Duck & Cover :: Indie rock music writing from Arcade Fire to the Zygotic Minci

The Racoon Wedding :: Gather Gather Bones/Rattle Rattle Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Download The Paper Boy from The Racoon Wedding's album, Gather Gather Bones/Rattle Rattle Truth

Sounds Like: they're gonna rip your ribcage out and find your heart

RIYL: White Rabbits, Portugal. The Man, Fanfarlo, Rolling Stones ala Beggar's Banquet

From the Press Release: Forming from the ashes of Vermicious Knid, and authoring songs in the basement of the all ages not-for-profit art space they own in a nook of the city’s forgotten downtown, frontman Tim Ford and company boast a sense of loyalty to their community that few other bands share. On their debut LP, Gather Gather Bones/Rattle Rattle Truth, issued this October via their own Ford Plant Recordings Co., the band enlisted the help of engineer Leon Taheny (of the Final Fantasy recording credit) and hammered out a record that teems with the spirit of long-forgotten roots music. It’s indebted to the history of mighty back porch music: unbridled, unedited, beautifully intense.

Low Anthem Video for "Charlie Darwin"

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:02:00 +0000

The Low Anthem - Charlie Darwin - Official Video from End of the Road Films on Vimeo.

RIYL: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Springsteen (circa Nebraska)

Rhode Island trio The Low Anthem have released a brand new stop-motion video for the lead song, "Charlie Darwin" on their Nonesuch debut, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin. The band has been touring the US with Blind Pilot, and after a brief stopover in Europe, will finish out the year with Josh Ritter in December.

CONTEST! Win Tickets to See Whitey at The Railway Club in Vancovuer

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Whitey puts the "F-U" back in Funk. Download the track "West of Hope" to hear what I mean.

What: Two free tickets to see indie post-funk sensation, Whitey, at The Railway Club in downtown Vancouver.

When: Friday! Friday! Friday! (6 November)

How the funk do I get them? Leave a comment. That's all.

RIYL: Vampire Weekend, Ozomatli, Cat Empire

A Few Words: We don't do ticket give-aways very often here at Duck & Cover. In fact, we don't do them at all. Which is why this is such a special event. Well, it's a special event so long as you live in or around Vancouver, BC.

So here's what happened: these two tickets to Whitey just fell off the back of a truck. No, really. They were just sitting there. So I'm turning my good fortune into an opportunity for you, my loyal reader(s). All you have to do to win the tickets to see Whitey at The Railway Club this Friday is to leave a comment . . . that's it! That's all! I'll put all the names into a hat (or a bucket) and draw randomly. So make sure you leave a contact email address so I can get back to you. Or, if you don't want to leave your email address in a comment, email it to me at duckandcovermusic[at]gmail[dot]com.

Comment away!

White Rabbits :: It's Frightening

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Band :: White Rabbits

Album :: It's Frightening

Song :: They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong

Sounds Like: The Midwest strikes back.

RIYL: Spoon, The Walkmen, Tapes 'n Tapes

A Few Words: White Rabbits (the band) is living in NYC, it's true. However, they are, by all accounts, from the Midwest. This is only a point worth mentioning because I am also from the Midwest, so we have a lot in common that way. Which is to say we have an inherent understanding of vast distances, wind, and non-existent public transport (unless you count Chicago).

White Rabbits could also be that band you know you've heard of, but can't remember. For all their PR efforts it's amazing how easily they continue to slip under the proverbial radar (not sure if "radar" is an acronym when used in a cliche, but I'm guessing not). For example, they've been on NPR's "World Cafe" and on Letterman. Furthermore, they played Glastonbury in 2007 PLUS their new album, It's Frightening was produced by Spoon's Britt Daniel.

So why haven't you heard of them? Because you get all your music news from me, that's why, and I've been distracted by shiny objects.

Celebrate Halloween with Peter Squires's New Video, "Witch"

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:05:00 +0000

I don't usually do festive or holiday posts. In fact, the closest I get is writing some kind of seasonal bent against a track, and only then when I've had too much coffee and can't find any relation to a song other than what the weather is doing. I just think holiday-themed posts / articles are lazy. But Halloween is different. Why? Because Halloween, to paraphrase Wesley Willis, whips a horse's ass. So when Ryan from The Musebox put me on to Peter Squires a few days ago, I knew it was going into the annals of Duck & Cover (that's right, I said "annals" on the Internets).

From the Press Release: Peter’s direct and honest vocal delivery is reminiscent of contemporaries such as Kimya Dawson and Luke Temple. The album is all heart, laid bare for our aural pleasure. Woe Is Me was recorded in Peter Squires’ Brooklyn bedroom and is available on his website for fans to download at no charge. The first video from the album is “Witch” and it was just released in time for the Halloween season.

So there you go. A song for the most wonderful time of the year. Happy Halloween, readers.

Little Girls :: Concepts

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Sounds Like: you need to be careful how you phrase the question

RIYL: Psychocandy, Joy Division, A Place to Bury Strangers

A Few Words: It's raining. So guess what? You get droney new wave noise pop. It's actually a miracle you don't get this kind of music more often considering my geographic location. Meteorologists only appear on TV here when the forecast is NOT overcast and drizzly. Needless to say, I haven't seen one for weeks.

So yeah. Little Girls and their album Concepts. I was joking with a good friend of mine recently that it's difficult to profess ones love for this band. Not that it has anything to do with their sound (which I do, indeed, love), just their name. Imagine, if you will, the awkwardness arising at the daycare center when a shabby, bearded man exclaims to his pal, "Oh, I LOVE 'Little Girls'!" Gasp! Horror! And a dozen yoga moms are on their iPhones Face-apping and camera-phoning the perpetrator. Uh oh. One-way ticket to the sex-offender list.

I'm going to start a band and call it "Licking Bike Seats." Or maybe just "To Fuck"--as the girl behind the bar if she likes that band.

Oh, check it out: they're on tour:

11/06 - Philidelphia, PA - Swarthmore #
11/08 - Columbus, OH - Summit &
11/09 - St Louis, MO - Billiken Club &
11/11 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot Saloon &
11/18 - Windsor, ONT - Phog Lounge +
11/19 - Waterloo, ONT - Bombshelter +
11/20 - Toronto, ONT - Phoenix ++
11/21 - Sudbury, ONT - Townhouse +
11/25 - Winnipeg, MB - Royal Albert +
11/26 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's +
11/27 - Edmonton, ALB - New City +
11/28 - Calgary, ALB - Hi-Fi +

^^ w/ Japandroids, You Say Party! We Say Die!
+ w/ You Say Party! We Say Die!
++ w/ Think About Life, You Say Party! We Say Die!
# w/ Blank Dogs
& w/ Nurses

Band :: Little Girls

Album :: Concepts

Song :: Concepts

The Swimmers :: People Are Soft

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Sounds Like: thankfully, the music overshadows the cover art

RIYL: Phoenix, New Order, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand

A Few Words: I took one look at their cover art and very nearly wrote off The Swimmers altogether. It seemed like it would be an album full of derivative synth pop tunes that bounce from cliche-laden verse to chorus and back again. Yet into the player it went. Considering my patience is thinner than Donald Trump's hair plugs, the fact that I listened to the entire disc says something. There are just enough surprises on People Are Soft to keep the album interesting. Just. Let me just say this: if a track from the album popped up on shuffle, I wouldn't skip it.

That's a good thing. Seriously.

Band :: The Swimmers

Album :: People Are Soft

Track :: What This World is Coming To

Swim Party :: Pixie Dust on the Blood Range

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:25:00 +0000

Sounds Like: dancing to the great indie waltz

RIYL: Calla, Maritime, 764-HERO, Band of Horses

A Few Words: Some of my favorite bands are the ones unknown to others. Obscurity lends a particular allure. Of course, sometimes these little-known bands are off the radar for a reason--and by all accounts should remain buried. Yet I can hardly describe the excitement I feel when I'm introduced to a band who is very clearly about to get a break (or at least deserves to get bigger). I felt it when Flake Music became The Shins, and when Duck and Cover got a hold of a little EP by Vampire Weekend two years ago. This giddiness is welling up again as I listen to Pixie Dust on the Blood Range.

Hailing from California, Swim Party employs smooth, calculated riffs reminiscent of American Analog Set, but isn't satisfied with moody grooves alone. Instead of sinking easily into the musical equivalent of a rainy Sunday, they quickly pick up the tempo. Power chords pose for transitions rather than stand up as songs themselves; hooks are as tight as hipster stovepipes. And although it sounds clean and controlled on the stereo, I get the impression this is a band who rocks the floorboards of any venue. The energy and complexity of Pixie Dust contributes to create an album I've returned to many times.

I recently received a few tracks of their album, Pixie Dust on the Blood Range, in a frantically worded email from a friend in San Francisco. The tone was typical of a girl in possession of great music: she was eager for everyone else to listen. Therefore, I'm passing it on to all of you--all 30 of you avid Duck & Cover readers.

Band :: Swim Party

Album :: Pixie Dust on the Blood Range

Song :: Said the Captain

Hot Cha Cha Releases Debut Full Length LP: The World's Hardest Working Telescope and the Violent Birth of Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Listen to "Ticket Away From Prague"

Sounds Like: Ohio is the new black.

RIYL: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yo La Tengo, The Dodos

From the Press Release: The World’s Hardest Working Telescope and the Violent Birth of Stars is the much anticipated debut full-length from the ladies of HotChaCha, and follow up to 2008’s critically acclaimed EP, Rifle, I Knew You When You Were Just a Pistol, which provided the band with accolades from the press and shows with bands such as the Vivian Girls, The Coathangers, and more.

The full-length finds HotChaCha expanding upon many of the ideas laid out on their debut EP and adding new instrumentation and sophistication to their arrangements. Consequently, the 11 songs presented here coherently run the gamut from staccato sing-a-longs to slowly building atmospheric explorations.

While many of HotChaCha’s songs are incredibly danceable and high energy and come in at under the three-and-a-half minute mark, it would be an oversimplification to classify them solely as adherents to the punk / new wave formula. HotChaCha creates a medium that is both pop and profound, infectious yet informed, and entertaining without being feigned.

Sin Fang Bous :: Clangour

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:05:00 +0000

Sounds Like: not quite winter

RIYL: Animal Collective, Cloud Cult, Samuel Flynn Scott, Belle & Sebastian

I waited until Autumn to post Sin Fang Bous, the solo moniker for Seabear founder Sindri Mar Sigfusson, because listening to it makes me reach for a sweater. Or a hoodie. Or a jacket. Anything to keep in the warmth. And, surprisingly, this has little to do with Sigfusson's Icelandic origins.

Clangour, the debut Album out now, is laced with eccentric loops and melodies easily mistaken for chill winds howling through Autumn's exposed hollows. Equal parts Animal Collective and Belle & Sebastian, Sin Fang Bous is the music of scarves, fading light, and the sliding saturation and hue of maples. Even the music seems to match the changing season, as Sigfusson begins lightly with a voice and guitar only to re-layer his own singing, add textures, and over-color what he leaves. And although each track could easily be a single release, songs grace from one to the next to create an album that works better as a whole than as a disc of individual tracks.

Download "Catch the Light" to get an impression of Sin Fang Bous.

Lucero Video for "Darken My Door"

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Darken My Door from Lucero on Vimeo.

It's good to see that a serious band doesn't have to take itself seriously. Even better when a band's fans don't take them too seriously. "Darken My Door" off of Lucero's latest album, 1372 Overton Park, is a song about losing stuff--girlfriend, money, dignity. In fact, a lot of Lucero's songs are like that, but I'm not getting into that now. I'm talking about the video, which has so much to love. Obviously, I love the fact director Alex Mecum has used a puppet as the protagonist. But it's what the puppet does that makes this video so much fun. Puppet eating chili dogs, puppet drinking whiskey, puppet giving blow jobs . . . Hell, there's even puppet vomit! It's ridiculous, yes, but also tragic. By the end of the video, if you don't feel a little sorry for the scruffy faced whore puppet, then you have no soul.

Here's a little more about the videos for Lucero's new album:

To promote Lucero’s new album 1372 Overton Park, the band commissioned a music video for each song on the record -12 videos total. While these videographer’s level of experience ranged, some holding only handy-cams, others with years of training under their belt, they sought out videographers with one thing in common: they’re all huge Lucero fans and wanted to make a video.

The last thing Lucero wanted was a slick video for a major label record. Or even worse, a cheap video trying too hard. And, they wanted something off center...something you wouldn't expect from a Lucero video.

This project was meant not only to promote Lucero's amazing new album, but also their remarkable fans who, time and time again, prove their strong dedication to the band.

Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósið [Video]

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósið (Official Music Video) from Erased Tapes on Vimeo.

Sometimes it serves us well to do no more than be still and listen.

Fanfarlo :: Resovoir

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Buy Fanfarlo's Reservoir from Amazon.

Sounds Like: You're either in love, or your heart has been cut into a dozen pieces, shoved into a potato gun, and blasted from your lover's window; but really, is there a difference?

RIYL: Okkervil River, The Arcade Fire, The Decemberists

A Few Words: Reservoir, the debut album from Fanfarlo, as been on repeat for three days. While I'm prone to hyperbole, this time it's true. There exists a torrent of furious emotion bounded by an artistic keenness to craft a balanced album. Vocals swoon and bounce between anxiety and ecstasy. Instrumentally, it's difficult to not compare Fanfarlo to The Arcade Fire: the thick bass beat, melodies dancing through violins to ukulele to blasts of horn, the overriding feeling that you're breaking free from the dusty walls that separate life from living.

A few weeks ago I posted a beautiful video of "The Walls Are Coming Down" off Reservoir, so today I'll leave you with one of my favorite tracks from the album: "Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait for a Very Long Time."

Band :: Fanfarlo

Album :: Reservoir

Song :: Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait for a Very Long time

Ash - True Love 1980 Video Not Your Typical Boy-Meets-Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Of course it's not typical. For one thing, it's Ash. For another, it's 1980--a time when the world was bathed in faded orange and all our t-shirts were either monochrome or E.T. iron-ons. We forgot about this ambient cusp of existence between disco and Don Johnson as soon as we hit 1985 and discovered the magic of neon and asymmetry. But don't let the contemporary hipster culture fool you--nobody wore porkpie hats on the backs of their heads. Well, nobody outside of Tears for Fears.

Click Click (Bang Bang) :: New Video From Miss Derringer

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:46:00 +0000

How about a little rockabilly for Friday? Or "insurgent country"? Or "alt country"? Whatever the hell the kids are calling it these days, Miss Derringer isn't paying attention because they're busy promoting their second album of vintage sounds, Winter Hill, which, set in 1960s New England, tells the tale of a mob war between the Irish and (who else?) the Irish. With influences ranging from Merle Haggard to The Misfits, Miss Derringer add more layers to the already-multifaceted genre. Garageabilly anyone?

Download "Click Click, Bang Bang" off Miss Derringer's new album, Winter Hill

Vowels Blends Electronica and Jazz on The Pattern Prism

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Buy The Pattern Prism from Amazon.

Sounds Like: "forget the defibrillator, spark 'em up with Vowels."

RIYL: Battles, Stereolab, Gang Gang Dance, Holy Fuck

A Few Words: I dropped the press release for Vowels a few weeks ago. At the time I'd only listened to one track, but it was enough for me note something interesting going on. Since then, the 8-song album by UK producer James Rutledge has become a regular part of my daily listening. Although my audio routine may differ slightly from yours.

After 9am and my fourth cup of coffee, Vowels grabs me by the ears and, with a gnarly grin, greets me with a fierce head butt. There is calculated madness behind it; from the tremolo syth on "Appendix" to the beats on "Two Wires" that roll and turn like tumbling boulders. Between this and the joe, I'm wired by 10am.

Vowels invades again in the evening when there is talk of the pub. "On Up" has become a flat favorite with it's see-saw time signature. The charge and release all taking place simultaneously, The Pattern Prism ain't no raver bomb--there's no peak. And forget about using it as background music; the album demands your full attention. In Vowels, as with Rutledge's other alter ego, Pedro, there are measured jazz elements, such as the furious early drumming on "Eh Uh," that raises the album above the realm of the hipster dance party up to something you'd actually want to listen to.

There are times when it feels like Rutledge is just messing with you--testing to see if you're still paying attention. For example, there is a pause on "Closing Circles." As if to say "just checking", the brief drop is over after a few seconds with a sudden cacophony of cymbals and horn. In fact, the more I listen to The Pattern Prism, the more personal it becomes. The record is moody but sincere, so go grab a coffee, and lend it your ears (but watch out for that head butt).

Download "On Up" off The Pattern Prism

The Boxer Rebellion Release New Music Video for "Flashing Red Light Means Go"

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Check out the stunning, animated sci-fi music video for "Flashing Red Light Means Go" from the UK indie-rock squad The Boxer Rebellion. Directed by Grant Berry & Nick Tarte, the video was created digitally, frame-by-frame, over an incredibly intense period of four weeks and is a fantastical moving image of futuristic travel we can only conceive in our most dizzying of dreams.

The Paper Cranes :: Chivalry's Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Download "Chivalry's Dead" of The Paper Cranes' debut album of the same name

Sounds Like: the soundtrack for Autumn Sundays in the park.

RIYL: Modern Skirts, The Clash, Portugal. The Man

A Few Words: The press release that came with The Paper Cranes has a great line in it. Right off the bat, they moan "Welcome to 2k9, where it’s all about hazy bro-fi detachment, cocktail-soaked dancefloor music, and Hipster Runoff. Stifling . . . ". They continue on to introduce the antidote to all this detachment: Victoria, BC band The Paper Cranes. Artists who, I agree, are kicking out some excellent indie pop hooks. Good enough to open in the past 12 months for The Walkmen as well as Wolf Parade. Also included in that little press release is a great quote from Pitchfork (but I'd read this one before):

If you're not afraid to admit your favorite Cure song was "Love Cats"; if you think Paul Weller hasn't written a classic song since "A Town Called Malice"; or if your favorite part of Funeral is the last minute of "Wake Up" where the Arcade Fire go all northern soul, then the Paper Cranes could be your new favorite band.

In fact, the PR was packed with so many golden quotes, there's hardly anything left for me to say except for "These kids are good--buy the album".

Your Cannons :: Dust Bowl EP

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Sounds Like: what happens when shoegazers harden up.

RIYL: My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Ride, Red Stars Theory, Amateur Radio Operator

A Few Words: In high school chemistry, we learned about reactions. More specifically, the reactions that can occur from combining individual and often disparate components. Most of the classes were focused on common syntheses: salts, acids, reducing agents, covalent bonds--you get the idea. Most of it bored me to tears, until one day when our teacher closed all the windows, shut the classroom door, and told us today's lesson was heating ammonium nitrate: we were making nitrous oxide. It was one of the most memorable days in school--mostly because we got high with our teacher and Chrissy H. touched my hand. I may have failed chemistry, but I took away the knowledge that some reactions have an effect greater then the combination of their parts.

Take Your Cannons, for example: the individual members hail from Colorado, Sweden, England, and The Bay Area. A sum through which we witness a reaction larger and more grand than geography. On their EP, Dust Bowl, the boundaries demarcating harmony and melody are blissfully muddied, but sculpted still into something tangible. Colliding the well-loved layered textures inherent in the shoegaze genre with gigantic riffs and hooks, Your Cannons is more Slint than Slowdive; less dream pop, more desperation. Due in part to dark tone of Chamings vocals, the band uses the building distortion to create a sound that leaves the listener overwhelmed at the larger reaction that occurs from the blending of a few simple pieces. Jump into the smoke, and let's get messed up.

Get the Dust Bowl EP by Your Cannons from Amazon

Band :: Your Cannons

Album :: Dust Bowl EP

Song :: High Noon

Lucero Return with 1372 Overton Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:59:00 +0000

A good friend said, "It'll probably sound like all the rest, but I'll still love it." I'm happy to report that she's right on both counts.

Listen to "Smoke" off the new album, 1372 Overton Park

Sounds Like: Lying drunk on the bar floor with whiskey in one hand, and the other balled into a fist and raised high in some kind of inebriated salute.

RIYL: Old 97s, Whiskeytown, Drag the River, Drive by Truckers

From the Press Release: Lucero’s sixth studio album and major label debut, 1372 Overton Park, is due October 6 on Universal Republic Records. Produced by Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem) and featuring horn arrangements by legendary Memphis session player Jim Spake (Al Green, John Hiatt, Solomon Burke, Cat Power), the record marks a decided turn toward the Memphis soul sound that has long informed the band’s records from afar. 1372 Overton Park follows the band’s 2006 release, Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers, hailed by Pitchfork as “the best showcase for the band’s taut dynamic yet."

The new album’s name comes from the address of the Memphis loft in which all four band members lived, practiced and even recorded portions of their 2003 release That Much Further West (the history of the space itself is even more colorful—in the `70s, 1372 Overton Park was a karate dojo where local resident Elvis Presley, among others, took lessons). Over recent years band members have gradually moved out leaving lead singer and guitarist Ben Nichols the sole resident of the space until word finally came down that the building would be sold and demolished. Almost as if marking the end of an era not only for the building but for the band as well, this record turns the page and signals a strong move toward the Memphis soul sound that has long served as an influence for the group.

While 1372 Overton Park serves as a love letter to Memphis and its musical heritage, the band has far from abandoned the country/rock/punk influences that they’ve become known for over their previous five records and countless tour dates in front of rabid fans. “I think the fact that we don't claim a genre is very important to what Lucero is,” according to Nichols. “There are too many rules in punk rock. Too many rules in country music. We’re hard headed and . . . god damn if we don’t do things the way we want to do them.”

God damn, indeed. And be sure to catch Lucero as they, yet again, tour the lower 48 (and peek into Canada):

October 9 - Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN
October 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
October 11 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC
October 13 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC
October 14 - The National - Richmond, VA
October 15 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C.
October 16 - Starlight Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA
October 17 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
October 18 - The Middle East - Cambridge, MA
October 20 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON
October 21 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
October 22 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI
October 23 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN
October 26 - Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO
October 27 - Ogden Theater - Denver, CO
October 29 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA
October 30 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
November 1 - Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA
November 4 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
November 5 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ
November 7 - Longhorn Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX
November 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, TX
November 9 - Meridian - Houston, TX
November 10 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL
November 12 - Club Down Under @ Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL
November 13 - Czar - Tampa, FL
November 14 - Lizzie McCormick Stage - Orlando, FL
November 15 - Cafe Eleven - St. Augustine, FL
November 17 - Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC
November 18 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA
November 19 - Valarium - Knoxville, TN
November 20 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
November 21 - Headliners - Louisville, KY

The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Download "Fast Forward Regrets"

It's difficult to categorize this one because I have as yet only heard the single they've released--the same single I'm giving to you now. On this one, minimalist but highly dance-able track, there is enough eclectic energy to rank them with the likes of Man Man or Matt & Kim. With nothing more than hand-claps, an accordion, and their throaty growls, The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt create a sound I would drive for miles to witness. Which is good since their debut album isn't slated for release until Spring 2010, and their only live shows are on the east coast for now.

Tour Dates below:

Wed 10/14*Soundlab*Buffalo,NY
Thu 10/15*Sneaky Dees*Toronto, ON
Fri 10/16*Foufounes Electriques*Montreal, QC
Thu 10/22*Pianos*New York,NY*CMJ Showcase
Sat 10/24*Santos Partyhouse*New York, NY*CMJ Showcase
Tue 10/27*Firehouse 13*Providence, RI
Wed 10/28*Distant Castle*Worcester, MA
Thu 10/29*Danger Danger House*Philadelphia, PA
Fri 10/30*Sonar*Baltimore, MD with Junior Boys
Sat 10/31*Rock and Roll Hotel*Washington DC

Portugal.The Man ON TOUR with Drug Rug, Hockey, and Robert Francis

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:25:00 +0000

And it all begins here in Vancouver. . .

Social networks are an interesting way to meet people. In fact, I don't really recommend them unless you're better in digitrons than you are in person. And music-oriented social networks are even worse than the Facebooks and Bebos of the world because sites like iMeem and Last.FM are full of folks who either want to hock their DJ set or get you to read their blog--btw, read my blog. However, sometimes you encounter some genuinely cool people. And SOMETIMES those cool people will even write to you. When that happens, you're usually in for a good read, like when I got a shout on Last.FM to go see Portugal.The Man because--lo and behold--they were playing in my city in just a few days.

That shout came early last week, and I've been thrashing P.TM's album The Satanic Satanist ever since. If you don't catch Portugal.The Man, who is playing dates with Drug Rug, Hockey, and Robert Francis (!!), on this tour, I bet you that in a year or so you'll be mumbling to your friends "I can't believe I missed P.TM last year." And nobody likes a mumbler.

In celebration of the tour, here's a little Portugal.The Man Fall Tour teaser download. The shows begin Wednesday, and there are plenty to go around.

9/16 - Vancouver, BC @ Venue w/ Drug Rug
9/17 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey w/ Drug Rug
9/18 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall w/ Drug Rug
9/19 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre w/ The Get Up Kids, Youth Group
9/22 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's Night Club w/ Drug Rug
9/23 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent w/ Drug Rug, Robert Francis
9/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour w/ Drug Rug
9/26 - Pomona, CA @ Glass House w/ Drug Rug, Robert Francis
9/28 - Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern w/ Drug Rug, Robert Francis
9/29 - Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse w/ Drug Rug, Robert Francis
10/1 - Santa Fe, NM @ Santa Fe Brewing Company w/ Drug Rug
10/2 - Boulder, CO @ B-Side Lounge w/ Drug Rug
10/3 - Boulder, CO @ B-Side Lounge w/ Drug Rug
10/6 - Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/7 - Iowa City, IA @ The Picador w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/8 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/9 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/10 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/11 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/13 - Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/14 - Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/16 - Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/17 - Syracuse, NY @ Wescott Theatre w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/18 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/20 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/21 - Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street (Downstairs) w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/22 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's w/ Drug Rug, Hockey
10/23 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroon w/ Drug Rug & more

The Press Loves Robert Francis

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:37:00 +0000

If you liked Springsteen's Nebraska, then Robert Francis is going to butter your bread; and I'm talking real butter, none of that margarine crap.

There's no shortage of folky singer-songwriters making great music these days. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's one of the most competitive--if only because it's the most saturated--genre on the scene. So while it can be a bit difficult at times to separate the wheat from the chaff, one's efforts pay off when engaged with artists like Robert Francis. It's not solely I who believes this, though. The Huffington Post recently raved that "...Robert's writing style emulates Ry Cooder's and, occasionally, Bruce Springsteen's... Performance-wise, Robert's sound takes a young, 21st century run at The Band". Francis also got a pat on the back from Washington Times:

During a recent performance...Mr. Francis howled his way through a 45-minute set of heartland rock 'n' roll... he struck a balance between intimacy and boisterous showmanship, crooning in a wounded falsetto one minute and unleashing a loud, full-throated chorus the next.

Francis's new album, Before Nightfall is out digitally on 3 October, and everywhere 20 October. In the meantime, listen to the single "Playground" off the album

Minto :: Lay it On Me

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Buy Lay It On Me from Amazon.com

Sounds Like: Gospel bespectacled blues rock seeking damnation over salvation.

RIYL: Cold War Kids, Rolling Stones, BRMC

A Few Words: There was a time when rock 'n roll was the norm. And I don't mean Smooth Rock, Heavy Metal, or (::shudder::) Country Pop Rock; I mean Rock and Fucking Roll. I mean three-sheets-to-the-wind, kick-a-hole-in-the-wall Rrrrrock. Yet in today's contemporary music scene with its myriad of genres, good rock is as difficult to come by as a Family Values Republican who isn't getting some on the side. But have faith, there is hope; Vancouver-based Minto is one more band keeping good 'ol rock 'n roll alive.

While it's more accurately defined as blues rock, Minto's sound will make you toss your pint down your throat and pump your fist in the air--heck, you might even give a rebel yell. The enormity of the band is well-captured on their latest, Albini-produced album, Lay it On Me, but you really need to see Minto live to fully embrace their oddball chemistry.

If you saw the band hanging around the bar before taking stage, you'd be forgiven for mistaking them for database programmers and part-time softball coaches. Yet when they turn the dials on the amps, they will kick your proverbial ass. Singer Ryan Hoben jumps and gyrates like Pere Ubu possessed by spirits, while the rest of the band fall into their instruments and into each other. If you find your clothes a bit damp at the end of their show--either from the sweat or the beer sloshing--don't worry: it's all for rock 'n roll.

While they regularly play around BC, Minto is kicking off a trans Canada tour in October, so be sure to catch them:

Oct 7th - Calgary @ The Ship and Anchor
Oct 8th - Edmonton @ The Liquid Lounge
Oct 9th - Saskatoon @ Lydia’s Pub
Oct 10th - Winnipeg @ the Pyramid Cabaret
Oct 14th - Thunder Bay @ The Apollo
Oct 22nd - Moncton @ the Paramount
Oct 23rd - Fredericton @ The Kinsmen Centre
Oct 27th - Toronto @ Rancho Relaxo
Oct 28th - Montreal @ Quai Des Brumes
Oct 29th - Ottawa @ Zaphod Beeblebrox
Nov 4th - Morden, Manitoba @ Rocks B@G
Nov 5th - Regina @ Ohanlons
Nov 6th - Lethbridge @ Henotic

Band :: Minto

Album :: Lay it On Me

Song :: New Bones

Langhorne Slim :: Free Download and Tour Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Download Langhorne Slim's "I Love You, But Goodbye"

In a few weeks, that folk songer-songwriter with the tear-jerking voice will release his new album, Be Set Free on Kemado Records. In anticipation of what's sure to be a beautiful album and most definitely an autumn favorite, please treat yourselves to an mp3 prepared specially for you. I'd serve it up with coffee, but hot beverages don't compress very well.

Slim will also begin his North American tour in October. In the past he's toured with Murder By Death, The Violent Femmes, and Lucero, but this one's all his. Check out Langhorne Slim on the following dates. I'll be at the Media Club in Vancouver if anyone wants to buy me a beer--er, I mean, say 'hello.'

10/15 - Bell House - Brooklyn, NY
10/17 - TT The Bears - Cambridge, MA
10/21 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH
10/22 - Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI
10/24 - High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI
10/25 - 400 Bar - Minneapolis, MN
10/26 - Waiting Room - Omaha, NE
10/28 - Jackpot - Lawrence, KS
10/29 - Hi Dive - Denver, CO
10/30 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
11/02 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA
11/03 - Media Club - Vancouver, BC
11/06 - The Independent - San Francisco, CA
11/08 - Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
11/09 - Rhythm Room - Tempe, AZ
11/11 - Mohawk Outside - Austin, TX
11/13 - The Basement - Nashville, TN
11/15 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC
11/16 - The Southern - Charlottesville, VA
11/17 - Rock N Roll Hotel - DC
11/19 - Johnny Brenda’s - Philadelphia, PA