W♥M

Please note that we have moved to weheartmusic.typepad.com, I will continue to re-post articles here until they close down vox.

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So, this the first Typepad post for W♥M! Since Typepad powered Vox, things seems like "business as usual" to me. The only nice thing is that there is an html option, which I'll be using quite a bit, since I prefer to write my own codes. Speaking of which, I spent most of my time here trying to customize the look of our new home.

Before all the transitions and dramas, I had the intention of doing a tour announcement for Peelander-Z, the most amazingly fun band to see live. Listen to Christina and I gush over them on episode #78.

From the latest press release, I see that they've just recorded a brand new album called P-TV-Z, to be released September 28^th via Chicken Ranch Records. The free clip that we got is "E-I-E-I-O" (which you can also download for free at official.fm), is pretty much what you'd expect from a Peelander-Z song: simple and fun. It's basically "Old MacDonald Had a Farm", but done in a Peelander-Z fashion.

I'll go on record and say that they're not exactly a "studio" band. To really appreciate this band, you really, really, have to see them live. The good news is that they are doing yet another national tour for P-TV-Z! See you there!

PS, here's a vuart for Peelander-Z:

Uh oh.  Sounds like someone has a case of the grumpies.  Or so I thought, after first listen of Smallcraft, the latest EP from New York power rockers Worst Case Ontario.  Not one to caress his audience with subtlety, singer Sam Weisberg opts instead for shameless (awesome) obviousness.  From the opening chord on Smallcraft, listeners are treated to a wild tour of angry music history, making significant stops in “Garage Rock” City and Punksville by way of Interstate “Yelling.”  If you like it fast and hard, no doubt you’ll want a ride.

As with their last album, Burning Politely, the boys of Ontario abandon the throes of glorified indieshmindie in favor of a grimier, slimier rock.  They may call New York “home,” but Smallcraft is more of a “fuck you” to soy-fed audiences than a call to Pitchfork media.  Weisberg remains a man of phrasing, and as such, the constant to his music is not just a need for speed, but an appreciation of the finer lyrics in life.  To wit:  I saved but around the bend were ten glutton meals / She brings her lunch to work; it’s backwards snubbing / Don’t see the harm in living a little / Somebody buy me and assume all debt (“I’m In Debt”).

The first few minutes of the aforementioned “I’m In Debt” recall the mid-90s, a time when many of us came of age, felt cross for no identifiable reason, and cranked the volume so high our eardrums still issue mild objections.  In a way, Smallcraft is a bit of a mystery:  coarse, be-flanneled loafing coupled with a distinctly contemporary coup de rock.  The 6-minute “Capricorn” makes good use of the latter, lifting and rolling as Weisberg spins astrological woe:  “…I don’t bond with, don’t click with, wouldn’t be caught dead with another Capricorn” (I think we’ve all felt similarly about nature’s terrestrial goat).

For more information on the band and their forthcoming EP, visit Myspace / Facebook.  You can purchase WCO’s 2007 release Burning Politely from CD Baby or digitally from iTunes.

So... just wanted to write a quick one for you. It seems like we have a little Australian theme going anyway. 

This Wednesday night just past, I was lucky enough to see an acoustic set in a quirky little pub basement in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Three youngsters from the Sydney-based band Papa Vs Pretty played two of the songs from their new EP, Heavy Harm. Heavy on the melody and quite intense lyrically. Foot-tappingly brilliant.

The boys will join Florida’s indie-pop wave-rockers Surfer Blood who will be hitting Australian shores in just two weeks with headline shows at The Corner Hotel, Melbourne on Friday, July 30th and Manning Bar, Sydney on Tuesday, August 3rd…. but you can get a sneak preview of Papa Vs Pretty’s wares at Spectrum in Sydney this Saturday (28^th) and if their non-acoustic live said is even slightly better than what can be heard on the EP and what I witnessed on Wednesday night then you’ll be in for a treat…. and word on the street is that their lives shows are fairly amazing.

Details for Saturday:

Spectrum - 34 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 28 August 2010

Ticket Price: $10 (Pre Sale) $13 (Door) $16 (Pre Sale Ticket & EP)

Tickets from Moshtix 1300 GET TIX / www.moshtix.com.au 

 

For information check these websites:

sally@weheartmusic.com

The first time I played this album I was surprised I never heard of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. His voice sounds universally familiar.  Even when he sings in his native language, it’s deeply personal and yet he transcends all cultural and geographical boundaries.

Gurrumul was born in 1970 on the Elcho Island, a few hundred miles off the Northwestern shores of Australia.  But he is only Australian by location.  In his heart and through his songs he is a folk singer for the Gumatj nation.  With a little luck and a lot of talent he was introduced to the rest of the world in with his debut album, Gurrumul. 

“A remarkable breakout album,” Stated the BBC.  “Listen and you will surrender to the greatest voice this continent has ever recorded,” Raved the Sydney Morning Herald. 

Gurrumul has a unique ability to draw in and transport the listener.  On “Marrandil” he paints a pastoral setting with a voice overwhelmed with emotion as he describes a sunset on the water and reflects about his ancestors, his country and his place in the landscape.

I’m usually partial to the female voices of Billy Holiday, Norah Jones and Enya when it comes to quiet songs, but Gurrumul’s voice is achingly beautiful.  His voice has the ability to soothe and ease.  He makes Placido Domingo sound like Bob Dylan.

The Sydney Morning Herald uses words like “emotional bridge” and “wellspring so deep” to describe Gurrumul’s musical style.  Whatever the description he has the ability to swim in deeper currents not afforded to most musicians.    Is it because he was born in a remote place?  Is it because he is blind?  Whatever his circumstance, Gurrumul is a remarkable musician.

On his website gurrumul.com it states his current European and American tour is on hold while he recovers from an illness.  I wish him a speedy recovery.  

Dave

- Ou Est Le Christopher.

A jam-packed show for you on this Australia's Federal Election Day.

CATCHING UP WITH VU & SALLY
Vu's childhood friend, Mark, visited for a week.

Sally's been quite busy with work. She did manage to squeeze in some concerts, including "Country-Looking" Band of Horses. Also, she got her CDs stolen at Britpop Club.

The theme of this show seems to be aging bands from the 90s, but are still touring!

Here are the main bands with their tour schedule:


THE CHARLATANS
thecharlatans.net ♥ myspace.com

Their eleventh album is called Who We Touch, out on September 14^th on The End Records. They are heading out on tour to promote the album, starting in the USA and ending in Australia.

09/07 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft 09/08 - Chapel Hill, NC @ Cat's Cradle 09/09 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat 09/10 - Boston, MA @ Royale 09/11 - Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's 09/13 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom 09/14 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg 09/15 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's 09/16 - Montreal, QC @ Cabaret 09/17 - Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace 09/18 - Chicago, IL @ Double Door 09/20 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's 09/21 - Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar 09/22 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey 09/28 - London Q The Music Club 10/05 - Hatfield The Forum 10/07 - Newcastle 02 Academy 10/08 UK Edinburgh HMV Picture House 10/09 UK Dundee Fat Sam's Live 10/11 UK Liverpool 02 Academy 10/12 UK Nottingham Rock City

10/14 UK Leeds 02 Academy 10/15 UK Sheffield 02 Academy 10/16 UK Manchester Apollo 10/18 UK Oxford 02 Academy 10/19 UK Bristol 02 Academy 10/21 UK Norwich UEA 10/22 UK London 02 Academy Brixton 10/23 UK Birmingham 02 Academy 10/25 Holland Amsterdam Melkweg 10/28 Italy Florence Viper 10/29 Italy Rimini Velvet 10/30 Italy Rome Circolo degli Artisti 11/01 Switzerland Zurich Abart Club 11/02 Germany Dortmund FZW 11/03 Germany Munich Backstage 11/04 France Paris Trabendo 11/10 Australia Brisbane Hi-Fi 11/11 Australia Sydney Metro 11/12 Australia Melbourne Billboard 11/13 Australia Adelaide Fowlers Live 11/15 Australia Fremantle

MANIC STREET PREACHERS
manicstreetpreachers.com ♥ myspace.com

What's there to say about MSP, except we like them here. Having seen the band twice, the later, just last year - I can tell you that they are doing some fan-favorite "old" songs. It looks like this "Postcards From A Young Man" Tour might be music from their latest album.

Apparently, Postcards From a Young Man will be released on September 20^th and supposedly be "unashamedly pop-orientated".  Hint: They are going for "big radio hits" with this new album, James Dean Bradfield tells NME.

29.09.2010 - GLASGOW, Academy 30.09.2010 - ABERDEEN, Music Hall 02.10.2010 - EDINBURGH, Corn Exchange 03.10.2010 - CARLISLE, Sands Centre 05.10.2010 - HULL, City Hall 06.10.2010 - SHEFFIELD, Academy 08.10.2010 - LIVERPOOL, University 09.10.2010 - BLACKBURN, Kings Georges Hall 11.10.2010 - LEEDS, Academy 12.10.2010 - DERBY, Assembly Rooms 14.10.2010 - MANCHESTER, Apollo 16.10.2010 - LINCOLN, Engine Shed 17.10.2010 - NORWICH, UEA 19.10.2010 - SOUTHAMPTON, Guildhall

20.10.2010 - SOUTHEND, Cliffs Pavilion 22.10.2010 - BOURNEMOUTH, Academy 23.10.2010 - NEWPORT, Centre 25.10.2010 - BRISTOL, Colston Hall 26.10.2010 - BIRMINGHAM, Academy 28.10.2010 - LONDON, Brixton Academy 29.10.2010 - LONDON, Brixton Academy 31.10.2010 - LEICESTER, De Montford Hall 01.11.2010 - CAMBRIDGE, Corn Exchange 13.11.2010 - BRISBANE Hi Fi 15.11.2010 - SYDNEY Metro 18.11.2010 - ADELAIDE HQ 20.11.2010 - MELBOURNE The Forum 22.11.2010 - PERTH Metropolis Fremantle

CHAPTERHOUSE
chapterhouse.info ♥ myspace.com

UK shoegazy band, Chapterhouse, have been absent from the music scene for nearly 15 years, but that's not stopping them from touring the US! I've previously mentioned their tour dates, but they were postponed due to "that volcano".

Their rescheduled tour dates are as follows:

1st October - Chicago - Lincoln Hall
3rd October - New York - Bellhouse
4th October - New York - Le Poisson Rouge
5th October - Boston - Middle East Club
6th October - Toronto - Lee’s Palace
8th October - Los Angeles - Troubadour
9th October - San Francisco - Mezzanine
6th April - Ebisu Liquid Room, Tokyo, Japan
8th April - Osaka, Japan
9th April - Super Deluxe, Tokyo, Japan
18th March - Scala, London

ASH
ash-official.com ♥ myspace.com

I guess between Sally and I, we only really love their early albums. Still, nostalgia is a powerful thing, I just hope they play their old stuff on tour. They are currently on "W" on their A-Z project. I reckon all the Japan dates are sold out, Japanese loves their music! I love that.

21/08/10 Pukkelpop Kempische Steenweg, Kiewit Belgium
26/08/10 Pandamonium -  Manchester Academy 3 UK
27/08/10 Leeds Festival Leeds UK
28/08/10 Reading Festival Reading UK
01/09/10 Grand Arena  Cape Town South Africa
08/09/10 Teatro - Montecasino  Johannesburg South Africa
11/09/10 Headstock Festival Newstead    Nottingham UK
22/11/10 LiquidRoom Tokyo Japan
23/11/10 LiquidRoom Tokyo Japan
24/11/10 Club Quattro Nagoya Japan
25/11/10 Big Cat Osaka Japan

SECOND PART OF THE SHOW
Generally, our shows are split in two parts, the later is a free-for-all. I briefly talk about Margaret Cho's album, Cho Dependent (Get it? Co-Dependent?) out in two days August 24th. For tour dates, please check out my previous article.

Sally mentioned that you can get a free song, "Polarise", from the band Cameras.

They are playing some dates:

ANNANDALE HOTEL, SYDNEY - Sunday 29th August
RUNNING RED LIGHTS ALBUM LAUNCH TOUR - Thursday 2nd September
OXFORD ARTS FACTORY, SYDNEY - Thursday 30th September
ONE MOVEMENT FOR MUSIC FESTIVAL, PERTH - 7th-10th October

In keeping with the theme, Matt & Kim is releasing their new single, "Cameras". And to celebrate, they are doing a huge tour. It would've been nice to preview an excerpt of the said song, but from an interview, it is said to be an "anthem"-sort of song.

See their entire 30+ tour dates on their official website.

UPDATE 8/23/10: We also talked a bit about The Rapture, The Coral and Arab Strap, as well as other bands.  And just in time today, we got a message that The Coral have announced their tour date as well as a brand new video called "More Than a Lover" (out on September 6^th).  Full tour dates are available on their official website.



____
Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on podomatic.com

Since getting my (new) Xbox, I've been watching my new favorite web series, The Guild on Zune Video, since it's free. You can watch the series online as well on watchtheguild.com, but I think you have to put up on watching some advertisements. I highly recommend you watching it, especially Season 2.

For those who aren't familiar with The Guild, it's about some misadventures of some MMORPG gamers in the Knights of the Good.

Some key characters:

Codex (Cyd), played by the beautiful Felicia Day. Codex is the healer/cleric in the group and seems to be the one point that connects the other guild members (aka "guildies").

Vork, my favorite character in the whole bunch. He doesn't seem to interact well with normal humans, and he's a bit frugal (for instance, bringing his own slices of cheese to a restaurant).

Zaboo, an Indian/Jewish ("HinJew") character who is obsessed with Codex. My favorite quote from him is "+5 Sexterity").

Bladezz, the Rogue. He's a high school student and spends a lot of time gaming. He's also known for making bad sexual jokes.

Clara is a mother who often ignore her children and husband. She's my least favorite character, only because I can't really relate to her.

Tinkerballa, the Ranger. She's supposed to be cold and calculating, but she's not really that interesting outside of being an Asian gamer.

Currently, the Guild is on their fourth season, episode 5 was just posted. I can't say that I like how the season is developing. I guess, I just don't find this season all that funny. I hope it picks up.

Anyway, I know that Felicia Day is really into gaming and music. Her video for "Avatar" was inspired by dance music from the 80s. She wrote the lyrics and had Jed Whedon (from Dr Horrible's Sing Along Blog) came up with a "C+C Music Vibe".

I don't know the story behind the Guild's latest Bollywood-inspired video, but I suspect it has a lot to do with Zaboo and watching Hindi movies.

Lara tells me that Margaret Cho is beloved by Asians and gay men. It made me question myself when I'm qualified as both Asian and male. To be honest, I think she's well loved beyond those two groups, even by white people. (That's a joke).

Most people may remember Cho as the force behind All American Girl on ABC, advertised for being the "first" all Eastern Asian television show. While this show drew criticism from the Asian community for stereotyping Asians, I just think they didn't understand the humor... I mean how else are you going to make a funny program about race without a little stereotype?

I think the failure of All American Girl caused Cho to disappear from the public for a while. Six years after the cancellation, she came back strong with Notorious C.H.O. I'm glad to see she's back and seemingly doing great!

Her latest project is called Cho Dependent* to be released on August 24^th, just in time to kick off her forthcoming tour. I actually thought this was a new comedy album like Revolution or I'm The One That I Want, but after quickly listening to some same tracks - these are actually original new music recording by famous musicians. Songsmiths like Tegan & Sara, Ben Lee, Fiona Apple, and Ani DiFranco. I'm assuming just by putting in the effort, that these artists are fans of Cho, and vice versa.

I'm actually quite curious to see how her live show will be, especially because I do not think all of these awesome artists will be touring with Cho?  Most likely, I will see Cho singing her songs and perhaps even throw in a joke here or there. Looking forward to seeing her live.

Anyway, here's a funny video called "I'm Sorry", featuring Andrew Bird and Margaret Cho. Note the distinctive whistling that Bird is known for in the song.


Interested in a full tracklisting ? See below:

1. Intervention(co-written with & featuring Tegan & Sara)
2. Calling in Stoned (co-written with Ben Lee / featuring Ben Lee & Tommy Chong)
3. Your Dick (co-written with AC Newman / featuring Ben Lee)
4. Baby I’m With The Band (co-written with & featuring Brendan Benson)
5. Hey Big Dog (co-written with Patty Griffin / featuring Ben Lee & Fiona Apple)
6. I'm Sorry (co-written with & featuring Andrew Bird)
7. Lice (co-written with & featuring Ben Lee)
8. Enemies (co-written with & featuring Jon Brion)
9. Asian Adjacent (co-written with & featuring Grant Lee Phillips)
10. Gimme Your Seed (co-written with & featuring Garrison Starr)
11. Eat Shit and Die (co-written with & featuring Grant Lee Phillips)
12. Captain Cameltoe (co-written with & featuring Ani DiFranco)
13. My Puss (co-written with Diana Yanez & Kurt Hall / parody of Mickey Avalon & Dirt Nasty song)

Hidden Track (on CD/Digital only): Lesbian Escalation (co-written with & featuring Rachael Yamagata)

* PS, sorry, wanted to give this a proper review, but I can't really listen to music on my computer since the preview copy I have is internet-only.  Which is fine, as I suppose  I wouldn't really have the time considering I'm still on vacation-mode.  Also, I will be bringing up Cho on this week's podcast. Stay tuned!

 08/17/2010 21:14:01 ♥ vu () ♥ margaretcho.com