- Brian Wilson, That Lucky Old Sun
- Giant Sand, Provisions
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Recommended shows: Sept 1-8 (RNC edition)
Monday, Sept 1
- 'Take Back Labor Day' featuring Steve Earle, Tom Morello, Billy Bragg, Mos Def, Atmosphere, et al. @ Harriet Island
Tuesday, Sept 2
- 'ProVention Concert for Peace' featuring Haley Bonar, Dan Wilson, The Honeydogs, et al. @Midway Stadium Fitzgerald Theater
Wednesday, Sept 3
- Rage Against the Machine @ Target Center
Thursday, Sept 4
- GZA w/ P.O.S. @ Cabooze
Friday, Sept 5
- The Roots @ Epic
- Nas @ First Avenue
Saturday, Sept 6
- Xiu Xiu @ Triple Rock
- 'Take Back Labor Day' featuring Steve Earle, Tom Morello, Billy Bragg, Mos Def, Atmosphere, et al. @ Harriet Island
Tuesday, Sept 2
- 'ProVention Concert for Peace' featuring Haley Bonar, Dan Wilson, The Honeydogs, et al. @
Wednesday, Sept 3
- Rage Against the Machine @ Target Center
Thursday, Sept 4
- GZA w/ P.O.S. @ Cabooze
Friday, Sept 5
- The Roots @ Epic
- Nas @ First Avenue
Saturday, Sept 6
- Xiu Xiu @ Triple Rock
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Eight is Enough - Protest concert featuring Low tonight at Turf Club
I somehow missed this on my weekly recommended concert posting. Tonight The Turf Club is hosting the first of many local protest concerts over the next two weeks. Titled 'Eight is Enough,' tonight's gig will feature Low, Dosh, members of Tapes 'n Tapes, P.O.S., STNNNG and many more acts. Doors open at 7:30pm, 21+ show, advance tickets are apparently sold-out but there will be tickets sold at the door this evening.
I can't make it but for good reason. I'm going to see my bro-in-law Johnny Blaze's show with The Rez tonight at Trocaderos.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What I'm listening to...
I was posting one new review a week for a while there, but I couldn't keep it up. Instead, I'll run through some quick one-liner reviews for several recent releases/leaks from the last few weeks. This will catch you all up on what's good and what's not.
Beck - Modern Guilt
Most consistent collection of tunes since Sea Change and the Danger Mouse production is a nice fit, but ultimately I was left with little to no lasting impact. The set is so consistent in sound and theme that each song sounds like the next. Luckily, it's a pretty decent song.
JTM Grade: 70%
David Vandervelde - Waiting for the Sunrise
Last time we heard from Vandervelde, he was Marc Bolan reincarnated. This go-round, we're still grounded firmly in the 70s, only now more Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young worn on our sleeves, rather than T. Rex. I prefer glam but it's a decent set nonetheless. Songs tend to meander on too long.
JTM Grade: 75%
The Walkmen - You & Me
I'd kinda lost interest in The Walkmen after the underwhelming A Hundred Miles Off but this new album delivers on all fronts. Even though there's nothing as immediate as 'The Rat' to be found here, the album may very well be more complete and satisfying from beginning to end than Bows + Arrows. Contender for AOTY.
JTM Grade: 90%
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
Disco's dead and maybe it should stay that way. Even as camp, this doesn't work. Big disappointment from Kevin Barnes coming off career high Hissing Fauna.
JTM Grade: 45%
Okkervil River - The Stand-ins
Culled from the same session that produced last year's The Stage Names. I'm not sure if Will Sheff can write a bad song, but it's hard not to think of this as leftovers that didn't make the cut (i.e. Black Sheep Boy Appendix). For most bands, you'd think this would mean subpar material but that's not the case. Like I said, bad songs he cannot write. Welcome guest appearance by former bandmate and current Shearwater mainman Jonathan Meiburg.
JTM Grade: 75%
Mogwai - Hawk is Howling
Just leaked. Still absorbing. Initial impression has me thinking it could be their best in years. Bonus points for the best cover art and song titles of the year doesn't hurt either. And by best, I mean worst.
JTM Grade: pending
Bloc Party - Intimacy
Chaotic, borderline cheesy, only occasionally thrilling. For better or worse, there's a heavy Chemical Brothers influence going on. Mostly for worse unfortunately and I'm beginning to wonder if Silent Alarm was a beautiful fluke. As always, it's hard to take Kele seriously, but oh how he tries so hard.
JTM Grade: 55%
David Byrne & Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
My expectations were high considering the two geniuses involved here and admittedly, I was surprised with the results. Far less experimental than Bush of Ghosts but that also means much more listenable. I'd even call these accessible, MOR pop songs, but man, these are some damn good songs. In a time where every other band swipes from The Talking Heads playbook, Byrne/Eno have delivered a decidedly untrendy set of songs. It's refreshing. I've had this almost on continuous repeat since I downloaded it last week.
JTM Grade: 90%
The Verve - Forth
The beloved UK act will never be able to re-create 'Bittersweet Symphony' but I that's what I keep hoping they'll do. The Verve are one of those bands I desperately want to love but can never really fall for. Forth is a pretty album (and so is the cover art), but even now, I can't think of a single memorable track other than single 'Love Is Noise.' And again with the long songs. Unless you're post-rock or a brilliant wordsmith, I see no reason for this kind of excess.
JTM Grade: 60%
Beck - Modern Guilt
Most consistent collection of tunes since Sea Change and the Danger Mouse production is a nice fit, but ultimately I was left with little to no lasting impact. The set is so consistent in sound and theme that each song sounds like the next. Luckily, it's a pretty decent song.
JTM Grade: 70%
David Vandervelde - Waiting for the Sunrise
Last time we heard from Vandervelde, he was Marc Bolan reincarnated. This go-round, we're still grounded firmly in the 70s, only now more Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young worn on our sleeves, rather than T. Rex. I prefer glam but it's a decent set nonetheless. Songs tend to meander on too long.
JTM Grade: 75%
The Walkmen - You & Me
I'd kinda lost interest in The Walkmen after the underwhelming A Hundred Miles Off but this new album delivers on all fronts. Even though there's nothing as immediate as 'The Rat' to be found here, the album may very well be more complete and satisfying from beginning to end than Bows + Arrows. Contender for AOTY.
JTM Grade: 90%
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
Disco's dead and maybe it should stay that way. Even as camp, this doesn't work. Big disappointment from Kevin Barnes coming off career high Hissing Fauna.
JTM Grade: 45%
Okkervil River - The Stand-ins
Culled from the same session that produced last year's The Stage Names. I'm not sure if Will Sheff can write a bad song, but it's hard not to think of this as leftovers that didn't make the cut (i.e. Black Sheep Boy Appendix). For most bands, you'd think this would mean subpar material but that's not the case. Like I said, bad songs he cannot write. Welcome guest appearance by former bandmate and current Shearwater mainman Jonathan Meiburg.
JTM Grade: 75%
Mogwai - Hawk is Howling
Just leaked. Still absorbing. Initial impression has me thinking it could be their best in years. Bonus points for the best cover art and song titles of the year doesn't hurt either. And by best, I mean worst.
JTM Grade: pending
Bloc Party - Intimacy
Chaotic, borderline cheesy, only occasionally thrilling. For better or worse, there's a heavy Chemical Brothers influence going on. Mostly for worse unfortunately and I'm beginning to wonder if Silent Alarm was a beautiful fluke. As always, it's hard to take Kele seriously, but oh how he tries so hard.
JTM Grade: 55%
David Byrne & Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
My expectations were high considering the two geniuses involved here and admittedly, I was surprised with the results. Far less experimental than Bush of Ghosts but that also means much more listenable. I'd even call these accessible, MOR pop songs, but man, these are some damn good songs. In a time where every other band swipes from The Talking Heads playbook, Byrne/Eno have delivered a decidedly untrendy set of songs. It's refreshing. I've had this almost on continuous repeat since I downloaded it last week.
JTM Grade: 90%
The Verve - Forth
The beloved UK act will never be able to re-create 'Bittersweet Symphony' but I that's what I keep hoping they'll do. The Verve are one of those bands I desperately want to love but can never really fall for. Forth is a pretty album (and so is the cover art), but even now, I can't think of a single memorable track other than single 'Love Is Noise.' And again with the long songs. Unless you're post-rock or a brilliant wordsmith, I see no reason for this kind of excess.
JTM Grade: 60%
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Recommended shows: Aug 25-31
Wednesday, August 27
- Gnarls Barkley w/ Cloud Cult @ MN State Fair
- The Rez @ Trocaderos
Friday, August 29
- Ruby Isle @ Kitty Cat Club
Saturday, August 30
- The Black Crowes w/ The Black Keys @ MN State Fair
- Gnarls Barkley w/ Cloud Cult @ MN State Fair
- The Rez @ Trocaderos
Friday, August 29
- Ruby Isle @ Kitty Cat Club
Saturday, August 30
- The Black Crowes w/ The Black Keys @ MN State Fair
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fun Fun Fun Fest tickets on sale tomorrow
I think it's fair to say that Austin, TX has an inordinate number of music festivals, probably more than any other US city save NYC. Austin's a fantastic city and my hometown, but I don't live there so I'm sticking calling it inordinate. In March there's the industry catered, hipster haven of SXSW. September has the populist ACL Fest in all its sweaty glory. And the new pup is the overly-excitable Fun Fun Fun Fest. Now in its third year, FFFF has carved out its own little niche, with a focus on punk, indie and hip-hop. This year's event is held on Nov. 8-9 at Waterloo Park and tickets go on sale tomorrow. November is the ideal month for an outdoor Austin fest. If only ACL could snag such a late date.
Anyway, here are some highlights from the FFFF 2008 lineup.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
The National
Atmosphere
Minus The Bear
St. Vincent
Trail of Dead
Deerhoof
Islands
The Annuals
Bishop Allen
Centro-matic
Frightened Rabbit
Parts and Labor
Shearwater
Magnetic Morning
Bad Brains
Dead Milkmen
Clipse
Dan Deacon
Kool Keith/Dr. Octagon
Dengue Fever
Yacht
Anyway, here are some highlights from the FFFF 2008 lineup.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
The National
Atmosphere
Minus The Bear
St. Vincent
Trail of Dead
Deerhoof
Islands
The Annuals
Bishop Allen
Centro-matic
Frightened Rabbit
Parts and Labor
Shearwater
Magnetic Morning
Bad Brains
Dead Milkmen
Clipse
Dan Deacon
Kool Keith/Dr. Octagon
Dengue Fever
Yacht
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
"Golden Age" - First single from new TVOTR album
Here's our first taste from the new TVOTR record. Funky bass, Prince/MJ vocals, glorious production by Sitek. Yes, this song is awesome and yes, I'm psyched for Dear Science to be released on 9/23 or leaked even sooner. On "Golden Age" Kyp Malone sings lead instead of the usual Tunde Adebimpe.
Monday, August 18, 2008
David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Strange Overtones"
This is a seriously catchy song and now can say with confidence that the entire new album is really, really good.
Neil Young opens fall tour in St. Paul on Oct 14
Neil Young, who I was lucky enough to see last November at his sold-out Northrop show, is embarking on another sizable tour less than a year later. This time he starts things off in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center. Death Cab for Cutie open up for the first half of the tour (including St. Paul show), with Wilco picking up the reins as opener during the latter half.
Complete tour as follows:
10/14 - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul *
10/16 - MTS Centre, Winnipeg *
10/18 - Brandt Centre, Regina *
10/19 - Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary *
10/21 - Comcast Arena, Everett *
10/22 - GM Place, Vancouver *
10/29 - Cox Arena, San Diego *
10/30 - The Forum, Los Angeles *
11/1 - Events Center, Reno *
11/4 - Sprint Center, Kansas City *
11/5 - Qwest Center, Omaha *
11/29 - Metro Centre, Halifax #
12/1 - Bell Centre, Montreal #
12/2 - Scotia Bank Place, Ottawa #
12/4 - Air Canada Centre, Toronto #
12/7 - Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit #
12/9 - Allstate Arena, Chicago #
12/12 - Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia #
12/15 - Madison Square Garden, New York #
Opening acts:
* Death Cab for Cutie
# Wilco
Complete tour as follows:
10/14 - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul *
10/16 - MTS Centre, Winnipeg *
10/18 - Brandt Centre, Regina *
10/19 - Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary *
10/21 - Comcast Arena, Everett *
10/22 - GM Place, Vancouver *
10/29 - Cox Arena, San Diego *
10/30 - The Forum, Los Angeles *
11/1 - Events Center, Reno *
11/4 - Sprint Center, Kansas City *
11/5 - Qwest Center, Omaha *
11/29 - Metro Centre, Halifax #
12/1 - Bell Centre, Montreal #
12/2 - Scotia Bank Place, Ottawa #
12/4 - Air Canada Centre, Toronto #
12/7 - Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit #
12/9 - Allstate Arena, Chicago #
12/12 - Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia #
12/15 - Madison Square Garden, New York #
Opening acts:
* Death Cab for Cutie
# Wilco
Bloc Party surprise with digital release of new LP in three days time
Today Bloc Party unexpectedly announced the release of their new album Intimacy on August 21st via digital download, more than three months in advance of the physical release set for Oct 28.
Byrne/Eno album now available
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today is the new LP from David Byrne and Brian Eno and it is now available for purchase or streaming right here. I've been streaming it this morning and it's surprisingly accessible considering the avant-garde nature of their last collaboration, 1981's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. I like what I'm hearing.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Recommended shows: Aug 18-24
Monday, August 18
- Califone @ The Walker Art Center
Wednesday, August 20
- Great Lake Swimmers @ The Entry
Sunday, August 24
- Buddy Guy w/ Jonny Lang, Big Head Todd & the Monsters @ MN State Fair
- Califone @ The Walker Art Center
Wednesday, August 20
- Great Lake Swimmers @ The Entry
Sunday, August 24
- Buddy Guy w/ Jonny Lang, Big Head Todd & the Monsters @ MN State Fair
New Releases : Tuesday, August 19
- The Dandy Warhols, Earth to the Dandy Warhols
- The Fiery Furnaces, Remember (Live album)
- GZA, Pro Tools
- Lykke Li, Youth Novels
- Stereolab, Chemical Chords
- The Verve, Forth
- The Walkmen, You & Me
- The Fiery Furnaces, Remember (Live album)
- GZA, Pro Tools
- Lykke Li, Youth Novels
- Stereolab, Chemical Chords
- The Verve, Forth
- The Walkmen, You & Me
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A book about Babyshambles?!
I don't know why this silly insignificant story bugged me so much but it has, so you're gonna hear about it. Music-tabloid NME (a publication I have harsh feelings for anyway) has reported that Pete Doherty's post-Libertines band Babyshambles is soon to have an "official" book published about their exploits, "charting the euphoric highs and the depressing lows of the band."
I'm going to be sick. Couple things of note. First, Pete Doherty is the only reason this is a story. The UK is obsessed with the crazy dude. Yes, the Libertines were a fantastic, influential band that burned too bright before fizzling out in a drug-riddled crash. Pete's now less a musician and more of a tabloid mockery (competing closely with his pal Amy Winehouse).
You'll also note that according to the drummer, the book will include "a lot of stuff regarding him and Kate (Moss)'s relationship...including Pete's surely profound "views on the no-shows, his view on drugs, his view on the arrests and persecution, relationships with band members."
As awful as it sounds, that angle is at least understandable from a marketing point-of-view. So it's tabloid fluff obviously and I'm sure it will sell for the intended audience. What pisses me off most is that the book is about Babyshambles...why would anyone deem the band Babyshambles worthy of permanent ink, bound pages, an entire freakin' book. Their music is sub-par, they have existed for all of 4 years or so. What is their to write about except for Pete's antics? They've made little to no impact on anyone as far as I can tell. Granted, I'm not from the UK so maybe I just don't get it, but this just blows me away. Anyway, yes, it's a dumb thing to get worked up about but I just had to share.
I'm going to be sick. Couple things of note. First, Pete Doherty is the only reason this is a story. The UK is obsessed with the crazy dude. Yes, the Libertines were a fantastic, influential band that burned too bright before fizzling out in a drug-riddled crash. Pete's now less a musician and more of a tabloid mockery (competing closely with his pal Amy Winehouse).
You'll also note that according to the drummer, the book will include "a lot of stuff regarding him and Kate (Moss)'s relationship...including Pete's surely profound "views on the no-shows, his view on drugs, his view on the arrests and persecution, relationships with band members."
As awful as it sounds, that angle is at least understandable from a marketing point-of-view. So it's tabloid fluff obviously and I'm sure it will sell for the intended audience. What pisses me off most is that the book is about Babyshambles...why would anyone deem the band Babyshambles worthy of permanent ink, bound pages, an entire freakin' book. Their music is sub-par, they have existed for all of 4 years or so. What is their to write about except for Pete's antics? They've made little to no impact on anyone as far as I can tell. Granted, I'm not from the UK so maybe I just don't get it, but this just blows me away. Anyway, yes, it's a dumb thing to get worked up about but I just had to share.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Beijing Olympics 2008 - What's going on here?
ACL aftershows announced
The ACL Fest official aftershows were announced today.
Here's a quick rundown...
- Manu Chao
- Gnarls Barkley and CSS
- Mike Farris featuring the Roseland Rhythm Revue
- Return of the Butthole Surfers w/ The Kills
- Mugison
- The Black Keys w/ The Black Angels & Jessica Lea Mayfield
- G. Love & Special Sauce
- Conor Oberst w/ Special Guests Jenny Lewis and M. Ward
- Jamie Lidell w/ Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
- David Byrne - Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno
- The Swell Season w/ Bill Callahan
- Drive-By Truckers w/ Shooter Jennings
- Heartless Bastards w/ Dead Confederate & Wax Fang
- Car Stereo Wars
- Okkervil River w/ Man Man & Crooked Fingers
- Jose Gonzalez w/ Neva Dinova & McCarthy Trenching
- Jakob Dylan and The Gold Mountain Rebels w/ Back Door Slam
Nothing jaw-dropping but some interesting options. I'd definitely be game for David Byrne, the Okkervil River/Man Man pairing or the surprise inclusion of Butthole Surfers! But alas, I'm not planning to attend any aftershows this year since 1) I know how exhausted I'll be after each day of the sweatfest and 2) I'll have my baby boy with me on the trip.
Here's a quick rundown...
- Manu Chao
- Gnarls Barkley and CSS
- Mike Farris featuring the Roseland Rhythm Revue
- Return of the Butthole Surfers w/ The Kills
- Mugison
- The Black Keys w/ The Black Angels & Jessica Lea Mayfield
- G. Love & Special Sauce
- Conor Oberst w/ Special Guests Jenny Lewis and M. Ward
- Jamie Lidell w/ Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
- David Byrne - Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno
- The Swell Season w/ Bill Callahan
- Drive-By Truckers w/ Shooter Jennings
- Heartless Bastards w/ Dead Confederate & Wax Fang
- Car Stereo Wars
- Okkervil River w/ Man Man & Crooked Fingers
- Jose Gonzalez w/ Neva Dinova & McCarthy Trenching
- Jakob Dylan and The Gold Mountain Rebels w/ Back Door Slam
Nothing jaw-dropping but some interesting options. I'd definitely be game for David Byrne, the Okkervil River/Man Man pairing or the surprise inclusion of Butthole Surfers! But alas, I'm not planning to attend any aftershows this year since 1) I know how exhausted I'll be after each day of the sweatfest and 2) I'll have my baby boy with me on the trip.
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