It's my favorite time of the year, when SXSW releases their list of participating artists. I usually spend many hours pouring over the ridiculously long list of names instead of studying for midterms. However, my hard work is always rewarded. The Dodos, a duo from San Francisco (not Brooklyn!) are one of my favorite discoveries this year.
The Dodos are Meric Long (guitar, vocals, trombone) and Logan Kroeber (drums). Unlike most duos, the Dodos don't try to force a big sound out of themselves by playing and singing as loudly as they possibly can. Instead, they add color to their music by using more complex rhythmic patterns and having very little empty space. As someone pointed out to me, Logan doesn't use a kick drum. He has a bass drum that he plays as a regular stand drum. If you watch their MP3.com tunnel performance, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
Recently signed onto Frenchkiss Records (of Les Savy Fav and The Hold Steady), the Dodos will be releasing their sophomore record, Visiter, on March 18. The Dodos return to NYC on April 6th at Mercury Lounge.
Fools - The Dodos
Winter - The Dodos
Red and Purple - The Dodos
March 9, 2008
The Dodos
March 2, 2008
Tokyo Police Club Grows Up?
Since I downloaded "Nature of the Experiment" off Insound.com two years ago, Tokyo Police Club (TPC) has been one of my favorite bands. While I'm not into all garage-indie bands, TPC has a playfulness that I love. It's no wonder that they were up for the "Best New Artist" PLUG award last year. After I saw them perform at Mercury Lounge last year, I was sold for life. That explains why I have 40 TPC tracks on my iTunes, although they have only released only two EPs.
Thankfully, Elephant Shell, their first LP, will be released on April 22. You can check out the tracklist here. Our first peek at the LP is "In a Cave," which is a little different from the TPC that I'm used to. With each single, TPC's music has matured with more meaningful lyrics and polished sound. Perhaps this is due to influences from their new label, Saddle Creek? Anyway, while I'm a huge fan of the A Lesson in Crime stuff, I'm loving the new track. My favorite line is, "Elephant shell, you're my cave and I've been hiding out, will you tell me a little bit about, a bit about yourself." So, maybe I appreciate this new, more emo side of TPC. "Graves" and "Your English is Good" are also included on the upcoming LP.
Can't wait to see them in April! Luckily, I got tickets before they sold out. They just added a second Manhattan show, but that will probably sell out soon.
Who says nothing good comes from Canada? Lies, all lies.
In a Cave - Tokyo Police Club
Your English is Good - Tokyo Police Club
Graves (Daytrotter Session) - Tokyo Police Club
February 20, 2008
The Return of the Kooks
Just a short update.
FINALLY, a new Kooks album. Konk will be released on April 14. Until the album is leaked, I will be googling it every day. A part of me really regrets not going to their show last week at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. But, then again, it was snowing hard and I was sick as hell. Also, I remember the last NYC Kooks show as being packed with underagers which, no offense, really turns off an aging gal like me. Check out brooklynvegan's review of the show and pics here.
Also watched their Conan performance today. Normally, I find bands to be really boring when they perform on TV. No, they are beyond boring. LIFELESS is more accurate. Anyway, I was surprised by the Kooks' performance. Luke Pritchard managed to pack a punch without looking like a tool.
Check out their latest single, "Always Where I Need To Be." God, this song is addicting. Also, enjoy some old tracks off Inside In/Inside Out.
Always Where I Need To Be - The Kooks
She Moves in Her Own Way - The Kooks
Eddie's Gun - The Kooks
February 11, 2008
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
For whatever reason, I am not really a fan of female artists/vocalists, with the exception of Cat Power. So, I was skeptical when
a friend (Thanks, David!) introduced me to We Brave Bee Stings and All, the latest Thao album. However, I trust my friend's tastes in music so I checked out their myspace. And now, I am completely hooked.
A singer/songwriter from Virginia, Thao Nguyen is backed by The Get Down Stay Down, a 3-piece band. Maybe it's because they're not from Brooklyn, but Thao with The Get Down Stay Down is surprisingly refreshing. The Midwestern girl in me cannot resist the charm of the banjo. Some of the songs off We Brave Bee Stings and All are a little too poppy for my tastes (i.e. "Bag of Hammers"), but "Swimming Pools" is definitely the highlight of the album. Can you ever have too much banjo? No, you can't, and that's why I love that song.
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down is currently on tour in the U.S. Check out the dates here. If I had known about them a week earlier, I could have seen them at the Knitting Factory. But, alas, I missed them. Thankfully, they're coming back on March 23 (Music Hall of Williamsburg).
So after saying I didn't really like female artists/vocalists and that Feist is completely overrated, I stumbled upon this pleasant surprise. Just enough to change my mind about female artists...but not about Feist.
***At the request of Thao's record label, Kill Rock Stars, I've taken down the posted songs. Instead, I've put up some songs from Thao's Daytrotter session. Check out Thao's myspace and my most recent post on Thao for more music.
Geography (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
Feet Asleep (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
January 31, 2008
Vampire Weekend Debut Album Release - Bowery Ballroom
I have three things to say...
1. On Vampire Weekend's 1/30/08 Bowery Ballroom Show...
To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for Vampire Weekend's Bowery Ballroom show. I've seen a lot of youtube videos of their live performances, and I wasn't very impressed. So, after last night's show, I'm eating my words. Yes, it is true. Vampire Weekend is good. While most of their music is very mellow and replayable, as Nitsuh Abebe of Pitchfork says, they put on a high-energy show. I had the most fun watching Chris Tomson, the drummer, who enjoys bobbing his head to the beat so much that you can't help but follow suit. Most importantly, Vampire Weekend's music is fun. I don't care what you haters say (and I will get to that later). How can you listen to "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" and not want to move to the music? You can't. If you claim that you can, then either you do not enjoy listening to music or you are lying.
Gotta love Ezra's boat shoes + socks combination.
New song, "White Sky." Because every record release show needs a new song that is NOT on the album. From the 1/29 Bowery Ballroom Show.
2. On VW Backlash...
When a band's rise to fame is very fast, it is inevitable that there will be backlash from all sorts of people. But, I think the comments I've been reading on brooklynvegan are out of control. For one, I can't believe people are going out of their way to share their hatred for a band. I don't even bother posting about bands that I find to be unimpressive. Secondly, these attacks on VW are absurd, ranging from criticisms on their look to their musical influences. I'm sure that if Vampire Weekend dressed in typical hipster garb, these people would have less of a problem with them. Because VW chooses to stick with preppy shirts and sweaters, these people are fired up. Also, why do some people get so pissed when a band from humble beginnings hits the big time? Suddenly, they need to explain why VW is completely overrated and unoriginal. I guess in their books, no band is allowed to be remotely influenced by other musical artists. Or have success.
Let's not forget that VW is still a very young and humble band. Around the time doors opened, I saw a fabulously dressed, older woman sitting by herself. I was thinking, "Is that woman in the right place? Is she lost??" Then, I saw Chris Baio (bassist) come up to her and give her a huge hug. I'm thinking she may be his grandmother? Either way, it's endearing that VW's families are coming to their shows. I also talked to Chris Tomson afterwards to congratulate him on a great show and on their successes thus far. He was incredibly gracious and, although he was incredibly busy, he gave me a few minutes of his time. I can't help but be happy for these guys.
This NYTimes piece may make them out to be pretentious Ivy League pricks, but I don't think that is the case. These guys are Columbia alums and the one thing I know about Columbia kids... they are dorky and awkward. As a CU engineer, I definitely know that.
So, Vampire Weekend's name may be all over GQ, Vogue, and MTV (Oh, how I loathe MTV), but my opinion of VW has not changed much since my earlier post. Are they overrated now? Possibly, but I like their music all the same. And, no, I don't think they're like every other indie band. If they were a typical indie band, I wouldn't care for them...I don't think anyone would care for them. Their sound is unique enough for me to be hooked.
3. On Ezra Koenig's Sweater...
Now, for a lighter subject. Last night, that sweater almost started a catfight between a guy and a girl. This guy somehow managed to obtain the sweater and planned on wearing it after throwing it into a washing machine. This girl, claiming to be with management, walks up to him and yanks it out of his hands. Seeing as she went to the back of the coat check line immediately afterwards, I think it's safe to say that she was not with management. The guy was pretty pissed and debated getting the sweater back.
Check out Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut album!
A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
M79 - Vampire Weekend
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
January 12, 2008
MGMT
I have to confess. Radiohead and The Most Serene Republic are all I have been listening to lately. But, in the last few days, MGMT has been sneaking onto my daily playlist. From Brooklyn (surprise, surprise), MGMT is two guys, backed up by a few more people to make up a 5-piece band. I saw them open for Of Montreal back in October. They were the first opening act and, to be honest, I didn't really pay attention. It may have been that there were more underagers there than I could handle, but I just decided to chill out until Of Montreal came onstage. In retrospect, what a shame.
Randomly, I came across "Time to Pretend" last month on my iTunes. And then I came across their crazy interactive video for "Electric Feel," which is a great song. How can you not move your body to this song? I have yet to download the video game, but I'll probably do that after I finish this post
Recently, they performed on David Letterman and, man, the performance is not very exciting. Somehow, I can't blame them. I feel like a lot of bands come off as all serious and unfun on TV. Then again, when I see bands go all out on TV, I think they're tools. Lose, lose. That's exactly what I thought about the Arctic Monkeys when I saw them perform on SNL back in 2006. Don't get me wrong, I listen to the Arctic Monkeys and i have both of their albums.
MGMT is co-headlining a tour with Yeasayer, and they will be playing the Bowery Ballroom on 2/13 and the Music Hall of Williamsburg on 2/14. What a great Valentine's Day present that would be.
Time to Pretend - MGMT
Electric Feel - MGMT
January 8, 2008
New Year's Eve with Yeasayer
Sorry, it's been awhile since my last post. Since the TMSR show, I went completely MIA due to finals and winter break. Now for some much needed updating...
Because I'm really really smart, I flew back to New York on December 31. The snow in Chicago delayed me for over two hours. The entire time I was waiting, I was worried that I would not get back in time to see Yeasayer that night. Yeasayer was performing at a myopenbar.com party in Williamsburg. So, I trekked my way to Shangri-la, which does not really look like a venue. The entrance is unmarked, and the door is actually at the back of the building. I think the place used to be an industrial factory of some sort. Although I was a bit worried by the venue, Yeasayer did indeed show up and I was not disappointed. The two guitarists have long hair and look like hippies. The lead singer was dressed like a prep in his corduroy blazer. I was skeptical, but the lead singer was amazing. He was dancing, stumbling around all over the stage. Was the "dancing" planned? No idea, but it was fun to watch. Coincidentally, Yeasayer is the perfect band for a New Year's Eve party. From the song "2080," the band sings, "It's a new year, I'm glad to be here, It's a fresh spring so let's sing."
I blogged about Yeasayer back in November. Since I first found about them, I've been dying to go to a show. There was a show in December at Mercury Lounge, but it sold out before I could buy tickets. So, yes, I was the girl in the front who went crazy over the music.
...Or maybe it was the free beer and vodka. I'm pretty sure I spilled beer all over my camera when I took the pictures above.
Enjoy the songs. Check out the old post for more. "Wait for the Summer" is perfect for an unseasonably warm day like today in New York. Also, you can check out their Daytrotter session here. Pitchfork also recently interviewed Anand Wilder, who wrote "Forgiveness."
Yeasayer has another two New York shows in February, and they will be supported by MGMT!
Wait for the Summer - Yeasayer
Forgiveness - Yeasayer
Sunrise - Yeasayer
December 15, 2007
The Most Serene Republic
The Most Serene Republic (TMSR) is a band from Toronto that is fairly new on the scene. I'd like to say that I've been following them throughout their entire career, but that would be a lie. I had a couple of TMSR songs that I found through Insound.com. But, I didn't start seriously listening to TMSR until I heard Stars' Do You Trust Your Friends? (remix album of Set Yourself on Fire). On the album, TMSR recorded an amazing acoustic version of "Ageless Beauty." I enjoyed the rendition so much that I started searching for more of their music.
From Arts & Crafts, The Most Serene Republic was the first band on the label that was not related to Broken Social Scene. TMSR carries on some of the same indie-pop feel that is embodied by bands on the label like Broken Social Scene and Stars. However, I definitely think that a lot of TMSR's stuff has more of a math rock feel. So, it's not surprising that the album was influenced by the works of Igor Stravinsky. I love the complexities of their music, and the combination of sounds is unlike anything else that I've heard before (excluding music that I didn't enjoy).
Off their new album, Population, "Solipsism Millionaires" is one of my favorites. But, they didn't play it last night when I saw them at Mercury Lounge. Sad, I know. Still, I wasn't at all disappointed by their performance. The band had so much fun playing on stage that I couldn't help but dance and smile right back (which is my normal behavior, anyway). It's refreshing to see a band having fun while performing. I hate watching bands who care more about looking the part than actually enjoying themselves. I keep on thinking about how Adrian (lead male vocals) said that we, New Yorkers, were watching them and judging so that we can go home and blog about them later. I guess i lived up to that stereotype.
Since Mercury Lounge is a small venue, I was able to meet some of the members of TMSR after the show. There are always two things that I can count on from New Yorkers at a small-venue, 21+ show:
1) They are afraid of being too close to the stage. Therefore, I am always in the front.
2) They are afraid of approaching the band. Therefore, I have no problems talking to the band afterwards.
I mostly talked to Tony, the drummer, and Ryan, the pianist. We talked about the math rock influences in their music and griped about Pitchfork's reviews, which are NEVER elitist, pretentious, or biased. They were really gracious and down-to-earth. Also, Andrew, the merch guy, was great and found me some buttons.
Can't wait until they return to NYC. Hopefully, they'll play "Solipsism Millionaires" next time.
Setlist
Humble Peasants
You're Not An Astronaut
Anhoi Polloi
The Men Who Live Upstairs
Phages
(Oh) God
Sherry and Her Butterfly Net
Why So Looking Back
Compliance
Career in Shaping Clay
You're A Loose Cannon McArthur...But You Get The Job Done
Content Was Always My Favorite Colour
Present of Future End
The Men Who Live Upstairs - The Most Serene Republic
Sherry and Her Butterfly Net - The Most Serene Republic
Solipsism Millionaires - The Most Serene Republic
November 29, 2007
Vampire Weekend
Picture was taken in Hamilton.
Vampire Weekend, you are my heroes. You graduated from Columbia, you're doing your thing, and you're getting somewhere. You toured with my favorite band, Tokyo Police Club, and with Ra Ra Riot. I don't even personally know any of you and I am so excited because I ACTUALLY LIKE LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC.
What amuses me the most is that Vampire Weekend's first live performance was at a battle of the bands event hosted by my engineering school's student council. Needless to say, the judges were not experts on music. It's laughable that Vampire Weekend finished 3rd out of 4 bands. Read the Columbia coverage here and coverage by the NY Sun here. I love the judge who commented," Generally, I don’t like hipsters, but you guys are OK." Oh, I am sad to be an engineer right now.
***UPDATE*** Vampire Weekend was featured in Vogue, and the article says that the band formed exactly four days before the battle of the bands event.
I'm definitely planning on going to this Vampire Weekend album release show since the other one is sold out. Both shows are in January at the Bowery Ballroom.
If I didn't have finals, I would go to Cambridge to see TPC, Ra Ra Riot, and Vampire Weekend play at the Friends of John charity show.
So, if you haven't already, give them a listen. The album will be officially released early next year. They say they are influenced by popular African music and classical Western music. "African preppy." Nice and mellow. They did a Daytrotter session not too long ago.
"Oxford Comma" makes me smile, because I am a huge nerd and love the Oxford comma. It bothers me when people don't use it. So, "who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?" I do, Vampire Weekend.
Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
Mansard Roof
November 23, 2007
Of Montreal
With seven PLUG award nominations, Of Montreal is tied with Battles (the only math rock band I've experienced) for most nods. I saw Of Montreal live for the first time at Pitchfork (Chicago) over the summer. BEST LIVE SHOW EVER. The performance had everything from costume changes, semi-nudity, props, to applesauce that was dyed blood red (which was passed around the crowd. It stained my bag horribly). I felt bad for the two little kids who were standing near me. They looked pretty traumatized when Kevin Barnes stripped down to leather undies and a leather lace-up bustier. I saw Of Montreal again in NYC at the Roseland Ballroom last month in October. I showed up to the venue about 15 minutes before doors open, thinking that I was early. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. Since the show was not 21+ or even 18+, all these high schoolers showed up hours early. The line was more than a block long, and it took me over 30 minutes to get inside. I didn't realize it was so cool to like Of Montreal.
"Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?" is one of the best albums of the past year. Granted, it is also one of the most depressing albums ever written. However, it's amazing, especially considering that Kevin Barnes pretty much recorded the entire thing by himself (vocals, instrumentals, and all).
Also, apparently, Of Montreal is on some new T-Mobile commercial. "Gronlandic Edit" is featured at the end. The song has also been used recently by Girl Talk (Gregg Gillis) and Trey Told 'Em, Gregg Gillis' project with Frank Musarra.
Enjoy.
Gronlandic Edit - Of Montreal
Requiem for O.M.M.2 - Of Montreal
Bunny Ain't No Kind Of Rider - Of Montreal
November 18, 2007
Covers of "Knife" by Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear is a Brooklyn-based band that I saw at Pitchfork Music Festival over the summer. Their single, "Knife," may be the most covered song in the indie music scene. Beirut covers it while drunk in Paris, which is pretty entertaining. Even a high school a cappella group covers the song. Hell, even Grizzly Bear does their own song a cappella on the streets of Paris in a La Blogotheque Takeaway Show.
So, who does "Knife" the best? Grizzly Bear? CSS? Beirut? You decide.
My favorite version of the song is Girl Talk's remix of "Knife" and Clipse's "Wamp Wamp." I saw Girl Talk perform the remix at Pitchfork Music Fest, and Grizzly Bear appeared onstage to sing their part! Video footage is below.
Knife (Girl Talk Remix) - Grizzly Bear feat. Clipse
Knife (Grizzly Bear Cover) - CSS
Knife - Grizzly Bear
November 12, 2007
Rogue Wave
I saw Rogue Wave at the Bowery Ballroom back on November 1. I'm reminded of the date because I'm horrendously sick right now and it all started after that concert. I should learn to dress more appropriately for the outside weather and not the indoors weather.
Anyway, Rogue Wave was my favorite band of Spring 2006, first started listening to them in 2003-2004 Rogue Wave put on a surprisingly entertaining show. To be honest, judging by the mellowness of their music, I didn't expect much out of watching them live. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of their new album, "Asleep at Heaven's Gate." But I was completely won over when Zach Rogue (the lead singer and guitarist) had us sing "California" acappella with him! He claimed that he hadn't performed the piece in a long time and would mess up the instrumentals. They played a long set, over two hours long. As expected, they covered most of their new album. But, they also brought back some old favorites from "Descended Like Vultures" and "Out of the Shadow." I was disappointed that they didn't perform "Love's Lost Guarantee" since it's one of my favorites, but "Kicking the Heart Out" almost made up for it.
If music is my lover, you are just a tease.
Setlist
Like I Needed
Lullaby
Every Moment
Sewn Up
Ghost
Christians in Black
Publish My Love
Chicago X 12
Eyes
Bird on a Wire
Lake Michigan
Harmonium
Cheaper than Therapy
Postage Stamp World
Kicking the Heart Out
Birds (Cover)
Lake Michigan - Rogue Wave
California - Rogue Wave
Like I Needed - Rogue Wave
Seconds (U2 Cover) - Rogue Wave
Love's Lost Guarantee - Rogue Wave
Kicking the Heart Out - Rogue Wave
November 7, 2007
Port O'Brien & Yeasayer
Last Thursday, I went to see Rogue Wave at the Bowery Ballroom. At the show, I discovered two great bands:
1. Port O'Brien
Rogue Wave's second opening act was Port O'Brien. Port O'Brien hails from Oakland, CA, also the home town of Rogue Wave. Confusingly enough, they spent the summer playing in Port O'Brien, Alaska. I'm sitting here right now, listening to a few of their songs and trying to find words to describe their sound. You have the raw, unapologetic energy of "I Woke Up Today." Then, you have the very Rogue Wave-esque "My Eyes Won't Shut." Finally, you have the folksy "Five and Dime." WHO THE HELL IS THIS BAND?? Find out for yourself.
I Woke Up Today
My Eyes Won't Shut
Five and Dime
2. Yeasayer
By far, Yeasayer is my favorite new discovery of this fall. They affirm the fact that amazing music continues to materialize out of Brooklyn, NY. I was turned onto Yeasayer by the most unexpected person that I met at the Rogue Wave concert. As a 40-something male from Corporate America, Jonathan may appear to be the least likely person you'd turn to for music suggestions. On the contrary, he frequents a lot of great shows (you can find him on blogspot as "Hipster Replacement") and, he highly recommended Yeasayer after seeing them during the CMJ 2007 Music Marathon.
When I got home after the concert, I immediately looked up Yeasayer's MySpace. And I was blown away. Some people say that Yeasayer channels bands such as TV on the Radio, Grizzly Bear, and Midlake. While I see some similarities, Yeasayer definitely holds its own and I would not be surprised by the emergence of a mass Yeasayer following.
2080
Final Path
Yes, I finally jumped on the blog wagon.
via Best Week Ever
Here, I will be posting music that is worth listening to.
To start, here is a song that explains the name of my blog. Art Brut is a British band that I saw at the Village Voice's Siren Music Festival in 2006. Despite the fact that the lead singer doesn't actually sing, Art Brut is quite entertaining to watch.
Formed a Band
If you didn't get it, the lyrics are "Formed a band, we formed a band, Look at us, we formed a band."
"Post Soothing Out" is a track from their most recent album, "It's a Bit Complicated." It's a song about the saddest text message ever sent. What could "post soothing out" really be? "Sort something out?"
Post Soothing Out
