Bring Me Up: The Sound

Rock Plaza Central

2009-07-06T09:47:00.002-04:00

With a full North American tour just around the corner, Toronto-based group Rock Plaza Central's front man and literary award winner Chris Eaton has found a way to stay creative while spending time in the van. Eaton is teaming up with arts and culture zine Steel Bananas to write one story per day of no more than 140 characters, so that he may publish them for public participation on his band's Twitter account from the road. The tweeted micro-fiction project will be published in Steel Bananas' upcoming anthology, GULCH: An Assemblage of Poetry and Prose, to be released with Tightrope Books this fall. Eaton's first story went online this weekend on the 4th of July.

Like its predecessor, Are We Not Horses?, media across the US are praising, At The Moment Of Our Most Needing, Or If Only They Could Turn Around, They Would Know They Weren't Alone, released on Paper Bag Records. Early champions of the band, Pitchfork, just posted a stellar 8.0 review of the band's new album (link below), and gives a little insight as to why one might want to keep up with Eaton and the gang, "...Chris Eaton is more storyteller than singer. He's published two novels, including a "cover" of Thomas Hardy's A Pair of Blues Eyes...even singing, he remains a narrator...As a songwriter, he creates full mythologies...and as a singer, he gives his fantastical characters voice, but it's his band that makes those worlds seem real and relatable. On Horses, they gave his valedictories and conspiracies a soft, elegiac edge, and on their fourth and equally majestic album, they find new ways to illustrate his tales."

After an initial tour of the Eastern part of North America, Rock Plaza Central will hit the west coast and midwest, performing at several summer festivals along the way. Catch them if you can!

Listen:

Rock Plaza Central - "(Don't You Believe the Words Of ) Handsome Men" (mp3)

Blood Red Tape

2009-07-03T07:26:00.003-04:00

Portal's release of Blood Red Tape shows them playing with as much intensity as before, but not sounding as muddy or gritty as previous efforts. Simply put, this is an album that should be used as an example of what hard rock music should really be: hard-hitting, musical, and emotional.

Portal was selected Band of the Month for November on Sonic 102.9 in their home-town of Edmonton, and were selected for inclusion on Big Rock's Untapped Artists Compilation, due for release in tandem with the Juno Awards this Spring. Songs from Blood Red Tape are already climbing Garageband's progressive and modern rock charts, and eleven-minute epic The Kingdom has reached #5 on Warsaw's ActiveRock Radio, which in 2005 selected Portal as Independent Band of the Year. In addition, 'Back in the Day', Blood Red Tape's first single, has seen weekly additions to commercial and college radio stations across North America since the album's release, and is showing no signs of abating.

Listen:

Portal - "Six Degrees" (mp3)

Zambri

2009-07-01T16:52:00.002-04:00

It started with two sisters, Jessica and Cristi Jo, of New York. A couple of guys and a girl later, they became what we now know as Zambri. The sisters write the songs and sing (with surprisingly huge voices for little bodies). Then join Chris, Andy and Carrie (who is seen playing electronics with her boots). Zambri generated some buzz after releasing their self-titled,debut EP last year, and became one amongst the few unsigned bands, to participate as an official act at both the CMJ & SXSW music festivals. Blogs and magazines try to pinpoint their unique sound, having compared them to the likes of Kate Bush, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Siouxsie, Bjork, Elastica, Cocteau Twins, New Order, and My Bloody Valentine.

I say they deliver a richly embroidered tapestry of sound. They balance creativity with commercial appeal and so their fan base will continue to grow.

They are currently working on their debut album, and playing some national tour dates this summer/fall.

Listen:

Zambri - "Easier" (mp3)

The Tender Box

2009-06-27T10:09:00.003-04:00

Economy is where the LA melody-mavens of The Tender Box score all their points. Specialized in rock music with a dark undercurrent, expertly equipped to do as much as it can with as little as possible. Some guitar, a throbbing bass line, an insistent drum pound, a touch of sampling and synth when it fits, and a perfect vocal melody or two – there's not much else these guys have use for, and it's a recipe that suits both the concert hall and the dance floor.

Joey Medina (vocals, guitar), Ric Moon (guitar), Steve Mungarro (bass, vocals) and Chuck Gil (drums)

Every track is a multi-layered tapestry of melody, harmony and post-punk dissonance.

Listen:

The Tender Box - "Beautiful Sin" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Reverie Sound Revue

2009-06-24T09:29:00.004-04:00

Reverie Sound Revue formed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 2002. The distinctive coo of vocalist Lisa Lobsinger matched with the pulsing rhythm section of John Marcel de Waal and Bryce Gracey, and the catchy guitar interplay of Marc De Pape and Patrick Walls made for an immediately recognizable sound that turned heads across Canada. However, the band had other callings and separated in 2004, leaving Canada and the world to wonder what could have been.

Simultaneously dancing between the enthusiasm of new wave and the earnestness of moody Britpop, Reverie Sound Revue's new eponymous album is equally sophisticated and playful, picking up where its 2003 indie darling EP left off. Reverie Sound Revue is an otherworldly exploration of pop music, drenched in reverb, a soundtrack for zero-gravity.

The result is Reverie Sound Revue, a cohesive collection of 11 songs filled with guitars that chime and reflect one another in curious play, and innocent keyboard lines that tumble over a propulsive rhythm section, all tied together by Lobsinger's haunting vocals.

Listen:

Reverie Sound Revue - "Arrows" (mp3)

Tracklisting
01. An Anniversary Away*
02. We Are The Opposite of Thieves*
03 Prelude To A Debut
04. Pretty One Play
05. Arrows*
06. In Hotel Homes
07. Off Rooftops
08. I Could Be Dangerous*
09. You Don’t Exist If I Don’t See You*
10. May Be First, May Be Second
11. The Leisure Lost

Sweet acoustics: Mouthful of Bees

2009-06-19T10:58:00.002-04:00

When brother/sister duo Chris and Kate Farstad asked friends Micky Alfano and Mark Ritsema to join them in musical harmonic formation, jaded observers in the already-crowded Minneapolis indie rock scene were quick to skepticism.

The six-piece group's first album, "The End," received hype from the likes of City Pages and The Star Tribune. Their newer material is some of the best from 2009 to date. Mouthful of Bees create emotional modern folk music that is just beautifully arranged even if unhinged at times. There music gets better with every listen.

Do you have any rituals before or while playing music?

Katelyn: [Making music] is a ritual in itself.

Patrick: Does tuning up count?

Chris: Actually, yes! We make sure to have a guy in the same room playing World of Warcraft the entire time. He's a female Dark Elf Death Knight.

Listen:

Mouthful of Bees - "Thomas Aquinas"

Enjoy!

Transparence

2009-06-18T11:15:00.004-04:00

Asobi Seksu is releasing a limited edition 10" with four songs on August 25th. Two of the songs are unreleased tracks from the Hush recording sessions. The lead track "Transparence" is taken from Hush - but is given a new introduction, and there's also a remix of the song by the hypnotic percussive band Aa (aka BIG A little a).

The 10" comes in clear vinyl and is limited to 1,000 copies. You can pre-order it now and it will ship August 14 from Polyvinyl Record Co. Also included is a code for a free digital download of all songs in MP3 format.

US TOUR DATES
Sep 16 - Joe’s Pub (special acoustic performance) - New York, NY
Sep 23 - Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC
Sep 24 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA
Sep 26 - The Mohawk - Austin, TX
Sep 27 - Hailey’s - Denton, TX
Sep 29 - Plush - Tucson, AZ
Sep 30 - Casbah - San Diego, CA*
Oct 1 - Troubador - Los Angeles, CA*
Oct 2 - Slims - San Francisco, CA*
Oct 3 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR*
Oct 4 - Chop Suey - Seattle, WA*
Oct 6 - Biltmore Cabaret - Vancouver BC*
Oct 9 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN*
Oct 10 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL*
Oct 11 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH*
Oct 12 - Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto ON*
Oct 13 - Il Motore - Montreal QC*
Oct 14 - Great Scott - Boston, MA*
Oct 15 - Maxwells - Hoboken, NJ*
Oct 16 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY*
Oct 17 - Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, PA*

*w/Loney Dear

Ben Kweller to perform on Craig Ferguson

2009-06-17T13:39:00.002-04:00

ATO Records is pleased to announce that Ben Kweller will perform a song off of his latest release, the country leaning Changing Horses, on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on June 19th. Kweller is also in LA to perform at the El Rey Theatre. He and his band are in the middle of a June tour that started in Denver, CO, and finishes in his new hometown of Austin, TX.

Changing Horses conjures imagery of lazy days and raucous nights. "His dusted-off roots more than shine through now," proclaims Alternative Press. Spin also praises the release, claiming, "Kweller's boyish charm and quirky songwriting keep it more promising than predictable."

Kweller says, "Country music was the soundtrack to my life. It's a big part of who I am." Fans that missed out on seeing Kweller on this multi-leg Changing Horses tour, still have a chance to see the him perform the great new songs as well as the classics in this new setting, complete with acoustic guitars, pedal steel and three-part harmonies.

Listen:

Ben Kweller - "On Her Own" (mp3)

Ben Kweller Tour Dates:

06/12/09 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
06/13/09 Salt Lake City, UT Avalon Theater
06/15/09 Seattle, WA Chop Suey
06/16/09 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
06/17/09 San Francisco, CA Slim's
06/19/09 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre
06/20/09 San Diego, CA House of Blues
06/22/09 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
06/24/09 San Antonio, TX White Rabbit
06/25/09 Houston, TX House of Blues
06/26/09 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
06/27/09 Austin, TX Emo's Alternative Lounging

Pirate Love

2009-06-13T12:23:00.004-04:00

New York legend Johnny Thunders raised the bar for how low you could go to find rock and roll inspiration. His licks sounded caked in dirt and shit, the grimiest, nastiest stuff six strings were capable of mustering. The Norwegian nightmares in Pirate Love know better than most – hell, they named their band after one of the beloved Dolls' songs. It's a fitting homage, though, considering Pirate Love's reputation as untamed 60s throwbacks and some of the wildest Scandinavians this side of Turbonegro. Not a distinction to be taken lightly.

They invented a genre to which they belong (more on that in a bit). But to those of us that don't speak Norwegian Rock Alien dialect, they're basically a mind-bending commingling of 60's garage, rockabilly and psychadelic-flavored awesomeness. Forging their sound since forming in Oslo in 2003, the band waited four years before unveiling their first record, a 7-inch vinyl featuring MTV Europe mainstay "Laughing Gas."

Listen:

The Pirate Love - "Laughing Gas" (mp3)

06-18 Toronto, ON – NXNE The MuseBox showcase - El Mocambo at 9pm
06-20 Toronto, ON – Neutral at 2am
06-21 New York, NY – Fontana's at 11pm
06-23 Brooklyn, NY – Glasslands 11pm
06-25 New York, NY – Piano's 9pm

Yoko unleashed a deluge of new songs

2009-06-11T20:09:00.001-04:00

The legendary Yoko Ono won the lifetime achievement award at this year's Mojo Magazine awards, held in London on June 11.

The award was the final award of the night and saw an emotional speech from Ono in response to a tribute film shown at the awards and a speech by Mojo editor Phil Alexander, who commented: "Yoko Ono helped change music as we know it...first by introducing avant-garde sensibilities to her husband and secondly, just as significantly, by continuing to push the boundaries of what was deemed the normal way after that. She is a huge influence on modern music and this award recognizes her inspirational qualities and ongoing questing. Yoko Ono is unique and we are thrilled to commemorate her lifetime on the frontline".

The Mojo award comes in a week when Ono topped the US club charts for the fifth time, this time with her song "I'm Not Getting Enough", and also received the prestigious Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement at the Venice Biennale.

On accepting the Mojo award, Ono said: "Thank you very much for this incredible accolade. I feel blessed that, after so many years and decades, my work is getting recognition in such a diverse way. John would have been very proud of me tonight. Thank you!"

Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band's new studio album "BETWEEN MY HEAD AND THE SKY" is released on September 21. Four songs are now available digitally on an EP titled "Don't Stop Me".

DON'T STOP ME! EP Featured In iTunes "What's Hot" Section

In Case The Comet Comes

2009-06-10T10:23:00.002-04:00

Musician Reed KD is an enthusiastic proponent of the DIY ethic. Not only did he engineer, produce and record his album 'In Case The Comet Comes,' he's also releasing the album today on his own Dirty Laundry label. Reed KD wrote the new album while living off the grid and out of a VW van in 2007 and 2008.

With the help of his cousin (a videographer), Reed KD has also created two homemade music videos for his songs "Winding Roads," an intimate song about living out of his van, and the rowdy, bluegrassy "Cactus Garden," featuring hand-sewn puppets.

Listen:

Reed KD - "If The Tide Swings" (mp3)

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

2009-06-08T10:41:00.003-04:00

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are very excited to make their US debut this summer with their international critically acclaimed self-titled debut, set for a US release on August 11th via DH Records / Mercer Street Records. This multi-instrumental family trio, are a thoroughbred sensation, playing 40's/50's rockabilly and swing, country and western, Hawaiian and rock 'n' roll with a verve, skill and energy that connects them back to the far past and the future. Beginning July 10th in Portland, Oregon, the teen siblings will join Coldplay for a 6-week North American tour that includes impressive venues such as Washington State's Gorge Amphitheatre and a slot at this year's All Points West Festival in New York, NY.

"Kitty, Daisy & Lewis" swings with the passion, intensity and sheer exuberant joie de vivre that has made their live performances one of the most talked about shows within the UK gig and festival circuit. The trio's irresistible music, energy and charm has caught the attention of many including the NME, Artrocker and The Guardian UK who rave KD&L "gleefully rummages through the 1940s and 50s with such joy that both aficionados and those who wouldn't know boogie-woogie from rockabilly should be equally entertained." Dazed and Confused goes on to say "inciting riots à la Johnny Cash one moment and prompting heartbreak over a bottle of whiskey the next, they do what country musicians have been unrivalled for decades, taking a classic and branding it their own."

The love Kitty, Daisy & Lewis have for legendary artists like Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Johnny Cash and Roy Brown, among many others, has led to a series of glorious, utterly digital-free analogue recordings, one that was even released as a limited edition 78rpm 10" vinyl album, the first of its kind in over 50 years. "Kitty, Daisy & Lewis" was cut in the siblings' home made studio, inspired by legendary studios like Sun, Chess and Motown, during school holidays, and features their mom and dad as their backing band.

"Kitty, Daisy & Lewis" will be licensed for US release by Sunday Best Recordings, the label A&Red by BBC Radio 1 DJ, Rob da Bank.

Listen:

Kitty Daisy & Lewis - "Honolulu Rock-A-Roll-A" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Polyvinyl news and download

2009-06-06T14:41:00.004-04:00

"For Our Elegant Caste" (aka "Softcore") is the third single from of Montreal's most polarizing album to date, Skeletal Lamping. The song debuted at Pitchfork Festival 2007 and has been a highlight of the band's live show ever since.

Limited to 2000 copies. Includes digital download code and bonus video. Pre-order it.

AND

Pre-Order Owen Seaside CDEP & Owen/The Rutabega Split 12"

In preparation for the new Owen album (yes, there's a new one out this fall!) Polyvinyl is releasing The Rutabega EP for the first time ever on vinyl as well as the Seaside EP, a new collection of rare tracks.

Seaside CDEP

* Seven songs - over 35 minutes of previously hard-to-find music.
* Artwork by acclaimed UK illustrator David Blanco.
* Limited edition of 3000.

Owen/The Rutabega Split 12"

* Available for the first time ever on vinyl.
* Deluxe 180 gram vinyl includes digital download code.

AND

Flowers, the 10th studio album from Joan of Arc, hits stores this Tuesday.

Orders are shipping now from the Polyvinyl E-Store.

Listen:

Joan of Arc - "Explain Yourselves #2" (mp3)

Enjoy!

The Honey Brothers Sweeten Summer

2009-06-05T11:28:00.004-04:00

New York's exuberant "new wave folk" group The Honey Brothers are ready to release their 'Demonstration' EP digitally June 16th. It's a 4-song mini soundtrack to the summer that "infuses true lyrical poetry into massive melodies" (ARTISTdirect).

The EP kicks off with the joyful indie-rock jam "Demonstration," followed by the Tropicalia-inflected ukulele sing-a-long "Moonlight." The Honey Brothers pay homage to The Cure's new-wave pop on the synth-heavy "Won't Last Long" and close the EP with the Gang of Four inspired dance-rock anthem "Perfect Parent."

Josh Baron of Relix Magazine observed that "the secret to the band's success... is that they know how to write catchy tunes that are unabashedly indebted to pop-rock royalty while making them entirely their own."

The Honey Brothers are:
Dory Honey (Andrew Vladeck) - Banjo / Vocals
Honey DuContra (Adrian Grenier) - Drums /Vocals
H. Huckleberry Honey (Ari Gold) - Ukulele / Vocals
Dr. J Carl Honey (D.S. Posner) - Guitar / Vocals

Listen:

The Honey Brothers - "Demonstration" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Bonnaroo to donate to New Orleans non-profit groups

2009-06-02T15:24:00.003-04:00

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is proud to announce that it will donate $240,000 to a variety of New Orleans non-profit groups. In their continuing effort to promote continued awareness of the rebuilding of New Orleans, festival organizers Superfly Presents and A.C. Entertainment created the "Somethin' Else - New Orleans" tent at the 2008 event. It was modelled after some of the city's most distinctive music venues and featured some of its greatest musical talent. Fans were asked to make a donation upon entering "Somethin' Else - New Orleans" throughout the weekend. The money raised from these donations will be part of the gift that the festival is making.

"The city of New Orleans and it's amazing culture continues to be a major inspiration for us in everything that we do, not just Bonnaroo (whose very name is Crescent City Creole slang for 'good stuff')," says Paul Peck of Superfly Productions who produce annual events in New Orleans including the "Superfly During Jazzfest Concert Series." Additional money for the donation was raised from the benefit concert "From the Big Apple to the Big Easy" at Radio City Music Hall, which was produced by Radio City Entertainment, Superfly Productions and Red Light management. The concert featured Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio, Tom Waits, The Neville Brothers, John Mayer, Joss Stone and many others.

The groups that will be supported by the donation are below:

New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village / Ellis Marsalis Center for Music
New Orleans Musicians Clinic
NOCCA - New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts

and

Tipitina's Foundation

BMSP and Steely Dan News

2009-05-28T08:59:00.002-04:00

A notoriously enigmatic band hailing from Pennsylvania, Black Moth Super Rainbow made waves on the indie circuit in the early 2000s with their brand of otherworldly, psychedelic indie pop.

Black Moth Super Rainbow - "Born on a Day The Sun Didn't Rise" (mp3)

*~*~*

Steely Dan continues to add new summer dates to the "Rent Party '09 Tour," extending the US jaunt through early September.

Since last check, 11 stops have been added to the itinerary, which kicks off June 9 in Durham, NC, and passes through 19 cities before the Sept. 6 wrap-up in Detroit.

In addition to the single-night concerts, four cities--Boston (7/22, 7/24-25); New York (7/28-29, 7/31); Universal City, CA (8/21-22, 8/24-25) and Chicago (8/31-9/1, 9/3-9/4)--will host the veteran jazz-rockers for multiple nights. These special performances, dubbed the "Classic Album (Plus)" nights, will feature one of three landmark albums ("Aja," "Gaucho" or "The Royal Scam") performed in its entirety, as well as other Steely Dan favorites.

A psychadelic guide to Monster's Island

2009-05-26T09:51:00.003-04:00

Lo Recordings and Welsh psych-illustrator Pete Fowler are offering a free mp3 download from Brazilian DJs/producers Monsters at Work aka Dinho and Renata Poletto for "Magic Morning," off Fowler's forthcoming release, A Psychedelic Guide To Monsterism Island.

Well-known for designing the artwork for the Super Furry Animals, Fowler's A Psychedelic Guide to... surrounds his animated Monsterism Island series and contains original compositions, ranging from monstrous rock fry ups to electronic exotica via psychedelic folk and spooky krautrock. The album features Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), Jerry Dammers, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (Peter Brooke-Turner), The Future Sound of London (Brian Dougans, Gary Cobain), Luke Vibert, Circulus, The Advisory Circle and Wolf People to name but a few.

Listen:

Monsters at Work - "Magic Morning" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Still Night, Still Light

2009-05-16T20:02:00.002-04:00

Au Revoir Simone's Still Night, Still Light isn't due until next Tuesday, but the Brooklyn-based synth-pop trio is currently streaming the album in its entirety on Myspace Music. Produced by Thom Monahan (Vetiver, Little Joy), the album is the follow up to the keyboard-toting heroine's 2007 full-length debut The Bird of Music. Gone are their previous releases' bells and whistles, and in their place is a stark closeness. Featuring some of the band's most quiet moments (see the glacial grace of "The Last One") while also containing some of their most raucous (see the dizzying exuberance of "Anywhere You Looked"), it's easily the band's finest hour.

Listen:

Au Revoir Simone - "All or Nothing" (mp3)

Enjoy!

MySpace Music Updates

2009-05-16T19:52:00.002-04:00

Multiplatinum and Grammy nominated recording artist Tori Amos will premiere her brand new album titled Abnormally Attracted to Sin exclusively on MySpace Music in the U.S. beginning on Saturday, May 16. Visit the official MySpace Music profile of Tori Amos to stream her entire album for free.

*~*~*

The new album from legendary artist Lionel Richie is currently available for free streaming exclusively on MySpace Music. Just Go marks the singer's ninth studio album. Check back to MySpace Music for more exciting news about the singer in the coming weeks. Visit the official MySpace Music profile of Lionel Richie to stream his entire album.

*~*~*

Singer/songwriter Kate Voegele premiered her second full length studio album A Fine Mess exclusively on MySpace Music this week. The singer is currently on tour and providing her MySpace fans with exclusive content. Visit the official MySpace Music profile of Kate Voegele, sponsored by University of Phoenix, to stream her entire album for free and to access exciting videos and blogs especially for her MySpace friends.

MySpace Music, the world's premier music community, is excited to announce six exclusive album debuts within days of each other.

Ten Tall Tales

2009-05-07T10:03:00.003-04:00

Roots rocker Charlie Morris hails from the swampy suburbs of St. Petersburg, Florida, and "writes like a man who has been down the road more than a few times" [music writer and DJ Norman Davis]. The Charlie Morris Band mixes up a soulful stew of blues, funk, Louisiana rhythms and jazzy jams behind Charlie's original songs about wayward women, drinking,gambling and life on the road. Charlie's ability to entertain an audience is legendary, and hot solos on slippery slide guitar, organ and piano keep the action moving.

Ten Tall Tales will be Charlie's 5th CD, and contains 10 new original songs recorded in Switzerland, with the same red-hot Swiss band that's been touring with Charlie since 2004. Charlie's Strat and Paul converse with Markus Baumer's piano, B-3 and Rhodes, David Clarke lays down a bucket-of-beans bass, and Marco "Speedy" Jeanrenaud snaps his snare like a young Turk, while building rock-solid grooves like a mature road warrior.

Stylistically, Ten Tall Tales shows a deep influence by New Orleans music. It's laid back and funky. While you listen it's like your part of an impromptu jam session.

Listen:

Charlie Morris - "Got Greedy" (mp3)

Enjoy!

The artist known as Cat Stevens

2009-05-01T14:40:00.003-04:00

With his reintroduction to the pop world behind him, renowned singer-songwriter Yusuf (the artist known as Cat Stevens) is ready to once again strike up an intimate relationship with his audience. After retreating from the pop stage following classic '70s multi-platinum albums such as Tea For The Tillerman and Teaser And The Firecat and acclaimed hits such as "Wild World," "Peace Train," "Moonshadow," "Morning Has Broken" and "Father And Son," Yusuf returned in late 2006 with his first pop album in 28 years. Now a second album, roadsinger (to warm you through the night), in stores May 5, 2009 (UMe).

"I was absent from my audience for so long," Yusuf says, "people thought another album would never come. The 2006 album, An Other Cup, was a surprise. With this new album, the distance is much less. I'm back to doing what I do best -- painting pictures with music and storytelling on a very human, personal, intuitive level through lyrics and song, so I can help people feel good again. I guess in some ways the new album picks up where the Cat Stevens the public knows left off."

The forthcoming album also showcases some songs from his upcoming musical "Moonshadow." The story takes place on a planet of perpetual night where only the moon's shine lights the darkness; it is about a boy's meeting with his Moonshadow and the adventures they share in search for the a world of the sunlight and happiness. As well as having many new songs, the surrealistic musical, "Moonshadow" also weaves classic songs from his past, including 'Morning Has Broken,' 'Wild World' and 'The First Cut Is The Deepest.' The show debuts in the UK in the Fall.

Appearing on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno May 13, The Colbert Report on May 14, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon May 15

Source: Universal Music Enterprises

Army Navy Sunshine Jangle

2009-04-29T09:05:00.003-04:00

The bright, energetic debut LP from Los Angeles' Army Navy blends chiming 60's pop under blankets of guitar fuzz with hints of bubble gum, new wave, Motown, and sunshine jangle, creating a set of absolutely irresistible pop tunes.

Frontman Justin Kennedy has moved on from his early days in Seattle's Pinwheel, a side project with Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, Postal Service) to assembling the youthful new quartet made up of close friends in his newly adopted home of Los Angeles. The band, known for their explosive live performances, have shared the stage with artists ranging from the Arctic Monkeys to the Soft Pack to Cut Copy. Their album boasts frenetic drumming by the legendary Pete Thomas of Elvis Costello and The Attractions fame, who had been a longtime fan of the band and begged to play on the album after hearing that their original drummer had left to pursue a lucrative screenwriting career.

Listen:

Army Navy - "My Thin Sides" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Willowz new album set for Summer

2009-04-26T09:21:00.006-04:00

In 2002, while still in their teens, Anaheim natives Richie James Follin and Jessica Reynoza formed the Willowz. Their music was a mix of brash rock 'n' roll, soul, and instinctive raw punk. They recorded a 7-inch for legendary Posh Boy records produced by Follin's step father Paul Kostabi (White Zombie, Psychotica, Y.G.M., Detours). They then toured relentlessly across America, and in 2003 recorded their debut self titled album for Dionysus records. Songs from that album were featured in Michel Gondry's Oscar winning film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Two songs were included on the Grammy nominated soundtrack as well. Gondry also directed a video for the band featured on the directors label box set and was quoted as saying, "I wish to be to the Willowz what Warhol was to the Velvet Underground." Willowz then released a 7-inch for XL records and toured the U.K.

In 2005 the Willowz recorded and released their highly ambitious second album "Talk in Circles" on Sympathy for the Record Industry. The album was ranked as one of the "Top 50 albums of 2005" by Rolling Stone magazine, graded "A-" by Spin magazine, and ranked on many of the year end lists throughout the country as one of the best albums of the year. The album also features a guest vocal appearance by Keith Morris (Black Flag, Circle Jerks). Songs from the album were featured in Gondry's film "The Science of Sleep" as well as on the soundtrack.The Willowz followed up "Talk in Circles" with "See in Squares", a dvd accompany to the album with a video for every song (27 videos total and live footage of the band playing a catholic schol summer camp in Oklahoma). They were nominated for Rock band of the year by the LA Weekly.

In 2007 the Willowz signed to Dim Mak records and released "Chautauqua". This album featured a heavier sound rooted deeply in rock and psychedelic music. The album was named "#1 Rock Album of the Year" by the O.C. Weekly. The Willowz toured world wide for this release playing over 300 shows in 2008. They also released numerous 7-inches on labels such as April 77, Contaminated, Acid Bird, and SFTRI.

In February of 2009 the Willowz went to Dallas to record their 4th full length album entitled "Everyone". The album was produced by Stuart Sikes and is the best Willowz album to date. Their latest album contains the raw energy they are known for, mixed with strongly crafted pop hooks. "Everyone" is set to be released Summer 2009 on Dim Mak / Downtown records.

Listen:

The Willowz - "All I Need" (mp3)

TOUR DATES:
May 1- "Salon Royale" at Die Fabrik!, NYC- Solo Date
May 8- Stubbs BBQ, Austin TX w/ Toadies
May 9- The Pavilion at Concrete Street, Corpus Christie, TX w/ Toadies
May 10- Trailer Space Record Shop, Austin, TX – Solo Date
May 11th- The Conservatory Oklahoma City, OK – Solo Date
May 13- Rabb's Steakhouse Ruston, LA w/ Toadies
May 14- The Warehouse Shreveport, LA w/ Toadies
May 15- Clicks Billiards, Tyler TX w/ Toadies
May18- People's Court, Des Monies, IA w/ Toadies
May 20- Metro- Chicago, IL w/ Toadies
May 21- Magic Stick, Detroit, Mi w/ Toadies
May 22- Bogarts, Cincinnati, OH w/ Toadies
May 24- The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ w/ Toadies
May 27- Fillmore @ Irving Plaza, New York, NY w/ Toadies
May 29- Black Cat, Washington, DC w/ Toadies
May 30 The Roxy Boston MA w/ Toadies
June 1- Toad's Place, New Haven, CT w/ Toadies
June 2- Crocodile Rock, Allentown, PA w/ Toadies
June 4 - Exit/In, Nashville, TN w/ Toadies
June 18- Aperture Gallery, New York, NY – Solo Date

Foreign Born: Person to Person

2009-04-24T10:33:00.002-04:00

Foreign Born's upcoming release "Person to Person," due June 23 on Secretly Canadian. If you didn't hear about them back in 2007 you should go back and find their older music, too, because it is excellent.

Who would like it? Anyone who likes mellow, shoegaze, cymbal filled music.

Black Iris Records presents Foreign Born as part of their 7" series

With studios in New York, Los Angeles and Richmond, Virginia, Black Iris is a talented collective of musicians rooted in the independent music scene, providing original compositions and scores for entertainment, advertising and media. Because of their deep attachment and connection with the musical underground, the Black Iris label continues to offer fresh and unique sounds that stay ahead of current musical trends. Stemming from the music stages of Virginia and Los Angeles, the group's talent now has national reach, working across genres and actively touring the globe. Their composers include members of the Walkmen, Phantom Planet, Earlimart, Denali, Foreign Born and others.

Black Iris creates music for topline brands and internationally known ad agencies, including their work for the ESPN X Games, Cadillac, Hummer & Gatorade.

Listen:

Foreign Born - "Vacationing People" (mp3)

Enjoy!

Adam's Attic Officially Releases Skylines and City Lights

2009-04-21T15:55:00.003-04:00

Los Angeles, CA - Adam's Attic whole-heartedly lays down their armor to present their most vulnerable release, Skylines and City Lights. While the band originally planned to release the album in early 2008, the founding band members' mother had cancer and treatment all through 2008, which prevented the release. The band officially released this album in 2009.

With each song, Adam's Attic captures a snapshot in time, and this record is a time capsule of a personal journey through various "skylines and city lights".

Since the twist of fate that led Adam's Attic to relocate to Los Angeles from New Orleans, the band has been on three tours across the globe. The album title, Skylines and City Lights, signifies their privilege of touring domestically and internationally.

Adam's Attic front man, Joe Henry said, "Every band dreams of touring the world and sharing their music. For us, those dreams are materializing. Following the desire of our hearts has led us to perform domestically from Miami to Los Angeles and internationally in countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greenland, Singapore, and British Indian Ocean Territory. We have gone further than we ever thought, yet we know that are so many more 'skylines and city lights'."

When Adam's Attic hit the studio in the fall of 2007, they were ready. Three years had passed since the release of their last album, In the Blink of an Eye. The group had recorded other songs over the past few years, but nothing was right for release. This time, the five original band members decided to self-produce their collection of songs under the supervision of Joe Henry. Adam's Attic is Joe Henry, Derek Henry, Scott Boaz, and Frank DeSalvo. To capture his vision for this project, Joe Henry was tasked with the duty of assembling the right team. After interviewing Mike Troolines, the owner of Sound Asylum Studio in Santa Ana, Henry knew he had found the right place to track. After the songs were recorded, Misha Kachkachishvili of Axistudio in New Orleans provided expertise mixing the project. With a strong recommendation from Kachkachishvili, Bruce Barielle was enlisted to master the tracks.

As the songs were being mixed and mastered, creative director, Holli Elaine, cast a vision for the style, image, and presentation the album. With Holli's countless ideas, web designer Drew Geraci translated the look and feel into web design. Photos taken by Christan Parreira caught the new look of Adam's Attic collectively and as individuals. Journalist Nate Bates drafted the group's biography. Finally, Roman Ruiz implemented the album's graphic design in part by utilizing the album cover designed by Geraci and a photo by Parreira for the back cover.

Stream their music on the Adam's Attic Official MySpace Page >>