Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nigel Godrich is a golden god (and other music news)

ABKCO is digitally releasing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich) on August 10th in anticipation of the film's national theatrical debut on August 13th, it was announced today.  August 10th is also the release date for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) which will be available both digitally and physically. 
Filmmaker Edgar Wright (Shaun of the DeadHot Fuzz), commented: “I have been very fortunate to be good friends with the amazing Nigel Godrich for a full decade and couldn't be more thrilled that we finally got to work together on this.  Nigel's score is unique, eclectic and multi-faceted.  I love how it works in the film, and it makes for a great listen in its own right.  It was also a treat for us both to work with some many great collaborators on it including Beck Hansen, Cornelius, Dan Nakamura, Kid Koala, David Campbell, Danny Goffey, Gaz Coombes, Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, Joey Waronker and Gus Seyffert.  The score is a sonic embarrassment of riches, and I can't wait for people to hear it.”
Godrich, the celebrated producer who has worked on albums by Radiohead, Beck, Paul McCartney, Travis and many others composed the film’s original score and also served as executive producer on a soundtrack that includes a number of original songs composed by alternative/modern rock kingpin Beck.  The score album includes two mash-ups—“Katayanagi Twins vs. Sex Bob-Omb” from Cornelius + Beck as well as “We are Sex Bob-Omb (Fast)” from Godrich + Beck—as well as “Slick (Patel's Song)” and “Ninja Ninja Revolution,” both from Dan the Automator.  Godrich collaborated with Jason Falkner & Justin Meldal-Johnsen on “Bass Battle,” which is one of the score album’s 38 tracks.  Also included are three remixes by Osmyso: “Love,” “Ramona” and “Prepare.”
About the movie:
Meet charming and jobless Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera).  A bass guitarist for totally average garage band Sex Bob-Omb, the 22-year-old has just met the girl of his dreams...literally.  The only catch to winning Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is battling her seven evil exes that are coming to kill him.   Genre-smashing filmmaker Edgar Wright tells the amazing story of one romantic slacker’s quest to power up with love in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Scott Pilgrim has never had a problem getting a girlfriend.  It’s getting rid of them that proves difficult.  From the girl who kicked his heart’s ass—and now is back in town—to the teenage distraction he’s trying to shake when Ramona rollerblades into his world, love hasn’t been easy.  He soon discovers his new crush has the most unusual baggage of all: a nefarious league of exes controls her love life and will do whatever it takes to eliminate him as a suitor. 
As Scott gets closer to Ramona, he must face an increasingly vicious rogues’ gallery from her past—from infamous skateboarders to vegan rock stars and fearsomely identical twins.  And if Scott Pilgrim hopes to win his true love, he must vanquish them all before it really is game over. www.scottpilgrimthemovie.com

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich) track listing:

1. Universal Theme - Nigel Godrich
2. Hillcrest Park - Nigel Godrich
3. Fight! - Nigel Godrich
4. Slick (Patel's Song) - Dan the Automator
5. Love Me Some Walking - Nigel Godrich
6. Talk to the Fist - Nigel Godrich
7. Rumble - Nigel Godrich
8. Feel the Wrath - Nigel Godrich
9. The Grind - Nigel Godrich
10. Hello Envy - Nigel Godrich
11. Mystery Attacker - Nigel Godrich
12. Second Cup - Nigel Godrich
13. The Vegan - Nigel Godrich
14. Bass Battle - Nigel Godrich, Jason Falkner & Justin Meldal-Johnsen
15. Sorry I Guess - Nigel Godrich
16. Roxy - Nigel Godrich
17. The Ninth Circle - Nigel Godrich
18. Katayanagi Twins vs. Sex Bob-Omb - Cornelius / Beck
19. This Fight is Over - Nigel Godrich
20. Gideon Calling - Nigel Godrich
21. Level 7 - Nigel Godrich
22. Welcome to Chaos Theatre - Nigel Godrich
23. We are Sex Bob-Omb (Fast) - Beck / Nigel Godrich
24. Fast Entrance Into Hell - Nigel Godrich
25. Chau Down - Nigel Godrich
26. Game Over - Nigel Godrich
27. So Alone - Nigel Godrich
28. Round 2 - Nigel Godrich
29. Death to All Hipsters - Beck/Nigel Godrich
30. A Different Guy - Nigel Godrich
31. Boss Battle - Nigel Godrich
32. Blowing Up Right Now - Nigel Godrich
33. Aftermath - Nigel Godrich
34. Bye and Stuff - Nigel Godrich
35. Love (Bonus Track) - Osymyso
36. Ramona (Bonus Track) - Osymyso
37. Prepare (Bonus Track) - Osymyso
38. Ninja Ninja Revolution (Bonus Track) - Dan the Automator

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) track listing:

  1. We Are SEX BOB-OMB – SEX BOB-OMB (Beck)
  2. Scott Pilgrim - Plumtree 
  3. I Heard Ramona Sing - Frank Black
  4. By Your Side - Beachwood Sparks 
  5. O Katrina! - Black Lips 
  6. I’m So Sad, So Very, Very Sad – Crash and the Boys (Broken Social Scene)
  7. We Hate You Please Die - Crash and the Boys (Broken Social Scene)
  8. Garbage Truck – SEX BOB-OMB (Beck)
  9. Teenage Dream - T. Rex 
  10. Sleazy Bed Track - The Bluetones 
  11. It’s Getting Boring By The Sea - Blood Red Shoes 
  12. Black Sheep - Metric 
  13. Threshold – SEX BOB-OMB (Beck)
  14. Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl - Broken Social Scene 
  15. Under My Thumb - The Rolling Stones 
  16. Ramona (Acoustic) - Beck 
  17. Ramona - Beck 
  18. Summertime – SEX BOB-OMB (Beck)
  19. Threshold 8 bit - Brian LeBarton
Source: Bob Merlis

Watson Twins hitting Minnesota State Fair with Brandi Carlile



The Watson Twins : August Tour
03 - San Francisco, CA - Café Du Nord - w/Ferraby Lionheart
05 - Portland, OR - Lola's - w/Ferraby Lionheart
07 - Seattle, WA - The Triple Door - w/Ferraby Lionheart
08 - Spokane, WA -The Seaside - w/Ferraby Lionheart
10 - Salt Lake City, UT - State Room - w/Ferraby Lionheart
12 - Denver, CO - The Walnut Room - w/Ferraby Lionheart
13 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Loft - w/Ferraby Lionheart
14 - Fort Collins, CO - Everyday Joe's Coffee House - w/Ferraby Lionheart
16 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room - w/Ferraby Lionheart
17 - Kansas City, MO - Crosstown Station - w/Ferraby Lionheart
19 - Evanston, IL - Space - w/Ferraby Lionheart
21 - Bayfield, WI - Big Top Chautauqua - w/Brandi Carlile
22 - Fish Creek, WI - Door Community Auditorium - w/Brandi Carlile
24 - Interlochen, MI - Interlochen Cen ter For The Arts - w/Brandi Carlile
25 - Grand Rapids, MI - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - w/Brandi Carlile
27 - Ames, IA - Ames City Auditorium - w/Brandi Carlile
28 - Fargo, ND - Fargo Theater - w/Brandi Carlile
29 - St. Paul, MN - Minnesota State Fair - w/Brandi Carlile

In other news...




  

    

    

    

    

    

  




Source: Watson Twins

King Khan going to teach Minneapolis and Madison how to dance


KING KHAN AND THE SHRINES TO EMBARK ON NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

SOUL-PSYCHEDELIC-GARAGE LEGENDS TO TEACH MIDWEST AND NORTHEAST TO DANCE IN TWO WEEKS OR LESS


King Khan, master of his domain, as well as any and all domains related to the cross-section of ear bending psychedelia, scorched rubber garage, and love potion dripping soul, is poised for another assault on American shores this October. Following this past Spring's celebrated "Comeback Tour", which culminated in a fire hazardous performance at Coachella, the master performer detected that the corners of the US left untouched by the former outing were in dire need of a dose of his mystical medicine. Now would be a good time to start polishing your dancing shoes.


PRESS ON KING KHAN AND THE SHRINES' COACHELLA APPEARANCE

"WIN: Khan and the Shrines, who turned their afternoon slot into a bouncing party, aided by the kind of funk everyone was expecting from Sly's backing band later in the day." - LA WEEKLY

"A horn-blazing rock 'n' roll rave-up."- SPIN .COM



Tour dates:
SUN 10/3                       ST. LOUIS, MO                      2720 Cherokee
MON 10/4                      MINNEAPOLIS, MN               Triple Rock Social Club
TUE 10/5                       MADISON, WI                        Annxex
WED 10/6                      CHICAGO, IL                         Bottom Lounge
FRI 10/8                         TORONTO, ON                      Lee's Palace
SAT 10/9                        MONTREAL, QC                    Cabaret Mile End
TUE 10/12                      PROVIDENCE, RI                  The Met
WED 10/13                     BOSTON, MA                          Royale
FRI 10/15                        NEW YORK, NY                     Santo's Party House
SAT 10/16                       BROOKLYN, NY                     Bell House



Source: Biz3

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Best damn cartoon band (ever) coming to Target Center


GORILLAZ WORLD TOUR TO KICK OFF OCTOBER 3 IN NORTH AMERICA

THREE MONTH "ESCAPE TO PLASTIC BEACH" GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO INCLUDE FIRST EVER MADISON SQUARE GARDEN HEADLINE 

Plastic Beach #1 in NPR's Mid-Year Best Music of 2010 So Far Listeners' Poll New and Exclusive Video Material Live Now at Gorillaz Official Hulu Channelhttp://www.hulu.com/gorillaz  

July 27, 2010 - On the heels of a mind blowing run of European festivals, Gorillaz have announced the complete tour routing for the North American leg of their highly anticipated world tour "Escape To Plastic Beach."   The North American tour will begin in Canada at Montreal's Bell Centre on October 3rd with a 19 date stretch winding up on November 3rd at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

Tickets go on sale to the public in select markets beginning August 6th at LiveNation.com.  Gorillaz fanclub, the Sub-Division, will benefit from a 48 hour exclusive pre-sale prior to tickets going on general sale. To join Sub-Division go to www.gorillaz.com/subdivision.  Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, August 4th at 10 am local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visitwww.citiprivatepass.com  

The U.S. and Canada dates, promoted by Live Nation, will be followed by a series of ten shows across Europe and the UK, as well as, seven shows across Australia and Asia.

Gorillaz co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett's new live experience encompassing material from all three multi-platinum Gorillaz albums played its first ever show at this April's Coachella festival, absolutely slaying a crowd of 70,000 in the final headline slot of the weekend. Featuring Albarn, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash, Bobby Womack, Little Dragon, Bootie Brown, UK Hip Hop stars Kano and Bashy and others as well as video animation, artwork, film and stage design by Hewlett, Gorillaz have since played in front of more than 400,000 fans headlining Glastonbury, Roskilde in Denmark and Benicassim Festival in Spain and will soon become the first Western band of their magnitude to play in Syria when they play the ancient Citadel in Damascus on July 25th following a headline slot at Byblos Festival, in Beirut, Lebanon.

Universal raves for the current Gorillaz live band have included the following: 

"The guest appearances from Bobby Womack, De La Soul, the Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon, and more were all real. Not that Albarn really needed any help commanding attention. He sang with real soul and exhibited boundless energy... This, ladies and gentlemen, was pop spectacle done right."--ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY 

"The evolving band-art project -- that originally began as a partnership between Blur's Damon Albarn and comics artist Jamie Hewlett -- was at its most expansive at Coachella. Albarn acted as a composer and a conjurer, directing a mini symphony and waving his arms to inspire flashes of synthesized and electronic sounds. The Gorillaz -- aided by Mick Jones and Paul Simonon, anchors of what was once one of England's most ambitious bands, the Clash -- were, in many ways, the most perfect of Coachella bands."--LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Gorillaz, the multi-media music project helmed by former Blur front man Damon Albarn and Tank Girl co-creator Jamie Hewlett, is the most intriguing, and perhaps one of the most important, music groups to emerge from the '00s. Nowhere was that more obvious than Sunday night at Coachella, when Gorillaz sucked the crowd from virtually every other portion of Empire Polo Field for a rousing conclusion to the festival."--LA WEEKLY

On the heels of the recently released third Gorillaz album Plastic Beach being  voted #1 album of 2010 thus far in NPR's listeners poll, and first single/video "Stylo" setting the record for the most successful YouTube Music Tuesday premiere ever, Gorillaz have followed up with an epic clip for "On Melancholy Hill." The narrative reveals the whereabouts of Gorillaz guitar slinger Noodle, making her first appearance since her apparent demise in the "El Manana" video that capped the 2005-2006 Demon Days campaign, and drummer Russel Hobbs, returning from MIA status transformed into a giant. "On Melancholy Hill" also picks up immediately following  the conclusion of the white knuckle chase captured in "Stylo," with Noodle's Cyborg doppelganger, Murdoc and vocalist 2D headed to Plastic Beach by way of an undersea odyssey featuring cameos from Lou Reed, Snoop Dogg, Simonon and Jones, De La Soul and more. The full back story of the various Gorillaz misadventures filling the gap between Demon Days and Plastic Beach, the discovery of Point Nemo and construction of Murdoc's new HQ, the formation of the current Gorillaz live band and more are chronicled in Journey To Plastic Beach http://www.hulu.com/watch/158164/gorillaz-journey-to-plastic-beach#s-p1-sr-i0. Journey To Plastic Beach recently debuted alongside "Feel Good Inc.," "DARE," "Clint Eastwood" and other visual essentials from the extensive Gorillaz videography at the band's recently christened Hulu channel at http://www.hulu.com/gorillaz  

Plastic Beach was released March 9 in the U.S. on EMI's Virgin Records. It immediately set two career landmarks, selling more than 112,000 copies in its first week and entering the U.S. album chart at #2. Both career highs, the sales number and chart position bested those of 2005's double-platinum Demon Days, which sold 107,000 in its debut week, entering the chart at #6.

Gorillaz a/k/a Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Noodle and Russel Hobbs were co-created by  Albarn and Hewlett over ten years ago, and unleashed on  the world with their self-titled 2001 debut album, which has sold nearly two  million copies in the U.S. The band's 2005 follow up, Demon Days, featured the  Best Pop Collaboration with Vocal Grammy winner "Feel Good Inc." and sold in excess of two million copies in America. 

For further developments in the ongoing Gorillaz saga, check  back hourly at the all newhttp://gorillaz.com, follow the  band's own Murdoc Niccals atwww.twitter.com/murdocgorillaz, or check out the Gorillaz YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/gorillaz 

GORILLAZ ESCAPE TO PLASTIC BEACH WORLD TOUR 2010
NORTH AMERICAN ITINERARY  

October 3 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre - On sale August 14
October 5 - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theatre - On sale August 13
October 6 - Boston, MA - Agganis Arena - On sale August 6
October 8 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden - On sale August 6
October 10 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center - On sale August 6
October 11 - Washington, DC - Patriot Center - On sale August 13
October 13 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre - On sale August 6
October 14 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre - On sale August 13
October 16 - Chicago, IL - UIC Pavilion - On sale August 27
October 17 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center - On sale August 13
October 19 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center - On sale August 6
October 20 - Dallas, TX - Verizon Theatre - On sale August 13
October 22 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center - On sale August 13
October 24 - Denver, CO - Wells Fargo Theatre - On sale August 13
October 26 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre - On sale August 6
October 27 - Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre - On sale August 6
October 30 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena - On sale soon

November 2 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena - On sale August 20
November 3 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena - On sale August 13

Itinerary subject to change. For complete tour and ticket information visit:  http://www.gorillaz.com  

For complete tour and ticket information, visit:  Gorillaz.com and LiveNation.com

~Information courtesy Nasty Little Man

Monday, July 26, 2010

Twilight Singers' Greg Dulli tours solo for the first time ever

GREG DULLI TO EMBARK ON FIRST EVER SOLO TOUR

 ‘An Evening With Greg Dulli’
29-City Acoustic Tour Makes Stops In Five Countries

Dulli To Debut Several New Twilight Singers Songs In Concert
New Twilight Singers Album Out On Sub Pop In Early 2011
Seattle, WA – For the first time in his career, Greg Dulli will embark on a solo tour which will see him make stops in five different countries for a total of 29 shows. Beginning in New Orleans on October 8th, ‘An Evening With Greg Dulli’ will feature Greg along with long-time Twilight Singers guitarist Dave Rosser and multi-instrumentalist Rick Nelson (Polyphonic Spree) performing a stripped down set.  Dulli will lead his band through a wide selection of songs encompassing his entire career.  ‘An Evening With Greg Dulli’ will be a limited run tour with only fourteen US shows along with stops in Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Belgium.  Dates and on sale information provided below.

These shows will also mark the debut of several brand new songs from the forthcoming Twilight Singers album scheduled for release on Sub Pop Records in early 2011. The new Twilight Singers album will be the first release from the group in five years. More details on the new album will be announced later this year.

Greg Dulli began his musical career as the frontman and guitarist for the pioneering band The Afghan Whigs in 1987. The band was praised by critics and fans alike, releasing six studio albums before disbanding in the late 90’s. Dulli went on to form The Twilight Singers, known for their indie, soul and electronic sound.  The Twilight Singers have released four albums including the critically lauded Blackberry Belle & Powder Burns (One Little Indian) in 2003 & 2006 respectively.  In 2008, Dulli collaborated with close friend Mark Lanegan to form The Gutter Twins. Their debut release, Saturnalia (Sub Pop), was chosen by SPIN as one of the top albums of 2008.

‘AN EVENING WITH GREG DULLI’ TOUR DATES
Tickets for all shows will go on sale later this week.  Check www.thetwilightsingers.com for the most up to date information on where to purchase tickets.

OCTOBER
08 New Orleans LA- DBA
12 Nashville TN - Mercy Lounge 

13 Cincinnati OH - 20th Century Theatre
14 Chicago IL - Double Door 

15 Detroit MI - Magic Stick
16 Cleveland OH - Grog Shop
18 Cambridge MA - Brattle Theatre 

19 New York NY - Bowery Ballroom
20 Philadelphia PA - Johnny Brenda’s
22 Pittsburgh PA - Brillobox
23 Baltimore MD - Ottobar 

27 IRELAND DUBLIN – Whelan’s     

28 IRELAND BELFAST - Spring & Airbrake 

29 IRELAND GALWAY - Roisin Dubh  

30 IRELAND CORK - Cyprus Avenue

NOVEMBER

02 PORTUGAL  LISBON - Santiago Alquimista
03 PORTUGAL  PORTO - Hard Club   
04 SPAIN   VIGO - Teatro Salesianos   

05 SPAIN   MADRID - Charada   

06 SPAIN   MONDRAGON - Kulturate  

07 SPAIN   ZARAGOZA - Lopez  
09 SPAIN   SEVILLA - Teatro Central
10 SPAIN   BARCELONA - Sidecar   
11 SPAIN   PALMA - Teatre Lloseta
13 BELGIUM  ANTWERP - Trix                            
16 Los Angeles CA - Troubadour
17 San Francisco CA - Café Du Nord 

18 Seattle WA - Crocodile Café 
20 Portland OR - Doug Fir Lounge

For More Information Contact:
Kate Jackson – Sub Pop Records - katej@subpop.com
Bekah Zietz - Sub Pop Records - bekahz@subpop.com

Or Visit:
www.thetwilightsingers.com
www.subpop.com

~Information courtesy Sub Pop

Friday, July 23, 2010

Mix Tape Appreciation Society No. 2 :: RED-LETTER READERS OF THE GOOD NEWS


Here lies a mix tape. Plays its contents at maximum volume.


Recorded for The Onion/A.V. Club's Undercover series. The accompanying introduction: When Motion City Soundtrack agreed to participate in A.V. Undercover, we assumed they'd pop-punkify Pavement's "Cut Your Hair" with energetic abandon. But they went a different (and awesome) route, gathering five acoustic guitars for a five-man acoustical jam of Tesla-like proportions. Stick around for the "no big hair" line! 

2. Blitzen Trapper - "Laughing Lover"
It may be a tad childish to have a favorite song, but ... move over, "Baba O'Riley"! This song literally gives me chills.

Somewhere between the instant appeal of Rusted Root and the indie cred of Fol Chen lies this very lovely group.

I know everybody is doing this these days, but it's still pretty cool: Stars is letting fans remix some song "stems" (get 'em here) and having them upload the results to the group's website so other fans can check them out. Who knows, maybe the next Owl City will be found this way.

As far as honesty goes, this track's right up there: "I don't know how to fix the world / I don't know how to fix myself / Seems like we both need some love / Seems like we both need some help."

Rap groups don't get much bigger than the Weathermen. This hip-hop Traveling Wilburys features the talents of Aesop Rock, El-P and Cage.

To get another taste of this hot new track, head over to RCRDLBL.com, where they've got a free remix of it by Yip Deceiver for your downloading pleasure.

8. Fort Minor - "The Battle"
A quick little intro before ...

9. Ke$ha - "Dinosaur"
... one of the funniest Bangles-referencing club hits to come to prominence in the post-Gaga pop world.

Recorded for Levi's Pioneer Sessions/Revival Recordings series. From the accompanying introduction: Passion Pit's Michael Angelakos says he was listening to a lot of “softer rock” when he first heard the sweeping Smashing Pumpkins song “Tonight, Tonight,” which was a Top 40 hit for the guitar-driven band in 1996. ... Passion Pit’s re-crafting of the song strips away some of the ambitious bombast, losing the strings but none of the business. Angelakos’ high voice fits comfortably with Corgan’s lyrics, but instead of a piece of grandiose rock, he’s instead created a synthy underwater symphony.

11. The Killers - "For Reasons Unknown"
From a random "review" of this song at Sing365.com (don't ask...): "God, this song is so freaking good, it is just amazing what songs like this can do to your mind. I could just listen to this song all day and all night. I hope the killers keep on rocking, 'cuz it'd be a shame if they didn't."


And, no, its author, Diana, is not actually code for Matthew R. Perrine.

12. Pavement - "Cataracts"
A must-have outtake from the group's 1996 album, "Brighten the Corners." And, thanks to Matador's dedicated series of deluxe Pavement reissues, you can now have this song if you get the "Nicene Creedence" edition of "BTC." Great stuff.

13. Yo La Tengo - "Stockholm Syndrome"
From the nearly flawless "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" record.

If you don't know the story behind the "lost" Toadies album "Feeler," which was only recently re-recorded and released by the group, I highly suggest you read one of the numerous accounts online ... like this one.

15. Sparkplug - "Feet Back on the Ground"
Definitely not to be confused with the Sparklplugs. Holy hell....

16. Spazzys - "Hey Hey Baby"
Likewise, not to be confused with the not-as-appealing "Hey Baby"....

17. Spookey Ruben - "U Don't Know What You're Missing"
You really don't. I've always felt that Canadian wunderkind Spookey Ruben, whom I recently interviewed for the Budgeteer, is one of the music world's best-kept secrets.

18. Nathan Beaver - "Someone Else"
Not since Dwight Yoakam have I so enjoyed anything with such strong C&W overtones. This Atlanta native definitely knows what good music with mass appeal sounds like.

19. Trampled by Turtles - "Bloodshot Eyes" (Live at Paste)
Instead of telling you what already know -- as in, this is one bandwagon you need to be jumping on (besides, my feature on "Banjo Dave" Carroll probably already alluded to my feelings on the matter...) -- I'm just going to let this clip from Paste speak for itself:



20. Bette & Wallet - "Family Photo"
This DIY, back-to-basics folk duo from Canada features Mary Beth (Bette) Carty of the Johnson Sisters and Gabriel F. (Wallet) Ouellette of Les Queteux (The Beggars). 

21. Superchunk - "Digging for Something"
Despite sporting a tried-and-true sound, it's still worth your time because, well, it's from the first Superchunk album in nine years.

From the soundtrack to Chris Malloy's surf documentary "180 Degrees South." (Man, what's with Seattle groups and oceans lately?)

23. Brad - "Runnin' for Cover"
It's been too long, Brad, it really has. (In fact, just yesterday I was rocking out to "La, La, La" -- which, as reported here earlier, used to be known as "Be with Me.") I can't wait to hear the rest of "Best Friends?"




Even though he hasn't had a regular radio gig since he was the program manager at Thunder Web Radio (now KDSU) in Fargo, Budgeteer editor Matthew R. Perrine likes to make mix tapes like he's going to play them on the air someday. This here Mix Tape Appreciation Society is a continuation of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul." Enjoy!

Atmosphere's new tour will kick off in...

ATMOSPHERE ANNOUNCE DATES:  TO ALL MY FRIENDS TOUR
BLUEPRINT, GRIEVES, BUDO, AND DJ RARE GROOVE JOIN IN ON THE FUN

Atmosphere, the most prolific group in independent rap, has announced plans to tour the US with Rhymesayers label-mates Blueprint, Grieves & Budo, and DJ Rare Groove. The tour, which stretches 23 performances across the month of September into the beginning of October, will stoke anticipation for Blueprint's upcoming release while introducing audiences to recent signees Grieves & Budo, who are also slated to release an album in the near future.

Since it's inception in 1995, Rhymesayers Entertainment has fostered one of the most inventive and organic musical communities in the country. Atmosphere formed in 1995 when a mutual friend introduced Sean Daley, who MCs as Slug, to producer Ant. The two set to work and have since built an inland empire, selling hundreds of thousands of records independently and forging a new model for the post-millennial music business. Relentless tour schedules across five continents have gained them notoriety in industry circles and have proven to be their most effective promotional asset.

An Atmosphere show is a passionate, whole-hearted immersion into hip-hop idealism that's complimented by a full live band. Slug is known to deliver lyrics with unbridled energy over deafening drums, alternately emoting over lost love and calling out those that would detract him for doing so. Blueprint is a welcome companion for this tour, armed with a bevy of new material that's certain to expose audiences to an unfamiliar facet of his character. Grieves & Budo, with the last three years spent on the road and their recent appearances at SXSW, Soundset, and Bamboozle, round out the bill.

"This Minneapolis indie rap hero [Slug] has potential to spare, delivering taut, complex rhyme narratives with everyman earnestness." - Rolling Stone

"Print's fresh take on the relatively common ghetto life theme is a powerful example of his wordplay capabilities." - Pitchfork

"Grieves's disarming charisma and flow float his signature new-jack emo swag: self-image, self-abuse, relationships, family-it's all there, just far better executed than the hordes of bedroom MCs/producers who pose as fans these days." - The Stranger




ATMOSPHERE TO ALL MY FRIENDS TOUR DATES:

9.08- Madison, WI        Orpheum Theatre
9.09- Milwaukee, WI        Riverside Theater
9.10- Indianapolis, IN        The Vogue Theatre (with Mudkids) *
9.11- Covington, KY        Madison Theater
9.12- Grand Rapids, MI    Intersection
9.15- Bozeman, MT        Gallatin County Fairgrounds
9.16- Missoula, MT        Wilma Theater
9.17- Missoula, MT        Wilma Theater
9.18- Spokane, WA        Knitting Factory
9.20- Boise, ID               Knitting Factory
9.21- Bend, OR               Midtown Ballroom
9.22- Eugene, OR         McDonald Theater
9.24- Chico, CA             Senator Theatre
9.25- Reno, NV              Knitting Factory
9.27- Arcata, CA             Arcata Community Center
9.28- Sacramento, CA     Sacramento State Union Ballroom
9.29- Santa Cruz, CA        Catalyst
10.01- Las Vegas, NV        House of Blues
10.02- Salt Lake City, UT    In The Venue
10.04- Rapid City, SD        Dublin Square
10.05- Sioux Falls, SD       Sioux Empire Expo Building
10.06- Des Moines, IA       People's Court
10.07- Chicago, IL             Congress Theater


* Grieves & Budo not performing


ATMOSPHERE MYSPACE
http://www.myspace.com/atmosphere

BLUEPRINT MYSPACE
http://www.myspace.com/blueprint

GRIEVES & BUDO MYSPACE
http://www.myspace.com/grieves

RHYMESAYERS
http://www.rhymesayers.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Top 5 Reasons an artist or band should ditch the label

These arguments are brought to us courtesy of likeZEBRA; I found them quite intriguing, so I thought I'd share them with you:

1.       Competition for Attention- Music artists are already forced to compete for the attention and interest of fans; they shouldn't have to compete for that attention within their own record label. Labels divvy up their focus between multiple signed artists.  Whereas an artist may be giving 100% to developing their music career, a label can only allocate a fraction.

2.       Quantity over Quality- A record label's main concern is the monetary return on their investment, but  an artist's main passion is the quality of the music being produced.  Conflicting core values between labels and artists unnecessarily inhibit the creativity and uniqueness of the artists' music.

3.       Taxation without Representation- Labels take a cut of the money earned by artists for performing tasks that the artists could actually do themselves with the right access to resources and guidance.  Web sites such as likeZEBRA.com offer recording and promotional tools to get the music directly out to an audience without being an expensive middle man. 

4.       Out of Touch- Labels have a toxic fixation on record sales. This is an anomaly in today's low record-selling music industry.  With the easy access to cheap or free music online, labels are rapidly losing their relevance for turning their focus more towards the importance of live performances.  Even major bands like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails addressed their labels' irrelevance by selling recent albums directly to fans online.

5.       Trade-Offs of Contracts- What does an artist really get in return for signing with a label? Lack of creative control? A portion of their own paychecks? Restrictions and inflexible deadlines? Binding obligations to labels leave much to be desired when artists can now rely on themselves to get their music produced, promoted and purchased.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Greg Laswell e-mail 'scandal'

Because I have nothing better to report on today, I found this two-part e-mail "series" quite entertaining.


From July 12 (see it for yourself here):


Hi,
I started my 2nd tour in support of my new record Take a Bow. This one is special for several reasons, one of which is that it is a co-headline tour with one of my dearest friends Cary Brothers. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to LA years ago and we've been threatening to tour together ever since. Well here we are. It's a much different tour than the one we first conceived in our wilder days, giving a true and personal connection to the Hank Williams Jr. song, "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down." I'll spare you (and myself) with details but I will say that it's nice to grow up.... and still get to play music, and to do it with a friend. Opening up the show is Harper Blynn, also very dear friends of mine and among the very first people I met before moving to New York. So in a way, this tour could be called "East West Tour" and I'm the damn bridge. I digress, which usually happens when I am busy thinking of new ways to give myself credit. The show itself is really fun. We are all friends off stage and the guys in Harper Blynn are acting as the house band playing with both Cary and I after their set. It will be my first time in many of the cities we are going to on this tour so I'm a little anxious but f-word it.... I can already tell that it will be a tour I will never ever forget, regardless of how many people come to the shows. If we are coming to your city, say hello afterwards and I hope you enjoy the show! (And if you can't say hello in person, Cary and I will be doing a live [joint] chat on Justin.TV on Tuesday, July 20th at 3pm EST/noon PST. Mark your calendars.)

In Christ's love and undying mercy, for I am but an injured fawn in the strong arms of my gentle Shepard,
GL

PS Cary is a dick.
PSS I was totally kidding about that Christ shit.
PSSS I love your bodies.
PSSSS You can buy my new record on Amazon.com for 5 dollars this month.



... And here's what the singer/songwriter just sent out (see it for yourself here):


Hi,
I received a message from someone who was offended by my last email. She felt I was targeting Christians and making fun of their beliefs. It is certainly not my intention to offend ANYONE and if I have, please accept my sincerest apologies.

GL



I actually found the first e-mail to be refreshingly candid. Perhaps I'm not sensitive enough for today's America....

New, FREE Vaselines!


  

    

    

    

    

    

  

Like indie rock? Wausau, Wis., will be the place to be Aug. 13-14 ... believe it or not


Man, what's with the Wisconsin "Outback" getting such cool shows of late? The Hold Steady and the Whigs recently played the LCO Casino in Hayward, and now this:

First-of-its-Kind Indie Music Festival in Wausau in mid-August
Tickets Go on Sale for Two-day Event

WAUSAU, Wis. (July 14, 2010) – The hills will be alive and rockin’ to the sounds of indie music for two solid days this August 13 and 14th for the “Why Not Wausau?” Music Festival. 

Nine up-and-coming bands -- the crème of the crop in indie music from the Midwest -- will perform in Wausau Aug. 13-14 -- this first-of-its-kind event in the area.  The music festival will be held in downtown Wausau on Friday, Aug. 13, and at Granite Peak Ski Area on Saturday, Aug. 14. 

Gerald Mortensen, festival organizer said “This is going to be a beautiful experience.  The music festival venues showcase the city as a destination for both its beauty and artistic flavor and Granite Peak, at the foot of Rib Mountain, is a natural amphitheater and a gorgeous backdrop for a concert”.


Bands performing at the inaugural festival include Communist Daughter and Farewell Milwaukee, both hailing from Minneapolis, and Madison headliners, Steez andBlueheels.  Eau Claire’s The Daredevil Christopher Wright (a one-time Bon Iver headliner) and Milwaukee’s .357 String Band, which recently completed a national tour, also join the lineup.

“I grew up two blocks from Granite Peak, and I’ve always thought it would make an amazing spot for a music festival, so it’s a thrill that it’s become a reality, and even more amazing that I get to perform there.” said Adam Switlick, bass player and vocalist for Communist Daughter, which recently won Best Band of the Twin Cities on Metromix.com.

The Friday night, Aug. 13 event on the city’s downtown square is free and open to the public.  Tickets for the Saturday, Aug. 14 event on Granite Peak are $15 in advance or $20 onsite at the day of the event.

Tickets are available online at www.WhyNotWausau.com

Lots of additional information is available on the Facebook page for Why Not Wausau?  www.facebook.com/WhyNotWausau

A list of just some of the amazing musicians scheduled to perform include:

Keyboard King of Creepfunk, Matt Williams of Steez.


Robby Schiller, the quirky-Americana frontman of Blueheels.


.357 String Band, with tatted and bearded frontman Derek Dunn.


The eccentric brothers, Jon and Jason Sunde, of The Daredevil Christopher Wright.


Lead singer Johnny Solomon, and Wausau-native/bass player Adam Switlick from Communist Daughter.


Beauty, brains, and talent; Jessica Risker, leading lady of Absinthe & the Dirty Floors.


~Information courtesy Flapjack Creative

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Mix Tape Appreciation Society No. 1 :: PATTON WAS ONTO SOMETHING WITH J.O.T.IF.


Yes, this is a mix tape. Play at maximum volume.



1. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals - "Less"
Even though it's my job, I tend to agree with these words of wisdom from Mr. Harper: "Sometimes I think to talk too much about music almost cheapens it." Indeed, less is best.

2. Pearl Jam - "Glorified G"
Little-known piece of PJ trivia: The group's life-altering "Vs." album was originally called "Five Against One." In fact, some cassette versions of the album actually have that title printed on them.

3. Pilate/Pilot Speed - "Barely Listening"
Talk about confusing: Pilot Speed, a Canadian group formerly known as Pilate, released this song on an album called "Sell Control for Life's Speed," which, of course, was given a completely different name once it was re-released in America, "Into the West." Is your head spinning yet?

4. Refused - "Voodoo People" [Prodigy cover]
Refused is dead. And Refused is staying dead.

5. Smashing Pumpkins - "Whir"
I got in trouble once with some SP diehards because I said "Pisces Iscariot" was my favorite album by the group? They got mad because it's really just an odds 'n' sods collections of "Siamese Dream" outtakes (like this one) and B-sides, but, really, as far as overall coolness factor goes, it's way up there as a whole. (Check out the album's cassette cover art if you doubt me.)

6. Musical Charis - "Baby Blue"
I don't know if the following was penned by a member of Musical Charis, but the group's PR push sold me on this song: "... Toasty male/female harmonies coo 'Goodbye Baby Blue, our record spins for you.'" I didn't think the word "toasty" would ever be reclaimed from "Mortal Kombat."

7. The Bird and the Bee - "Heard it on the Radio"
One critic of the Bird and the Bee's new(ish) tribute to Hall and Oates, the appropriately titled "Interpreting the Masters, Vol 1," posited that the duo of Greg Kurstin and Inara George is trying to hard to become Daryl Hall and John Oates. I can see where they're coming from -- I actually thought this was a Hall and Oates cover the first dozen times I listened to it -- but, on the other hand, with results this spectacular, who cares?

8. Jessica Beach - "The World (You'll Grow)"
Fun fact: Jessica used to dress up as singer Laurie Anderson for Halloween. Even funner (I know, I know...) fact: I once went as Hank Williams Jr. I have proof!

9. Chad VanGaalen - "Bare Feet on Wet Griptape"
I like what his record label had to say about this track's parent album, "Soft Airplane": "The songs trace stories of birth and death ... and cocoon the listener in a distinctive and unique world."

In other words, this is one talented singer/songwriter you need in your record collection.

10. The Minus 5 with Wilco - "Retrieval of You"
When you're cruising around in your car on a set-to-boil summer evening, let all your windows hang down, crank this up and just enjoy life. This season may suck at times, but not when this song is involved.

11. Foxboro Hot Tubs - "Broadway"
As much as Green Day bothers me sometimes, their "secret" side projects (this and the equally enthralling electropunk group the Network) help me pretend their hate for our great nation is just a show they put on for the kiddies.

12. XTC - "Easter Theatre"
Yes, pretty is the name of the game here, and at least half of your friends, no matter how much they truly love homosexuals, will probably deride it as *ahem* "super gay." But you won't care; this XTC gem, like all the others they've come up with, is an expertly crafted pop song. Dig in and adore it in all of its splendor.

13. Gomo - "I Wonder"
When you think of Portugal, what artists come to mind? None? That's all I could come up with too. But then I discovered Gomo on some random compilation. This gently rocking, English-speaking gent will forever change your outlook on that country's musical output.

14. Paul McCartney - "About You"
I have long considered Paul to be my third-favorite Beatle, but I'm quickly realizing his approach to making music isn't all that bad. (And, believe it or not, No. 4, Ringo, has also been getting some long-deserved appreciation around my record room.)

15. Waking Lights - "Ice Cream and Vicodin"
Hailing from Northern, N.J., this expansive outfit (seven members and counting...) sounds like an arresting cross between Cloud Cult and Shelter Belt -- though I can't imagine splitting the night's earnings will keep them together for too long.

16. Mudmen - "Saint with Broken Arms"
While "rock with bagpipes" is becoming less of a novelty these days, this Toronto group is worth at least a spin or two.

If you only have the time and/or patience to follow up on one link this week, please let it be this one. This is an essential recording. Not since Brandtson's "Earthquake and Sharks" has an unfairly ignored group so burrowed itself into my narrow little mind.

18. Avenpitch - "Walrus Teeth"
Hey, look, Avenpitch's website currently features a review of mine next to one from my old NDSU Spectrum comrade John Hansen!

19. Black Grape - "Kelly's Heroes"
For whatever reason, I can't shake thoughts of "Hogan's Heroes" when I see this title; which, in turn, gets me to thinking about how utterly disturbing "Auto Focus" was. And you know what? This bouncy little number doesn't deserve that ... sorry I brought it up.

20. Galactic feat. Gift of Gab - "The Corner"
This is terrific, but it reminds me of a very simple truth: The world needs more rap groups like Blackalicious. Oh and, as long as I'm at it, more record from Blackalicious.

21. Lightning Seeds - "(I'd Go the) Whole Wide World" [Wreckless Eric cover]
Interesting fact: This impossible-to-hate track has also been covered by the Monkees, the Proclaimers and Laptop.

22. Jeff Litman - "It Wasn't Me"
If you like what you hear above (or here), read this Minneapolis-raised NYC songwriter's conversation with yours truly here.



Even though he hasn't had a regular radio gig since he was the program manager at Thunder Web Radio (now KDSU) in Fargo, Budgeteer editor Matthew R. Perrine likes to make mix tapes like he's going to play them on the air someday. This here Mix Tape Appreciation Society is a continuation of SHAKE*YOUR*SHORES, the awesome mix tape series formerly known as "Don't Tell a Soul." Enjoy!