CMJ 2010 Day 1: Jenny and Johnny and Wild Nothing at Irving Plaza

On our first day of CMJ, we started the night out a bit late and sadly just missed Times New Viking, but we were just in time to grab a drink and catch the Wild Nothing set. The four-piece jumped right in, performing tracks off their debut album called Gemini, released on Captured Tracks. The band’s bassist was handling the hooks just as well as well as Peter Hook of New Order/Joy Division, running nice grooves up and down the fret board. The dueling guitar work was nice, kind of reminded me of a more ethereal version of the band Real Estate. The bassist and guitarist wore beards, while the singer, Jack Tatum, looked clean cut, like a prep school kid. The drummer had a clean-cut surfer look. The band had a nice sound heavy on the New Order/Joy Division influences with punching drums and bass, but the voice and guitars had the Pains of Being Pure at Heart vibe, maybe with some Interpol thrown into the mix. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the band’s set. It was very smooth and consistent. However, the songs "Chinatown," "Confirmation," and "Summer Holiday" really stood out.



The lovely Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis has now teamed up with Johnathan Rice, and they play together as Jenny and Johnny. They released their debut album I’m Having Fun Now back in August. They took the stage and opened with their song "Committed." "This song’s about some Cali snakes!" exclaimed Jenny Lewis as they then jumped into "My Pet Snakes," the first tune to feature Lewis on lead vocals. After the song, she said, "Do you think in ten years there won’t be any strip clubs in New York City? Everybody needs a little smut sometimes!" Besides playing bass and guitar and keyboards, Lewis joined in with the drummer on a mini-drum kit on the side of the stage on the next tune.

Jenny took on lead vocals and rocked out "Big Wave," which really seemed to get the crowd going. Next she said, "I’m going play a new song for all the girls out there, called ‘Just One Of The Guys.’”

Rice then shouted out, "If this song isn't blogworthy, I don't know what is!" as drummer Jason and guitarist Tiko left the stage and he and Jenny performed the tune "Animal" as an intimate duet.

The band members rejoined the group as Lewis said, "Doesn’t it seem like 2008 was so long ago? This next song is an oldie from 2008," and they busted into "Carpetbaggers," a tune Jenny did on her second solo LP, Acid Tongue. It originally featured vocal parts by Elvis Costello, and here Johnny filled in. They ended the show with another tune off Acid Tongue called "The Next Messiah." They almost played their new album, I’m Having Fun Now, in its entirety, except for one song, "While Men Are Dreaming."


Jenny and Johnny Set list:
Committed
Scissor Runner
New York Cartoon
My Pet Snake
Just Like Zeus
Straight Edge Of The Blade
Slavedriver
Switchblade
Big Wave
Just One Of The Guys
Animal
Carpetbaggers
The Next Messiah

Word by Kevin Serra Pics by Clovis IV

Vampire Weekend live at Hard Rock Live in Universal Studios Orlando, FL 10/11/10

I Stand Corrected. Vampire Weekend isn’t just a great band that eloquently combines clever lyrics with melodies infused with an essence of a 1980s summer. Oh no, this popular indie-rock band knows how to perform and hypnotise the crowd with the perfect blend of vintage sounds and African inspired beats. Add kooky dance moves from bassist Chris Baio, sick beats from drummer Christopher Tomson, creative electronic compilations from Rostam Batmanglij and vocal sophistication from lead singer, Ezra Koeing and you have all the makings of musical perfection.

Monday night in Orlando, Fla. Vampire Weekend took to the stage and gave a wickedly delightful performance for hundreds of concertgoers at the Hard Rock Live in Universal Studios. Starting the night off with their newly released single, “Holiday,” that entices one and all to let go of the stresses of life and take a much-needed vacation, was a highlight. The crowd’s cheers could not be contained when Koeing started his all too familiar guitar intro to “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” and when the lyrics paying homage to Louis Vuitton were uttered, a collective vocal contribution was provided by the fans. It leaves us to wonder how these four boys hailing from New York City keep up their stamina to perform these highly energized shows.

Supposedly, a wee bit of butterbeer, compliments of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, gave the band a boost of energy, which was exhausted during their rousing performance of “A-Punk,” followed by shouts of “Blake’s got a new face!” when the crowd favourite, “One,” was heard over the sound system. It was hard to decipher when one song stopped and the other began, but believe me that isn’t a complaint, but a sheer explanation as to why this band is unstoppable.

Performing every song in their entire catalogue, aside from three, Vampire Weekend is living proof that if the music is brilliant and the performance level is quality, unnecessary fluff in between songs is just distracting. And who really wants to be distracted from the indescribable and euphoric feeling one gets when Vampire Weekend is performing? I didn’t think so.

Words by Jessica Nguyen Photos by Dave Lapham of Dave Lapham Photography

Arcade Fire live @ The Shrine, Los Angeles, 10.07.10

Finding their way from the heart of the indie-scene to edge of mainstream consciousness, Montreal’s Arcade Fire has done so with audible grace and singular quirkiness. When bands get to a certain level of popularity, the quality of their songs usually seems to suffer. Not so with the Arcade Fire; be it in each successive record or their live performance; the octet deliver an outstanding performance.

On this particular fall evening, the Arcade Fire took the stage; opening the door and stepping into the dark (so to speak). The stage lights at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium pulsed with a seemingly organic life of their own, giving way to the apropos “Ready to Start,” passionately sung by vocalist/guitarist Win Butler. This was followed up by the new album’s proto-art-punk anthem “Month of May.” Focusing the evening notably on their new release “Suburbs,” there was a good mix of tracks from each of their releases.

The multi-instrumental multi-talented members of the band, seemed to change instruments between every few songs, in a game of their own invention; first becoming clear, in the lead-in to “Neighborhood #2.” Some tunes utilized dual drummers, some a hurdy gurdy, and some a hammond organ - Let there never be a question of Arcade Fire’s
musicianship. With all eight members and the flurry of instruments on stage, it was difficult to limit one’s attention to any one performer; and more a night to let the music wash over you.

In advance of the show, I was curious how the Arcade Fire would adapt to performing larger and less-intimate venues. They maintained their intimate connection to the audience, with the use of a drive-in movie screen; projecting composite video-art mixed with live video of the band, along with a rhythmic lighting show; pouring from the stage, out into the venue.

Coming to center stage from one of her roles as dual drummer; Régine Chassagne dawned in her glittery dress, performed one of the night’s sumptuous vocal high-points, in the form of “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).”

At the beginning of one of the next songs, Win’s guitar stopped working. In a screw–it kind of way, he went and played the song on the hammond organ instead – proving that rolling with technical issues can be far more interesting than being a prima-donna, showing their passion for the songs, over the technically perfect set. As always, Win Butler came across as humble and appreciative, with many thanks for the audience’s support.

Moving towards the edge of the stage during “Neighborhood #1 Tunnels,” Win sang from the top of stage-monitors, before descending with orange-corded mic-in-hand, into the orchestra pit. As the band played their hearts out, Win’s interaction with the audience kept everyone’s blood moving with a sense of unpredictability - singing perched from the chair-tops and moving well into the audience, up the isles.

To be fair, a couple tracks didn’t resonate quite as well as others: “Deep Blue” & “We Used to Wait,” as examples just didn’t feel like they held up against the other material. These were the few exception though. Standout amazing performances for the night were many. A few more would include the cooing lullaby-like “Rococo,” “Intervention,” & the breathtaking anthem-like “Neighborhood #3 Power Out.”

Later in the show, Front-man Win Butler brought up the devastation from the recent earthquake in Haiti, and what the band was doing help out. He mentioned that the Arcade Fire would be donating one dollar per ticket towards relief and to rebuild through www.kanpe.org. Considering the two nights in LA drew in the range of 6000 people per night (saleable tickets), the band donated $12k to Haitian relief fund, from those performances. It’s good to see people in the spotlight putting their money to good use. (www.kanpe.org)

Winding towards the end of the evening; the last song before their encore was “Rebellion Lies,” which continued on after the band had left the stage, in the form of the audience singing the last notes of the song over and over, until the band came back to the stage – an interesting alternate to the usual foot stomping/clapping that bands usually get before they come back for an encore.

When they returned to the stage they broke right into “Keep the Car Running,” expressing their sheer gratification from being on stage performing; thanking the audience once again. Wrapping the evening was another anthem-like performance of “Wake up.”

Wanting to get a view from the balcony I made my way upstairs, where I could feel the entire balcony move in unison with the movement of the audience to the song. Amazing… The Arcade Fire definitely provided an evening to remember. They have seemed to resonate in a frequency like a magic trick, that will keep them interesting and engaging. Get concert tickets montreal.

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Clovis IV: Photos & Review
www.clovis-iv.com

Azure Ray live at The Social in Orlando, FL 10/10/10

Have you ever heard a song and felt like it transported you home? Not just to your place of residence but to that time in your life where everything seems so safe and innocent. Where nothing could harm you. Stress and worry are just words of another language and warmth and happiness seep into everything fiber of your being. Comfort comes from the embers in the fireplace glowing in the living room and the sinking shallows of the sofa are beckoning for your return.

That is the feeling Azure Ray radiated through their performance at The Social in Orlando Florida. This show was the first of many on the first tour Azure Ray has produced in 6 years. Having taken a break from their duel project to focus on solo work, Azure Ray is back and better than ever.

The entire show was a family affair. Azure Ray’s, Maria Taylor, brought her younger sister, Kate Taylor and Kim’s husband Taylor Hollingsworth, to open the show. Sounding like a modern day Johnny Cash and June Carter, the audience enjoyed the folk-inspired musical stylings of the duo. The pair is just starting their musical accent; Kim Taylor has an EP to her name and Hollingsworth has a few recordings, but together these two are virtually unknown. It is a shame, for their creations are pure and delightful and one day these two will be making music for the world to hear and enjoy. Until then, we can find musical relief in the set they perform during this tour with Azure Ray.

The audience was already pulled into the world Azure Ray had created through the ambience of the set. Glowing lamps and plush rugs were places around the stage, inviting us in and preparing us for the intimate encounter about to take place. Azure Ray appeared on stage to a resounding applause. This tour has been anxiously anticipated for over half a decade and much was to be expected. As soon as the first chord was strummed the wait was over and nothing but sheer joy was spread across every face. Songs from their new album, such as “Don’t Leave My Mind,” were becoming engrained in the soul of the audience and entranced us all with the stories they told.

This ingenious musical group is one not to be missed. The outpouring of love that Azure Ray exudes through every aspect of this tour is something one can only experience for them selves. To discover when you can find them in your neighbourhood, please visit www.azureraymusic.com.

Words by Jessica Nguyen Photos by Dave Lapham of Dave Lapham Photography

Born Ruffians-Live at BackBooth in Orlando, FL 10/10/10

Potent. That is the one word that comes to mind when describing the Indie-Rock band, Born Ruffians. Don’t let their trendy good looks and stylish charm fool you; these Canadian boys have developed and crafted a sound that will marinate in your bones and urge you to move.

Born Ruffians began the show Sunday night at the Backbooth in Orlando, Florida in the most appropriate fashion by opening the show with “Foxes Mate For Life.” The perfect blend of sick drumbeats and brilliant guitar skills, not to mention the gorgeous vocals by lead singer Luke LaLonde, really just set the tone for the evening.

The show was like one gigantic house party. Eager fans screaming along to the tunes and throngs of people jumping up and down to the rhythm of the music just made everything so much more amplified and entertaining. Playing to a highly energized crowd must give the band some sort of a performance high because musical electricity was bouncing from every corner of the room. Anyone remotely in an off mood would instantly be beckoned into the atmosphere Born Ruffians create during their performances.

With the release of their new album “Say It,” a slew of new and utterly electrifying songs were performed that night from the staccato beat of “Nova-Leigh,” to the near sultry side of “What To Say.” The crowd favourites weren’t forgotten either, “I Need a Life” and “Hummingbird” were barely audible over the sing-along the crowd conducted. Quite an achievement since Born Ruffians aren’t what we call a subdued and low-key band.

This show had it all; fun, music, dancing, and addictive energy that keeps fans going back for more.

Words by Jessica Nguyen Photos by Dave Lapham of Dave Lapham Photography

Margot and The Nuclear So and Sos live at Crowbar in Tampa 10/8/10

With a new album entitled Buzzards, Margot and the Nuclear So and So are quite busy, but that didn’t stop them from putting on an amazing show Friday night at the Crowbar in Tampa Florida. With three opening acts, the crowd was raring to go when Margot and the Nuclear So and So finally graced the stage.

The show got off to a great start. Local band the Sleepy Vikings opened and got the crowd in a great spirit with their indie-punk sound. Connor, the lead singer, is backed by a fantastic all girl band, one of which had a broken leg and did the entire set sitting down. A feat considering that the music was groove worthy. The sound of Sleepy Vikings is very smoky and gritty in the best sense of the words and the crowd was deeply breathing it all in.

The second opening act was The Lonely Forest hailing from Washington State. The lead singer, John Van Deusen, took to the stage donned in a Yoda t-shirt and thick-rimmed glasses. He embodied the stereotypical indie band perfectly and his music didn’t disappoint either. With tight cords and a brilliant stage presence, a disappointed sigh was released when they had to cut the last song because they were running over on time.

Cameron McGill and What Army was the last opening act to perform on this musically eclectic night. With an earthy sound and a humble stage presence, the audience fell into a trance during McGill’s set. His power and control was evident through every song and it was nearly impossible to tear your eyes away from the stage. This wouldn’t be the last we saw of him during the night, McGill came back on stage when Margot and the Nuclear So and So finally performed.

Technical challenges were running rampant as Margot and the Nuclear So and So took the stage, but that didn’t deter the crowd from anticipating the sounds that were about to escape from the sound system. When the issues were finally resolved and the band came walking up to the stage, nothing could be heard over the sounds of cheers and applause. And that didn’t falter during Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s entire set. Performing songs from their new album, and also songs from their back catalogue, Margot and the Nuclear So and So, entertained the crowd with their indie pop rock sound.

This new album is a bit of a departure for the band. Trying a different sound that is a bit more edgy and intense, Margot and the Nuclear So and So are widening their fan base and creating a sound that is unique. Saying the crowd didn’t mind the new and improved musical direction is a bit of an understatement for nothing could have stopped them from singing along to the old familiar tunes and rocking out to the new.

Words by Jessica Nguyen Photos by Dave Lapham of Dave Lapham Photography

Interview with James

We meet in an inconspicuous coffee shop near the show venue, our interview fit neatly between a much needed scone and cup of tea, and the band’s five o’clock sound check. There are already a hundred or more lining up outside the door. James are known for their sound checks, inviting a small number of fans in to witness the normally disregarded tour formality.Clearly, after a long absence from playing in the United States, though, the band is taking nothing for granted. Across from the microphone are long-time members of James, guitarist Larry Gott and bassist Jim Glennie. The two men possess opposite demeanors, yet once they get talking, they perfectly complement one another: Gott has a precise wit for details, his keen gaze obscured behind tinted glasses, while Glennie’s soft, youthful demeanor offers the emotional connective tissue between benchmarks in the band’s history. Read the interview by: Erick Mertzhere.

Belle & Sebastian Pics from 10/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

Pics of Belle & Sebastian Pics from 10/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium by Justin Wagner

Y La Bamba "Juniper" Video

Y La Bamba - Juniper from Tangible Worldwide on Vimeo.

Portland's Y La Bamba are an amazing band on the scene check out their video for "Juniper"

Warpaint Undertown Video

James live at Wonder Ballroom Portland, Oregon 10/8/10

The crowd is anxious. James hasn’t been through to play in Portland, Oregon in more than ten years, and the anticipation is tangible: you can feel it.

With all eyes fixed forward on the stage, a small number of fans near a set of stairs leading down off the main floor begin to cheer. The shaggy figure of trumpeter Andy Diagram appears in the balcony, heralding the show’s beginning with a few bleary tones. A spotlight on the top step reveals Tim Booth and Larry Gott in the midst of their fans, ready to perform. When they do, it’s an old favorite, “Sit Down,” with the charismatic Booth coaxing the audience on a slow walk toward the stage, where everyone turns back to find the whole band ready to play.

The show carries much of that communal energy forward. They move quickly into renditions of “Seven” and “Ring The Bells,” both older songs, still brimming with room for a fresh flourish or two. Seemingly never content, it feels like everything familiar takes on a slightly different skin than the album prepares the audience for, whether a quicker guitar riff or an artfully glossed or improvised lyric. With two albums on the new release shelf all over town, James bring out “Crazy” and “Dust Motes” (which feels like it will take up permanent residence in their set), but seemingly most effective is “Tell Her I Said So,” a bouncy, hip-twisting number off of The Morning After that feels like vintage James. Perhaps it is.

What is definitely vintage James is how well they play together. The stage is filled with hardworking wonder, from Saul Davies’s frenetic guitar and violin chops, to Larry Gott’s savvy to Diagram’s tireless fist-pumping and lunging of his trumpet toward the crowd. Discussions of a live James show must always make mention of Booth, one of the more difficult-to-ignore lead singers in modern music. If he’s not twisting and contorting his lean frame, then he’s staring out at the crowd, body still, meditative to the point of appearing almost catatonic. If the band is a patchwork of proper Manchester boys, then Booth is certainly their new age connection.

After the brief encore, the band sidesteps convention by playing “Out To Get You,” arguably the sleepiest track in their immense catalog. It’s lovely and seems altogether appropriate for the end of the show before they decide to close with a riveting “Sometimes” and a call-and-response version of “Say Something” that wants to carry on later into the night than curfew will allow.

Booth jokes that if they’re not careful, the crowd is going to believe they’re nothing but a “nostalgic pop band.” Perhaps he was joking. What gazed adoringly back the entire night, though, was a crowd perfectly willing to live briefly in the past.

Words by: Erick Mertz

Natureboy European Tour Dates

If you reside over the pond or visiting do NOT miss this amazing band. Check out the Brooklyn three-piece Natureboy here. Click the poster to see date details.

Pete Yorn Bowery Ballroom, NYC 10/5/10

The muscle at Bowery Ballroom didn’t card us, which was weird. Neither did the bartenders. Jared knew one of the bartenders, who was very nice, which was also weird. And then Pete Yorn came onstage dressed all in white, along with the other three members of his band. Someone yelled out that he looked like Andy Samberg, but I thought he actually looked like Paul Westerberg circa 1989. The bassist looked like Luigi from Super Mario Bros. The guitarist looked like a number of people I hated from that bar Black & White on 10th Street. And the drummer looked, at first, like a young, long-haired Fabrizio Moretti, but that was just a coincidence.

There was a black-and-white cartoon show projected onto the stage, but most of the audience was wearing suits, or button-down plaid (not flannel) shirts. And when Yorn kicked into something from 2001’s musicforthemorningafter, the floor was instantly jammed for a couple songs before it would thin out again.

There were some who know every word, and there was a fist-pumper leaning against the balcony railing. The stage lights reflected back on half of her face. One guy turned to the girl he was with and said, “I haven’t, but I like this beat, though.” And so was the night. No opening act. And when Yorn closed out his encore with the Flying Burrito Brothers’ “Wheels” and I noticed I was the only one singing along, I went to join Jared at the bar downstairs, where he had been patiently working on his latest beer. It was then that I remembered that I met Pete Yorn once, a few years ago, backstage at Roseland. He said, “Hi, I’m Pete.” That was the end of it.


Reviewed by: David King

Marissa Nadler sings on Sailors With Wax Wings track

The lovely Marissa Nadler sings on the tune "Strange That I Should Have Grown" for the Texas music project Sailors With Wax Wings. The project is led by R. Loren of the Texas band Pyramids. Also on the debut are tracks by Ted Parsons (Swans/Godflesh/Prong), Colin Marston (Krallice/Behold…The Arctopus), Aidan Baker (Nadja), Simon Scott (Slowdive), Dominick Fernow (Prurient/Cold Cave), Vern Rumsey (Unwound), Hildur Gudnadottir (Múm/Throbbing Gristle/The Knife), Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride), Jonas Renkse (Katatonia), Marissa Nadler, J. Leah, James Blackshaw. The album was released on October 5th on Angel Oven Records pick up a copy here.

08 Strange That I Should Have Grown by YOU TEXAS DARK STAR

School of Seven Bells, The Echoplex, Los Angeles: 10.01.10

Having just stumbled across the tail end of the SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS (SVIIB) show, a month earlier at the FYF fest; I was excited that they were coming to the Echoplex in Silverlake & to see them play a full set. Hailing from Brooklyn; they're composed of the sisters Alejandra & Claudia Deheza (vocals/keyboards & vocals/guitar), guitarist/producer Benjamin Curtis, and are backed by tour drummer Zach Saginaw.

The unfortunate twist of the night, was that Claudia could not make the evening's performance. However, with a 'show must go on' attitude; Benjamin came to the stage and assured the audience that even with the night's setback, they would be on in a minute... (and so they were) Even with this as a disadvantage: Alejandra and Benjamin played an intriguing and sonically alluring show - not dissimilar to what you might have if there were a love-child between Curve, Ladytron, Delirium, and Miranda Sex Garden.

Opening with dream infused ode "Half Asleep", they proceeded to the electronic yet noisily danceable sounds of "Heart Is Strange", and their new album's stand-out track: "Babelonia". With their beguiling sound, SVIIB wove their way through roughly an hour of spellbindingly danceable tunes. The band covered songs from their latest release Disconnect from Desire, as well as their debut album Alpinisms - which served to keep the audience duly entranced.

Now, all that's left is to see them preform a full set with a full band: something to look forward to. As this was the beginning of their US tour, DEFINITELY check them out, you won't be disappointed...

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Clovis IV: Photos & Review
www.clovis-iv.com





Active Child, The Echoplex, Los Angeles, CA

Soon after I arrived at Los Angeles' Echoplex, the city's own ACTIVE CHILD took the stage. The duo, comprised of vocalist/harpist/guitarist & Indie-pop protege Pat Grossi, along side with his unofficial band-mate Stratton Easter on bass, both commanded their respective instruments as well as laptops for synth-layers and beats. Even with only the two on stage, they delivered an avant garde performance seasoned with a good dose 80's synth-pop. Opening for School of Seven Bells, the night's show was one of the first of their US 2010 tour, that's just begun in support of Active Child's EP "Curtis Lane".

During the evening, Grossi osculated between playing on a minimalist harp & customary guitar; all while singing in an operatic falsetto. Their performance keep myself and the best part of the venue with their eyes glued to the stage. The show reminded me of a cross between Antony and the Johnsons, and (rewinding far into the 80's) a very dressed down Klaus Nomi. The night's performance lasted around 45 minutes, and had a number of high points, including a their song "I’m In Your Church At Night" as well a rock-driven cover of the legendary New Order song "Ceremony".

All in all, well worth seeing. I'm interested to hear what Active Child does next. My recommendation: catch them on their 2010 US tour w/ School of Seven Bells. It'll be money well spent...

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Clovis IV: Photos & Review
www.clovis-iv.com

Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers new single and LP news.

Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers are excited for the coming release of their 7" single "Venus Shaver", available in mid-October 2010. The single and b-side "Natural Selection" serve as a precursor to their forthcoming full-length Teenage and Torture, set for release January 18th, 2011 on Knitting Factory Records, home of the recently resurgent Fela Kuti catalog. As a preview of the new material they are making "Venus Shaver" available for free download at the link below. "Venus Shaver" provides a promising look at what lays in store for listeners anticipating the full-length's release next year, living up to the effusive praise Shilpa Ray And The Happy Hookers have steadily amassed since their debut 2009 full-length A Fish Hook, An Open Eye. That album wrote The New Yorker, saw Shilpa Ray "further showcasing her seemingly indestructible vocal chords. She screams, growls, and snarls her way through the screeching muck of oil-stained garage rock and backwoods blues, cresting just above the waves of a sonic tumult that threatens to consume her minuscule frame. This tenuous command of a raucous sound makes for a volatile breed of rock and roll."

"Venus Shaver".Mp3











In the coming months Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers will be playing dates showcasing the new material found on Teenage and Torture, including performances at CMJ 2011.


UPCOMING TOUR DATES
October
10/22 - Knitting Factory (CMJ Distiller Showcase) - Brooklyn, NY
10/23 - Arlene's Grocery (CMJ Windish Showcase) - New York, NY

November
11/3 - New York, NY - Pianos w/ Hooray for Earth, Arpline, Zambri

Laurie Anderson Interview

As an artist and musician, Laurie Anderson has been creating experimental music and innovative performances for over forty years earning her a reputation as a true renaissance woman in the arts. In addition to being an acclaimed violinist and inventing a number of instruments such as the talking stick and tape-bow violin, her song “O Superman” hit number 2 in the UK charts in 1981. She has collaborated with a variety of the creative world’s most notable names such as: William S. Burroughs, Peter Gabriel, Spalding Gray, and Andy Kaufman and in 2008 married long term partner Lou Reed. Her most recent piece, Delusion, is being presented at the Brooklyn Academy of Music through October 3 as part of the Next Wave Festival and her new album Homeland is now available on Nonesuch Records.

Read our interview here.

Neil Young - Le Noise

Neil Young is releasing brand-new solo album, Le Noise, Sept 28th on Reprise Records. The eight-song album is a collaboration between the acclaimed rock icon and musician/songwriter/producer Daniel Lanois, known for his work with U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, The Neville Brothers and many others. Young and Lanois have crossed paths musically over the course of many years (Lanois’ performances at Young’s Bridge School Benefit Concert and Young’s performance at Farm Aid when Lanois was Willie Nelson’s music director) but this is the first time the two have recorded together. Recorded in Lanois’ home in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles, Le Noise features Young on acoustic and electric guitars with Lanois adding his trademark sonic textures, creating one of the most sonically arresting albums Young has ever recorded. No band, no overdubs, just “a man on a stool and me doing a nice job on the recording,” as Lanois puts it.

Surfer Blood live at The Social in Orlando FL

“Join our cult. You won’t be missing out. You’ll never want to leave.”

Those are the words that Surfer Blood’s drummer, Tyler Schwarz, used to sum up why we should all be a fan of this dangerously fun, pop rock group, and I have to say that statement is just. Surfer Blood mixes complicated and interesting sounds with an indie pop vibe that really hits the spot.

The band is co-headlining a tour with The Drums this fall, and I was able to catch the show at The Social in Orlando Fl. You would think that headlining a tour, promoting their album, Astro Coast, and coming off of a major signing deal with Warner Brothers, these boys would be ready to retire, but this is just the beginning for Surfer Blood.

“We haven’t reaped the rewards yet but there will be rewards later,” Schwarz says. “We have a thirst for commonwealth among the music world. We want to be common with all the other music people.”

And they are well on their way to becoming just that-- a household name. The Social was a sold out show and believe me when I say that there was no room to move. The audience waited with anticipated breaths for the moment to arrive when Surfer Blood would finally take the stage. Conversations came to a halt. People stood still. Eyes were adverting to the stage. Music came billowing over the sound system and confusion set in, for it wasn’t the sound of Surfer Blood but of an epic theme song, played to usher in the band. The crowd cheered as JP Pitts, the band’s front man hopped onto an amp and began to play the spontaneously chaotic rhythms that have become a Surfer Blood characteristic.

Most of the songs that the band played were from the Astro Coast album but the band did surprise concertgoers with some new music.

“We have two new jam songs that we play live. One song is completely finished but I won’t give you the name of it, you’ll have to look it up online,” said Schwarz, ”The other is untitled but if we had a name I wouldn’t give it to you yet. I’ll leave an air of mystery.”

With no help from Schwarz, I came up empty handed as to what the new songs were called but that didn’t stop me and the rest of the crowd from enjoying the music they so brilliantly played.

For more information on Surfer Blood and their fall tour visit www.myspace.com/surferblood.

Interview and Words by Jessica Nguyen Photos by Dave Lapham of Dave Lapham Photography

Crystal Stilts to drop new single

Crystal Stilts release a new single called "Shake the Shackles" via Slumberland Records on Oct. 26, 2010.
You can stream both tracks below.

track listing:
A. Shake The Shackles
B. Magnetic Moon

They are playing live at 10/29 in Brooklyn at Rock Shop!

Warpaint new single "Undertow" Mp3

Rough Trade is excited to release of the long-awaited debut full-length album from Warpaint. The Fool is set to come out on October 26th, 2010 via Rough Trade! The band weave intricate guitar lines, hypnotic vocals and driving post punk rhythms into gorgeous, sprawling songs that skirt the line between psychedelia and intimacy. Both live and on record, Warpaint sound like they're channeling something truly otherworldly, and mystical. Recorded in LA, The Fool was produced by Tom Biller (Beck, Karen O, Liars), with further mixes from Andrew Weatherall (New Order, Primal Scream, Bjork) and Adam Samuels (John Frusciante, Daniel Lanois). The Fool follows their Exquisite Corpse EP, released in 2009. The all-girl quartet from Los Angeles has toured incessantly over the last twelve months; with standout performance at CMJ and SxSW. They have also shared the stage with Band of Horses, Yeasayer, Javelin, and The Walkmen. In October, Warpaint will be the direct support for The xx fall U.S. tour.

Download Warpaint "Undertow" here.

Track listing:
1. Set Your Arms Down
2. Warpaint
3. Undertow
4. Bees
5. Shadows
6. Composure
7. Baby
8. Majesty
9. Lissie’s Heart Murmur

Warpaint - US Tour dates:
8/18 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
8/19 Knoxville, TN Pilot Light
8/20 Nashville, TN Exit/In (w/Royal Bangs)
9/4 Los Angeles, CA FYFest
9/22 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium (w/The xx)
9/23 Oakland, CA Fox Theatre (w/ The xx)
9/24 Portland, OR Holocene (w/ The xx)
9/25 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre (w/ The xx)
9/28 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre (w/ The xx)
9/29 Toronto, ONT Massey Hall (w/ The xx)
10/1 Montreal, QUE Place Des Arts Maissoneuve (w/ The xx)
10/2 New York, NY United Palace (w/ The xx)
10/4 Philadelphia, PA Merriam Theatre (w/ The xx)
10/5 Washington, DC 9:30 Club (w/ The xx)
10/6 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle (w/ The xx)
10/8 Dallas, TX Granada Theater (w/ The xx)
10/10 Austin, TX ACL Festival

Time to read a book visit Brooklyn Book Festival

Now in its fifth year, the Brooklyn Book Festival is one of the top book festivals in the nation with a hip, huge and free all-star literary lineup!

Come see Salman Rushdie, Venus Williams, Sarah Silverman, Paul Krugman, Dennis Lehane, Paul Auster, Naomi Klein, Gary Shteyngart, Rosanne Cash, Jennifer Egan, John Ashbery, Nelson George, Mary Gaitskill, Colson Whitehead, Francine Prose, Esmeralda Santiago, Pete Hamill, Russell Banks, Michael Connelly, John Hodgman, Kristen Schaal, Sam Lipsyte, Sloane Crosley, Paul Harding and over 200 more! Plus children’s and young adult lit stars like Rebecca Stead, Sara Shepard, Jacqueline Woodson, Jon Scieszka, Jenny Han, Tad Hills, and Francisco X. Stork! Click here for more info and the schedule.

Rodrigo y Gabriela, Greek Theatre, Los Angeles

On an August evening at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre; Rodrigo y Gabriela further blurred the defining line between Rock, Latin, and Instrumental Acoustic bands. Composed of Rodrigo Sánchez, lead guitar, and Gabriela Quintero, rhythm guitar: They took the stage in an eerie red light, with little but the moniker for their latest album 11:11, draped at the back of the stage.

The duo began their set with slow and melodic strumming; taking seats mid-stage in what looked like it could be a good-yet-ordinary show. This was nothing compared to what was in store for the audience that night. Picking up steam from their intro, the two rolled seamlessly into such acoustic anthems as "Hanuman", "Triveni" and "Diablo Rojo". Their melodic strumming building into faster and more intense fret-work, complemented by the rhythmic beats resonating from their hollow bodied guitars.

Highlights from the night included the audience of the Greek clapping-along in-time to some of the duo's best loved tunes; "Tanacun" and "Satori" especially resonated. Later in the show brought even more of an unexpected treat, in the form of Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo; who joined in for an illustrious version of "Orion".

Rodrigo y Gabriela continued the evening of energetic and eclectic sounds; oscillating between their highly technical fret-work and make-you-want-to-clap-along-and-dance sounds. Every strum of the evening reverberating; further showcasing the Rod y Gab's embrace of teir hybrid sound that sets them apart from others, and gives a considerable edge to their sound. While their recordings are enjoyable; live, Rodrigo y Gabriela are truly epic...

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Clovis IV: Photos & Review
www.clovis-iv.com

She Keeps Bees free show at Zebulon

She Keeps Bees are playing a free show tomorrow (Wednesday the 25th) at Zebulon (258 Wythe Avenue at Metroplitan) in Brooklyn. They are playing first, so I suggest getting there at 9! They're playing with Ava Luna, Deidre from Savoir Adore and the French Horn Rebellion will be DJing between sets. See you there. If you can't make it tomorrow they are playing Death By Audio (49 South 2nd Street between Wythe & Kent) on Sept 1st with Naked Hearts and The Fumes.

Adaledge release video for "Lionest"

Brooklyn electronica Adaledge released a new video for their tune "Lionest" from there debut album Vintage Feelings on Triple Down Records.

Admiral Radley Bowery Ballroom 8/21/10

New York locals Hooray For Earth started off the show at The Bowery with a set of retro jams reminiscent of the eighties synth-pop. The band is on tour with Admiral Radley. Singer/guitarist Noel Heroux led the band in “Surrounded by Your Friends,” a catchy track of the band's six song EP. For the last two songs of their set, they brought out two ladies who shared vocal duties with Heroux and the band.

Admiral Radley is a Central Valley music project between Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch of Grandaddy and Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray of Earlimart. The band took the stage and launched into material off their debut album “I Heart California” which was released on July 13th of this year. They opened with the song "Ghosts of Syllables" and singer Earlimart frontman Aaron Espinoza (now donning a beard) led the show, sharing vocal duties with the reserved Grandaddy frontman Jason Lytle, who shyly led the band with songs "I Heart California," and the waltz "I Left U Cuz I Luft U." Bassist/keyboardist and female vocalist Ariana Murray sang the lovely lullaby waltz, "The Thread."

At the end of the evening Aaron said, "This is an important announcement. This is the end of the show. We're all walking off stage now and you guys are going to make some crazy noise and then we'll come back for an encore." The crowd obliged and made some noise and the band, without ever actually leaving the stage, launched into a cover of "Everytime I'm With You" from the album Dark Night of the Soul, a collaboration by Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse. The original song featured vocals from Jason Lytle and music by Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous. They dedicated the track to the late singer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Linkous. They closed with the very Grandaddy-esque tune titled "Red Curbs."


Hooray For Earth