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BEIRUT's new album "The Flying Club Cup" hits stores on October 9th and the amazing La Blogothèque have filmed every track in Brooklyn. The clip for 'Cliquot' features Ed Droste of GRIZZLY BEAR on lead vocals and it is stunning. Also, check out 'Nantes', performed by the whole band as they descend a stairwell into a gritty Brooklyn basement. This is profound stuff.
Beirut w/ Ed Droste (of Grizzly Bear) - Cliquot (filmed by La Blogotheque)
MOVING UNITS will drop their second full length "Hexes For Exes" on October 9th, with the single 'Crash 'N' Burn Victims' to follow on October 16th. The digital single will also include the Felix Cartal mix as a b-side and will be available to download here. "Hexes" serves as the follow-up to the 2004 release "Dangerous Dreams".
The Moving Units self-titled EP from 2002 (reissue 2003) remains one of the best EP's of the decade in my opinion...four short songs that wreak havoc on your speakers and leave no one idle with its whiplash, dance-punk ferocity. It is so damn good and still hasn't gotten old.
01. Pink Thoughts 02. Crash ‘N’ Burn Victims 03. Paper Hearts 04. The Kids From Orange County 05. Dark Walls 06. Pick Up The Phone 07. Nail It To The Cross 08. Wrong Again 09. Kings And Queens Of Nothing 10. Hearts Departed 11. Blood Beats
I've written aboutMAPS before, but this weekend marks the NYC debut of James Chapman's live incarnation. And timely is such, that a new single and video have emerged from the Mercury Music Prize nominated album "We Can Create". 'To the Sky' will be released via Mute Records in the UK on October 8th, with a US release to follow shortly after.
Maps - To the Sky (music video)
Maps will be playing a pair of live shows in NYC this weekend - Mercury Lounge on Friday (early show) and Luna Lounge in Brooklyn on Saturday.
As I mentioned, "We Can Create" was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize this year. Here is their performance of 'It Will Find You' from the awards show, with Jools Holland introducing them...
Maps - It Will Find You (live at the Mercury Music Prize Awards)
Joe Williams, aka WHITE WILLIAMS is about to blow up huge. After touring with DAN DEACON and GIRL TALK for the latter part of the summer, he has gained quite the momentum via the blogosphere as he prepares to release his debut album "Smoke" on November 6th. And the fun doesn't stop there, as he will join BATTLES for five dates in the days following the album's release. If that weren't enough to get some hype brewing, White Williams will also be on hand for the CMJ Music Marathon, sharing a bill with DEERHUNTER, Dan Deacon, NO AGE, and PONYTAIL on October 17th at the Bowery Ballroom, and yes...I will certainly be there.
The first single from "Smoke" is the infectious 'New Violence', which is now available in digital form on iTunes.
01 Headlines 02 In the Club 03 New Violence 04 Going Down 05 Smoke 06 The Shadow 07 Danger 08 I Want Candy 09 Fleetwood Crack 10 Route to Palm 11 Lice in the Rainbow
BJORK amazed last night, bringing her stunning live show to Madison Square Garden. Complete with fire, confetti, lasers, flags, special guests and a brass section dressed as a tribal army, this was a global circus of stimulation that only Bjork could pull off. The setlist (which you can find at the bottom of this post) was crowd-pleasing, highlights of which were 'I Miss You', 'Hyperballad', 'Army of Me', and the electrifying 'Pluto'. Another highlight was 'Dull Flame of Desire' of which Bjork brought out special guest Antony of ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS for a gorgeous and flawlessly executed duet.
Also on the bill were SANTOGOLD and KLAXONS. It was Santogold's birthday and you could feel her genuine excitement about the show from a mile away. Playing to a half empty stadium, Santogold gave a highly energetic performance that easily overcame the 8:00 opening slot obstacles. Santogold is an artist to watch in the future. She will be big. In between songs, Santogold introduced herself to the crowd by saying something to the effect of, "I don't have any music that you can buy. Bjork just picked us up and she's making it all happen." It also doesn't hurt that she had DIPLO onstage with her, providing the electronic beats.
Faring not so well were the recent Mercury Music Prize winners Klaxons, who got off to a rocky start with sound issues. Their set was lost on the crowd, as they seemed to just move through the motions, without any charisma or energy whatsoever. This doesn't close the door on Klaxons for me, as I love the album and will continue listening to it. But I think Klaxons haven't evolved into an arena-sized band yet. I would much rather see them in a small venue like Studio B. Some sort of light show would have hugely made a difference as well.
Check out this short clip of Bjork's closing encore 'Declare Independence'. This was truly a spectacular finale...
Bjork - Declare Independence (live at MSG) (partial)
Setlist:
01. Intro - Brennið Þið Vitar 02. Earth Intruders 03. Hunter 04. Pagan Poetry 05. I See Who You Are w/ Min Xiao-Fen 06. Unravel 07. The Pleasure Is All Mine 08. Dull Flame Of Desire w/ Antony (of Antony & the Johnsons) 09. Jóga 10. Desired Constellation 11. Army Of Me 12. Innocence 13. I Miss You 14. Cover Me 15. Wanderlust 16. Hyperballad 17. Pluto encore 18. Oceania 19. Declare Independence
DAVE GAHAN has a sophomore solo album on the way titled "Hourglass" and it will be released on October 23. The first single is called 'Kingdom' and while I instantly like it, it's hard for Gahan not to sound very similar to his famous band (even without Martin Gore). But whether it's a Dave Gahan release or a DEPECHE MODE one, I'm on board.
Hourglass tracklist:
Saw Something Kingdom Deeper And Deeper 21 Days Miracles Use You Insoluble Endless A Little Lie Down
PJ HARVEY's eighth studio album "White Chalk" will be released on October 2nd and it is a record to cherish, not to mention own a physical copy of. At first listen, I found myself mumbling "What the fuck?!" and turned it off in the middle of the second song. It is so quiet, so delicate, I felt abandoned. Where were the guitars? Where were the aching howls? What about the dominatrix vixen who was always prepared to remind you that "You come and mess with me, I'm fifty inches long!"? There is none of that here. This is the kind of music that requires effort from the listener. And as a devoted PJ fan there was no way in hell I was gonna leave it alone. So I decided I needed to listen to the album in its entirety on my headphones, late at night, a little bit drunk. It was then that I discovered the beauty of "White Chalk". It is deep, dark, sorrowful, depressing, and complexly gorgeous.
Looking back on the more recent PJ Harvey albums, this is quite the departure. On the 2000 release "Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea", Harvey found her pop moment, creating the most solidly structured and thoroughly accessible collection of songs in her career. The 2004 follow-up "Uh-Huh Her" was more loose and uneven, but found its solidity in its erraticness. But "White Chalk", more closely resembling moments on the 1998 release "Is This Desire?", sounds as if it could have been recorded as one long, piano-driven diatribe with select key moments of variation and height. On the title track, a banjo takes the driver's seat to great effect. 'Broken Harp' uses subtle horns that sound like they could have been used on a BEIRUT track. And as always, there are the startling, almost horrific lyrics that have become a PJ trademark. Most notably this can be found on the opening verse of 'The Piano'..."Hit her with a hammer, teeth smashed in; red tongue's twitching, look inside her skeleton". These are not happy times for Harvey, but the listener only stands to gain as a result.
What is so gripping about PJ's work, is the truth to form and structure. Ms. Harvey is a phenomenally skilled writer. Even the simplest of her songs are so layered, full with imagery, honesty, and power. And here, it takes a few careful listens to see it. Though, I wouldn't suggest actually falling asleep to the album, as the final track 'The Mountain', a lush and driving ballad, finds PJ building into a piercing, desperate wail that could wake the dogs a mile away.
Though tame compared to past shows, Atlanta's BLACK LIPS played a rowdy, tight, and poppin' set last night at the Bowery Ballroom and the crowd was very, very into it. They ran through all their best songs, including 'Katrina', 'Cold Hands', 'Not A Problem', and 'Stranger', the latter of which you can watch below. My only complaint about the show would be how they teased us into believing there would be an encore, but after five minutes of "ladies" filing into the backstage door (and I mean a lot of ladies), the lights went up and the show was abruptly over.
Opening band THE SELMANAIRES (also from Atlanta) were impressive as well, though the crowd looked like a scene from Night of the Living Dead throughout their set. Poor guys. They gave a lot of energy and deserved at least a little bit back.
Black Lips - Stranger (live at the Bowery Ballroom)
Tonight, both bands will be at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, but not before the Lips play a free show at Soundfix Records, then lead the audience on a circus parade to the Music Hall. This is guaranteed to be a spectacle!
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM are about to release the third single from the genius "Sound of Silver" album. 'Someone Great' drops on October 22 (UK) with undisclosed remixes and fun stuff. I have still NEVER seen LCD live, but that is about to change when I make the trek out to Randall's Island on October 6th, when they join ARCADE FIRE, LES SAVY FAV, and BLONDE REDHEAD for a day of sensory overload. I cannot fucking wait!!! Check out the brand new LCD video for 'Someone Great' below...
The days are indeed getting shorter, but it feels as though they are getting longer as we anticipate the new UNDERWORLD album, "Oblivion With Bells". But here is something to help wet the appetite leading up to the October 16th album release - the brand new video for the first single 'Crocodile'.
So, I'm introducing a new weekly series...Tuesday Throwback...and no one better to kick it off with than THE B-52'S. With a new album on the way and the upcoming Halloween show in NYC with THE RAPTURE, let's dig in to the past and explore the origins of the greatest party band ever (sorry CSS). Here are some very rare, vintage clips showcasing The B-52's in all their eclectic glory. Enjoy.
'Hero Worship' has always been one of my favorite tracks. From the 1979 debut album, it features Cindy Wilson in her finest howling wail. This ultra-rare video shows her in her rawest state - a sexy growl and deadpan demeanor - this is classic. Not to mention Kate Pierson on guitar!!!
Hero Worship
'Rock Lobster' is certainly one of their most well-known songs, but here you get to see The B's in a very early carnation. Doesn't Fred Schneider look frighteningly thin?
Rock Lobster
Another all-time favorite of mine, 'Devil In My Car' is an awesome, gritty garage rock track. Sometimes I wish they never went electro, but due to the untimely death of guitarist Ricky Wilson, a transformation inevitably occurred.
Devil in My Car
Yet again, a fave of mine. 'Dirty Back Road', featuring splendid split vocals by Kate and Cindy.
Dirty Back Road
I know, they are definitely lip-syncing in this video, but it's cool to see this era of The B's, coming into popularity with one of the most recognizable new wave songs of the early 80's, 'Private Idaho'.
Private Idaho
Though shot for a TV spot and clearly lip-syncing (Hey! It was the 80's), 'Give Me Back My Man' is another amazing solo-vocal track by Cindy Wilson.
Give Me Back My Man
And finally, the least known hit single from the 1989 breakthrough album "Cosmic Thing". The video for 'Deadbeat Club' finds The B-52's in vintage "throwback" style, hanging out with Michael Stipe, among others.
Flavorpill presented what was the first in a new monthly series called "One Step Beyond" at the American Museum of Natural History, with BONDE DO ROLE, KING BRITT and PLASTIC LITTLE. I wasn't actually there, but Amos Mac sent over these photos of Bonde do Role.
'Idealistic' is the new single from German electro duo DIGITALISM. If you haven't heard the debut album "Idealism", it is one of the best electronic albums of the year, right up there with the 2007 debuts from SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO and JUSTICE. The new single is available September 17 and will feature remixes from WHOMADEWHO, A-TRAK, and HYSTEREO.
Hot on the heels of the recent '"Kick It Back EP", MANHATTAN LOVE SUICIDES are prepping the "Keep It Coming ep" for release on October 5 (UK). And this time, the shoegazer-loving quartet has made a video for the title track. The video, just like all of their music, seems as though it were created in the early 90's, calling to mind late night editions of 120 Minutes circa 1991.
Keep It Coming tracklist:
1. KEEP IT COMING 2. THINKING IS KILLING ME (New 7" Version) 3. HEAD OVER HEELS 4. SITTING TARGET
Manhattan Love Suicides - Keep It Coming (music video)
ROISIN MURPHY has another new single from the forthcoming album "Overpowered". 'Let Me Know' is a bit dancier than the title track, with a disco-house vibe fully in effect. The album, released in the UK on October 15th, is the follow-up to Murphy's 2005 solo debut "Ruby Blue". For Roisin newbies, it should be said that she was the singer for 90's electronica act MOLOKO.
You can pre-order the album now, or wait like a year or so for it to be released in the US.
Overpowered Tracklist:
1. Overpowered 2. You Know Me Better 3. Checkin' On Me 4. Let Me Know 5. Movie Star 6. Primitive 7. Footprints 8. Dear Miami 9. Cry Baby 10. Tell Everybody 11. Scarlet Ribbons
Preview some of the tracks from "Overpowered" here.
It was just announced today that you can order "IV" (or "Night Drive" - I'm so confused), the new full length from CHROMATICS, directly from the band. At this point the album is not available any other way, though it is supposed to be released by Italians Do It Better in a few weeks. Here is the full announcement from the Chromatics myspace blog:
"HEY EVERYONE, OUR NEWEST CD "NIGHT DRIVE" IS OUT NOW. 10 SONGS. TOTAL RUNNING TIME 58:06
1. THE TELEPHONE CALL 2. NIGHT DRIVE 3. I WANT YOUR LOVE 4. RUNNING UP THAT HILL 5. THE KILLING SPREE 6. HEALER 7. MASK 8. TOMORROW IS SO FAR AWAY 9. LET'S MAKE THIS A MOMENT TO REMEMBER 10. TICK OF THE CLOCK
THE "NIGHT DRIVE" CD IS AVAILABLE FOR MAILORDER DIRECTLY FROM THE GROUP. ITALIANS DO IT BETTER WILL HAVE THEIR COPIES IN A FEW WEEKS. "NIGHT DRIVE" IS $8 PPD IN THE STATES, $12 PPD THE REST OF THE WORLD. TO ORDER PAYPAL: METALGURUISITYOU@HOTMAIL.COM, PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS. WE MADE A SPECIAL PRESSING OF 200 GREEN CDS FOR THE WEST COAST TOUR AND HAVE A COUPLE LEFT OVER SO WE'LL BE MAILING OUT THE LIMITED VERSION TO THE FIRST PEOPLE WHO ORDER FROM US. THE CDS ARE PACKED IN THE ITALIANS GATEFOLD SLEEVES LIKE THE "AFTER DARK" COMPILATION. WE FOUND 27 MORE COPIES OF "AFTER DARK" IN THE STUDIO WHEN WE GOT HOME FROM TOUR. WE JUST FOUND OUT THAT COLETTE IN PARIS CLEANED OUT THE REST OF THE ITALIANS MAILORDER, SO THESE WILL BE THE LAST COPIES FOR AWHILE.
MEANWHILE, THE "IN THE CITY" 12" B/W "IN THE HEADLITES" & "I'M ON FIRE" WILL BE OUT VERY SOON ON ITALIANS DO IT BETTER. MIKE HAD THE PRESSING FACTORY RUN 100 COPIES OF THE TEST PRESS SO WE COULD HAVE SOME FOR OUR FOUR CALIFORNIA SHOWS LAST WEEK. THE RECORDS HAVE HANDWRITTEN WHITE LABELS & ARE PACKAGED IN THE ITALIANS DO IT BETTER 12" COSMIC SINGLE SLEEVES, THEY ARE NOW SOLD OUT.
WE ARE SO HAPPY WITH THE WAY THESE TURNED OUT! ENJOY. XOXO CHROMATICS"
BLACK LIPS are about to release the new album "Good Bad Not Evil" on Vice Records and it's gonna be huge. Read the very positive review over at Pitchfork Media. Quite simply, these guys rock in the good old fashion raw and rowdy kind of way. The album hits stores this coming Tuesday, September 11. Buy it!!!
Vice Records has a couple free downloads available, including the single 'Cold Hands'.
THE DUKE SPIRIT will release the new "Ex Voto EP" in October, which will include the four brand new tracks 'Lassoo', Dog Roses', 'MASCA', and 'A Wild Hope'. Three of the tracks were recording at Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree with Chris Goss, who also produced their 'Mayday' contribution to UNKLE's recent album "War Stories". The remaining 4th track was produced by Flood. The EP will be released in the UK on October 22nd. A new full length should follow in early 2008.
My bets were on BAT FOR LASHES, but KLAXONS have officially taken the coveted Nationwide Mercury Music Prize. Past winners have been Arctic Monkeys, Antony and the Johnsons, Franz Ferdinand, Dizee Rascal, Ms. Dynamite, PJ Harvey, Badly Drawn Boy, Talvin Singh, Gomez, Roni Size/Reprazent, Pulp, Portishead, M People, Suede, and Primal Scream.
LIARS have just released their fourth full length on Mute Records, a self-titled transitionary record that perfectly blends the varying directions of the first three albums to create a solid, dirty psych-rock opus.
The lead-off track (and first single) 'Plaster Casts of Everything' pulls you in right away, a driving horror-show anthem of desperate love. "I wanna run away, I wanna bring you too"...this is like Bonnie & Clyde via David Lynch. 'Houseclouds' comes damn close to sounding like a Beck song with its funky backbeat and high-pitched chorus. 'What Would They Know' is a favorite of mine, calling to mind acid-tinged surf rock of the 60's. 'Cycle Time' is like Led Zeppelin on crack. But the most notable influence comes on the back to back tracks 'Freak Out' and 'Pure Unevil', an unmistakable ode to The Jesus & Mary Chain.
I love the direction Liars are heading in. It's almost like they've been spending a lot of time listening to the Nuggets compilations and watching acid films of the late 60's/early 70's like The Trip or Psych-Out.
Check out the terrifying video for 'Plaster Casts of Everything', featuring Karen O in what could have been a scene from the David Lynch film Lost Highway.
Baltimore's CELEBRATION will release their second LP "The Modern Tribe" via 4AD on October 9th. I'm all about this. If you haven't heard Celebration's debut album, most notably the 2006 single 'War', make it happen. It's easy. Just check out the video below.
The new single, 'Evergreen', explores the band's gentler side - in other words, this could be their breakthrough. Gorilla Vs. Bear goes as far as to say the album track 'Heartbreak' could be Celebration's 'Maps' (Yeah Yeah Yeahs). Wow! I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.
The Team: Derek Morris for TROPHY, Scott McGibney, Halley Hopkins
Contributors: Matthew Lindsay, Matthew Dunehoo, Amos Mac, Jessi Bautista, Phoebe K. Waterson
Live Team: Sam Teague, Jeremy Russell, Jacob Lane
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