Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Explosions in the Sky/Colour Revolt, Workplay Theatre, 10/29/07

Earlier this year when EITS released their fourth full-length album All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone, I did something I typically never do. Something very fanatic. On a rainy Saturday morning while stranded at the office pulling the Bill Lumberg weekend shift I decided to email the band to convey my praise for their music and to ask when they were planning on making their way through the deep south. Much like Mark Smith, Munaf Rayani, and Michael James's cautious, reverbed strums, my email floated into the abyss, never to be answered. No matter, there was plenty of instrumental Lone Star State guitar rock to tide me over in the meantime—whether their new release or soundtrack for Friday Night Lights—until Monday night’s show at Workplay in Birmingham.

Colour Revolt from Oxford, MS opened. Being from near Clyde’s neck of the woods, I had advance notice of what to expect. This is definitely an act to watch out for. Starting out with a slow-burning, mellow number replete with choking feedback and licks that sounded more like orca whales than any man-made instrument, Revolt piqued my interest from the get go. Clyde had warned me about lead singer Jesse Coppenbarger’s voice, but I was admittedly abraded by it when he launched into a series of Kurt Cobain-esque screams from the second song through the end of the set. But much like the third or fourth time I listened to CYHSY, I slowly got over the vocals and settled into the sound, which in turn helped me appreciate how much these rasp howls fit in. My guess is this is the kind of music the 10 and 11 year olds who packed their 5-disc JVC changer with grunge albums create: a nod to the past, but much smarter music. I’m always looking for another excuse to make a trip by the Grove, so maybe Colour Revolt fits the bill.

As the lights went on and the stage cleared to reveal an amp covered with the state flag of the headliner EITS’s home, I found it amusing how intent the 60-year-old roadie was on adjusting the one microphone on the stage. If you don’t know, EITS’s music is completely without words, and it is hard to find words to describe it. Think of driving down a two-lane highway at 2 AM on a Sunday morning, close to home but your mind racing far away from any driveway you are about to pull into. EITS is a good soundtrack for such a moment.


The stage was for the most part bare, and minimal lights throughout, probably because most will agree that the music provides the atmosphere at this show. The house was quite packed for a Monday night (reported as a sell out, but it was definitely not wall to wall), but for the most part silent and reverent for the orchestral sounds before them. The band played a non-stop hour and fifteen minute set scaling the entire range of tone and emotion. When I first discovered this band in Rolling Stone's David Fricke's "Out There" column, I read about their unexpected physical performance considering the content of their music: writhing on the ground during solos, beating guitars on foreign objects. Some of that was evident Monday night, with a few windmill guitar strums and broken shoulder straps (suffered on "Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean"). This made for what seemed like a truly exhausted Rayani when he returned to the stage to humbly refuse calls for an encore, proclaiming that the band was “dead in the water”, but praising the “unmatched” crowd. A pleasing show, but somewhat disappointing in their material for me, as I yearned to hear some more “headbangers” and possibly some of my favorites from The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place (such as "First Breath After Coma" and "The Only Moment We Were Alone"). Also, a "A Slow Dance" plus “Your Hand in Mine” would have made a great encore. But, it is understandable that these guys were beat, fitting this show as primarily a filler between their tour with the Smashing Pumpkins. And I guess this is truly an “art rock” band, going more for the overall product rather than a quick, catchy fix here and there. But the tell-tale sign for me is would I pay to see them again—and the answer is definitely.


Monday, October 29, 2007

Avett Brothers coming to Oxford again.

Just heard Avett Brothers will be headlining Double Decker Festival in Oxford, MS at the end of April 2008!!!! No official confirmation yet.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Alabama Theatre, 10/28/07

They might say this artist is a little too mainstream for this blog and our tastes, and for the most part I might agree with “they”, but there is a reason Ben Harper’s Live from Mars, Disc 2 has been in my disc changer since 2001, and there certainly is no denying his chops as guitar player. Many of the acoustic numbers on that disc shepherded me through good and bad times alike, and even though the show at Birmingham’s Alabama Theatre was not totally acoustic, it was still extremely engaging nonetheless. Harper’s longevity hovering between the festival/jam band scene and moderate radio play can be attributed to his mastery of the guitar and his ardent voice. On his birthday, he dedicated this show to the Blind Boys of Alabama, starting out with the down-home gospel pew thumper in “Well, Well, Well”. Other highlights from the concert included “Excuse Me Mister”, “Welcome to the Cruel World”, a heart felt acoustic solo of “Walk Away”, and a fantastic rendition of Bill Withers’ “Use Me”, complete with long pause before picking up the last verse, a la Withers’ Live at Carnegie Hall album. A big HT to McCall for the photos.






















Voodoo Music Experience, New Orleans, LA

One of the most underrated music festivals of the year took place this weekend: the New Orleans Voodoo Music Experience. Held in the Big Easy’s historic City Park, this festival has risen from one of numerous multi-day concerts in the city showcasing mostly local talent, to a full-fledge 3 day showcase of up-and-coming talent and rock & hip-hop heavyweights. I always enjoyed this event while I was in NOLA, mainly because of its timing (Halloween) and the freaks it brought out from the Quarter and other neighborhoods (some of which come to follow the Noomoon Worms Union, no doubt), but in the past few years they have really kicked it up notch with their list of acts (this year: Jason Isbell, MIA, Ghostland Observatory, CYHSY, and locals Morning 40 Federation). Reports are that Spoon was fantastic as always, but I would really be interested in hearing about the 1 AM show they performed at One-Eyed Jacks Sunday morning. For reviews of some of the headlining acts, check out NOLA.com’s blog. I look forward to getting My Old Kentucky Blog’s take on the festivities as well.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Covers: The Mixtape

Herein lies a nice selection of covers to start your weekend.

1. Against the Wind (Bob Seger) - The Hold Steady
2. American Music (Violent Femmes) - The Hold Steady
3. Cortez the Killer (Neil Young) - Marissa Nadler
4. Diamonds Are Forever (Shirley Bassey) - Arctic Monkeys
5. Holland, 1945 (Neutral Milk Hotel) - Jason Isbell with the Drive by Truckers
6. Keep the Car Running (Arcade Fire) - Foo Fighters
7. Poupee de cire Poupee de son (France Gall)- The Arcade Fire
8. Waitin' For Superman (Flaming Lips) - Iron & Wine
9. Young Folks (Peter Bjorn & John) - Dawn Landes

Download them Here

Monday, October 22, 2007

Okkervil River - "Love to a Monster"

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been extremely busy, and honestly just not much news to report. I have been soaking in all of the new albums I have bought recently which consist of: Radiohead - In Rainbows; Band of Horses - Cease to Begin; Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests; Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover; Iron & Wine - Shepard's Dog; Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger; Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala; and Akron/Family - Love is Simple. Reviews will come soon.

Beautiful rendition of "Love to a Monster" filmed by the coolest guy ever Vincent Moon.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Viva Los Campesinos!

First heard of the Welsh collective Los Campesinos! from the Arts & Crafts sample I picked up from the Jason Collett show week before last, and I have been playing their two tracks and a few of their free downloads a lot lately. Fast paced music, with lots of blips, glockenspiel dings, and hand claps. Reminds me a little of I’m From Barcelona at times, but without as much of the bubble-gum pop sounds that some of those Swedish bands tend to have. “You! Me! Dancing!” off their debut EP has a touch of Essex Green or the Little Ones. These guys have yet to release a full album, but should have one out in early 2008. If the cuts from their EP are any indication, I’ll likely buy it on release day.

Los Campesinos! - You! Me! Dancing!

Also, check out their stellar 8.4 review of the Sticking Fingers Into Sockets EP on P4K.

Bruce Springsteen played with The Arcade Fire in Ottawa, Canada

The Arcade Fire joined the Boss on stage for a couple of tunes in Ottawa, Canada.

Keep the Car Running



State Trooper

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Avett Brothers at Workplay Theatre, 10/12/07


Wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into Workplay Friday to see the Avett Brothers, other than what I had heard from Clyde and others on how they play an intense live show. Still, I didn't know how revved up they could get with the diversity of their catalog, which has just as many ballads and bluesy odes as rockers. But when about 30 seconds into the second song of their set Seth had to replace his first of 5 guitar strings of the night, I knew I was in for a treat. The Avett Brothers are hell on their instruments. Slinging, elbowing, slamming, strumming, head-banging, convulsing their way through a blur of bluegrass/alt country/slam dancing jams, all while smiling ear to ear. Their relentless punishment of their banjos, guitar, bass, and high hat is done with a general excitement throughout. They truly look like they enjoy it, which is getting rarer and rarer these days amongst bands which have been on the road as long as they have been.

The Avetts energy on stage is contagious, making you want to jump and flail to the type of music that your granddad might sway in a rocking chair to. And I shouldn’t just reference age for hyperbole, as the age of the audience ranged from high schooler, to young professional, to middle-aged couple, to grandfather and grandson, seriously. The crowd was large (in fact, I wondered how many folks could have been at the DBT show next door with as many as were in the theatre) and eager, and their performance did not disappoint.

They opened with “Left on Laura, Left on Lisa” and moved through “Shame” and “Paranoia in B Minor” early in the set. Other notables: “Weight of Your Lies”, “November Blue”, “Die Die Die”, “Distraction #74”, “I Killed Sally’s Lover”, “Will You Return”, and “Go to Sleep”. Throughout the show it was hard not to notice the collegiality between the Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford and cellist Ben Kwon. At one point during the show Crawford and Kwon were bumping each other back and forth on their stand-up string instruments, laughing to each other as they surveyed the crowd. This interaction of the players continued to infect the crowd as they performed their 3 song encore set, finishing off with a number that broke for crowd participation, group hand claps and a capella singing by all members of the band. A great way to end an excellent performance which exceeded all my expectations. I purchased the Live, Vol-2 album after the show in an attempt to memorialize the evening. Pick it up if you can, in place of hearing them in person.



Friday, October 12, 2007

Band of Horses: Track by Track Cease to Begin

While everyone has been held up with In Rainbows, I have been rocking the new Band of Horses. It is undoubtedly a different cd than Everything All the Time. Here is a track by track analysis.

The first song "Is There a Ghost" blasts out of the gates at full speed. Starting off ghostly slow, ITAG primes up and finally explodes at about the one minute mark. One of the strongest tracks on the album.

The second song "Ode to LCR" is another rocker that resembles a dab of Jane's Addiction, but much prettier. Cease is surprisingly quite a blissful album with lines in Ode such as "The world is such a beautiful place."

The next song "No One's Gonna Love You" is one of the weaker songs because of the lyrics. Once again I was surprised at lyrics like "No One is ever gonna love you more than I do" and "anything to make you smile." However, I really do like this song; it was just surprising.

Named after a Supersonics basketball player, Detlef Schrempf is the last of the somewhat ballads. It too is one of the weaker tracks, but good nonetheless.

"The General Specific" is raging reedic good. Break a bowl and mix one part Beach Boys and two parts Alt-Country and wa-la, you have General Specific. This is possibly the best track on the album.

"Lambs on the Lam (in the City)." Weighing in at a whopping 0.50 seconds, "Lambs" is a throw away. I understand transitions, but come on guys when you only have a ten track alum 1/10 is a big deal. Argggg.

"Islands on the Coast" is another rocker. Very solid song. "Islands" sounds more like the last album maybe than any other.

"Marry Song" is a beautiful harmonizing track. Lead by a keyboard, "Marry" almost sounds like a long lost Uncle Tupelo B -Side, almost like "Sin City." Definitely rootsy. Great song.

"Cigarettes Wedding Bands" is a staple Band of Horses tune. Bridwell's haunting voices meshes well with the mid-tempoed reverbed guitar that sails distorted throughout the entire song.

"Window Blues" brings back the ole' 5-String. Its good to hear a banjo again. "Window Blues" is a slower, swaying track that does not lack in beauty. Lyrically speaking, WB is probably the strongest form of songwriting on the album.

Love the rootsy numbers as well as the rockers. Wonderful album.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The Day of Radiohead

If I didn't post something about the Radiohead release day, I think I would be ex-communicated from the Blogosphere. Everyone has very positive things to say about the new album In Rainbows. However, the biggest complaint is the 160kbps sound quality of it. I have tried just recently to get the dang album to no avail. Apparently, the website is loaded down, for it now asks for a username and password??? So, basically I downloaded the album from other means and will wait to "purchase" it from the stupid website. I really don't understand why they didn't prepare better for this, when knowing millions of people will be trying to download. And unlike me, the people who can't get it will download it illegally then never actually pay the money once they get it. I really don't understand it. Anyway if anyone has a trick please let me know. I can find no instruction on the net other than that someone heard if you didn't register yesterday, you are out of luck. It works now!!!! I paid 3.5 pounds which is about $7.50. I figure iTunes is ten bucks and here you are getting poor quality so why not $7.50. I am sure I will buy the cd version as well to capture the sound it deserves. Anyway, I am listening to it as we speak, it truly does sound unreal, old school rocking like Ok, and Pablo, with just a touch of electronic in the background like Kid A. 160 kbps does suck though for a band like Radiohead, we are not talking the Black Keys here, we are talking about the theater sound of Radiohead. Oh well, who am I to complain. Go buy the album and support the band (when you can).

Kings of Leon/BRMC/Manchester Orchestra at Alabama Theatre


Normally I would be all over this show in Birmingham tonight. KOL’s 2003 debut Youth & Young Manhood was one of the albums that got me out of the doldrums of alternative music that had occupied the first part of the decade. But their underwhelming new release Because of the Times and the $33 ticket price turned me off, especially when I saw these guys play an amazing show at B&A Warehouse for $12 just two years ago. Still, they put on a hell of a live show, so I’d still recommend catching them if you can while on tour. Black Rebel Motorcycle Band and Manchester Orchestra open. Manchester, an Atlanta band, has received a lot of favorable reviews from outlets like Paste and Jenny Eliscu from Rolling Stone and Left of Center. Hopefully they will come back through on a tour of their own with a thriftier price of admission.

Manchester Orchestra – Wolves at Night
Manchester Orchestra – Alice and Interiors

I will be present for the Avett Brothers show this Friday night at Workplay and intend to have photos and a full report posted this weekend. Unfortunately, Drive-By Truckers are playing at the same time in the same building, an inexplicable injustice that I don’t care to go into, but I’ll attempt to get some feedback from my friends who make it to see Patterson and the gang.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Hilarious: From the Onion

From http://www.theonion.com

A Minnesota woman was fined $222,000 for illegally downloading and distributing 24 songs via the file-sharing network Kazaa. What do you think?


Pete Carson,Furniture Mover"Wow, is that how much music costs now? Honestly, I have no idea, I haven't paid for music in years."




Shelley Birney,Painter"A stiff fine, yes, but it's hardly as bad as when I was punched in the stomach for humming 'Hollaback Girl' on the elevator."










Hans Hoerzl,Curtain Installer"To avoid any problems, I'll just start stealing from the record store again."

Monday, October 08, 2007

New Release Tuesday




















Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

Jim James Ben Bridwell and the Band did not waste any time pulling the trigger on Everything All the Time's follow up. Although Bridwell's controversies have been all over the net, See Licensing to Wal-Mart; and Meating Out on a Blogger, this album will wipe out any smack talk. Oh and
7.7 by P4k for a Sophomore effort ain't bad.

Stream Full Album















Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
Spencer Krug lead vocalist of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown will be releasing Random Spirit Lover. As a big fan of Shut Up I Am Dreaming, Random Spirit Lover should be a solid release. P4k gave it a very favorable review.




















Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
9.0 by P4k, wow. Swedish singer Jens' vocals echo the old English. See Belle & Sebastian; Morrissey of The Smiths. See also: David Byrne of Talking Heads. Many of his songs have an orchestral feel packed with flutes, cellos and the like, almost a big band sound. Kind of cheesy, but at the same time it somehow is very enjoyable. Grab it at eMusic tomorrow.

Full Album Stream





















Beirut - The Flying Club Cupp
Zach Condon of Beirut also brings a worldly sound to the table. Packed with horns and accordions, TFCC will be yet another mood album-one you will have to be in the mood for. I have enjoyed popping in Gulag Orkestar on occasions.















Radiohead - In Rainbows
Although I would not join in the Koolade drinking for Radiohead, I do somewhat dig their music. This release is certainly an interesting story. See full details HERE. To sum it up, Radiohead is releases a digital download release Wednesday for whatever you want to pay. I will certainly download it.

Also released this week:
Fiery Furnaces - Widow City
Robert Pollard - Coast to Coast Carpet of Love
Robert Pollard - Standard Gargoyle Decisions
The Ravonettes - Lust Lust Lust

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Running for Covers

Always been a sucker for a good cover song. Maybe this guilty pleasure stems from spending countless nights listening to cover bands at various watering holes in college, I don't know. But I have always found it interesting how even the most vehement of fans of a band will scour and cull through countless shows, sites, and albums for that one cover song that everyone is talking about. Must be something about the revamped version as a tribute to a likely influence, or a new take on what one might think is an unlikely fit for the repertoire. But what I’ve noticed more of lately as I expand my library of artists is that a good cover will not only make me appreciate an artist more—where they came from, what they listen to—but it will usually open the door to someone I haven’t heard before or which I didn’t appreciate as much the first listen. For instance, take Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” off the Version album. This is a cover of a track from the Zutons' 2006 Release Tired of Hanging Around. Not a huge fan of Winehouse, but her rendition turned me back to the original and made me appreciate how it is one of those songs that could potentially transcend genres and musical tastes. Some other covers that I have really enjoyed:



“Where is My Mind?” – Bobby Bare, Jr.
“When the Doves Cry” – The Be Good Tanyas
“Sexual Healing” – Hot Chip
“No Surprises” – Easy Star All-Stars
“Ever Fallen In Love?” – Nouvelle Vague
“Eye in the Sky” – Viva Voce
"Bring It on Home to Me" - Britt Daniel (of Spoon)
“Waitin’ for a Superman” – Iron & Wine

Also, one of my favorite albums of the year is Bridging the Distance, which is a covers album featuring artists who are from or have some connection to Portland, OR, which has a booming musical scene right now. The Britt Daniel cover is on this album, as well as great covers from bands like the Decemberists, the Joggers, Viva Voce, and Blitzen Trapper. Reply below and let us know some of your favorite covers.

Friday, October 05, 2007

MTV and yet another National post

MTV has an indie video block called Subterranean. It airs at 12 midnight on Sunday Night. I DVR-ed it last Sunday and was very impressed. The video's ranged from The Shins to Minus the Bear. I would highly recommend DVRing it.

Also, I apologize for shoving the greatest band out there The National down your throat, but this is too good not to share. A kind soul at The National message board recorded the stream of "Mansion on the Hill" off of Youtube. Here it is.

Mansion on the Hill (Bruce Springsteen cover - live in New York)

“Allow myself, to introduce…myself.”

Clyde has been kind enough to invite me, Blythe, to contribute to this fantastic medium to discuss good music from a Southerner’s point of view. Met Clyde through a mutual friend at the National concert in Birmingham last month, where we realized we have similar tastes in music. I’ll be posting from time to time as a “Birmingham correspondent”, updating you on the shows I am seeing and want to attend (like yesterday’s post on Josh Rouse and Jason Collett), as well as letting you know what’s spinning on my jukebox these days. Born and raised in Alabama, I did a short stint in New Orleans where I rediscovered my love for great, non-mainstream performers. Been back in Magic City for a little over three years now and have been pleasantly surprised at the ability to see and hear good music in the area. Looking forward to spreading the word. I’ll be talking to you soon.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Random Music Post


I think after watching The Graduate I realized how amazing Simon & Garfunkel was. Then, it dawned on me that it was the whole 60's era that I randomly somehow relate to. Something about it, I can't pinpoint. Anyway, enough race-car ya-ya's, I finally made a fitting flower child mix. I suggest spending the 15 or so bucks and download you an iTunes mix.

1. The Sounds of Silence (probably one of my favs ever)- Simon & Garfunkel
2. California Dreamin' - The Mamas & Papas
3. Everybody's Talkin' - Harry Nilsson
4. House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
5. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There is a Season) - The Byrds
6. American Pie - Don Mclean
7. Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin
8. For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
9. Mr. Bojangles - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
10.Sloop John B - Beach Boys
11.Tangled up in Blue - Bob Dylan
12.The Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis and the Playboys
13.Let's Get Together - The Youngbloods
14.Goin' Up the Country - Canned Heat
15.Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan
16.Mrs. Robinson - Simon and Garfunkle
17.The Weight - The Band
18.Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - Creedence Clearwater Revival
19.Scarborough Fair/ Canticle - Simon and Garfunkel

Josh Rouse & Jason Collett - WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham, AL


Last night, Workplay Theatre in Birmingham hosted Josh Rouse, with Jason Collett opening. If you have never seen at show at Workplay before, I highly recommend it. Like many other Tragic City venues (Bottletree, Zydeco, the Nick), it provides for a very (and in some cases, almost too) intimate viewing atmosphere, with its great sight lines and multiple booths/tables. We were able to sneak a table right next to the stage about 15 minutes into Collett’s act, as you can see from the pictures.


For anyone who is a fan of Broken Social Scene, seeing Toronto-based Jason Collett is a definite treat. He played the show solo acoustic and truly flexed his singer/songwriter muscle, as well as his dry, Canadian humor. Like so-many BSS albums (and their off-shoots), his lyrics are both contemplative and entertaining, and many times laced with just enough swear words to make you feel a little singe, but which quickly induces a smile or laughter. His performance fit the venue well, as he was very candid with the audience between tunes: recounting the inspiration behind a song about a first date and his “fashion purchase” of a black-velour pullover (which was promptly set on fire in the car by the remnants of a “super toke”) and sarcastically asking whether the crowd had gone to “audience school” (a comment on the almost tense silence between songs). Often during the show his music reminded me of Mason Jennings, and at times Jim James of MMJ.



Josh Rouse came on stage with full band, and immediately encouraged everyone to get up and dance. This was my second time seeing Rouse at Workplay—the last was 2 years ago while he was touring for the Nashville album. He put on a much better show and was more animated than before. Rouse has some southern ties, living in Nashville for a time before moving to Spain, so I think he enjoyed being back in the deep south, so much so as to inquire as to the availability of the neighboring lofts. He played a wide variety of songs from all of his albums—a few toe-tappers, a few “touchy feely” love songs. My favorites were “His Majesty Rides” and his solo acoustic version of “Winter in the Hamptons”. An incomplete set list:

Hollywood Bass Player
God, Please Let Me Go Back
Givin’ It Up
Middle School Frown
Come Back
????
Charlie Brown theme
His Majesty Rides
????
Snowy
Quiet Town
Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder instrumental)
Carolina
????
It Looks Like Love

***
Winter in the Hamptons (Josh only acoustic)
Love Vibration
Sad Eyes

My friends and I got a chance to meet both Collett and Rouse after the show where they were selling merch at the door. Both seemed like pleasant folks enjoying their taste of southern hospitality. Look forward to seeing them again when they return.

Upcoming shows at Workplay of interest:

10/12 – Avett Brothers (Theatre)
10/12 – Drive-By Truckers (Soundstage)
10/23 – Mat Kearney
10/29 – Explosions in the Sky
10/31 – Josh Ritter
11/4 – Mute Math/Eisley

The National playing "Mansion on the Hill"

The National covering Bruce Springsteen's "Mansion on the Hill" in New York.


Survey Says....



Results from Survey (as you may have already seen)20 Votes.
All The Wine 30%
Fake Empire 25%
Secret Meeting 10%
Other Song on cd other than Alligator or Boxer 10%
Mr. November 5%
Mistaken for Strangers 5%
Friend of Mine 5%
Other Song on Alligator 5%
Other Song on Boxer 5%
Abel 0%
Apartment Story 0%
Slow Show 0%

Very Surprising results. No votes for Abel? My vote was for Secret Meeting, probably because that is the song that got it all started for me. All the Wine is definitely in my top 3. I was still surprised that everybody else agrees though. Very Cool. Here are a few more to add to your collection.

Aparment Story (acoustic on WOXY 9/23/07)

All the Wine - live Black Session 11-17-2003

Also, much different version (on video)
Video of All the Wine

Secret Meeting- live on Jools Holland

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Stereogum/REM; and Backyard Tire Fire

Yesterday, Stereogum posted a tribute to R.E.M. Automatic for the People where bands like Shout Out Louds and Blitzen Trapper each covered a song off of that album. Downloadable Mp3's available.

In other news, Oxford Music Snob found a live bootleg from Backyard Tire Fire offered by the band. Backyard Tire Fire Live at Double Door.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Arcade Fire gives a gift October 6th.

In case you missed this on P4k, I guess they were jealous that the other biggest band in the world was getting too much publicity

From P4k:

This Saturday, October 6, the Arcade Fire will wrap up their blockbuster tour with LCD Soundsystem at an extravaganza on New York City's Randall's Island that also features Les Savy Fav and Blonde Redhead. But that's not the only Arcade Fire goodness going down that day.

If you've visited NeonBible.com today, you might have noticed a link to www.beonlineb.com (clever, guys!), which as of right now, only sports the words "Arcade Fire presents..." and "October 6th."

So what's going on? Well, we know, but we can't tell you. Rest assured, it's pretty fucking cool. Definitely keep your browsers at the ready.

And hey, you were already spending this week in a state of heightened anticipation, so what's a little more excitement?

Arcade Fire dates:

Monday, October 01, 2007

New Releases Tomorrow

UPDATE: Sunset Rubdown is apparently switched to October 9th.

Not a bad day tomorrow for releases tomorrow.



Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
Spencer Krug lead vocalist of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown will be releasing Random Spirit Lover. As a big fan of Shut Up I Am Dreaming, Random Spirit Lover should be a solid release. P4k gave it a very favorable review.



Mobius Band - Heavens
Electro-poppers Mobius Band releases Heavens tomorrow. It is available now on iTunes. Back in 2005, MB released City vs. Country EP which I immediately was drawn to. Heavens is full of noises and laptop pop. For fans of Postal Service, Rogue Wave. STREAM WHOLE ALBUM



Bruce Springsteen - Magic
The Boss will surely please many with Magic. I listened to most of it today, and it sounds great. STREAM WHOLE ALBUM

New Radiohead album out in 10 days.


Radiohead recently announced they will be releasing a new album In Rainbows via their website on October 10. It appears they have chosen not to sign with a label. The "discbox" is about 80 bucks and includes vinyl and much more. However, the download is not a set price?