Music, Mayhem and Mallomars

Brian Greene: The universe on a string

2010-07-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

2010-07-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

Silversun Pickups Tickets on Sale now!

2010-06-17T18:33:00.001-07:00

Tickets for the Silversun Pickups show at Greek on August 6th are now on sale (as of 6/15)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THEM

New BLACK KEYS

2010-06-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the video for the song "Tighten up" off the new THE BLACK KEYS album. The album dropped May 18th and is pretty incredible. They have this ease with the music- it's essential playlist stuff... you know Black Rebel Motorcycle Club feel it- and Black Moutain it's this magical noir connections where you put it in your band name and your music is ironically golden. I saw them a few years back play with Jay Reatard (RIP) and am happy to have them back in my head.

TSLC

2010-06-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Musical theatre has been a beloved American pastime for decades and with movie musicals making a comeback and the TV take-over that is “Glee” it was only a matter of time before LA would find its voice.
The Silver Lake Chorus or the “Glee of Silver Lake” as they are being hailed performed their first gig Friday night at El Cid. The eclectic and energetic group, who formed just a few months ago, composes and performs renditions of indie favorites. On Thursday they appeared on Good Day LA- offering an exciting and intriguing teaser of their immense talent and the crowd that gathered to watch them on Friday was a testament to their skill.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the show was in fact that sheer enjoyment so blatant on the faces of the performers. They were indulging in the passion and it was clear to everyone in the audience that not only do the singers love what they are doing, but they are great at it!
The chorus is 25 people strong all of who come from different personal and professional backgrounds, but whose love of singing brings them together. They are in the process of recording an album and collaborating with some big-name musicians (Ben Lee was one of the guest performers on Friday). It seems it’s all happening for the Silver Lake Chorus and all success is well deserved. Their creativity, talent and unbridled happiness come together in a refreshing and highly enjoyable harmony that should be checked out if only to make your take a little brighter.

A great way to find new music...

2010-05-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've found that a great way to find new music is to check out the lineups of summer festivals. I've been craving escape lately and checking out the AMAZING festivals which have begun their European take-over is an amusing distraction. By searching for some of my favorite bands and checking out their tour dates I've run across a series of more obscure and less known (to me, at least) festivals with bands I'd never heard of before, but who I'm really enjoying getting to know..
If i can't go to Europe this summer then at least I can explore some new European music and start some huge Euro dance party ... for me and my friends.

Check out
Two Door Cinema Club
Panama Kings
Beast
Chew Lips
2 Many DJ's yeah you've heard them, but listen some more...

If you're going please take me with you to the Rock en Seine Festival in Paris

CLICK HERE FOR THE SUMMER SONIC 2010 FESTIVAL.PLEASE NOTE HOW RANDOM THIS LINEUP IS... I DON'T KNOW IF I'M REALLY ANNOYED OR SUPER IMPRESSED...EITHER WAY INTRIGUE HAS BEEN SPARKED. who isn't surprised it's in tokyo...

Frightened Rabbit

2010-05-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

I've felt like Alice recently...I had a rabbit following me around and I knew it meant something special. I kept hearing about the band Frightened Rabbit- I'd catch the end of a song or part of an interview and finally yesterday I got a full dose and I loved it.
Frightened Rabbit is a Scottish indie rock band that formed back in 2003 when front-man Scott began to play solo shows around town - he recorded a bit playing all the instruments himself, but finally found his sound when his brother joined in the music.
Over the past few years the band has grown and truly come into its own and has become a favorite fixture on the music circuit playing great venues and gathering quite a following.
It's music that makes me happy and that's hard to beat - They remind me of Neutral Milk Hotel or Wilco... They have heart and you can tell they are fully invested in their music - it's infectious passion and it's a great listen. They were delayed and couldn't make it to Coachella this year, but they are on tour now and their dates are on their Myspace Page so see how you can make this happen - i know I'm going to.

Click here to Listen on Rhapsody

Tribal Cafe

2010-05-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Tribal Cafe in Echo park feels like a lot of places in the lower east side of NYC that you sort of stumble upon- like Cake Shop where the music is down in the basement. It's an unexpected venue that works so well because it’s so intimate and unpretentious. It makes sense I suppose that there is a Tribal cafe of similar personality in Paris (chicken..egg...chicken...egg) Either way, all these places are off the beaten track and you have to be looking around to find them and adventurous enough to stay, but when you do- the gamble definitely pays off.

Last Friday night felt relaxed; there was no pressure and so everything flowed well. Our friend was showing her photography and another girl had hung up her paintings. The art inspired from the walls and the musicians got up when the mood struck. All of the artists were so talented and everyone seemed to be having so much fun which made the evening all the more enjoyable.

Lindsey Troy is a singer/songwriter who played a set that night that was illuminating. Her voice is sultry and though her songs have a sense of sadness about them she seems so at peace whilst performing. Her personality is both relaxed and effervescent- she is a happy mix of cool and comfortable. Troy is such an intriguing character and though she says she's taking some time to focus on her other passion, acting, I hope she keeps singing because she brings something special when she does.
CHeck out her tunes at MYSPACE

XX

2010-05-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

The XX self-titled album came out last year in August and it's nestled into my playlist quite perfectly- never ceasing to provide that je ne sais pas when I need my music fix. Traffic today was terrible, but the XX kept me sane.

a moment's inspiration

2010-05-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS
"The gods had condemned Sisyphus to ceaselessly rolling a rock to the top of a mountain, whence the stone would fall back of its own weight. They had thought with some reason that there is no more dreadful punishment than futile and hopeless labor.
If one believes Homer, Sisyphus was the wisest and most prudent of mortals. According to another tradition, however, he was disposed to practice the profession of highwayman. I see no contradiction in this. Opinions differ as to the reasons why he became the futile laborer of the underworld. To begin with, he is accused of a certain levity in regard to the gods. He stole their secrets. Egina, the daughter of Esopus, was carried off by Jupiter. The father was shocked by that disappearance and complained to Sisyphus. He, who knew of the abduction, offered to tell about it on condition that Esopus would give water to the citadel of Corinth. To the celestial thunderbolts he preferred the benediction of water. He was punished for this in the underworld. Homer tells us also that Sisyphus had put Death in chains. Pluto could not endure the sight of his deserted, silent empire. He dispatched the god of war, who liberated Death from the hands of her conqueror.

It is said that Sisyphus, being near to death, rashly wanted to test his wife's love. He ordered her to cast his unburied body into the middle of the public square. Sisyphus woke up in the underworld. And there, annoyed by an obedience so contrary to human love, he obtained from Pluto permission to return to earth in order to chastise his wife. But when he had seen again the face of this world, enjoyed water and sun, warm stones and the sea, he no longer wanted to go back to the infernal darkness. Recalls, signs of anger, warnings were of no avail. Many years more he lived facing the curve of the gulf, the sparkling sea, and the smiles of earth. A decree of the gods was necessary. Mercury came and seized the impudent man by the collar and, snatching him from his joys, lead him forcibly back to the underworld, where his rock was ready for him.

You have already grasped that Sisyphus is the absurd hero. He is, as much through his passions as through his torture. His scorn of the gods, his hatred of death, and his passion for life won him that unspeakable penalty in which the whole being is exerted toward accomplishing nothing. This is the price that must be paid for the passions of this earth. Nothing is told us about Sisyphus in the underworld. Myths are made for the imagination to breathe life into them. As for this myth, one sees merely the whole effort of a body straining to raise the huge stone, to roll it, and push it up a slope a hundred times over; one sees the face screwed up, the cheek tight against the stone, the shoulder bracing the clay-covered mass, the foot wedging it, the fresh start with arms outstretched, the wholly human security of two earth-clotted hands. At the very end of his long effort measured by skyless space and time without depth, the purpose is achieved. Then Sisyphus watches the stone rush down in a few moments toward that lower world whence he will have to push it up again toward the summit. He goes back down to the plain.

It is during that return, that pause, that Sisyphus interests me. A face that toils so close to stones is already stone itself! I see that man going back down with a heavy yet measured step toward the torment of which he will never know the end. That hour like a breathing-space which returns as surely as his suffering, that is the hour of consciousness. At each of those moments when he leaves the heights and gradually sinks toward the lairs of the gods, he is superior to his fate. He is stronger than his rock.

If this myth is tragic, that is because its hero is conscious. Where would his torture be, indeed, if at every step the hope of succeeding upheld him? The workman of today works everyday in his life at the same tasks, and his fate is no less absurd. But it is tragic only at the rare moments when it becomes conscious. Sisyphus, proletarian of the gods, powerless and rebellious, knows the whole extent of his wretched condition: it is what he thinks of during his descent. The lucidity that was to constitute his torture at the same time crowns his victory. There is no fate that can not be surmounted by scorn.

If the descent is thus sometimes performed in sorrow, it can also take place in joy. This word is not too much. Again I fancy Sisyphus returning toward his rock, and the sorrow was in the beginning. When the images of earth cling too tightly to memory, when the call of happiness becomes too insistent, it happens that melancholy arises in man's heart: this is the rock's victory, this is the rock itself. The boundless grief is too heavy to bear. These are our nights of Gethsemane. But crushing truths perish from being acknowledged. Thus, Edipus at the outset obeys fate without knowing it. But from the moment he knows, his tragedy begins. Yet at the same moment, blind and desperate, he realizes that the only bond linking him to the world is the cool hand of a girl. Then a tremendous remark rings out: "Despite so many ordeals, my advanced age and the nobility of my soul make me conclude that all is well." Sophocles' Edipus, like Dostoevsky's Kirilov, thus gives the recipe for the absurd victory. Ancient wisdom confirms modern heroism.

One does not discover the absurd without being tempted to write a manual of happiness. "What!---by such narrow ways--?" There is but one world, however. Happiness and the absurd are two sons of the same earth. They are inseparable. It would be a mistake to say that happiness necessarily springs from the absurd. discovery. It happens as well that the felling of the absurd springs from happiness. "I conclude that all is well," says Edipus, and that remark is sacred. It echoes in the wild and limited universe of man. It teaches that all is not, has not been, exhausted. It drives out of this world a god who had come into it with dissatisfaction and a preference for futile suffering. It makes of fate a human matter, which must be settled among men.

All Sisyphus' silent joy is contained therein. His fate belongs to him. His rock is a thing Likewise, the absurd man, when he contemplates his torment, silences all the idols. In the universe suddenly restored to its silence, the myriad wondering little voices of the earth rise up. Unconscious, secret calls, invitations from all the faces, they are the necessary reverse and price of victory. There is no sun without shadow, and it is essential to know the night. The absurd man says yes and his efforts will henceforth be unceasing. If there is a personal fate, there is no higher destiny, or at least there is, but one which he concludes is inevitable and despicable. For the rest, he knows himself to be the master of his days. At that subtle moment when man glances backward over his life, Sisyphus returning toward his rock, in that slight pivoting he contemplates that series of unrelated actions which become his fate, created by him, combined under his memory's eye and soon sealed by his death. Thus, convinced of the wholly human origin of all that is human, a blind man eager to see who knows that the night has no end, he is still on the go. The rock is still rolling.

I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! One always finds one's burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. He too concludes that all is well. This universe henceforth without a master seems to him neither sterile nor futile. Each atom of that stone, each mineral flake of that night filled mountain, in itself forms a world. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy."

---Albert Camus

"SKINS" (and the clothes that cover them)

2010-03-04T00:52:00.001-08:00

"SKINS" - three seasons in and I'm just finding out about this?!?! Curses to not having access to BBC America, but netflix is my savior. This irreverent, clever and biting black comedy exposes the trials and trippy tribulations of being an almost adult in Bristol. The show follows a group of friends as they try to balance relationships, school and all the drug induced dance parties in-between.
The show reaffirms a conviction I've long since held that English kids are vastly more mature and though they face and fuck up all the same things we do in America and surely world-wide, their sense of humor and understanding of the world into which they've been thrust is highly intriguing and the show's characters and story-lines are real and complex and so very enjoyable.

Hannah Murray's character Cassie is of course my obsession- adorably insane and a walking english enigma her style is so appropriate and her awkward demeanor is so endearing. My new style icon:

Nitin Sawhney's conFUSION

2010-01-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

While I take many moments to indulge in this new and well overdue discovery, I suggest you do the same. I heard theNPR piece/interview today as I drove home and am now quite smitten. His words and rhythm represent a unity for Britain and an awesomely genuine and authentic hope in humanity- at the risk of sounding trite, which he is anything but.
' "What he's trying to say is that we should be colorblind in terms of our sort of cultural understanding of Britain and London," says Laura Barnett, an arts editor who profiled Sawhney for the British newspaper The Guardian. "We're all Londoners. We're all British. We're not British-Asians, we're not white, we're not black; we're just people. And I think that's what he does musically: By drawing all these influences together into one organic whole — which is more successful on some occasions than others — he's creating something greater than the sum of its parts. And that's kind of who we are: We're a mongrel mix. And he celebrates that." '
As I now wait eagerly for my cd to arrive and listen to this free download- do the same and let these intriguing words, which are the tail-end to another great NPR piece, inspire you as you listen - "What Sawhney does is often called "fusion." He prefers confusion."

Tacheles art refuge in E. Berlin faces closure

2009-02-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

BBC is reporting today:
"When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Tacheles, a ruined building in East Berlin, was taken over by artists. It became a centre of artistic subculture. It has been put up for sale and the artists served with an eviction order, so they have begun a campaign to buy it.
Until the end of 2008, the building's owners had allowed the artists to stay. Now, the owners are in debt and the bank has repossessed it with the aim of raising at least 3.5m euros. The artists say they have invested 300,000 euros so far and that the price is inflated.
Hundreds of artists and musicians from all over the world have worked at Tacheles, which will celebrate its 19th anniversary on 13 February with an exhibition of some of their best work. Visitors can wander in to watch the artists at work, and purchase artwork on sale.
The building's hallways are open to the public 24 hours a day and visitors are encouraged to leave their mark with graffiti on the wall. Linda Cerna, a spokeswoman, says Tacheles "is like a constantly changing art project" and estimates 300,000 people visit every year.
One of the most famous artists working in Tacheles is Alexandr Rodin, from Belarus. Located in Berlin’s commercial art gallery district, Mitte, Tacheles is the last remnant of its avant-garde past. Berlin’s alternative subculture now happens where rents are cheaper.
The five-storey building has around 30 studios, which can be rented cheaply, but artists can also use Tacheles to exhibit and sell their work. This exhibition combines paintings by Alexandr Rodin and installations by Mitrich, also from Belarus.
The building, which was constructed in 1909 as a luxury department store, also contains a theatre which can be used for plays or concerts. Here, members of the German Symphony Orchestra are performing.
A dress by Astrid Hanka. There are divisions between the artists about the future of the Tacheles and how commercial it should become. But on one thing they are united: that Tacheles should not be sold off to developers. Photos by sumi-b, text by Damien McGuinness."

a link to the article and photos

Caution!

2009-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

.incredible.

gifts gifts gifts

2008-12-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

HAPPY XMAS EVE from BROOKLYN VEGAN CLICK HERE

free mp3s from DEATH CAB, RILO KILEY, WHITE STRIPES, SMASHING PUMPKINS, MMJ, DEERHOOF, WEEZER, AND THEN SOME.... GO GO GO!

prop 8 - The Musical

2008-12-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

Waltz with Bashir

2008-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Waltz with Bashir is an animated film about one man's resolve to try remember what happened during the Israeli army mission in the first Lebanon War in the 80s and what his involvement was.

It showed and received high acclaim at many festivals this year- being released first in June.

New Dior commercial - c'est parfait, non?

2008-12-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Charity xmas ornaments from Bright Eyes, Black lips, Iron & Wine & more

2008-12-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

"Tis the season for giving and hall-decking and so forth, and in the spirit of both, Oregon's Glass Casters Union is back with another round of indie rock-themed charity ornaments. Last year, the GCU offered up decorations designed by the likes of Wolf Parade, Band of Horses, Of Montreal, Deerhunter, and, for those bad-ass little boys and girls, Xiu Xiu and Sunn O))). In the '08, Bright Eyes, the Thermals, and Built to Spill are once again primed to get tangled in the tinsel, where they'll be joined by the Black Lips and Iron & Wine." (Pitchfork)

BLIP Festival 2008

2008-12-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

THE BLIP FESTIVAL which showcases 8-bit or chipmusic (the genre of electronic music that manipulates coding from old game consoles like Nintendo) is coming up in a few days. It takes place December 4-7 at the Bell House in Brooklyn.

Click HERE for ticket info/music schedule.

The Whip

2008-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

THE WHIP is an awesome pop-electronica band from Manchester. They're signed to Southern Fried Records (like the Black Ghosts) and put out their album "X Marks Destination" this year which boasts a great sound. If you're into Teenagers, SMD, New Young Pony Club'ish noise then try it out- it's fun and worth a trial run...and then some.

Slumdog Millionaire

2008-11-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

The new Danny Boyle film "Slumdog Millionaire" is receiving rave reviews and is quite topical considering the terrible events happening in Mumbai. The film in set in India and some of it is is actually films at the Taj. The movie is about a guy from Mumbai who appears on a game show because he hopes the girl he loves is watching.

Watch the Trailer/see the film - wide release was today.

** I just got back from seeing it and it is worth the hype and then some. Such a creative story-line, really well acted & directed plus the cinematography is incredible. if you can- go see it.

THE KNIFE is writing an opera

2008-11-27T23:17:00.001-08:00

THE KNIFE is in the process of writing a Darwin Opera for Hotel Pro Forma.

From hotelproforma.dk:

"In November 2009, it is precisely 150 years since Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, a work that describes the biological and geological world, as it has come into existence and continues to do so every single day. Our view of the world has been changed for ever as a result of the theory of evolution. Tomorrow, in a year uses Darwin’s way of observing and describing the world. Change as a process and the interrelationship of all things is the basic material of the performance."

The life and Times of Tim

2008-11-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

"The Life and Times of Tim" is an AWESOME new animated show on HBO. Here's a sneak peak:

It's on HBO, Sundays at 11 PM

Turkeys and Panda Bear

2008-11-27T20:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Panda Bear - you are incredible.

panda bear :: i'm not (phaseone remix)

Deerhunter

2008-11-26T19:12:00.001-08:00

...an incredible band from Atlanta - self proclaimed "ambient garage punk" I'd say they have a similar sound to bands like Grizzly Bear and Liars

Deerhunter is: Bradford Cox, Moses Archuleta, Lockett Pundt, Joshua Fauver, Whitney Petty.
Bradford Cox = Atlas Sound = !!!!!!!!!

Check out DEERHUNTER to listen/check out tour dates/enjoy

Fleet Foxes

2008-11-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

Fleet Foxes are a 5-piece seattle based band. They're signed on Sub-Pop and put out this album in July with muchos kudos from the music elite. in the Rolling stone REVIEW of the album they compared it (rightly so) to Animal Collective and Band of Horses (see also: Grizzly Bear, Bon Iver) so.... it's a no brainer. This group is incredible so - you know what to do.

**If you scroll down to the bottom of the Rolling Stone review - you can listen to the entire album.

Belle & Sebastian the BBC Sessions

2008-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

LISTEN

review for yourselves... or you can ask Pitchfork HERE

BEACH HOUSE TOUR DATES

2008-11-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

Beach House TOURS - le US and BEYOND! I've heard mixed reviews about them live, but they're definitely worth a listen- see what you hear HERE (or watch the "Heart of Chambers" video BELOW)

11-20 Zurich, Switzerland - Rote Fabrik ^
11-21 Lausanne, Switzerland - Le Romandie *
11-22 Bologne, Italy - Covo *
11-23 Carpi, Italy - Mattatoio *
11-24 Cesena, Italy - RetroPop *
11-25 Rome, Italy - Circolo Degli Artisti *
11-26 Milan, Italy - Casa 139 *
11-27 Dublin, Ireland - Whelan's *
11-28 Utrecht, Netherlands - Le Guess Who? Festival *
11-29 Malmö, Sweden - KB *
11-30 Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia *
12-01 Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega *
12-02 London, England - Cargo *
12-06 Philadelphia, PA - Theater of the Living Arts #
12-09 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg %
12-10 Providence, RI - Club Hell %
12-11 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall %
12-12 Boston, MA - Museum of Fine Arts %
12-13 Haverford, PA - Lunt Basement at Haverford College
12-18 Baltimore, MD - Sonar (Baltimore Round Robin) *$
01-19 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern #
01-20 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theater #
01-23 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom #
01-24 Seattle, WA - Neumos #

^ with Joan as Police Woman
* with Jana Hunter
# with the Walkmen
% with Tickley Feather
$ with Wzt Hearts, Nautical Almanac, Lexie Mountain Boys, Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, Ed Schrader, Teeth Mountain, Santa Dads, the Creepers, Blue Leader

**for any of you that have read this far, check out the Pitchfork review of the album "You & Me" If you want

"heart of chambers"

Flaming Lips

2008-11-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS ON MARS

Rolling Stone Magazine reports today:

The Flaming Lips have spent years landing spaceships at zoos and crafting epic psychedelic suites, but their most audacious project yet is Christmas on Mars, the Wayne Coyne-directed film that just hit DVD.

check out the RS website to see a preview/exclusive/interview w/Coyne/watch it

"new" STILLS

2008-11-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

THE STILLS new album "Oceans will Rise" was released in August, but it's getting the much needed and deserved attention with airplay - songs like "Being here" are all over the radio and honestly I had semi-forgotten the Montreal Indie band and am re-invested in their sound and the album is great.

check it out a samplingon myspace

CSS

2008-07-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

NEW ALBUM "Donkey" OUT JULY 21st on Sub Pop and from what i've heard both on the radio and on their myspace it's going to be awesome so check it out!

Ladytron

2008-07-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Their new album Velcifero has been out for a while - as have they. A quartet electro new wave band from Liverpool, England they put out their first album in '99 and since then have been a huge influence on the electronic scene never failing to miss a beat- beat- BEAT.

This is my favorite song"GHOSTS" from the new album

Tour Dates (not for u(s) in the US)

Aug 8 2008 8:00P - Pantiero Festival Cannes
Aug 14 2008 6:00P - Freequency Festival Salzburg
Aug 29 2008 8:00P - Hydro Connect Festival Invenray (Scotland)
Aug 30 2008 6:00P - The Magic Loungeabout North Yorkshire
Sep 6 2008 8:00P - Beat it Festival Porto
Sep 9 2008 8:00P - (DJ) Monkey Cafè Swansea (Wales)
Sep 29 2008 8:00P - Metro Sydney
Oct 1 2008 8:00P - Tivoli Brisbane
Oct 2 2008 8:00P - Corner Hotel Melbourne
Oct 4 2008 8:00P - The Great Escape Festival Sydney
Oct 5 2008 8:00P - Bakery Artrage Complex Perth
Nov 14 2008 8:00P - Cockpit Leeds
Nov 15 2008 7:00P - Kasbah Coventry
Nov 18 2008 7:00P - Zodiac Oxford
Nov 19 2008 7:00P - Carling Academy Bristol
Nov 20 2008 8:00P - The Old Fire Station Bournemouth
Nov 21 2008 8:00P - Shepherds Bush Empire London
Nov 23 2008 7:00P - Concorde 2 Brighton
Nov 24 2008 8:00P - University Manchester
Nov 25 2008 8:00P - Carling Academy Sheffield
Nov 26 2008 8:00P - ABC Glasgow
Nov 28 2008 7:00P - Moshulu Aberdeen

Free Music

2008-07-07T09:54:00.001-07:00

Every Thursday this month Indie 103.1 will host "Also I like to Rock" - a free concert series at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. Doors open at 8 PM each night and live music starts at 9. The shows are totally free, but limited to the first 1000 people in the door.

Thursday Jul 10 - The Deadly Syndrome & Miss Derringer

Thursday Jul 17 - The Duke Spirit & Io Echo

Thursday Jul 24 - Tokyo Police Club & Afternoons

Miss Derringer

A pretty awesome local (LA) indie band who toured with Blondie in June.

the deadly syndrome

is another local (LA) whose sound I actually prefer-judge for yourself....

The Black Angels

2008-07-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Thought i'd "talked" about them before - perhaps not. but with the release of a new album, I thought it necessary to say something about the black angels the psychedelic rock sensation from Texas who have been likened to such titans as Spacemen 3 and Black Mountain . With influences like the VU, Jesus and Mary Chain and 13th Floor Elevators it was a never a question of whether of not to like them- but rather just how far we'd take our obsession and this time .... the sky's the limit.

Tour Dates :::
Jul 7 2008 9:00P -The Bottle Tree w/ The Warlocks Birmingham, Alabama
Jul 8 2008 9:00P - The Earl w/ THe Warlocks Atlanta, Georgia
Jul 10 2008 9:00P - Common Grounds w/ The Warlocks Gainesville, Florida
Jul 11 2008 9:00P - The Social w/ The Warlocks Orlando, Florida
Jul 12 2008 9:00P - Crowbar w/ The Warlocks Tampa, Florida
Jul 14 2008 9:00P - The Republic w/ The Warlocks New Orleans, Louisiana
Aug 9 2008 8:00P - All Points West Music & Arts Festival Liberty State Park, New Jersey
Oct 4 2008 8:00P - Granada Theater w/ Roky Erickson Dallas, Texas
Oct 31 2008 8:00P - El Rey w/ Roky Erickson Los Angeles, California

the Black Kids

2008-07-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

I talked about them in April and I will not stop talking about them for quite some time I'm sure. Their new Single "Hurricane Jane" came out last week and is SO AWESOME. I've heard so little from this group and have been waiting in anticipation for an album AND....

"PARTIE TRAUMATIC" is due to drop in the UK July 7 (Almost Gold Records) and in the US July 22 (Columbia Records)

Check out a taste on their (what else) myspace

Tour Dates

Jul 1 2008 8:00P - Nouveau Casino Paris, France
Jul 2 2008 8:00P - The Rescue Rooms [SOLD OUT] Nottingham, England
Jul 3 2008 8:00P - The Cockpit [SOLD OUT] Leeds, England
Jul 4 2008 8:00P - O2 Wireless Festival London, England
Jul 5 2008 8:00P - Barfly Liverpool, England
Jul 7 2008 8:00P - iTunes Live Festival at KOKO w/Foals London, England
Jul 10 2008 8:00P - Concorde 2 [SOLD OUT] Brighton, England
Jul 11 2008 8:00P - Lounge On The Farm Festival Canterbury, England
Jul 12 2008 8:00P - Oxegen Festival Naas, Ireland
Jul 13 2008 8:00P - T in the Park Festival Kinross-shire, Scotland
Jul 18 2008 2:00P - Latitude Festival Southwold, England
Jul 19 2008 6:00P - Camp Bestival Dorset, England
Jul 25 2008 8:00P - Santo’s Party House New York, New York
Jul 29 2008 8:00P - El Rey Theatre Los Angeles, California
Aug 1 2008 8:00P - Lollapalooza Festival Chicago, Illinois
Aug 14 2008 8:00P - Frequency Festival Salzburg, Austria
Aug 15 2008 8:00P - Highfield Festival Erfurt-Hohenfelden, Germany
Aug 16 2008 2:00P - Pukkelpop Festival Hasselt, Belgium
Aug 17 2008 2:00P - Lowlands Festival Biddinghuizen, Netherlands
Aug 20 2008 8:00P - Carling Academy [SOLD OUT] Newcastle, England
Aug 21 2008 8:00P - Thekla Bristol, England
Aug 23 2008 12:00P -Reading Festival Reading, England
Aug 24 2008 12:00P - Leeds Festival Leeds, England
Aug 25 2008 12:00P - Last Days Of Summer Festival Buckingham, England
Aug 29 2008 2:00P - Rock en Seine Festival Paris, France
Aug 31 2008 2:00P - Jersey Live Festival Jersey, England
Sep 5 2008 2:00P - Bestival Isle of Wight, England
Sep 19 2008 8:00P - Freebird Live Jacksonville, Florida
Sep 20 2008 8:00P - The Social Orlando, Florida
Sep 21 2008 8:00P - Crowbar Tampa, Florida
Sep 23 2008 8:00P - The Earl Atlanta, Georgia
Sep 24 2008 8:00P - 40 Watt Club Athens, Georgia
Sep 25 2008 8:00P - Cat’s Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina
Sep 26 2008 8:00P -Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
Sep 26 2008 8:00P - Black Cat Washington, DC
Sep 29 2008 8:00P - First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 2 2008 8:00P - Paradise Boston, Massachusetts
Oct 4 2008 8:00P - Cabaret Musee Juste Pour Rire Montreal, Quebec
Oct 5 2008 8:00P - The Mod Club Toronto, Ontario
Oct 6 2008 8:00P - Metro Chicago, Illinois
Oct 7 2008 8:00P - 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oct 10 2008 8:00P - Neumo’s Seattle, Washington
Oct 11 2008 8:00P - Richards on Richards Vancouver, British Columbia
Oct 12 2008 8:00P - Hawthorne Theater Portland, Oregon
Oct 13 2008 8:00P - The Fillmore Auditorium San Francisco, California

David Morneau, amazing!

2008-07-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

David Morneau is a composer who has, for the last year, composed one 60-second piece each and every day.

In an interview Morneau said "One thing that excited me right away was knowing that this project would force me to compose a lot more. Making a new piece every day is a huge commitment. Like many of my colleagues, I was having trouble finding time everyday to sit down to compose at all. I had hit a mental block on a couple of projects and felt like I was stuck in a rut. 60x365 presented a way to try out some new ideas while developing some discipline and routine in my creative life."

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

His last piece was completed yesterday - Monday June 30, 2008.

LISTEN TO "60X365" HERE

Saint Etienne

2008-06-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Alternative / Electronica / Pop

trio from the UK with influences across the board I'd have to recommend or else- they are incredible and like- nothing I've heard before. They pretty much sum up the indie scene of the 90s and if you like to dance like it was a decade ago and a better time then please open up your ears and arms.

"you're in a bad way".

"hobart paving"

They'll be at the Secret Garden festival in England this summer - late july. i'll be there...will you?

Flying Lotus

2008-06-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Flying Lotus aka Steven Ellison is a hip-hop/lap-top kid from CA who's making a splash on the whatever scene. His album "Los Angeles" just dropped a few weeks ago and is AMAZING!!! His technique is unreal and inspiration runs the musical gamet from old time jazz to modern electro.

at LowEND Theory '07
<

Santogolden

2008-06-27T14:10:00.001-07:00

76 posts later and i wonder is anyone out there?

lots has happened- who cares.

SANTOGOLD is golden and i'm sure you all know, but just for sh*ts lets watch her be all that she can be.

i missed Glastonbury and for all of you there- HAVE AN AMAZING TIME!!!

Submarines

2008-05-18T21:46:00.001-07:00

Heard them the radio today as part of some local music segment on indie that i cannot remember the name of. Anyways- decided to check them out and i like. They're a twosome from los angeles, naturally. Their music is sort of a dreamy folk sound - on their space they say "shoegaze", I say okay..they also say "ghettotech" and i love them for that. Some cyber research lead me to that fact that leading lady Blake hazard is the great-granddaughter of F.Scott Fizgerald... amazing. She sings with partner Jack Dragonetti and it's such a sweet partnership - I guess they do a lot of TV stuff - bedding for shows, etc. which i suppose makes them a "hot ticket' ... but I say check them out anyway and expect a mellowed out indie rockin good time experience.

making it easy...
le myspace

live at the echo last year (sorry- everything else was TVish)

Black Angels

2008-05-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

after giving him the cd yesterday, i saw my friend D today and he said "the Doors meets the doves and then some"... I say Black Mountain, BRMC, Spacemen 3.... take your pick. These psychedelic rockers from Texas have really made a huge splash in the music scene with their first album dropping in 2005 and their most recent album "Directions to a Ghost" dropped early last week and is AMAZING.

listen for yourself on their myspace page and watch the video below for a litter teaser...

You say party, we say die!

2008-05-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

Another music meeting, another incredible find (i should say finds - there's more to come!) You Say Party We Say Die is such a great band. Another group with a great name that pulls you in with music to satisfy all your dancing needs. The band dropped their first album late last year and has yet to grace us with a second try, but fingers crossed that that'll come soon. They're on Cheap Date Records which is where Crystal Castles and Yo Majesty are and that speaks very highly. Soooo- if you like be your own pet and new young pony club try them out.

Monster Music Video

When checking out
their myspacebe sure you listen to "Like I give a care"

YELLE

2008-05-15T12:27:00.001-07:00

When i saw her in the MTV Promos I was a bit confused and a bit annoyed- but YELLE is pretty awesome. Her music is heavy electro pop music (perfect for those insane Parisian clubs). Her fashion sense is neon and mod and she's cute. Check out this video - I'm pretty sure it's the song that was on MTV.

FOALS

2008-05-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Being a fan of The Ruby Suns I'm always looking for who they are fans of. They are now touring with Foals so i decided to check them out - and check them out I did! Hailing from the UK FOALS are a 5 piece SubPop "Pop" band. Their album Antidotes dropped in March and I've gotta get myself a copy. Plus they've endorsed Obama - so...they're awesome. If you dig Does this offend you, yeah and bands like that - listen up kids @ Last.fm

Cassius Music Video.

... what do you think? LA Show is already sold out so they must be doing something right.

check out LAST.FM for info. on a remix challenge their hosting - post your remix of "Electric Bloom" by May 25 for a chance to have your track released with the Foals upcoming single

Death Cab Exclusive

2008-05-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Tongue Twister: The Seal Cub Clubbing Club

2008-05-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Mark it - I found a band that my boss has never heard of! this is an occasion that deserves cupcakes

mmmm

Whilst checking out the Glastonbury lineup I came across The Seal Cub Clubbing Club and couldn't help but smile wickedly at the name (that's one way to reel in an audience). They're from West Kirby which makes me think of pokeman which makes me happy and they've got a sound that makes me just as happy if not more. Self describe "Trip hoppers and alt. rockers" with a funk, disco, indie edge the music "Oozes the same ear-candy we went crazy for when we first heard Clinic." - Rough Trade Shops and I couldn't have said it better myself (so i didn't)

They're weirdos, which i love -

This is great stuff. check it out

"What's in your head

Je fait l'amour comme un lapin

What's in your head

Comme un machine jus'que la fin"

Peter and the Wolf

2008-05-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Fun Fun Fun! (i've just learned how to change FONTS and colors...uh oh)

Peter and the Wolf is an indie/folk band from Liverpool (home of the great Steven Gerrard) Download "Working Away" for free on their myspace page

Check out this video for "Showdown" - an old video, but a great song!

The Kills "Midnight Boom"

2008-05-06T16:01:00.001-07:00

The "Current Fix" is the music segment of Current TV - host Douglas Caballero headed to SF recently to produce this piece on the Kills. The band has just released their newest album entitled "Midnight Boom" and the daring duo open up about their love of literature and admit that "Midnight Boom" is actually a line from a Jack Kerouac book The Subterraneans

Burma: Introductory Video narrated by REM frontman

2008-05-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

This video, narrated by Michael Stipe of REM, gives an introduction to Aung San Suu Kyi and the cause of Burma.

Stipe is an activist who has, in the past, also made loud protests against the war in Iraq.

For more information on the Campaign for Burma visit the website:
uscampaignforburma.org

Windy City Gentleman

2008-05-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

A myspace affair that was definitely worth while - you should check this out:
Windy City Gentleman

Sell Outs.

2008-05-05T23:01:00.001-07:00

Is Sell Out the way to go? When I think of Vampire Weekend now I cringe -- and then i regret said cringe. I feel bad for hating their celebrity, but at the same time I feel like a group that is so talented shouldn't have to sell-out. Is that really the end all be all of "making it" - that you are an MTV favorite? That you're heard against the backdrop of the "Hills" or some show like that... I'm not sure what to think of this situation. All i know is that hearing these good bands on shit stations and terrible shows makes me respect them less. I know that I've not listened to Vampire weekend once since I heard them at my store. It's not some statement I'm trying to make...it's just the way it is. I don't like what their doing. I know maybe it's what they have to do, but that's what i hate about this industry.

Psapp / Chop Shop

2008-05-01T17:12:00.001-07:00

Psapp (pronounced 'sap') is an experimental electronica band from london who've had a lot of TV attention (Greys Anatomy and the OC). Way to go Chop Shop. Chop Shop is the music supervision company owned by Alexandra Patsavas. They do the music for Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Mad Men and Private Practice.

music video for "hi"

mypspappace

Scout Niblett

2008-05-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Born Emma Louise Niblett, "Scout Niblett" is quite extraordinary. Her poetic verses and spooky instrumentals take you on this insane journey that you're not quite sure it's safe to be on. The only thing that's certain is that she is a talent and her music is quite beautiful. Sometimes compared to Cat Power and PJ Harvey... check her out and listen for yourselves.

check out her madspace

"Kiss" w/bonnie "prince" billy

Performing "Dinosaur Egg"

Tour dates:
May 1 - knitting factory NY, New York w/ Holy Sons
May 2 - europa brooklyn, New York w/ Holy Sons
May 8 - botanique brussels
May 10 - t.b.c dresden
May 11 - orange blossom festival beverungen
May 13 - schlachtof wiesbaden
May 14 - registratur munich
May 15 - manufacktur schorndorf
May 16 - lagerhaus bremen
May 17 - tivoli utrecht
May 20 - acafamy 3 manchester
May 21 - freebut brighton
May 22 - borderline london
May 23 - la grand mix tourcoing
May 24 - la maroquinerie paris
May 26 - olympic nantes
May 27 - sonar bordeaux
May 29 - mercado negro aveiro
May 30 - ZDB lisbon
May 31 - primavera sound barcelona
Jun 1 - teatre lloseta mallorca
Jul 18 - berns (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) stockholm
Jul 19 - sticky fingers (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) gothenburg
Jul 20 - rockefellar (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) oslo
Jul 23 - old fruitmarket (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) glasgow
Jul 24 - new century house (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) manchester
Jul 25 - indigo2 (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) london
Jul 27 - whelans (An Evening with Daniel Johnston and Friends) dublin

Battles

2008-05-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Battles is a "math rock" band (comprised of a former 'Helmet' man and a mess of other mad musicians) Hailing from NYC and with a knee spastic sound - its hot electronic fun that makes me almost as giddy as Animal Collective - almost.
They'll be hoping in and out of the country on their tour - with stops in DC, Philly and Chicago and they just graced the stages of Coachella.
Definitely worth checking out - here's their music video for "atlas" off the "Mirrored" album

Coachella blues

2008-05-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've got them and here's why:

Portishead
Kraftwerk
Death Cab
The Breeders
The Black Kids
Goldfrapp
Battles
Black Lips
DataRock
Black Mountain
Sia
Does it offend you, Yeah
The Cool KIds
Chromeo
Justic
MMJ
Roger Waters
Les Savy Fav
Santogold
Sia
Man Man
VHS or Beta
Teenagers
Calvin Harris
Cut Copy
Grand Ole Party
Autolux
SMD
Hot Chip
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
MIA
MGMT
Little Brother
errrrr - Rogue Wave.

SIGH. I've seen many a Coachella tan in the office today - and I'm jealous...even of Travis' farmer tan.

In case you missed it and because they're awesome

2008-05-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

WILCO TOUR DATES

APR-30 ROCHESTER, MN - MAYO CIVIC CENTER
MAY-01 FARGO, ND - FARGO CIVIC AUDITORIUM
MAY-02 WINNIPEG, MB - BURTON CUMMINGS THEATRE
MAY-04 BOZEMAN, MT - EMERSON CULTURAL CENTER
MAY-05 MISSOULA, MT - ADAMS CENTER
MAY-07 GRAND JUNCTION, CO - AVALON THEATER
MAY-08 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - PIKES PEAK CENTER
MAY-09 ALBUQUERQUE, NM - POPEJOY HALL
MAY-11 AUSTIN, TX - STUBB'S
MAY-12 AUSTIN, TX - STUBB'S
MAY-14 LAWRENCE, KS - 10TH & NEW HAMPSHIRE
MAY-15 ST. LOUIS, MO - THE PAGEANT
MAY-16 ST. LOUIS, MO - THE PAGEANT
MAY-17 ST. LOUIS, MO - THE PAGEANT
JUL-25 FAIRBANKS, AK - THE BLUE LOON
JUL-26 ANCHORAGE, AK - THE MOOSE'S TOOTH
AUG 01-03 CHICAGO, IL - LOLLAPALOOZA
AUG-07 CHARLESTON, SC - NORTH CHARLESTON PAC
AUG-08 CARY, NC - KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE
AUG-10 WILMINGTON, DE - GRAND OPERA HOUSE
AUG-12 LENOX, MA - TANGLEWOOD
AUG-13 BROOKLYN, NY - MCCARREN POOL
AUG-23 BEND, OR - LES SCHWAB AMPHITHATER
AUG-24 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OUTSIDE LANDS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
AUG 29-31 COUNTY LAOIS, IRELAND - ELECTRIC PICNIC - STRADBALLY HALL

The Little Ones - On Tour

2008-04-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Little Ones - 2008 Tour Dates
4/24/08 - NYC - Mercury Lounge w/ Katy Peryy
4/25/08 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs ^
4/28/08 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks ^
4/29/08 - Columbus, OH @ The Basement ^
4/30/08 - Cincinnati, OH @ The Gypsy Hut ^
5/01/08 - Chicago, IL @ Schuba's w/ Ladyhawk
5/02/08 - Toledo, OH @ Frankie's ^
5/03/08 - Detroit, MI @ Alvins ^
5/04/08 - Madison, WI @ The Annex ^
5/05/08 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry ^
5/07/08 - Omaha, NE @ The Slowdown Jr ^
5/08/08 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall ^
5/09/08 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
5/10/08 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ^
5/12/08 - Seatle, WA @ Chop Suey ^
5/13/08 - Portland, OR @ Towne Lounge ^ | GET INFO
5/14/08 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe du Nord ^
5/15/08 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour ^
5/16/08 - Pomona, CA @ Glass House ^

^ = w/Ra Ra Riot

5/20/08 - Paris, France @ Nouveau Casino - Custom with les Inrocks
5/21/08 - Southampton @ Joiners
5/22/08 - London @ *** VENUE CHANGED TO Bush Hall
5/23/08 - Manchester @ Roadhouse

and...
5/26/08 - Seattle, WA @ Sasquatch Festival
7/24-7/27 - Secret Garden Party

Looking for Concerts?

2008-04-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

www.safeconcerts.com

This is a great site for anyone that lives on the other side of the big blue - or anyone with an eye on going to the UK anytime soon.

Camp Bestival!

2008-04-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

Camp Bestival is the "baby sister" festival to the award winning Bestival. It will take place the weekend of the 18, 19 and 20th of July at Lulworth Castle in Dorset, England.

The festival comprises music, readings, spoken word, comedy and other assorted events (including a petting zoo) and as Pitchfork announced today "Camp Bestival has nabbed the likes of the Flaming Lips, Chuck Berry, Hercules and Love Affair, Billy Bragg, Black Kids, dan le sac and the aforementioned Scroobius Pip, Kid Creosote, and Kate Nash, among others. Billy Bragg won't just be doing his solo stuff; he'll perform in a Brit-folk supergroup along with Martin and Eliza Carthy, Sheila Chandra, and Chris Wood." as well as a handful of amazing DJs.

For more info go to:

camp bestival.net

Black Kids

2008-04-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you KCRW for introducing me to another awesome neon "funk indie pop" band. The Black Kids hail from Florida - their single "I'm not gonna teach you" was released on AlmostGold Records and has received some airplay, but the band has yet to release a full album and I am waiting with breath bated...

listen on MYSPACE

They're touring with CUT COPY and will of course be at Coachella next weekend. Here are some of the US dates (no LA...yet again)

Apr 25 2008 8:00P
Coachella Festival Indio, California
Apr 26 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Mezzanine San Francisco, California
Apr 28 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
Apr 29 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Richards On Richards Vancouver, British Columbia
Apr 30 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Neumos Seattle, Washington
May 2 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, Utah
May 3 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Larimer Lounge Denver, Colorado
May 5 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Waiting Room Omaha, Nebraska
May 6 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 7 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * The Abbey Pub Chicago, Illinois
May 8 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan
May 9 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Lees Palace Toronto, Ontario
May 12 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Paradise Boston, Massachusetts
May 13 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Studio B Brooklyn, New York
May 15 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Black Cat Washington DC
May 16 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Pure Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 17 2008 8:00P
BLACK KIDS + CUT COPY * Sonar Baltimore, Maryland
May 18 2008 8:00P
Bowery Ballroom New York, New York

Cut Copy

2008-04-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

So I just listened to the new album "In Ghost Colours" from the electro pop Aussies aka Cut Copy and am very pleased. The album is uplifting, effervescent and oh so pop friendly, naturally.

listen at imeem and Spinner.com

LIGHTS AND MUSIC (VIDEO)

Their US tour kick starts at Coachella (a;lkdfja;wlerkuwa12@2!!!) so you lucky ones enjoy. I'll be clutching my CD and dancing with you in spirit.

Apr 25 2008 8:00P
COACHELLA Indio, California
Apr 26 2008 8:00P
MEZZANINE w/ simian mobile disco & black kids San Francisco, California
Apr 28 2008 8:00P
DOUG FIR LOUNGE w/ black kids Portland, Oregon
Apr 29 2008 8:00P
Richards On Richards w/ black kids Vancouver, British Columbia
Apr 30 2008 8:00P
NEUMO’S w/ black kids Seattle, Washington
May 2 2008 8:00P
URBAN LOUNGE w/ black kids Salt Lake City, Utah
May 3 2008 8:00P
LARIMER LOUNGE w/ black kids Denver, Colorado
May 5 2008 8:00P
WAITING ROOM w/ black kids Omaha, Nebraska
May 6 2008 8:00P
7th Street Entry w/ black kids Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 7 2008 8:00P
ABBEY PUB w/ black kids Chicago, Illinois
May 8 2008 8:00P
MAGIC STICK w/ black kids Detroit, Michigan
May 9 2008 8:00P
SOLD OUT ! LEE’S PLACE w/ black kids Toronto, Ontario
May 10 2008 8:00P
Cabaret Musee Juste Pour Rire Montreal, Quebec
May 12 2008 8:00P
PARADISE w/ black kids Boston, Massachusetts
May 13 2008 8:00P
STUDIO B - w/ black kids Brooklyn, New York
May 14 2008 8:00P
SOLD OUT ! Bowery Ballroom w/ Mobius Band / T&T (Tim Goldsworthy & Tim Sweeney) New York City, New York
May 15 2008 8:00P
BLACK CAT w/ black kids Washington DC, Washington DC
May 16 2008 8:00P
PURE w/ black kids Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Portishead on Current TV

2008-04-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

After the overwhelming success of the exclusive NYE Radiohead "Scotchmist" performance that aired on Current TV - Current has joined up with Portishead to bring viewers an exclusive in-studio performance in which the British trip-hop phenomenon plays seven songs from their new album "Third"

Click here to Watch it

WILCO TOUR DATES

2008-04-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

APR-30 ROCHESTER, MN - MAYO CIVIC CENTER
MAY-01 FARGO, ND - FARGO CIVIC AUDITORIUM
MAY-02 WINNIPEG, MB - BURTON CUMMINGS THEATRE
MAY-04 BOZEMAN, MT - EMERSON CULTURAL CENTER
MAY-05 MISSOULA, MT - ADAMS CENTER
MAY-07 GRAND JUNCTION, CO - AVALON THEATER
MAY-08 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - PIKES PEAK CENTER
MAY-09 ALBUQUERQUE, NM - POPEJOY HALL
MAY-11 AUSTIN, TX - STUBB'S
MAY-12 AUSTIN, TX - STUBB'S
MAY-14 LAWRENCE, KS - 10TH & NEW HAMPSHIRE
MAY-15 ST. LOUIS, MO - THE PAGEANT
MAY-16 ST. LOUIS, MO - THE PAGEANT
MAY-17 ST. LOUIS, MO - THE PAGEANT
JUL-25 FAIRBANKS, AK - THE BLUE LOON
JUL-26 ANCHORAGE, AK - THE MOOSE'S TOOTH
AUG 01-03 CHICAGO, IL - LOLLAPALOOZA
AUG-07 CHARLESTON, SC - NORTH CHARLESTON PAC
AUG-08 CARY, NC - KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE
AUG-10 WILMINGTON, DE - GRAND OPERA HOUSE
AUG-12 LENOX, MA - TANGLEWOOD
AUG-13 BROOKLYN, NY - MCCARREN POOL
AUG-23 BEND, OR - LES SCHWAB AMPHITHATER
AUG-24 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OUTSIDE LANDS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
AUG 29-31 COUNTY LAOIS, IRELAND - ELECTRIC PICNIC - STRADBALLY HALL

Dear Jeff - come to LA, please.

Tapes and Tapes

2008-04-10T16:13:00.001-07:00

"Walk it off" was released today and is the 3rd album from this indie-experimental quartet from Minnesota who released their self titled debut album in '04 and "The Loons" which was released in '05 and again in '06 when the band signed with XL.
The album has been streaming on the band's website for a while but now that its out you'll have to buy it to find out for yourself just how great it is.

US/CANADA TOUR DATES:

Apr 10 2008 6:00P
FIRST AVENUE MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota
Apr 11 2008 8:00P
METRO CHICAGO, Illinois
Apr 12 2008 8:00P
THE MAGIC STICK DETROIT, Michigan
Apr 14 2008 8:00P
OPERA HOUSE TORONTO, Ontario
Apr 15 2008 8:00P
CABARET MONTREAL, Quebec
Apr 16 2008 8:00P
HIGHER GROUND BURLINGTON, Vermont
Apr 17 2008 8:00P
PARADISE BOSTON, Massachusetts
Apr 18 2008 8:00P
FILLMORE-IRVING PLAZA NEW YORK, New York
Apr 19 2008 8:00P
MUSIC HALL BROOKLYN, New York
Apr 22 2008 8:00P
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania
Apr 23 2008 8:00P
9:30 CLUB WASHINGTON DC, Washington DC
Apr 24 2008 8:00P
LOCAL 506 CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina
Apr 25 2008 8:00P
THE EARL ATLANTA, Georgia
Apr 26 2008 8:00P
CAFE 11 ST AUGUSTINE, Florida
Apr 28 2008 8:00P
THE SOCIAL ORLANDO, Florida
Apr 29 2008 8:00P
COMMON GROUNDS GAINESVILLE, Florida
Apr 30 2008 8:00P
BOTTLETREE BIRMINGHAM, Alabama
May 2 2008 8:00P
ANTONE’S AUSTIN, Texas
May 3 2008 8:00P
HAILEY’S DENTON, Texas
May 6 2008 8:00P
CLUB CONGRESS TUCSON, Arizona
May 7 2008 8:00P
THE CASBAH SAN DIEGO, California
May 8 2008 8:00P
TROUBADOR WEST HOLLYWOOD, California
May 9 2008 8:00P
TROUBADOR WEST HOLLYWOOD, California
May 10 2008 8:00P
FILLMORE SAN FRANCISCO, California
May 12 2008 8:00P
WOW HALL EUGENE, Oregon
May 13 2008 8:00P
RICHARDS ON RICHARDS VANCOUVER, British Columbia
May 14 2008 8:00P
THE SHOWBOX SEATTLE, Washington
May 16 2008 8:00P
IN THE VENUE SALT LAKE CITY, Utah
May 17 2008 8:00P
BLUEBIRD DENVER, Colorado

Spinner.com

2008-04-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

How did I not know about this before? You can listen to full albums for free at spinner.com New releases from Man Man, The Breeders, Cut Copy and Gnarls Barkley

Check it out!

Man Man - new album out today!

2008-04-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Man Man's new album entitled Rabbit Habbits was released today on Anti. Listen to the full album at Spinner.com. The band will be playing at Coachella on the 26th so if you're one of the lucky ones there in a couple weeks be sure to check them out!

Track List:
01. Mister Jung Stuffed
02. Hurly / Burly
03. The Ballad Of Butter Beans
04. Big Trouble
05. Mysteries Of The Universe Unraveled
06. Doo Right
07. Easy Eats Or Dirty Doctor Galapagos
08. Harpoon Fever (Queequeg's Playhouse)
09. El Azteca
10. Rabbit Habits
11. Top Drawer
12. Poor Jackie
13. Whalebones

www.myspace.com/manman
www.wearemanman.com
www.spinner.com

Ruby Suns and Le Loup at THE ECHO

2008-04-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nestled into the hip city streets of Echo Park is the Echo and on the Saturday night it was the place to be. Opening up the gig was Princeton - a wholesome indie group whose singers may well have been twins and whose ages were only evident by the matching beers in their little hands. Their music was sweet and as they sang together one couldn't help but sway along. But we were there for two reasons and two reasons alone: The Ruby Suns and Le Loup.

The Ruby Suns are a pop "Healing & Easy Listening" group from New Zealand and this crazy quartet could definitely have healing powers for I was ready to fall asleep before they came on but then- as if by Kiwi magic their music had me up and dancing within seconds. The band released their self-titled debut in 2005 on Sub Pop Records and their second album 'The Sea Lion' is out now so be sure to check it out!

Next up was Le Loup (pictured above) - the progressive-indie band from Washington D.C. The band is on Hardly Art (the label formed by Sub Pop founder Jonathan Poneman). Their debut album 'Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millenium General Assembly' is available on amazon, subpop, insound and hardly art. These "children of the internet age" met via a craigslist posting by founder Sam Simkoff who was looking for bandmates and found six incredible ones. Their music already has people talking and after Saturday's show - I only have good things to say.

Ruby Suns myspace
Le Loup myspace

Play me, I'm Yours.

2008-04-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

One morning in mid-March, citizens of Birmingham, England awoke to find 15 pianos scattered around their sad city with spray painted signs on them that read "Play me, I'm yours". The creator of the installation is Luke Jerram worked with the Fierce arts organization, "a collaboration renowned for getting odd things into odder places". In the past Jerram has "floated an orchestra in hot air balloons to awaken the sleeping city, and created a ghostly installation in an abandoned railway tunnel."

Some pianos were bought and others were donated - some are being played and some have been destroyed by the rain only to be saved by the creative minds of a few 5th graders who gave a new face to their ruined piano using paint, glitter and anything they could find.

One thing is certain - the pianos are bringing some happiness to a town riddled with unemployment and despair where in some neighborhoods 1 in 3 men has never had a job. When asked about the installation one woman who has worked in a flower stall for 47 years says the music "cheers the place up. … We need cheering up."

read the npr story

John Vanderslice

2008-04-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

Slicey.

listen to "My Old Flame"

His Tiny Telephones and slammin poetry are something to Try out...if you dare.

all hail Barsuk (aka: Death Cab, nada Surf, Rilo Kiley, The Long Winters)

Radiohead Remix

2008-04-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

From the website...
radioheadremix

"Radiohead, iTunes and GarageBand are giving you the opportunity to remix the band's new single "Nude".

To make remixing easy, the separate 'stems'* from the song are available to purchase from iTunes. The 'stems' available are bass, voice, guitar, strings/fx and drums. You can mix them in any way you like, either by adding your own beats and instrumentation, or just remixing the original parts.

If you purchase all five 'stems' from iTunes during the first week they're available, you'll be sent an access code to a GarageBand file ready to open in GarageBand or Logic. However, you don't need GarageBand to do a remix, all the stems are in iTunes Plus format and compatible with several music software platforms.

Finished mixes can be uploaded on the site where the public will listen and vote for their favorite remix (voting ends May 1st). You can also create a widget allowing votes from your own website, Facebook or MySpace page to be counted as 'mix votes' back on radioheadremix.com. Radiohead will listen to the best remixes.

Nude is out now in the UK on CD, 7" and download."

Amoeba's Top Ten

2008-03-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

listen to Crystal Castles "Air War"

Top ten sellers for Amoeba last week

1 She and Him (Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) - Volume One
2 Gnarls Barkley - Odd Couple
3 Crystal Castles - Self Titled
4 Kills - Midnight Boom
5 Neon Neon - Stainless Style
6 Vampire Weekend - Self Titled
7 Radiohead - in Rainbows
8 Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
9 MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
10 Erykah Badu - New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War

Brooklynite Tim Fite

2008-03-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Tim Fite runs the musical gamut - dipping into many genres and from hip-hop to indie, alternative and folk - each of his songs more impressive and distinctive than the last. HIs clever lyrics and innovative arrangements are seeping with imagination and leaves listeners (like me) excited and ready for more.

Listen here!

the space

Hot Chip COVERS Snoop

2008-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Flou Kids posted this Hot Chip cover of Snoop's "Sensual Seduction" and this is why it is mandatory to love Hot Chip- or at least give them a try.

listen!!

Also check out Made in the Dark- the album that's rocked electro-land since my Feb. 1st.

Hot Chip on the space

new MMJ

2008-03-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Ever since MMJ came into the Current scene with their "all eyes on My Morning Jacket" segment

i've been pretty taken over by their sweet fusion musique - island/indie/electro/country/rock - it's hard to put my finger on what they are exactly except to say they're amazing.
check out myspace

White Rabbit

2008-03-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

NYC'S Tropical / Indie / Rock Band that's sparked an interest over in this girl's music heart. any music i dance unconsciously to - when i can't help it- it's usually a good thing. check out this odd-bamtastic animated music video for "while we go dancing" and try not to join in the fun...it's' much harder than just giving in and just letting the music take you. grrr

"while we go dancing"

Be Your Own Pet

2008-03-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Do it.

MGMT

2008-03-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

"Mgmt is getting HUGE"

My friend said when i mentioned the band to him. And that's the truth - i mean when David letterman is giddy for them what else do you need.

Surf / Jungle / Country - dunno how to describe them. except to say it's pretty "Huge" and definitely a band to watch a band to hear a band to do something for because hopping on the band wagon late is never hip and a brooklyn based band knows what hip is really about. so go go go

myspace. err

DUKE SPIRIT

2008-03-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Alternative/Soul/Punk

Those slashes say it all, eh - i mean this band is incredible and you need to check them out. I intern at Current TV at my boss introduced me to them- and that's saying something. Hailing from the UK (where else) this 5 piece set up has something to say and it's worth listening to.

check out their myspace

Commercial Artists - Can anyone say Feist?

2008-03-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

What do these artists have in common? An uncanny flair for the commercial "edge" that companies like Kia and Apple's marketing wizards have tapped into - these are songs that stick in our mind and so too do the products they're pushing.

1. Feist - FEIST!!!!! over and over- can't turn on a TV without hearing some tunes.

Apple Nano

Lacoste Men's Fragrance

Verizon Wireless, LG Chocolate

ebay (Australia)

kink.fm Portland Radio - same song

2. Yael Naim "New Soul"

3. Joe Purdy "just can't seem"

Backstage Bilingual w/ Tegan and Sara

2008-03-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

Tegan and Sara have always been friends of the fans. During their UK/European tour the girls will pluck unsuspecting fans from the line outside their venues and bring them backstage for what they call "a crash course in their local slang and customs." The episodes are on their myspace page - They just put up episode 6 which was shot in Copenhagen and this time- the interviews are onstage.

Check it out

episode 6

The Ting Tings

2008-03-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

This dynamo duo from the UK has hit the scene and already have fans on their feet and moving to the fabulous poppy electro beatnik beat of the Ting Ting fever. the ringing in my ears after listening to them is sensational and I'm begging for more, but for how long...not quite sure.

Listen for yourself...
"That's Not My Name"

or check them out on myspace

see also:
New Young Pony Club
The Teenagers
The Aliens
hot chip

and while i'm on the subject...

2008-03-13T16:14:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley dated Jake Gyllenhaal?? Interesante. The flame was hot but short lived - seen together at the Donnie Darko premier - a match match in Indie heaven. Now, Jenny is said to be dating Jonathan rice a very talented
young musician. Check them out at Steve Paul's Puppet Music hall (!!!) performing "Carpetbagger" - i love them both, how could you not?

J-Rice is at SXSW this week and will be at Spaceland every monday in April - check him out if you can!

Everyone loves Rilo Kiley

2008-03-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

check out their tour dates - check them out. check one two.

04/17 - San Francisco, CA Concourse @ SF Design Center
04/19 - Portland, OR @ Roseland
04/20 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
04/23 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Rio Theatre
04/24 - Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse
04/26 - Indio, CA @ Coachella Arts & Music Festival
05/15 - San Diego, CA @ Concerts in the Park
05/19 - Denver. CO @ Ogden Theatre
05/20 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
05/21 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
05/22 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
05/23 - Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre
05/24/28 Chicago, IL @ The Riviera
05/25 - Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
05/26 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
05/28 - Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix Theatre
05/30 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
05/31 - Providence, RI @ Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
06/01 - Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theater
06/02 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5
06/05 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
06/06 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
06/07 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
06/08 - Richmond, CA @ Toads Place
06/10 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
06/11 - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
06/12 - Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Farm
06/13 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
06/15 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium
06/16 - Austin, TX @ Stubbs BBQ

Olbermann slams Clinton

2008-03-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

One Movie - One Artist

2008-03-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

Over the years we've seen few such accomplishments - the fusion of music and movie magic in which one artist makes music for one movie and comes through in a big HUGE way or one movie uses music from one artist because they are that good - because the music is that great and works so well with the vision of the film and oh, we are lucky to experience the union - mutual acknowledgment of the talents each industry each creative outlet has to offer and when the two work together - why there ain't nothing better. So raise your glasses for the ones that come to mind...

**Cat Stevens - Harold and Maude

Simon and Garfunkel - The Graduate

Aimee Mann - Magnolia

Curtis Mayfield - Superfly

Jack Johnson - Curious George

Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild

Badly Drawn Boy - About a Boy

Dancer in the Dark - Bjork

More - Pink Floyd

Pat Garrett and billy the kid - Bob dylan

One from the heart - Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle

Labyrinth - David Bowie

Roisin Murphy

2008-03-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

watch this video and please agree that Roisin Murphy is one of the cool kids - I may be inclined to say the coolest, but hey- i'm a sucker for double decker buses, electronica, and checkers. What do you think? Worth the hype?

Alternative / Electronica / Indie

2008-03-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's the triple threat - a perfect trio of music magic and Maps, I do believe, has it. hailing from the UK, naturally - Maps blends the comfort of Indie with the courage of Electronica and what's produced is a awesome listening experience.
If you like what's going on in music these days - the strong build ups and knee slapping choruses best defined in shoegaze terminology then consult Maps and get ready for a musical adventure.

http://www.myspace.com/mapsmusic

Morrissey's "Greatest Hits" out in the US March 25

2008-03-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

MORRISSEY will release his "Greatest Hits" in the US on March 25. The album was released in the UK in February entering the charts at number 5. The US deluxe version will include a live CD - 9 songs recorded at MORRISSEY’S sold-out Hollywood Bowl show last year.

Honest to Blog

2008-03-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

The world's 50 most powerful blogs (as rated by the Guardian)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/09/blogs

Madonna inducted into Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame

2008-03-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's official, Madonna was inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll hall of fame last night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC. She received the honor from singer Justin Timberlake who joked, "The world is full of Madonna wannabes. I might have even dated a couple," he said. "But there is truly only one Madonna."
Watch her speech here - what do you think?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7289029.stm

How John McCain may GET your vote.

2008-03-06T23:29:00.000-08:00

The New York Times announced Monday that defense contractor United Technologies had made an unsolicited bid to take control of Diebold, the voting machine manufacturer. UTC first approached Diebold two years ago, but thankfully Diebold has and continues to reject its offers.

But the most interesting and frightening part of this story is in the connection between the attempted takeover of a voting machine manufacturer and the Republican candidate John McCain.

Uber-lobbyist Charlie Black is the chairman of BKSH a "bipartisan" Washington based firm that provides government relations services to a number of Domestic and International clients. While he is on the BKSH payroll, Black lobbies in his spare time as well; His clients include General Motors, JPMorgan, AT&T and none other than United Technologies! But what Charlie Black is most well-known for is that he is chief political adviser to John McCain.

I personally believe that there is something very wrong with the the country when the man who advises the Republican candidate for president also advises the company trying a to take control of voting machines manufacturer. (unsuccessfully it must be said. I am not in the position to speculate about Diebold's involvement in the affair and am merely making a comment on the rather frightening connection between UTC and McCain.)

What do you think??

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/business/04diebold.html?scp=2&sq=diebold&st=nyt
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR2008022101131_pf.html
http://forums.therandirhodesshow.com/lofiversion/index.php/t127546.html

Sigur Ros takes over YouTube all Friday

2008-03-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Sigur Ros will be taking over YouTube this Friday. All 12 spots on the home page will be devoted to the band and their acclaimed documentary "Heima" which will be up on the site as well - becoming the first full-length music DVD to be streamed on the channel. The band recently collaborated with YouTube on "Minn Heima" - a competition which allowed fans to create their own versions of "Heima" using audio and video clips posted online. The ten best submissions, as judged by the band, will be featured on the home page with the documentary.

Be sure to check it out all day tomorrow on YouTube!

For more info:
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2008/03/sigur_ros_takin.html#more
http://www.heima.co.uk/
http://emi.iloveonyro.com/sigurros/
http://www.sigurros.dloadshop.com/dvd1.asp

Once

2008-03-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

Once is the touching tale of two people whose love of music brings them together in the most humble of circumstances. On the streets of Dublin we see two lonely people - a man playing for pennies with a broken heart and cynicism that consumes him - a girl with a warm and understanding manner who shows him that there is happiness to be found even in lonely times. They begin to play music and inspire each other through the songs they write and the experiences they share.

This film was truly incredible and for writer/director John Carney - a truly magnificent achievement. Especially when one considers the challenges along the way - loosing his leading man/producer Cillian Murphy who supposedly backed out when faced with the prospect of acting opposite Markéta Irglová who had no acting experience but is a musician by training (which only adds to the authenticity and charm of the film!), but for B-lister Murphy with Batman and Redeye sky rocketing him into mediocrity the idea of a non-actress leading lady wasn't too appealing. With him out of the picture other producers and film financers quickly followed his lead and John Carney watched his film crumble all around him. Left with only a script and the music Irglova and fellow musician Glen Hansard had created for the film, Carney turned to Glen to be his leading man. Apart from his part in the classic "The Commitments" (which also stars all musicians/not actors), Glen had no experience but in accepting the role did Carney and audiences around the world a great service!!! When you see the film you'll realize how important it was that the people who wrote the songs for the movie sang them in it - for the rewards of hearing such beautiful music sung by the people who created it- who dreamed it up from inside of themselves- there is nothing like it and the strong and honest emotions that the film evokes in its audience are evidence of that.
The song "Falling Slowly" - the first song the two play together - won the academy award this year for best song and thank God for that - as it is a masterpiece! Watch the video above and listen for yourself - I doubt you'll disagree.

Vampire Weekend

2008-03-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

The new it-band of the indie scene, Vampire Weekend has strong ivy league roots and an edge that seems unfaltering in the face of fame. They've got the cover for this month's SPIN but the story inside isn't the usual Spin stars spilling their guts and loving every moment in the spotlight - these guys are on their game...but what sort of game is this?
When Ezra Koenig was in his second year at Columbia he began performing songs that weren't quite Ivy league material - a bit too edgy for his own good and without the social caress or even the desire to explain himself and his style there seemed no happy end in sight as no one took him seriously.

But it seems that venturing out into the real "indie" world was, for Ezra and his music - as the frontman for Vampire Weekend he has finally found his niche - this oddly adorable niche within the indie scene that loves a change, but only when it's cool. And cool they are- cool and humble - a blend that seems almost mythological, but for Vampire Weekend- looks great on them.

The Spin article says they are "pitched somewhere between cocky pride and self-conscious reserve." - hopefully the smarts of an Ivy League education will keep them sane when the fame keeps knocking - harder and harder, as it loves to do. Let's make believe for a second that they just want to make their mark, share their music with the world, make an honest connection - whatever it is that Jack Johnson wanted to do and has done so well- Us cynics are guilty of equating airplay with selling out but truth be told it's their dream to be on radio and good for them - they've made it and they're still exciting us. They've got all the makings for a indie-success story, but when all is said and adored - let's just make sure they sing it like Ezra did back at Columbia - 100% awkwardly awesome indie rock.

New Flogging Molly Album - out today

2008-03-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

"Float" is the newest album from the Irish-American punk band Flogging Molly. The album was released today on Side One Dummy Records. Since their record debut in 1997 the group has been consistently putting out great records which inspire listeners to dance around and to drink, of course. Their innovative blend of Irish folk music and punk rock has won them a wide and varied fanbase and this new album is sure to be a success across the board!! If you've loved them before you'll love them even more - if you've never heard of them it's definitely worth checking out -

www.myspace.com/floggingmolly

Also, for anyone going to Coachella this year the band will be performing and I suggest you check it out- the energy they harness on their albums is nothing to the sheer madness that they inspire live - it's an experience no music or whiskey loving person would want to miss.

Radiohead, Jack Johnson and Tom Petty - Headlining new SF Festival!

2008-03-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was announced that Radiohead, Jack Johnson and Tom Petty will be headlining the first ever Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco. The festival will be Aug. 22-24 and take place in Golden Gate Park - a portion of each ticket sale will benefit the beloved park, which has always been a friend to the arts.
In the coming weeks more acts will be announced - one can expect a diverse lineup of talent that will include rock, hip-hop, electronic , reggae, jazz and world music as well as a handful of local SF bands.
Barely three months into 2008 and it's already clear that the "festival frenzy" has begun and I couldn't be more excited!

Prop 22 - the religious thing to do??

2008-03-03T23:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow in the great city of San Francisco the California state supreme court will heart oral arguments concerning the (lack of) constitutionality of Proposition 22. The courts will hear arguments from both sides: " same-sex couples and the city of San Francisco, challenging the marriage law, and the attorney general's and governor's offices, defending the law. Also participating will be lawyers seeking to intervene on behalf of two organizations opposing gay rights." Starring in the hearings is non-other than Kenneth Starr who is best known as the impeachment prosecutor of Bill Clinton who will be shaking his fist in favor of the Proposition. Raoul Kennedy, a prominent SF lawyer, will be doing the lawyer stuff on the other side.

Religious groups on BOTH sides of the issue have stepped in- In the far right corner - The Mormon church (picky are we?), the California Catholic Conference, the National Association of Evangelicals and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations who have said that marriage, but just male-female marriage is "the lifeblood of community, society and the state" Not a fan of that word - lifeblood or that reasoning ("reasoning"). On the other side are the Unitarians, the United Church of Christ, the Union for Reform Judaism, the Soka Gakkai branch of Buddhism, and dissident groups of Mormons, Catholics and Muslims - oh and dissident, if you don't know, is basically another way of saying the Cool Kids. They say their faiths as well as many historical traditions honor same-sex marriage and 'the current law puts the state's stamp of approval on "the religious orthodoxy of some sects concerning who may marry."' - We do it, back off. Amen!

However, this "respect our privacy" argument is almost nullified by the doublespeak and hypocritical non-sense that people like Kenneth Starr "preach" - He wants to make it seem like it's all a fight for the children and for family and nothing against homosexuals - nothing against privacy but think of the kids! He makes sure to reminds us that "we have also witnessed the substantial adverse consequences for children that often flow from alternative household arrangements." I'm sorry Ken, but you obviously haven't seen "My two Dads"

He knows that it needs to stay as an issue about family values for all intents and purposes - it is after all just a provision in the FAMILY CODE, but as soon as religion comes into play then so too does that damn'd "freedom of religion" and the need to respect the practices of all churches - even those pesky dissidents. I mean - where does the freedom end???? If people are allowed to chose their own religion then they could chose anything.....

However Starr tries to keep it in the family at tomorrows hearings, the religious groups in play have flooded the courts with briefs on both sides of the argument that outline the social impact of the decision. The argument that Prop 22 infringes upon the orthodoxy of certain religions is a compelling one, and the prospect of tainting the "lifeblood" in a community is frightening. The groups will not be present, but their arguments have been heard and will undoubtedly play a part in the outcome of the hearings... fingers crossed.

For San Fran kids and anyone close:

Justices will hear arguments on March 4 on the constitutionality of California's law defining marriage as between a man and a woman. The hearing will be at 9 a.m. at 350 McAllister St., San Francisco.

for more info:
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/
http://www.calchannel.com/carriage.htm .
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4081999.stm

Peasant - new album out now!

2008-02-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Peasant, is the nom de musique of Damien DeRose. His album "On the Ground" hit stores Tuesday. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Peasant relies on his simple indie rock sound and lyrical charm to quiet audiences the world round. His fanbase is widening within the indie world and his talent has been likened to late-greats Elliot Smith and Nick Drake. His sound is both relaxing and enchanting - perfect for the oddity of a rainy day in LA or perhaps the soundtrack as you drive down some windy roads through some distant mountains in your trusty olds - anything but trite and everything that's nice. If i hear him on a Mac commercial i may shoot myself.

www.myspace.com/peasant

Goldfrapp's new album

2008-02-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Goldfrapp's newest album 'Seventh Tree' was released Monday on Mute Records. The album follows their 2005 'Supernature' which won worldwide acclaim and sold over 1 million records. Allison Goldfrapp and her band mate Will Gregory recorded the album in their own studio deep in the English countryside. In this Variety review of the album Erin Maxwell says it is "unexpectedly mellow" - i am really liking it, but listen for yourself...

www.myspace.com/goldfrapp