.06]
Hitting the Road With Rademacher
After a long weekend of napping, being generally lazy and watching the Orioles get swept [again] by the Red Sox, it's nice to be greeted by an awesome e-mail from Mike of Rademacher detailing the band's national tour in June, as well as songs from their upcoming EP, Heart Machine. This Fresno group continues to move in new directions, filtering their influences through a "What if they tried this?" mindset. Each new song they record is a step away from their peers, showing that if a band raises their bar high, they will jump even higher. This new EP couples washes of electronica with indie rock that draws on the best of Dischord and Pavement.
6/2 FLAGSTAFF, AZ - HOTEL MONTE VISTA
6/4 ALBUQUERQUE, NM - ATOMIC CANTINA
6/5 DENTON, TX - ANDY'S BAR
6/6 LITTLE ROCK, AK - WHITEWATER TAVERN
6/7 URBANA, IL - CANOPY CLUB
6/8 PITTSBURGH, PA - LAVA LOUNGE
6/9 NYC, NY - THE DELANCEY
6/10 AKRON, OH - LIME SPIDER
6/12 CINCINNATI, OH - COMET BAR
6/13 OMAHA, NE - OLEAVER'S PUB
6/15 DENVER, CO - CRICKET ON THE HILL
6/16 SALT LAKE CITY, UT - KILBY COURT
6/17 LAS VEGAS, NV - BEAUTY BAR
MySpace: Rademacher
Audio: "Last Letter Writer"
Audio: "Machine Team" [live]
Sonic Youth: New Album
They have been a band forever, and save for one dud, they have released a long line of stellar albums. Sonic Youth will release Rather Ripped, their 14th studio LP, on June 13th. It's an album that continues on the path they starting blazing on Murray Street and it is rife with the band's signature odd guitar tunings, albeit a bit more restrained, but without the punch and qualiuty that they have always offered. They will be out on the road this summer, and former Pavement bassist Marc Ibold will be filling be helping them out for the duration of the tour.
That show at CBGB is going to be incredible -- I wish I could be there. Anyone want to tell me why they aren't coming to Boston? Seriously?
June 13 New York, NY CBGB
June 14 Starlight Ballroom, Philadelphia, PA SOLD OUT
June 15 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
June 17 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
June 18 Bonnaroo Festival, Manchester, TN
June 19 Atlanta, GA Earthlink Live
June 21 Tulsa, OK Caine's Ballroom
June 23 Austin, TX Stubbs BBQ
June 24 Dallas, TX Gypsy Tearoom
June 26 Lawrence, KS Liberty Hall
June 27 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
June 29 Missoula, MT UM Theatre
June 30 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
July 1 Portland, OR Roseland Ballroom
July 3 Sacramento, CA Empire
July 4 Reno, NV The Theatre at Reno Hilton
July 6 MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV with Pearl Jam
July 7 Cox Arena, San Diego, CA with Pearl Jam
July 9 Forum, Los Angeles, CA with Pearl Jam
July 10 Forum, Los Angeles, CA with Pearl Jam
July 13 Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA with Pearl Jam
July 16 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, S.F. CA with Pearl Jam
July 18 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, S.F. CA with Pearl Jam
August 3 Kuyahoga Festival, Cleveland, OH
August 5 Lollapalooza Festival, Chicago, IL
MySpace: Sonic Youth
Audio: Stream the new album here
Audio: "White Kross" [from the Goo Deluxe Edition]
The Televangelist + The Architect
I've now lived in Boston for nearly a year, and I have only just started discovering some of the great bands that are playing around the city. There's Taxpayer, Protokoll, The Glass Set and now add The Televangelist + The Architect to that list, a band I know very little about, except that they mix all of the right elements of Sonic Youth, Cursive and Grandaddy to produce winning results. Surpisingly confident and memorable, the band's second album, Diaries Of The Intelligensia, shows them expanding beyond their influences to create something completely their own. Check them out at O'Brien's in Allston next Thursday night and if you're interested in hearing more, the new album is available in its entirety on the band's website.
MySpace: The Televangelist + The Architect
Audio: "The Unconscious Collective (A Tale From Williamsburg)"
Army Navy
Los Angeles band Army Navy gives me exactly what I want -- huge hooks and soaring vocals awash in British post-punk influences. Everytime I look at their MySpace page, it says "none" besides label, so I think it's time for someone to sign them. Someone? Anyone? Do it! Their debut EP consistently reminds me why I love music so much.MySpace: Army Navy
Audio: "Snakes of Hawaii"
Boston: Shows [Week of 05.01.06]
