11 posts tagged “ben gibbard”
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04/29/09 Vera* Groningen, Netherlands
Note
05/01/09 Bikini Test* Switzerland 05/02/09 d*qliq* Luxembourg 05/03/09 Albani* Winterthur, Switzerland 05/04/09 Cafe de la Danse* Paris, France 05/06/09 Wah-Wah Club* Valencia, Spain 05/07/09 Moby Dick Club* Madrid, Spain 05/08/09 Cafe Hispano* Zaragoza, Spain 05/09/09 Apolo* Barcelona, Spain 05/10/09 Psilocybenea* Spain 05/12/09 Orangehouse* Munich, Germany 05/13/09 Wuk* Vienna, Austria 05/14/09 Teatar & Td* Zagreb, Croatia 05/15/09 GrooveStation* Germany 05/16/09 Pop-Up Festival Germany 05/17/09 Cafe Zapata* Berlin, Germany 05/27/09 Modified Phoenix, Arizona 05/28/09 Spaceland LA, CA 05/29/09 Bar Pink San Diego, CA 05/31/09 Rickshaw Stop SF, CA 06/02/09 Media Club Vancouver, BC 06/03/09 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR 06/04/09 Chop Suey Seattle, WA 06/06/09 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT 06/07/09 Larimer Lounge Denver, CO 07/04/09 Stubb’s BBQ Austin, Texas *with Grand Archives Magnolia album is out May 12th on vinyl.
Download "False Alarm" from Barsuk.
See Also
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The Wooden Birds, Andrew Kenny’s latest project, is a reflection of his move from Brooklyn, New York back to his hometown of Austin, Texas. The two cities have quite a bit in common (laid back atmospheres, blogworthy music scenes, skinny jeans galore), but the differences are palpable on the Wooden Birds’ mellow debut, Magnolia.
Kenny subtracted the signature synths and electronic beats from his former band, American Analog Set, and added rhythmic percussions, an acoustic guitar, and backing female vocals provided by Ola Podrida. Like Kenny’s hometown, the songs on Magnolia are laid-back and tranquil – but with a steady energy that pulses like a heartbeat.
With the simple instrumentation, focus is drawn to Kenny’s quivery vocals and intricate lyrics. The Ben Gibbard comparisons are obvious (they once split an EP together), but Kenny sets himself apart by eschewing pop hooks for intense, prose-like verses that provide quiet, melancholy insight. On the slightly more upbeat track, “The Other One,” Kenny seamlessly tells the tale of a brother with a “journal with the saddest words / that you ever heard,” weaving a thoughtful character study of a detached family.
Kenny’s attention to detail stands out on several character-centered tracks, such “Seven Seventeen,” where he continually laments over the fact that “she was seven when I was seventeen.” Small but specific details scattered throughout Magnolia such as “kissing bike tires,” “makeshift rafts,” and “mom’s Indian rug” emphasize Kenny’s return to Austin. On “Hometown Fantasy,” the simply maracas and acoustic guitar are an ideal soundtrack to any idyllic front porch conversation.
With such a peaceful ambiance, it’s inevitable that some of the slower songs suffer from the “sameness” stigma. It can sound condescending writing off certain albums as “background music,” but in The Wooden Birds’ case, it’s hardly an insult. The album would certainly compliment a drive down South Congress or a lazy afternoon at Barton Springs. But even if you’re miles away from Texas, Magnolia will leave you nostalgic for somewhere warmer, somewhere quiet.
04/29/2009 00:09:48 ♥ kateg (
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♥ thewoodenbirds.com
♥ myspace.com/thewoodenbirds
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04/17/09
Aragon Ballroom (SOLD OUT) Chicago, Illinois
Read More
04/18/09 Breslin Events Center East Lansing, Michigan 04/19/09 Van Male Fieldhouse (SOLD OUT) Waukesha, Wisconsin 04/22/09 Mount Baker Theatre (SOLD OUT) Bellingham, Washington 04/24/09 McCarthey Athletic Center Spokane, Washington 04/25/09 The Morrison Center (SOLD OUT) Boise, Idaho 04/27/09 Memorial Auditorium Sacramento, California 04/29/09 RIMAC Arena (SOLD OUT) La Jolla, California 05/01/09 Austin Music Hall (SOLD OUT) Ausitn, Texas 05/02/09 Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans, Louisiana 05/03/09 Ryman Auditorium Nashville, Tennessee 05/04/09 Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT) Nashville, Tennessee 05/05/09 BJCC Concert Hall Birmingham, Alabama 05/06/09 Fox Theatre (SOLD OUT) Atlanta, Georgia 05/07/09 Hard Rock Live (SOLD OUT) Orlando, Florida 07/05/09 Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, California 07/11/09 Greek Theatre Berkeley Berkeley, California 07/13/09 Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre Salt Lake City, Utah 07/14/09 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, Colorado 07/16/09 Pacific Coliseum Vancouver, British Columbia 07/17/09 Edgefield Amphitheatre Troutdale 07/18/09 Marymoor Park (SOLD OUT) Redmond, Washington 07/19/09 Marymoor Park Redmond, Washington |
Ra Ra Riot started the show exactly at seven and went off the stage by 7:20pm. What a brief set list.
I am speaking from experience because I recently saw them headline and the audience loved and the energy they gave off, fed into Cold War Kids and they sweated and teared through their setlist. Watch the video! Unfortunately, not tonight. Tonight mostly saw the band singing songs and heading right into the next without so much as pauses for applauses.
The last three songs, singer Nathan Willett snuck behind his piano and did three piano-type songs and basically away from center stage view.
Also, whoever was working the lights, they must've really had it in for Cold War Kids. The lights was either white, yellow-ish, or none at all. This is in huge contrast to Death Cab, who enjoyed a variety of reds, blues, and smoke machine... The lighting really made a huge difference, if you ask me.
Anyroad, before we get to Death Cab for Cutie, I have to explain that I've seen the band before in 2001 at the 7th Street Entry for $5. People who live in Minnesota knows that the 7th Street is a tiny venue. We reckon it can only hold about 200 people without choking itself. So that was then, a very nice and smokey and not to mention intimate setting to see Death Cab.
How far they've come! They are now doing 5,000 capacity sized venue. And although it didn't sell out, I would hazard at least 60% of tickets was sold, based on my asian math perception skills (that didn't even make sense, it's 1:30am as I'm writing this). Anyway, floor tickets are the cheapest - at a whopping $49-ish a ticket. The guy next to me said with all the fees involved (this is why I hate ticketmaster), he paid $98 for two tickets online!
For the fans, it was worth every penny... they sang (yes, they all sang along) to every song. HUGE reception to "I Will Possess Your Heart" with its 300-minute epic music intro. This is followed by everyone's favorite acoustic-only song, "I Will Follow You into the Dark", followed by "Cath...", followed by the ba-ba song of "The Sound of Settling". Ben Gibbard had the audience eating out of his hands.
For the encore, they did three songs, I'm sure one of them was brand new from their new EP and the other was "Transatlanticism".
It looks like they're continuing on their very successful, mostly sold-out tour. So even if you wanted to see them, you're probably already out of luck - but of course, if you're a huge fan, you probably have your tickets in advance.
Cold War Kids' latest album is called Loyalty to Loyalty from Downtown Music (get a copy at amazon) and the very popular Death Cab's latest is called Narrow Stairs from Atlantic Records. Not sure what their current relationship is with Barsuk, but Ra Ra Riot is on it and it's still one of my favorite record label :)
PS, no photos for this show, because of the strict anti-camera from the security people.
04/16/2009 01:40:42 ♥ vu (
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♥ deathcabforcutie.com/myspace.com
♥ coldwarkids.com/myspace.com
While trying to build a list of terrible band names I came to the following conclusions:
1. Musicians are stupid-smart. Meaning, they are probably not literally mentally retarded, but they often make decisions based on retarded logic (and I apologize in advance: there is no better synonym for ‘retarded’; I will be using it repeatedly). A band name is a precious life, like a baby, and should be treated as such (i.e. would you name a kid ‘Hoobastank?’).
2. Musicians are pretentious. They have to be, otherwise the world would be filled with songs about getting audited or checking Facebook 1,735 times a day, and nobody wants to hear that. We need talented, attractive artists to take our boring feelings and interpret them as beautiful bastions of verbal bliss.
3. Musicians have a sense of humor. It’s possible.
What follows is by no means an extensive list. I’m sure that somewhere there exists a band with a truly horrific name like Diarrhea Jiz Baby Eaters or something, but I tried to select at least moderately reputable/notorious artists (it’s more fun to ridicule someone who could legitimately sue me for “character defamation”).
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
Vu brought to my attention (and a quick perusal of the entire Internet confirmed his claim) that the band originally called themselves…(sigh)…The Clouds That Fondle Jagged Crags and Raging Storms Conspire and You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. It physically hurts, doesn’t it. According to Wikipedia, the name started as an inside joke; unfortunately, this doesn’t justify anything. It’s like getting a vanity plate that says “BIRDLUV” because you actually hate birds and enjoy irony, but everyone else just thinks you’re a homely bird enthusiast.
I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness
What’s surprising about ILYBICD is that they are not high school Hot Topic employees.
Death Cab for Cutie
I know, I know, Death Cab is a serious, important band. Forgive me. By the way, have I told you about my new musical project: Deceased Taxi for Sexycheeks? (Let’s christen this the Thesaurus Test. Death Cab for Cutie: 0, the English Language: 1.)
Echo and the Bunnymen
Will Sergeant once mentioned that they chose Echo and the Bunnymen because it was the least shit name from a list of shit names (even though they all agreed that the name was still a shit name). This is retarded logic (see #1). I wonder what happened between “we need a name” and “I hate this name, but I suppose it will do.” Did they simply give up? Is Echo and the Bunnymen the band name equivalent of stretch pants and an oversized embroidered sweater?
Butthole Surfers
Sometimes having a really, really dumb name doesn’t prevent a band from major success. Take Butthole Surfers, which sounds like an elementary school insult (and also a euphemism for anal sex)—dumb name. And yet, loved by Dead Kennedys, Sonic Youth, Kurt Cobain, and regular people (sold records). The problem is maturity: do you want that Mickey Mouse tattoo for the rest of your life? Do you want to be the Butthole Surfers for the rest of your life? Do you want young, nubile hot chicks saying “hey, there’s that Butthole Surfer dude. Isn’t it sad that he’s totally old now and still trying to be gross and funny and talk about balls or whatever? Let’s not fuck him, it’s too sad.”
Gay Witch Abortion
I know what they’re trying to do. I know it, and I can do it better: Fat Wizard Pedophilia. We can all play this game, it’s easy. Step 1: think of a non-offensive word that when used in a specific context becomes offensive; Step 2: witch, wizard, sorcerer, dragon, bear, turnip, it doesn’t matter; Step 3: ‘Gay Witch’ alone is kind of funny, kind of gay, but add a mildly taboo/generically topical issue, and voila! a mirage: seems shocking, but upon further inspection is actually a harmless rock formation.
!!! / Sunn O))) / 00|00
Guide to pronunciation:
!!!: “…Pronounced 'Chk Chk Chk' or any three repetitive sounds” (from Official Website). I pronounce it ‘… … …,’ which is the sound of rolling eyes.
Sunn O))): Pronounced ‘sun’; the ‘O)))’ is supposed to mimic the logo for the amp brand Sunn, the band’s namesake, and roughly translates as “lifetime supply of free amps.”
00|00: Pronounced “oh-oh-eye-oh-oh.” They’re Japanese.
If a band requires instruction to talk about, I don’t want to talk about it. So I won’t.
02/10/2009 18:07:44 ♥ lara (
/lara206.vox.com)
♥weheartmusic.com ♥ news.weheartmusic.com
| Inspirational Place wrote: Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 11:07 PM |
Inspirational Place's comment above, er, inspired me to write about "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" covers. I realized that there's already been several website doing coverage on this song (and its covers), but their articles are ugly! Ok! As a long time Morrissey/Smiths collector, I have also extended my collection to tribute CDs and bootlegs, so most of these songs are already in my little Moz shrine.[this is good] Sounds a little bit like Morrisey...which is good, real good ;o)
A little introduction on Morrissey's obsession on super long song titles. Here's some examples:
- "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"
- "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want"
- "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before"
- "Please Help the Cause Against Lonliness" (written by Morrissey, recorded by Sandie Shaw)
- "Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference"
- "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful"
- "The Last of the Famous International Playboys"
- "There is a Place for Me and My Friends in Hell"
- "The More you Ignore me, the Closer I Get"
Obviously the song's been a major influence on a lot of bands (we'll get to that later), but I was surprise to see it in Irvine Welsh's book Trainspotting the first time I read it after seeing the movie (incidentally, one of my favorite top 10 movies of all time):
So below are some covers of "There is a Light". This is by no means a definitive list, but it's a pretty good list by diverse artist. Plus many of these covers were released in one format or another with the exception of the Death Cab's version as that was a live radio broadcast. I have several videos also (notably Noel Gallagher's rendition of "There is a Light" that's worth looking up on youtube if you get a chance), but I'm mainly sticking with CD releases.
Spud wanted to never get to that party, wishing that they could just go on walking and talking. They went down into the underpass and Spud thought that he should try to put his arm around Nicola. Then a passage from a Smiths' song, one he'd always liked called: 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out', came into his head:
and in the darkened underpass
I thought Oh God my chance has come at last
but then a strange fear gripped me
and I just couldn't ask
Morrissey's sad voice summed up his feelings.He didn't put his arm around Nicola, and his attempts to chat her up were half–arsed after that.
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ANBERLIN
schneidertm.net ♥ myspace.com They're currently on tour in support of their major-label album, New Surrender:
12/12 - The Great Salt Air - Magna, UT 12/15 - Toad's Place - Richmond, VA 01/07 - Nashville, TN @ Rocketown 01/08 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel 01/09 - Harrisonburg, VA @ The Alethia 01/10 - Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club 01/11 - Providence, RI @ Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel 01/13 - Montreal, QC @ Studio JPR 01/14 - Ottawa, ON @ Babylon 01/15 - London, ON @ Cowboy's Ranch 01/16 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Calvin College Fine Arts Center 01/17 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Club 01/18 - Des Moines, IO @ People's Court 01/19 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown 01/21 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue 01/22 - Fargo, ND @ The Venue 01/23 - Winnipeg, MB @ Garrick Centre **VENUE CHANGE** 01/24 - Regina, SK @ The Exchange 01/25 - Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room 01/26 - Calgary, AB @ The Warehouse 01/28 - Vancouver, BC @ Richard's on Richards Cabaret 01/30 - Billings, MT @ Shrine Auditorium 01/31 - Pocatello, ID @ Icon |
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
deathcabforcutie.com ♥ myspace.com This is an acoustic version, pretty faithful with Ben Gibbard only messing up slightly (but not noticable) for Philadelphia's Radio 104.5. I've seen the band live before, and I sure wish they'd play this song as I would've gone nuts for it. The band's recently been in the news because their "classic" 1998's debut album Something About Airplanes was re-issued as a limited edition deluxe 10-year anniversary 2-disc set. The bonus disc contains "recently-unearthed recording of the band’s first-ever Seattle show, a February 1998 set at the legendary venue The Crocodile Café". Apparently on this live recording also includes Sean Nelson on vocals for Death Cab's version of yet-another The Smiths' song, "Sweet and Tender Hooligan"! Since I actually own their first album and didn't get a review copy for this release, I probably won't pick up the album (sorry Death Cab!).... Although it's very tempting at such a reasonable price of $12. Oh, hey, they're on tour.
12/11/08 Oracle Arena Oakland, California 12/13/08 Tucson Convention Center Tucson, Arizona 12/14/08 Gibson Amphitheatre Los Angeles, California 12/12/09 Club Quattro Naka-nu Nagoya 12/14/09 Shinkiba Studio Coast Koto-ku, Tokyo 12/16/09 Big Cat Chuo-ku, Osaka |
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THE LUCKSMITHS
thelucksmiths.com.au ♥ myspace.com The song recently made its way back on The Luckies' two-disc compilation CD, Spring a Leak released last year. What makes this an invaluable item in your collection will be that it contains songs from their debut 7" single The Macintyre 7 inch which has a very surprisingly country-esque song "Are You Having A Good Time!!". This is rock n roll so everything rhymes! I love it. |
THE DIVINE COMEDY
thedivinecomedy.com ♥ myspace.com Although I can't agree with some of the direction of the songs, overall it was a decent effort. Some of the highlight of this album for me is Placebo's fast-paced, yet whiny, version of "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and Supergrass' dope version of "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" Neil Hannon's approach to "There is a Light" is very orchestral - which is basically what The Divine Comedy is known for. Hannon's operatic vocals lends itself to feel more epic. |
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YO-YO MUNDI
yoyomundi.it What I love about this release is that the cover artwork is the full print of "The Enchanted Desna" (unknown actors). The picture previously was cropped only showing the baby for "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore".... and in addition, unseen photographs of The Smiths were used. The price is kind of steep if you're on a budget at $20, but hey, if you're a Smiths fan (and generally like covers), this is a great package - if not for the limited run. |
WALLEYE
myspace.com/walleyemusic I can't bring myself to listening to, but it was a nice try, at least a very different take on Smiths songs - which are known for their sensitive side. I don't know any of the bands that made it on The World Still Won't Listen, so there's not much to write here, sorry :/ PS, one thing I liked was that the cover artwork, mimicking The Smiths' compilation album, The World Won't Listen, only with mohawked kids on the cover. |
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SCHNEIDER TM
schneidertm.net ♥ myspace.com I couldn't find proof of this on wire.com (Wire: please have better search features, please?), but according to wikipedia, the song was voted as "best cover versions ever recorded" by Wire Magazine. |
THE OCEAN BLUE
theoceanblue.com So, that was early 90s, so I was really surprise to see that they're still around - on Sally's review of Blue Skies Daisy Days. |
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BRAID
polyvinylrecords.com The band broke up before I had discovered them, but you can find their greatest hits/compilation Movie Music volume 1 and 2 in used bins at most record store. |
NEIL FINN
finnbros.com ♥ myspace.com/neilfinn For Marr's appearance, they covered The Smiths' "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" - which sounded fantastic live! |
Links:
www.weheartmusic.com
podcast.weheartmusic.com
news.weheartmusic.com
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05/16/08 Toad’s Place New Haven, CT
Discography
05/22/08 Slims San Francisco, CA 05/24/08 Les Schwab Amp Bend, OR 05/25/08 Sasquatch Festival Quincy, WA 05/28/08 Henry Fonda Theater LA, CA 06/06/08 Wakarusa Festival Lawrence, KS 06/07/08 Slowdown Omaha, NE 06/08/08 Bluebird St. Louis, MO 06/10/08 Bricktown Ballroom Oklahoma, Ok 06/11/08 Granada Theatre Dallas, TX 06/12/08 Warehouse Live Houston, TX 06/13/08 Emo’s Austin, TX 06/14/08 Rev Room Little Rock, AR 06/15/08 Hi-Tone Memphis, TN 06/17/08 Southgate House Newport, KY 06/18/08 Mr. Small’s Theatre Pittsburgh, PA 06/21/08 Popped! Festival Philadelphia, PA 06/25/08 Pemberton Festival Pemberton, BC 08/01/08 Lollapalooza-Grant Park Chicago,IL 08/08/08 All Points West Liberty State, NJ 09/26/08 Austin City Limits Festival TX
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Mates of State are back with Re-Arrange Us, coming out May 20th. Let me tell you that this girl-boy duo knows great pop music.
I first heard about them on a 2003 CMJ compilation with a little song called "Ha Ha", but I didn't think much of it. By 2006, after being signed to Barsuk Records, I remember I started seeing that distinctive "indie cover" artwork with Mates of State's husband and wife team, Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner, in a very strange half embrace.
There's some great pop tunes on Re-Arrange Us, but the song that the record label approved us to use is "My Only Offer", which I already liked so I have no problem with using this particular song. I thought the trumpet, played by Gary Olson, was a very nice addition to the song.
There's a few great songs, including, "Jigsaw", which basically has Jason repeating lyrics sung by Kori (actually, after reading the credits, it lists Ben Gibbard, from Death Cab For Cutie, as backup vocals). It's really easy to sing along, so I think this would be a great live concert pleaser. Also would play great is "Now", which has the simple, but catchy "Now now now now now now. Now now now now now now, who who who?"
I also really dug "The Re-Arranger", which is basically what the album was named after. This song sounds like it's escaped from the 60s and made a stop in the 80s, before resurfacing now.
The duo are currently doing some tour dates to promote Re-Arrange Us, so catch them if you're able. According to their official website, if you pre-order the album, it should arrive in your mailbox on the 20th, but you can usually find Barsuk records at most good record stores.
PS, apparently the band is a fan of the "Little Boxes" song (there is a live rendition on their myspace). I wonder if they got involved with the song because of Death Cab for Cutie's version or because they're also doing a theme song for Weeds?
This week's news involves very well-known acts, so there's no need for introduction on any of these bands. I will add my own personal insights on the news, however.
The Raconteurs release their sophomore album Consolers Of The Lonely through Third Man Records/Warner Bros Records on today (March 25th).
I do like The White Stripes and based on some quick listen of this new album, I think I'm going to like this new album. It's very guitars and Jack White does a lot of singing on this album.
Excerpt from the press release:
Back in Nashville in May 2007 they made their first venture into the studio, putting a plethora of ideas down on 16 track tape; a method that gave them the freedom to try out arrangement and editing ideas they’d come up with during the writing process. When they came back to the ideas in the fall, following a brief hiatus where they all worked on other projects, they were able to turn them into a rich 14 song masterpiece, a far more bombastic and inventive album than their debut. Consolers Of The Lonely, with all of its twists and turns, is a spirited, dynamic and endlessly impressive album.
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Death Cab for Cutie Tour Dates
04/18 Bremerton,WA Admiral Theatre*
04/19 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre* 04/21 Arcata, CA Van Dozer Theatre* 04/22 Davis, CA Freeborn Hall* 04/23 San Francisco, CA Fillmore* 04/24 Las Vegas, NV Joint at Hard Rock 04/26 Indio, CA Coachella 05/09 Providence, RI Providence Piers 05/10 Boston, MA Bank of America 05/24 Portland, OR Les Schwab Thtre 05/25 George, WA Sasquatch! 05/28 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amp 06/15 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo 07/27 Pemberton, BC PembertonFest *sold-out show |
Death Cab For Cutie, another huge band, have a new single called "I Will Possess Your Heart" from their forthcoming album Narrow Stairs, which was produced and mixed by Chris Walla[W♥M].
Details of the album, due out on May 13th, and tour dates are available on their press release.
I've listened to the song a few times now and I can tell you that it's a slow-building song. The bass is really good at the intro, and the lyrics doesn't kick in until 80% of the way in. I suspect they may have to edit down to 3 minutes and cut out the epic intro, if they are to promote this to radio.
The song definitely has that Chris Walla touch, read Ceji's review on Field Manual.
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The Dresden Dolls are back with No, Virginia on May 20th, and it looks like it's a weird collection of new songs and some old, demos, and b-sides. It's not a greatest hits, it just looks like a companion album to Yes, Virginia (2006).
Excerpt from the press release:
Having spent nearly two years solid on the road since the release of Yes, Virginia, including tours with Panic! at the Disco, the True Colors tour with Cyndi Lauper and The Gossip, and their own sold-out headlining shows across the country, The Dresden Dolls are proud to put their newest collection of songs into your hands very soon. Due for release on Roadrunner Records on May 20th, 2008, the band’s new album, entitled No, Virginia, is made up of new songs, old demos and b-sides from the Yes, Virginia sessions. A startling companion album to an old fan favorite, No, Virginia is ripe with the incredible songwriting by which the Dolls are defined, and presents some of their best playing yet: Amanda’s piano may literally be turning to dust from the strength she’s using to bang on it, while Brian’s drums carry every melody on their sturdy snare snaps and chaotic cymbal crashes. Topped by Amanda’s uncontainable, multi-dimensional voice, No, Virginia contains some of the best songs in their repertoire.
Read more about The Dresden Doll from Silpa.
03/25/2008 12:06:00
vu
my♥posts
press.weheartmusic.com
There are a ton of album releases today! Here are the ones that might interest you:
The Mars Volta - The Bedlam In Goliath
From the ashes of At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta releases their fourth album, The Bedlam in Goliath, today.
There's a bunch of "exclusives", so for die-hard fans, you will have a very tough time tracking down all the extra bonus tracks.
I know that Best Buy have an exclusive 2nd live disc and if you got your CD from Japan, it comes with a DVD and a cover song of The Sugarcubes' "Birthday".
Their version is very... er.. very strange. I have to say "good try" though.
Chris Walla - Field Manual
Ceji previously wrote the review for this album, I suggest you read it if you're at all interested in Death Cab for Cutie.
There's not much to add, except that there is a limited edition (with a bonus CD) and as pointed out by Dale, you also get a couple of extra songs for downloads.
Description from Barsuk:
Available in two versions: Standard digipak cd package, or limited-edition deluxe clothbound cd package. Both come with a 32-page booklet featuring Chris' original photography.
SPECIAL LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Order by February 4th and get 3 non-album MP3 bonus tracks!
Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
There's a few country albums released today, but since I don't have Willie Nelson's A Moment of Forever, I'm just going to talk about Grammy-Winner Shelby Lynne's Just a Little Lovin'.
Her 10th album is an all Dusty Springfield cover album. I take it back, there is one original song on here, it's called "Pretend". This song is written by Shelby Lynne and is mostly acoustic... in the same vein as her Dusty covers.
I love the album artwork, I think it may have been inspired by the live album Dusty in Memphis.
If you get the Best Buy digipack version as it comes with a bonus DVD with two live songs.
Louis XIV - Slick Dogs and Ponies
The only thing I know about Louis XIV is that all their songs are about drugs and sex. Right?
I'm glad to see that their latest release does not feature old porno images, instead you get darken green pictures of the band (I think).
Anyway, according to wikipedia: There's a Traitor in This Room is the lead single for the album, but I couldn't find evidence of this anywhere. It's not even available on the US iTunes store. By all accounts, it looks like Guilt by Association is the single.
Xiu Xiu - Women As Lovers
You may have remember seeing the disturbing album artwork for
A Promise. Trust me, it's an image you cannot unsee.
Their cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is also equally as disturbing.
Anyway, I haven't listen to Women as Lovers, but I noticed that they did another cover on the new album. This time it's Queen's "Under Pressure".
This version is actually pretty good, I wish it would utilize more of that awesome bass that Vanilla Ice took advantage of.
Joe Jackson - Rain
Don't forget that the CD/DVD combo album Rain by Joe Jackson is released today! It looks like I may have to review the album as Ryan is computerless.
Besides from from the awesome DVD (please see my review), the album is reminiscence of his popular Night and Day album. Joe Jackson returns to his piano-driven music, which I'm calling the Joe Jackson Trio (all jazz trios are named after their pianist).
Listening to the album, I was drawn to "Rush Across The Road", a song about seeing a complete stranger and wanting to rush over to her to get to know her. It's very easy-listening reminds me of a more optimistic version of the very bitter Positively 4th Street.
Jackson's ability to tell stories in short pop/jazz songs can also be heard on "Invisible Man" which I think is about a famous person slowly fading into obscurity.
Like most of his songs, it's open for interpretation.
01/29/2008 17:24:35
vu
my♥posts
www.weheartmusic.com
I wanted to post this entire album up here. I really did. field manual is actually Chris Walla's second solo album, and I was more than happy to see it. After a report of the hard drive actually being confiscated at the US/Canada border, I was even a little worried that it would be delayed. Thank God for external hard drives!
If Chris Walla's name sounds familiar, I should probably tell you he's the guitarist/producer in Death Cab for Cutie. He's also done work with The Decemberists and Tegan and Sara. If you're a fan of any of these bands, you're already quite familiar with Chris' sound and field manual doesn't disappoint.
The opening song "Two-Fifty" is full of the harmonies that we are so used to hearing with DCFC. This was my favorite song, not only because it reminded me of those harmonies, but there was something more stripped down and ethereal to them that I really liked. The simple drum beat in the background keeps a simple time and it's really easy to focus on the song and the meaning.
I tried not to make too many comparisons to that other band that Chris is in, but I'm such a big fan that I couldn't help it. I thoroughly enjoyed this album, and I'm on the hunt for more Chris Walla. In fact, Chris has more downloads available at his website Hall of Justice. You can also stream more tracks on his official MySpace page, or pre-order field manual in the Barsuk Shop and enjoy!
field manual is released January 29th, 2008.
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Influences
"Think Sigur Ros stealing Keanes vocals underpinned by glitched up Groove Armada style electronics, and seriously talented live instrumentalists." |
They came together just over a year ago when Hayworth started to combine his solo work with some mates who were just messing around with instruments. A few gigs later and suddenly they realised they may just have something a little special here and that's when things turned serious.
A world way from their old pub gigs, This Morning Call found themselves performing at Manchester PRIDE this year. From the feedback on their blog, they went down a treat with a party-loving crowd of 2000 people. To follow this up, they will be the supporting act on the launch of a brand new television station.
For your listening pleasure, I thought I'd share Clockwise. This is one of my favourite tracks from their musical portfolio. It is a very reflective number about love and all the naked emotions connected to love. This is the same track that has forced the UK indie labels to flock around the group, give them long drawn out limo rides and make comments such as "there is a lot of great detail in the music, Clockworks is obviously a great song" (Fierce Panda Records).
This is a band that is making sure their sound is getting out to the masses with a wonderful blog on myspace and a sister blog on Vox.
Whatever your opinion regarding their music, I am fairly certain that This Morning Call are here to stay and will be appearing on a radio station near you in the future.
Free music fans should head over to their myspace for some downloadable tracks. Better to get them while they are still free.
November 15, 2007 23:30
Ryan
my♥posts
thismorningcall.co.uk
I listen to lots of new music, actually I am a fiend for new music, I would rather listen to new music that I have never heard before instead of say, The Postal Service my favorite band ever. When I have exhausted my new music sources, I then turn back to what I have heard before. This is my large music feedback cycle. So what does this have to do with Ben Gibbard? He is my measuring stick. I have found that his combination of simple/complex lyrics, more on this latter, and his soft muted music is what my heart yearns for.
My musical journey started with Ace of Base, I was 10; that is the only defense I have. I saw the sign and moved on too The Stone Temple Pilot. Remembering that move, right now this moment, I realize how much this move says about my music taste today. I guess a redress of my musical tastes is appropriate, but I am not to that point in my story yet. My move from The Ace Of Base to STP marked my journey in self discovery and not my journey too the first CD I picked up from the bin, which is what The Ace of Base was. Mind you I am not a huge fan of the STP, I acknowledge their presence as a huge part of 90s music and my 30 something friends really ... really love that band but alas I was too young. No, STP was merely a more stable launching pad then Ace of Base.
So my methods slowly started to develop for finding music, namely what was in my friends CD case. I think that for the majority of my time in high school my tastes were defined by others, my peers. Being a child of a specific era their are a few bands that stick out , The Offspring, Blink 182 and a multitude of boybands. I didn't like all of the music but I wouldn't be able to get away from them if I tried. Those records, especial the boybands, were breaking records they were huge. I don't think we have seen a trend like that in some time, but I digress. By the end of high school we had even started listing to a little rap, Jay Z, Method Man.
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To this point you could think of me as drifting down a river, waiting to see what was around each bend. Then something happened. I heard a Postal Service song. It was on a friends mix CD. The Song was "Such Great Heights". It grabbed me immediately but it was only one song. Their was no way their could be a whole album of music like it. So it took me awhile to sit down at the computer and track it down. I even heard it a couple other places before ultimately getting the album. I hadn't heard it on the radio yet. When I finally got the album, I put it on in my car and just drove around. I was blown away and some of you might be as well. If not go out and download the album. I won't try and describe to you how the music sounds, or how Ben Gibards voice is perfectly matched with the music. It would be stupid to try and write about sound(get it?). That was acceptable when their was no Internet, no longer.
Just like in my life the Internet opened my musical world. I took the Postal Service and ran with it. I would follow the connections, Rilo Kielly , Death Cab for Cutie. When I exhausted those I would start talking to friends that were interested in music as well. I became speed boat , running down ever tributary I could find and then coming back to the main channel to move down the river.
Now we have thousands of mp3 blogs and we even have services that track these blogs and tell us what they are saying. They aren't the best yet, but they work for me. They will get better, and the technology that we use will get better too. I fully expect one day in the future I will wake up and on my iPod will be the top 5 albums recommended to me that day. It will be based on all the blogs I have read , every song I have ever listened too and what my friends are listening too. It will also start to take into consideration where I live, what books a read, and what t-shirt I chose to where. I can't wait.
09/27/2007 21:10:57
Alex
my♥posts
www.postalservicemusic.net
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