Music Miscellany

Been a while since I posted, so I thought I’d give you an idea of what I have been getting into lately…

Recent albums I am listening to right now:

Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant EP: This will make a great late spring, summer album. Layered acapella choruses, great blend of electric and acoustic, and haunting yet uplifting lyrics. I think this group will be stars. See our previous review of their live show and check their full length self-titled CD coming out on June 3rd.

Citay: Little Kingdom (available on eMusic). San Franciscan psychedelic rock with shades of Houses of the Holy Led Zeppelin. Referred to by some as “chamber metal”. Nice “background” album to put on and relax to. Earned a 7.8 from P4K. Try out the title track and “On the Wings”.

The Raveonettes – Lust Lust Lust: I really enjoyed their debut from 2003, but have not paid much attention to the duo since. Their latest has a great atmospheric sound, loaded with a good bit of fuzzed out distortion. For fans of Asobi Seksu, Jesus & the Mary Chain, Magnetic Fields, and maybe Sonic Youth. Really enjoy the beats as well. My favorites: “You Want the Candy”, “Dead Sound”, and “Aly, Walk with Me”.

Headlights - Some Racing, Some Stopping: Mostly overlooked since its release earlier this year, I think this is a solid album. Reminds me a bit of Stars, but without all the cliche/melancholy political backstory.

Stuff I hope to get into more:

The Kooks – Konk: “Tick of Time” is a foot stomper, and I can hear why they recorded this album in The Kink’s old studio. Will be giving the entire album a listen soon.

The Helio Sequence – Keep Your Eyes Ahead: I have been picking and culling from this bands previous albums based on what I have heard on Internet radio, but have yet to sit down and listen to an entire CD. Need to do it, b/c every song I have downloaded from this Seattle duo has been catchy, single material. Look for them at the following Southeastern dates:

May 29, 2008: Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC

May 30, 2008: Village Tavern, Mt. Pleasant, SC

May 31, 2008: Social, Orlando, FL

June 1, 2008: Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine, FL

June 2, 2008: Common Grounds, Gainesville, FL

June 4, 2008: Hi-Tone, Memphis, TN

Tokyo Police Club – Elephant Shell: Have not had a chance to listen to the whole album, but I have been listening to cuts from this band for the past year, my favorite being "Your English Is Good". Fast-paced indie rock with a hint of punk influence. Received a great review from our friends at Filter.

Releases looking forward to:

Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs – May 13

My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges – June 10

Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes – June 3rd

Wolf Parade – Kissing the Beehive – June 17

And finally, really stoked about seeing one of the bands on my bucket list: Flaming Lips at City Stages, June 15.

Double Decker Festival 2008: Backstage at Avett Brothers and other ramblings

Double Decker Festival was probably the greatest musical day I have likely ever had. The lineup was incredible and judging from everyone I talked to "was the best lineup since I can remember." The day started with Afrissippi, who thoroughly impressed me. Quilted with a reggae/Afro-pop vibe, the African-Mississippi group put on one heck of a show in front of a fairly large crowd. I will be soon purchasing their album.

Photo by Steven Warren





























Next was Dent May & his Magnificant Ukulele. May appeared on the stage shrouded in his usual strange hipster getup. Dude had on cut-off shorts and of course his clear harry potter rimmed specs. May and the boys flung about ten to fifteen beach balls to the crowd. Most notably, one of his buddies was cooking burgers on stage to share with the audience. About a song into the show, the burger-griller put on an apron with a picture from the neck down of a naked man. I honestly could not quit laughing. As to the music, not a bad show. May's voice strikes resemblances to that of Zach Condon of Beirut, but with more of a hawaiian feel.













The next act I caught was the Hill Country Blues Review which consisted of two North Mississippi All-stars (Cody Dickinson, and Duane Burnside). They mastered the blues rock of NMAS while capturing some old favorites like "Skinny Woman."








Photo by Steven Warren
As I glanced at my watch I realized Colour Revolt had just started, so I scurried over with my head down in hopes I would not bump into anyone I knew to prolong my absence any longer.
On the way, I tried to explain these guys to my brother-in-law as one of my friends chimed in that we were going to see Pantera...hilarious. Anyway, I compared them to Fugazi or Coldplay with angst. But truly he hit the nail on the head when he described them as sounding like Modest Mouse. Colour Revolt rocked out as they always do, and certainly pleased us. Among the songs I heard were "Moses of the South," "Mattresses Underwater" and "Swamp." New stuff sounded excellent.








Photo by Steven Warren























Here is where it got interesting. Our friend, Mary-Kathryn Milner, who is in charge of Double Decker, graciously gave us backstage passes for Blue Mountain and Avett Brothers. I would like to thank her publicly for this kind guesture. It truly made my night one of the best ever. Blue Mountain sounded wonderful pulling out old backroad favorites like "Soul Sister," "Hippy Hotel," and "Blue Canoe." They played a couple of new ones that also sounded amazing, and announced a new album and a live album to be released soon. It is truly amazing to watch a show backstage.









In the middle of the show, we got to go inside the tent to meet the Avett Brothers and get signatures. They were truly genuine and very cool. Very normal dudes. P.S. They have a new cd/ep coming out in July called the Gleam II.
After Blue Mountain finished, I decided to head to the front row with some of my buddies for a little dancing and singing. The brothers started out with "Shame" with the crowd singing at the top of their lungs. These guys are so energetic and such an unmatchable live show. I talked to numerous people who said it was "The best show I have ever seen." These people even included folks who had never heard of them. Right after "Go to Sleep" I decided to check the viewpoint from up on the stage, so I proceeded around back and stood on the side of the stage. Unreal. Songs of note were "Go to Sleep," "Distraction," "Pretty Girl from Chile," and "If its the Beaches."






They rocked out on "Pretty Girl from Chile" like they were a heavy metal band. SEE VIDEO BELOW. They continue to sell people on their music through their live shows. If you haven't seen them, go do it as soon as possible. They are playing in Henderson, TN on Friday and Little Rock, AR on Saturday.


Photo by Steven Warren













SETLIST:

Shame
Distraction #74
Salina
Die,Die,Die
Left on Laura, Left on Lisa
Denouncing November Blues
Go to Sleep
November Blues
Paranoia in B major
(Something) Time Machine - New Song
And it Spread
Pretty Girl from Chile (SEE ENDING BELOW)
encore - If its the beaches



Photo by Steven Warren

New Music Tuesday

Out Today:
Langhorne Slim - Self-Titled
Speaking of Avett Bros. Bob was wearing a Langhorne Slim shirt Saturday. I have heard wonders about this band, but have yet to really check them out. Samples sound glorious. I shall purchase soon.

(Second) Best Thing I have heard in a while: Throw Me the Statue

I must say it has been quite a surprising last couple of weeks for me. I have been in the mood for some run of the mill indie pop lately, and I found it. I finally downloaded Throw Me the Statue and am enamored with Moonbeams. Truly almost every song on the album is solid. TMTS slings in some wicked noises with bass drops and scratchy organs for you Postal Service koolade-drinkers. The album is slam packed with fun bouncy numbers and also manage to master the acoustic swayers. "Lolita" is undoubtedly one of the standout tracks along with "Moonbeams, " "About to Walk," "A Mutinous Dream." Honestly, its hard to pick favorites. Very fun tunes. I did not post the cd cover as to not turn this site into a softcore blog. If that tickles your fancy, head over to amazon and check it out.

Hail from: Seattle
If you like: The Shins, Vampire Weekend, Postal Service
Available: eMusic, iTunes, Amazon
Website: Myspace
Download this first: "Lolita" and "About to Walk"

Pavement Band tonight at Proud Larry's

Considering Pavement is one of the greatest indie bands of all time, what a grand idea having a side Pavement cover band.

Pavement band (a pavement cover band) is playing at Proud Larry's tonight in Oxford, Miss. If work wasn't so busy right now I would be there in a heartbeat. Pavement Band features Oxford's townies including members of Colour Revolt. Should be an excellent show.

Featuring:
Sean Kirkpatrick as 1/2 Stephen Malkmus
Patrick Addison as Mark Ibold
Jimmy Cajoles as Spiral Stairs
Harrison Smith as Steven West or Gary Young
David Swider as 1/2 Stephen Malkmus

More of: Latest Listens

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash. The album has a few really good songs, but as a whole, not that great. "Out to Reaches" is a classic.
If you like: Pavement, Neutral Milk Hotel, songs about oysters, and Cheshire cat grins.

The Dodos - Visiter. The first half of the album is pretty solid. I would probably just download those tracks. I get bored in the second half.
If you like: Animal Collective, Annuals, Arcade Fire, Yeasayer, stranger listens.

Sun Kil Moon - April. Loved Ghosts of the Great Highway. April is a really boring album. Hopefully, it will grow on me.
If you like: Red House Painters, really really really really really slow music.

Los Campesinos - Hold On Now, Youngster. Love "You! Me! Dancing" but it basically ends there for me.
If you like: Architecture in Helsinki, Stars, pots and pans banging, loosened vocals, and a screeching female background vocal.

Patterson Hood Live at Proud Larry's in Oxford, Miss.

Patterson Hood of the Drive By Truckers put on one heck of a show at Proud Larry's last night. It was a very intimate show. John Neff's steel guitar was hypnotizing, Patterson sounded so crisp, and the Jay Gonzales' keys added a new dimension. Of course, Hood's banter was equally as entertaining, while not going on too long. Hood absolutely loved the crowd and honestly went on and on about how amazing the crowd was. Highlights were "Tornadoes," "Heathens," and on "World of Hurt" when he yelled "Its great to be alive, It's f***in great to be alive," and everyone one, of course held their beers up and let out a third degree redneck yelp-howl. Of course, your humble narrator did likewise.
















Setlist:
1. A**holes
2. Tornadoes
3. Uncle Disney
4. Pollyanna
5. Murdering Oscar
6. Something's Got to Give
7. Heathens
8. The Opening Act
9. Feb. 14
10. Heavy and Hanging
11. Rising Son
12. Alice
13. Old Timer's Disease
14. Pride of the Yankees
15. My Sweet Annette
16. The Living Bubba
17. World of Hurt
18. I'm in Love with a Girl (Big Star cover)


Shirt of the night

Best Thing I Have Heard in a While: Plants and Animals

This is too good to put in bullet format. It deserves its own post. Plants and Animals - Parc Avenue. I just downloaded this the other day, and am thoroughly intrigued by it. I was hook-line-and-sinkered after about two listens. Definitely echoes sounds of big band Arcade Fire and the orchestral sounds of Polyphonic Spree. Packed with stop-and-go wax and wanes, Parc Avenue is not only original, but also catchy. Simplistic, it is not. Although some of the catchy parts are simple lyrics, e.g. "I wanna dance, I wanna dance," on "Good Friend," the album is pretty complex. The aforementioned, "New Kind of Love," and "Bye, Bye, Bye" are the standout tracks. On tracks like "Mercy" and "Feedback in the Field," I can't help but think of the ending of Thomas Crowne Affair, Nina Simone's "Spinnerman." Hints of harps or harpsichords glisten the backdrop of a few tracks. The album instinctively has a 70's feel at times, but all-in-all incorporates the strengths and glories of indie rock today. If you still are not convinced, go sample at their myspace page. Link below.

Hail from: Montreal, CA
Available: eMusic, iTunes, Amazon, your nearest record store.
Website: Myspace
If you like: Arcade Fire, Annuals, Yeasayer, Polyphonic Spree, the 70's, America (the band) type tunes, "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone at the end of Thomas Crowne Affair.
Standout Tracks: "Bye, Bye, Bye," "Good Friend," and "New Kind of Love"

Free My Morning Jacket title track offered by the band.

The My Morning Jacket is offering the title track "Evil Urges" on their new album for free download.

They said this on their website.

hello all you fine and wonderful people out there that are interested in what we do. we now live in the 90's - the era of the interweb and instant gratification. these are confusing times for all humankind, but especially for those of us in the music world as you well know... a week or so ago we played some of our new songs for the first time at a show in houston tx! about an hour later all of those songs were available on the interweb- talk about speed!!! since those and other non-album audiovisual recordings are available to people on the interweb, we wanted to make at least one "real" song version available (if one was interested in what the "real actual studio album" might sound like) to those of you who have supported us most and have seemed most excited about what we are doing over the years.

so here is the song "evil urges". we sure hope you are to enjoy it! we would put the whole thing out there on the interweb, but gosh darn-it, we're still a little old fashioned in that way of wanting the listener to be able to get the actual music when it is supposed to be released, when we say it is finished- not when someone else puts it on the interweb.... but it is the 90's now, we understand that. its a new decade and we want to be part of this decade, but whilst still maintaining a link to the past - where one can't necessarily get everything they want immediately when they want it, but rather when they are told they can have it - by their real life keeper or their digital daddy! we will play both roles here. we all personally relish waiting to unwrap that shrink wrap and smelling that fresh vinyl or compact disc plastic, mmm...that fresh cardboard and paper. or if we buy it off the interweb we all love holding our computers up to our noses and smelling those brand new digital downloads...mmm...fresh! gall durn it- we're just old fashioned that way. sometimes... gentle reader, in this age of instant gratification, waiting can be so rewarding, it can teach us a valuable lesson about the triumph of the human spirit... but sometimes, like our old friend tom petty said- waiting is the hardest part. thank you all for being so supportive of us, and unending in your love... from the bottom of our cold dead hearts!

love,
mmj!

My Morning Jacket offer title track for free download here.
Then, put in this password "urges101"

Local News: This weekend in Oxford, MS

Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers is playing at Proud Larry's on Saturday Night in Oxford, Miss. I believe I will be there. Audra Brown is opening.

Update: Latest Listens

I have been spinning numerous cd's lately. Honestly, only a couple have really grabbed me. Emusic has been proving to be an amazing 15 dollar a month investment as they have had almost every cd I have wanted recently. Here is my assessment of the latest albums:

Vampire Weekend - S/T One of the best albums of the year. Need I say more?
If you like: Reggae, MMJ, The Strokes, The Postal Service, sunny Friday afternoons at 5:00.
Download this first: "M79"

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago. See above.
If you like: Iron & Wine, Jose Gonzalez, beautifully melodic, layered folk.
Download this first: "Blindsided"

The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride. Truly a must buy. Just as good if not better than Sunset Tree.
If you like: The Decemberists, Clap Your Hands, strange voices but incredible lyrics and melodies.
Download this first: "Heretic Pride"

Destroyer - Trouble in Dreams. Listened to it about three times, and was impressed, not overly impressed. However, Destroyer always takes a while to warm up.
If you like: The New Pornographers, Annuals, David Bowie, music that sounds like a classic novel.
Download this first: "Libby's First Sunrise"

Colour Revolt - Plunder, Beg, and Curse. Great album from the boys from Oxford. Very original sound with amperes of power. Can't wait for Double Decker Festival.
If you would like: Coldplay if they rocked it out. controlled yelling. boucing guitar riffs.
Download this first: "Naked and Red"

The Felice Brothers - S/T. I really don't think this needs any more introduction. Solid album, from a more than solid band.
If you like: Dylan, John Prine, how Dylan would sound if he was half cajun, New Orleans horns, and how Tennessee Williams lyrics would sound if he wrote songs.
Download this first: "Love Me Tenderly"

More to come in the next couple of days.

New Release Tuesday

Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight













The Kooks - Konk FULL ALBUM STREAM
















M83 - Saturdays=Youth
FULL ALBUM STREAM








Joseph Arthur - EP

MMJ to play Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live continues to bring clutch music acts. My Morning Jacket will play SNL on Saturday, May 10th. Very excited.

Also,
Sample some new Death Cab, MMJ, Wolf Parade, etc. over at NPR

Idol Misshap

Not sure if any of you tune in to American Idol. I started watching it last year and actually enjoy it. Unfortunately, the best dude I have ever seen on it got abruptly voted off last night. Michael Johns is unreal. Hopefully, he will make an indie album. Sometimes I feel like it is a little rigged. Not sure though. Of course, it does make sense that most of America would not vote on him, because most voters are probably younger and don't really get him. I really hope David Archiletta (sp?) will not win. He drives me nuts. I guess I'm now on the Jason and Brooke and David Cook bandwagon. Kristy Lee has got to go. Who do you want to win? Thoughts?


MJ performing Bohemian Rhapsody.

The Felice Brothers at Bottletree in Birmingham

Fantastic Show. The Brothers sounded great yet again. They put on quite a live show. I hate I missed Justin Townes Earle but Oh well. The crowd was fairly large. For some reason, Shonna from the Drive by Truckers was there, hmmmm? Of course, I could not resist the temptation to get up on stage. Video of Frankie's Gun below.

Setlist:
Run, Chicken, Run
Ruby Mae
Whiskey in my Whiskey (fast version)
Hey, Hey Revolver (fast version)
Where'd You Get Your Liquor
Christmas Song
Cincinnati Queen
Wonderful Life
Send Me an Angel Down
Radio Song
GD You, Jim
Frankie's Gun
Ballad of Lou Welterweight
Helen Fry
Saint Stephen's End
Greatest Show on Earth
True Hands (Townes Van Zandt Cover)
The Devil Is Real
Lie, Cheat, Step on People's Feet
________
Unknown?
Glory, Glory > Gin and Juice > Glory, Glory(with Justin Townes Earl and Shonna Tucker and audience)


That is Shonna right next to yours truly singing my lungs out.

Pitchfork TV airs tomorrow

Pitchfork TV begins airing tomorrow Monday, April 7th. They promise videos, interviews, concerts and such. I am ecstatic. Although most cds they acclaim are crappy now, this should be a great thing for music. HERE IS THE LINK

MONDAY APRIL 7: BETA LAUNCH

loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies // One Week Only
The Pixies' 2004 reunion tour was a long time coming, and this documentary follows the legendary band from their first rehearsals and warm-up tour, to Sigur Rós' Icelandic studio, to the climactic final show. Directed by Steven Cantor and Matthew Galkin; Daniel Lanois provided the score.

Liars // Juan's Basement
Originally developed for the Plum TV network, Juan's Basement made its first splash in the blogosphere with performances from Menomena, Vampire Weekend, and Dr. Dog. Now produced exclusively by Pitchfork, creator Juan Pieczanski interviews and shoots performances from independent music's most vital artists. For the show's Pitchfork.tv debut, Liars drop by for an exclusive session featuring material from their self-titled LP and 2006's Drums Not Dead, as well as chat about the new songs, drug experiences, and what it's like to be hit by a car.

Man Man // Daytripping
Last spring, we took a day trip to Philly to hang out with gypsy-pop masterminds Man Man while they put the finishing touches on their forthcoming third album, Rabbit Habits. They didn't tell us they'd be firing off bottle rockets in the street and wrestling dogs into bathtubs when we got there. First aired in Forkcast in June of 2007, this is Pitchfork.tv's first-ever production.

Jay Reatard // Pitchfork Live
Live at Cake Shop, NYC; 10/10/07
Garage punk maniac Jay Reatard blasts 12 breakneck future skate anthems into one of the craziest audiences we've seen in a while. You can almost make out what's happening behind the spit and sweat.

See the lineup for the rest of the week HERE

FINALLY a release date.

The Boxer DVD A Skin, A Night is finally being released on May 20th!!! You can go here to see clips. Looks amazing. It will have a shiny new 12-track bonus disk with it featuring:

The Virginia EP:

01 You've Done It Again Virginia
02 Santa Clara
03 Blank Slate
04 Tall Saint (demo)
05 Without Permission
06 Forever After Days
07 Rest of Years (demo)
08 Slow Show (demo)
09 Lucky You (Daytrotter session)
10 Mansion on the Hill (live)
11 Fake Empire (live)
12 About Today (live)

New Wilco Track

New Wilco Track "Glad its Over" is a Sky Blue Sky outtake featured on Heroes soundtrack.

Hear it Here.

Hype

Also, Sixeyes has the Feb. 19th performance of Wilco in Chicago. Go get it.

Part I

Part II

Reminder: Double Decker Festival Reminder: April 26th, 2008.

Just a little reminder of the one and only Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford, MS. Amazing lineup this year.

The 2008 Double Decker Arts Festival on April 26, 2008.

Budweiser North Stage:
10:00 - Oxford Community Band
11:00 - Tricia Walker
12:30 - Balance
1:50 - Artist Awards
2:30 - Afrissippi
4:00 - Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
5:15 - Colour Revolt
6:30 - Dirty Dozen Brass Band


AT&T South Stage
12:15 - Avenue Hearts
1:30 - Aaron Hall Band
3:00 - the Damnwells
4:45 - Hill Country Blues Review
(Cody Dickinson, Garry Burnside, Chris Chew)
6:15 - Inner Visions
7:45 - Blue Mountain
9:00 - The Avett Brothers

Reminder: The Felice Brothers

Just a reminder that the Felice Brothers are playing in Birmingham at Bottletree tomorrow night. I shall be in attendance.

New Music Tuesday

Pretty good NMT. A few of these were advances on eMusic.


Sun Kil Moon - April









Annuals - Wet Zoo (EP)











Colour Revolt - Plunder, Beg, and Curse FULL ALBUM STREAM














Los Campesinos - Hold on Now, Youngster FULL ALBUM STREAM












The Apples in Stereo - Electronic Projects for Musicians FULL ALBUM STREAM















Moby - Last Night FULL ALBUM STREAM