Magnetic Morning reveal 'A.M.', launch U.S. tour

Adam Franklin (Swervedriver, Toshack Highway) and Sam Fogarino (Interpol) have announced the track list and physical release date for their highly anticipated Magnetic Morning debut, A.M. (check out a cool interview here). The album is out now digitally but you can pick it up January 27 through the Friend or Faux imprint.

A.M. glides with cool breezy guitar backed by Fogarino's supreme kit skills, and if you're a fan of Franklin's seamless arrangements and guitar melodies you won't be disappointed. Check out the floaty and pristine "At a Crossroads, Passive" below.

||| Magnetic Morning: "At a Crossroads, Passive" MP3|||

The dynamic duo launched their U.S. tour yesterday, which includes a stop at The Roxy on Monday, November 3. You know where I'll be.

A.M. track list:
1. Spring Unseen
2. At A Crossroads, Passive
3. Indian Summer
4. Come Back
5. No Direction
6. Motorway
7. The Wrong Turning
8. Out In The Streets
9. And I Wonder
10. Athens 5

Remaining tour dates:

October 31 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
November 2 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
November 3 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
November 4 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
November 7 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
November 8 - Austin, TX @ Waterloo Park
November 10 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

(UPDATE: Magnetic Morning go on at 11 pm.)

Around the inner-nets

Chromewaves has another precise review of one of this year's best albums, School of Seven Bells' Alpinisms.

Passion of the Weiss strikes out with girls, hits homers with readers.

Hot Topic's all-in-one music site Shock Hound is finally up and running. Randy Bookasta, who used to be the editor at the sorely missed Raygun Magazine, is calling the shots -- so I'm expecting good things to happen. Bands can also sign up and sell their music.

Neil Young cancels. Looks like The Key Club is gonna be crowded tonight

Neil Young cancels tonight's gig at the Forum, what a total bummer for those of you that forked over some serious bread. The comments section for this post is getting more awesome by the minute. Read more here!

In case you didn't know, The Secret Machines, whose new album is very good, and the highly underrated Dears play the Key Club tonight. Not a bad back-up plan.

New Plus/Minus {+/-} Video: 'Snowblind,' and other stuff

Stereogum just premiered this clip from the new Plus/Minus {+/-} album, Xs on Your Eyes. We offered "Snowblind" a few weeks back, now you can check out the Nancy Mitchell-directed video:

Other stuff:

Buzz Bands debuts a new Lassie Foundation track, and previews the band's brand new EP.

How about a residency to show the kids how it's done?

Seattle is offering $13,000 in music scholarship funds for bands willing to move up there (via Idolator).

I'm feeling pretty good about not taking a position at a major label. Sony and EMI are looking at serious financial woes.

And finally, people who are unaware of Ashley "Jax" Jex's tight bass skills need to start recognizing her as a rock musican first and a Rock Insider second. Here's more proof.

School of Seven Bells: 'Alpinisms'

School of Seven Bells: Alpinisms (Ghostly)
8.5/10


Alpinisms, the debut album from School of Seven Bells exceeds all expectations. One glaring example is the atmospheric and bubbly "Wired for Light," which could be argued as the most groundbreaking pop song of the year. It's a heavy nod to Cocteau Twins-era Heaven or Las Vegas, Can and Seefeel mixed with the hypnotic vocal interplay between sisters Claudia and Alejandra Deheza. It seems cheap to constantly reference any electronic/shoegaze acts to this trio, but there is an obvious array of sounds, ideas and optimism that's impossible to ignore.

As the album steers into the unknown, it becomes supercharged with trippy, warped samples that only accentuate its organic elements (percussion, vocals and guitars). Alpinisms also feels playful and overwhelming at times without pushing listeners into a corner. The sequence allows you to follow your own path and reminds us that creating music can be an eclectic and seamless experience. Songs like "White Elephant Coat," "Connjur," "Chain" and the anthemic "My Cabal" offer an endless supply of quirky pops and whizzes that places Alpinisms right up there with Portishead's Third.

The band is supporting M83 in Los Angeles on November 29 at the Henry Fonda Theatre.

Stream it, buy it:

School of Seven Bells - Facebook
School of Seven Bells - MySpace

Out of the box Crayolas

This is why I spend at least an hour a day on Notcot.org.

The Twilight Sad drop limited edition covers/live record

This post is more relevant to those awaiting The Twilight Sad's tour with Mogwai in Europe, but it's also great news for fans awaiting the band's next full-length. The Scottish quartet are offering a brand new limited edition release titled The Twilight Sad Killed My Parents and Hit the Road. And how about that nod to Sonic Youth's Goo above, cheeky. The release features instrumentals, live tracks and a few covers...wait, no Sonic Youth?

The Twilight Sad Killed My Parents and Hit the Road:

1. Walking for Two Hours (live)
2. That Summer, At Home I Had Become the Invisible Boy (live)
3. Untitled #28
4. Cold Days From the Birdhouse (live)
5. And She Would Darken the Memory (live)
6. Twenty Four Hours (Joy Division)
7. The Weather Is Bad
8. Half a Person (The Smiths)
9. Untitled #27
10. Modern Romance (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
11. I Was Hoping the Winter Was Over

In other news:

Chromewaves reviews The Brother Kite during CMJ. Pitchfork's Marc Hogan seriously digs the new Deerhunter. MOKB reveals a new video site (Laundromatinee).

Re-Post: Helen Stellar play tonight at the Echo

It's been over two years since the trio of Jim, Dustin and Clif brought their melodic wall-of-sound to L.A. audiences, but tonight they're back at the Echo. This show is free and, according to the band, will feature new songs, old favorites and free EPs at the gig. Opening for Helen Stellar are Seaspin and Shirley Rolls. I'm pretty siked about this.

If I wasn't going to the Echo tonight I'd probably check out Richard Swift and Stereolab at the Fonda. The Lab's new disc, Chemical Chords, is actually the most interesting thing they've done since 2000's The Return of the Microbe Hunters. We talked about Swift's new EP in August, and it is solid. He's always amazing to see live, kind of a weird pairing though right?

Meho Plaza and Les Blanks (more on them here) are both playing Echo Curio (Update: THIS IS ON FRIDAY). Not the best place to see a band, but these two groups are exciting to watch.

"The Opening Credits"

Cut Copy: 'Out There on the Ice' live on P4K TV, other cool links

Cut Copy rock "Out There on the Ice," taken from this year's outstanding In Ghost Colours. Why aren't all music websites capturing great live footage like this? Get more live clips over at P4K.




On the interwebs:

Chromewaves (slightly) and Fluxblog get makeovers. 400 Blows got a new website/blog, now they just need to book some shows.

Buzzbands talks to Magnetic Morning (Adam Franklin and Sam Fogarino).

The Henry Clay People are playing Saint Rocke this Sunday. I spent most of teenage years trying to get out of the South Bay, now it's pulling me back in.

Secret Still should not be a secret to anyone.

The Raveonettes announce U.S. dates, another new EP

The Raveonettes are streaming their brand new EP -- titled Beauty Dies -- on AOL, and have announced a handful of dates in North America. You can grab one of the EP's new tracks, "Black/White," below. It's as good as most of the material from this year's excellent Lust Lust Lust.

In other Rave news, Sharin Foo recently popped out a baby girl. Read the details here.

|||Stream: Beauty Dies EP @ Spinner|||

|||The Raveonettes: "Black/White" MP3|||

Schedule:

1/15: Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
1/16: New York, NY - Webster Hall
1/17: Washington DC - Black Cat
1/23: San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's 365
1/24: Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre

If you're going to CMJ...

I can't stress enough the importance of catching these bands at CMJ this week:

The Depreciation Guild. Their debut album, In Her Gentle Jaws, is an 8-bit wonder of white-washed guitars and gliding vocals -- think Slowdive meets The Postal Service. The band is offering streams of brand new demos at their Myspace and Facebook pages. Get the trio's debut album for free via the link above.

- 10/22 @ Knitting Factory - 'After the Jump' Showcase w/ The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Ringo Deathstarr and A Sunny Day In Glasgow
- 10/25 @ Bell Lounge/CMJ - Gothamist Showcase


Mahogany. This group always reminds that the future of pop music won't be made by folk-pop bands named after animals and/or collectives. Mahogany blend the Cocteau Twins' etherealism, Belle and Sebsatian's playful vocal melodies and New Order's precise electronics with precision. I've been waiting years for these guys to tour the West Coast. Watch "Neo-Plastic Boogie-Woogie".

- 10/22 @ Village Underground - CMJ Showcase


The Brother Kite. Throw the Beach Boys and Ride into a blender and you've got the infectious pop of this Providence, RI quintet. Check out this video, then buy their awesome sophomore release Waiting For The Time To Be Right.

- 10/23 @ Lit Lounge - CMJ

I know there loads of other great bands to see that week, but most of them are cruising through Los Angeles in the next few weeks. Check out the complete CMJ Music Marathon schedule HERE.

The Trail of Dead leads to The Echo

After a hour-long blast of amazing melodic rock at ATP - New York, I can't stress the potential of this 'intimate' gig. By intimate I mean sweaty, beer chugging, fist-pumping bromances...and that's ok. Austin's And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead will play The Echo on November 13. Expect new songs from their forthcoming EP, Festival Thyme (coming Tuesday,10/21), and a whole 'lotta face-melting classics.

Don't forget to save your pennies for the 10" vinyl picture disc. It features a different mix of "Bells of Creation" plus a cover from The Replacements.

10" Vinyl Picture Disc
SIDE A
1. "Bells of Creation" (Machete Mix)
2. "Within Your Reach" (Replacements Cover)
SIDE B
3. "Festival Thyme"
4. "The Betrayal of Roger Casement & the Irish Brigade"

CD EP:
1. "Bells of Creation (Machete Mix)
2. "Inland Sea (EP edit)
3. "Festival Thyme"
4. "The Betrayal of Roger Casement & the Irish Brigade"

Remaining 2008 dates:

Oct 21 - Generation Records w/ Freshkills - New York, New York
Nov 6 - Warehouse Live - Houston, Texas
Nov 7 - Club Dada - Dallas, Texas
Nov 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, Texas
Nov 13 - The Echo - Los Angeles, California


- Check out Trail of Dead live pics over at Brooklyn Vegan

Holy Shit-Balls!

Unbelievable rap clip.

Violet, your turning violet

Congratulations to Dean and Tracy Yoshihara on the birth of their second daughter Violet Ritsuko Yoshihara! She was delivered at 1:19 this morning and is reportedly already getting acquainted with her dad's drum kit, assortment of effects pedals, and mounds of Mac-related products. Go get 'em girl!

Sexman answers some questions

Seriously, Sexman needs to stop with these 'Sexinator vs. Jason' trailers and movies, and all the other mundane "films" he creates -- get back to movie reviews! Apparently he's been pretty busy:

"And I warned you in the past video. Shit was gonna get craze-uh, and shit has gotten craze-uh" - Sexman

Return of The Pity Party

After months of lounging around as a hands-off band (Hey-Oh!) The Pity Party return without the physical therapy, pins, or bandages. The duo perform at 10 p.m. at the Silverlake Lounge. This is where I'll be:

+/- {Plus/Minus}: 'Reeling in the Years'

Nope. Not a Steely Dan cover, but it does give the song a nod. Stereogum talked to singer/guitarist James Baluyut about the band's new download being offered at its website. The track is more in the vein of Sea and Cake/American Analog Set with a jazzy rhythm and cool breezy guitar, and that vibraphone melody sure is pretty. It's no "Peg," but then again, what is?

Xs on Your Eyes drops October 21. Get "Reeling in the Years" HERE! Also, grab another new album track, "Snowblind", HERE.

All Smiles brings back the rock, touring with Connor Oberst

All Smiles (Jim Fairchild) has quietly surfaced with a new album, Oh For the Getting and Not Letting Go. The follow-up to 2007's Ten Readings of a Warning is significantly better. The songs rock with vibrant choruses, big overdriven guitars and dynamic drumming.

While there's no release date or label to speak of, officially at least, you can go listen to a few new tracks HERE.

All Smiles hits the road Thursday with Connor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. According to Fairchild he'll be playing as a duo with Menomena phenom Danny Seim on drums, who also assisted with the new album. Note Fairchild's free gig on Monday with residency band Rademacher.

All dates with Connor Oberst (except*):

Oct 16: Ogden Theater - Denver, Colorado
Oct 17: KTAO Solar Center - Taos, New Mexico
Oct 18: Rialto Theater - Tucson, Arizona
Oct 19: SOMA - San Diego, California
Oct 20: The Echo - Los Angeles, California*
Oct 21: Henry Fonda - Los Angeles, California
Oct 22: Henry Fonda - Hollywood, California
Oct 23: Fox Theater - Visalia, California
Oct 24: Warfield - San Francisco, California
Oct 29: First Avenue - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oct 30: Turner Hall - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oct 31: Vic Theater - Chicago, Illinois
Nov 1: Vic Theater - Chicago, Illinois
Nov 2: Royal Oak Music Theater - Royal Oak, Michigan

A Look at 2008's Upcoming Releases

- photo of School of Seven Bells, whose debut album Alpinisms drops 10/28.

It's almost that time when writers, critics and bloggers start pondering about the best music of the year. But before anyone does that there are quite a handful of future draft choices coming up.

Let me know if I left anything out, and I don't mean AC/DC's new disc.

10/20:
A Place to Bury Strangers: "I Know I'll See You" 7" [Rocket Girl] The Long Blondes: "Singles" [Angular Recording Company]
The Rapture: Tapes [!K7] [European release]
Various Artists: Dreams Come True - Classic First Wave Electro 1982-87 [Domino] [UK release]

10/21:
+ / -: Xs on Your Eyes [Absolutely Kosher]
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: Festival Thyme EP [Richter Scale/Justice Records]
Beach House: "Used To Be" 7" [Carpark]
Danielson: "Our Givest (Remix)" 7" [Secretly Canadian]
The Dears: Missles [Dangerbird]
Final Fantasy: Play EP [Slender Means Society/States Rights]
Frightened Rabbit: Liver! Lung! FR! [Fat Cat]
Gang Gang Dance: Saint Dymphna [The Social Registry] [North American release]
Girl Talk: Feed the Animals [Illegal Art] [CD release]
The High Strung: Moxie Bravo [Park the Van]
The Last Shadow Puppets: "My Mistakes Were Made for You" single [Domino]
Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping [Polyvinyl]
Parts & Labor: Receivers [Jagjaguwar]
Pit Er Pat: High Time [Thrill Jockey]
The Raveonettes: EP [Vice] [digital release]
The Sea and Cake: Car Alarm [Thrill Jockey]
White Hinterland: Luniculaire EP [Dead Oceans]

10/27:
Optimo: Sleepwalk [Domino] [UK release]
Squarepusher: Just a Souvenir [Warp] [UK release]

10/28:
caUSE co-MOTION!: It's Time! [Slumberland]
Crystal Stilts: Alight of Night [Slumberland]
Deerhunter: Microcastle [Kranky] [out now digitally]
Dreamend: The Long Forgotten Friend [Graveface]
Eagles of Death Metal: Heart On [Downtown]
Matthew Dear: Body Language Vol. 7 [Get Physical]
O'Death: Broken Hymns, Limbs and Skin [Kemado]
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals: Cardinology [Lost Highway]
School of Seven Bells: Alpinisms [Ghostly International]
SCSI-9: Easy as Down [Kompakt]
Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns [Geffen]

11/4:
Absentee: Victory Shorts [Memphis Industries]
Black Moth Super Rainbow: Drippers EP [self-released]
Castanets vs. Ero: Dub Refuge [Asthmatic Kitty]
Crystal Antlers: Crystal Antlers EP [Touch & Go] - vinyl release
Danielson: Trying Hartz [Secretly Canadian]
The Decemberists: Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series - Voume 2 [Y.A.B.B./Jealous Butcher]
Frida Hyvonen: Silence Is Wild [Secretly Canadian]
Fucked Up: "No Epiphany" 7" [Matador]
Little Joy: Little Joy [Rough Trade]
Low: "Santa's Coming Over" 7" [Sub Pop] [North American release]
No Age: "Teen Creeps" 7" [Sub Pop]
The Smashing Pumpkins: If It All Goes Wrong DVD [Coming Home Media]
Wilderness: (k)no(w)here [Jagjaguwar]

11/11:
Au Revoir Simone: Reverse Migration (remix album) [Our Secret Record Company]
The Flaming Lips: Christmas on Mars CD/DVD [Warner Bros.]
Los Campesinos!: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed [Arts & Crafts]
Love Is All: A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night [What's Your Rupture?]
New Order: Brotherhood [Rhino]
New Order: Power Corruption & Lies [Rhino]
New Order: Low-Life [Rhino]
New Order: Movement [Rhino]
New Order: Technique [Rhino]
The Postmarks: By the Numbers [Unfiltered]
The Smiths: The Sound of the Smiths [Rhino]
Various Artists: Perfect as Cats: A Tribute to the Cure [Manimal Vinyl]

11/17:
The Fireman (Paul McCartney and Youth): Electric Argument [MPL]

11/18:
Asobi Seksu: "Me & Mary" / "Breathe Into Glass" 7" [Polyvinyl]
Belle and Sebastian: The BBC Sessions [Matador]
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan: Sunday at Devil Dirt [V2]
Joan of Arc: "My Summer-Long High Wipeout" 7" [Polyvinyl]
Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid: NYC [Domino]
Pavement: Brighten the Corners: Nicene Credence Ed. [Matador] - expanded edition of the 1997 LP

11/25:
Asobi Seksu: Citrus [Friendly Fire] [vinyl release]
The (International) Noise Conspiracy: Cross of My Calling [Vagrant/American]

12/2:
The Decemberists: Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series - Voume 3 [Y.A.B.B./Jealous Butcher]

12/9:
Cat Power: Dark End of the Street EP [Matador]

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: "Everything with You" MP3

NYC's The Pains of Being Pure at Heart return from their tour of Sweden with a brand new seven-inch, "Everything with You." There's a little Ecstasy and Wine-era My Bloody Valentine mixed with a dirtier Velocity Girl vibe, which is why it makes complete sense that Slumberland Records released this single. This is a band I want to keep my eyes on.

If you're in New York during CMJ then you can catch the quartet on numerous nights. U.K. music nerds can get up close and personal as they hit the road with the legendary Wedding Present. Those dates are listed below.

|||The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: "Everything with You" MP3|||

Dates:

Oct. 19 - New York - Cake Shop
Oct. 22 - New York - Knitting Factory Tap Bar
Oct. 24 - New York - Cake Shop
Dec. 2 - Colchester, UK - Arts Center*
Dec. 3 - Portsmouth, UK - Wedgewood Rooms*
Dec. 4 - Oxford, UK - Academy*
Dec. 5 - Leicester, UK - Princess Charlotte*
Dec. 6 - Manchester, UK - Academy*
Dec. 8 - Cork, IRL - Pavillion*
Dec. 9 - Dublin, IRL - Andrews Lane Theatre*
Dec. 10 - Belfast, UK - Limelight*
Dec. 12 -Glasgow, UK - Captains Rest
Dec. 13 - Leeds, UK - The Cockpit
Dec. 14 - Nottingham, UK - The Social
Dec. 16 - London, UK - “Twee as Fuck” @ Old Blue Last
Dec. 17 - London, UK - “Fortuna Pop”night @ Sazerac
Dec. 18 - London, UK - Forum*

* with The Wedding Present

Imaad Wasif with Two Part Beast tonight @ Spaceland

Imaad Wasif plays tonight with Night Horse and Graveyard at Spaceland. If you haven't seen him perform with Two Part Beast then you're missing out, you should also pick up his latest disc Strange Hexes.

Another interesting, and satisfying, bit of news is that they'll be opening for the mighty Mercury Rev at the El Rey Theatre on December 16.

Anyone else heard the new Mercury Rev album (shrug)? It's...ok. Save your money and see them live.

"Oceanic" - directed by Alex Lorge:

Beck + Jessica Dobson performing 'Gamma Ray' on Late Night

I reviewed Beck's Modern Guilt for Buzznet a few months back. The album is neither here nor there, never staking a claim or radically switching gears the way I'd hoped it would. It's also not a bad album either. There's simply nothing wrong with it and the songs are polite and sticky enough to warrant repeated listens. But after watching this video for "Gamma Ray" on Letterman's Late Show last night I can't help but think how refreshing -- and dare I say rocking -- Beck sounds with his new band, specifically Jessica Dobson on guitar. I need to see this lineup for myself.

In this clip the riffs sound fuzzy, less-produced, and more unified than the so-so radio version. It should also be noted that Long Beach resident Jessica Dobson, who's solo effort was basically shelved by the majors a few years back, is handling lead guitar duties with ease...while looking sexy.




- photo of Jessica Dobson by Silverchylde

Jams run free with Tame Impala

Australia continues to pump out great pop music, this time it lies in the psychedelic guitar rock of Tame Impala (No, that's not a photo of Beachwood Sparks). After listening to "Desire Be Desire Go" and "Half Full Glass of Wine" I can't help but mention Dungen and Can. The music is simpler and smoother but sustains a chilled groove that could propel a desert road trip for days, or double as the soundtrack to a surfing flick from the 1970s. Why do I have a funny feeling that this trio is gonna blow up all over SXSW in March? Oh, they're on Modular, and that's why. Get some:

|||Stream: Tame Impala at MySpace|||


Here's a nice fan-made video of "Skeleton Tiger"

'Chinese Democracy' vs. Ian Cohen...LET'S DO THIS!

This is the post where I urge Pitchfork to please allow L.A.-based critic Ian Cohen to review the forthcoming Guns N' Roses release, Chinese Democracy. The long-awaited record has been leaked a few times, so we already know that it sucks, and frankly, sounds like a generic Axl Rose session than anything I would dub 'Guns N' Roses.' However, it's finally being issued exclusively via Best Buy on Sunday, November 23.

I want to see this record get ripped Pitchfork-style. I'm talking about band members crying (like post-game T.O.), writing sad notes to their parents...the stuff press conferences were made for. If there's one thing I'd love to see crash and burn, other than the McCain/Palin presidential shit-ticket, it's this pile of crap album.

Who's Ian Cohen you ask? He's typically known as the only guy at Pitchfork who gives negative, entertaining and accurate reviews of albums you probably like. And recently, he's been noted for his less-than-positive review of The Airborne Toxic Event.

Hum reunite for New Year's Eve show!

F*** Cadillac commercials. If anyone truly remembers Hum then you've gotta be pretty friggin' excited right now. The Champaign, Illinois quartet fused metal and rock similar to the way Smashing Pumpkins did, only Hum prefer searing riffs, dense chord progressions and an astronaut over whiny vocals and constant band drama. I know reunions are popular right now, and sometimes pointless, but these guys are the real deal.

Hum will play the Double Door in Chicago on New Year's Eve (Source: Amateur Chemist).

|||Hum: "Dreamboat" MP3|||

Check out a track from Glifted's Under and In. It features guitarist Tim Lash:

|||Glifted: "Last in Line" MP3|||

A Sunny Day in Glasgow: 'Scribble Mural Comic Journal' gets vinylized

I've written a lot of praise about Philadelphia's modern dream-pop outfit A Sunny Day in Glasgow. Their 2007 debut sat in my car's CD player for a good month. It's a billowing piece of music with angelic vocals, processed drums and some of the wackiest and warped guitar sounds that you could file under 'pop.' Just ask this guy.

The band recently had its critically-acclaimed album pressed on limited edition vinyl (325 copies), which makes wax enthusiasts like myself drool. The album comes complete with remixes from fellow stargazers Asobi Seksu and Ulrich Schnauss, out now on Ruined Potential.

|||A Sunny Day in Glasgow: "Things Only I Can See" MP3|||

A1 Wake Up Pretty
A2 No. 6 Von Karmen Street
A3 A Mundane Phonecall to Jack Parsons
A4 Our Change into Rain Is No Change At All (Talkin’ ’bout Us)
A5 Ghost in the Graveyard

B1 5:15 Train
B2 Lists, Plans
B3 C’mon
B4 The Horn Song
B5 Panic Attacks Are What Make Me “Me”

C1 Watery (Drowning Is Just Another Word for Being Buried Alive Under Water)
C2 Things Only I Can See
C3 The Best Summer Ever

D1 Ghost In the Graveyard (Ulrich Schnauss Remix)
D2 Summerlong Silences (Asobi Seksu Remix)

New Deerhoof Video: 'Chandelier Searchlight'

The title of Deerhoof's latest video brings to mind some interesting imagery, but the clip is even more distracting. The Clyde Petersen and Forrest Baum directed montage is a super-creative piece of work, a perfect fit for a band that has made a career out of blending child-like melodies with chaos and math rock. Offend Maggie is out now.

The Little Ones: 'Morning Tide'

I'm pressed for time these days and can't do a full album review. But I just wanted to make a quick post about how great I think The Little Ones are. In my opinion there's a shortage of acts that are as vibrant and joyful as this pop quintet, and most 'pop' music found on the East or West side is comparable.

A few years back I accidentally saw them open for Division Day at Little Pedro's (now Bordello) -- some Nintendo 'Tetris' tournament coincided with the gig. Back then they were called 'Little One' and pulled off a short set of bouncy, infectious pop that would eventually become their debut EP. They made it look too easy, and sound too good, especially for a group that was pretty much unknown at the time. What can I say, I'm just stoked that this record is finally seeing the light of day.

Buy it: Amazon, iTunes

"Ordinary Song" -- taken from Morning Tide:






Catch them live:

10/07/08 - Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree
10/08/08 - New Orleans, LA @ Republic %
10/09/08 - Houston, TX @ Walters on Washington %
10/10/08 - Austin, TX @ The Parish %
10/11/08 - Dallas, TX @ Pontiac Garage at the House of Blues %
10/12/08 - Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone %
10/13/08 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement %
10/14/08 - Newport, KY @ Southgate House %
10/16/08 - NYC, New York @ Mercury Lounge ~ @
10/17/08 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Kyhber Pass ~
10/19/08 - Washington D.C. @ DC 9 ~
10/21/08 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas ^ !
10/22/08 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
10/23/08 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room *
10/25/08 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
11/10/08 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
11/11/08 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
11/14/08 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
11/15/08 - Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar

% = w/The Walkmen
~ = w/The Postelles
# = w/What Made Milwaukee Famous
^ = w/Other Lives
@ = w/ Anya Marina
! = w/ Hey Champ
* = w/ Sleep Said the Monster


- photo by Pamela Littky

Coachella, Vivian Girls, other stuff

After a five-day marathon of shows last week I'm definitely going to hibernate for a while. Here's some cool stuff on the horizon:

There's a special lineup at Club Underground on Halloween night: Asobi Seksu (playing new material from their previously reported forthcoming album) Love Grenades (haven't seen them, but they have a ultra-sexy lead singer) and Strange Boys.
The Pity Party are returning to work after M's gnarly, gnarled-up hand injury. The first stop is an opening slot for Matador artists Jaguar Love on October 16 at Silverlake Lounge.

Coachella 'officially' announced the dates. I'm still puzzled by the trimming of Stagecoach from three days to two. Wasn't that festival a major success last year?

I've been spinning the new Vivian Girls self-titled album (see Tiger Trap, Black Tambourine, Heavenly). The album is so-so after a few listens, minus the excellent pop standout "Where Do You Run To," but I'm still on the fence about the disc as a complete listen. P4K gave the album an 8.5 rating, yet Portishead's Third got an 8.8 -- I'm pretty sure these records aren't anywhere in the same ballpark. I'll be checking these gals out at Part-Time Punks on November 16, or The Smell a couple of days later on the 18th.

Swervedriver to reissue first three albums in the U.S.

While Mezcal Head encapsulates what Swervedriver do best, it's equally necessary to own the albums that surround it. On January 6th 2009 the recently reunited quartet will re-issue Raise, Mezcal Head and Ejector Seat Reservation via Second Motion/Hi Speed Soul Records here in the U.S. Here are the details:

Raise:
1. Sci Flyer 2. Pile Up 3. Son Of Mustang Ford 4. Deep Seat 5. Sandblasted 6. Sunset 7. Feel So Real 8. Lead Me Where You Dare 9. Hands 10.Anadalucia 11. Kill The Superheroes 12. Over

Notes. Limited edition digitally remastered and expanded digipak edition of this 1991 album featuring four bonus tracks ("Hands," "Andalucía," "Kill The Superheroes" and "Over") and liner notes from the band.

Mezcal Head:
1. For Seeking Heat 2. Duel 3. Blowin' Cool 4. MM Abduction 5. Last Train To Satansville 6. Harry And Maggie 7. A Change Is Gonna Come 8. Girl On A Motorbike 9. Duress 10. You Find It Everywhere 11. Never Lose That Feeling 12. Planes Over The Skyline 13. The Hitcher 14. Cars Converge On Paris

Notes: Limited edition digitally remastered and expanded digipak edition of this 1993 album featuring four bonus tracks ("Never Lose That Feeling," "Planes Over The Skyline," "The Hitcher" and "Paris") and liner notes from the band.

Ejector Seat Reservation:
1. Single Finger Salute 2. Bring Me the Head of the Fortune Teller 3. The Other Jesus 4. Son of Jaguar 'E' 5. I Am Superman 6. Bubbling Up 7. Ejector Seat Reservation 8. How Does It Feel to Look Like Candy? 9. Last Day on Earth 10. The Birds 11. Maelstrom 12.The Directors Cut Of Your Life 13. Just Sometimes 14. Neon Lights Glow

Notes. Limited edition digitally remastered and expanded digipak edition of this 1995 album featuring four bonus tracks ("Maelstrom," "The Directors Cut Of Your Life" "Just Sometimes" and "Neon Lights Glow'") and liner notes from the band.

In other Swervie news, frontman Adam Franklin and Interpol drummer Sam Fogarino will bring their Magnetic Morning project to the Roxy on November 3. Should be a great show.

Autolux resurface

A little bit of news for ya. Autolux have scheduled a gig at the Henry Fonda Theatre on January 17th. Could it be a record release show? Perhaps. More news as I dig.


- photo by yours truly (Coachella 2008)

The Henry Clay People, Le Switch, Parson Red Heads and Downtown/Union: Tonight @ Spaceland

Watch some good rock, knock back a few cold ones and celebrate the release of THCP's sophomore album For Cheap or For Free via Autumn Tone.

The goods:

Other gigs I'd highly recommend:

Deerhoof at Avalon - I haven't heard the new album, but they're one of my favorite bands. Not really into watching Deerhoof at larger venues either.

Cut Copy at Glass House - Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours will ultimately end up on my year end 'best of 2008' list, it's a really strong record. They're also an excellent live band -- mixing dreamy pop a la ELO with driving electro-dance (New Order, Depeche Mode).

Welcome to QVC

The title above is kind of random, but when I look at Sarah Palin I immediately think of the QVC channel...or See's Candies.

I found something for you to do while your coffee slowly kicks in, Go Here. If I was born under Sarah Palin my name would be Stake Shed Palin. Give it a shot.

A Place To Bury Strangers, Other Stuff

I don't think I need to tell you about the variety of musical events going on in our city this weekend, but I'm probably skipping the big fests and hitting up A Place to Bury Strangers at The Troubadour Saturday night. Why? Because my ears need more ringing and abuse. The "loudest band in New York" is currently touring with The Dandy Warhols and were nice enough to schedule a show without the band who, according to frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor, "shit hits."

Also on the bill are local dream-poppers In Waves, who, according to their blog, have an album coming very soon. Social Registry artists Sian Alice Group round out the night.

Other stuff:

- Daytrotter has APTBS rocking a live session from May.

- Amy Phillips disects Meghan McCain's Stereolab obsession. I'm going with choice "A."

- Stereogum is offering a sweet cover of Stacy Q's "Two of Hearts" from heartbreaker Annie, who is easily one of the most beautiful women in indie music today.

- There are some excellent shows coming up that shouldn't be missed before the year ends (The Notwist, Dungen, M83, Mercury Rev, and much more). I'd love to see Oasis, but not at Staples Center. In fact I'm probably the only guy in town who has never caught them live.

- These crazy kids have another record release show, this time it's at Spaceland tomorrow night.

My Bloody Valentine: Tonight's Lineup

Doors at 8:30 pm. Spectrum plays first, then cutie pie Gemma Hayes, then My Bloody Valentine. Unfortunately, I don't have set times. Food for thought: maybe it wasn't the greatest idea to schedule Sigur Ros the same night as MBV, they share a similar crowd right?

Fun fact: Roger Brogan, who I used to share a band with back in Tempe, AZ, has been playing drums in Spectrum lately. If you see him buy that guy a beer.

My Bloody Valentine: Live @ Santa Monica Civic - 10/1/08

Why MBV at the Santa Monica Civic was fantastic:

- Opening with the one-two punch of "I Only Said" and "When You Sleep" was brilliant. It was also great to hear distorted and raw renditions of those heavily produced songs.

- They played lots of Isn't Anything material, as well as poppier tracks like "Thorn" and "Cigarette in Your Bed" -- which they didn't play during the 1991-1992 Loveless tour. "Come in Alone" was a nice surprise too.

- Slanted floor -- you can see everything no matter where you stand or sit.

- Lots of bars with relatively quick lines inside and outside (patio) the venue. Bonus: Every single bar had a separate 'Beer Only' line, excellent planning! It was the equivalent of the '10 items or less' lane at your local supermarket. Governor Schwarzenegger should make this a state law at all larger venues.

- Although MBV have been traveling with their own soundboard and crew, the mix was good -- at least as good as you're ever going to hear it.

- In my opinion it wasn't actually that loud, yet it was loud enough to get lost in the soup of frequencies and low end rumble.

- With the exception of "Nothing Much To Lose," "Feed Me With Your Kiss," and "You Made Me Realise," you could deal without ear plugs if you absolutely had too. However, I skipped out on "You Made Me Realise" altogether. After standing through that bombardment of white noise a few times in my life I don't think I'm going to hear it differently. A friend clocked last night's noise bridge at 17 minutes. I bet they go for at least 25 minutes tonight.

- Next time you see a band at SMC get there early for dinner and drinks at El Texate -- it sits between the Arco station and the video rental spot right across the street. Free chips and salsa, cheap drinks, and my friends who had ordered plates of mexican food were pleased -- I'll be there again tonight. You can also drink and simultaneously watch the massive line at the venue dissipate until about 9:15 pm.

Some critical comments that were heard throughout the patio, and my commentary of responses that wish I would have said:

- "I wish they played more songs." Me too!

- "I couldn't hear the vocals that well." That's normal for any MBV show, and that's kind of the point.

- "What the hell just happened?" You just saw MBV.

- "I' don't think I've ever seen anything like that." Right, you haven't...you saw MBV dude!

- "I just don't get it." (This is point in time where I lift the ignorant patron over my head and body slam him on top of the bar. Then the sexy bartender hands me two Coronas and winks with approval.)


There are loads of tickets for tonight's sold out show on Craigslist and eBay for tonight's sold-out gig. Get on it!

Amateur Chemist has a brief and accurate take on last night's aural air-strike, plus the complete set list.

Randall Roberts wrote an excellent LA Weekly review.

Kevin Bronson knocks another MBV live review out of the park at Buzz Bands.

This is why people like George Bush and John McCain get elected

Holy shit.

Obligatory My Bloody Valentine preview

About sixteen years ago I went to my very first concert, My Bloody Valentine at the Roxy -- with special guests Babes in Toyland (Bleh!). The show was awful, loud, but pretty overwhelming. It was like nothing anyone had seen before. Tonight MBV returns with better gear, their own soundboard and staff, a diverse set list and a renewed positivity that's easy to spot. And even though I just caught them two weeks ago I'm still excited.

Like their 1991-1992 Loveless tour, the Isn't Anything and previous EP material sounds amazing live ("Thorn," "Cigarette In Your Bed," "Feed Me With Your Kiss," etc. Not that the Loveless tracks suffer, they sounded great in New York, but the older material is raw, melodic, and practically 'punk' compared everything else. Of course it's still very loud, but smoother and more approachable...maybe? Regardless, if you like what MBV has done from 1987-1991 then you're in for what may be one of the best live experiences of your life.

If you don't like MBV but plan on going because you're one of the scenester types who wants to be seen mulling about in a 'deep V' T-shirt, Toms, and tight Capri pants with added value Rayban sunglasses then consider staying at home and renting Juno or something. You are the problem, not the future. I don't want anyone standing in my way, talking, or complaining about the live aspects that are expected...or creating a longer line for beer. Thanks Alt-bros!

To everyone else, I'll see ya tonight and tomorrow at the Santa Monica Civic.

p.s. The band, especially Colm, is way tighter. And don't feel guilty about going home early during "You Made Me Realize." The noise bridge is extremely tough to deal with, physically and mentally.

Almost forgot, Bronson says Spectrum are opening both nights, which I'm happy about. They're playing as a full band with Spacemen 3 material in the set.

Chromewaves has some great live pics from Kool Haus - Ontario, Canada - September 25.

UPDATE: Thursday's gig is sold-out.


- photo from Bill

Moodgadget Releases Another Amazing Compilation...For Free

Dig through your musical encyclopedia and try to find all the sub-genres that exist under the name 'electronica' -- I guarantee you'll be overwhelmed with information. The genre in general has been overshadowed by an extreme rise in mediocre indie rock in the past 5-7 years (branding, soundtracks, tours, hype, etc.). Thankfully, we've got a label like Moodgadget to separate sift through the crap.

The influential label has just released another extraordinary compilation of artists ranging from lo-fi hip-hop to ambient dub to deep house via No New Enemies Vol. 1. It's been loaded onto one easy-to-download zip file, courtesy of the label. Send them a thank you letter because these jams are free.

|||Download: No New Enemies Vol. 1 (Zip-file)|||

Highlights include Andre Orbin's "Six Angels," Charles Trees' "Memories," Warez' "Sanctuary" and the dark ambient folk of Direwires' "Oh Her (Benoit Poulard's Serenade)."

New +/- album this month, 'Xs on Your Eyes'

NYC's +/- (that's 'plus/minus' for the mathematically challenged), return with a new album, Xs on Your Eyes, on October 21 via Absolutely Kosher. The former Versus-fronted band have also given us a sample of what's to come with the recently debuted track "Snowblind." The song is fairly consistent with the trio's last full-length as rhythms become more complex -- building towards the end of the song. James' voice guides the minimal guitar playing up until the frantic last chorus. I'd be lying if I said it didn't sound like a typical +/- track, but then again that's why I like them.

|||+/-: "Snowblind" MP3|||

Here's the clip for "She's Got Your Eyes," taken from 2003's You Are Here: