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We're Moving...

2010-05-23T15:31:00.004-04:00

We're finally making the jump over to a properly hosted and laid-out blog. Please change your bookmarks, RSS feeds, and however else you keep track of us to:

www.extrawack.com.

See you over there!

Thao & Dianna Agron From "Glee" Debut New Video for Oxfam America

2010-05-22T17:41:00.005-04:00

Dianna Agron (Quinn from Fox's Glee) recently shot a video for our friends Thao with the Get Down Stay Down's song "Body", which debuted exclusively on the Oxfam America website.

As Thao explains:

“Last winter, Dianna contacted me to see about directing her first music video for my band. I so readily agreed, the internet could not deliver my consent fast enough. We met one day on Skype while I was on tour in Europe and Dianna was on set. "Body" (from the band's latest record Know Better Learn Faster) was shot on Valentine's Day on Dianna's bed.

Dianna and I offered the exclusive premiere to Oxfam America in hopes of directing traffic to Oxfam's site and encouraging action to support Oxfam's efforts, particularly on behalf of the world's poorest, who are hit hardest by the effects of climate change.”

The video also features a candid (and funny) three-minute spoken introduction from Dianna and Thao, giving fans some insight into their friendship, Thao’s work with Oxfam, and how the video came to be.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - "Know Better Learn Faster" mp3

Take Action with Oxfam America! Tell your Senators: The hardest hit communities can’t wait another decade!

Take to the high seas with The Dead Weather in NYC Monday night!

2010-05-09T19:48:00.005-04:00

Jack White's always reminded me of a pirate character, so it's kind of fitting that our friends at FILTER are throwing a listening party for the new album from The Dead Weather, "Sea Of Cowards" on a Hudson River cruise boat Monday night:

RSVP here.

Learn how to Tweet to get a free mp3 from the new album here.

Caribou on tour with Toro Y Moi

2010-05-08T09:48:00.004-04:00

I love this double bill! At first they might seem very different, but when you think about it, the echoey trance-like softness of Toro Y Moi and the more earthy, rhythm-driven flourishes of Caribou make a perfect juxtaposition. I saw both bands at the Middle East in Boston the other night and it was a (literally) hot, frenetic, noisy (two drummers for Caribou!), and joyous experience.

And there's a lot more of the tour left to come. Check them out on the dates below:

May 6th - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
May 7th - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
May 8th - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
May 9th - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
May 10th - Washington, D.C. @ Rock n Roll Hotel
May 11th - Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theatre
May 12th - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
May 13th - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
May 14th - Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
May 15th - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
May 16th - Austin, TX @ Emo's Alternative Lounge Outside
May 18th - Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
May 19th - Los Angeles, CA @ The El Rey Theatre
May 20th - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
May 21st - Mexico City, MX @ Teatro Fru Fru
May 22nd - Monterrey, MX @ Escenica
May 23rd - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 24th - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 26th - Portland, OR @ The Hawthorne Theater
May 27th - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
May 28th - Victoria, BC @ Sugar
May 29th - Vancouver, BC @ The Rickshaw Theatre
May 31st - Calgary, AB @ The Republik
June 1st - Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
June 2nd - Saskatoon, SK @ Amigos
June 3rd - Winnipeg, MB @ Royal Albert Arms
June 4th - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
June 5th - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
June 6th - Lawrence, KS @ The Granada Theatre
June 7th - St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
June 8th - Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
June 9th - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom

That same night, I picked up the 7 inch of Toro y Moi's dreamy "Blessa," which is probably one of my favorite songs of 2010 so far. Click here to download "Blessa" on MP3.

-- Anna K

New "Making Of" Video From Band Of Horses

2010-05-04T14:01:00.004-04:00

In advance of the May 18th release date of their new album Infinite Arms, Band of Horses have released this "Making Of" video, which gives a bit on insight into how the new work came together:

And get the the album's opener, "Factory" here, gratis:

Concrete Blonde Reunites and Tours

2010-04-30T20:10:00.004-04:00

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of their "Bloodletting" album, Concrete Blonde have announced they're reforming and hitting the road with a set list celebrating the album and their career. Released in 1990, Bloodletting spawned the top 20 hit “Joey,” as well as alt-radio staples “Tomorrow, Wendy”, “Caroline”, and “The Sky Is a Poisonous Garden”.

Lead singer Johnette Napolitano explains how the tour came about: “People started emailing me and calling me up and telling me that it was the twentieth anniversary of Bloodletting, which had “Joey” on it and was a big hit for us all over the world. My dad passed away recently and was a big fan of the band and it occurred to me that a twentieth anniversary’s only going to happen once and that my dad would have said that it’s a good idea and that we should do it. So we knocked it together and it looks like it’s going to be fun, doing twenty-year-old vampire songs should be fun.”

Beyond Bloodletting, the band is responsible for classic alternative songs including “Still in Hollywood”, “God is a Bullet”, and their iconic cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows”.

Here's where you can catch the tour:

6/8: Boston, MA @ Royal Boston
6/9: Fairfield, CT @ Stage One
6/10: New York, NY @ Webster Hall
6/11: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
6/12: Chicago, IL @ Vic
6/13: Detroit, MI @ Majestic
6/15: Washington, DC @ 930 Club
6/16: Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
6/17: New Orleans, LA @ Republic
6/18: Dallas, TX @ Granada
6/19: Austin, TX @ Emos
6/21: Denver, CO @ Arvada Center
6/22: Salt Lake City, UT @ Depot
6/24: Seattle, WA @ Showbox
6:25: Portland,OR @ Roseland
6/26: San Francisco, CA @ Regency
6/28: Hollywood, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater

Here's their cover of "Everybody Knows":

JJ: Seaside Sounds

2010-04-21T10:59:00.003-04:00

JJ no.3 actually came out last month, while winter was still lingering here in Boston. But as the sun re-emerges and the air warms with the promise of spring, I find myself listening to the Swedish duo’s third album more or less constantly—right now, their tropical-tinged, sample-inflected hazy pop songs just sound perfectly uplifting.

On “Let Go,” Elin Kastlander’s voice is as gentle as an ocean breeze and as gritty as sand—striking a perfect balance between sweetness and salty melancholy. When she sings, “Let go / let your skin show / that you’ve been in the sun today / let’s go / let your mind blow / all your sorrows away,” I’m ready to start making plans for my next beach vacation.

Download JJ’s “Let Go” on MP3 (sunscreen not included).

- Anna K

Patrick Watson Brings Distinctive Sound to US Tour

2010-04-10T11:25:00.010-04:00

Montreal musician/self-titled band Patrick Watson—whose clanking, clattering, crooning, unpredictable Wooden Arms was one of my favorite albums from 2009—are heading out on their first US tour for a long time. Catch Watson and his band at the dates below… but why no Boston, hmm, guys? Don't tell me I'm going to have to go all the way to NYC to get my fix.

Patrick Watson - 2010 Tour Dates
Apr 21 Rimouski @ Salle Desjardins-Telus Rimouski, Quebec #
Apr 22 Sept-Iles @ Salle de Spectacle Jean-Marc Dion Sept-Iles, Quebec #
Apr 23 Baie-Comeau @ Théâtre de Baie-Comeau Baie-Comeau, Quebec #
Apr 25 Québec @ L'Impérial de Québec Québec, Quebec #
May 04 Laval QC @ Église Sainte-Rose Laval, Quebec
May 06 Brooklyn NY @ Bell House Brooklyn %
May 07 New York NY @ 92YTribeca New York %
May 08 Washington DC @ Rock & Roll hotel Washington %
May 17 Chicago IL @ Schuba's Chicago
May 19 Denver CO @ Larimer Lounge Denver
May 22 Los Angeles CA @ Hotel Café Los Angeles
May 24 San Diego CA @ Casbah San Diego
May 26 San Francisco CA @ Café du Nord San Francisco
May 28 Portland OR @ Doug Fir Portland, Oregon *
May 29 Quincy WA @ Sasquatch Festival Quincy
# w/ Timber Timbre
% w/ Doveman
* w/ Laura Marling

And to get a feel for the band's distinctive sound, download the rain-spattered, string-haunted lament “Tracy's Waters” on MP3.

-- Anna K

New Album From The Futureheads in June, Get The Single Here Now.

2010-04-06T20:04:00.005-04:00

The Futureheads' fourth album, The Chaos, gets a US release on June 1 via Dovecote Records.

Here's the first single, a slice of the kind of punky-pop the band is best known for:

The Futureheads - "Struck Dumb" mp3

The Futureheads on Myspace
The Futureheads Official Website
The Futureheads Twitter

Cover Song Of The Week: Girl In A Coma - "Transmission"

2010-04-06T09:01:00.004-04:00

I have (and I'm sure you have too) heard Joy Division's "Transmission" covered about a hundred times, but I've never heard it quite like this. Watch Girl In A Coma take on this classic song live at Casbeers in San Antonio, Texas this past January.

Girl In A Coma's covers project, "Adventures In Coverland" is out next Tuesday on Joan Jett's Blackheart Records. They're

They start a tour with legends The Wedding Present this Sunday night, and continue on the road with Sia through May:

Apr 8, 2010 9:00 PM The Basement Nashville, TN
Apr 11, 2010 8:00 PM Bowery Ballroom w/The Wedding Present New York, NY
Apr 12, 2010 7:30 PM Middle East Downstairs w/The Wedding Present Cambridge, MA
Apr 14, 2010 8:30 PM Horseshoe Tavern w/The Wedding Present Toronto, ON
Apr 15, 2010 8:00 PM Pike Room w/The Wedding Present Pontiac, MI
Apr 16, 2010 8:00 PM Double Door w/The Wedding Present Chicago, IL
Apr 17, 2010 8:00 PM 400 Bar w/The Wedding Present Minneapolis, MN
Apr 20, 2010 8:00 PM The Biltmore Cabaret w/The Wedding Present Vancouver, BC
Apr 21, 2010 8:00 PM The Crocodile Cafe w/The Wedding Present Seattle, WA
Apr 22, 2010 8:00 PM Doug Fir w/The Wedding Present Portland, OR
Apr 25, 2010 7:00 PM Vic Theatre w/Sia Chicago, IL
Apr 26, 2010 7:30 PM St.Andrews Hall w/Sia Detroit, MI
Apr 30, 2010 8:00 PM Club Soda w/Sia Montreal, QC
May 1, 2010 6:30 PM House Of Blues w/Sia Boston, MA
May 2, 2010 7:30 PM Theatre of the Living Arts w/Sia Philadelphia, PA
May 4, 2010 7:30 PM 9:30 Club w/Sia Washington, DC
May 6, 2010 7:30 PM Terminal 5 w/Sia New York, NY

Girl in a Coma - "Clumsy Sky" mp3

Eastergaze with Serena-Maneesh and the Depreciation Guild

2010-04-05T14:10:00.007-04:00

Instead of hunting for eggs or using peeps to recreate 20th-century masterworks, I spent my Easter Sunday at TT the Bear’s, having my eardrums vibrated by the fuzz-drenched double bill of Serena-Maneesh and the Depreciation Guild .

The latter’s forthcoming Spirit Youth has already found a home on my spring playlist, especially songs like “Trace,” “My Chariot,” and the elated, giddy guitar-swirl of “Dream About Me.” Despite a slightly muddy live sound mix that buried Kurt Feldman’s soft vocals, the Depreciation Guild played a tight and energetic live set, with fluttery synths and tight drums sharpening the intensity of their blurred, noise-drenched sound.

Download The Depreciation Guild – "My Chariot" MP3

Meanwhile, headliners Serena-Maneesh started a little short-handed with the absence of core member Hilma—I have to admit I missed not only her distinctive stage presence, but also her whispery-soft vocals, which add a fascinating lightness to the band’s more abrasive moments. However, singer-guitarist Emile Nikolaisen more than made up for her absence, draped in a ragged blanket and shaking maracas frantically on new songs like the addictive “Ayisha-Abyss” from the newly released No:2: Abyss in B Minor. I picked up a vinyl copy after the show, and if it’s even half as awesome as their last, self-titled album, it will definitely be a worthwhile purchase.

The tour is almost over, alas, but if you move quickly you can catch both bands on these (non-religious-holiday) dates:

4.5 - Milford, CT @ Daniel Street
4.6 - Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
4.7 - Washington, DC @ DC9
4.8 - New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge

-- Anna K

The Besnard Lakes Tour US, Make the Sound of Dreams

2010-04-03T08:16:00.006-04:00

Last night I dreamed about watching the Besnard Lakes perform a live concert in a giant underground cave, stalactites dripping from the ceiling. It's not surprising, I guess, since their towering, cinematic new album The Besnard Lakes are the Roaring Night has been on repeat in my iPod since its release last month. The album sounds even better (and has a cooler title) than it did when I first heard some of it live last October.

Make sure you check out the Besnard Lakes as they embark on an epic tour across the US later this month. Not sure if any underground cave dates are scheduled, but they seem to be playing just about everywhere else. (Here's hoping they remember the fog machine this time.)

And finally, if you haven't yet enjoyed the bittersweet, soaring drone of their new single "Albatross", well, you've been missing out. Click here for the MP3.

Besnard Lakes Tour Dates 2010

04/27/10 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry
04/28/10 Winnipeg, MB - The Royal Albert Arms
04/29/10 Regina, SK - The Exchange
04/30/10 Saskatoon, SK - Amigos
05/01/10 Edmonton, AB - Pawn Shop
05/02/10 Calgary, AB - Broken City
05/04/10 Victoria, BC - The Lucky Bar
05/05/10 Vancouver, BC - The Media Club
05/07/10 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
05/08/10 Eugene, OR - W.O.W. Hall
05/10/10 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
05/12/10 San Diego, CA - Casbah
05/13/10 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
05/14/10 Tempe, AZ - Sail Inn
05/15/10 Tucson, AZ - Plush
05/20/10 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
05/24/10 Chicago, IL -
05/25/10 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop w/ Early Day Miners
05/26/10 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
05/27/10 Washington, DC - Black Cat
05/28/10 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
05/29/10 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
05/30/10 Boston, MA - TT the Bear's Place

-- Anna K.

New Jason Collett Video For "Love Is A Dirty Word", New Tour Dates, Too.

2010-04-01T11:34:00.004-04:00

Here's the first video for the first single off Jason Collett's new album, Rat A Tat Tat, which hit stores in March on Arts & Crafts. Collett is in the midst of a six week North American tour with backing band Zeus.

"Love Is A Dirty Word" was directed by Peter Lynch, shot in the Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, and features the guys in Zeus as well as Gentleman Reg, making a guest cameo. Tourdates below.

4/1/10 – Calgary, AB @ The Legion
4/2/10 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange
4/3/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Ccentre
4/4/10 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
4/5/10 – Rock Island, IL @ Daytrotter
4/6/10 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
4/12/10 – Hamilton, ON @ Casbah
413/10 – Waterloo, ON @ Starlite
4/14/10 – Ottawa, ON @ Zaphod’s
4/15/10 – Montreal, PQ @ Petit Campus
4/16/10 – Peterborough, ON @ Red Dog Tavern
4/17/10 – Kingston, ON @ Grad Club
4/20/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
4/21/10 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse
4/23/10 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
4/24/10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Hall
4/29/10 – Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s

New EP, Tour Dates From Wye Oak. Download A Track Here.

2010-03-12T22:30:00.004-05:00

Less than a year after releasing The Knot, Baltimore’s Wye Oak offer My Neighbor / My Creator, a killer 5-track EP. My Neighbor / My Creator is out today via digital download in the Merge store. The EP will be available at all other digital outlets on April 20 and the CD will be in stores on June 8. You can also buy the CD from Wye Oak at their spring tour dates:

03.12.2010 Frederick, MD Cafe Nola
03.13.2010 Pittsburgh, PA Brillobox
03.14.2010 Indianapolis, IN Vollrath Tavern
03.15.2010 Memphis, TN Hi-Tone Cafe
03.24.2010 Atlanta, GA The Earl
03.25.2010 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
03.26.2010 Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel
03.27.2010 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
03.28.2010 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's
03.30.2010 Cambridge, MA TT The Bear's
03.31.2010 Montreal, QC La Sala Rossa
04.01.2010 Toronto, ON Lee's Palace
04.02.2010 Ithaca, NY Castaways
04.03.2010 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
04.04.2010 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall
04.05.2010 Milwaukee, WI Mad Planet
04.06.2010 Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar
04.07.2010 Grinnell, IA Gardner Lounge - Grinnell College
04.08.2010 Lawrence, KS Bottleneck
04.09.2010 Norman, OK The Opolis
04.10.2010 Dallas, TX The Loft
04.22.2010 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
04.23.2010 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
04.24.2010 Los Angeles, CA Spaceland
04.25.2010 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
04.27.2010 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
04.28.2010 Vancouver, BC The Biltmore Cabaret
04.29.2010 Seattle, WA Triple Door
04.30.2010 Pullman, WA The Bell Tower
05.01.2010 Boise, ID Neurolux
05.02.2010 Salt Lake City, UT the State Room
05.04.2010 Denver, CO Walnut Room
05.05.2010 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad
05.07.2010 Austin, TX The Parish

Here's a taste:
Wye Oak - "I Hope You Die" mp3

Headed to SXSW? Here are a few parties you'll see us at...

2010-03-11T20:14:00.004-05:00

Here are a few parties we consider unmissable...see you there!

Phantogram rocks Boston, releases new album

2010-02-10T12:32:00.005-05:00

When they stepped onto the stage at Boston's Great Scott last night, Phantogram's Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter looked remarkably young and fresh-faced, not unlike the college kids who made up the majority of the crowd. For some reason, I expected the duo to be older—maybe just because the assured songs on their debut full-length Eyelid Movies (released just in time for last night's show) seem to reflect the confidence of long experience.

Phantogram's sound--which whips together bright, ringing guitars, smooth vocals, and dense, hip-hop-esque beats--sometimes reminds me of vintage Portishead or Bowery Electric, minus the feeling of stoned relaxation. Instead, songs like "Bloody Palms" and "Running from the Cops" combine languid melodies with an edgy, beat-driven intensity, while even the slower tracks, like "You Are the Ocean," seem to throb with anxiety. Though a few songs (like album closer "10,000 Claps") sound less fully developed than others, Eyelid Movies makes for a cohesive whole, filled with a compelling, seductive energy.

That energy was on full display last night at the show, when a small but adoring crowd danced, bounced up and down, sang along, and otherwise displayed their devotion. It may have been the band's relative inexperience that brought a slight initial tentativeness to their live show; it took them a few songs to really pick up the energy from the album. Still, for a two-person band (Carter on guitar and vocals, Barthel singing and dancing behind a daunting bank of synthesizers) Phantogram generated a remarkably big sound. They saved "When I'm Small" for last, and with good reason: it's probably the best song they've written yet, and it sounded incredible live, closing the show with a sexy, energetic swagger. As time goes on, I have no doubt they'll be able to harness that potential over a long-lasting career.

Download "When I'm Small" on MP3

- Anna K

Reflections on a silver soul

2010-01-27T20:17:00.010-05:00

In honor of yesterday's release of the new Beach House album, Teen Dream, thought I'd share the video for my current favorite track, "Silver Soul." Singer Victoria Legrand directed this video, one of several included on a DVD when you buy the album; it features some truly mystical hula hooping in, you guessed it, hues of silver:

Download: Beach House - Norway MP3

-- Anna K

Tomorrow, in a year

2010-01-06T09:28:00.010-05:00

Last fall, a friend of mine traveled to Copenhagen with the express purpose of seeing "Tomorrow, in a year," the Knife's opera based on the life of Charles Darwin. (Apparently, it was well worth the journey.)

The rest of us fans of the Knife may not be quite as devoted, but we can at least share in the awesomeness on March 1, 2010, when the Knife will release "Tomorrow, in a year" in album form. A collaboration with the artists Mt. Sims and Planningtorock, the opera will also be performed live in select European cities in 2010, according to their website.

For now, you can sign up to their mailing list at the link above to get a free MP3 of a new song. Called "Colouring of Pigeons," the 11-minute epic rides a slow build of thunderstorm rainforest percussion into elegantly operatic vocals by an unknown singer, before the familiar voice of Karin Dreijer Andersson winds its way out of the shadows. Stream it below:

Colouring of Pigeons by The Knife

- Anna K

Spoon Interviews Master Masterer Howie Weinberg

2010-01-04T14:19:00.004-05:00

The guys in Spoon recently sat down with album-mastering legend Howie Weinberg to chat about the mastering process, and his thoughts on Spoon's new album "Transference". The results are pretty hilarious:

Spoon's "Transference" is out January 19th, and can be pre-ordered here.

Spoon - "I Turn My Camera On" mp3

Team Band Yens for Jens, Puts Out Lekman Tribute EP.

2010-01-02T12:16:00.003-05:00

OK, so you are sitting around in your post-New Years Eve haze, thinking to yourself, "I love the pop-stylings of Jens Lekman, but I really wish I could hear his songs as played by snotty, loud riff-meisters from Chicago."

Well, as fast as you can say "Whoomp there it is", here it is, courtesy of our friends, Team Band:

Deeee-licious.

Stream 'em here:

And download for yourself at Team Band's website.

2009 highlights (with MP3s)

2009-12-23T14:33:00.019-05:00

Favorite album (tie)

Fever Ray – Fever Ray. The Knife’s Karin Dreijer Andersson harnesses dualities— organic/artificial, animal/human, male/female, adulthood/childhood—to create a fascinating and cohesive whole. I haven’t been able to stop listening ever since I first heard “If I Had a Heart” back in January. This is music constantly revealing itself, forcing you to look deeper.

Sin Fang Bous – Clangour. The cover of this LP shows the song titles cobbled together from twigs, branches, paper, and bits of metal—a fitting metaphor for the layered and vibrant sound of Icelandic musician and artist Sindri Már Sigfússon. Meticulously crafted (but never twee) songs like “Carry Me up to Smell Pine” and “Clangour and Flutes” lead you along a forest path of unexpected twists and turns.

Sin Fang Bous – Melt Down the Knives MP3 courtesy KEXP

Other highlights (in no particular order): The XX – XX, Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms, Telepathe – Dance Mother, A Sunny Day in Glasgow – Ashes Grammar, JJ – JJ No. 2, Moderat - Moderat, Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions – Through the Devil Softly, Animal Collective – Merriwether Post Pavilion, Asobi Seksu – Rewolf

Favorite EP

Maybe it’s the predominance of song-by-song digital downloading—or maybe our attention spans are just getting shorter—but it seemed like there were almost as many EPs as full albums this year. Break out the long-players, guys!

Glasser – Apply. An irresistibly energetic blend of tribal percussion and soaring female vocals, combined with some awesome remixes (especially the John Talabot version of “Learn”), make this the perfect soundtrack for both a brisk run on the treadmill and a peaceful walk in the sunshine.

Glasser – Glad MP3 courtesy Stereogum

Other EPs: Phantogram – Phantogram, Memory Cassette – Call & Response, Washed Out - Life of Leisure, ZaZa – Cameo, Delorean – Ayrton Senna

Favorite songs

In no special order, here are five songs that rose to the top of my playlists this year:

Active Child – She Was a Vision MP3 courtesy Transparent blog

Phantogram – When I’m Small MP3

JJ – Ecstasy MP3

Speck Mountain - Angela

Atlas Sound – Quick Canal (w/Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab)

- Anna K.

New Portishead song - "Chase the Tear"

2009-12-10T08:46:00.005-05:00

Just when I thought Portishead couldn't possibly get any more awesome, they've gone and released a new song in honor of International Human Rights Day: the propulsive yet hauntingly lovely "Chase the Tear."

You can watch a video of them performing the song below, and make sure you go to 7 digital and download the MP3; it's only 99 cents, and all proceeds go toward Amnesty International.

Portishead - Chase The Tear from Mintonfilm on Vimeo.

- Anna K

Gogol Bordello In 3D! Possibly For Free!

2009-12-09T20:33:00.004-05:00

One of the highlights of 2009 for me was the All Points West Festival in Jersey City, and one of the highlights of that festival was the amazing set there by Gogol Bordello. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the entire set was filmed and is being released this Friday to theatres in 3D!

It's part of “LARGER THAN LIFE…IN 3D", a concert film triple header also featuring sets by the Dave Matthews Band at Austin City Limits and Ben Harper at the Mile High Festival in Denver. According to the film's press:

"Shot in Digital 3D--which renders a cinema quality comparable to that found in this fall’s other big 3D releases (A Christmas Carol and Avatar)--the format essentially brings viewers onstage, giving them a stunning 360◦ view of each live performance."

The film will be in theatres for one week only (Dec 11-17), and is playing country wide. More info on places and tickets can be found at: http://www.inconcert3d.com/

And 2 lucky extrawack! readers will get to go there (with a date) on us! The 15th and 20th emails to extrawack@gmail.com with "DMB 3D" in the subject line will be sent a pass for 2 to see the movie at any theater any night during the movie's run! Offer valid for US addresses only (sorry Papua New Guinea!).

In the meantime, here's a taste:

Active Child: making new memories

2009-12-06T20:56:00.010-05:00

One of the most fascinating new artists I've come across this year, Active Child combines a warm, androgynous voice--reminscent of Antony Hegarty or Boys Don't Cry-era Robert Smith--with layers of cool synths and drum machines to produce a romantic, distinctive sound. For fans of machine-heart divas like Goldfrapp, people who still listen to Tears for Fears and A-Ha, or just anyone who wants to hear something new yet deliciously nostalgic. And to further the nostalgia vibe, his Facebook page promises a "cassette coming before the New Year."

If, unlike me, you don't still have your tape player handy (what??) you can download two Active Child mp3s-- "When Your Love is Safe" and the incredible slow-burner "Wilderness"--for free right now over at RCRDLBL.

Meanwhile, here's a YouTube clip of my favorite song yet, "She Was a Vision" (available for download here):

-Anna K.

New Download And Dates From Hollands

2009-11-30T10:05:00.002-05:00

I loved Butane Variations, so naturally I was psyched when I found the following in our mailbox over the weekend:

Her dad plays avant-jazz guitar. His mom is a classical flautist. She plays the violin. He plays everything else. Meet New York City’s Hollands, a band whose “serious music” chops and theory-head pedigree makes their sidestepping of the garish hipsterdom stalking the streets of the LES a bit less perilous. And be thankful for that, cause who needs another chillwave buzz band, right? Instead, former Butane Variations frontdude John-Paul Norpoth and violinist Jannina Barefield opt for something far more lived-in and relatable: fuzzed out, whisky-scented power pop that never met a quirk it didn’t like. Think Flaming Lips trying their hand at Cheap Trick or Wilco doing the Dead. On their latest short-player, Mother, Norpoth and Barefield do their parents proud, showing off that classically-trained acumen beneath undeniable pop backbones. The result is earnest, experimental and downright rewarding.

Sometimes a lean folk outfit, shooting reverent nods at greats like Paul Simon, and at others an expansive rock orchestra, Hollands delivers in just about any setting. There’ll only be a few of those over the coming month, however, as Hollands is sticking to the Northeast with three shows Brooklyn and Ithaca. We wish we had better news for the rest of the country, but good things come to those who wait. And trust us when we say it’ll be well worth it.

Dec. 5, 2009 Ithaca, NY The Nines
Dec. 19, 2009 Pete's Candy Store, Brooklyn, NY
Dec. 31, 2009 New Years Eve @ Don Pedro's, Brooklyn, NY

Hollands - "Air Conditioned Heart" mp3

Sound journey: new downloads from Glasser, Beach House, JJ, Wax Tailor, Asobi Seksu, The Golden Filter

2009-11-19T21:34:00.016-05:00

Somehow travel and music make a perfect combination. When you're dozing through an endless plane ride, your favorite song can be a comfort; when you're riding the train through a new and startling country, listening to music can heighten your experience. And when you're daydreaming at your desk on a rainy afternoon, the right song can transport you wherever you need to go.

Here are six great new songs, all available as MP3 downloads, to take with you on your next journey:

Glasser - Glad (Delorean Remix)

JJ - From Africa to Malaga

Beach House - Norway

Wax Tailor - Dragon Chasers

Asobi Seksu - Suzanne (acoustic Hope Sandoval cover!)

The Golden Filter - Thunderbird (With Beauty Before Me, I Walk Mix)

-- Anna K

Video of the Week - Au Revoir Simone -"Shadows"

2009-11-15T17:24:00.003-05:00

From their excellent album Still Night, Still Light, here's the stunning video version of "Shadows" by Au Revoir Simone.

ARS play the Highline Ballroom on January 7. More info here.

Au Revoir Simone - "Through the Backyards" mp3

Download a free haunted autumn mix featuring Fever Ray, Hope Sandoval, ZaZa, and more

2009-10-30T20:46:00.009-04:00

I recently created a spooky mix for autumn, inspired not only by Halloween but by the whole atmopshere of the season: bright crumpled leaves, stone-gray skies, bare filaments of tree branches, and pumpkins collapsing in the chilly rain.

You can download the hour-long mix below, including new music from ZaZa, the Horrors, Warpaint, Fever Ray, and Hope Sandoval, among others. If you like what you hear, make sure to check out more from these amazing artists.

Cover image (above) by Noisette*.
And here's the track list:

1. Fever Ray - Here Before
2. Palms - Monte Alban
3. Dead Man's Bones - Lose Your Soul
4. Death in Vegas - Hands Around My Throat
5. The Big Pink - Velvet
6. The Raveonettes - Oh, I Buried You Today
7. Warpaint - Elephants
8. Chromatics - The Guest
9. A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Blood White
10. SALEM - Water
11. ZaZa - The Call
12. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Rifles
13. The Horrors - Sea Within a Sea
14. Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions - For the Rest of Your Life

-Anna K

6-Pack Download from of Montreal, White Rabbits, Jemima Pearl, and Halloween Music From Shiny Toy Guns

2009-10-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

Here are six free tracks to add to your Halloween party mix. The of Montreal track kind of makes me want to dress up as Kevin Barnes this year.

Brontosaurus Chorus - "Louisiana" mp3

Shiny Toy Guns - “It’s Halloween At The House Of Spooks” mp3

of Montreal - “Brush Brush Brush” (from Yo Gabba Gabba Soundtrack) mp3

White Rabbits - "Percussion" mp3

Get Busy Committee - "My Little Razorblade" mp3

Jemima Pearl - "Looking For Trouble" mp3

Video of the Week - Fan Death -"Reunited"

2009-10-28T09:01:00.003-04:00

Fan Death have returned with another colorful fantasy based video, directed this time by vocalist Dandilion Wind Opaine. Watch the girls encounter scores of bizarre characters resembling certain influential personalities before riding off into the sunset with the big man himself.

Stay tuned for a special message from "Grandpa William" at the end of the presentation.

"Reunited" is taken from the forthcoming EP A Coin For the Well coming out on The Pharmacy Recording Co. early next year. This video features a special extended mix of the track.

Comsat Angels...Still Sounding Great.

2009-10-24T14:13:00.006-04:00

I was at the excellent SESAC CMJ showcase last night at Cake Shop, and got in a conversation about songs that "just sound great". Not because of brilliant songwriting, great production, or amazing playing...but because they just have that "magic". The woman I was talking to is a huge student of '80s pop & new wave, and used the example of Comsat Angels' "Stay Tonight" as such a song. As soon as she mentioned that song, which I hadn't heard or thought about in years, I knew exactly what she was talking about.

Check it here. The video is crazy boring, but the song "just sounds great"!

And a bonus great-sounder from Comsat Angels, "Independence Day":

Hey Pillow Fight Fans! The New Har Mar Superstar Video Is Here.

2009-10-22T19:34:00.003-04:00

Regular readers of extrawack! know that we are suckers for the amazingly perfect pop sounds of Har Mar Superstar, so it'll be no surprise that we are psyched about his new album Dark Touches.

To prove that we've got good taste, here's the video and mp3 for the album's first single, "Tall Boy". The track was produced and co-written by The Bird and the Bee’s Greg Kurstin (who has also produced tracks for Lily Allen, Britney Spears and Kylie Minogue), and the video stars Har Mar's pals Eva Mendes, Alia Shawkat (from "Arrested Development" and Whip It), and Eric Warheim (from "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!") . Check the tour dates at the bottom of the page.

Har Mar Superstar - "Tall Boy" Video:

Har Mar Superstar - "Tall Boy" mp3

Har Mar Superstar Tour Dates:
10/23: Baltimore, MD @ Sonar Club Stage
10/25: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/26: Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
10/27: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
10/28: Boston, MA @ Great Scott
10/30: Montreal, QC @ Club Lambi
11/01: Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
11/02: Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
11/03: Chicago, IL @ Darkroom
11/05: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock w/ Kool Keith
11/06: Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
11/08: Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
11/09: Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
11/11: Kansas City, MO @ The Brick

Concert review: The Raveonettes at the Paradise Rock Club, Boston, 10/20/09

2009-10-21T14:36:00.006-04:00

In an uncertain world, there’s something to be said for consistency. I’ve seen the Raveonettes at the Paradise three or four times over the last few years, and I always know exactly what I’m in for: noisy, gorgeously dark rock and roll, performed with energy and an irresistible coolness. Though a lot of songs from the brand-new In and Out of Control made it into the set list, last night the Raveonettes sounded basically unchanged from the last time I saw them, their sound as sleek and timelessly classic as a vintage black leather jacket.

It’s no coincidence, in fact, that the Danish band has always cultivated a distinct visual style. Last night, singer/guitarist Sharin Foo epitomized rock-star glamour with her sparkly black heels, one-shoulder dress, and chopped blond bangs; while singer/guitarist/songwriter Sune Rose Wagner radiated an elfin sexiness in tight black skinny jeans. Clearly, the Raveonettes are aware of the power of their personas as a selling point—at the merch table, you could find mugs, stickers, and bags emblazoned with a cartoon of the two band members, starkly drawn in perfect lines of black and white.

Which isn’t to say, though, that the band is all style and no substance. Accompanied by a drummer and bassist, they sounded great last night despite some early technical difficulties, drenching their trademark 50s-style girl-group hooks with fuzzed-out guitars and sweet yet affectless vocals. Many highlights came from 2008’s amazing Lust Lust Lust, with “Blush,” “Dead Sound,” and the eerie, Twin-Peaks-esque “The Beat Dies” sounding especially powerful. They slowed down for a spare, almost acapella take on new song “Oh I Buried You Today” and a hushed version of “Little Animal” that sounded almost like a lullabye—until you heard the lyrics.

The new song that probably left the biggest impression was “Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed).” With its addictive chorus and sweetly harmonious coda, I guarantee this is the catchiest song about sexual assault that you’ll hear this year (or maybe ever). Definitely worth a listen.

And in the meantime, here’s the Raveonettes’ video for “Black/White”—one that perfectly sums up their musical and visual style:

--Anna K

Blog Action Day for Climate Change, Take Action Here, And Grab A Track From Thao.

2009-10-15T08:30:00.004-04:00

Once a year, the initiative known as Blog Action Day calls on bloggers around the world to post something about a specific concern, all on the same day. This year's topic is climate change.

Since my day job involves campaigning and lobbying to convince lawmakers and world leaders to address the effects of climate change, and especially it's effect on the world's poorest people, this one's easy for me...

So I'll ask you to take this opportunity to tell President Obama to help poor communities at the Global Climate Summit in Copenhagen this December, by signing this petition from Oxfam America.

Poor people are hit first – and worst – by natural disasters and climate change. People are fighting back by deploying early warning systems, planting better crops, storing grain, building shelters, and replanting trees. But they need our help.

The world's poorest people need your help on this urgent issue at the upcoming global climate summit. Please take a moment to sign the petition.

And while I have your attention, I hope you'll take a moment to read the poignant Climate Change-related blog entry my friend Thao Nguyen (from Thao with the Get Down Stay Down) wrote today for the Oxfam America blog. In the post, Thao says, "If you keep turning a blind eye to climate change it will probably be injured in a surprise gale force wind." Ain't that the truth.

And to keep it lighter, please enjoy this download:
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - “Know Better Learn Faster” mp3
courtesy of The Fader

The Besnard Lakes debut new songs, reveal 2010 album details

2009-10-03T13:04:00.007-04:00

Those of us who turned out to see The Besnard Lakes last night at TT the Bear’s Place in Boston got some cool surprises: the debut of some new material, plus a few tantalizing details about the long-awaited follow-up to their 2007 stunner The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse.

Featuring a stripped-down four-person lineup—and, sadly, minus their usual smoke machine—the Besnards seemed a little tentative at first, with bassist/vocalist Olga Goreas confessing: “We haven’t done this in a while.” Even so, it didn’t take long for the band to showcase gorgeous blended vocals, shoegazing guitars, and cinematic, David Lynch-influenced atmosphere on live staples like “Disaster” and “And You Lied to Me.”

And they played new songs, too: four of them in all, two of which are so new, vocalist/guitarist Jace Lasek told me, that they don’t even have names yet. In general, the new material seemed more on the dense, noisy side, a la “Devastation,” though that could just have been the live setting; the nameless opening song featured gauzy, echoing feedback waves nearly burying overlapping vocals, while riffs from the more propulsive “Glass Printer” seemed to reverberate off the ceiling. My favorite new song, “Chicago Train,” had the epic feel of 2008’s excellent Casino Nanaimo, with Lasek gorgeously crooning “this is the last time I will follow,” while Goreas played the flute (!) along with some truly beautiful guitar melodies.

After the show, Lasek revealed that the band’s next album has a working title of Let the Night Roar—assuming he’s not joking around, it’s one of those titles that walks the fine line between awesome and completely over the top. After playing one more show in New York tonight, the band will go back to the studio and refine the songs for a tentative March 2010 release.

In the meantime, here’s my favorite song from Dark Horse and one of last night’s live standouts, the haunting, heartbreaking “For Agent 13”:

The Besnard Lakes - "And You Lied To Me" mp3

Phantogram on tour with School of Seven Bells

2009-09-15T12:00:00.016-04:00

I’ve been obsessed with Phantogram ever since I heard a KEXP podcast featuring “When I’m Small”—an unforgettable blend of silky vocals, aggressive beats, and spy-movie guitar. Phantogram’s self-titled debut EP, available on their Myspace page, reveals influences from artists like Portishead and the Knife, but still sounds urgent and new.

I mention Phantogram because I just read that they’re touring this month with School of Seven Bells, whose dreamy, epic “Half Asleep” was one of my favorite songs of ’08. Check out dates for this promising double bill below; now, if only they’d come to Boston…

Phantogram & School of Seven Bells

Sept. 26 – Ottobar, Baltimore, MD
Sept. 27 – Rock n Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
Sept. 28 – Local 506, Carrboro, NC
Sept. 29 – Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta, GA
Oct. 1 – Emo’s Junior, Austin, TX
Oct. 4 – Casbah, San Diego, CA
Oct. 5 – Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 6 – Slim’s, San Francisco, CA

Learning to speak Ashes Grammar

2009-09-11T22:39:00.016-04:00

Everything about A Sunny Day in Glasgow—from their too-long name to artsy song titles like “Panic Attacks Are What Make Me ‘Me’”—seems designed to be a little bit inaccessible. Though they’re often compared to fellow shoegaze-influenced, female-fronted bands like Asobi Seksu and Mahogany, their music tends to push the experimental boundaries further than either one, veering away from dream-pop and more into noise and abstraction. I liked their 2007 album Scribble Mural Comic Journal, but I found it hard to listen to from beginning to end: The songs were just too claustrophobic, packed full of dense noise and buried female vocals that hovered right on the edge of breaking free.

On their brand-new release Ashes Grammar—which comes out September 15 on Mis Ojos Discos—A Sunny Day in Glasgow open up some space in their sound, allowing daylight to break through. As the album begins, the gentle choral wash of “Secrets at the Prom,” showcases Robin and Lauren Daniels’ gorgeous harmonies. This in turn segues into the slow-building “Slaughter Killing Carnage,” which crashes into the joyous climax of “Failure"--only to dissolve unexpectedly into soft, hazy bliss-pop in the song’s second half. In just a few minutes of music, it feels like you’ve crossed an entire landscape.

There’s something unpredictable about the best moments of Ashes Grammar, something ethereal yet catchy, that demands repeat listening. On standout tracks like “Close Chorus,” “Shy,” and “Passionate Introverts (Dinosaurs),” disparate elements—electro beats, handclaps, lovely vocal loops, shivery guitar chords—build off and contrast with one another in subtly unexpected ways.

Yes, last third of album loses a little of the momentum, and some of the more abstract moments--with the exception of the hypnotic “Canalfish”—start to blur together. But beginning to end, it’s still one of the most interesting albums I’ve heard this year, and one of the hardest to pin down. Over a week after my first listen, I’m still discovering something new.

Listen to “Failure,” courtesy of Stereogum.

Blondie Makes Tour Stop in Morristown Monday Night

2009-08-07T21:58:00.005-04:00

Whoa! How did we miss this one?

Blondie will be playing the beautiful Community Theatre of Morristown (biking distance from extrawack! HQ in Union County), this Monday night.

It's not only a rare opportunity to see Rock & Roll Hall of Famers out here in Suburban Jersey, but a chance to see real rock royalty with roots in NJ as well. Debbie Harry grew up in Hawthorne, and went to college at Centenary College in Hackettstown. Drummer Clem Burke was born in Bayonne, and was a staple in the Jersey '80s new wave rock scene even at the height of Blondie's career.

The Community Theatre is a treat, featuring great sound and sight-lines, and actually nice staff. It's a great change from NYC venues with none of those attributes, plus a commute and crazy parking fees. It's a great place to spend a hot August night.

For tickets, click here.

For more info on The Community Theatre, click here.

And for kicks, here's Blondie performing "Heart Of Glass" on The Midnight Special in 1979!:

The mysterious sound of Memory Cassette

2009-07-24T15:42:00.017-04:00

Listen to “Surfin’”—the opening track of Memory Cassette’s first EP, Rewind While Sleeping—and you'll hear Cocteau Twins-esque vocals skimming the surface of electro beats, chased by blissfully pretty keyboard melodies surging into a coda like a cresting wave. In less than three minutes, it’s simultaneously joyful and sad, energetic and serene.

I was hooked on first listen. I remember wondering, who are these people? Where can I find more? And—strangest of all—how is music this good being given away for free over the internet?

A rarity even in this era of web-based listening, for a year or more Memory Cassette pretty much only existed online. Though they won fans in bloggers like Gorilla vs. Bear, the band didn’t have a record deal, a physical release, tour dates, or even real-life identities. New tracks showed up on the blog of a mysterious New Jersey resident known as Weird Tapes, the mastermind of a musical holy trinity consisting of Memory Cassette, Weird Tapes (haunting sample-driven electronic music, great remixes), and the newly incarnated Memory Tapes (Memory Cassette’s dreamy atmospherics combined with New Wave-like male vocals and a dance-pop sensibility).

All three are excellent, but Memory Cassette is definitely my favorite. And this month they actually have a record out--Call and Response, their debut 7” on Acephale Records/Sincerely Yours. It includes “Surfin’,” as well as my other favorite, “Asleep at a Party”, with its woozy, gentle melody and background voices hovering at the edge of consciousness. Just like Rewind while Sleeping, Call and Response is only four songs—but these four songs are more beautiful, more carefully crafted, than most complete albums I’ve heard this year.

And in signature fashion, more music has just surfaced on Weird Tapes’ blog as well: a free remix EP, Calls and Responses, which features contributions by Sail a Whale, Friend, CfCf, and more.

Who are Memory Cassette? I’m still not sure. But I recommend you just download it, listen, and enjoy the mystery.

-Anna K

Holy Ghost remakes New Order...sort of.

2009-07-10T08:50:00.003-04:00

Holy Ghost have just released their single, "I Will Come Back" for free download at Green Label Sound, and have created a video for the track that more or less recreates the iconic video for New Order's "Confusion". In fact, they've even included legendary producer Arthur Baker to reprise his role as "head-bobbing DJ", just as he appeared in the original. It's great.

Check it:

Discovery "LP" - Get It Early And Help Oxfam America

2009-07-01T20:59:00.002-04:00

Last night we had a ball at a party to celebrate the release of the new Discovery album, "LP" at Le Poisson Rouge. After the album was played, the guys from Discovery, Wes from Ra Ra Riot & Rostam from Vampire Weekend took over the turntables to DJ a set heavy on poppy summertime jams. Too much fun.

By the way, the album is fantastic, fun, and perfect for playing in the backyard with friends over for beers. Even cooler is the fact that if you but the album at Amie Street this week (which is actually the only way to get it before it's "official" release date next week), Oxfam America will get $2 of the purchase price. Get it here: http://amiestreet.com/music/discovery/lp/

Enjoy a couple tracks here:

The extrawack! six-pack with Polvo, Budos Band, & More.

2009-06-19T08:54:00.006-04:00

OK, so based on letters we've received here, you guys have actually missed our monthy Bakers Dozen Downloads...so apologies for not posting them up the last few months!

To make things more managable, instead we'll try to put together more frequent posts of six awesome, legal, and free downloads. Here's the first bunch. Take 'em to the beach with you and tell us what you think.

All Tiny Creatures - "Stockhauxen" mp3

Polvo - "Beggar's Bowl" mp3

A Brief Smile - "Motorcycle" mp3

Azari & III - "Hungry For The Power" mp3

Céu - "Bubuia" mp3

Budos Band - "The Proposition" mp3

Weird Al's Homage To The Doors - "Craigslist"

2009-06-16T08:58:00.003-04:00

Seriously...If there is a Comedy Hall Of Fame, Weird Al Yankovic deserves a spot there. And if there's a Musical Comedy Hall Of Fame, Al deserves a statue at the entrance.

Here's his newest, "Craigslist", featuring Ray Manzarek of The Doors:

Concert review: Grizzly Bear at Berklee, Boston 6/3

2009-06-05T08:23:00.006-04:00

Concert review: Grizzly Bear at Berklee Performance Center, Boston, MA June 3, 2009

The first time I saw Grizzly Bear live—at a crowded, stiflingly hot club in Northampton, Massachusetts—was the moment I went from being a casual fan to a mildly obsessed one. These four sweaty, slightly goofy guys put on a dazzling, energetic, virtuosic show, one that transformed the cramped space into a collective religious experience.

Nearly two years later at the Berklee Performance Center, I realized Grizzly Bear are on their way up in the world. Last night’s venue was five times bigger, the audience was sitting down, and the band members were cool and collected under a light show in shifting tones of red, blue, and green.

Other than that, though, you’d never know that Veckatimest, one of the most (deservedly) hyped albums of the year, just made #8 on the US Billboard charts. Grizzly Bear’s unclassifiable live sound—a blend of four-part harmonies and folky strumming, fifties-style pop hooks and dramatic climaxes—remains as astonishing as ever.

At last night’s show, the band turned much of their older material inside out, giving “Colorado” and the rhythmic “Fix It” an added depth and expansiveness. They’ve probably played “Knife” a billion times by now (as shown by the loud applause that flared up on the first notes) but somehow they made it new.

The band played actual newer stuff, too, including the pretty, piano-driven “Two Weeks,” and my favorites “Ready, Able” and “While You Wait for the Others.” The new material was a bit more faithful to the album versions, but I’m sure that eventually these songs, too, will sound completely different in a live setting. The only letdown was the relative lack of lead vocals by guitarist Dan Rossen, whose rough-edged voice provides the perfect counterpart to singer Ed Droste’s sweeter, more soaring tones.

That’s a minor disappointment, though, from what was a truly stellar live show. If you’re a fan, try to catch Grizzly Bear in concert as soon as you can; at the rate they’re going, two years from now they’ll be headlining their first world stadium tour. -Anna Kramer

photo of Ed & Dan by Kate Vacanti

Hear Grizzly Bear's recent full set performed in-studio for NPR at WNYC here.

Spank Rock, Japandroids, Bear Hands, Future Of The Left Added To Siren Festival

2009-05-19T14:13:00.002-04:00

More good news coming from the Siren Festival camp...

Spank Rock, Japandroids, Bear Hands, and Future Of The Left have been added to Siren's bill. Already announced are Built To Spill, The Raveonettes, Frightened Rabbit, Grand Duchy, Monotonix, Micachu, and The Shapes.

Sounds like there's still a few more acts to be announced...we'll let you know when we find out, natch.

In case you missed the original announcement, Siren will be held again on Coney Island on Saturday, July 18. More info on the Village Voice Siren Festival at: http://www.villagevoice.com/siren.

Photo above of Ra Ra Riot at last year's Siren by Stefano Giovannini

Concert review: Animal Collective at House of Blues, Boston, May 14, 2009

2009-05-16T11:17:00.004-04:00

Maybe it was the giant white ball hovering moonlike above the stage, its surface swarming with abstract film projections. Maybe it was the colored lights mounted under the white-draped tables where the three band members bent over their instruments. Or maybe it was the music itself: layered, percussive, hypnotic, and building moment by moment to a joyous climax.

Whatever the reason, Animal Collective definitely brought a ‘90s rave vibe to Boston’s House of Blues last night—even though most of the kids in the audience were probably way too young to recall the era of baggy pants and glowsticks. From the moment the first beats of new song “What Would I Want Sky,” exploded out of a delicate, looping guitar sample, the sold-out crowd started jumping and dancing frenetically—much like we did back in the day during an especially awesome DJ set.

Of course, though trance-influenced, Animal Collective’s music is anything but nostalgic; their set list drew heavily from the innovative sounds of the 2009 stunner Merriweather Post Pavilion, including a raucous version of “Summertime Clothes” and climaxing with the dizzy, ecstatic “Brother Sport.” Other highlights were an extended version of “Fireworks,” one of my favorite tracks from Strawberry Jam, featuring Panda Bear flailing out an energetic drum rhythm; and a mass sing-along to “Comfy in Nautica” from Panda ’s 2007 solo effort, Person Pitch. (“That’s not even an Animal Collective song!” the guy next to us grumbled, though I’m pretty sure he was the only one complaining.)

In an encore to the nearly two-hour-long show, the slow-building melodies of “Chocolate Girl”—featuring gorgeous Avey Tare vocals—merged triumphantly into the recent crowd-pleaser “My Girls.” And as the audience shrieked and flailed in approval, I glimpsed yet another sign of the new combining with the old: A young girl dancing a few feet away, twirling with a lit-up iPhone in one hand and a green glowstick in the other. --Anna Kramer

Animal Collective also played Letterman last week...

Matthew Barber Playing NYC 2X Next Week...Download & Tix Contest Here

2009-05-06T22:32:00.007-04:00

I'm a sucker for a good pop song.

Seriously, as long as the hooks are huge and the lyrics dance off the singer's tongue, I'm in.

And show me an album loaded with good pop songs? There's a good chance it'll stay in my player for weeks. Case in point is the new album from Toronto's Matthew Barber, "Ghost Notes".

Barber's a pretty great lyricist, but the music really shines as well on this album, which is split between rock stompers, folky pop, and piano-driven slower songs, all of which are catchy as hell.

Must musicians can't pull off the rock/folk split-personality thing well. Many have tried and failed, but the few who do it well are legendary...Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Bob Dylan come quickly to mind. Not to say that Matthew Barber belongs to that lofty group just yet, but "Ghost Notes" would certainly not be out of place in a stack of that gang's CD's, next to the backyard boombox, waiting to be spun on a lazy weekend afternoon.

Having said that, I'm very interested in hearing Barber play these songs live. Thankfully, he's out on the road for a few dates, and is giving New Yorkers a couple chances to check him out:

Matthew Barber Live:
May 12 Living Room - NYC
May 13 Union Hall - NYC (with Jill Sobule)
May 14 Milltown - Carrboro, NC
May 15 Farm 255 - Athens, GA
May 16 Criminal Records - Atlanta, GA

extrawack! wants to give one lucky reader a pair of tickets to Barber's show at Union Hall in Brooklyn on Wednesday night. The third email to extrawack@gmail.com with "Matthew Barber" in the subject line gets them.

Matthew Barber - "Easily Bruised" mp3

Matthew Barber MySpace

Matthew Barber - "And You Give" video:

Hey Gamers! Play Online with Silversun Pickups Next Week...Win SSPU & Xbox Swag Here Now!

2009-05-04T16:47:00.005-04:00

It's no surprise to regular reders of extrawack! that we're cookoo for Silversun Pickups. So when we were given the oportunity to giveaway some SSPU and Xbox swag, we jumped on it.

The contest is in conjunction with the announcement that Silversun Pickups will play Guitar Hero® World Tour with Xbox LIVE® Gold Members on May 14.

If you're an Xbox LIVE Gold Member and you want a chance to play with Silversun Pickups, send a friend request to the Gamertag "Silversun GwF"and be online half an hour before (9:30 P.M. ET) the Game with Fame session starts on Thursday, May 14, 10:00 P.M. ET.

More info on the event can be found here.

Silversun Pickups on Guitar Hero here.

Silversun Pickups videos on the Xbox Marketplace here.

And the contest? We're giving away the following to one lucky extrawack! reader:

A copy of Swoon on 180 Gram Double Vinyl, includes download card for MP3 version of album
An Xbox belt buckle
An Xbox bag

You know you want it. Just be the sender of the 10th email to extrawack@gmail.com with "SSPU/Xbox" as the subject, and we'll have it sent out to you. Contest only open to US Residents. Sorry, Lichtenstein!

Silversun Pickups - "Panic Switch":

Bothering The Neighborhood With The Bronx

2009-04-29T16:47:00.006-04:00

As the weather gets nicer, I love rolling down the windows of my Scion and cranking big-riff jams in the CD player. This past weekend I took the opportunity to enjoy the recent album from The Bronx, The Bronx (III), in a way I'm sure my neighbors didn't appreciate. Tough luck. It's awesome.

Imagine my surprise, when after one of these neighborhood musical education trips, I found a note in my email letting me know that there's not one, but two dope new videos from the album!

For your pleasure, here they both are. I'm partial to the video for "Past Lives", which features some truly extra-wack dance moves.

The Bronx - "Knifeman" mp3

Now here's a tour...Dears, Great Northern, & Eulogies

2009-04-28T12:00:00.004-04:00

For a music fan in this jacked-up economy, there is nothing worse than shelling out big bucks for what turns out to be a lame show. If you are obsessed with making sure every one of your hard-earned pennies is well spent, have we got a triple-bill of goodness for you...

The Dears (pictured left), Great Northern, and Eulogies are heading out next week on tour, and as I look around at all the other shows listed for May & June, this package seems to pack the most punch.

The Dears' "Missiles" was one of last year's best, Eulogies "Here Anonymous" is one of our fave new releases of April, and Great Northern's excellent "Remind Me Where The Light Is" is out today.

Seriously...why pay more?

The Dears, Great Northern and Eulogies Tour:

5/1/2009 - Bell House - Park Slope, NY

5/2/2009 - Valentines - Albany, NY

5/4/2009 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY

5/5/2009 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA

5/7/2009 - Black Cat - Washington, DC

5/8/2009 - Diesel - Pittsburgh, PA

5/9/2009 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH

5/10/2009 - Skully's - Columbus, OH

5/11/2009 - Magic Stick - Detroit, MI

5/13/2009 - Lakeshore Theatre - Chicago, IL

5/14/2009 - Mojo's - Columbia, MO

5/16/2009 - Hailey's - Denton, TX

5/17/2009 - Warehouse - Houston, TX

5/18/2009 - The Parish - Austin, TX

5/21/2009 - Rhythm Room - Phoenix, AZ

5/22/2009 - Casbah - San Diego, CA

5/23/2009 - Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA

5/24/2009 - Independent - San Francisco, CA

5/26/2009 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR

5/27/2009 - Crocodile Cafe - Seattle, WA

The Dears - "Crisis 1&2 (boy/boy version) mp3

Great Northern - "House" mp3

The Golasso! Tailgate Dance Party - A Reason To Actually Attend A Red Bulls Soccer Match

2009-04-24T20:57:00.005-04:00

OK, lets say you've been wanting to catch a Red Bulls soccer match at Giants Stadium, but the team's lackluster play this season is making you stay home. Or maybe you're not sure if its worth the drive out from wherever you're at for a mere 90 minutes of action.

Finally, here's your incentive to make it out to the Swamp...

The MetroStars/DC United rivalry is the closest thing in the USA to a Boca Juniors/River Plate style "Classico", so you've got that going for you this Sunday. Add in a heapin' helpin' of classic (and sometimes obscure) vinyl, spun before your eyes and ears under the East Rutherford sun, smack dab in the middle of a tailgate party thrown by the local Empire Supporters Club, and you've got a bonafide event.

I can personally vouch for the mad platter skillz of DJ's Mike 2 Dishes and Jonny Metro, but sadly not for the quality of play inside the stadium...but luckily, the musical magic kicks in again post-match.

The action'll be in lot 16A. Get there early for a prime parking spot near the grills, and practice your best sad "I'm out of beer" face to see how many gratis brewski's you can get handed to you!

Chimp Eats Banana - "Football" mp3
(courtesy Football and Music)

New York Dolls New Album Out Soon

2009-04-22T21:43:00.006-04:00

Of all of the "influential" or "seminal" bands that have reunited in recent years, only one has really knocked my socks off hard enough to really make me pay attention...The New York Dolls. Their "reunion" album, 2006's One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This was dead solid, and the tour that followed was nothing less than a ball.

Now comes word that The Dolls have reunited with Todd Rundgren, producer of their influential 1973 debut, to record their fourth studio album, ’Cause I Sez So, on Atco Records. Recorded at Utopia Sound Studio in Kauai, Hawaii, the album features original Dolls David Johansen (vocals) and Sylvain Sylvain (guitar) plus Steve Conte (guitar), Brian Delaney (drums), and Sami Yaffa (bass). The 12-song track list features 11 original compositions, including the first single “'Cause I Sez So” and a new version of “Trash,” which was originally on their 1973 debut album. “It was amazing working with Todd again, and I think we were able to evoke the special sound of our first album and drag it by the hair into the present,” says Johansen.

From what I've heard on the advance tracks posted on the online listening party, the new album kicks out the jams in a big way. ’Cause I Sez So is out May 5.

Pre-order ’Cause I Sez So here.

NY Dolls Official site
Facebook page
MySpace

To hold you over until the album comes out, check this video featuring the original version of "Trash", along with a montage of images from from "Born to Lose: the Last Rock and Roll Movie," by Lech Kowalski:

Tuesday Dance Battle With Bingo Players & Diplo!

2009-04-21T08:35:00.002-04:00

Oh Snap! Just for kicks, here's a good one from the Vertifight series of dance battles, featuring Bingo Players - "Get Up (Diplo Remix)" at the start:

Lou Reed Bringing Metal Machine Trio To NYC Next Week

2009-04-17T16:24:00.004-04:00

Lou Reed will be playing the Blender Theater at Gramercy next Thursday and Friday (April 23 and 24) with his Metal Machine Trio (Lou on guitar and electronics, Ulrich Krieger on tenor sax and live-electronics, and Sarth Calhoun on live processing and Fingerboard Continuum). The show is billed as "A Night Of Deep Noise", so don't expect "I Love You Suzanne"...

Check the widget below for samples of what to expect at these shows,
though it’s important to note that these shows are improvised, so no two shows will be alike:

Buy tickets here. We're told students are half-price with a valid student ID, but it sounds like you'd have to get your tickets at the box office for that deal.

New York Times preview of the shows here.

Hey Vinyl Heads...Win Some Matt and Kim, Cool Kids, and Flosstradamus Platters Here!

2009-04-16T20:50:00.006-04:00

If you are a fan of extrawack!, you know that we are big fans of free music...and that's why we're fans of Green Label Sound, the label/website that offers free downloads from a sweet roster of bands.

One of the best shows we saw at SXSW was Matt and Kim at the Green Label Sounds party, and since we're still fired up from our trip to Austin, we want to share some tunage with a couple of extrawack! readers...

We'll have the following treasure trove of Green Label Sound vinyl delivered by uniformed courier service to two lucky readers:

Matt and Kim "Daylight" 7",
the Cool Kids "Delivery Man" 12",
Flosstradamus feat. Caroline Polacheck "Big Bills" 12"
and a "Big Bills" tote bag.

To win, be the tenth or fifteenth email to extrawack@gmail.com with the subject "Green Label Vinyl". Contest open to US residents only. Sorry Greenland!

And if you'd rather not wait to see if you've won (or if you don't rock a turntable), hit up greenlabelsound.com and download all the songs offered in the contest for free!

New Phoenix Video - "Lisztomania"

2009-04-16T12:59:00.002-04:00

Phoenix have just released a video for the song "Lisztomania", from their forthcoming album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The album is released (you'll never catch me saying "drops") on May 26.

Ch-ch-check it out:

Phoenix - Lisztomania from 35east on Vimeo.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Black Moth Super Rainbow For Free At The Seaport!

2009-04-16T12:00:00.003-04:00

Although they've not officially announced their summer free show line-up, The Seaport Music Festival apparently already has some great shows lined up.

According to the good folks at Oh My Rockness, here are some of the shows they've confirmed:

Fri 7/03
6:00 PM
Here We Go Magic, Bachelorette

Fri 7/10
6:00 PM
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Fri 7/24
6:00 PM
Black Moth Super Rainbow

Fri 8/07
6:00 PM
Casiokids, The Wave Pictures, Slow Club

Those are some seriously good shows...

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Come Saturday" mp3

New Maximo Park Video Here.

2009-04-03T21:33:00.003-04:00

Maximo Park has a new album out next month called Quicken The Heart, and they've just put out a video for the single, "The Kids Are Sick Again".

Here 'tis:

Their website lists a ton of live dates for Europe, but none yet for the States. Fingers crossed.

Live Review: Asobi Seksu @ the Middle East, Cambridge, 3/30/09

2009-03-31T15:36:00.004-04:00

With this review, extrawack! welcomes new Boston correspondent Anna Kramer...

Asobi Seksu at the Middle East, Cambridge, March 30, 2009

Last night’s show began with an unexpected twist: A last-minute move from the 500-person capacity Middle East Downstairs club to the much smaller Upstairs section of the venue. But whatever this shift may have meant for Asobi Seksu, they didn’t seem to mind. “This show got a lot more intimate, but that’s okay,” said vocalist/keyboardist Yuki Chikudate. “Now we’re a whole lot closer together.”

Asobi Seksu’s music has always been about balance, especially on 2007’s stunning Citrus, which cut sweet vocals with all-out shoegaze guitars. With their latest album, Hush, Yuki and guitarist James Hanna turned the noise down a bit, resulting in melodies so ethereal they sometimes threaten to dissolve and float away completely.

Last night, though, the band set out to prove they were firmly anchored on earth. Armed with a bassist and drummer—and lit eerily by blue and pink Christmas lights—they opened with a pounding, percussive version of “Sing Tomorrow’s Praise” that set the tone for a noise-drenched, epic set. New songs like “Meh No Mae” and “In the Sky” took on added depth and resonance with a more prominent rhythm section, while Yuki’s vocals soared high and pure above the sonic assault, especially on the more melodic “Blind Little Rain.”

Citrus was well represented too, with the angular “Strawberries” and my personal favorite, “Thursday,” with its Slowdive-esque male-female vocals. But it was the combination of “Pink Cloud Tracing Paper” and “Red Sea” that brought the show to a climax. Strobe lights stuttered, James flailed his guitar madly, and Yuki even took a turn on drums as the last song veered into a ten-minute-plus monumental drone that still has my ears ringing the next day.

Despite a few seeming omissions from the set list—No “Me & Mary”? No songs from their self-titled debut?—I left feeling like I had experienced something unexpectedly special: The chance to see a very big-sounding band on a very, very small stage.

Hey XTC Fans! Dukes of Stratosphear Reissues Coming Soon. Two Downloads To Get You Started Here...

2009-03-31T11:29:00.004-04:00

Wow! Just got a press release stating that Andy Partridge's Ape label will be re-releasing the two excellent Dukes of Stratosphear albums on April 21, complete with bonus demos and new liner notes! I'll let that email speak for itself:

The Dukes of Stratosphear came about in the 80s with a release of an EP (25 O'Clock) by those cheeky lads in Swindon, UK, otherwise known as XTC. It was a side-project put out semi-anonymously, without fanfare, which came about from a shared love of 60s-inspired psychedelic, Lewis Carroll-tinged power pop.

Not surprisingly, the band was unmasked in fairly short order, due to the distinctive vocal stylings and musical sensibilities of Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, et al. They followed it up with a full length release (Psonic Psunspot), and both titles were re-released together in the late 80s as Chips from the Chocolate Factory.

Flash-forward to 2009-Andy Partridge's own Ape label has reissued them AGAIN, this time with previously unpublished demo versions as well as video! Did you know that Colin originally wrote Vanishing Girl as No One at Home and sang on the demo (Andy sang the album version)? I didn't, and I am a crazy XTC/Dukes junkie. Despite its homage and nod to the summer of love era, it is a sound that remains somewhat timeless.

If you are unfamiliar with The Dukes of Stratosphear, prepare yourself for a treat and to have your ears and mind blown.

The Dukes of Stratosphear - "My Love Explodes" mp3
The Dukes of Stratosphear - "Braniac's Daughter" mp3

Freak out to the Dukes' "What In The World" here:

Prince does "Dreamer" On Leno...Video Here

2009-03-27T18:17:00.003-04:00

Did you happen to catch Prince on Leno last night? No? Well, here it is...

He's known for being funky in general, but this is proof that he's EASILY one of the best guitarists on the face of the globe.

This is "Dreamer" from the forthcoming album, Lotus Flow3r:

Somebody Send Me Some Sleep, Please...Greetings from SXSW

2009-03-18T13:03:00.003-04:00

Even the pizza joints down here are hardcore this time of year:

Hope to check in a few times over the next couple days...but 83F and sunny means that I don't plan on staying inside a whole lot!

DirecTV SXSW Live Line-up Announced...Von Bondies, Echo and The Bunnymen, Ed Harcourt, and more

2009-03-13T09:01:00.005-04:00

One of the more interesting events that goes down every year at SXSW are the DirecTV tapings of their SXSW Live series, which are full performance sets by a great roster of industry upstarts and old favorites. The shows are taped in two different ballrooms in the Austin Convention Center, which are transformed into roadhouse-styled soundstages, and the performances are broadcast throughout the following year on DirecTV's channel 101.

Last year I caught fantastic sets there from Darryl Hall, Nicole Atkins, and a surprisingly great Hanson.

The line-up for this year's tapings have just been announced:

THURSDAY, MARCH 19
TIME ARTIST VENUE
6:00pm The Von Bondies, The Bat Bar

7:00pm The Oak Ridge Boys The Lonestar Lounge

8:00pm The Airborne Toxic Event, The Bat Bar

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
TIME ARTIST VENUE
1:00pm Juliette Lewis and the New Romantiques, The Bat Bar

2:00pm The Proclaimers, The Lonestar Lounge

4:00pm Lenka, The Lonestar Lounge

5:00pm Ben Harper and Relentless 7, The Bat Bar

6:00pm Third Eye Blind, The Lonestar Lounge

8:00pm Shiny Toy Guns, The Bat Bar

9:00pm Carlene Carter, The Lonestar Lounge

10:00pm Solange Presents:
Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams, The Bat Bar

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
TIME ARTIST VENUE
4:00pm Forever the Sickest Kids, The Lonestar Lounge

5:00pm Echo and the Bunnymen, The Bat Bar

6:00pm Ed Harcourt, The Lonestar Lounge

8:00pm TBA , The Bat Bar

9:00pm Shwayze, The Lonestar Lounge

10:00pm Tinted Windows, The Bat Bar

If it's run the same way as years past, a limited number of free tickets for all shows are available in the lobby of the convention center, and if I remember correctly, SXSW badges or wristbands are not required.

I'll definitely be checking out Juliette Lewis' new band, possibly Third Eye Blind (because I've always wanted to sing the doot-doot-doot's in "Semi-Charmed Life out loud in public), and best of all, I'll get to see what Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen looks like in daylight hours.

For those of you not making it to Austin, here's the schedule of the first airings of these shows:

SXSW LIVE Broadcast Schedule (eastern standard time)

Friday - March 20th

5pm - Lenka
6pm - Ben Harper and Relentless7
7pm - Third Eye Blind
8pm - The Oak Ridge Boys
9pm - Shiny Toy Guns
10pm - Carlene Carter
11pm - Sol-Angel & the Hadley Street Dreams (Solange Knowles)
12am - The Airborne Toxic Event

Saturday - March 21st

5pm - Forever the Sickest Kids
6pm - Echo and The Bunnymen
7pm - Ed Harcourt
8pm - Juliette Lewis and The New Romantiques
9pm - Late to the Pier
10pm - Shwayze
11pm - Tinted Windows
12am - The Proclaimers

More info on DirecTV SXSW Live here.

K-Rock Flipping to Top-40 on Wednesday

2009-03-09T22:21:00.004-04:00

The lamest sounding station in a market full of lame stations, NYC's K-Rock (92.3 FM) will be changing to Top-40 on Wednesday, according to the New York Times.

The new format will feature music from acts like “Kanye West, Beyoncé, Pink, Flo Rida, Akon, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake,” according to the announcement...which is good news in case you might be tired of Z100's format featuring Kanye West, Beyoncé, Pink, Flo Rida, Akon, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake. Thanks for nuthin'.

This would be a great time for rock fans to check out WRXP (101.9 FM) and their recently much improved format. Spearheaded by the arrival of Matt Pinfield as their morning guy a few months ago, 'RXP features a great mix of classic and current rock, with a healthy dose of NYC-centric R&R.

Check this list of songs they played this afternoon:
4:39 PM "BEATLES AND THE STONES" - THE HOUSE OF LOVE
4:34 PM "FAME" - DAVID BOWIE
4:25 PM "FOREVER" - LIVE
4:20 PM "SYNCHRONICITY II" - POLICE
4:17 PM "LOOKING FOR A KISS" - NEW YORK DOLLS
4:13 PM "ELDERLY WOMAN BEHIND THE COUNTER IN A SMALL TOWN" - PEARL JAM
4:09 PM "MY LUCKY DAY" - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
4:05 PM "PULLING MUSSELS (FROM THE SHELL)" - SQUEEZE
3:57 PM "US & THEM" - PINK FLOYD
3:53 PM "MY FAVORITE MISTAKE" - SHERYL CROW
3:45 PM "CAN YOU TELL" - RA RA RIOT
3:41 PM "RUNNING ON EMPTY" - JACKSON BROWNE
3:38 PM "EVER FALLEN IN LOVE" - BUZZCOCKS
3:33 PM "6TH AVENUE HEARTACHE" - WALLFLOWERS
3:29 PM "USE SOMEBODY" - KINGS OF LEON
3:24 PM "ANGEL" - AEROSMITH
3:14 PM "RUNNING AWAY" - HOOBASTANK
3:10 PM "LOLA" - KINKS
3:07 PM "SEQUESTERED IN MEMPHIS" - THE HOLD STEADY
3:03 PM "AND SHE WAS" - TALKING HEADS
3:01 PM "INTO YOUR ARMS" - LEMONHEADS
2:56 PM "AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG" - ROLLING STONES
2:54 PM "WIRE TO WIRE" - RAZORLIGHT
2:49 PM "JANE SAYS" - JANE'S ADDICTION
2:45 PM "BROADWAY" - GOO GOO DOLLS
2:37 PM "TOUCH ME" - DOORS
2:33 PM "HUMAN" - KILLERS
2:29 PM "SEMI-CHARMED LIFE" - THIRD EYE BLIND
2:24 PM "MEAN STREET" - VAN HALEN
2:14 PM "SPEED OF SOUND" - COLDPLAY
2:09 PM "THE BATTLE OF EVERMORE" - LED ZEPPELIN
2:02 PM "ROOSTER" - ALICE IN CHAINS
2:00 PM "MAGICK" - RYAN ADAMS
1:56 PM "AUTHORITY SONG" - JOHN MELLENCAMP
1:50 PM "BALL AND CHAIN" - SOCIAL DISTORTION
1:47 PM "ROXANNE" - POLICE
1:43 PM "COME HOME" - BACK DOOR SLAM
1:40 PM "AFTER MIDNIGHT" - ERIC CLAPTON
1:31 PM "RUN" - COLLECTIVE SOUL
1:28 PM "POP SONG 89" - R.E.M.
1:24 PM "CRACK THE SHUTTERS" - SNOW PATROL
1:21 PM "IMAGINE" - JOHN LENNON
1:13 PM "ANARCHY IN THE U.K." - SEX PISTOLS
1:11 PM "DUMB" - NIRVANA
1:08 PM "SHIMMER AND SHINE" - BEN HARPER & RELENTLESS 7
1:05 PM "DON'T DO ME LIKE THAT" - TOM PETTY
1:01 PM "PRETZEL LOGIC" - STEELY DAN
12:55 PM "HOUSE OF CARDS" - RADIOHEAD
12:52 PM "YOU REALLY GOT ME" - KINKS

Buzzcocks, Pistols, Ryan Adams, Dolls, House of Love, Lemonheads, Bowie, and "Semi-Charmed Life"? It sounds like a great mixtape I'd left under the seat of the car I had before my last one...and that's a good thing.

4AD @ SXSW...Download Sampler Including Camera Obscura, M. Ward, St. Vincent Here.

2009-03-09T15:31:00.004-04:00

4AD will be handing out a limited edition (and eventually, very collectible, I'm sure) EP to commemorate next Wednesday's showcase at SXSW in Austin, but you can play and/or download the contents of the disc right now at the link below.

SXSW: Mess With Texas 3 Lineup Announced

2009-03-06T21:06:00.005-05:00

The best party of SXSW week last year looks to do it again this year...

The Mess With Texas 3 initial lineup for March 21 has been announced, and includes the following:

The Black Lips
Soft Pack (formerly The Muslims)
King Khan & the Shrines
The Thermals
Akron/Family
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down
Circle Jerks
Japanther
Crystal Antlers
Monotonix
Trash Talk
Jason Lytle
The Bronx
Vetiver
Abe Vigoda
Vivian Girls
Gentlemen Jessie
Death Set
and more to be announced!

Seriously awesome. And free. And awesome.

Monotonix - "Ride" mp3

Morrissey vs Russell Brand...Watch It Here

2009-02-27T21:20:00.007-05:00

I've spent the better part of the week with the new Morrissey album, Years Of Refusal, in major rotation in my iTunes. I'll admit to being enough of a fanboy that Mozza would have to release an album full of Gregorian chant duets with MC Hammer for me to not like it, but I really think this one's a killer. It's definitely the most solid release since Your Arsenal, but not retro sounding in the least.

The Mozzer recently sat down with comedic nutjob/genius Russell Brand for a remarkably insightful chat...here's a segment (with more available here) :

Morrissey - Years Of Refusal

Catch Morrissey soon near you:
US Tour Dates:
March
6 Myrtle Beach. SC - House of Blues
7 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
9 Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
11 Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center
13 Richmond, VA - The National
14 Washington, DC - Warner Theater
16 Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theater
17 Pittsburgh, PA - Carnegie Music Hall
19 Buffalo, NY - University of Buffalo Center for the Arts
21 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
22 Philadelphia, PA - Acadmy of Music
25 New York, NY - Webster Hall
26 New York, NY - Carnegie Hall
28 Mashantucket, CT - Foxwoods
29 Boston, MA - House of Blues
31 Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater
April
1 Columbus, OH - Palace Theater
3 Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom
4 Chicago, IL - Aragon Ballroom
6 Minneapolis, MN - State Theater
7 Kansas City, MO - Midland Theater
8 St. Louis, MO - Pageant Theater
10 Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom
11 Houston, TX - Jesse H. Jones Hall
12 Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall
14 El Paso, TX - Chavez Theater
15 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
17 Indio, CA - Coachella Festival

And as a bonus, here's the video for the album's "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris":

Chairlift Get Re-Release on Columbia, Announce Slew of Tour Dates

2009-02-27T21:04:00.005-05:00

Dream-poppers and iPod ad legends Chairlift have their Does You Inspire You album, remastered and re-released with a couple bonus tracks through Columbia late next month. In the meantime, they've announced a ton of live dates, including a handful of SXSW gigs.

Here's the list:

SXSW DATES:
Thurs. 3/19 Other Music Showcase @ Red 7 - 12AM
Thurs. 3/19 Gigotron/Videothing Showcase @ Club 1808
Fri. 3/20 Urban Outfitters Party - 5PM
Fri. 3/20 Under the Radar Party @ Flamingo Cantina - 3:15PM
Sat. 3/21 Filter Magazine Party@ Cedar Street Cafe 1PM
Sat. 3/21 This Side Up Sounds Party @ Red Eyed Fly

Additional Dates with YACHT, Sebastian Tellier and Peter, Bjorn & John:

Chairlift Only
03/07/09 NEW YORK, NY- SANTO’S PARTY HOUSE

With Yacht
03/13/09 CLEVELAND, OH -GROG SHOP
03/14/09 CHICAGO, IL -SCHUBAS TAVERN
03/16/09 ST. LOUIS, MO-THE GARGOYLE
03/17/09 LAWRENCE, KS -JACKPOT
03/18/09 NORMAN, OK -OPOLIS PRODUCTION

With Yacht
03/22/09 DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX -HOUSE OF BLUES-DALLAS
03/23/09 HOUSTON, TX -WAREHOUSE LIVE
03/24/09 BATON ROUGE, LA -SPANISH MOON
03/25/09 NEW ORLEANS, LA - HOUSE OF BLUES
03/26/09 TALLAHASSEE, FL- FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, CLUB DOWNUNDER
03/27/09 ATHENS, GA -40 WATT CLUB

Chairlift Only
03/28/09 NASHVILLE, TN- EXIT/ IN

With Sebastien Tellier
04/13/09 SEATTLE, WA -CHOP SUEY
04/14/09 VANCOUVER, BC- RICHARD’S ON RICHARD’S
04/15/09 PORTLAND, OR -DOUG FIR LOUNGE
04/17/09 SAN FRANCISCO, CA -THE INDEPENDENT

Chairlift Only
04/19/09 DENVER, CO- BLUEBIRD THEATRE

Supporting Peter Bjorn and John
04/21/09 MINNEAPOLIS, MN -FINE LINE MUSIC CAFE
04/22/09 MILWAUKEE, WI -PABST THEATRE
04/23/09 CHICAGO, IL -METRO
04/24/09 NEWPORT, KY -SOUTHGATE HOUSE
04/25/09 TORONTO, ON- PHOENIX THEATRE
04/26/09 OTTAWA, ON- CAPITAL MUSIC HALL
04/27/09 MONTREAL, QC- LE NATIONAL
04/28/09 BOSTON, MA -PARADISE ROCK CLUB
04/29/09 NEW YORK, NY -WEBSTER HALL
04/30/09 WILLIAMSBURG, NY -MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG
05/01/09 PHILADELPHIA, PA -WORLD CAFE
05/02/09 WASHINGTON, DC -9:30 CLUB

BONNAROO Festival
06/11/09 MANCHESTER, TN- BONNAROO

And here's the band's new video for "Evident Utensil":

Asobi Seksu Announce Full Tour, SXSW Dates

2009-02-27T20:33:00.004-05:00

Asobi Seksu has announced a full set of tour dates in support of their new album, Hush, including an April 4th date at NYC's Bowery Ballroom.

Here's the whole shebang:

Asobi Seksu US Tour Dates

Mar 02 Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
Mar 03 Toronto, ON @ El Mocambo
Mar 04 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
Mar 05 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
Mar 06 Bloomington, IL @ Illinois Wesleyan U.-Young
Mar 07 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Mar 10 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
Mar 11 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Mar 13 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Mar 14 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubador
Mar 15 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
Mar 19 Austin, TX – SXSW @ Scoot Inn, 6pm
Mar 20 Austin, TX - SXSW: Polyvinyl showcase @ Habana Calle Patio 6, 1am
Mar 21 Austin, TX – SXSW: Filter Magazine party @ Cedar Street Courtyard, 2:30pm
Mar 22 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves
Mar 23 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
Mar 24 Memphis, TN @ Young Avenue Deli
Mar 25 Atlanta, GA @ Eyedrum
Mar 26 Chapel HIll, NC @ Local 506
Mar 27 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
Mar 28 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
Mar 29 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
Mar 30 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
Apr 02 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

Asobi Seksu - Me & Mary from Aaron Stewart-Ahn on Vimeo.

February's Bakers Dozen Downloads - The Proclaimers, Heartless Bastards, Gramercy Arms, Abe Vigoda, and more!

2009-02-18T18:35:00.005-05:00

OK, so we've only got a week left in this short month, but better late than never! Here are thirteen sweet tracks for the takin', all extrawack! approved for your pleasure.

Heartless Bastards - "The Mountain" mp3

The Proclaimers - Life With You mp3

Gramercy Arms - Automatic mp3

Tortured Soul - "Did You Miss Me" mp3

Kelly Joe Phelps - "Western Bell" mp3

Abe Vigoda - "Don't Lie" mp3

Seth Walker - "Rewind" mp3

Heroes Of The Dancefloor - "Hooky" mp3

Jar-e - "An Idea" mp3

Laura Gibson - “Spirited” mp3

Buraka Som Sistema - “Kalemba (Wegue Wegue) Hot Chip Remix” mp3

Throw Me the Statue - "Ship" mp3

The Slate Pacific - "13 Kinds Of Chemicals" mp3

Video of the Week: "Count It Off" - The Saturday Knights

2009-02-16T12:56:00.002-05:00

I was hipped to this video by The Saturday Knights by a friend of mine who happens to be a friend of the filmmaker, so I checked it out mostly as a favor to her. Turns out it is awesome, and now I can't get the song's hook out of my head. It's a perfect follow up for those who dug Kermit The Frog's appearance in LCD Soundsystem's "New York I Love You" video last year. It's also an official selection at this year's SXSW Film Festival.

"Count It Off" - The Saturday Knights from Lincoln Leopard Films on Vimeo.

The Saturday Knights - "Dog Park" mp3

The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach New Album, Unofficial Video, and Vinyl Giveaway

2009-02-12T13:50:00.004-05:00

One of the best surprises of the new year so far has been the excellent new album from The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid.

Although it's chock full of that fuzzy blues (bluesy fuzz?) guitar he's best known for with The 'Keys, Keep It Hid also features some surprising departures from that signature sound.

To help you understand just how cool this album is, here's a video of Dan and his uncle, James Quine, playing "Trouble Weighs a Ton," the first track on Keep It Hid, in Dan’s Akron studio. It’s not an official video, just a little peek inside Dan’s studio, where he recently recorded Jessica Lea Mayfield’s record and the record for the band Hacienda, who will be Dan’s backing band on his upcoming tour:

To celebrate the release of Keep It Hid, extrawack! wants to give one lucky reader a copy of the album on vinyl, which is actually a single LP disk in a gatefold jacket with the complete album on CD included in the package. To win the swag, be the fifth correct answer to the question, "How many people are in The Black Keys?". Send your answer with "Dan Auerbach" in the subject line to extrawack@gmail.com. Contest open to U.S. residents only...sorry Greenland!

And speaking of the tour, here are the dates:

Feb 28 - 9:30 Club - Washington DC, Washington DC
Mar 1 - Paradise Club - Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 2 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, New York
Mar 3 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, New York
Mar 5 - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, Ohio
Mar 6 - Metro - Chicago, Illinois
Mar 7 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mar 10 - The Showbox - Seattle, Washington
Mar 11 - Wonder Ballroom - Portland, Oregon
Mar 13 - Bimbo’s - San Francisco, California
Mar 14 - El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, California

Sneak Preview of Depeche Mode's "Sounds of the Universe"

2009-02-09T18:42:00.004-05:00

extrawack!'s Corey Vezina recently caught an advance listen of the new Depeche Mode album, Sounds of the Universe...here's his review:

Surely, you think, it must be some sort of trick. More mathematical cum financial sleight of hand bullsh*t from the pages of the paper you can’t bear to read anymore; Another of those things that reminds you of the precise reasons well all knew better than to do something as hopelessly square as pay attention in math class.

Depeche Mode, 30 years? Oh, f@ck off.

Yet, there they are. Just a year shy of the third decade -which almost no band ever sees- album 12, Sounds of the Universe, clangs loudly into the room, still confident and tight in black shades. Still dark. Still electric. Still here.

You may not remember their last two albums, Exciter and Playing the Angel. You’d be generally forgiven for that, dropping as they did in an almost hidden way, finding their pulsing way to the CD rack at Virgin to sit behind the re-pressings of Music for the Masses and Violator. Ultra, itself now a decade gone, was the last album to make anything like a wave, to bend your ear at times the way the songs always used to. The band spun into the inevitable solo projects and change of writers that always mark the sign of a good band falling finally and fully apart. Tracks began to spin more and more off of the tight electric axis they’d created. Surely, time had finally got the better of them.

But, they are not here to go quietly.

Following up on 2005’s Playing the Angel, Sounds... returns the dark, scratchy, bass-driven industrial electronic music that the band introduced on 1993’s Songs of Faith and Devotion. Long since gone are the synth-romance roots that popped and echoed through the dance clubs of the early 90s. Increasingly, the tunes are an edgy anti-pop, produced to a technically aggressive point intentionally beyond radio airplay. Music decidedly not for the masses. Understandably so at this point in their career...bitterness of experience aside, who has much left to say at 50 that they didn’t say at 20? Yet, it comes out at times as a brutish attempt to sonically remind of the steel toe in one’s boot. "We’re still loud, are you still with us?"

While surely the message of a given piece of music can be important and the statement it is making is can be impressive, at some point, songs become "good" or not when you sing them in the shower, or drum them into your steering wheel. This album seems orchestrated to not be consumed in so pedestrian a fashion.

The tight and wrought ballads are still there, Gahan’s crooning search for achieving a better version of himself continues, but expect a treatment quite similar to Playing the Angel, where Gore and Fletcher’s layering of the sounds takes you loudly the wrong way through the pipe organ. Where previous efforts would carry you away, it’s now on you to follow along.

Running about 57 minutes, the tracks include the single "Wrong", a strongly belted and thumpingly backed lament of running life’s chances quite off the rails, the slower tempo of "Peace" where Gahan takes a choral refrain right up the cliff into falsetto and "Fragile", another melodic bass track with a handful of the early background computer noises you got first on "New Life", if you’ve been around that long.

"Hole to Feed" is perhaps the best effort, again pulsating and upbeat about its darkness, though, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Angel’s top single, "Precious". "Space Walker" is the "you get one every album" instrumental, Jezebel the "you get one every album" Martin Gore ballad, though, with a near Erasure vocal treatment.

All in, a solid album, though, with fewer songs you, a mere human, can sing along to. Like seeing that girl from high school at a 20 year reunion, you still feel the love, but you have to work harder now for the lust.

Full track list:

1. In Chains
2. Hole To Feed
3. Wrong
4. Fragile Tension
5. Little Soul
6. In Sympathy
7. Peace
8. Come Back
9. Spacewalker
10. Perfect
11. Miles Away / The Truth Is
12. Jezebel
13. Corrupt

Andrew WK & Cheeseburger @ Santos For Free This Friday Night

2009-02-02T21:20:00.003-05:00

Adult Swim + Andrew WK + Cheeseburger +Jon Glaser + Free Admission = Awesomeness.

Friday night @ Santos Party House. What's not to like? See you there!

Cheeseburger - "Tiger" mp3

Skate at the Seaport with Neckbeard Telecaster Friday Night

2009-01-27T20:33:00.007-05:00

Brooklyn's most hirsute band, Neckbeard Telecaster, kicks off the South Street Seaport Ice series of concerts this Friday night at the skating rink there. Shows are free to watch, and you can even skate during the shows for a reasonable skate-rental fee. The rifftastic Grand Mal opens.

Gig poster of the year so far?:

Neckbeard Telecaster - "Near Quitting Time" mp3

Ben Sollee Hits The Road In February, Gets Remixed by Computer vs Banjo

2009-01-27T17:55:00.006-05:00

extrawack!'s favorite cellist and musical renaissance man, Ben Sollee, has announced a tour with his sometime co-conspirator Daniel Martin Moore starting February 17 in Indianapolis. Here's the whole shebang:

Feb 17 Local’s Only - Indianapolis, Indiana
Feb 18 Mad Hatter Club - Covington, Kentucky
Feb 19 12th & Porter - Nashville, Tennessee
Feb 20 Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, North Carolina
Feb 21 The Pour House - Charleston, South Carolina
Feb 25 The Social - Orlando, Florida
Feb 26 Club Downunder - Tallahassee, Florida
Feb 27 Bottletree - Birmingham, Alabama
Feb 28 Proud Larry’s - Oxford, Mississippi
Mar 3 House Of Blues - Houston,
Mar 4 Stubb's Jr. - Austin, Texas
Mar 5 House Of Blues - Dallas, Texas
Mar 7 The Bluebird - St. Louis, Missouri

To celebrate the announcement, a new remix of Ben's "Panning For Gold", off his current album Learning To Bend can be found below. The remix is by Nashville's Computer Vs. Banjo, and lends an otherworldly vibe to the already excellent track.

Ben Sollee - "Panning For Gold (Computer vs Banjo Remix)" mp3
Daniel Martin Moore - "Stray Age" mp3

Ra Ra Riot Release CD Single, Tons More Tour Dates...Download New Remix Here

2009-01-26T19:39:00.006-05:00

extrawack! favorites Ra Ra Riot have announced plans to release a CD single of "Can You Tell" via Barsuk Records on March 3rd.

They are calling it a CD single, but it's loaded with enough goodness to count as an EP in our book:

1. Can You Tell (album version)
2. Run My Mouth (RAC mix)
3. Dying Is Fine (Tom Campesinos! mix)
4. A Manner to Act (live at Daytrotter)
5. Can You Tell (2006 demo)
(also includes a bonus video MP4 file of The Rhumb Line Live "Attic Sessions" in Syracuse, NY)

And in true RRR tradition, they're headed back out on the road for a lengthy stretch culminating in a string of dates with Death Cab For Cutie:

2/21 - Richard's on Richards (Vancouver, BC) !@
2/22 - Lucky (Victoria, BC) ! 2/24 - Doug Fir Lounge (Portland, OR) !@
2/25 - Neumos (Seattle, WA) !@
2/27 - The Independent (San Francisco, CA) (Noise Pop) !@
2/28 - El Rey Theatre (Los Angeles, CA) !@
3/1 - The Loft (San Diego, CA) !@
3/2 - Detroit Bar (Costa Mesa, CA) !@

3/7 - Harvest of Hope Festival (St. Augustine, FL)
3/8 - Langerado Music Festival (Miami, FL)

3/10 - The Parish @ HOB (New Orleans, LA) #
3/11 - Walter's on Washington (Houston, TX) #
3/12 - Cine El Rey (McAllen, TX) #
3/13 - The White Rabbit (San Antonio, TX) #
3/14 - Granada Theatre (Dallas, TX) #
3/16 - The Slowdown (Omaha, NE) #

3/17 - The Billiken Club (St. Louis, MO) *

3/18 - The Conservatory (Oklahoma City, OK) $
3/24 - The Cinemat (Bloomington, IN) $
3/25 - Musica (Akron, OH) $!
3/26 - The Blind Pig (Ann Arbor, MI) $

4/7 - Tower Theatre (Upper Darby, PA) %
4/8 - DAR Constitution Hall (Washington, DC) %
4/9 - John Belk Arena (Davidson, NC) %
4/10 - Louisville Palace Theatre (Louisville, KY) %
4/11 - Orpheum Theatre (Memphis, TN) %
4/12 - Brady Theater (Tulsa, OK) %
4/15 - Roy Wilkins Auditorium (St. Paul, MN) %
4/17 - Aragon Ballroom (Chicago, IL) %
4/18 - Michigan State University, Breslin Events Center (East Lansing, MI) %
4/19 - Carroll College, Van Male Fieldhouse (Waukesha, WI) %
4/24 - Gonzaga University, McCarthey Athletic Center (Spokane, WA) %
4/25 - Morrison Center (Boise, ID) %
4/27 - Sacramento Convention Center, Memorial Hall (Sacramento, CA) %
5/1- Austin Music Hall (Austin, TX) &
5/4 - Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN) &
5/5 - BJCC Concert Hall (Birmingham, AL) &
5/6 - Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA) &

! w/ Cut Off Your Hands
@ w/ Telekinesis
# w/ Tokyo Police Club
* w/ Maps & Atlases
$ w/ Passion Pit
% w/ Death Cab for Cutie, Cold War Kids
& w/ Death Cab for Cutie, Matt Costa

Ra Ra Riot - "Ghost Under Rocks (Passion Pit Remix)" mp3

Nicole Atkins, Locksley, Willie Nile & Pat DiNizio to play benefit salute to Buddy Holly at Vintage Vinyl

2009-01-24T21:19:00.004-05:00

As anyone in the Jerz will tell you, the best record store on the East Coast is Vintage Vinyl in Fords. No further discussion needed. I just found this press release in our in-box for what looks like a killer free event at "The Double V":

Record Store Day Sponsoring "Buddy Holly Lives!" festival at Vintage Vinyl to raise money for Parkinson's research

January 23, 2009- Record Store Day, presented by a consortium of independent music retailers spanning the United States and overseas with hundreds of store locations, will be sponsoring Buddy Holly Lives on January 31st, 2009. Vintage Vinyl Records will host "Buddy Holly Lives," a live in-store concert event.

The free concert will seek to raise money for the Light of Day Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease. The event begins at noon and is expected to run until about 5 PM.

The performers, including celebrated NY rocker Willie Nile, Columbia recording artist Nicole Atkins, Pat Dinizio, lead vocalist of the Smithereens, MTV featured artists Locksley and more, will each perform their favorite Buddy Holly tunes to celebrate the life of the rock legend and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of his tragic plane crash. The event will take place on the Vintage Vinyl in-store stage.

Vintage Vinyl Records is an independently owned and operated records store in NJ since 1979.

To learn more about this event, visit vvinyl.com and vvinyl.com/buddy.php

Location: Vintage Vinyl Records, 51 Lafayette Road Fords, NJ 08863

My Morning Jacket & Nicole Atkins - "Islands In The Stream (Live at MSG on NYE 09)" mp3

Mellencamp, Norah, & Kristofferson on Spectacle With Elvis Costello Tonight, Win A Prize Pack Here.

2009-01-21T07:59:00.009-05:00

One of the highlights of the new television season has been the excellent Spectacle series, which features Elvis Costello insightfully interviewing and playing with a wide range of especially interesting guests. Recent subjects have included Elton John, Rufus Wainwright, Bill Clinton, Tony Bennett, and Lou Reed.

It's on Wednesday nights on the Sundance Channel at 9pm, and repeated throughout the week. Tonight's episode features Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones and John Mellencamp.
Here's a clip from that show:

To celebrate Spectacle, extrawack! wants to give one reader a Spectacle/Sundance eco-friendly prize pack:

1 Keen/Sundance Bag

1 Pair of Speakers

1 T-Shirt

1 Notebook

1 Sigg/Sundance Thermos

To win, send the correct answer to the following question to us with "Spectacle" as the subject line:

On Elvis Costello's single "The Only Flame In Town", with what other singer did Elvis share vocal duties?

The fifth correct answer to extrawack@gmail.com gets the swag. Contest only open to US residents. Sorry Kuala Lumpur!

Devo to Play SXSW

2009-01-19T10:19:00.004-05:00

From the SXSW website:

On Friday, March 20, performing right society BMI will partner with SXSW to present new wave progenitors Devo at Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces St). The show marks the climax of BMI's focused presence at SXSW 2009: Throughout the week, the organization will also stage indie rock showcases, orchestrate film and songwriter panels, and host its annual invitation-only mixers, the details of which will be announced soon.

In addition, Devo will follow up their Friday performance with a Saturday, March 21 interview at the Austin Convention Center as part of the SXSW Music Conference. Those seeking The Truth About De-Evolution are advised to attend.

Devo's thorough understanding of the ability of precise, multi-faceted artistic expression to relay relevant social commentary elevated the band from quirky cult icons to mainstream players in the late 70's and 80's. Co-founders Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh dubbed the band "Devo," shorthand for their wry philosophy of the "de-evolution" of humanity they most readily observed in cultural shortcomings of the United States.

And here's a ridiculous video of Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale of Devo (under the pseudonyms "Spud & Bud Devo") backing up Jermaine Jackson on a TV show hosted by Fred Travelena from back in the day:

Tennessee Coal Ash Flood Victims Benefit in BK Thursday Night

2009-01-14T21:05:00.004-05:00

NY Loves Mountains is throwing a benefit at Hanks Saloon, Thursday night, to benefit the victims of the TVA coal ash flood in Harriman, Tennessee.

Here's more info:

January's Baker Dozen Downloads with Bon Iver, O'Death, Cut Off Your Hands, Black Lips, and more!

2009-01-13T19:15:00.004-05:00

As the crazy redhead from Rock Of Love, Lacey, would say, "What's up, skanks?!"

Here's January's extrawack!-approved thirteen downloads, just in time to help melt your frozen selves in this record-setting cold weather.

Lower Heaven - "Lose It All At Once" mp3

Dead Heart Bloom - "Flash In A Bottle" mp3

O'Death - "Lowtide" mp3

Black Lips - "Starting Over" mp3

Cut Off Your Hands - "Turn Cold" mp3

Bon Iver - "Blood Bank" mp3

François Virot - "Not The One" mp3

Spindrift - "Ace Coltrane" mp3

Hammer No More The Fingers - "Shutterbug" mp3

Alaska In Winter - "Berlin" mp3

A. Armada - "The Moon Shifts The Sea The Sea Shapes The Shore The Shore Shakes The Sand The Sand Sinks The Ships" mp3

Middle States - "No Curse, No Drunk, No Fight" mp3

Hooray For Earth - "Take Care" mp3

And here's bonus skankness from the new Rock Of Love Bus:

Sigur Rós Donate Song For Oxfam America Video

2009-01-13T08:12:00.005-05:00

In an all-too-rare example of a well known artist using their music for good and not profiteering, Sigur Rós has given the rights to the track "Með suð í eyrum" to Oxfam America for their recent fundraising video. Well done, fellas!

The band's blog says the following:

The message from Oxfam is simple:

Nearly one billion suffer from chronic hunger. The cost of food from Ethiopia to Afghanistan has nearly doubled. The situation is urgent.

One modest donation can make a difference.

Support Oxfam’s work to end hunger and poverty. You can save a life. You can make a difference.

The Global Hunger Epidemic from Oxfam America on Vimeo.

Sigur Rós - "Gobbledigook (instrumental)" mp3

Morrissey Tickets for NYC & NJ On Sale Today...Links Here.

2009-01-09T09:01:00.004-05:00

Tickets go on-sale this morning at 11:00 for 4 local Morrissey "Tour Of Refusal" dates:

3/16 Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ Buy tickets here

3/21 Bowery Ballroom Buy tickets here

3/25 Webster Hall Buy tickets here

3/26 Carnegie Hall Buy tickets here

We've heard the new album, "Years Of Refusal", and it's pretty excellent. Should be amazing to see Mozza in these more-intimate-than-where-he-usually-plays halls.

First Official List of SXSW Bands Announced

2009-01-08T18:59:00.003-05:00

The first official list of artists playing this year's SXSW were announced on the festival's website today:

8Ball & MJG (Memphis, TN)
Akron/Family (Williamsport, PA)
Al Kapone (Memphis, TN)
Alina Simone (Brooklyn, NY)
Amanda Blank (Philadelphia, PA)
Amber Smith (Budapest, HUNGARY)
Angry vs The Bear (Essex, ENGLAND)
Anthony Snape (Sydney, AUSTRALIA)
ARABROT (Oslo, NORWAY)
Arc Angels (Austin, TX)
Asher Roth (Morrisville, PA)
Asobi Seksu (Brooklyn, NY)
Astrid Williamson (Shetland Islands, SCOTLAND)
B.o.B. (Atlanta, GA)
Banda de Turistas (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Bar-Kays (Memphis, TN)
Bavu Blakes (Austin, TX)
Ben Kweller (Austin, TX)
Benny Gallagher (West Wickham, ENGLAND)
Black Cherry (London, ENGLAND)
BLACK SKIES (Chapel Hill, NC)
Blaqstarr (Baltimore, MD)
Blue Scholars (Seattle, WA)
Bomba Estereo (Bogota, Columbia)
Brick Bandits (Philadelphia, PA)
Buck 65 (Halifax, NS)
Buraka Som Sistema (Lisbon, Portugal)
Candy Coated Killahz (Toronto, CANADA)
Cashier No.9 (Belfast, IRELAND)
Casiokids (Bergen, NORWAY)
Charles Hamilton (New York, NY)
Choc Quib Town (Bogota, Columbia)
CHOO-CHOO (Bern, SWITZERLAND)
Chris T-T (Brighton, ENGLAND)
Come On Gang! (Edinburgh, SCOTLAND)
Crystal Method (Los Angeles, CA)
Crystal Stilts (New York, NY)
Damero (Berlin, Germany)
Dananananaykroyd (Glasgow, Scotland)
Dave Alvin (Los Angeles, CA)
David Garza (Austin, TX)
Dead Prez (New York, NY)
Dekadens (Bucharest, ROMANIA)
Dirtblonde (Liverpool, ENGLAND)
Division Miniscula (Matamoros, Mexico)
Doctor Krapula (Bogota, Columbia)
EBONY BONES! (London, ENGLAND)
Ella (Bristol, ENGLAND)
Empire ISIS (Montreal, CANADA)
Explosions in the Sky (Austin, TX)
Flood of Red (Glasgow, SCOTLAND)
Franki Chan (Los Angeles, CA)
Free Sol (Memphis, TN)
Futumomo Satisfaction (Tokyo, Japan)
Gabi Almedia (Sao Paolo, Brazil)
Gary Clark Jr. (Austin, TX)
Grimy Styles (Austin, TX)
Hacienda (San Antonio, TX)
Hickoids (Austin, TX)
Ida Maria (Stockholm, Sweden)
Insite (Mexicali, Mexico)
Invincible (Detroit, MI)
Jokers of the Scene (Ottawa, ON)
Kap Bambino (Bordeaux, France)
Kid Sister (Chicago, IL)
Killer Mike (Atlanta, GA)
LA Riots (Los Angeles, CA)
Los Fancy Free (Mexico City, Mexico)
Madi Diaz (Nashville, TN)
Manana (Basil, SWITZERLAND)
Mandi Perkins (Los Angeles, CA)
Mexican Institute of Sound (Mexico City, Mexico)
Micachu (London, ENGLAND)
Midnight Youth (Auckland, NEW ZEALAND)
Mika Miko (Los Angeles, CA)
Mike Badger (Liverpool, ENGLAND)
Mistah FAB (Oakland, CA)
Monokino (Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS)
Moriarty (Montreuil, FRANCE)
Motel (Mexico City, Mexico)
Mundo Livre Sa (Recife, Brazil)
My Crew Be Unruly (Baltimore, MD)
My Federation (Hove, ENGLAND)
Nacho Vegas (Gijon, Spain)
Nacional (Glasgow, SCOTLAND)
NAVEL (Erschwil, SWITZERLAND)
Outasight (New York, NY)
P.O.S. (Minneapolis, MN)
Pato Machete (Monterrey, Mexico)
Peter Bjorn & John (Stockholm, Sweden)
Peter Rosenberg (New York, NY)
Port O'Brien (Cambria, CA)
Primal Scream (Glasgow, Scotland)
Reflection Eternal (Ohio/New York)
Rob Quest (Houston, TX)
Sage Francis (Providence, RI)
San Quinn (San Francisco, CA)
Scribe (Christchurch, NZ)
Shad (London, Ontario)
Shawn David McMillen (Austin, TX)
Simplifires (Mexico City, Mexico)
Soulico (Tel Aviv, Israel)
St. Vincent (Dallas, TX)
Suzy & Los Quattro (Barcelona, Spain)
T Bird & The Breaks (Austin, TX)
Tanya Morgan (Brooklyn, NY)
Temposhark (London, ENGLAND)
The Beat Poets (Belfast, IRELAND)
The Carrivick Sisters (Devon, ENGLAND)
The Courteneers (Manchester, UK)
The deBretts (London, ENGLAND)
The Deep Dark Woods (Saskatoon, CANADA)
the Devil Wears Prada (Dayton, OH)
The Everyday Visuals (Boston, MA)
The Knux (New Orleans, LA)
THE MOOG (Budapest, HUNGARY)
The Pepper Pots (Girona, Spain)
The Sonics (Seattle, WA)
The Temper Trap (Nth Fitzroy, AUSTRALIA)
thecocknbullkid (London, ENGLAND)
Thee Oh See's (San Francisco, CA)
This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb (Pensacola, FL)
Tittsworth (Washington, DC)
Tommy Tee (Oslo, Norway)
Toy Horses (Barry, WALES)
Twilight Hotel (Winnipeg, CANADA)
Virgin Passages (London, ENGLAND)
Volodja Balzalorsky (Ljubljana, SLOVENIA)
WAZ (Los Angeles, CA)
We Have Band (London, ENGLAND)
We Should Be Dead (Limerick, IRELAND)
White Lies (London, ENGLAND)
Whitechapel (Knoxville, TN)
Willem Maker (Turkey Heaven, AL)
Willy Joy (Chicago, IL)
Yarah Bravo (New York, NY)

and we'll be there too!

We Have Band - "Oh!" mp3

courtesy of I Was There

The Godfathers Reunite and Playing East Coast Tour

2009-01-04T16:00:00.005-05:00

After what seems to be some successful dates around Europe last year, the recently reunited Godfathers will hit the East Coast of the US in February.

I was lucky enough to see them play at Rutgers back in the day, and if they have half the ferocity they had back then, it'll be well worth the price of admission.

Tour dates below...see you in Hoboken.

From the press release:
Legendary English rock and roll band THE GODFATHERS explode back into the USA in 2009 with their first American tour in nearly 20 years. The tour includes a landmark Saint Valentine's Day Massacre show on Saturday 14 February at The Metro appropriately in Chicago. This will be first ever Godfathers Saint Valentine's Massacre show outside London since its inception in the notorious London Dungeon in the late eighties. The London Saint Valentine's Day Massacre shows have become legendary events in English rock'n'roll folklore and The Godfathers are delighted to stage the first American Massacre at The Metro. The tour kicks off on 2.11.09 in Boston and then takes in Washington DC, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Hoboken before crash landing into the Bellhouse in Brooklyn on Thursday 19 February.

The Godfathers originally formed in 1985, emerging out of the ashes of The Sid Presley Experience. They dressed liked The Mob and sounded like Johnny Thunders bastard English offspring, quickly establishing a fearsome reputation for their no-holds barred high energy live show. In the dark days of eighties Britain The Godfathers were a beacon of rock'n'roll light in an otherwise bleak time. They scored a US Top 40 Billboard hit with the storming rocker "Birth, School, Work, Death" in 1987 and became a mainstay of US college radio.

After years of speculation and expectation The Godfathers reformed earlier this year and played onstage together in London for the first time in nineteen years. The band delivered a blistering set at a Saint Valentine's Day Massacre show in London that rocked the house ragged and the momentum has continued with a series of European festival appearances over the summer that has seen the band accelerate from strength to strength. To celebrate their return they reissued their classic debut album "Hit By Hit" in an exclusive collectors 2CD set released through the bands own independent label Corporate Image.

THE GODFATHERS FEBRUARY 2009 US TOUR

Wednesday 11 Boston, MA-The Middle East
Thursday 12 Washington DC-9.30 Club
Friday 13 Cleveland, OH-The Grog Shop
Saturday 14 Chicago, IL-The Metro
Sunday 15 Minneapolis, MN-Seventh Street Entry
Monday 16 Milwaukee, WI-The Shank House
Wednesday 18 Hoboken, NJ-Maxwells
Thursday 19 Brooklyn, NY-The Bell House

Coldplay Covers The Pogues' "Fairytale Of New York" in Dublin

2008-12-22T13:54:00.004-05:00

My friend Soha just sent me the link to this video of Coldplay covering the best holiday song ever, The Pogues' "Fairytale Of New York" at the O2 in Dublin last night. Where else could you find 15,000 folks in one room who could sing every word out loud to that one?

And here's the original featuring the sadly departed Kirsty MacColl, with Matt Dillon as one of New York's finest:

The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl - "Fairytale Of New York" mp3
above courtesy of The Leather Canary

"Stone Roses To Reform In 2009", says Mani

2008-12-14T21:40:00.003-05:00

Granted, the story comes from London's The Sun, but fingers crossed:

"THE STONE ROSES bassist MANI has pledged to fans that the legendary band will reform next year – once he has persuaded frontman IAN BROWN....

Madchester madman Mani — now touring with PRIMAL SCREAM — vowed that he, Ian, guitarist JOHN SQUIRE and drummer RENI, will reunite in 2009 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band’s self-titled debut album."

Full story here.

Stone Roses - "Fools Gold":

New Weird Video From Peter, Björn & John

2008-12-12T14:26:00.004-05:00

A mysterious email this morning from Sweden tipped us off to this creepy cool video teaser for the new Peter, Björn & John album, due early next year. We likee.

More info here, if you read Swedish.

December's Baker's Dozen Downloads from Sebastien Grainger, Secret Machines, Oxford Collapse, and more!

2008-12-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it's time again for thirteen new tracks to stick into your Zune, and crank up to din the sound of the bad Zamfir versions of holiday classics piped through discount stores' overhead speakers.

And be like Santa on the left, and chug some Henny for us.

Peachcake - "Make Movement Not War" mp3

Secret Machines - "Atomic Heels" mp3

Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains - "American Names" mp3

B. Fleischmann - "24.12" mp3

Gavin Castleton - "Since 1968" mp3

Dylan Connor - "Breakaway And Burn" mp3

Tha Pumpsta - "Octopus Armed" mp3

Oxford Collapse - "The Birthday Wars" mp3

The Homosexuals - "Slow Guns" mp3

The Heavy - "Set Me Free" mp3

Gladshot - "All I Want Is You" mp3

The Moondoggies - "Changing" mp3

DJ Babu - "Dearly Departed" mp3

Concert Review: My Brightest Diamond in Birmingham

2008-12-06T04:11:00.005-05:00

I'm typically of the opinion that a live show should be more vigorous and dynamic than what one puts down on record. Just because it's desirable though doesn't mean it's an easy transition to acheive. Joanna Newsom's orchestral Ys album was full of potential to fall flat on its face live with only five performers on stage. A dramatic change of instrumentation though allowed that already fresh sounding album to come to life in new and exciting ways.

Shara Worden, though, has turned convention on its ear and managed to make her frequently quiet and subtle albums even more quiet and subtle on stage. Gone are the drums/percussion (save the occasional touch of drum machine), gone are the bass and keyboards. This tour finds Worden and her guitar backed by a trio of violin, viola and cello and the occasional bit of electronics. This lineup is more conducive to material from the new album A Thousand Shark's Teeth than it is to the material on its predecessor Bring Me The Workhorse. That makes sense though as A Thousand Shark's Teeth was conceived as a series of miniatures for string quartet.

When the set opened up with a stripped down version of "Golden Star," I wasn't sure how the rest of the evening was going to turn out. It's not because it wasn't a beautiful rendition, but because there was something "wrong" about the whole thing. It took me a few songs to figure it out, but I finally decided what was wrong...and it wasn't the music. The problem is this that this music is too damn beautiful and intricate to watch while surrounded by people sipping on PBR tallboys. That's not an indictment of the crowd or the venue at all (especially seeing as I'm there all the time and many of my favorite people hang out there.) The venue did all in its power to encourage people to not talk during the show (including posting signs at the entrance) and by and large, the crowd obliged giving the music and musicians due respect. Still, in all honesty, a small recital hall would be the optimal place to see them perform in my opinion.

I couldn't help but wonder throughout the course of the evening how many people know who she's singing about when referencing modernist French composer Pierre Boulez or if the subtleties of the mbira can truly be appreciated in a rock club setting. I must say that the Javanese shadow puppets during the final song were really cool and one can only hope that people will learn a bit more about these often obscure influences that help make her one of a kind performances what they are. She's clearly one of the brightest (no pun intended), most cultured people working the indie rock circuit, but one has to wonder where exactly she'd best fit in, though I doubt fitting in is her goal (and to her credit she is forging her own path.) Her stuff is probably too cultured for widespread acceptance among the rock set, but too peculiar and "too rock and roll" for the fine arts crowd. I do know this though, she deserves every bit of success she gets and probably a whole lot more.

Tour dates:
12/06 - Knoxville, TN - Square Room
12/07 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
12/09 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
12/10 - Charlottesville, VA - Gravity Lounge
12/11 - Washington, DC - Rock n' Roll Hotel
12/12 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
12/13 - New York, NY - (Le) Poisson Rouge

My Brightest Diamond - "Inside A Boy" MP3

Concert Review: The King Khan & BBQ Show in Birmingham

2008-11-27T23:03:00.004-05:00

King Khan & BBQ at Bottletree in Birmingham

It seems like every time I review a show on this site, the band only has a handful of dates left on their tour. That is once again the case with The King Khan and BBQ Show, who have six more dates in the northeast and Canada before King Khan's other band, The Shrines, play a trio of December shows in London.

The thing that appeals to me about The King Khan & BBQ Show is their visceral nature and urgency. As much as I love acts like Sigur Rós and Sufjan Stevens, sometimes loud, raw guitars and pounding rhythms are what's needed to...well...put the rock and roll back into rock and roll.

What sets The King Khan & BBQ Show apart from the garage rock pack though is their ability to incorporate other, more polished influences into their sound, yet still remain raw and direct (much like their friends, the Black Lips.) In concert, they can take a slow doo-wop song like "Why Don't You Lie" and steer it skillfully into a frenzied wall of sound and fuzz guitars. Other highlights of evening included "Zombies," a song that opens with the line "I don't give a fuck," yet manages to stay remarkably free of sounding cliche. "Fishfight" is the kind of song that you see performed live and think, "How in the hell are they making this much noise with only two guys on stage?"

I guess we're lucky in Birmingham that Khan made it to town intact and able to perform since they played Atlanta the night before. Khan's previous trip to the ATL ended with a busted lip and a trip to the hospital for stitches courtesy of Brent Hinds of Mastodon. You don't see Jens Leckman getting into any rumbles with metal guitarists now do you?

It will be quite some time before it airs, but this show was taped for We Have Signal. I imagine it will appear some time late next year.

Remaining US/Canada tour dates:

11/28 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
11/29 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
11/30 - Manhattan, NY - The Bowery Ballroom
12/01 - Boston, MA - Paradise
12/05 - Toronto, ONT - Lee's Place
12/06 - Ottawa, ONT - Babylone

MP3s (courtesy of the band's German label):

The King Khan & BBQ Show - "Fishfight" mp3
The King Khan & BBQ Show - "Love You So" mp3

We Have Signal

2008-11-20T02:20:00.007-05:00

The good folks at Alabama Public Television have recently begun a program called We Have Signal, a series that can perhaps be described as a Birmingham version of Austin City Limits...though with a decidedly more underground feel. Season one features the likes of The Fiery Furnaces, The Dirtbombs, Pelican, Earth, The Dodos, Beach House, The Sword, The Warlocks, Health, The Weakerthans, Bill Frisell, The Black Angels and others including Birmingham area bands. After the performances air on APT, they're available soon afterward to stream on the website linked above. All shows are filmed at the Bottletree Cafe, a venue that's quickly become a favorite of touring bands as well as fans in the region.

Here's an embed of The Fiery Furnaces show, other shows can be streamed here.

Elvis Costello Chat Show Lineup & Schedule Announced

2008-11-18T18:24:00.003-05:00

The eagerly awaited guest lineup and broadcast schedule for The Sundance Channel's new show, "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." has been released, and is posted below.

"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." fuses the best elements of talk and music television, inviting viewers to enjoy an in-depth conversation between host Elvis Costello and his guests, punctuated by rare musical performances by Costello, his guests and a wide variety of musicians. Comprised of 13 one-hour episodes, "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." airs on Wednesday nights at 9:00pm et/pt and kicks off Wednesday, December 3.

Here's a clip from the first episode featuring Elton John...it's Elvis and Alan Toussaint covering Elton's "Border Song":

Looks awesome, right? Here's the full schedule for Season 1:

Wednesday, December 3rd at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Sir Elton John

Wednesday, December 10th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Lou Reed + Julian Schnabel"

Wednesday, December 17th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Bill Clinton"

Wednesday, December 24th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with James Taylor"

Wednesday, December 31st at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Tony Bennett"

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with The Police"

Wednesday, January 14th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Rufus Wainwright

Wednesday, January 21st at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones, John Mellencamp

Wednesday, January 28th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Renée Fleming"

Wednesday, February 4th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Herbie Hancock"

Wednesday, February 11th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with She & Him, Jenny Lewis, Jakob Dylan"

Wednesday, February 18th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Diana Krall"

Wednesday, February 25th at 9:00pm
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Smokey Robinson

Jersey Drunken Politician + Dead Cover Band = A Whizzing Night Of Fun!

2008-11-10T14:55:00.003-05:00

from today's Daily News:

"A drunken Jersey City councilman was arrested for urinating on a crowd of concertgoers from the balcony of a Washington nightclub, police and club sources said Saturday.

Councilman Steven Lipski was caught relieving himself onto several revelers at the 9:30 Club during a concert by a Grateful Dead tribute band Friday night, club sources said.

"He was very drunk," the source said, noting that it wasn't the first time Lipski had caused a ruckus at the popular concert venue."

Yikes. What's worse...having a newspaper print a story about you urinating in a public place, or printing a story that you were at a Dark Star Orchestra concert?

Kevin Barnes - Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead Cover) mp3
above courtesy of Lullabyes.

Please Vote Today.

2008-11-04T07:51:00.004-05:00

TV On The Radio encourages you to vote today, and vote for "Cheesecake Wednesdays and Licorice Thursdays" while you are at it:

Ben Sollee - "A Few Honest Words" Obama Remix Video

2008-10-26T14:24:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite discoveries this year has been Louisville's Ben Sollee, a classically trained cellist, who couples a unique playing style and beautifully written songs with a socially conscious lyrical bent to create a sound that really has no peer in today's musical landscape.

Perhaps best known right now for his place as a member of Abigail Washburn's Sparrow Quartet, Ben has spent most of this year touring with that supergroup. He's now concentrating on getting his excellent recent solo work heard, and is setting out on a tour of his own next week.

I had the opportunity to see Sollee solo up close earlier this year on the Solar Stage at Bonnaroo (photo above), where he hypnotized the crowd with his unique sound, style, and technique, and at one point he even busted out his own version of Jay-Z's "99 Problems" to the amazement of folks who thought they were stopping by the stage for some trad-bluegrass. It was a highlight of the festival for me and my pals in front of the stage.

With a few days left before the election, I'm thrilled to see a new video surface of Sollee's touching "A Few Honest Words", his song pleading for government representatives to say what they mean and mean what they say, remixed with inspirational verses from speeches by Barack Obama:

Compelling stuff, no?

Ben Sollee Tour Dates:

1 Nov - Louisville KY / 930 Listening Room w/ Bootsie Ann and Kim Taylor
4 Nov - Lexington KY / Downtown Arts Center
5 Nov - Nashville TN / The Basement w/ Vandaveer and Kim Taylor
6 Nov - Atlanta GA / The 5 Spot
7 Nov - Chapel Hill NC / Nightlight
8 Nov - Washington DC / Iota
11 Nov - Brooklyn NY / Union Hall
12 Nov - New York NY / Mercury Lounge
13 Nov - Boston, MA / Great Scott
14 Nov - Philadelphia PA / World Cafe Live (low dough show)
15 Nov - Pittsburgh PA / Club Café
17 Nov - Chicago IL / Schuba's
18 Nov - Minneapolis MN / 400 Club
24 Nov - San Francisco CA / Café Du Nord
25 Nov - Los Angeles CA, Hotel Café

Kings Of Leon @ MSG Tix On Sale Friday...Ticket Link Here

2008-10-23T20:43:00.003-04:00

Tickets for the Kings Of Leon show at Madison Square Garden on January 29 go on sale tomorrow (Friday 10/24) at 10:00 am at this link.

Obviously, this is their biggest New York City date yet, and I'm betting probably their biggest headlining date ever. Considering how quickly tix for their Radio City gig vanished, this one looks to sell out quickly as well. Get 'em while they're available.

Zune @ CMJ...Crazy Good Shows @ Bowery

2008-10-21T12:45:00.003-04:00

Regular readers of extrawack! know that we dig our Zune, our all-you-can-eat subscription to the Zune Pass, and all things Zune-y. So we were pleased to see the Zunetastic stuff they are doing this week at CMJ. Dig it, straight from the press release:

CMJ ACTIVATION INCLUDES EXCLUSIVE MIX TAPES AND LIVE PERFORMANCES BY JAY REATARD, LYKKE LI, A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS AND OVER 30 MORE

As one of the title sponsors of this year's CMJ Music Marathon, Zune continues its focus on discovery of new artists. In addition to partnering with Xbox Live and Doritos to present showcases at the Bowery Ballroom from artists like Lykke Li, Jay Reatard and A Place to Bury Strangers, Zune is launching CMJ-themed pages on Zune Marketplace and Zune.net to give fans access to mix tapes and CMJ features.

Starting today, Zune Marketplace will feature custom CMJ mix tapes from the Zune DJs and partner music blogs like Rock Insider, Rock Sellout, Culture Bully and The Music Slut. Music fans can download the "CMJ 2008 Collection" to hear music from this year's bands or the "CMJ Rewind" for a taste of past CMJ artists, as well as subscribe to custom Channels programmed by CMJ and KEXP to get new music automatically pushed to their collection each week.

All of this content is currently available for free by downloading the Zune software. To access it, music lovers can sign up for a free 14-day Zune Pass subscription at http://www.zune.net/free, which gives fans unlimited access to millions of tracks available on Zune, including featured full-length albums by CMJ artists.

Zune will also syndicate content from several partner music blogs at www.zune.net/cmj where fans can then be linked to special blog-produced CMJ mix tapes in Zune Marketplace. In addition, Zune will launch its first ever Zune Zine, a magazine about music discovery showcasing twelve up & coming CMJ artists including Janelle Monae and Chester French. The zine will be distributed at over 300 venues in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia in addition to official CMJ venues, newsstands, and exhibition spaces. A PDF version will be available to all music fans at www.zune.net/cmj.

Check it all out at the Zune Marketplace here.

Zune will be presenting showcases at the Bowery Ballroom all week long, featuring live performances by over 30 CMJ artists.

Tuesday Oct 21
8:00 Micachu
9:00 Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
10:00 Friendly Fires
11:00 Lykke Li

Wednesday Oct 22
7:00 Cory Chisel & the Wandering Souls
8:00 Shugo Tokumaru
9:00 Audrye Sessions
10:00 Love As Laughter
11:00 Wild Sweet Orange
12:00 Margot & the Nuclear So And Sos

Thursday Oct 23
7:00 Company of Thieves
8:00 Janelle Monae
9:00 Chester French
10:00 Black Joe Lewis
11:00 Scouting For Girls
12:00 Delays

Friday Oct 24
8:00 Sweet Water
9:00 Japanese Motors
10:00 Violens
11:00 White Lies
12:00 Longwave
1:00 Jay Reatard

Saturday Oct 25
7:00 Lord T & Eloise
7:45 Little Jackie
10:00 All the Saints
11:00 Marnie Stern
12:00 Vivian Girls
1:00 Crystal Antlers
2:00 A Place to Bury Strangers

Lykke Li - "Dance Dance Dance" mp3

On The Moon Music showcase on Thursday w/Cheesebuger, Dirty on Purpose, Neckbeard Telecaster & More

2008-10-20T09:35:00.003-04:00

Our friend Jinners runs On The Moon Music, a management company loaded with great artists, and she's throwing an unoffical CMJ showcase Thursday night at Death By Audio in Crooklyn. Did I mention free beer?

I'll be getting there early to catch Purse Snatchers, featuring Doug Marvin from Dirty on Purpose and Annie Hart of Au Revoir Simone. And chances are some of that free beer will be airborne once Cheeseburger hits the stage...

Purse Snatchers - "Tongue Twister" mp3

Neckbeard Telecaster - "One More Night Like This" mp3