5 posts tagged “solid gold”

I actually have enough material to write a "Bell, book, and candle", but this would prove to be too much work. Especially because the Candlelight USA compilation CD is mostly metal-type music that I would have to grind through to write about the last piece of the puzzle.

Instead, here's some random books-related music that I've come across lately. As always, look to news.weheartmusic.com for additional information.

KRS-One (official / myspace) just recently released his book, The Gospel Of Hip Hop, and wrap up (haha: rap) his recent book tour. I first came across him, via REM, of all people, with their collaboration "Radio Song".

Any massive fan of hip hop should want to get a copy of this 15-year-in-the-making book for $24.95. That price might seem high, until you realize that the book is a hardcover with over 800 pages.

More details of the book at Powerhouse Books:

The Gospel of Hip Hop: First Instrument, the first book from the I Am Hip Hop imprint set for launch in Spring 2009, is the philosophical masterwork of KRS-One. Set in the format of the Christian Bible, this 600-plus-page opus is a life-guide manual for members of Hip Hop Kulture that combines classic philosophy with faith and practical knowledge for a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Hip Hop as a life path. Known as “The Teacha,” KRS-One developed his unique outlook as a homeless teen in Brooklyn, New York, engaging his philosophy of self-creation to become one of the most respected emcees in Hip Hop history. Respected as Hip Hop’s true steward, KRS-One painstakingly details the development of the culture and the ways in which we, as “Hiphoppas,” can and should preserve its future.

Speaking of books, I think I may have agreed to do some coverage on The Books (official / myspace / twitter) when they arrive here in December 1^st. I actually tried to navigate to their official website to see what they're all about, and I reckon it's too smart for its own good. I guess I just don't have the patience to sit and figure out what to do when all I really wanted is a biography and perhaps links to listen to their music. I suppose that's what myspace is for, however ugly it is, at least you know where to look and what to do.

Their myspace lists their last release is in 2006 for Music for a French Elevator and Other Short Format Oddities EP, which the CD version is all sold out. I suppose they have a new album coming out and/or testing new material on their upcoming tour:

11/19 - Waltham, MA Rose Art Museum @ Brandeis University
11/21 - Bellingham, WA Mainstage
11/23 - Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
11/24 - Seattle, WA Triple Door (2 sets, early and late)
11/25 - Vancouver, BC The Clutch
11/26 - Calgary, AB Broken City
11/27 - San Francisco, CA Noe Valley Ministry
11/28 - San Francisco, CA Noe Valley Ministry
11/29 - Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom
11/30 - Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
12/01 - Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center

Lookbook ♥ Varsity Theater (11/06/09)

Finally, I saw Lookbook (myspace) a few weeks ago, and instantly made Andrew jealous. While Lara tells me that they used to be called Digitata (quote: "I LOVED Digitata"). I did look around, and it looks like Digitata are still around the twin town, Maggie sings in both band. So yeah, it seems they've got a few fans here.

Since Lookbook opened up for Har Mar, whose music is more dancey-type vs the 80s pop synth song... so I'm not really sure if the audience there that night was taken by Maggie & Grant's music. However, I think their music might fit really well with their recent appearance with Solid Gold, who recently played a sold-out First Avenue show.

They've certainly got the buzz by fans of local music here, so there's no doubt that I will eventually run into Lookbook again in the near future.

UPDATE 11/17/09: I receive information on Bam Margera's Book Serious As Dog Dirt - which is out today (Tuesday, November 17^th).  The book is published by MTV Books and retails for $35.  You may know Margera from MTV's Jackass as a professional skateboarder.  More information on bamargera.com and twitter.com.

Here's what they said:

He’s bared himself on screens big and small, but now, Bam Margera exposes himself as never before. Famous for his fearless, funny as s*** daredevil stunts, he has thrilled and revolted audiences worldwide. Now, for the first time, Bam shares his private writings, never before seen personal photos, drawings, and more in this anarchic auto-collage/travelogue, an honest document of the life he leads and a dynamic testament to his wild imagination. Known for his creative style since becoming a pro skater at thirteen, Bam pulls readers into his chaotic world – the music, the movies, the pranks, the skating, the glory, the pain, and the blood.

Please visit our website for more information, podcast.weheartmusic.com, subscribe to our show at gcast.com (RSS).

I know these are long overdue. These were recordings from SXSW.

First of all, I'm not very happy with the audio quality, I was recording it using a built-in mic on the recorder. On retrospect, I should have bought along a professional mic and plug it into the input. So apology for the poor audio once again.

THE MAY FIRE
themayfire.com ♥ myspace.com/themayfire

I talked to: Catty, El Pipe, Johnny (missing is Rob, who wandered off).

This audio is pretty poor, you can hear another band doing soundcheck in the background as we quickly got the band to talk about how the name came about and how Johnny Beane joined them, when their original guitarist left.

At of the time, they were looking to write a full length album, since they have released three EPs.

SOLID GOLD
myspace.com/solidgoldband

I talked to: Zach, Matt, and Adam (not sure what happened to their drummer).

This was conducted in an open restaurant (thank god for spellcheck, I can never spell that stupid word), and at one point in the interview, the waiter came and took our orders (we ordered coffee & tea). Also the first question came via text and it was "What's up with those mustaches?".

As I have previously mentioned, these guys are cool and don't really take themselves too seriously.

They will be playing the ever-popular "Rock the Garden" show this year with The Decemberists. Everyone I know is going to this show!

If you notice, the interviews were quick & dirty. There were some questions/answers that I threw out, mostly because they were uninteresting or poor audio.

Next week: two more shows!

SXSW: SUMMARY
You know, the festival is only four days, but it really seem like weeks.

While having every band in the world merge at one place might sound like a great idea... sometime their appearance conflicts with other artists that you also want to see. So one of the biggest problem I had was sacrificing who to see.

Music happens from daylight (probably closer to 10am start) until two in the morning, or even later.

I usually started my day around 8am, working out my schedule for the day. Sometime it's logistics, sometime it's time-issues, but usually I have a full day's worth of stuff to do. I don't follow my schedule to a T, but there are certain items that I absolutely cannot miss (scheduled interviews takes priority over shows).

IMIW09	Shay in the Blackwatch Studios	Camera Obscura - Setlist (3-19-09)
The May Fire - Set List (3-18-09)	Proclaimers - Set List (3-19-09)	Glasvegas - Set List, La Zona Rosa, Austin TX (3-20-09) - From Bob
Late of the Pier - Set List, Austin TX (3-21-2009)	Crimea - Set List, Austin TX (3-21-09)	Superdrag - Setlist, Guero's (3-19-09)
Wave Machines - Friends, Austin, TX (3-18-09)	Jay Jay Pistolet - Friends, Austin TX (3-18-09)	May Fire - Havana, Austin, TX (3-18-09)
Meiko - Cedar Door, Austin TX (3-19-2009)	Superdrag - Guero's (3-20-09)	Primal Scream - Austin, TX - Photo from Bob
Ed Harcourt - Cedar Door, Austin TX (3-19-2009)	Kate Tucker - Cedar Door, Austin TX (3-19-2009)	Diane Birch - The Garden Party, Austin TX (3-21-09)
The Gin Riots - Rio, Austin TX (3-21-2009)	Goldielocks - Rio, Austin, TX (3-21-2009)	Crimea - Austin TX (3-21-2009)
Babies Loves Jeremy Jay - Austin, TX (3-21-09)	Jeremy Jay - Club de Ville Austin, TX (3-21-09) 1 comment	Melissa Auf De Maur - The Garden Party, Austin TX (3-21-09)
Camera Obscura - La Zona Rosa, Austin TX (3-20-09)	Solid Gold - Beauty Bar, Austin TX (3-20-09)	Laura Marling - The Garden Party, Austin TX (3-21-09)
Ed Harcourt - Until Tomorrow Then 1 comment	Cedar Avenue - Running Home 2 comments	Los Fancy Free - JAJAJA 1 comment
The May Fire - Under The Wave 3 comments	Solid Gold - Get Over It 2 comments	Kate Tucker & The Sons of Sweden - Saturday Night 1 comment
Meiko - Piano Song 1 comment	I Am Incinerator 5 comments	The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Sun Ain't Shining No More 2 comments
Glasvegas - Geraldine	Camera Obscura - Eighties Fan (original version)	The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) 8 comments
Primal Scream - Suicide Sally & Johnny Guitar 2 comments	Jeremy Jay - While the City Sleeps	Laura Marling - Ghosts 3 comments
Late of the Pier-Space and the Woods [Cenzo Townshend Mix] 1 comment	The Crimea - Jellyfish 3 comments	Camera Obscura - Hands Up Baby 2 comments
Ed Harcourt - Until Tomorrow Then	Crimea - Jellyfish 1 comment	The Proclaimers - 500 Miles

WHAT WORKED
- Offline gmail. This worked! I read/did most emails offline and when I was connected, all emails were sent, marked as read, etc.
- iPod Touch, worked like a charm. I was able to grab onto various (free) wifi to receive emails or websurf (maps), etc.
- Austin Convention Center's SXSW wifi stayed up most 99% of the time. Wonderful!
- Cash (ATM) availability
- Blocking off 6th street for pedestrians

WHAT SUCKED
- AT&T Network, apparently everyone in Austin had an iPhone
- Walking......
- Sony Memory Stick not supported on my laptop
- Bands playing 30 minutes or less
- Badges are ridiculously expensive ($600-$700). I think they should make it more affordable, especially since most places don't bother to check for a badge and/or were free. If there was a cover charge, it is usually under $10.

I guess my problems are not really that bad.

DAY ZERO (Tuesday)
Travelling… nothing too exciting. My least favorite state was the one with the road tolls (I think this was in Oklahoma). We did stop in Oklahoma City to see Blackwatch Studios (myspace). We got to hear a few songs from Minneapolis' Cedar Avenue (official/myspace) band from their forth-coming long playing record. The few songs we heard were incomplete, but it sounds really layered with a variety of tracks.

By the way, if the name Cedar Avenue sounds familiar to you, it is because Kristin reviewed their debut album a while back.

DAY ONE (Wednesday)
Getting my barring was hard. I didn't know where any of the streets were. So when people text me: come over to (name of venue), I replied and ask what the cross streets were. Since walking around was my main means of transportation, I ended up crossing out outlier venues immediately.

Wednesday was evening-only, so I mostly went to see some British acts over at Friend's. These guys were all from the London area, with the exception of Liverpool's Wave Machines (official/myspace). These guys creeped me out with their masks that they wore on stage - however, due to heat and comfortableness, they took them off half way into their short set. Also caught a bit of Jay Jay Pistolet (myspace), whose singing voice is very peculiar... it's like he sounds like he's sing out the side of his mouth.

When Mumford & Sons (myspace) took the stage, it was very, very, very crowded. The audience loved them and it's apparent that these guys are going to blow up this year.

The Havana Bar had some Spanish showcase, featuring mostly Mexican bands such as Songs For Eleonor (myspace), Satin Dolls (official), Cosmopolitan (myspace), and Los Fancy Free (myspace). With the exception of The May Fire (official/myspace) and Spain's Capsula (official). We like Spanish acts, so be sure to read more Mexican Summer and my coverage of Los Fancy Free.

DAY TWO (Thursday)
I think this was the big press day, I got to meet & greet Victoria who setup the interview with Solid Gold (myspace). She was kind enough to have me in the Myspace Music event, featuring some artists that I really enjoy: Kate Tucker, Meiko and Ed Harcourt.

To kick off the party was The Real You (myspace), a power-pop band from Seattle, Washington. According to their biography, they've been on constant tour since forming in early 2007 - so I'm sure you'll run into this young band eventually.

I haven't been keeping up with Kate Tucker (official/myspace), but apparently her latest project is with a band called The Honeydove (myspace) - who debuted at SXSW! Unfortunately, I had prior commitments, but I would've liked to have seen her new band play at the Beauty Bar.

Anyway, the nicest bit about her set was that she wanted everyone at the event to get a copy of her last album, "I want to give you my music!"

So if you weren't at the event, you missed out. Hey, maybe you can stop in and say hi to her in Washington:

04/05/09 Sunset Seattle, WA
05/21/09 Chop Suey as honeydove Seattle, WA

Read more Kate Tucker & The Sons of Sweden on W♥M.

Meiko (official/myspace) had a guest trumpet player on for most of her set (she requested him on for the rest of show because I guess she felt more comfortable with having someone else with her). She actually started her set with "Piano Song", which ironically just her and her guitar... She made some funny comments, such as "I've never played to a bunch of porta potties before".

You get the impression that she was happy to be there, and maybe it's yellow-iest dress combined with her orange/red dyed hair, but she looks gorgeous.

Ed Harcourt (official/myspace) was very engaging…. During "Until Tomorrow Then", he got down to the audience and walked around, singing and putting his hands around people while everyone was filming and taking pictures. Enclosed is a video evidence.

Harcourt is releasing a new six-track EP called Russian Roulette out on May 5^th, but SXSW audience were privy to some of his new songs courtesy of Dovecote Records and Directv. Pay close attention to "Caterpillar", as this is a personal song about his newborn daughter being placed in an incubator as they helpless sit and wait.

Went to an open-door new talent showcase, this was not an official sanctioned SXSW event (you'll find that there are many, many unofficial events), so I don't have a listing of who played at what time. They were all giving away their CDs, but I couldn't bother to pick them up (this would require me to carry around stuff, and I didn't have a hand bag ready). Reminder for next year: bring a man purse.

Also went over to check The Elevaters (myspace) and Rumspringa (myspace) at the Hi-Lo venue. While Elevaters were fun and energetic, it seems the drums/guitar duo of Rumspringa had a lot of problems with their equipment. They had to cut their southern-sounding melodic set short after four (?) songs, quote from the singer, "my shit ain't working."

DAY THREE (Friday)
The busy day. Walked all over town basically. My only out-of-the-way venue was at 3 o'clock to see Superdrag (official/myspace) at Guero's, which I thought was far walking there. I ran into one of our RV family, who we'll call Rose because she looks like a pint-sized Pippettes, complete with dress and all. We walked back across the river so I can make it to my Asteroids Galaxy Tour (official/myspace) interview (this was delayed because of some miscommunication).

Afterward, headed over to Beauty Bar to see Solid Gold play, mustache and all. I can tell the audience was having a good time, especially the girl at the backstage.

Then snuck over to see this punk(ish) band that MTV was covering. I didn't catch their name, but it sounded something like Dirty____ Something. The singer had bleach blonde hair and eye shadows.... and likes to walk around with no shirts on.

Evening was spent mostly at the Scotland show: We Were Promised Jet Packs (myspace), Dananananaykroyd (official/myspace), Camera Obscura (official/myspace), The Proclaimers (official/myspace), Glasvegas (official/myspace), Primal Scream (official/myspace). I was in-out so I did end up missing Glasvegas & Primal Scream, but thanks to Bob for sending in some pictures.

DAY FOUR (Saturday)
Saw a few bands in the daytime at the Press Here Garden Party at the French Legation Museum across the Freeway (this is actually closer than it sounds). The walk there was interesting, and I discovered a no-seating Wendy's on the right side of 7th Street. Yep, I ended up having dinner there since they were making these chicken things that's not available in Minnesota.

I got to the Garden just in time to see Jeremy Jay (myspace), and enjoyed the most of the day with The Soft Pack (myspace) and Diane Birch* (myspace) before heading over to 900 Red River to see Jeremy Jay again.

Listened to Camera Obscura afterwards with those Peelander-Z, as I previously mentioned.

Headed back to the Garden to see Melissa Auf De Maur (official/myspace), who started her set with three cover songs: Nancy Sinatra's "Bang Bang", Danzig's "Devil's Plaything", and The Smiths "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before". Although the first two went off pretty well, she totally messed up on "Stop Me" - which is understandable because that song has a lot of Morrissey's lyrics and also they had only practiced it the night before in their hotel room.

It wasn't long before people started filling up the seats at the Garden to see Laura Marling (official/myspace). She was joined on stage by Marcus Mumford, I think. He played percussions and sang backup, although I have to say that Marling would've done just fine with her lovely voice and acoustic guitar.

Saw Late of the Pier at the Bat Bar later that night. Since it was being broadcast live on Directv, I think the pressure got to the band and it was just embarrassing to watch. Towards the end, they seem to not be so nervous, and the (rather long) setlist ended with men in death masks coming on stage to carry the band offstage. I don't have Directv, is there a way for non-subscribers to watch this?

Honey Ryder (myspace) was really happy to be Austin, I think this was their first ever US appearance or something. I believe also that their name came from a James Bond girl ? I don't know much about them, but they seem to have a wider audience and following in the UK, where their single "Fly Away" entered the UK Top 40 at #31.

GoldieLocks (myspace) is 75% English and 25% Swedish from Croydon (South London). She raps to DJ Sports (?), who is wearing this Skeletor T-shirt. After the show, she wanted to give everyone in attendance her EP, which actually went pretty fast. As I previously mentioned, keep an eye on this one.

There's no denying that The Gin Riots (myspace) have quite a few hardcore fans here, as evident by a bunch of Gin Riots T-Shirt in the audience.

It's been a few years since The Crimea (official/myspace) toured in the US, so I was happy to be there for them on their second and last SXSW appearance. They were the last band on my list, so it was kind of a relief when it was all over.

And as corrected by superfan Christopher, Tara Blaise shared the stage to sing backup for the band.... Highlight of the show was then Davey Macmanus stepped down and sang in the center of the audience.

* A note on Birch is that she has these incredible legs, but too bad they were well-hidden behind her piano on stage.

QUICK SXSW UPDATE, DAY TWO
Have been feeling not the best the last few days due to the fact that I'm only getting a few hours of real sleep (so I'm waking up exhausted/yet unable to go back to sleep).

Today's schedule looks like a lot of fun: two interviews (Asteroid Galaxy Tour and Honey Claws - yes, again!).

Since my legs & feet haven't had this kind of usage in a long time, it was hurting pretty bad yesterday (especially with trying to make it to too many places). So I thought it would be a good idea to just settled into one place and just check out random bands while waiting for other things.

Highlight of the day was interviewing Solid Gold, yes, they are from Minneapolis and, yes, I am living in Minneapolis. Why did it take SXSW to get us together? No idea. Obviously, more write ups will have to be done after SXSW, but quickly, I just wanted to let you know these guys are really down to earth and have great sense of humor. When asked what song (of theirs) we can play out to the interview, they all agreed on George Michael's "Freedom '90". Of course.

Much more on them later.

Gigwise, saw too many bands to mention. Ed Harcourt did a fantastic set, among one of the many highlights. Also managed to meet a few PR reps, so it's great to put a face to a name.

I seriously can't believe I have two more days of this. Saturday's schedule looks too insane to mention. Yikes.

So, off to grab breakfast and then to another long day ahead of me. Seriously, I think I am going to sleep for three days when I get back home.

For Minnesota Eyes Only:  Weekend Happenings

I have no way of knowing how many of you readers are from Minnesota (my hometown, Vu’s hometown).  Maybe everyone could leave a comment stating their current location (just kidding.  Don’t), and also a personal address and bank account number (not kidding.  Do).  No need to worry, it’s just for statistics and for watching you via Google Earth.

For those of you in Minnesota, here’s a brief selection of upcoming local shows I urge you to check out:

Joe January @ the 400 Bar
Thursdays in February
Doors 8 p.m., 18+
$5 adv / door

This Thursday, Feb. 5, Joe January (formerly of Planes for Spaces) is kicking off a month-long residency at the 400 Bar in anticipation of the release of Broken Record, his debut solo album.  Joe’s niche seems to be rooted in the classics:  classic rock, a little folk-y, a little East Village troubadour, but without the conscious dive into world-weary On the Road blues that so many corn-fed Northerners are fond of emulating (thanks Beat Generation, Bob Dylan and Berkeley).  Besides new songs, Joe will also be unveiling new faces:  he’ll be performing with full band, ready to bring it (the rock).  Courtney Yasmineh opens.

Feb. 5, 2009	8:00 p.m.	400 Bar
Feb. 12, 2009	8:00 p.m.	400 Bar
Feb. 19, 2009	8:00 p.m.	400 Bar
Feb. 26, 2009	8:00 p.m.	400 Bar

http://myspace.com/joejanuary
Ticketing info: www.400bar.com

89.3 The Current and Vita.mn present Tapes ‘N Tapes
Friday, Feb. 6
First Ave., Mainroom
Doors 8:00 p.m., 18+
$12 adv / $14 door

Vu mentioned Tapes ‘N Tapes in his silly “double names” post (he calls them ‘bouncy’ and ‘dancey’; I call them ‘lucky’).  Lucky that they’re playing First Ave. on Friday, since Minneapolis is their homegirl.  Despite Walk it Off being “eh,” and fuzzy guitar-driven indie rock becoming sort of “meh,” I’m anticipating a packed show.  I’ll be there to review openers Wild Light (harmonica-friendly, ‘fuck’-friendly anthem pop), ogle Erik Appelwick, and, of course, bounce and dance.  Solid Gold and DJs TRL and Wes Winship also open.

myspace.com/tapesntapes
www.tapesntapes.com
Ticketing info: www.first-avenue.com

Fort Wilson Riot @ the 7^th St. Entry
Saturday, Feb. 7
Doors 9:00 p.m., 18+
$6 adv / door

Very few bands can cite “performed a rock opera” as an accomplishment (and some should never have tried; see Ciara, “crunk opera”).  Fort Wilson Riot is suited for this kind of grandiose musical adventure, as their sound blends elements of pop, funk, jazz and rock, daring to be over-the-top, and yet managing to avoid smarmy schmaltz (it helps that Amy Hager has a lovely, big voice).  The very attractive band (guitarist Jacob Mullis looks like Joaquin Phoenix) is opening for local Broken Social Scene fan-kids Me and My Arrow (every town has one), with Speed’s the Name and Ice Palace.

myspace.com/24340438
www.fortwilsonriot.com
Ticketing info: www.first-avenue.com

For future planning: