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Friday, August 31, 2007

BATTLES, DEERHUNTER Tonight at South Street Seaport


In what could be dubbed the last great show of the summer, two of 2007's most beloved critical darlings - BATTLES and DEERHUNTER - will share the stage for a free show at the always peculiar South Street Seaport tonight. If you live in NYC and have any taste in music, you will surely be there.

Battles - Atlas



Deerhunter - Like New

Thursday, August 30, 2007

CHROMATICS


A lot of mystery surrounds CHROMATICS, the ultra-dark, ambient electro group from Seattle/Portland. For starters, the much-anticipated LP "Shining Violence" has been floating around the dark corners of the internet, yet no sign of its actual release can be found anywhere, beyond vague rumors such as "end of summer 2007". To add to the suspense, new songs just debuted on the bands Myspace page, none of which are from the "Shining Violence" LP - 'Mask', 'Dark Day' and a new cover of the Kate Bush classic 'Running Up That Hill'. Not to mention, the new single 'Night Drive', which as rumor has it, comes from yet another mysterious new album titled "IV". All of the mentioned tracks are now available to download here.

As for the history of Chromatics, how they started, stopped, and evolved into what they are now, check out this informative interview. Also, if you haven't gotten a copy of the After Dark compilation from Italians Do It Better, make the effort. This is one of the best disks of the year.



Chromatics - Night Drive
Chromatics - Hands in the Dark (2007)
Chromatics - Killing Spree (Suite 304 demo)
Chromatics - In the City



Catch Chromatics live:

8/30 (TONIGHT!!) - The Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
8/31 - Weekend Warrior Party, Los Angeles
9/1 - Pink Elephant, San Diego
9/2 - The Echo, Los Angeles

Chromatics - In the City (music video)

THE PIPETTES Will Finally Get A North American Release


Brighton based modern girl-group trio THE PIPETTES are finally going to see their debut full length "We Are the Pipettes" hit record stores across the US. After many brief jaunts across this lovely country of ours, not to mention a delayed release, you will officially have the opportunity to buy a non-import version of the album on October 2. But say you already have said import version...well, this one comes complete with two brand new tracks 'Dance and Boogie' and 'Baby, Just Be Yourself', as well as the new cover artwork - a blindingly yellow tribute to Attack of the 50ft. Woman.

Also, The Pipettes are coming to a city near you...

October 2007

2nd - Chicago, IL - Park West
3rd - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
4th - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern
5th - Toronto, ON - Opera House
6th - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
8th - New York, NY - The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza
9th - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
10th - Washington, DC - 9.30 Club (early show)
11th - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
13th - Pittsburgh, PA - TBC
15th - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
16th - Atlanta, GA - Vinyl
17th - Birmingham, AL - Workplay Theater
18th - New Orleans, LA - The Parish @ House of Blues
19th - Austin, TX - The Parish
20th - San Antonio, TX - TBC
21th - Dallas, TX - Cambridge Room @ House of Blues
23th - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre
25th - Los Angeles, CA - Avalon
29th - San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's 365 Club
31th - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom

November 2007

1st - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe
2nd - Vancouver, BC - TBC

The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me (music video)

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

New Video Round-Up

Interpol - Mammoth


El Perro Del Mar - Party


Caribou - Melody Day


The Go! Team - Doing It Right


Little Dragon - Twice

DE NOVO DAHL - 'Shout"


DE NOVO DAHL are back with the "Shout EP", a playful teaser meant to tide us over until their new full length sees its release in 2008. The new EP is available in limited quantities and will only be available to purchase at these select indie retailers. That's right. You will actually have to pull yourself away from the computer and make your way down to your local record store. Just like the good old days. It'll be fun.

DOWNLOAD - De Novo Dahl - Shout (mp3)

Friday, August 24, 2007

PRIVATE - 'My Secret Lover'


I love when I get new music in my mailbox, especially when I like it from first listen. PRIVATE are a new act out of Copenhagen, Denmark fronted by Thomas Troelsen, formerly of SUPERHEROES, who recently disbanded in 2006. Troelsen is a prolific Danish producer, having worked with such acts as JUNIOR SENIOR, AQUA, and JULEE CRUISE just to name a few.

PRIVATE were recently signed to Universal, with an album to hit American shores in 2008.

DOWNLOAD - Private - My Secret Lover (Downsyndrome Mixxx)

JOSE GONZALEZ - "In Our Nature"


"in Our Nature" is the second full length album from Swedish singer/songwriter JOSE GONZALEZ, due September 25th in the US. Two new videos have surfaced from the album, including one for the first single 'Down the Line'. Both videos were directed by the brilliant Andreas Nilsson, the man behind many of THE KNIFE's videos.

Word has it "In Our Nature" is a solid effort from beginning to end. From the taste of these first two tracks I believe it. This is beautiful music.

STREAM - Jose Gonzalez - Down the Line/Killing For Love

Jose Gonzalez - Down the Line (music video)


Jose Gonzalez - Killing For Love (music video) (NSFW)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

KATHY DIAMOND


I can't get the new Kathy Diamond single out of my head. 'Over' is like a throwback to early-mid 90's chill house music, but with super fresh electro production by Maurice Fulton. Every time I hear this song I think of the Parker Posey movie Party Girl. It must be the slinky piano loop.

The track comes from Diamond's debut full length "Miss Diamond To You", which also includes the previous 12" single 'All Woman'.

STREAM - Kathy Diamond - Over

PURCHASE - Kathy Diamond - Miss Diamond To You

BECK - 'Timebomb'


I know everyone likes to think that BECK is passee at this point, but what the hell! His new one-off single 'Timebomb' is so great. Let's say we lump Mr. Hansen in with the mainstream majority of radio artists making music these days and this song seems like a diamond in the rough. As far as I can tell, the track does not come from a forthcoming album, soundtrack, compilation or anything, just available as a single for download on iTunes. Do it now. This is 2007 pop at its finest. Now rip me to shreds, Beck haters.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

THE FIERY FURNACES - "Widow City"


THE FIERY FURNACES are back with the new album "Widow City", to be released October 9th on Thrill Jockey. The Glorius Hum has two tracks from the new album available for download, including the buzzed standout track 'Navy Nurse'.

If you're in New York, be sure to catch the free show in Long Island City this Sunday, August 26th.

For old time's sake, check out this older Fiery Furnaces video...

The Fiery Furnaces - Tropical Iceland (music video)

THE BESNARD LAKES


Montreal's THE BESNARD LAKES have quietly been taking my headphones by storm with their profound album "The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse", certain to go down as one of the year's best. The album features contributions from members of STARS, THE DEARS, and GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR and I could compare them to many earlier bands with a haunting, visceral sound, but would rather just let the music speak for itself.

STREAM - The Besnard Lakes - Various Tracks

The Besnard Lakes - For Agent 13 (music video)

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

FELIX DA HOUSECAT - 'Like Something 4 Porno'


Another new single from FELIX DA HOUSECAT's forthcoming album "Virgo Blaktro & the Movie Disco" has emerged and this one has a crazy music video as well. Following the recent double digital single 'Sweet Frosti/Future Calls the Dawn', the new one 'Like Something 4 Porno' will be released on August 29. The album doesn't come out until October, but I'm getting seriously excited about this one.

STREAM - Felix Da Housecat - Like Something 4 Porno

Felix Da Housecat - Something 4 Porno (music video)

Monday, August 20, 2007

PREFUSE 73 - "Preparations"


Guillermo Scott Heron is a busy guy. After just releasing the SAVATH & SAVALAS "Golden Pollen" LP, he now shifts gears back to his more well known project PREFUSE 73 for the new album "Preparations". The new double album will be released by Warp on October 23rd. In a strategy aimed at encouraging folks to buy the actual CD, only the physical edition will come complete with the second disk. So if you buy this one on iTunes it will only be a one disk album.


The first single 'Class of 73 Bells' will be released as a 12" and as a digital 4-track single on September 17th.

STREAM - Prefuse 73 - Class of 73 Bells

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

MANHATTAN LOVE SUICIDES - "The Kicked In EP"


The British shoegaze quartet THE MANHATTAN LOVE SUICIDES have just released "The Kicked In EP" for the new single 'Kick It Back'. If you are unfamiliar with these guys, they describe their sound quite perfectly on Myspace: "For anyone who loves fuzzed up guitar assaults, feedback, hit and run gigs, female vocals, melodic pop, ear splitting minimalist noise and hates a hell of a lot of other things..." Doesn't that make you wanna run out and buy their stuff right now?

The tracklist for "The Kicked In EP":

1. KICK IT BACK (New 7" Version)
2. CRACKED OPEN
3. YOU'LL NEVER GET THAT GUY
4. WAY OUT OF REACH

You can buy the EP as well as the self-titled debut album now on Magic Marker Records.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

JUNIOR SENIOR, GRAVY TRAIN Bring the Love to NYC's Highline Ballroom

-Junior Senior & Gravy Train (photo by Amos Mac)

Since I am vactioning in San Francisco and the gorgeous wine country outside of Sonoma, my good friends Jacob and photographer Amos Mac reported on the JUNIOR SENIOR/GRAVY TRAIN show for me last night at NYC's Highline Ballroom. From a series of text messages, relatively indecipherable voicemails and some fleeting phone conversations in between sets, this is what I could make out from last night's extravaganza of a show.

-Junior Senior (photo by Amos Mac)

JUNIOR SENIOR got the American Apparel-laden crowd dancing up a sweat, as they played a set heavy on tracks from their first LP "D-D-Don't Don't Stop the Beat", including hits like 'Shake Your Coconuts' and 'Move Your Feet', as well as 'Rhythm Bandits', 'Chicks and Dicks' and set opener 'Go Junior Go Senior'.

As the follow-up album "Hey Hey My My Yo Yo" was just released today, newer tracks such as 'We R the Handclaps', 'Ur A Girl', 'Happy Rap' and 'No No Nos' could have been easily lost on a dance-happy crowd. But such was not the case, proving the solid, easy-breezin' fun of the new disk. Not surprisingly, the highlight of the new tracks was when JD Samson joined in on the duo's current hit 'Gan I Get Get Get'.

But it was the older stuff that really had the crowd moving, particularly when Gravy Train and JD returned to the stage for an all out celebratory onstage party for the the final number 'White Trash', leaving the crowd sweaty and wanting more.

-Chunx of Gravy Train (photo by Amos Mac)

The general consensus was that San Francisco dirty electropoppers GRAVY TRAIN seemed to somewhat steal the show as far as an 'opening performance' goes. How can you not when, as Amos Mac put it, "They pulled a morbidly obese animal of a man from the audience up onto the stage; HUNX jumped on his back and rode him around like a cowboy would, then made the giant man do a beer bong, which he spat all over the crowd!"

Amos went on to say, "I only knew a few (of Gravy Train's) songs, i think they played mostly new stuff. Not that i even could pay attention to the music because i was too busy staring at Chunx's sexy camel toe and all the boys in their underpants."

Beer bongs! Underwear! Cameltoes? Sounds like Animal House on crack. How could I miss this?

-Chunx, Hunx, & Junx of Gravy Train (photo by Amos Mac)

On the subject of Gravy Train, they recently released a brand new album, "All the Sweet Stuff" on Cochon Records.

-Gravy Train (photo by Amos Mac)

Junior Senior's latest album "Hey Hey My My Yo Yo" was released today. Preview tracks here.

HEALTH to Release Debut LP


Noise rockers HEALTH are readying their much anticipated debut album for release on September 18th. The eleven track set clocks in at just under 33 minutes and was recorded at the gritty downtown Los Angeles punk club The Smell. To coincide with the album's release, HEALTH are trickling out a bible of remixes from such under the radar artists as CURSES!, ACID GIRLS, TOXIC AVENGER, and JUICEBOXXX. These guys have garnered recent fame in the blogosphere, due largely in part to CRYSTAL CASTLES' reworking of 'Crimewave', the original of which will be included on the debut LP.

DOWNLOAD - HEALTH - Triceratops (CFCF remix)

DOWNLOAD - HEALTH - Crimewave

M.I.A. - "Kala" 95%


The verdict is in..."Kala", the follow-up to former Sri Lankan refugee M.I.A.'s critically lauded 2005 debut "Arular" is a solid, fresh, and most importantly - vital effort. The album wastes no time pulling you into its inexorable world with the aptly titled 'Bamboo Banga'. Complete with a menacing bass and the sound of speeding cars whizzing by, as Maya chants "Roadrunner, roadrunner, going hundred mile per hour...", we are immediately transported to say, a steaming hot Middle Eastern desert - oil rigs, fires, and Hummers - a desperately sparse world of extreme poverty overshadowed by obscene wealth, where she's "...knocking on the doors of your hummer hummer".

M.I.A. has something to say, but at the same time she's not afraid to party, which is exactly what kicks in on tracks 2 through 4 with a string of guaranteed club bangers - the rambunctous 'Bird Flu', the infectious recent single 'Boyz', and the Bollywood tribute 'Jimmy'. The influences are abundant, ranging from Bhangra and Bollywood to new wave, gangsta rap and futuristic anti-disco. In what would seem to come across like the flea market of beats and samples evolves into something quite profound.

By the album's midpoint, things get a bit more serious and confrontational - the real woman behind the new hip-hop, post-punk rock star image emerges. On 'Mango Pickle Down River', a chorus of kids (The Wilcannia Mob) take center stage over another deep and sinister bass line, rapping about fishing, playing cards, and other everyday river-life activities kids engage in, in the villages of Kenya, Bali, and I'm guessing Maya's part would be referring to Sri Lanka. But who's to say? According to a variety of articles, when she was repeatedly locked out of the US due to visa issues, Maya traveled the world, gathering inspiration for 'Kala'. It definitely shows from beginning to end and this alone is what probably saved 'Kala' from the all too common second album nosedive.

The harrowing dub slash sci-fi torch ballad '20 Dollar' brilliantly references the PIXIES' "Where Is My Mind' and NEW ORDER's 'Blue Monday', all the while maintaining utter originality; so much so that you'd find it hard to believe that the track is somewhat of a borderline mash-up cover song. The defining track here though is the excellent 'Paper Planes', which uses gunshots and ka-chings for the chorus beats.

"I fly like paper, get high like planes
If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name
If you come around here, I make 'em all day
I get one down in a second if you wait"

This is M.I.A. at her most personal and profound, successfully proving her vitality in an overflooded hip-hop market and, ultimately, laying down the groundwork for a new era in the otherwise seemingly faded genre.

STREAM - M.I.A. - Kala (entire album)

Monday, August 13, 2007

THE RAVEONETTES - "Lust Lust Lust"


THE RAVEONETTES have a new LP on the way titled "Lust Lust Lust". Problem is, they are currently without a North American label, as news was just announced that they have left Columbia Records. Internationally, the new album will be released on November 5, 2007.

According to Billboard, some of the new tracks include 'With My Eyes Closed' and 'Aly Walk With Me'. As well, demo versions of 'Lust', 'Blush', and 'Black Satin' have been posted on the Swedish (correction - Danish) duo's Myspace page.

STREAM - The Raveonettes - Lust (demo)

The Raveonettes - Beat City (music video)

Sunday, August 12, 2007

JUNIOR SENIOR Invades New York, CD Release Tuesday


JUNIOR SENIOR kick off their New York City invasion tonight with a FREE instore show at 9:00pm at Sound Fix Records in Williamsburg. The store is located at 110 Bedford Ave., just off the L train Bedford stop. The duo will also be signing copies of their new album "Hey Hey My My Yo Yo", which finally sees its US release on Tuesday.

Then comes Monday night, when Junior Senior will be joined by San Francisco party band GRAVY TRAIN and Le Tigre's JD SAMSON for a headlining show at NYC's brand new Highline Ballroom. This will be the funnest option you have on a Monday night (or any other night this week, if you ask me).

"Hey Hey My My Yo Yo" is a definitive party album, packed with guest artists and hip-shakin' dance-funk. The US release also comes accompanied by a special 7-song ep "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye".

The stand-out track for me is 'Take My Time', which features the lovely harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of THE B-52'S. The track recalls the blissful, easy going vibe of The B-52's breakout 1989 album "Cosmic Thing". Also featured on the album are SPOONER OLDHAM, sixties girl group THE VELVELETTES (known for 'Needle In A Haystack' and 'He Was Really Saying Something') and the not exactly broken up LE TIGRE, who provide the vocals on another key track, 'We Are the Handclaps'. Oldham, whose fame stems from his piano/keyboard contributions to classics such as Percy Sledge's 'When A Man Loves A Woman' and Aretha Franklin's 'I Never Loved A Man', provides the keys on the Kathleen Hanna track 'Dance Chance Romance'.

In short, this is a superstar album that should expose Junior Senior to the masses. In fact, the lead off single 'Can I Get Get Get', featuring JD Samson, has already made it's way around the globe, and is now a key theme song on the LOGO Network.



DOWNLOAD - Junior Senior - Can I Get Low

Junior Senior - Can I Get Get Get (ft. JD Samson)

Thursday, August 09, 2007

THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFIA, INLETS, HAWK & DOVE at Union Hall


Last night at Park Slope's Union Hall a diverse collection of Brooklyn musicians helped create an introspective, yet thoroughly entertaining night of folk-oriented music. The headliner was THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFIA, a four-piece band who play moody, experimental rock. These guys have the potential of evolving into an expansive, opus-driven band along the lines of say MERCURY REV or even DEERHUNTER. The sound was solid and was successfully accompanied with gorgeous projections by Jeremy Helton and flickering flourescent lanterns. Their self-titled EP is available to purchase on IQ Records.

STREAM - The Secret Life of Sofia - Various Demos

-Kyle Wilson of The Secret Life of Sofia

My apologies to the San Francisco band THE DRY SPELLS, as I completely missed their set. Friends told me it was very good though.

-Inlets

Sebastian Krueger's INLETS played an extremely brief and quietly intimate set. Krueger's method and diverse usage of strings (and in other incarnations, woodwinds) puts him in the league of artists like BEIRUT and FINAL FANTASY. I look forward to hearing and seeing more from Inlets in the future.

STREAM - Inlets - Pictures of Trees

For an idea of the stylings that are Inlets, check out LaBlogoteque's Take Away Show, featuring Krueger and Marla Hansen performing in a rowboat on the lake in Central Park. Make sure you get past the 'Row Row Row Your Boat' first, as that is not what I'm referring to.

Inlets w/ Marla Hansen - You Are An Effigy (Take Away Show)


You can download Inlets' entire Vestibule EP for FREE at luvsound.org.

-Hawk & Dove

And the main reason I caught this show was to check out my friend Joe's folk-duo project HAWK & DOVE. Little is to be known about these guys as of yet, but that shouldn't undermine the beauty of their music. The guitar work called to mind the weighted atmospherics of COCTEAU TWINS and YO LA TENGO, with beautiful vocalizations and harmonies. Keep an eye out for these guys if you like singer/songwriter types.

All in all, this was an inspiring night of eclectic music. I love nights like these when you discover a whole new array of interesting artists on the scene. I need to do this more often.

-All photos by Scot Bowman

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

GLORY HOLE Featured in the Village Voice!


The Village Voice has published a feature titled The Neurotic Boys of Summer, a full-page report on last weeks Glory Hole party Fey!, which featured DJ sets by JD Samson, Luiza Sa, Amber Valentine, and Paleboy. More photos have surfaced as well. Don't miss the next Glory Hole party, coming up in October. More details soon.

-Amber Valentine and JD Samson

-Getting down

-Luiza Sa

-Paleboy and Trophy

-all photos by Amos Mac

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS (ft. FATLIP) - 'The Salmon Dance'


Ironically, my least favorite track from THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS' new album "We Are the Night", has spawned a really entertaining video, giving me a fresh outlook on the silly excursion. 'The Salmon Dance', featuring a tongue in cheek FATLIP, actually has a really infectious beat and marks a very different direction for our Brothers. I guess it's time to stop skipping over the track every time I listen to the new album. And yes, I agree that the kid in the video is tripping on acid.

The Chemical Brothers (ft. Fatlip) - The Salmon Dance (music video)

SALLY SHAPIRO - "Disco Romance" US Version


The new princess of icey-italo disco, SALLY SHAPIRO, will finally see the stateside release of her superb debut album "Disco Romance", now officially set for an October 30, 2007 release. It's about time! The album sports new artwork, as well as three new tracks, one of which premiered today on Stereogum.com.

INLETS w/ HAWK & DOVE Tonight at Union Hall


Brooklyn lo-fi solo wonder INLETS (aka Sebastian Krueger) is playing Union Hall tonight with my good friend Joe's band HAWK & DOVE opening. Also on the bill are Brooklyn folk-rock band THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFIA and San Francisco's THE DRY SPELLS. Should be a nice and intimate Wednesday in Park Slope. Hawk & Dove go on at eight, followed by Inlets.

THE HOTTEST STATE Soundtrack - FEIST, CAT POWER, BRIGHT EYES, M.WARD, WILLIE NELSON


I haven't yet seen the movie, directed by Ethan Hawke, but the soundtrack to the upcoming film THE HOTTEST STATE is absolutely wonderful. Singer/songwriter JESSE HARRIS penned all the songs, which have been covered by the likes of FEIST, CAT POWER, BRIGHT EYES, EMMYLOU HARRIS, WILLIE NELSON, NORAH JONES, M. WARD, and THE BLACK KEYS for the film. Harris himself sings three of the tracks as well.

The film, released August 24th in LA and NY, stars Mark Webber, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Laura Linney, Ethan Hawke, Sonia Braga, and Michelle Williams.

STREAM - The Full Album

STREAM - Bright Eyes - Big Old House

TRACK LISTING

1) Rocha - "Ya No Te Veria Mas (Never See You)"
2) Willie Nelson - "Always Seem to Get Things Wrong"
3) Feist - "Somewhere Down the Road"
4) Bright Eyes - "Big Old House"
5) Emmylou Harris - "The Speed of Sound"
6) Jesse Harris - "It Will Stay With Us"
7) The Black Keys - "If You Ever Slip"
8) M. Ward - "Crooked Lines"
9) Norah Jones - "World of Trouble"
10) Brad Mehldau - "Never See You"
11) Cat Power - "It's Alright to Fail"
12) Jesse Harris - "One Day the Dam Will Break"
13) Tony Scherr - "You, the Queen"
14) "Morning in a Strange City (Cafe)"
15) Rocha - "No More"
16) Jesse Harris - "Dear Dorothy"
17) Rocha - "Never See You”
18) "There Are No Second Chances"

The soundtrack in now available. PURCHASE - The Hottest State Soundtrack

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

UNDERWORLD - "Oblivion With Bells"


UNDERWORLD are back with the brand new studio album "Oblivion With Bells", due in October. Pitchfork has posted the first single 'Crocodile', available to stream below and it's classic smooth Underworld.



Underworld also have a bunch of live dates coming up. Here are the U.S. stops:

Sep. 7 The Warfield, San Francisco
Sep. 9 Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
Sep. 11 Red Rocks, Denver
Sep. 14 Central Park, New York
Sep. 15 BofA Pavilion, Boston

Tracklist for "Oblivion With Bells"

01. Crocodile
02. Beautiful Burnout
03. Holding The Moth
04. To Heal
05. Ring Road
06. Glam Bucket
07. Boy, Boy, Boy
08. Cuddle Bunny vs The Celtic Villages
09. Faxed Invitation
10. Good Morning Cockerel
11. Best Mamgu Ever

BJORK - 'Innocence'


BJORK held a competition where fans were asked to make the second video from "Volta" for her. After a long voting process (by the fans), the winner has been selected. And here you have it, the official new video for 'Innocence'...and it's a trip! You can also view the runners-up at Bjork.com.

P.S. - Is anyone going to the Madison Square Garden show? In the vast number of years that I've been a fan, I have amazingly never seen her live. This landmark moment for me will finally commence at MSG on September 24th. Yes!

Innocence

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I'M FROM BARCELONA - Live @ Southpaw


Swedish act I'M FROM BARCELONA played Southpaw in Brooklyn last night and it was really awesome. Fresh from Lollapalooza and a free show with BLONDE REDHEAD at McCarren Pool, all 29 members crowded onto the small stage, some wearing capes and/or masks. It felt like what it might be like if world peace had been secured and this was thee celebration party of the ages - balloons everywhere, constant confetti explosions, and one happy sing-a-long after another. One guy was even wearing a t-shirt that said "Make Music Not Missiles". You have to love these Swedes, as they are so cute and endearingly optimistic.

Unfortunately, my camera completely sucks, especially when there is a lot of movement and lights. So don't get me wrong, I know these images are pretty awful.

-can you see them? they really are there

-the crowd got really into it

-the confetti aftermath

For an idea of what these guys and gals are like live (minus the balloons and confetti), check out this 2006 clip of the band performing 'We're From Barcelona' live on a Swedish television show.

I'm From Barcelona - We're From Barcelona (live video)


If you have yet to hear the debut album "Let Me Introduce My Friends", do yourself a favor and check it out. It is the perfect cure for any foul mood, depression, hangover, or general state of unrest. The disc is out on Mute Records now.

Join the party at imfrombarcelona.com

M.I.A. - 'Jimmy'


M.I.A. has a brand new video for 'Jimmy', which Gorilla vs. Bear identified as a remake of a song from a Bollywood movie. In fact, G vs B has a video clip of the original and it's hysterical. Check it out here.

'Jimmy' is one of my favorite tracks so far from "Kala", which finally sees its release on August 21st. Remixes of this one should be off the hook. I can't wait!

M.I.A. - Jimmy (music video)

Monday, August 06, 2007

DEBORAH HARRY - 'Two Times Blue'


As many of you may know, I'm huge on Debbie Harry. Since I was five years old, Blondie was my favorite thing in the world. So bear with me here as I indulge my personal favorite legend of all time. Debbie is set to release her 5th solo album, "Necessary Evil" on October 9th. The first single (which I posted here back in May) now has a video. Fans may be excited to know that another new song, 'If I Had You' has just surfaced on Debbie's Myspace page.

STREAM - Debbie Harry - If I Had You

Deborah Harry - Two Times Blue (music video)
Debbie Harry - Two Times Blue

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CSS & SHOUT OUT OUT OUT OUT at Studio B


CSS may not have made it to Lollapalooza (sorry Chicago!), but they sure rocked the sticky, sweaty, packed like sardines Studio B on Friday night. What a fucking show!!! What a motherfucking crowd!!! I have never seen a New York crowd get so into it - dancing, crowd surfing, and just outright going bonkers. Yes! This may have had something to do with the fact that it was a free show. When I arrived there was a line wrapping way around the block with no end in sight. This was by far the most crowded I have ever seen Studio B.


The band's set got started with a new song (forgive me, I don't know what it was called) before they ripped through all the great ones - 'Patins', 'Fuck Off Is Not the Only Thing', 'Alala', 'Alcohol', and their now infamous cover of L7's 'Let's Pretend We're Dead'. And of course, the closer 'Let's Make Love (and Listen to Death From Above)' was a crowd pleaser, complete with raining confetti and bubbles galore.


GRIZZLY BEAR was in the house (I believe it was the whole band) and Ed Droste seems to have had as much fun as anyone else, as he blogged about the night on the band's website.


Opening act SHOUT OUT OUT OUT OUT were also a lot of fun. It was like a full-on dance party. I only wish I had gotten some better pictures of these guys. They were really fantastic. Check them out! The other opening band DIRTY ON PURPOSE didn't fare quite as well. I personally felt that their music was completely out of place on a night like this. Their dreary shoegaze noise rock was lost on the crowd who just wanted to get sweaty and dance.



-all photos by Scot Bowman and Derek Morris