EVERY NOTE NOTED

Abandoned Pools Signs to Tooth and Nail, Fixes Your Macbook

2012-02-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

It's about 8 in the morning. I have recently gotten out of bed and am still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. The first sip of java has just hit my lips, my email is freshly opened, and I read, "Abandoned Pools Signs to Tooth and Nail Records Today."

Gulp. Rub. Rub.

This came as strange news to me for several reasons. For one, I thought Abandoned Pools was long gone. The last I had heard they released a record was 2005, which was basically the 90s. And in full disclosure the last I had listened to them was when 2001's Humanistic came out - great album, by the way, that if you've never heard, you should hear. Right now.

The second reason this was newsy to me was because in my interning years, indeed not long after Humanistic came out, I worked at Tooth and Nail and I haven't necessarily known the label to entertain many artists who aren't "fresh out the oven", if you know what I mean. I knew this must be a love affair of sorts. I had to know more.

And before we all dive into the juicy bits, I want to touch on one thing that was left unmentioned in the interview but was all too present as I started to dig into the story that morning. Frontman, Tommy Walter, and wife, Brie, had recently - very recently in fact - lost their baby daughter, Madeleine. I won't go into details because the story will literally shatter your heart, but keep these two in your prayers. If you want to read their story, Brie has been journaling about it here.

It's been a while since you've released a record. What have you been up to since 2005? Why now for releasing a new album?
I've been writing songs for this album for years but I really just needed a break from it for a while since my experience with Universal Records was not very satisfying. I did a few side projects, mixed and produced some albums, did some music for TV and worked for Apple as a 'Genius' (a job title with great expectations if there ever was one). I've always known that I would put out another AP album eventually. I have to credit my manager, Travis Szendrei, for encouraging me to make it happen finally.

I used to intern at Tooth & Nail and was really intrigued when I heard you're putting out Sublime Currency with them! Can you give us some background about your decision to work with T&N?
They're really enthusiastic and supportive. You can't put a price on that. I've had my ups and downs over my career, and at this point, they seem like the perfect fit for my mindset. It still means something to be on a label and have a company working with you.

I understand Abandoned Pools has always been a solo project for you, with you playing all the instruments on the recordings with the exception of percussion. Can you tell us about that process?
I don't play drums, so I do everything on my own at home and then go into a studio with an actual drummer (for this album Bryan Head and Daniel James shared the job). That's the way I made Humanistic. Armed to the Teeth was a little bit different. I formed a band to make that record, which caused a little bit of good tension between what was best for the song: my home production vs. the live studio production. You can hear that in the song 'Rabble' which has the live drums enter at the bridge. Everything before that is my programming. I'm happy with working they way I did originally. It's easier to keep the sound of the album focused.

Do you have plans to put a band together and take this album on the road for us? What has been your favorite experience playing a live show to-date?
I already have a live band and we've been doing shows locally. I'd like to do an extensive tour but it has to be under the right circumstances. My best experiences have been playing festivals. Usually it's just mayhem -- large, crazy crowds. And the cool thing is you get to meet a lot of other artists.

Humanistic is one of my all-time favorite albums and I listen to it a ton on my favorite streaming service, Rdio. (I also own the CD - it's packed away somewhere!) What are your thoughts on streaming services like Rdio and Spotify and the impact they are having on the music industry at large?For me, anything that helps get my music out there is a good thing. I'm not looking to get rich making music, I just like making albums. I've got a roof over my head, a great wife, so anything else is just a bonus.

I live in the Silicon Valley and am in touch with my inner (and outer) tech geek. Do you have a favorite app? I hate to disappoint, but my iPhone is ancient. I'm way overdue for an update so most apps on my phone just flail and crash. I stick to card games.

Oh! And can you fix my macbook? Gladly! I miss that job and I worked with great people. Sometimes I feel like dismantling and reassembling my laptop just to see if I still can.

Abandoned Pools' new full-length, Sublime Currency, will be out TBD on Tooth and Nail Records. Stay tuned for tour dates and for more info, please visit abandonedpools.com.

[Also posted at IndieRockReviews.com]

Ume Kicks Butt, Takes Names.

2012-02-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hot damn.

Ume? Heard of them? Probably not. They're a huge-sounding, little-known band from Austin on one of my favorite labels, Modern Outsider. ModOut is run by some good buddies of mine, Erin and Chip Adams. Yep, another husband-wife indie label team. Turns out Lujo is not an anomaly! Which only begs the question, how many husband-wife label teams are out there?

Anyway.

I don't know too much about this band, only the important stuff: that it's lead by Lauren Larson and that they are rocking my face off this morning, which honestly, in a day where The All-American Rejects are releasing a grossly wimpy song like, "Beekeeper's Daughter", is like a breath of freakin' fresh air.

Seriously, Ume and AAR in a ring would not even be a contest. Like, Larson would shake out her blonde locks, whip out her guitar, and shred all over Tyson Ritter and his bony, white ass. And then she'd open her mouth and out would come this other-worldly voice. Then she'd tag team Erik Larson (bass) and Rachel Furher (drums - girl drummers are my fave!) and AAR would see that they're only a three-piece and bam! 3-2-1. Game. Over.

Anyway, Ume just released Phantoms on ModOut, and although I haven't listened to the entire album yet I'm going to go ahead and give it my seal of approval. Why? Because I'm only three tracks in - this video is for track 3 - and I'm literally so excited about this band, that I'm bursting at the seems to tell you all about them and had to do so as soon as possible, preventing me from finishing listening to the album. Truth. Pretty sure this one isn't going to let me down. Or you, for that matter.

Do you like good music? Do you like music that can kick some ass, make you feel alive, and give you hope for mankind? Okay then. Time for some Ume.

Phantoms was released August 30 2011 on Modern Outsider and is available on iTunes and in the ModOut shop! They are currently on tour with Cursive - peep umemusic.com for tour dates!

Bluebrain Give Us Their Next Location-Aware Album

2011-08-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Lujo Record's Bluebrain are about to drop their second location-aware album.

Their first album of the kind was the first-ever in music history and corresponded with The National Mall in Washington DC. You can download it here but be forewarned that unless you are in the boundaries of The National Mall area, the app won't work! 'Tis the nature of the beast. And what a beautiful beast it is!

This second installation, titled Listen to the Light was mapped for Central Park in New York and will be released in the App Store on October 4th. A third rumored in the series will be created for Highway 1 on the west coast. Living in California makes me particular excited about this.

Check out this short trailer for Listen to the Light and visit the amazing Bluebrain at www.bluebra.in for more details!

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The National Mall - The First Ever Location-Aware Album

2011-05-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

It’s not that I am exaggerating or am one to make crazy, unfounded claims, but this seriously is the coolest thing ever. Tonight the Holladay brothers, otherwise known as Bluebrain (Lujo Records), are releasing the first ever location-aware album. Are you curious?

Friends, I give you The National Mall, an app created for your iPhone, iPad, Andriod. An app you can download while standing in The National Mall—the strip of green between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. An app that when you open, will flow music into your ears--music that corresponds to your location. In other words, as you move the music changes.

As Ryan Holladay told Wired.co.uk, "Approach a lake and a piano piece changes into a harp. Or, as you get close to the children's merry-go-round, the wooden horses come to life and you hear sounds of real horses getting steadily louder based on your proximity."

And The National Mall won’t be the only one of these. Bluebrain has two other location-aware albums in the works. One that will correspond with New York’s Prospect Park and another that will run the length of Highway One in California. As a California girl, I’m particulalry excited about the latter.

Check out some samples from The National Mall on Wired.co.uk podcast episode 27, online now. So frickin' cool.

The Elected - Bury Me In My Rings

2011-05-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

I remember when I first heard about The Elected, project of Blake Sennet, Jason Boesel and Mike Bloom of Rilo Kiley fame. A huge Rilo Kiley fan, I was happy for any offshoot, side project, what have you. I walked into Fingerprints in Long Beach and walked out with Me First, the band’s debut album. I popped that puppy in my car stereo and the shimmery, California-pop rock sound filled my ears. My ears were not sad about it and I’ve been following the band ever since.

Their second album, (or rather his second album because let's face it, this is Sennet's baby), Sun, Sun, Sun, was just as solid as his first. Solid like you’d expect from a professional. A dude who really knows what the heck he's doing. Refreshing for a change, no? And The Elected's latest and third studio effort, Bury Me In My Rings, follows suit. There are no surprises here, and in a good way. Unlike so many other things in life, with The Elected, you get what you came for. Like that awesome veggie sammie at your fave deli. The one with the provolone and the avacado. Crap, now I’m hungry.

But that’s not to say this new album sounds exactly like the first two or that The Elected is some God forsaken one trick pony, although I’d be perfectly happy if they were because I totally dig the trick. No. See, where Sennet's earlier stuff has a more electronic bend, this new stuff has taken cues from retro R&B and pop, boasting some seriously soulful melodies. The album’s second track, “Babyface” is case and point of this. The beat is infectious—you must clap along, in much the same way you’d be affected by a gospel choir. I think. I’ve never actually heard a gospel choir in person, but I’m pretty sure I’d be slain by the spirit.

Speaking of being slain, standout track for me is “Go For The Throat.” A song with a title like that best have some attitude, right? It does. If this album were a Tootsie Pop, this track would be the Tootsie Roll center. It’s just a perfect pop song. Totally groovy, funky beat that vibes like a 70's disco gem, expect it's not disco. The lyrics look lame on paper, but when coming down the vocal pipes of Sennet, those words are like chocolate. Very sweet. That dude could sing about paddling a boat through sewage and it would sound romantic. It would.

In fact every track on Bury could be filed under “perfect pop song.” And perhaps this is my one critique. I find so much beauty in imperfections, and these songs are just perfect. Every last one of them. Even the down tempo "Who Are You" gives nod to vintage Hollywood. I could swear it's straight out of an old 40's flick. It’s as if Sennet has been spending his Friday nights honed up in the library or the studio, crossing all his pop T’s and rock I’s. Come on dude, where’s your humanity? Where is your face in the toilet from all the partying? Let’s see some mess.

But as neurotic as I am, I certainly can’t blame anyone else for perfecting their craft. And in all honesty, it’s probably exactly what drew me to the music in the first place. That is, after the Rilo Kiley thing and my wildly unhealthy girl crush on Jenny Lewis. The Elected play music that’s easy-breezy and it’s nice to not have to think about something for once, isn’t it? I think so.

Bury Me In My Rings was released May 17th on Vagrant Records. The band will be touring nationally in support of the release this summer. For more information, visit them at http://theelectedband.com/ .

The Violet Burning - The Story Of Our Lives

2011-04-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

photo credit: timm ziegenthaler

Here's a little biography I wrote for The Violet Burning to go along with the release of their 9th studio album--34-song album, I might add--The Story Of Our Lives. Enjoy reading and be sure to put some Violet in your ears.

TH3 FANTA5T1C MACH1N3 (ones and zeros)

by thevioletburning

The Violet Burning - The Story of Our Lives:
Liebe über Alles, Black as Death and The Fantastic Machine

It's that ache in your heart.

That place inside you where all the stuff collects and collides like junk in a drawer. Except it's not junk. It's real and it matters and it's the matter that makes you. It’s that ache that makes you want to fight and surrender, scream and sigh. It's decaying and it's beautiful and it's full of these awkward opposites. So full that sometimes you don't understand. You can't understand.

But then someone or something comes along to give it shape, a voice. Someone whose ability to capture this space is so pure, so precise, that it springs hope within us and legs to stand on.

Something like The Violet Burning.

The Violets (affectionately called) have been making music under the direction of creative mainspring, Michael J Pritzl, since 1990. A prolific songwriter, Pritzl's story is one of endurance, endurance manifested in a plethora of albums and relentless touring throughout the US and Europe. Endurance resulting in an absolute rabid following of fans. Though Pritzl has surrounded himself with different musicians through the years, the music has never been compromised and the fans keep coming back for the powerful, guitar-driven rock The Violets never fail to deliver. This time that rock is enlivened with the drumming virtuosity that is Lenny Beh. A stunningly emotive addition.

Nothing proves The Violets bring the rock better than their latest effort, their 9th full-length studio album, The Story of Our Lives: Liebe über Alles, Black as Death and The Fantastic Machine, an audio triptych of sorts. The album's 34 songs are divided into three parts: Liebe über Alles, Black as Death and The Fantastic Machine. Although asunder, the album rages with rock and drips with beauty, all the while shaking it's figurative fist at a digital age wherein, despite the abundance of material available, artists still feel beholden to the 10-song album format restrictions of the past.

The Violets didn't feel this restriction and because of that, The Story of Our Lives is not just an auditory experience, it is a multi-sensory aesthetic experience. These songs didn't take a week to write or two days to record. The artwork wasn't thrown together in an hour in Photoshop. This is a complete body of work that began as a spark of an idea and has now been seven years in the making. In this way, it defies the unspoken and mediocre standards of today, offering up an incredible sonic experience in addition to a riveting lyrical journey.

And the journey is a familiar one. In fact, it reads like some of the greatest novels ever written. The Fantastic Machine sets the tone for this journey as "Where It All Begins" climbs from a pensive, pretty melody to an all out blur of frantic guitars, over which "my heart and soul are wired in!" is screamed wild and breathy. It's the definition of epic, and songs like “Machine Beat Sabbatha” and “Imminent Collapse” follow suit, allowing the listener in on the chaos that's brewing in the heart of our character. “The Letting” and “Leaving” tell a quieter story, one that will course through your veins with their beautiful sadness. And in the end, our character leaves The Fantastic Machine behind, giving up on a life that has been selling him lies.

Black as Death picks up where this sadness leaves off, descending on ears like a bat out of hell--an almost mindless storm of sound and distortion. “My Name is Night” is case and point of this, heavy and teeming with Sabbath-like drumming. “Maelstorm” expands into this chaos, the entropy of its opening guitars hitting like the explosion of tides. Pritzl's delicate falsetto dancing atop the water. And then there is “Rock Is Dead”, which exists not only as the definition of pop song perfection, but shows our character gaining strength. Shivers run down your spine when he screams, "I'm going on, going on!" "In Ruin" leaves a sweet taste in our mouths with it's swirly delays, rhodes bells and sweeping cello.

Enter Liebe über Alles, The Story of Our Lives' graceful and exquisite counterpart. Our character has chosen death, but now lives to continue his journey home. A beautiful relenting, “Mon Désir” is honest in both melody and lyric as Pritzl’s broken voice sings, "All I want is you." "Arc" has a driving rhythm that climaxes with an explosion of spirited strings. "I am coming home!" The dreamy and romantic ballad, "I Caught Fire", is encased in a haze of fuzz guitar, pulsing drums and the descending piano, "…in all the songs of men and angels, if I have no love, I'm blank." And finally “through a life, blessed and cursed, love and only love goes on and on…” the true rest of “Liebe über Alles” and the final acknowledgement that our character has made it home.

This is not just another album by another band. This is a realization. A realization that this story--the struggle and the heartache, feeling lost and so alone--belongs to each one of us. It’s the way we feel when we are sad and broken and it’s the way we feel when we are so complete and content, at home and at rest within ourselves and with others and with “The Lord of Song.” It’s knowing we’re not alone in this big, messed up machine of a world. It’s the hope of “every corner of our heart and soul” being made for someone who loves us more than we will ever understand.

This is the story of our lives.

The Violet Burning is Michael J. Pritzl, Daryl Dawson and Lenny Beh. THE STORY OF OUR LIVES:Liebe über Alles, Black as Death, andTH3 FANT^5T1C MACH1N3 was written and recorded by Michael Pritzl at Nowhere, CA studios (various closets, garages, entry ways, and bedrooms in Southern California) and features Eleanor Beh on Cello and Jeff Schroeder of Smashing Pumpkins (lead guitar on 3 songs). The Story Of Our Lives was released digitally at thevioletburning.com March 5, 2011. The triple album will be coming worldwide one part at a time via iTunes, Amazon, and other online digital resellers throughout 2011. The triple album will also be available in it’s physical, beautiful, limited edition, 80-page packaging via thevioletburning.com beginning April 4, 2011. The Violet Burning are now planning US and European tour dates.

Grouplove "Colours" Music Video

2011-03-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Grouplove - "Colours"
Directed by Jordan Bahat
Cinematography by Kris Carrillo

After seeing Grouplove live last week at the Independent in San Francisco, I thought there was no hope for us having a relationship. Look, when it comes to new bands it takes a certain amount of convincing for me and any little thing can throw off the feng shui. This night it happened to be a pair of terrible mom jeans keyboardist, Hannah Hooper, was wearing. Never mind that. I should know better than to let a little thing like mom jeans, awful as they are, keep me from something that is altogether completely lovely, like this video.

I’ve seen a lot of videos in my thirty *coughcough* years of life and this one easily tops the list. It’s everything you’d want in a video—an interesting concept, beautiful cinematography. And something I’m always amazed directors fail to do is done perfectly here—what you are watching matches up perfectly with the eb and flow of the song. It’s as if the God of Music and the God of Art met and made out for five glorious minutes. My favorite part happens at 2:56. Look for the air drums. It makes me so happy I wanna give the whole world a high five.

Grouplove's self-titled debut EP is out now on Canvasback.

(Written for Indierockreviews.com)

Review: Shugo Tokumaru - Port Entropy

2011-01-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

I think its important to come clean straight away about two things. One, when I was a little girl, my best friend’s name was Shirley. She was Japanese. She would bring rice candies to school and share them with me. You know, the ones covered in edible rice paper. Epic. I thought she was from another planet. A planet I wished I was from. Second, Polyvinyl has my heart. Aloha, 31 Knots, Ida, Of Montreal? Must I go on?

With the aforementioned in mind, I give you Shugo Tokumaru. He is of course on Polyvinyl and he is of course from Japan. Recipe for a biased review? I guess you’ll just have to keep reading.

This is Tokumaru’s fourth full length and it’s appropriately entitled, Port Entropy. Entropy means energy. (I know, I was paying attention in science class.) Specifically it means random energy. Fast-moving random energy. In the sea of music, this is indeed port entropy. It’s random and it’s fast and it seems to move in all directions at once.

The entropy seems to settle in a good way with lead single, “Lahaha,” which employs the use of flute, guitar, accordion, chimes, xylophone, and piano, to name a few. Shugo is known for this multi-instrumentational approach. His cacophony of circa 100 instruments, which he all plays himself, also works nicely on the stripped-down, piano-driven ballad, “Linne”, a song that stands as the lone somber track on the record. “Laminte” is mellowed out and a welcome break from the merriment, as well, until the last 10 seconds which read like a xylophonic temper tantrum. Completely unsettling, but at least interesting.

The rest of the record is one sunny slap in the face after the other which is, perhaps, my only complaint. Although obviously and ridiculously talented, Shugo seems to be a one trick pony. It’s all poppy, happy whimsy. It’s like being a kid and skipping down the sidewalk as fast as you can on a perfect 75 degree day, an ice cream cone in one hand and a lollipop in the other. If it wasn’t so sweet and so much, I might be able to stomach it. But it’s too much. Too disorienting. Though I should say this is less of a musical critique than it is pure preference. It’s just that I tend to think less is more, not to mention the outrageously happy tone of the album doesn’t so much agree with the Daria in me.

In fact, the Daria in me kind of wants to kick it around a bit. In the mud. It’s just too shiny. Like a pair of new, white tennis shoes. And it causes me to question it’s authenticity. Like, what does this dude do in his spare time? I’m thinking crafts. He’s probably making a snowman out of cotton balls as I type…for his Grandma.

But this is not to say I don’t enjoy the album, because I do. Or I did. That is to say, this is not a record I’ll be coming back to again and again. But others are going to dig it for sure. It’s unique and it’s well-crafted and it’s melodic. It has really fantastic moments. And just because it’s too much for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect concoction for you. Speaking of, I will say that apart from the music, I want whatever Shugo’s having. Maybe it’s those crazy rice candies.

Buy Port Entropy

Wild Mocassins

2009-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

This band is too precious for words. If there were such a thing as having a crush on a band, Wild Mocassins would be the current object of my affection. I'm *this* close to writing their name on my binder.

Calling Houston, TX home, this 5-piece makes music full of sugar and sunshine. It's pop music at it's best--accessible, fun. Arrangements are clever, but not too clever. In other words, you'll "get it". I like music I don't have to think about. Music I can just clap along to.

Please enjoy this video of Wild Mocassins performing "Cake" live from Joe Mathlete's living room. Whoever that is. And if you like what you hear, check out their MySpace page where you can purchase their charming new EP, Microscopic Metronomes. I highly recommend you do so.

The Gossip

2009-06-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Beth Ditto is so badass. Why aren't there more Beth Ditto's in the world? Maybe if there were, I wouldn't appreciate her like I do. This video is for The Gossip's feature single "Heavy Cross" off their forthcoming album, Music For Men, out June 23. "Heavy Cross" is a song laden with gnarly guitar hooks and danceable beats, and of course, Ditto's unmatched vox. Also, there's gold. And there's glitter. There's also gold glitter. At one point, Ditto spews the stuff from her mouth. I can't imagine what she's getting at there. *wink wink*

Summer European tour kicks off in July. For more info visit gossipyouth.com!

I heart Firs!

2009-06-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Firs is the brainchild and side project of Joey Cook, frontman for Cincy and Lujo's very own Pomegranates. Firs will have a new full length album out on Lujo very soon! Until then, check out this video for "Whale in the Night", the feature single from I Will Come Back As A Volcano EP, self-released and now re-released by Lujo and available on iTunes (for just $3.99)! Joey, you make my heart happy! This video.. I could just eat it up with spoon!

Firs - Whale in the Night from Pete Ohs on Vimeo.

Expialidocious

2009-06-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

This post is a little off the beaten track. It's probably not what you've come to expect from me. What can I say? I have awesome friends with ears in all places. One of them sent me this video last week and I just had to post about it.

First you should know that Mary Poppins is one of my favorite movies of all time. Who wouldn't want to show up to their next social gathering hanging from an umbrella? And don't even get me started on those penguins! Those freaking dancing penguins!!

Anyway. The guy who strings together this electro-awesomeness is by way of Australia and goes by the most unfortunate handle, Fagottron. Probably wouldn't be my first choice, but I kind of get it. Most people think movies like Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland are silly and most likely in his heart of hearts, he knows this. But I, for one, love old movies and find Fagottron's mash-ups positively.. supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! And I know that at the very least, you'll find them nostalgic!

Fagottron - Expialidocious

For a list of Fagottron's other videos, peep his YouTube page at: http://www.youtube.com/fagottron

Richard Swift

2009-06-04T13:41:00.001-07:00

What? My last post about Richard Swift wasn't convincing enough? You still haven't picked up The Atlantic Ocean? Shame, shame on you dear reader. Your life could be THAT much better if you got off your pretty little duff and took action. If you absolutely need more convincing, I give you the video for "The Atlantic Ocean", title track off of The Atlantic Ocean out on Secretly Canadian. God Bless you, Dicky, you make my heart happy!

Watch more AOL Music videos on AOL Video

US Tour this summer with The Fray:
June 12th Chastain Park Amphitheatre - Atlanta, Georgia
June 13th Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, North Carolina
June 14th Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, Virginia
June 16th Merriweather Post Pavillion - Columbia, Maryland
June 17th Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Darien Center, New York
June 18th Pianos - New York, New York *
June 19th PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, New Jersey
June 20th New England Dodge Music Theatre - Hartford, Connecticut
June 21st Comcast Center - Mansfield, Massachusetts
June 23rd Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto, Ontario
June 24th Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, New Jersey
June 25th Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre - Wantagh, New York
June 27th DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, Michigan
June 28th First Midwest Center - Tinley Park, Illinois
June 29th Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, Ohio
July 1st Time Warner Cable Amphitheater - Cleveland, Ohio
July 2nd Verizon Wireless Music Center - Noblesville, Indiana
July 3rd Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Maryland Heights, Missouri
July 4th Marcus Amphitheater - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
July 5th Schubas - Chicago, Illinois *

New Lujo Records Sampler!!

2009-06-04T09:38:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends!

Okay so over a most amazing dinner of Thai food last weekend, my new friend, Erika, asked me a question I figured I'd address for any of you that don't know.

"Jocelyn, what is your association with Lujo?"

For those that know the answer to this, you can skip to the next paragraph. For the rest of you, I will keep this simple. I run the damn thing with my partner/husband Erik! I bought into the label 5 years ago, before I had even laid on eyes on Erik (and wasn't even sure I liked him), because I really dug what his label was doing and wanted a piece of the action!

But that's OLD news...

The very newsy news of today is that we just released our 2009 (I know, a little late) label sampler!!! It's FREE. What is free anymore these days???? Lujo 2009 Sampler, that's what!

We hope you download it, pass it along, blog about it, share it on your pages, etc. Spread the word about these amazing artists!! You can find tunes from our current roster (The Dark Romantics, Pomegranates, Death House Chaplain, Mouse Fire, Baby Teeth, etc.), and also tunes from the Lujo newbies who will be putting out records in the coming year: Enlou, Nayonetes, Summerbirds in the Cellar!!

Can't wait for you all to check out this sampler! And remember everything you hear either is or will be available from us, Lujo Records! I encourage you to check out these artists' full lengths. I don't do this for my health, friends, I do this because I think Lujo artists have amazingness that you need to be a part of!

Thanks for your support!!!! Happy listening! Here's the link!

Lujo 2009 Sampler

Leave it to Viva Voce

2009-05-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing will ever move me quite like Viva Voce's redheaded step child full-length, otherwise known as Hooray for Now. However, these guys get a second set of props for getting my bloggin' ass back back on the horse with their new single "Octavia" from their new record Rose City (which just sounds like a lovely place to be) out tomorrow on Barsuk! (Yes, even after a hiatus I'm STILL ahead of the game!)

"Octavia" is pretty mellow for a single, but I'm such a sucker for Viva Voce's smooth rock beats! If you're familiar with 2006's higly acclaimed Get Yer Blood Sucked Out, you'll see this track isn't far off that mark. You'll recognize the sweet dueling vocals from Kevin and Anita Robinson. The combination of those two really does cover a multitude of sins. That is to say, I think they could get away with a lot..or very little. I mean, who other than Anita can make "We do not fuck around" sound sweet, cute even? Okay, maybe the Brits. Maybe.

All this to say, kick up your feet and chill out to "Octavia" and be sure to pick up a copy of Rose City out tomorrow on Barsuk!

Viva Voce - Octavia

Tour Dates:
05/24 Quincy, WA Gorge Amphitheatre (Sasquatch Festival)
05/25 Boise, ID Neurolux *
05/26 Missoula, MT The Other Side *
05/28 St. Paul, MN Turf Club *
05/29 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle *
05/30 Chicago, IL Do Division Street Fest
05/31 Columbus, OH The Summit *
06/01 Rochester, NY The Bug Jar *
06/02 Allston, MA Great Scott
06/03 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's
06/04 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
06/05 Arlington, VA IOTA *
06/06 Akron, OH Musica *
06/07 Newport, KY Southgate House*
06/09 St. Louis, MO Firebird *
06/10 Kansas City, MO Record Bar *
06/11 Norman, OK Opolis *
06/12 Denton, TX Hailey's*
06/13 Austin, TX Mohawk *
06/15 Tucson, AZ Plush *
06/16 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room*
06/17 Los Angeles, CA Echo *
06/18 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill *
06/20 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom *
* w/ Cut Off Your Hands

On a short haitus...

2009-05-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

Returning soon!

A Lull - Skinny Fingers

2009-04-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe the best video I've ever seen.

Produced & Directed by Nigel Evan Dennis, Todd Miller & Mike Brown
Illustration & Animation by Nigel Evan Dennis. A Lull's Ice Cream Bones EP will be out next month on Lujo Records. Really looking forward to this one!

Performances:
4.19.09 @ Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL, 8pm 18+
5.1.09 @ County Line Apple Orchard, Hobart, IN, 6pm
5.8.09 @ Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL, 8pm 18+
5.9.09 @ Amp Lounge, Chicago, IL 10pm 21+ (acoustic set)
5.31.09 @ Do-Division Street Fest, Chicago, IL, 7pm
6.8.09 @ The Record Bar, Kansas City, MO, 8pm 21+
6.25.09 @ The Frequency, Madison, WI, 9pm 21+

Apostle of Hustle

2009-04-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

Broken Social Scene might as well start it's own colony. Between the band, it's rotating cast of members and its spawn (ie, side projects) we're talking enough people to milk the cows, make the bread AND till the land. And we're talking enough talent to make you sick. Yeah, it might be inbred, but it's also awesome. Case and point: Apostle Of Hustle.

Andrew Whiteman is the man behind the Hustle (heh) and he's painted his new collection, curiously titled National Anthem Of Nowhere, as "a serial poem about some struggles people go through." The verbiage all sounds super vague to me. The title track, "National Anthem Of Nowhere", does not. With it's reflecting atmospherics and casual mega-phonic antics, this is a song that knows exactly who it is and what it's doing. And I am in love with the melody.

National Anthem Of Nowhere is out now on the indelible and impeccable Arts and Crafts label. Here's to hoping Apostle of Hustle make it stateside soon.

Apostle of Hustle - National Anthem of Nowhere

Sin Fang Bous

2009-04-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd check up on a favorite this morning, Morr Music. Morr is one of Berlin's most beloved and influential electro pop labels. So influential, in fact, that many have considered the label to have invented its own genre. For me, it's the first place I turn when I'm in the mood for good electronic music. And by good, I mean check your trance-techno-house at the door. The electronica Morr puts out is better suited under the umbrella of "ambient".

Today I uncovered a gem for you, dear reader, by the name of Sin Fang Bous. Sin Fang Bous is Sindri Mar Sigfusson. He's from the land of beautiful and highly experimental music--Iceland, of course. Sifgusson's organic construction of melodies and careful insertion of electro bips and blops has certainly put a smile on my face his morning. Hopefully it will put one on yours as well.

For your listening pleasure, this morning I give you one of the lead singles from, Clangour, available now from Morr and on iTunes!

Sin Fang Bous - Clangour and Flutes

Metric - Help I'm Alive

2009-04-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

When the temps hit 90+ degrees in California, I turn to an ice tea and a fave band. Metric is one of these.

Here are some thoughts from Emily Haines of Metric in regard to their new album, Fantasies. The album debuted at #105 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, marking the first time the band has ever earned a spot there--a particularly impressive feat considering the album was self-released on the band's own label, Metric Music International (MMI, also known as Me, Myself & I):

"Writing for me comes from a process of trying to piece things together," says Haines. "The function of music in my life is to help me understand what the hell is happening. This new record was about ending the fragmentation of my existence. Everything in the world right now — all the technology, the way we listen to music or watch films — everything has changed so much in my lifetime. People are allowed to have multiple identities — you're somebody online, you're somebody else in public — in multiple dimensions, scattered across the world… I wanted to bring all that into one place, one band, one record… I want to be one person."

That pretty much says it all, yes?

Metric's fourth album, Fantasies, is out now. They'll be touring the states in June. Huzzah!

Metric - Help I'm Alive

Baby Teeth - Big Schools

2009-04-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I'm in a serious bad way this morning. Not because I woke up and we were out of milk so I couldn't have my morning coffee. (Although that really is the worst, isn't it?) No, I'm in a bad way because Baby Teeth hurts so good! Those darlings of the Chicago scene have just released the first single, "Big Schools", from their new record Hustle Beach! These guys have unmatched writing chops, a cooled-out-retro-70s vibe, and style for days! Oh yeah, and this track, is like, totally danceable. Which we (which is really just me) here at Every Note Noted love. Check the keyboard breakdown. Oh heck yes.

Baby Teeth - Big Schools

Please can I be Baby Teeth in my next life?? I wanna know what it's like to rock SO hard. I can't wait to hear the rest of this record, out July 14 on Lujo Records! Come, July, come!

Tour Dates

04/18/09 Kalamazoo, MI @ The Strut*
04/19/09 Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Music Disco
w/Pet Lions, Soft Targets, The Valley of the Ghosts, Ultramark
05/14/09 10:00:00 PM Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle*
*=w/My Dear DIsco

Still Flyin'

2009-04-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wonders never cease to amaze in this land I call my home. San Francisco--the city where anything goes and everyone's at home. The city where dude wants to start a band and asks not some of his friends to join, but ALL of them. This dude I speak of is Sean Rawls, the band Still Flyin'. And the friends? Well this rotating collective has featured members of Track Star, Aislers Set, Ladybug Transistor, Love Is All, Maserati, and Red Pony Clock, amongst others.

Fans of Architecture in Helsinki, (and people who like to have a good time), brace yourself for what is sure to be your new favorite band. This jam is rocksteady-reggae-inspired fun! Seriously, guys. It's partytime! Get off your duff and get down to this.

Still Flyin'- The Art of Jamming

You can find "The Art of Jamming" on Za Could EJ EP, released on Antenna Farm Records.

May 8 @ The Blue Lamp [Sacramento, CA]
May 9 @ Cafe Du Nord [San Francisco, CA]

And to keep the party rollin'...
Architecture in Helsinki - That Beep

Pomegranates and Telekinesis In-Studio

2009-04-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today marks the day that two of my fave bands, take indoors to two of my fave radio stations for in-studio gloriousness. Huzzah!

Pomegranates @ 1 PM PDT

Telekinesis @ 12 PM PDT

Pomegranates will be playing stuff from their new record, Everybody Come Outside, which drops tomorrow (yay!) on Lujo Records! And I'm sure whatever Telekinesis is playing will be amazing--likely new material from their new record as well!! For those that don't know, Telekinesis is Chris Staple's (of Discover America and Twothirtyeight) new gig. Be sure to tune in by streaming from iTunes Radio or via the websites!!

MP3 Party w/ Hallie and Henry

2009-04-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, everyone! Fridays are things to celebrate, as are bands on tour, as are easter bunnies (reference photo). Eric Elbogen, mastermind behind Say Hi, seems to have all those bases covered.

Today's MP3 comes to us straight from the horses mouth (Barsuk) in celebration of Say Hi taking to the road next month with Cloud Cult. Should be a good tour, yes? All you bay area babies should meet up with me at the SF show!

But, uh, back to the party at hand. "Hallie and Henry" is a demo track from Ooohs & Aahs, released March 3. It's nice. It's low fi and sweet, just like a Friday should be... just like peeps. Mmm, I love peeps. And I don't know what I'm talking about anymore.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hallie and Henry - Say Hi

Tour Dates!
May 8th SEATTLE, WA [at Neumo's]
May 9th VANCOUVER, BC [at Biltmore]
May 10th PORTLAND, OR [at Wonder Ballroom]
May 12th SAN FRANCISCO, CA [at Independent]
May 13th COSTA MESA, CA [at Detroit Bar]
May 15th SAN DIEGO, CA [at Casbah]
May 16th TUCSON, AZ [at Plush]
May 17th PHOENIX, AZ [at Rhythm Room]
May 19th DENVER, CO [at Bluebird Theatre]

Shout Out Louds - Impossible

2009-04-07T14:03:00.001-07:00

I'm straying from current with this post, but this one just feels good. No more words, just sight and sound today.

Fiona Apple Sings Cy Coleman

2009-04-07T10:50:00.001-07:00

Okay. I'll be honest. I've been busy. Too busy to write, but not too busy to keep my ear to the ground for the latest and greatest.

Remember Fiona Apple? She's been off the scene a bit since the release of 2005's Extraordinary Machine, and really who could blame her with all the drama behind that release including more than a few release-date changes, two producers and an entire re-recording ? Not me. I don't blame you, Fiona. Plus Extraordinary gave us plenty to enjoy in the meanwhile. I still get goosebumps when I hear that title track. [Insert affectionate noise here.]

And now our dear Fiona is back with "Why Try to Change Me Now", a jazzy standard from famed composer/pianist Cy Coleman, covered for his tribute EP, Then Was Then, And Now Is Now. Man I love that title. It's beautifully unconventional, much like we've come to know Ms. Apple herself. The songs lyrics are also curiously relevant to the artist's personality. A nice pairing indeed. See if you don't agree.

Then Was Then, And Now Is Now EP also features performances by Patty Griffin, Nikka Costa, Julianna Raye, Ambrosia Parsley, and more. I hope it's available on iTunes soon!

Say Hi - Elouise

2009-04-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

This song is good. So good, I might just name my first child after it. That is, if that first child is a girl. Naming a boy Elouise is, I'm sure, outlawed in 5 countries. My sources say so. Actually from what I understand, "Elouise" was named after someone, that someone being a girl who is a DJ and also in a Seattle indie band. I don't know if I believe that though. It all sounds too good to be true.

What I do know is that Say Hi has changed their name (they used to be Say Hi to Your Mom), moved from Brooklyn to Seattle (good call) and signed to Barsuk. Bravo. These decisions show good taste all around. "Elouise" appears on Oohs & Aahs, Say Hi's sixth studio effort, and their first record with the Barsuk family. Out now!

Listen!

Tour Dates:
6 Apr DENVER, CO [ Hi-Dive ]
7 Apr SALT LAKE CITY, UT [ Kilby Court ]
8 Apr BOISE, ID [ Neurolux ]
8 Apr BOISE, ID [ Record Exchange ]
9 Apr PORTLAND, OR [ Holocene ]

St. Vincent

2009-04-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

I might be sitting here in my living room in my pajamas, but Annie Clark, stage name St. Vincent, is sitting a top the cusp of her sophomore album debut. She wins. In 2007 she gave us Marry Me, a hauntingly beautiful and intelligent debut record that was met with high acclaim. I still can't get the album cover image out of my noggin.

May 5th will see the release of Actor on 4AD, and in the meantime Annie has given us "The Strangers". The track begins like something I'd imagine you'd hear playing in a gelato store in Italy... and then the creep sets in. But it's not creep like a stomach ache from all that gelato. It's creepy-beautiful. In fact, you could say this track has a split personality in the best way possible, in the same way that allowed this multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter to play with the likes of both the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens.

St. Vincent - The Strangers

Tour Dates
Mar 28 Houston, TX @ Numbers
Apr 6 Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
Apr 21 London @ Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Apr 26 Paris @ La Maroquinerie
Apr 27 Amsterdam @ Paradiso
May 19 Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theater
May 20 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
May 21 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
May 22 Washington, DC @ Black Cat
May 24 Quincy, WA @ The Gorge Amphitheatre
May 25 Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
May 27 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
May 28 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
May 30 San Diego, CA @ Casbah
May 31 Phoenix, AZ @ Modified
Jun 2 Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theater
Jun 3 Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Jr.
Click here for more tour dates!

I Likey the Lykke Li

2009-04-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

Remember in grade school when your teacher was sick and she'd bring in a substitute and that sub would just play movies all day? Well, this post is kind of like that because I'm sick with a cold and even my eyeballs hurt, which I didn't know was even possible.

What I do know is that I have an affinity for all things sweedish pop, and it's latest darling is Lykke Li. I caught her video on Current TV yesterday and was going to post the one I saw here, but this live performance from KEXP is far more interesting. I like this girl. A lot.

RICHARD SWIFT I ♥ YOU!

2009-03-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

I know it's unconventional to say this, but I love to see my friends succeed. And by succeed I mean garnering the proper attention their art merits. Richard Swift is one of these--a rather prolific singer/songwriter and a sweet guy to boot, Swift had humble beginnings and over the course of 10 years has been making a slow but sure rise to the tippy top.

Back in the day, Swift released several eponymous records under the name "Dicky Ochoa." He then moved to Southern California, had a stint playing keys with Starflyer 59, finally releasing his solo material with indie label, Velvet Blue. Friends and I diligently made it out to every show he played in and around LA in 2003/4, knowing that our time to see him in such intimate settings before he became wildly popular was surely limited.

In 2004 Mr. Swift signed to UK major label, Polydor, also releasing his music stateside via Secretly Canadian. Today, the one and only MySpace has announced the exclusive premiere of his fourth studio album, "The Atlantic Ocean"! Official release date is April 7. He will tour with Vetiver this spring and The Fray this summer. Next thing you know we're going to see him as a VH1 Emerging Artist. Sheesh!

Go see him, go buy his records, go stream the new album on MySpace!! Listen to title track, "The Atlantic Ocean". If it doesn't make you dance, there is something seriously very wrong with you.

Tour Dates!
Apr 7 Santa Cruz, CA @ Crepe Place Outside Patio w/ Vetiver
Apr 8 San Francisco, CA @Great American Music Hall w/ Vetiver
Apr 9 San Diego, CA @ Casbah w/ Vetiver
Apr 10 Tucson, AZ @ Plush w/ Vetiver
Apr 11 Phoenix, AZ @ Modified w/ Vetiver
Apr 13 Los Angeles, CA @ Eagle Rock Center For Arts w/ Vetiver
Apr 14 Visalia, CA @ The Cellar Door w/ Vetiver
Apr 16 Arcata, CA @ The Depot - Humboldt State University w/ Vetiver
Apr 17 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge w/ Vetiver
Apr 18 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Cafe w/ Vetiver
Apr 19 Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore w/ Vetiver
Jun 12 Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre w/ The Fray
Jun 13 Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre w/ The Fray
Jun 14 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach w/ The Fray
...For tons more tour dates check the MySpace page!

Wooden Birds Are Sweet

2009-03-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you like American Analog Set? Okay now take that hand and pat your head and then take your other hand and rub your belly. And while you're doing that, read this. American Analog Set singer/songwriter, Andrew Kenny, has returned to indie rock, and also to his native land of Austin, TX under the moniker of The Wooden Birds. Of course he has some new friends playing with him and although fans of AAS will recognize Kenny's voice immediately, the vibe of Wooden Birds is decidedly different.

"Sugar", the lead single from the debut album, Magnolia, due out May 12 on Barsuk/Morr Music (two of my absolute fave labels), has the same lo fi feel of American Analog Set. It's a simple acoustic strummer, but it's punched out a bit more. The vocals are turned up, the percussion section more pronounced. There's also a timeless quality to this song--a quality I wouldn't necessarily assign to AAS material.

Like sugar, this song goes down pretty easy. Have a listen and see if you don't think so too.

The Wooden Birds - Sugar

Tour Dates:
04-10 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
04-11 Philadelphia, PA - M Room
04-12 Washington, DC - Black Cat
04-16 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
04-18 Cambridge, MA - T. T. The Bear's
04-19 New Haven, CT - Bar Night Club

Mrenc Mhmm

2009-03-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hot wife, hot band, some people just can't leave good enough alone and I'm afraid Eric Collins is one of those people. He's already frontman and co-brainchild for Florida-based The Dark Romantics. This, after a successful run as frontman for the band Denison Marrs. I guess when you're as prolific a songwriter as Collins, you just keep spitting material out, and if there's no one around to collaborate with, you go all DIY on yourself and funnel that creativity into a solo project.

Mrenc is that solo project for Collins. If you're familiar with Collins' past projects, you know that dude can sing the kitchen sink. Add those velvety vocals to a suped up electrobeat and what you got is a dance song for the dance club.

About his debut singel RCRD LBL says it's "Coaxy, Cold War Kids-ish bedroom pop from the Sunshine State," but you should check it out yourself.

Get down to "Dying Over You", self-released March 2009 and available on iTunes now! And stay tuned for more singlemania from Mrenc comin' down the pike!

Enlou vs The Birds

2009-03-25T09:44:00.001-07:00

What can you do to get all these damn springtime birds to shut up? Well, nothing really.. 'cept for turning up your music and drowning those suckers out. (Frickin' woodpecker!!) This morning I'm giving those irritating birds a punch in the beak with the rather pleasant-sounding Enlou. Oh jeez. Describing them as pleasant makes them sound like elevator music. I assure you, dear reader, this is so not the case.

Enlou are another Cincinatti indie pop quartet. (I seem to be into those.) With velvety vocals over glittering guitar leading into shouty vocals with driving drum beats, each song reads like a good drama with quiet to climax to all hell breaks loose! When I get sad I like to listen to bands like Enlou because, somehow, they make me not despise those woodpeckers so much.

Check out this video, the first track off their Passing Islands EP, and then head over to their Myspace page and listen to... well, just listen to all the songs they have posted. And then say a giant "Eff you, Woodpecker!" Seriously do it. It feels good.

Check out Enlou Apr 18 @ Madison Theatre in Covington, Kentucky!

Audrye Sessions Don't Turn Me Off

2009-03-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know when this band got good. Years ago I used to go see them play at the Los Gatos community center, opening for bands like The Jealous Sound. Funny thing, I don't remember there being a girl in the band, much less a hot one. I guess times have changed because now they're signed to Sony (don't let the "Black Seal" name fool you, it's a unit of Sony and Sony's attempt to appear indie--barf) and getting played on Live 105.

Their single, "Turn Me Off" is awesome. I know that beach bunny Thom Yorke would kill me for saying this, but for a second when I first heard the song, I thought it was some obsucre, yet well produced, Radiohead B-side. Then I thought it was Muse. Then I had no idea who it was and found out it was Audrye Sessions.

Their debut, self-titled full-length is out now, only $5.99 on iTunes. What real life indie label could afford that? (snarf snarf)

Without further adieu, here's the video.

Audrye Sessions - Turn Me Off

Audrye Sessions - Turn Me Off - Audrye Sessions

Beirut's Been Around the Block

2009-03-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

God bless WOXY. I hear so much new music on that station that I've never heard before. Today I heard a song called "Venice" by a band called Beirut. I immediately started researching and came up pretty empty. I did unearth a bio and, though confusing, what I gather from it is that Beirut is the brainchild of a character by the name of Zach Condon. Condon looks to be a prolific songwriter, young, and well-traveled. His travels have had a profound influence on the music you hear and perhaps that's why "Venice" caught my attention--it doesn't sound like the same old crap. It sounds like it's from another world.

The new EP, March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland, is said to contain music from Condon’s recent trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. Amigos, I give you "La Llorona" the single featuring backing music from 19-piece Mexican group, The Jimenez Band. March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland is available on iTunes from Ba Da Bing Records.

Look Mexico's Gasp Asp

2009-03-21T10:12:00.001-07:00

Since it's Saturday, let's take a break from the news and get personal. (uh-oh!) Let's talk about what I'm listening to in my car. Wait! Back that Golf up. Ha ha! So dorky.

Okay, so. I started this blog for a few reasons. The main reasons--I love music and I love to write. I write for a few webzines and magazines, but they don't always let you say just what you want to say, and good golly if I want to exercise my right to free speech! The other reason I started this blog was in an attempt to reconnect, so to speak, with the outside world of music. You see, it's really easy for me to live in my Lujo bubble. It's lovely in there, and full of all my favorite music.

Knowing this, you won't be surprised to hear what's playing in my car and has been playing in my car for months now. Look Mexico's Gasp, Asp EP. It's four songs of super approachable, yet complex indie rock. That is to say, this is not your mother's chicken soup, but it reads like it. It's totally listenable, but not at all boring. And it's happy. It's the type of music that you take a risk with listening to in your car because all that good energy somehow finds its way down to the gas peddle, and before you know it you're going way faster than you should be.

For me, Look Mexico was love at first listen and they seem to have this affect on everyone they come into contact with. See if you agree... Gasp, Asp is available on iTunes and on 7" via Tiny Engines.

Look Mexico - You're Not Afraid of the Dark, Are You?

Go see my Look Mexicans!

03/22/09 San Antonio, TX @ Rock Bottom Tatoo Bar
03/24/09 Scottsdale, AZ @ Chyro Arts
03/24/09 Pehonix, AZ @ Dry River
03/25/09 San Diego, CA @ Hensley's Flying Elephant
03/26/09 Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room
03/27/09 San Jose, CA @ The Blank Club
03/28/09 San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
03/30/09 Portland, OR @ Backspace
03/31/09 Boise, ID @ Flying M
04/01/09 Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Sho
04/01/09 Salt Lake City, UT @ Bar Deluxe
04/02/09 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
04/03/09 Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge
04/04/09 Dallas, TX @ The Door
04/17/09 Gainsville, FL @ University of FL
04/18/09 Tampa, FL @ Crowbar

The Other Karen

2009-03-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

Fever Ray is Karin Dreijer Andersson, one half of the sweedish pop duo, The Knife. If you're not familiar with The Knife, let's just say their last album, Silent Shout, was named Album of the Year in 2006 by a particular website which I have been known to both love and hate.

Where do you go after an accolade like that? You take time off, have a baby or two and start a solo project, naturally. Like The Knife, Karen's music is still constructed on electronic foundations, but Fever Ray is entirely more moody, more creepy. Creepy in the good way. Like Bjork or Aphex Twin. The Tripwire reports that Karen likes to make music that allows her to be somebody else. (I'm paraphrasing, of course.) This definitely comes through in her music. Regarding her writing process, Karen says:

"A lot of it is like daydreaming, dreaming when you’re awake, but tired; a lot of stories come from that world. I try to write when I‘m in that state - I’m very bad at remembering later, so I have to do it right away.”

Fever Ray - When I Grow Up

Vampire Weekend Debuts New Song on Jimmy Fallon

2009-03-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

I am so over this bands' schtick. When they first came out I was really confused. The popped collar... the rich boy signing about rich boy stuff. Maybe it's because I'm a westie but I didn't get it. I had a slight change of heart, however, when mainstream radio embraced them. I thought, "This is progress for radio," and figured I'd lend my support to these Brooklyn prepsters. I mean, Vampire Weekend was about a million times better than the other crap radio was constantly playing. Also, "A-Punk" is kind of an amazing song.

So me and the VW, we were good. That is until they went and played on Jimmy Fallon last night and crushed all my dreams!! They played "White Sky", a brand new song from their next full length due out in the fall. Intriguing, right? First of all, there were the popped collars. Is there a stylist in the house?! Second, I'm sorry but if I wanted to listen to Peter Gabriel, I'd listen to Peter Gabriel. (Didn't I say this about the last record?) And don't even get me going on Ezra. If watching him go into his falsetto wearing a fleece and white tennis shoes doesn't make you cringe, I don't know what will. Seriously, I'm in pain over here.

Vampire Weekend - White Sky (live on Jimmy Fallon)

Bad Veins Sign to Dangerbird!

2009-03-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I first heard about Bad Veins via Pomegranates, and I've always thought they were a great band. Dangerbird Records (home of Silversun Pickups who have a new record out April 14th) picked them last yesterday at SXSW. Good grab!

Whatchu guys think?!

Cursive Sings From the Hips?

2009-03-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

I need a hug. I'm not at SXSW and it makes me sad. I've been in this biz too many years to not have ever gone before. Really it's wrong. You know what else is wrong? Last year I had just started working a temporary day gig the week after SXSW. One of the girls who's desk was across from mine had just gotten back from Austin and was talking about how fun it was. I was such a bitter Betty! And here I am a year later.. feeling all bitter Betty again! Next year I'm there come hell or high water. Who will hold me to it?

Sigh. Okay! Now that I got that out of my system, let's talk Cursive. I usually don't have favorites, but I can easily pick out my favorite track from Cursive's new album, Mama I'm Swollen. That track is "From The Hips", and it is decidedly the poppiest song on the record. Come to find out it's the lead single as well, and as lead singles go, it's pretty darn misleading because the rest of the record isn't poppy in the least bit. But that's another story for another time. Maybe I'll write a review on this one to fully address the discrepancy. For now check the single. It's quite nice. Mama I'm Swollen is out now on Saddle Creek (where else?).

Cursive - From The Hips

Phoenix Teaser, Such a Tease!

2009-03-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

I know some people are down on the French, but hot damn if I don't love Phoenix. They never fail to disappoint with their innate pop sensibilities and ability to get an audience moving. I've never seen more white boys dancing than I did when I saw Phoenix live. And I can't say I didn't bob my head to "1901", the lead leak off the bands' forthcoming album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The title has me wondering a bit, but I appreciate the ballsy-ness I guess? And hell, 1901 gives me such an intense happy buzz, I suddenly can't even recall what the album title is. What was I talking about again?... Bzzz... Oh yeah! 1901. It's quintessential Phoenix infused with dancy synth beats. Please tell me they are playing this in the Parisian dance clubs. Ooo it makes me feel good inside! I can't wait to hear the rest of this record, out worldwide May 25th. Bring it.

Phoenix - 1901

Pomegranates Listening Party on Buzzgrinder.com!

2009-03-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

First of all people, I want you to know that I bought some hot pink nail polish last night so that I can match my blog. I know. I'm awesome. And second off I want you to know that Lujo Records has partnered with Buzzgrinder.com for an exclusive Online Listening Party TONIGHT of the Pomegranates' brand new full length, Everybody Come Outside! Heck yeah! The party will be happening at the same time as the bands' album release show at Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky. While Poms are getting down on stage, Buzzgrinder will be streaming the album between 7:00-10:00 p.m. EST. They will have reps at the show who will be live-blogging to keep us all updated on the awesomeness. I've even heard rumors of a live chat so you can tell others what you think while you're hearing the album for the first time. Sound off!

Here is the link to the page where all the action is going down! The page is live, but the stream won't be up until tonight! And here is the link to the Facebook event page! Invite all your friends! This record is amazing, everyone must hear it!!

If you can't wait for the listening party, you can purchase the record on iTunes and via the Lujo webstore right now! Support this gem of a band!

Grizzly Bear? Where?

2009-03-12T16:08:00.001-07:00

I pretty much came to the Grizzly Bear party late. Like, really late. So late the beer was gone and I was left feeling like that thing I'm sitting on right now. It wasn't like I'd never heard of the band, it was more like I heard way too much about them. Talk about press darlings. And the fact that they were from Brooklyn didn't really help their cause in my eyes. I suppose I've heard one too many over-hyped, overrated band that call Brooklyn home. Don't make me write a list. Plus, they have "bear" in their name. Not so original. Is it bad that I judge a book by its cover? Come on, people, names are important!

Back to the matter at hand. This band isn't bad and that is to say, they're pretty darn good. But something tells me if you're reading this you already know that. For those that don't, check out this live recording of "While You Wait For The Others" from their highly anticipated new album, Veckatimest, out May 26 on Warp Records. Love you, Warp. GB, jury's still out but signs point to "so far, so good."

Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others (live from KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic)

Something tells me you'd be foolish not to see Grizzly Bear live:
05.24.09 - Portland, OR (Aladdin Theatre)
05.25.09 - George, Washington (Sasquatch Festival)
05.26.09 - Vancouver, BC (Commodore)
05.28.09 - New York, NY (Town Hall)
05.29.09 - New York, NY (Town Hall)
06.01.09 - Washington DC (930 Club)
06.02.09 - Philadelphia, PA (Trocadero)
06.03.09 - Boston, MA (Berkley Performance Center)
06.04.09 - Montreal, QB (Le National)
06.05.09 - Toronto, ON (Phoenix)
06.07.09 - Minneapolis, MN (Cedar Cultural Center)
06.08.09 - Milwaukee, WI (Pabst Theatre)
06.09.09 - Bloomington, IN (Buskrik- Chumley)
06.11.09 - Carrboro, NC (Cats Cradle)
06.12.09 - Manchester, TN (Bonnaroo)
06.13.09 - Atlanta, GA (Tabernacle)
06.15.09 - Dallas, TX (Grenada)
06.16.09 - Austin, TX (The Parish)
06.19.09 - Los Angeles, CA (Wiltern)
06.21.09 - San Francisco, CA (Fillmore)

Saddle Up Is Ace

2009-03-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Friends in town equal no bloggy bloggin for me, but I'm back with something I really like (imagine that), The Boy Least Likely To. The music isn't heady and you don't need to have a puff or a pill or a masters in music to "get it". It's catchy, it's pop, it's so easy to like. And I'm not alone in my like. Their debut album, The Best Party Ever, released in 2005 was named one of Pitchfork's Top 50 albums that same year. (I hate to name check Pitchfork because, let's be honest, they don't always know what they're talking about, but in this case I concur.)

These british lads now offer up the single, "Saddle Up", from their forthcoming full length! Check it out.

The Boy Least Likely To - Saddle Up

The Law Of The Playground is out April 14 on +1 Records, or for all of you impatientbots, pick that crap up now on iTunes. Woot.

Interpol Guy Goes Filmmaker

2009-03-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

I hate it when models want to be singers and singers want to be actors and actors want to be politicians. It's like, stick to one discipline and save the rest of the jobs for the rest of the starving artists out there. But that being said, of course I'm intrigued when this crossover happens. It's along the same lines as rubbernecking on the freeway to see an accident. It's the sickness inside us that wants to see struggle.. or something. And unless your name is Will Smith or Miranda July (love her), most artists should stick to their day job. If you're a famous musician, stick to music. Famous actor, stick to acting. Take Ms. Zooey Deschanel for instance. I heart her to death, she is my total celeb girl crush. But She & Him really didn't do it for me. Like, at all.

So of course my ears perk up when I hear that Carlos Dengler, bassist of infamous NYC-based rock band Interpol, has tried his hand at filmmaking. Oh boy, here we go... A skeptic at heart about these things, I'm glad it's at least a short. It's called MY FRIENDS TOLD ME ABOUT YOU, and it targets the idea of celebrity as affliction. Wait. Did you just chuckle under you breath like I did?

Dengler writes:
"Making MY FRIENDS TOLD ME ABOUT YOU was a chance to explore the narrative potential of sound and spectacle. The idea was to achieve the expression of film as a composition, a tone poem of carefully selected cinematic effects and gestures."

Yeah, we'll see. Sorry, my cinicism is getting the best of me this morning. At least Dengler composed the original score for the film (in collabs with acclaimed English clarinetist, Ian Mitchell). This might be it's saving grace, but you check out the trailer and decide for yourself.

Doves Do It Again

2009-03-04T08:53:00.001-08:00

There are so many great albums coming out this April. It makes me so excited I almost don't care that my dog peed on my new area mat this morning... almost. Add Doves' new one to the April list. April 7th to be exact, on Astralwerks (one of my all-time fave labels)/Heavenly. Doves had me at Lost Souls, and although they've put out several records since, it's been a while since we've seen new material. In fact, they've been writing Kingdom of Rust over the past 18 months... (they could have created two human beings in that amount of time for crying out loud)... all shacked up indie-stilo in a farm house-come-studio in Cheshire. (That's England, people.)

The first single from the album, also titled "Kingdom of Rust", sounds unequivocally Doves, which in this age of over-experimentation-station is quite alright with me.

Happy times for us, the band has a May US tour planned. There will be a ticket pre-sale beginning Wednesday, March 11th. Go to Astralwerks.com for more info. (The secret password is: Jetstream.) Be sure to support these dudes!

TOUR DATES
5/14 San Diego, CA House of Blues
5/15 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
5/16 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
5/18 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
5/19 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre
5/21 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
5/22 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
5/23 George, WA Sasquatch! Festival
5/26 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
5/28 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theatre
5/29 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
5/30 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre
6/01 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
6/02 Montreal, QC Le National
6/04 New York, NY Terminal 5
6/05 Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero
6/06 Washington, DC 9.30 Club
6/07 Boston, MA House of Blues

Jennifever to Infinity and Beyond!

2009-03-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Alright, so here I am trying to eat my oatmeal squares, drink my coffee. It's pouring down rain here in California so I'm all mellowed-out.. that is, I WAS mellowed-out until halfway through this fist track of Jennifever's new album Spring Tide. See the song starts off pretty -pretty vocals, pretty music- and I knew it was building but then it climaxed into something way bigger than I was expecting. The second half is epic, almost orchestral sounding, and it woke me up out of my oatmeal coma for sure. Did I just step off the spaceship into space? Yes, I did. Spring Tide is out April 14th on Monotreme Records.

Jennifever - Green Meadow Island

Pomegranates on DIY, New Album!

2009-03-02T18:27:00.001-08:00

Pomegranates are an art-pop quartet from Cincinnati who are sitting on the cusp of their sophomore album Everybody, Come Outside!. The album is set to drop April 14, but lucky for us, there's a single available now. You can download it on iTunes with an additional track, and it's also for free on the Lujo website. The single is shimmery and sunny--it's just the kind of cheer most of us need right now in these bummer economic times. These guys give me hope, and I'm not just saying that because they're on my label. Check out their single below, and for a more in depth look, peep this awesome video interview from DIY.

Pomegranates - Corriander

And go see the band on the road! They're playing SXSW and just confirmed a whole slough of dates with Wye Oak!

Dates w/ Headlights!
03/12/09 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
03/13/09 Newport, KY @ Southgate House - Album release show!
03/14/09 Urbana, IL @ Canopy Club
03/15/09 St. Louis, MO @ Bluebird
03/16/09 Columbia, MO @ Mojo's

SXSW
03/17/09 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/18/09 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/19/09 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/20/09 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/21/09 Hot Springs, AR @ Valley of Vapors
04/15/09 Pittsburgh, PA @ Brillobox

Dates w/Wye Oak!
04/16/09 Cinncinnati, OH @ Southgate House
04/17/09 Chicago, IL @ Hideout
04/18/09 Carleton, MN @ Basement
04/19/09 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
04/20/09 Iowa City, IA @ Public Space One
04/21/09 Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room
04/22/09 Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
04/23/09 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Ct.
04/24/09 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
04/25/09 Kennewick, WA @ The Red Room
04/26/09 Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
04/27/09 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
04/29/09 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
04/30/09 Los Angeles, CA @ Silverlake Lounge
05/01/09 Pheonix, AZ @ Trunk Space
05/04/09 Norman, OK @ Opolis
05/05/09 Ft. Worth, TX @ TBD
05/06/09 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
05/09/09 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
05/10/09 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
05/11/09 Washington, DC @ Black Cat
05/12/09 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
05/13/09 New York City, NY @ Mercury Lounge
05/14/09 Cambridge, MA @ TT the Bears
05/15/09 New Haven, CT @ Cafe Nine
05/16/09 Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

Jose Galvez Debut Album

2009-03-01T14:55:00.001-08:00

I met Jose Galvez over quesadillas at Baja Fresh in Hollywood. A friend of a friend of mine, I knew little of the guy at the time. Translation: I had no freakin clue how talented he was. But I learned a little bit over lunch... I learned he was sweet and adorable (girls?) and that he played guitar in a band called Ozma. Ozma broke up in 2004 and then got back together 2006. Who can explain the inner workings of bands? I don't know if the down time created the space Jose needed to get his own ideas out (without having to run them past the band) or if the guy has just had ideas for a while and didn't put them together in a record until just now. Whatever the case is, I don't really care.. much. I care more about what I hear. Recording most of the music himself (drums, keys, bass, vocals) and with a little help from his friends, what I hear from Jose Galvez's debut self-titled album is pure pop genius--as effortless as it is accomplished.

Listen to "Press" and don't forget to download the album on iTunes!

Emmy the Great, Take Two

2009-02-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Emmy the Great
First Love
Released February 9 2009 on Close Harbour

Emmy on MySpace
Video for "First Love"

Emmy the Great is quite a name to live up to. Lucky for us, this UK vixen delivers. I stumbled across her video for "First Love", the first single from, and title track of her new album, last month and melted. The video may be indie girl 101 complete with cut-outs of trees and umbrellas, but the song certainly was not. In fact, it hooked me immediately. Needing to hear more, I tapped my resources and came up holding a copy of her new album. I was not sad.

Emmy the Great, born Emma Lee-Moss, had been frequenting the London underground scene for years as a solo artist. After the release of her first single, "Gabriel", she turned that mother out and went full collaborative ensemble. That was 2007 and now we see the release of the band's first album, First Love, on Close Harbour. It hasn't been released in the states yet which is a darn-tootin' shame, but Emmy is undoubtedly sure to catch on soon enough.

First Love is an album teeming with superlative songwriting and abstracted story-telling. The album title maybe sounds indie girl 101 as well, but it's actually taken from Samuel Beckett's depressing novella about a violently misogynistic lover! If you aren't familiar with anti-folk, this album will break you in nicely. It is lyrically raw, self-mocking, and ironic in the best way possible.

Musically the album is quirky and creative. My one critique is that it's mood lacks a certain uniformity. Track one sounds happy; track two is almost enough to sink one into a deep depression. But that's not to say I don't like the bi-polar nature of the album. It keeps it interesting. And because the album tells a story of a destructive but character-forming real-life relationship, the bipolar affect is probably true to the roller coaster that defines first love. I just wish that maybe it was a real record with a side A and a side B.

Regardless, First Love delivers. Anyone who pens a tune detailing a near-fatal car crash and the absurd things that enters ones mind in those moments that immediately follow (is her name Mia or M.I.A?), is super fine by me.

First posted on Indierockreviews.com the best darn music website around.

Emmy The Great - First Love

2009-01-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

I don't know anything about this girl, I just know that my friend Brandon sent me the video and I like the song and I want to hear more. Brandon and I decided the video is pretty Indie Girl 101, but I still likey. So check this video out and I'll do my homework and maybe review her record soon. Word.

DANIEL MARTIN MOORE

2009-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday I was listening to one of my favorite radio stations, WOXY. I was listening to their Year in Review Show, and as the segment wrapped up, a dude by the name of Daniel Martin Moore took the mike. He had this deep, smooth talking voice and then proceeded to DJ a most amazing set of songs--none of which I had ever heard, all of which I loved. That almost never happens.

He played Sister Rosetta Tharp and Coralie Clement amongst others. He even played some spoken word. You can listen to the set here.

The following day I was in line at Starbucks when Erik handed me their song of the week--Daniel Martin Moore's "That'll Be The Plan" from his recently released Stray Age (Subpop). It was like the music gods were telling me something. Check it out.

Daniel Martin Moore "That'll Be The Plan"

(Courtesy of I Guess I'm Floating)

Gift of Grace

2008-12-22T09:43:00.001-08:00

I've been a long time fan of Mr. Denison Witmer. He is hands down in my top 3 singer/songwriters for the honesty and beauty of his music. His songs have this annoying and wonderful way of pulling at heartstrings, of creating a sort of nostalgia for something you've never even experienced. Don't ask me how he does it. He's gifted.

I was first introduced to his song "Gift of Grace" via my friend Steve Joh. As a fan of Denny Wit, Steve had come across the song on a message board or something of that sort. That is to say that this song has never been released, and what a shame that is.

The lyrics are, in short, beautiful and completely appropriate for this Christmas season.

Listen and hear why.

Denison Witmer - Gift of Grace

Download Gift of Grace

A Very Rosie Christmas!

2008-11-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I have news! I started a new blog here. It's going to be my personal blog, and we're going to save this one for music-oriented stuff. It was getting too jumbled up and I wanted to streamline. Huzzah!

The next part of this blog is about the wonderful and amazing Rosie Thomas. I have been a fan of her for years--ever since this one date where a boy took me to a park and on the car ride there, he played me "Wedding Day" from When We Were Small. I know, not awkward or suggestive or anything! But I'm glad he did because since then, I've been hooked. And it didn't even matter when we broke up. My love for Rosie lived on.

I had the very distinct pleasure of meeting Rosie, her brother Brian, Jonathon Ford (of Unwed Sailor and who also played with our band, Suffering And The Hideous Theives), and their crew a couple years back in DC. They played Jammin' Java in Virginia. The previous night their van had been robbed. Rosie's suitcase of clothes was stolen, instruments, laptops. I would have been devastated, but their attitudes were admirable, positive. Erik and I responded by wrangling all the clothes we possibly could, and putting them up for the night. We had a romantic late night roaming the empty weekend streets of DC, and hanging on the steps of the Supreme Court and Capital Building.

I confirmed a deep suspicion that night: Rosie is one awesome lady. She's clever and witty, talented and sweet. And... oh yeah... WILDLY HILARIOUS! Her brand new Christmas album, A Very Rosie Christmas (Sing-A-Long Records) speaks to all of these qualities. It boasts gorgeous and moving classics ("Silent Night", "O Come O Come Emmanuel") and ones you've yet to hear in the form of a total gem-of-a-Rosie-original, "Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year". Track 11 is like manna from heaven for any fan of Rosie's comedy act, Shiela. You will cry, you will laugh so hard.

The album is fun and endearing and heartfelt. It's Rosie doing Rosie and it's everything you want in a Christmas album. I don't know of any better Christmas albums out this year. Go grab your copy, available on iTunes and other fun places.

Rosie Thomas - Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year

http://www.myspace.com/rosiethomasmusic

Silver Jews - Suffering Juxebox

2008-11-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Song Review written for Indierockreviews.com!

Silver Jews - "Suffering Juxebox"
Download Song
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Silver Jews is a band I was introduced back in 2004 working for a record distribution company in LA. A lot of CDs found their collective way to my desk back then, and among them Silver Jews' Tanglewood Numbers--a stand out album that was like at first listen. What can I say? I'm a sucker for boy/girl vocals and alt-pop twang. But if you think this describes what you're about to hear, well, you'd be right and wrong. You'll hear the aforementioned, but you'll also hear something that's been missing from frontman David Berman and his rotating cast of musicans past work: playfulness! Berman has long been envied for his lyricism, offering up everything from uncomfortable humor to painful honesty. It's a relief to hear the winsome lyrics found in "Suffering Juxebox" from the new album, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea on Drag City. This is fun for all ages... or it's just more of the same cynicism. You decide. - Jocelyn Aucoin

And...We're Back!

2008-10-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

I was in Asheville, NC this week with about a dozen of my favorite people: The Dark Romantics, Look Mexico and Pomegranates. They played New French Bar. So much fun. The place was packed for The Dark Romantics and Look Mexico, then people got tired after Look Mexi's set and left! I was so sad because I was afraid Pomegranates would have no one to play to. Well, that's when the gaysian invasion happened. A 40th birthday party. About 50 people piled in, already drunk, ready to party. And party we did. At the end of Poms' set, the crowd chanted, "One more song!", and when they came back on stage they busted out "Southern Ocean." They had the entire place not only on their feet, but dancing. I hopped on stage and was thrown a sleigh bell. It was better than Christmas. It was magical!

Shut Up About It

2008-10-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Erik always makes fun of me about the way in which I ask a certain question concerning the weather. Rather than asking "What's the temperature today?" I ask "How many degrees is it?" Erik says this sounds horribly uneducated, and he's probably right, but there is a method to my apparent madness, which none other than my parents confirmed the other day when I "popped the question."

"She asks it that way because she wants to know the exact number," my Mom said.

"Yeah, she doesn't want to hear it's hot or cold," added my Dad.

Good call guys. Maybe that is why I say it that way. Or maybe I'm just weird. It really could go either way.

If you wanna know the truth though, it's 58 degrees out right now.

And in other news, one of my fave bands, Minus the Bear, has released an EP of acoustic proportions, creatively titled "Acoustics." It will be available digitally but if you want a physical copy, you'll have to head out to a show where they will be selling them exclusively. The EP is 6 acoustic versions of some of their best-known songs, along with a brand new one, "Guns and Ammo," which is availabe for download here!

Great Minds Think Like Mine

2008-10-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

I saw these pumpkins outside of Whole Foods this morning and had to make them mine. Aren't they beautiful? Not your typical orange pumpkin. There was no sign by them so I didn't know how much they were or what they were called. I soon found out the lady at the register was just as clueless. A search ensued. I was itching to know the name of these gorgeous gourds. Finally, a sku number, and a name on the monitor. "Fairy Tale Pumpkin". How perfect.

In other news of the aesthetic kind, (this time the medium being video rather than dirt and water), The Dark Romantics put together a brand new video for the first single from their new album, Heartbreaker, called "Let's Ride". Check it out!

Mr. Ratatatatat

2008-09-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Who's ready for Halloween? It is, hands down, my favorite holiday. First of all, fall is the best. I love when the weather changes. In California, it means you get to wear sweaters (but not wool--wool is way too warm). Secondly, pumpkin carving is really fun. Last year we carved a collective pumpkin with Beth and Derek, and as I recall, it turned out amazing. However, I was also dressed up like a empathist (or a philosopher/intellectual) and not exactly feeling "myself." If you've never seen Funny Face (1957) than you'll have no idea what an empathist is. That's okay. You just need to watch the movie.

So to kick the season off, I give you the video for Enon's "Mr. Ratatatat". This philly band rocks. This song is from Grass Geysers...Carbon Clouds (Touch and Go) and the video follows bassist Toko Yasuda, dressed up as a nun, through a good party gone bad. Check it out! It's almost Halloween, people! Yeah!

Fake Problems @ Red Rock

2008-09-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Written for Indierockreviews.com
Fake Problems @ Red Rock, Mountain View, CA - 9/19/08 First of all, let's address the obvious. There is nothing "fake" nor "problematic" about this band. Nope, just the opposite. And whereas I realize that "fake problems" has a different meaning than those two words independently, I felt the need to address this. The band may have fake problems, but that's not something I know anything about or want to know about in all honesty. What I do know is that Fake Problems are impressive and put on a show that goes down in my book of recent faves--right along side 31 Knots and Nellie McKay. (Yes, I have eclectic taste.) What impressed me first is how ding dang cute they are. If there were a "cutest band contest" in their hometown of Naples, FL, they would win hands down. Not that I've seen any other bands from Naples. Hell, maybe they are the only one and it wouldn't even be a contest. I don't know. But enough about their cuteness. These guys are rock and roll. Okay back track: Fake Problems are tour mates and serious best buds with a band on my label, Look Mexico. Accordingly I've been hearing about the amazingness of Fake Problems for quite some time. I checked them out on MySpace eons ago and was not super in love with what I heard--in fact, what I heard made me feel like I was a teenager back at Gilman (birthplace of bands like Green Day and Rancid). That is to say, Fake Problems are pretty punk rock and I had... you know... been there, done that. They weren't bad punk though. It was only bad in the way it caused me to remember that red mohawk I used to rock. Just kidding, I never rocked a mohawk. Anyway that was then, and this is now. The band has just finished recoding with long time Saddle Creek cohort, Mike Mogus (Bright Eyes, Cursive, Broken Spindles). It's not yet settled on who will be releasing this record, but Tuesday night at Red Rock in Mountain View, the band busted out some of the new songs and wow. I mean wow. The new sound is decidedly less punk than it used to be, while still holding to those qualities, creating an altogether unique and rather pleasing sound. I do think you'll enjoy. The band is on tour now (and always). Be sure to catch them live in your town. And maybe if you're nice, they'll hook you up with a t-shirt (like they did me) that says "You're not DIY unless you're Amish." How can you not love that?

An Ode to the Sword Woman

2008-09-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Those who know me know of my affinity for Sweedish band, The Cardigans, and their front woman, Nina Persson. She is magical. In addition to The Cardigans, she has a side project called A Camp. She's only released one record as A Camp, way back in 2001. But the stars have aligned for us and A Camp is back together with a new release set for early 2009!

If the first record was a mash up of americana and minimalist eclecticism, COLONIA draws from a wider set of colors, drawing on historical imagery.......from the opium den to the Belgian Congo, from the Namibian desert by starlight to Victorian New York by gaslight, and the Bowery of the '70s by neon.

The album was produced by Niclas Frisk, Persson, and her husband, ex-Sparklehorse member Nathan Larson and features contributions from ex-Pumpkins guitarist, James Iha, and Guided By Voices drummer, Kevin March.

A Camp - Song For The Leftovers

Look Mexico

2008-09-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hi world. I'm freezing. Don't ask me how I ever survived DC temps when I'm cold right now and it's only 59 degrees out. That used to feel like summertime to me. Like, break out the frisbee and shorts and throw a shrimp on the barbie. Hrmph.

I'm also sad this morning because those Look Mexicans left town last night. They were the loveliest guests--cleaning up after themselves, doing dishes, washing towels they used, leaving everything as it was. Oh and they made us dinner too. And it was delicious.

There was veggie oil and sleeping out by trash cans and music. Lots of music.

Look Mexico played two most amazing shows--Saturday night at Thee Parkside, and last night at Red Rock. They are one talented band, if I do say so myself. And I do. It's almost to the point of being unfair to the rest of us. No one should be THAT talented.

Anyway since last I saw them live, they've added a keyboardist/aux vox, and also switched out one bass player for another. I love the new line up. It really works. The bands' new songs are proof of this. So is thier new ep, Gasp Asp, now available on iTunes for an astonishing $3.96. It's worth every penny, too...right down to those 6 cents.

Here are some of my fave photos from the weekend.

ryan smith taking a nap

look mexico @ thee parkside

cobra skulls @ red rock

josh mikel gettin his ass slapped

dave, erik, slate

look mexico @ thee parkside

fake problems @ red rock

look mexico @ red rock

Officially Obsessed

2008-09-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Who me? Obsessed with a song? Noooo never! I am so not one of those people that listen to songs on repeat. I mean, that would just be gross! Gross like frappucinos.

Okay, who am I kidding? I AM that person and my latest obsession is with this little two piece from Cleveland ("Thank you, Cleveland!") called mr. Gnome. My only complaint so far with this band is their name and it's ungrammatical spelling. The "m" is always lowercase. Neveryoumind, for as far as my eyes can see and my ears can hear, this band is exceptional--think Cat Power meets Death From Above 1979. Intriguing, no?

If you're the one person who reads this blog regularly (God bless you), you already peeped the band's video for "Night of the Crickets" in an earlier post of mine.

Now, hear this!

mr. Gnome - Pirates

You like?

The Dark Romantics Bring the Love and Pain!

2008-09-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Dark Romantics' sizzlin' new record, Heartbreaker is out TODAY! I can't say enough about how amazing this record is. It's rock and roll the way it was meant to be--danceable! Pitchfork called it "sleek dance rock." Yes kids, I'll say it again: The Romantics are one talented crew of husband and wife action, sister action, and best friend action. If you don't know what I'm talking about, peep their bio here.

And while you're there, take a listen to and/or download Let's Ride and Hush Your Mouth. Do it. Do it now! If those songs don't entice you, I don't know what will! (Except maybe lead vox, Eric Collin's, sexy snarl!)

Buy Heartbreaker on iTunes!

Buy a physical copy of Heartbreaker in the Lujo Merchline-powered Webstore!

Guys, we don't put these records for our health, we put them out because they are great. Therefore, you should buy them. My logic is good! Buy Heartbreaker today.

Video Love

2008-09-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Written for Indierockreviews.com

I've never reviewed a video before, but there's always a first for everything. In fact, let's make it a first and second because there are two bands (and videos) I've been particularly inspired by lately. What these bands have said to me is "Jocelyn, the world is a good place. The VMA's might have shown that ugly music has overwhelmed the masses, but good music is still alive and kickin'."

The first video comes to us by way of Cleveland, OH. I've only recently learned of mr. Gnome (today, in fact). My good friend who runs the lovely Indierockreviews.com sent me a song called "Pirates," which was love at first listen. I googled the band immediately and happened upon an equally amazing video for "Night of the Crickets". The video features the two piece as silhouettes playing in a dimly lit space. Imagery here is spectacular, complete with creepy dolls, bunnies and bird cages. They have a fairly recent record out on El Marko Records entitled Deliver This Creature. This video deserves a peep.

mr. Gnome "Night of the Crickets"

The next video is from a band out of Brooklyn called Anthem In. Keeping in line with Brooklyn's rep for spitting out excellent indie pop, the band has just released their debut self-titled full-length, and with it this video for the single, "Down". The song might be too formulaic for some tastes, but it's chorus is catchy as hell and the video is cool and precious and rockin' all at the same time. If you like this song, you're going to love the full-length. I have a total band crush.

Anthem In "Down"

The E-Devil

2008-09-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

I'm having two chocolate chip pancakes this morning. Why? Because I am in a bad mood. Why? Here's why:

The Dark Romantics | Pitchfork

I should be shot for even linking to this review. And here I was all hopeful that it would be great. Silly me. This only serves to confirm that the aforementioned site is, indeed, the devil in electronic form. But maybe my problem is not as much with the website or its writers, as much as it is with its readers who are mindless lemmings and believe everything it says--buying or not buying records accordingly. (Ugh. Let it go, girl, let it go.)

Maybe I wouldn't be in a such a snit over this if I hadn't watched (tivo'd and scanned through, rather) the VMA's last night. Did I miss something here? Who the hell is Tokio Hotel? They won Best New Artist and I have never heard of them. And I'm in the music industry! They are totally over the top and play really bad emo music. They arrived to the VMA's in a ginormous truck with power wheels. Need a say more?

Honey, what did you do to your hair? No serious. WHAT DID YOU DOOOOO?!

What am I missing here, guys? Help a sister out!

Also, I'd just like to inform the creature that is Lil Wayne that sagging is totally gross. I don't wanna see your undies. And... FYI... if you were a model on Project Runway, you'd be auf'd in a second. Get a new stylist!!

Feist In 1 2 3 4

2008-09-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Written for Wonka Vision Magazine, Issue #43

You may not be familiar with Feist, but my guess is you're familiar with the iPod TV commercial featuring her hit single, "1234". No? What about the video that appeared on that very same commercial starring the cast of dancers in colorful leotards? Ah, yes. Now you're with me. Indeed what you saw was not drug-induced. Those leotards really happened and the artist behind them--in particular the blue one--is none other than the songstress born Leslie Feist.

For those already familiar with the artist, a packet of gold stars for you. But what else do you know about her? Readers beware: Feist is far more than another pretty face in pop music. And she’s more than a one hit wonder, too. And, well, here she is in 1, 2, 3, 4.

One or Punk Beginnings… Feist got her start in music when she founded and was lead vocalist for Calgary punk band, Placebo (not to be confused with the British rock band). An old video of the band performing live shows the 18 year old singer grunged-out in combat boots with a pierced septum and straggly red hair. But what's most noticeable here is Feist's vox. While we know the singer's voice to be sweet and delicate, here we find her belting, even shouting at times, in a way that would have made Eddie Vedder take notice.

In fact, after 5 years of this vocal strain, the singer began to loose her voice. She eventually became temporarily mute due to vocal chord damage and was forced to take an indefinite break from Placebo. She moved to Toronto in 1998 where she began seeing a specialist and focused on healing her voice. This was the beginning of to the Feist we know today, as the artist used this time to simply play the guitar and write songs.

Two or Friends in High Places… In Toronto, Feist shacked up with a friend of a friend by the name of Merrill Nisker, though others might know her as the outrageous electro-punk musician, Peaches. She began working the back stage at Peaches shows, eventually hitting the road with the artist and a sock puppet, calling herself “Bitch Lap Lap”. When the two toured Europe together, they stayed with Justine Frischmann of Elastica and M.I.A. How’s that for creative inspiration?

Oh, and then she formed indie blockbuster band, Broken Social Scene, with Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew. That same year saw the release of The Red Demos, which would later become her major label debut, Let It Die, after wish she moved to Paris and collaborated with the Norwegian duo extraordinaire, Kings of Convenience. Feeling enlightened yet?

Three or So Many Awards… Soon after Let it Die, the accolades began pouring in. She won two Canadian Juno Awards for "Best New Artist" and "Best Alternative Rock Album". Her album went platinum in Canada, gold in France. And this was only the beginning. Later in the states she would release The Reminder, which would climb to No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. And then came “1234” which was named one of the 10 Best Songs of 2007 by Time Magazine as well as awarded Juno “Song of the Year”. And let’s not forget the aforementioned placement on iPod commercial.

Four or Thank you, iPod… After the airing of the commercial of “1234” sales for the single went from 2,000 downloads a week to passing an astonishing 73,000 downloads—a number I can hardly fathom. She later wrote and performed a version of the hit for Sesame Street. The song was about the number 4, helping children learn to count. The appearance was, perhaps, my favorite Feist moment of all, as it seemed to portray both her sublimity and humanity at once.

But she’s taught the world so much more than counting to 4, hasn’t she? Feist was driven to do music. She surrounded herself with strong, creative women and was open to where the world would take her. 1, 2, 3, 4 and to infinity.

Feist on Sesame Street

Feist "1234"

"1234" performed by Sycamore High School

Oh Heck Yes

2008-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Mouse Fire. Get into it.

Jaguar Love "Highways of Gold" Song Review

2008-08-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Written for IndieRockReviews.com

Jaguar Love "Highways of Gold" Song Review Download Song Visit Jaguar Love For those that don't already know, Jaguar Love is comprised of members of The Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves. Jaguar Love is the band I always wished Blood Brothers had been. I guess I'm more arty than punk. The real defining quality of this band (as was true of BB) are Johnny Whitney's vocals and that vox is showcased in "Highways of Gold", the first single from their new record, Take Me To The Sea, to be released on Matador Records worldwide on August 19. The song is just the right combination of art-punk, dance, and gasp pop! Yep, I said it. The band has asked their fans to select “Highways of Gold” as their default MySpace homepage song. Between now and August 26, JL will visit fan's pages, and the first five people they find who have featured “Highways of Gold” on their page, will win a "Show Us Your Jaguar Love" prizepack, including: - Jaguar Love T-Shirts, stickers and posters - Autographed Take Me To The Sea CDs and LPs - Tickets to see the band live the next time they’re in your area So check out the track and if you feel so lead, add it to your 'Space. Hell, you just might win.

The Very Most "Congratulations Forever" Album Review

2008-08-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Written for IndieRockReviews.com

The Very Most "Congratulations Forever" Album Review 8/16/08 - Score - 82% Buy "Congratulations Forever" Download mp3 Congratulations Forever is the name of the new album from The Very Most, and there's a lot to like. Boy/girl vocals, rhodes piano, violin, ukelele, sleigh bells, hand claps.. need I go on? Personally, I'm sold. But if that's not enough for you, dear reader, allow me to elaborate. The Very Most is a quartet from Boise, Idaho and the brainchild of Jeremy Jensen who's also a computer programmer, husband, father of 3, and grad student. What?! Yes. A modern day Renaissance man. The band has just released a shimmering new aforementioned album, the title taken from a framed piece of congratulatory art sent to Jeremy by his sister and former accomplice in music, Rachel Jensen (Parenthetical Girls). Jensen seems to be at core a songwriter, with a knack for writing catchy pop melodies and winsome lyrics. The album begins with "ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo" and blows up into 13 tracks of super sunny-day melodies that lean heavily on folk influences while giving nods to both electronica and straight ahead rock and roll baby. I'm telling you, this record is going to make you want to swing on swing sets and spin around in circles. You'll be high in the sky and dizzy with delight by the time the last note rolls out. No drugs involved! My only complaint here is Jensen's voice, which reminds me of Cat Stevens or Wayne Coyne (pre-The Soft Bulletins), both of which give me the creeps. And not in a good way. However, even as I say that, I know many of you will see that as a plus. To each his own! It just doesn't do it for this girl who graduated from The School of Gibbard. Which reminds of the few times in this record when Jensen goes into his falsetto, a place he'd do best to steer clear from. But never you mind, there is plenty on Congratulations Forever to distract from the vox (if you don't like it), for example, umm, 33 instruments. Mhmm! It's safe to say you'll be thoroughly entertained. And while we're talking numbers, let's not fail to mention the 24 individuals who contributed on this record! Who has 24 friends, let alone 24 that play instruments?! ... Let alone 24 friends that include Kris Doty, John McMahon (Built to Spill), Jonah Shue (Frim Fram Fellas), and Elijah Jensen (The Unicorn Feather). I don't know who this guy is, but he's popular and the music he makes is very likable, and chances are, he's onto something. The Very Most's Congratulations Forever was recorded over the course of 4 years and hit streets on April 23, 2008 via Coming In Second Records. Packaging for the record was printed at Stumptown Printers in Portland.