Shadowbox Live Shows

Brooklyn's Bonnie Baxter exchanged her guitar for keyboards in her new project Shadowbox. Don't miss her captivating live set catch a show below.

Fri Dec 11th Coco66
Sat Dec 12th 282 North Henry Studios
Mon Dec 21st Mercury Lounge

New Portishead Song

Portishead just released a new song, entitled "Chase the Tear." It is released as a benefit for Amnesty International. Visit here to get a copy. Watch the video below.

Portishead - Chase The Tear from Mintonfilm on Vimeo.

Writers Top 13 Albums of 2009 - Kevin Serra

001 | Natureboy "Natureboy" Self Released Read Review

002 | Warpaint "Exquisite Corpse" Self Released Read Review

003 | Masterface "Freedom Tower" Self Released Read Review

004 | Real Estate "Real Estate" Woodist Read Review

005 | Cass McCombs "Catacombs" Domino Read Review

006 | The Antlers "Hospice" French Kiss Read Review

007 | Sharon Van Etten "Because I Was In Love" Language of Stone Read Review

008 | Beat The Devil "Idiot’s Guide" Self Released Read Review

009 | Grizzly Bear "Vecktimest" Warp Read Review

010 | Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers "A Fish Hook An Open Eye" Self Released Read Review

011 | The Pains of Being Pure at Heart "S/T" Slumberland Read Review

012 | Volcano Choir "Unmap" Jagjaguwar Read Review

013 | Wildbird & Peacedrums "The Snake" The Control Group Read Review

All other kevchino writers picks will run starting Monday December 14th.

Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins new solo EP

Rough Trade Records announces the immediate release of Elizabeth Fraser's "Moses" EP in the U.S. digitally via itunes, and on 12" vinyl January 26th, 2010.

Get a copy off iTunes here.

"Moses" is dedicated to celebrating the life of Jake Drake-Brockman, a close personal friend of both Elizabeth (one-half of the legendary Cocteau Twins) and her partner and musical collaborator, Damon Reece (Spiritualized, Massive Attack, Echo & The Bunnymen, BOM).

Jake was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in September. Elizabeth and Damon feel that the passing of such a wonderful man and great friend cannot go unmarked, and as such have created this EP with all proceeds going to Jake's family.

A pivotal member of Echo and The Bunnymen, BOM and The Hook ‘Em Boys and, latterly, a highly respected sound engineer for the BBC, Jake was a beautiful human being and adventurer who profoundly touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.

A talented musician, a technical genius/blagger, a jack-of-all-trades and master of many, Jake was a vibrant reminder to us all of what it is to be alive. His lust for life, keen intellect and Dunkirk spirit were a beacon of light in a world that is rapidly fading into mediocrity and convenience. As unique and individual as the classic motorcycles he loved so much, Jake was the last of the Mohicans. The Earth is a duller planet without him.

"Moses" was written and performed by Jake, Elizabeth and Damon and is b acked with two re-mixes: the first by Thighpaulsandra (Julian Cope, Spiritualized, Coil) and the second by Andy Jenks (previously of Alpha and presently of The Flies, Spaceland).

Elizabeth has done one (very illuminating where she opens up about her departure from Cocteau Twins her relationship with Jeff Buckley and much more. ) interview with regard to this release for The Guardian in the UK, you can read that here.

Real Estate & J. Tillman at Mohawk in Austin TX!

This Thanksgiving holiday was my very first visit to the amazing city, Austin, Texas! I was lucky enough to catch New Jersey's Real Estate at Mohwak during the bands pass thru the giant state of Texas. The club is laid out in two sections a large outside venue with balconies and a intimate inside stage. We got our tickets to the inside show but were able to catch the last few songs of Seattle, Washington's, J. Tillman. Frontman J. Tillman was playing solo and had a powerful yet stark and haunting presence not unlike Jim James of My Morning Jacket but with a more of an Iron & Wine vibe. Tillman was then joined by his band mates who accompanied him on some powerful songs that came across like an Alt-Country Mogwai. I had never heard him before and was totally entrance from the end of his set. Apparently he plays drums and sings in the band Fleet Foxes.

Next up was NJ's Real Estate so we found a good spot up front in the inside part of the venue. I had gotten a hold of the bands debut and had been playing it on heavy rotation. The band opened with "Beach Comber" and from that second till the last song had the Austin audience completely captivated. These Jersey Boy's hypnotic guitar laden songs are infectious and catchy and fun to move around to live. The band have a calm hypnotic tone doused with dreamy reverb and at times they sound like if cross between Modest Mouse and The Beach Boys if both bands were hardcore junkies. Next up was Brackett & Co. featuring members of Okkervil River I was to excited about there set and left early.

Artist Brad Nack Returns to Brooklyn!

Artist Brad Nack Returns to Brooklyn for his largest NYC/Brooklyn show ever at Williamsburg's 303GRAND. Stop by for some complimentary beer & wine and snacks and the most reindeers ever to gather on the east coast. This Thursday December 3rd, 2009 from 7pm-10pm. Brad will also be raffling off a free reindeer painting!

TAKE A REINDEER HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS This year marks the 12th Annual Brad Nack 100% Reindeer Art Show. Nack is proud to announce his first national tour, “The 25 city 100% Brad Nack Reindeer Art Show Tour” stretching from California to the U.K. Collectors have arrived before the doors open. Followers have brought their own “red dots” so they can claim their piece without waiting for the gallery staff to assist them. Last year the entire show sold out in 7 minutes.

A SMALL IDEA THAT’S JUST QUIRKY ENOUGH TO GET SOME ATTENTION In 1993, Nack created one Reindeer painting — it ended up in a winter solstice art show, where it attracted over 25 purchase inquires. The gallery owner persuaded Nack to consider painting 50 Reindeer for the next year. “After 12 years, I have painted a lot of Reindeer, they always take a long time to paint, but have their own way of coming to life, which is usually a surprise and that’s what’s good about it.” Says Nack.

For more info visit www.303grandnyc.com