SXSW Day 1 March 17th 2010

SXSW had just started, and as you might imagine, it was overwhelming, as too many bands, from Motorhead to Broken Social Scene to Broken Bells and everything in between, are playing every open venue available. On day one I dove in headfirst and checked out the Terrorbird/Forcefield show at Red 7, where I caught the last song in Beach Fossils’ set that had the crowd all wearing smiles. Kinda wish I had caught the beginning of their set. Frankie Rose and the Outs, whose leader has drummed for Dum Dum Girls, Vivian Girls, and The Crystal Stilts, rocked the crowd with a blistering set of ’60s-inspired girl-driven rock with reverb-drenched vocals that the crowd was heavily into.






As a first-timer to SXSW, it was such an overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by music coming out of every crevice and every available space in Austin, Texas. But thankfully all the bands were groundbreaking, possibly the next big thing, and had something special to offer. Choir of Young Believers were the surprise of the night as this indie/folk act from Copenhagen, Denmark won everyone over with great musical choices and harmonies.


For the record, one of the bands I saw that night who literally blew everyone away was Neon Indian, a synth-heavy act who take lo-fi ’80s keyboards to another level. Led by Alan Palomo, these Austin, Texas natives, now settled in Brooklyn, tore the roof . . . er, tent off the outdoor performance space. I wasn’t sure how the songs would come off live, but surprisingly they were better than on the record, which was one of my faves of 2009.


We ended the night (not by choice) with a performance by Solid Gold, another favorite band of mine, at Vice-Lose Control 2. It was a great show, and the band played several new tracks, including “Matter of Time,” which sees the band continue to explore their inventive and very chill electronic-infused indie rock.





Real Estate, one of the headliners, had a near-capacity crowd hanging on their every word as the band played much of the material off their self-titled album.




After attempting to attend a party at Stubb’s to see The Walkmen, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Broken Bells, and Spoon all on the same bill, we quickly realized the pitfalls of SXSW and of the events that were to come, where the bills were stacked so heavily that we waited on plenty of lines around the block to get in. But tonight we quit while we were ahead.

Words by DaVe Lipp & photos by Kevin Serra

The Happy Hollows, The Troubador, Los Angeles: 03.12.10

It was a Friday night in Hollywood, and the Happy Hollows had just taken the stage at the Troubadour. Not knowing entirely what to expect of the night's show, the band's single "Tambourine" kept going through my head on the way there. Low and behold, the band wasn't a tease; instead opened with that very single; the catchyness that had been haunting me. The audio at the Troubador that night was so-so, though the band's set was still very appealing.

They had a sound reminiscent of an early Sonic Youth, mixed with Throwing Muses, and a dash of PJ Harvey thrown in for good measure. Singer/guitarist Sarah Negahdari walked the line between melody and caterwaul, and maintained a cheery disposition song after song. Not out of character, and with a quirky/giddy disposition she declared "I just love Rock n'Roll", and launched into yet another song from their recent released album "Spells". The sentiment proved to be infectious and the audience joined along for the ride.

Backed by a rhythm section comprised of bassist Charlie Mahoney and drummer Chris Hernandez, Sarah’s spellbinding vocals lit the way through a set of catchy/chunky chords, with a rock n'roll wind at their back. In one of the band's last interludes, Sarah had asked the audience what kind of spirit animal they thought she was. After the audience gave a few amusing answers, such as bunny and squirrel; she proclaimed she read that hers was a black panther. Appropriate, as the band radiates a raw feline momentum, while maintaining a capricious charm...

Photos/Review: Clovis IV

The National gives Brooklyn a preview of a potential indie rock classic

Despite the washout weekend, New Yorkers managed to pull it together and congregate at the off-the-beaten-path Bell House to catch hometown heroes, The National, bring two nights of their indie/psyche/folk to the stage. With a somewhat slow start, fans gradually rolled in, fluttering their umbrellas, shaking off the additional shower and gathering in the lounge, well aware of the fortune of having found out of this “secret” sell out show.

Soon enough, the National took the stage, starting off the night with a preview of their forthcoming LP, High Violet. The slow, sweeping guitar riffs began as the audience’s interest piqued. “Sorrow,” “the happiest song on their record”, as singer Matt Berninger introduced it, is a dreamy, somber-toned song that keeps in the tradition of The National’s dark-yet-elegant demeanor. Plowing through an action packed set, the band consciously managed to mix in several new selections, as well as classics like “Mistaken for Strangers,” “Secret Meeting,” “Apartment Story” and the ever so expressive “Abel.”

Amounting to what seemed a little over an hour long set, including a long encore, the band closed the night with the slick and climactic new cut “Bad Love.” Above all, even given the torrential elements, The National brought their highly anticipated voice to Brooklyn to give their hometown fans a gracious and intimate taste of what is yet to come – a potential indie rock classic.

Photos and Review by - Rick Gonzalez

The Morgues release three EP's

Brooklyn, New York's The Morgues have been busy this year and last year playing shows, recording and releasing EP's. They just released there third EP entitled Thought He'd Never Leave on Ashley's Dollar Store. This newest one has one of my favorite tracks called "Geez Louise (Get Yourself A Room)," which finally got released but I am really enjoying the title track "He Loves Me," which band leader David King opens new ground to the bands sound with an early Cure, Bright Eyes melancholic vibe. (see video below).

A Place To Bury Strangers, El Rey Theater, Los Angeles

Taking the stage, A Place To Bury Strangers (APTBS) proceeded to fill the darkened theater, with a wall of sound 50' high, while only being silhouetted in undulating projector light, pouring out from the recesses of the stage. The trio's minimalist signature sound shown through the stark projected illumination. Song after song were delivered by singer/guitarist Oliver Ackermann, with an intensity as hot as molten phosphorous; strewn with feedback laden guitar; backed by pulsating bass & drums.

APTBS played just under an hour, visiting their most recent album "Exploding Head", their self-titled release, as well as some new tunes. The most notable among were the distorted-pop of "Missing You", the equally damaged, surf-inspired "Deadbeat", as well as a highlight from their first album, the ominously catchy "Don’t Think Lover".

Their performance delivered more than the high marks expected. APTBS combined a stark intensity with the feedback driven sound-scapes of an art instillation; equating to an amazing show. They are truely a band that has to be experienced.

Photos & Review: Clovis IV





© 2010 Clovis IV

SXSW Shows & Day Parties!

Sharon Van Etten & Cat Martino sing For You

Take Away Show _ SHARON VAN ETTEN (beta preview) from vincent moon / temporary areas on Vimeo.

Sharon also appears on this compilation. She sings a tune with Jess Larrabee (from She Keeps Bees) called "Cuddle Alone!" You can play the track below.

Download

Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse RIP

Deeply shocked and saddened by the news that Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse took his own life. He was one of my favorite musicians. In his long career in music he had worked with Thom Yorke of Radiohead, David Lynch, The Flaming Lips, Danger Mouse, PJ Harvey, Tom Waits, Daniel Johnston and many more amazing artists. His beautiful music will not be forgotten. Here is a link to a brief interview I did with Mark back in 2003.

Hannis Brown's debut video entitled "Oh Ah Ee

The opening song "Oh Ah Ee" from Hannis Brown's debut album entitled, Oh Ah Ee is set to be released April 6th, 2010. The video was directed by Erin Levendorf and Austin Kennedy. Brown's music combines weird indie rock with the controlled chaos of groups like Battles and Dirty Projectors, explosions of free jazz and aleatoric new music. To preview a few more songs off the debut LP, visit www.myspace.com/hannisbrown.

Kevchino's Free Austin TX, Party

Kevchino.com & The Nym Guy presents

A free show with:
Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers (8:15pm till 9:00pm)
Sharon Van Etten (7:15pm till 8:00pm)
Villagers (6:30pm till 7:00pm)
Drinkup Buttercup (5:45pm till 6:15pm)
Rey Villalobos (of The Coral Sea) (5:00pm till 5:30pm)
Princeton (4:15pm till 4:45pm)
Joannabarbera (3:30pm till 4:00pm)
Seabear (2:45pm till 3:15pm)
Sarah Castro (2:00pm till 2:30pm)
Odawas (1:15pm till 1:45pm)
Anni Rossi (12:30pm till 1:00pm)
Monogold (11:45am till 12:15pm)
Brittain Ashford (11am till 11:30am)
ThreeLeaf (10:25am till 10:45am)

Café Mundi
1704 East 5th Street
Austin, TX

Saturday March 20th, 2010 | 11am till 9pm
Live Performing Art by James Kahni, DJ's and more details to be announced soon.

Gigantic Hand SuAnne Big Crow Video

Just when I thought I had it figured out. There's more. I picked up this great LP from Rory O'Connor of Natureboy & Masterface the other day entitled Gigantic Hand. He and band leader Kris Kaczor apparently worked on this album together a while back and will be working together on a new LP soon. Rory played drums and now occasionally plays guitar with them live as now they have a new drummer named Jeff Gensterblum. The LP is really solid but I especially dig the song "SuAnne Big Crow." You can pick up Permanent Skin on iTunes here. Have a listen to the video below. Can't wait to check em out live.

The Coral Sea's frontman Rey Villalobos releases beautiful whispery folk EP

Rey Villalobos has stepped away from his indie rock band, The Coral Sea, and recorded an intimate solo EP in Portland, Oregon of stripped down, soft, whispery folk tunes. The six song EP is entitled Roses in the Nordic Countries and has a very limited-edition CD release with beautiful packaging, while he shops for a label. He's been performing some great shows in the east and west coasts including opening slots for Sharon Van Etten, Mirah, Natureboy, Fanfarlo and Little Joy.

Check Out Rey Villalobos Follow Me.MP3

Shane MacGowan, Johnny Depp, Nick Cave & Chrissie Hynde cover Screamin Jay Hawkins

Shane MacGowan, Johnny Depp, Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde & Friends cover a Screamin Jay Hawkins classic “I Put A Spell On You” for Haiti.

So moved by the plight of the people of Haiti, Shane and his long term girlfriend, writer Victoria Clarke made calls to friends and associates from which began the process of recording a track from which ALL proceeds go to Concern, a charity who have provided assistance to some of the poorest countries in the world including Haiti, even before the earthquake struck. Some of the stars on the record include - Nick Cave / Bobby Gillespie / Glen Matlock / Johnny Depp / Chrissie Hynde / Paloma Faith / Eliza Doolittle.

Please pre-order the single by clicking here or you can text SPELL (all in capitals) to 78789 (the text costs £1.50).

The Shins frontman & Danger Mouse team up with new project Broken Bells

James Mercer of The Shins and Brian Burton a/k/a Danger Mouse release the self-titled first album by their new band Broken Bells on Columbia Records March 9, 2010. The band will make its first ever television appearance that same day on The Late Show with David Letterman.

The record's release will be previewed by full length streaming previews NPR.org/music and Myspace.com beginning March 1, marking the first time the two sites have shared such a debut event.

In addition to standard CD, LP and digital versions, Broken Bells will also be released in a limited edition one-of-a-kind music box configuration available at finer music retailers. The record will also be available at Starbucks locations.

Broken Bells' release week will continue apace with another TV appearance and two special intimate live performances: The band will make its New York live debut March 10 at Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg, followed by a March 11 appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and a March 14 one-off at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. The following week the band will play NPR's SXSW opening night gala at Stubbs in Austin TX alongside Spoon, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Walkmen and more.

Broken Bells' release has been preceded by overwhelmingly positive critical response, with Rolling Stone awarding the album a 4-star lead review and and previously running a Hot List lead on the single "The High Road," while Wired called it "crazy good stuff," Laist.com remarked of the band's recent live debut "Try to imagine what (Broken Bells) might sound like and your expectations would be met and likely exceeded."

Broken Bells features Mercer on vocals, guitars and bass while Burton plays organ, drums, piano, synths and bass. The pair play all the instruments on the album with the exception of a full string section arranged by Daniele Luppi. Broken Bells was recorded by Todd Monfalcone and Kennie Takahashi at Mondo Studio in Los Angeles and produced by Danger Mouse.

Each a long-time fan of the other's work, Burton and Mercer first met face-to-face backstage at the 2004 Roskilde Festival in Copenhagen. The pair immediately hit it off and kept in touch over the prevailing half decade and in May 2008 seized the opportunity to finally collaborate on original music together. Broken Bells was pared down from more than 20 pieces of new music written and recorded to the 10 songs that coalesced together the most seamlessly.

MARCH 9 LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN APPEARANCE CONFIRMED
MARCH 11 LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON ALSO CONFIRMED
Live Shows On Sale Now in New York, Los Angeles, Austin
NPR Music First Listen and MySpace Listening Previews Commence March 1

ShadowBox release free MP3 Blue Brain

Download first ever released ShadowBox track entitled "Blue Brain" for free via Soundcloud (click on the down load arrow). Bonnie Baxter AKA ShadowBox is performing a live show this Friday February 26 at Bar Matchless at 930 Sharp.

Bar Matchless
557 Manhattan Ave Brooklyn NY

Beach House Debut LP is back in print!

Heartbreakbeat Records announced the re-release of Beach House's first LP. It has been remastered and is now back in print! The remaster was done at Salt Mastering (Brooklyn) by the talented Paul Gold. The LP is on black vinyl and features the same deluxe packaging as the first white vinyl pressing. So in lieu of white vinyl new customers get improved sound quality, and those who got the first press get to keep their record collector cred intact. Beach House is currently on tour all over the EU, but will have copies of the LP when they tour the US later this year. The LP is available right now on Heartbreakbeat Records website and from other fine online and physical retailers right now.

Public Image LTD aka PiL Tour Dates

Since returning in December 2009 for seven monumental concerts in the United Kingdom–their first shows in 17 years–PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PiL) now continue into 2010 with a headlining North American tour starting Saturday, April 17 in San Francisco.

After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd in 1978. With their experimental sound fusing Rock, Dance, Folk, Ballet, Pop and Dub, PiL are regarded as producing some of the most diverse music of the 70s and 80s. As a band, the music and vision constantly evolved like no other, culminating in an incredible live experience.

The North American tour will be preceded by a special performance at the COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL on Friday, April 16 (opening day of the three-day event) in Indio, CA. It marks their first show in the United States in 18 years.

Cited as one of the most innovative and influential bands in music history, PiL return to a country where they enjoyed a special relationship throughout their career for what are set to be stunning shows. The North American dates will be followed by a series of high-profile summer European Festival appearances.

John Lydon (vocals), Lu Edmonds (guitar), Bruce Smith (drums) and Scott Firth (bass) earned critical and public acclaim for their concerts in December 2009, with many British media outlets championing them as the shows of the year.

John Lydon: “I sound like a bag of kittens thrown down the staircase.”

2010 sees the 30th anniversary of the band’s first U.S. tour and also their U.S TV debut on “American Bandstand,” where singer John Lydon invited the audience onstage to dance with the band! Host Dick Clark famously introduced their appearance as "a memorable moment in rock n roll, something special and interesting.”

The preliminary North American tour dates are as follows, with more shows to be added:

Tour Dates:
Fri 4/16 Indio, CA Empire Polo Field/Coachella
Sat 4/17 San Francisco, CA Grand Ballroom @ Regency Center
Tue 4/20 Seattle, WA Showbox at The Market
Wed 4/21 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
Fri 4/23 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
Sat 4/24 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
Mon 4/26 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre
Sun 5/2 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Tue 5/4 Boston, MA Royale Boston
Wed 5/5 Boston, MA Royale Boston
Fri 5/7 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
Sat 5/8 Montreal, QC Theatre L'Olympia de Montreal
Tue 5/11 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
Wed 5/12 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Fri 5/14 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo
Sat 5/15 Atlantic City, NJ The Borgata Music Box
Tue 5/18 New York, NY Terminal 5

For further PiL information, see: www.pilofficial.com

Free new Broken Social Scene song!

MGMT new album cover brings back memories of Sonic the Hedgehog?

MGMT have teamed up with artist Anthony Ausgang for the cover art for their sophomore release, Congratulations, out April 13th on Columbia Records.

Holly Miranda at Happy Ending Music & Reading Series

Holly Miranda performed at the Happy Ending Music & Reading Series at Joe's Pub last night with authors Joshua Ferris, Ron Carlson and Padgett Powell. She opened with the beautiful and haunting tune "Joints," off her upcoming album entitled The Magician's Private Library (Out Feb 23rd on XL) and played one other tune. Her voice is absolutely breathtaking. The writers then came up to read their stories and each had to do something they haven't done before. Joshua Ferris brought up his high school photo in which he had a mullet and a paisley shirt buttoned all the way up. The senior portrait graces the wall at his parents' house and haunts his dreams. Ron Carlson gave a rough draft of an unpublished story to an audience member to read. The hilarious Padgett Powell cut some locks of hair with some scissors then read from his hilarious novel The Interrogative Mood: A Novel?. Holly came back on stage and did two more songs then also had to do something she had never done before. She was required to perform a cover song and get the audience to sing along. She taught the crowd the chorus then started her amazing cover of Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor." She was brought up for an encore and did a short piano piece to finish the evening.

Joshua Ferris reading

Ron Carlson reading

Padgett Powell trimming his hair!

Victoria of Taken By Trees NYC & Brooklyn DJ Sets & Tour Info

I just had the honor of meeting Victoria Bergsman of Sweden's Taken By Trees today. She recently moved from Sweden to Manhattan to get a feel for the city. She has an upcoming tour with her friend El Perro Del Mar. The dates below. We did an interview with her which will be posted shortly on the main site and she informed me she will be spinning a few sets in New York and Brooklyn I starting tonight which I thought I would pass along.

DJ Sets:
Thursday, February 4th | Stanton Public | 9:00PM- 1AM | 17 Stanton Street in the LES
Friday, February 5th | American Apparel | 12noon till ? | 314 Flatbush Ave in Park Slope
Thursday, February 11th | Stanton Public | 9:00PM- 1AM | 17 Stanton Street in the LES

Tour Dates:
13 feb Union Hall BROOKLYN
14 feb World Café with El Perro Del Mar PHILADELPHIA
16 feb Le Poisson Rouge with El Perro Del Mar NEW YORK
17 feb The Knitting Factory with El Perro Del Mar BROOKLYN
19 feb Cambridge YMCA Theatre with El Perro Del Mar CAMBRIDGE
26 feb Triple Door with El Perro Del Mar SEATTLE
20 feb Il Motore with El Perro Del Mar MONTREAL
21 feb Mod Club with El Perro Del Mar TORONTO
22 feb Schubas with El Perro Del Mar CHICAGO
23 feb Cedar Cultural Center with El Perro Del Mar MINNEAPOLIS
27 feb Biltmore with El Perro Del Mar VANCOUVER
28 feb Doug Fir with El Perro Del Mar PORTLAND
02 mar Cafe Du Nord with El Perro Del Mar SAN FRANCISCO
03 mar Troubadour with El Perro Del Mar LOS ANGELES

The Magnetic Fields' 69 Love Songs vinyl box set to be released April 20th!

As an early Valentine’s Day treat, we are announcing the long-awaited release of The Magnetic Fields’ 69 Love Songs box set on limited-edition 10” vinyl (with MP3 download coupon) to be released in stores on April 20! We are accepting pre-orders now in the Merge store at a special price and all orders before Valentine's Day will receive a printable e-valentine for their special friend or loved one in time for the holiday. Orders will ship to arrive on or around the April 20 release date.

The story has it that Stephin Merritt came up with the idea for 69 Love Songs while sitting in an elegant midtown Manhattan gay piano bar. He originally planned for it to be a live musical revue, performed with a rotating cast of singers in the plush hotel bars and cabarets of New York City.

69 Love Songs was released in September of 1999. Fans and critics were ecstatic, and 69 Love Songs became one of the most talked-about records of 1999. It remains one of the most beloved albums in our catalog. As Spin magazine said, “Like the best cabaret, Stephin Merritt’s triple-CD monsterpiece charms on contact, and like the best indie-pop, you’ll want to unravel it endlessly.”

The limited-edition box set includes all 69 love songs re-mastered for vinyl on six 10” records and housed in a super-sized 69 Love Songs box, along with a 10” version of the original booklet featuring liner notes written by Lemony Snicket author Daniel Handler.

Free MP3 download of The Magnetic Fields "Book of Love