NewMusicMatters

Chairlift Live Sessions on The Alternate Side & NPR

2012-01-30T12:27:00.000-05:00

Chairlift's sophomore album, Something, came out last week and now there's two opportunities to hear the band live via NPR's "World Cafe" and WFUV's "TAS In Session. The band is now a duo -- since their 2009 debut, Does You Inspire You, founding member Aaron Pfennning left to go solo. That left Caroline Polacheck and Patrick Wimberly to continue the band's momentum, with a strong showing with the first album, iPod commercial and record deal with a major label (Columbia). The songs were supposedly written when the two were in love, though not with each other. There is definitely a buoyancy to the music, confidently layered with electronic elements that made me wonder how their songs would be translated live. They have added touring members Olga Bell, guitarist Jason McMahon and drummer Jamie Ingalls to round things out. (Wimberly plays bass while Polacheck sings.) "TAS In Session" includes footage for a few songs as well as an interview -- good background for my upcoming interview opp for PopMatters!

Listen to Of Montreal's latest via SPIN Magazine

2012-01-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

SPIN Magazine's "First Listen" program is featuring the upcoming release from Of Montreal, Paralytic Stalks, due out February 7th. This is Kevin Barnes' eleventh collection of musical visions since 1997 and he is still clearly at full command of his band. SPIN provides notes from the frontman for each song, making it not only a welcome listening session but a complete artistic immersion with this intimate, behind the scenes read as well.

The album kicks off with the percussive blast of "Gelid Ascent" that is both alarming and intriguing, much like Barnes himself. It opens up to a classic rock feel with echoing vocals saying, Speak to me. Music at once experimental and catchy for the next tune,"Spiteful Intervention," is classic Of Montreal. The soulful singing and funky beat of "Dour Percentage" and "We Will Commit Wolf Murder" expands to the sound explored in more recent albums. A softer approach is found in "Malefic Dowery," a "troubled love song" explains Barnes. Buzzy blips and electronic dance grooves return for "Ye, Renew the Plaintiff," with experimental forays to keep the eight minute song interesting. (Indeed, this is one of Barnes' favorite on the entire record). The next track, "Wintered Debts" begins with an acoustic guitar yet quickly expands into "a country shuffle," according to Barnes. The experimental focus returns through the final song, "Authentic Pyrrhic Remission," thirteen minutes of euphoric psych pop with Barnes singing, I love how we're learning from each other.

Kevin Barnes in concert

Listen and read about Paralytic Stalks at the link here.

Portlandia The Tour @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

2012-01-23T14:05:00.001-05:00

Portlandia The Tour stopped by a parallel universe at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on January20 to present the live version of this cult hit on IFC. Portlandiahas just started its second season, continuing on with a wide variety of recurringcharacters and quirky tag phrases. Starring the new comedy team of Fred Armisen (SNL) and Carrie Brownstein, the show provided fans with an up closeand personal evening of bonding over this left-wing brand of bohemianskewering, which somehow never manages to cross over into pure malice. With the pair’s background in punk rock bands,there’s always music of all sorts. (Brownstein’s guitar shredding skills arefeatured in the 90s Riot Grrrl band Sleater-Kinney and currently in Wild Flag,while Armisen played drums in the Chicago band Trenchmouth and plays bass on this tour.) The duo enlisted drummerMichael Benjamin Lerner and Rebecca Cole on keyboard to perform their originaltunes, plus sing alongs, guest appearances and videos of sketches fromupcoming episodes.

It began with a filmed messagefrom the Office of the Mayor of Portland, played by Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Sex and The City). His fireside chat was met with cheers as hegamely told the crowd to enjoy themselves and to remember to clean upafterwards. Armisen took to the stage firstto thank everyone, saying with genuine affection “This is so, so nice.” Brownstein joined him to spoof textcommunication, with each of them reading each other’s missives for the day offof their phones. After some songs andclips, Beastie Boys’ Adam Horowitz appeared, only to be grilled about hisfavorite New York spots, which included where to get the best burger (BlarneyStone). Later on, Hugh Cornwell of TheStranglers appeared for a few songs, and Horowitz returned for the finale,“Hanging Around.”

Portlandia with Hugh Cornwellof The Stranglers “Hanging Around” @ Music Hall of Williamsburg 1/20/2012

Portlandia “Dream of the 90s”@ Music Hall of Williamsburg 1/20/2012

Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s New Video for “Thought Ballune”

2012-01-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

Portland's psych rock trioUnknown Mortal Orchestra recently released a video for “Thought Ballune,”co-directed by Jordan Blady and Ryan Knowles. This laid-back dance track gets a creepy house party treatment, whichbrings an added element to the song amidst a dingy setting. The song off aself-titled debut may have been created by New Zealand native Ruban Nielson’shome studio, but he told Rolling Stonethat he didn’t want to go out on the road with a “totally substandard” liveshow. “I wanted people to be surprisedat how good we were, not how bad we were.”

Nielson begins a tour nextmonth with local producer Jake Portrait on bass and drummer Julien Ehrich. They will be headlining at a few venues in California before joining in support of Girls through the month of March. Plans also include the requisite stop at SXSWfor any buzz-worthy band.

New Chairlift and Nada Surf Releases on KCRW's "Album Preview"

2012-01-19T11:19:00.004-05:00

L.A. station KCRW's "Album Preview" program has two worthy offerings from two Brooklyn bands, Chairlift and Nada Surf. Indeed both groups have tracks on the iTunes Brooklyn Essentials.

Chairlift's Something is the sophomore album from this synth pop duo, Caroline Polacheck (singer/keyboardist) and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wimberly. They worked with producer Dan Carey who has strengthened the pop vision Lilly Allen and La Roux. A single, "Amanaemonesia," heralded the new release last summer with its catchy vibe and quirky vocals (see video below). At first listen, the other songs do not disappoint -- from the lead off sonic blasts of "Sidewalk Safari" to the slow simmer of the closer, "Guilty As Charged." It's a collection to revisit many times just to take in the many levels of contemporary music making.

In comparison, Nada Surf is the consummate veteran band. "The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy" ranks number seven in their two-decade old career. The trio has remained easily accessible in the best possible way, with a sound of hope beyond hope. Singer/guitarist Matthew Caws' velvety vocals drift over the group's laid back approach to music, with Daniel Lorca on bass/vocals and Ira Elliot on drums/vocals. Their single, "When We Were Young," is featured on my Winter 2012 Playlist (available as a free download on the band's website), a wistful look at nostalgia. The opener here is the title track, a romping song that asks "where did we go wrong?" The band continues on a familiar road on solid ground which should delight their many fans.

Listen to each preview until January 24th, when the music will be available for purchase, from links on KCRW's website here.

Neon Indian Live Session at KEXP

2012-01-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

The live sessions at Seattle station KEXP give new meaning to the term'intimate' with a tiny studio for recording visits by various bands. Neon Indian stopped in recently, and among all their gear around there certainly wasn't room for much else. But the quintet seems perfectlycomfortable in this tight space -- with each other and creating the music at hand. Frontman Alan Palomo provides easy banter to introduce the four-songselection from last year's Era Extraña and 2010’s Psychic Chasms, which put his band solidly onthe indie electronic map. The cameras capture every knob turn, layered soundloop and drum beat for an up close and personal look at the group. Fans can see how every blip and guitar chordis executed, along with who is singing what vocal when. As Palomo says, “Cool.”

KEXP Neon Indian session link here.

Winter 2012 New Music Playlist

2012-01-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

Here’s to the New Year and the new music to be investigated as always. Many of the picks for this playlist werefound by investigating annual lists of top songs from 2011, revisitingbands if needed. The end of the yearbrought new releases from The Black Keys and Florence + the Machine toexplore along with many other diverse groups on the scene.

1. “Don’t Move” --Phantogram

2. “16 Years” – Phantogram

Phantogram hail from upstate New York, a band consisting oftwo friends since middle school in Saratoga Springs. Keyboardist Sarah Barthel’s vocals flow overelectronic beats and guitar parts by Josh Carter. The band name, referring to psychedelic optical illusions, could also allude to the rich, multi-layered sound by this indie pop duo. These songs are off their EP, Nightlife.

3. “Black Hills” –Gardens & Villa

Gardens and Villa are a quintet of college friends fromSanta Barbara, California, who pledge to play all parts live to achieve the laid back jam sound. Vintage synth keyboards, guitarsand percussion of all sorts combine with an occasional bamboo flute on theirself-titled debut release.

4. “Gold” – DelayTrees

This lush creation is by a quartet from Finland, shoegazepop in its finest form. The song continues along a slow build to maximum effect. “Gold” is off the band’s self-titled debut release.

5. “Lonely Boy” – TheBlack Keys

6. “Gold On the Ceiling” – The Black Keys

These two songs are from ElCamino, the seventh studio release from The Black Keys. Patrick Carney (drums) and Dan Auerbach (guitar)collaborated with Danger Mouse for this harvest of tightly woundcompositions.

7. “Top Bunk” –Gauntlet Hair

Gauntlet Hair is led by two high school friends fromChicago, Andy Rauworth and Craig Nice. They supposedly used Rauworth’sgrandmother’s house to record songs while she was away from vacation. The self-titled debut is full ofnoise pop songs with a spacious grandeur of their new home near Denver,Colorado.

8. “Thankful” –Caveman

This New York quintet uses handmade guitars to mold theblurred sound of shoegaze reverb but pop vocal melodies keep things ontrack. “Thankful” is off their debutrelease, CoCo Beware.

9. “Amazing andWonderful” – Peaking Lights

Peaking Lights are a psychedelic noise pop duo from theMadison, Wisconsin area, having relocated from San Francisco. This husband and wife team ofIndra Dunis and Aaron Coynes concoct free-form home recordings to fill this sophomorerelease, 936.

10. “When I wasYoung” – Nada Surf

This song is a free download off the New York trio’swebsite from the upcoming seventh release, The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy. The mellow storytelling is a hallmark of thealt rock band, now creating music for two decades.

11. “Shake It Out” –Florence + The Machine

London’s Florence + The Machine released their secondstudio album, Ceremonials, with acontinuation of powerful indie pop led by Florence Welch’s standoutvocals. “Shake It Out” amps up the soundwith confidence, as recorded at Abbey Road Studio with Paul Epworth (alsoproducer for Adele).

12. FFunny FFriends –UnknownMortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra is the home studio project by RubanNielson, a New Zealand native who moved to Portland, Oregon with his band MintChicks. It allowed an indulgence inmixing psychedelic past with a pop sensibility for quirky fun, as found in this lead off track from the self-titled debut.

13. This is Not theEnd (featuring Luciana Villanova) – Gui Burrato

Brazilian electronic music producer Gui Burrato has nowthree releases of his own compositions, the newest one titled III. This dreamy song closes out the mostly-instrumental collection, withLuciana Villanova’s wistful vocals calling, Thisis not the end.

New Fanfarlo Video for "Shiny Things" Minus the Band

2012-01-11T14:46:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of the band/Atlantic Records

The London band Fanfarlo appeared on the music scene withtheir solid debut release, Reservoir, backin 2009. The quintet’s rich textures of instrumentation included trumpet,mandolin, clarinet and musical saw, offering a quirky spin on their indie popvibe. There is a new video for a songoff the upcoming sophomore release due out in February, Rooms Filled With Light. Director Tim Nackashi came up with the idea for "Shiny Things" with the group, but they are nowhere to be seen. Instead, three gymnasts are presenting aroutine to three judges in a cold, stark room before one ofthem falls and is hauled away. SingerSimon Balthazar told NPR that it’s a song about giving things up, and thisyoung woman becomes a sacrifice in short order. The band will tour throughout the U.S. and Canada beginning in March andwithout experiencing even a quick appearance in the video, it'll just make fans like me miss them more.

Official Coachella Line Up Gets Online Revision

2012-01-10T17:48:00.003-05:00

Going around the internet today, see below! Hard to say which is my favorite... Band Who Moved to Brooklyn to Get Indie Cred or Emo Kids from the Burbs. Brilliant.

The Shins Release New Track, "Simple Song"

2012-01-10T10:02:00.001-05:00

In anticipation of the new release, Port of Morrow, The Shins have released a track "Simple Song" featuring an expanded sonic landscape and revamped line up. Although when frontman James Mercer's vocals enter in, there's no mistaking the musical foundation that has been dormant since 2007's Wincing the Night Away. Midway through, things drop out to provide a playful interlude complete with choral harmonies behind Mercer's crooning. He sings how it's a simple song to say what you've done. The poetry continues with the lyrics, You feel like an ocean made warm by the sun.

Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer and Eric Johnson of the Fruit Bats appear on the song, along with "two former bandmates" according to the KEXP blog. Port of Morrow was recorded over the past year in Los Angeles and Portland, with Mercer securely at the helm, providing songwriting, vocals and most instruments throughout. A preorder is now available on iTunes, with an instant download of "Simple Song" and a B-side bonus track part of the package. As part of the newly announced Coachella line up, the band will also tour with additional dates in 2012. The touring band includes Yuuki Matthews of Crystal Skulls (bass), Jessica Dobson (guitar), Richard Swift (keyboards) and Joe Plummer (drums).

Jonsi Video "Gathering Stories" From Movie Soundtrack

2012-01-05T09:48:00.002-05:00

The team behind movie WeBought A Zoo may be disappointed with their marketing decisions (anotherDad in the dumps too close to TheDescendants or maybe people just don’t want to see Matt Damon in thatrole?) But they can’t blame Jónsifor not coming through with epic, heart-warming music for the soundtrack. A video for one of the two original trackscreated for the score, “Gathering Stories,” is now out via some inventiveanimation by Crush Creative. It shows afantastical world of colorful creatures in an Icelandic-like snowy landscape insimilar hues to Jónsi’s homeland and stage design when we caught his show atMoogfest 2010. This song was actually written with director Cameron Crowe, perhaps a lyrical collaboration ordecisions in the final production. I just know I'd love to be in that room while it happened!

Moogfest 2011 on Fuse TV & My Eno Airport Encounter

2012-01-03T18:49:00.000-05:00

For all you people who keep asking, "What's Moogfest?" A Fuse TV recap is now posted on YouTube for a fun but rudimentary look at this awesome festival in Asheville, NC. It pays tribute to Bob Moog, inventor of the modern synthesizer and founder of Moog Music, now located in a renovated brick building right in town. The video just skims the surface of the Halloween weekend event, expanded from four to six venues with approximate 25 acts to choose from a night and four afternoon panels/workshops during each day. It was also attended by 28,000 people, only a few random fans make an appearance here. However, The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, Dan Deacon, plus NBC's "Community" and Childish Gambino frontman Donald Glover all chat with the hyperactive reporter for some nuggets of insight about the world of Moog synthesizers.

My write up for PopMatters is here and see posts from the weekend: Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 on the blog for a more complete review of Moogfest 2011. Leaving town, I also happened upon a key turning point in my life. After running into Brian Eno in passing at our hotel, we were behind him in line at the airport to check in as he searched his bag for any identification. Eno was actually relieved to see us as he explained to the airport personnel that we were "together at the festival" so we could vouch for him. Explaining that passport had been stolen, we were honored to be in such a position but felt for the guy as he said it'd had even happened before. Paul would later joke that it'd be a hard Halloween costume to pull off but for that moment we were more concerned with just getting him on our plane. Fortunately, it was a small airport and there were only a few obstacles. As we were waved along, I took his elbow and told him how I had a very famous English name, Jane Seymour like the favorite wife of King Henry the Eighth, and to page me if needed.

Paul and I went ahead through security to the gate and sat listening to a U2 song playing through the sound system, how ironic. Not only did Eno write the influential electronic music composition called "Music for Airports" in 1978 but he produced that U2 album back in the day. If the airport staff only knew! I went back to see if Brian Eno had made it through the security line when I heard that charming man's accent call soft and low, in the dulcet tones of a soothing baritone. "Jane." I can honestly now say I like my name -- it's my mother's name so I never felt like it was my own, growing up with various nicknames. I quickly turned around to see him behind me in the shopping kiosk, happily browsing for reading material. We had a quick chat about how lucky he was to make it through the boarding process. Later, he even joined us sitting by the gate and as we all just heard the Talking Heads song, "Take Me to the River."

"You know I was listening to that and thought, what a great song it was," Eno told us. "I totally forgot I had anything to do with it!" We all had a good laugh as the conversation turned as he asked us what business we were in and why we were at Moogfest. A fan came over and rambled on about how he loved Eno's music etc. (Probably just like we sounded as we rode the hotel elevator with him days earlier!) There was a pause before Eno stood up and shook his hand to send the fanboy on his way. We were able to continue our beyond-the-surface experience with the icon before boarding the flight.

So here's to Moogfest and all it offers. Start making plans to travel to this unique, artsy town this October!

New Year's Resolutions In New Music

2012-01-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all -- in the spirit of renewal here are some things I'm looking forward to in 2012. There's the arrival of the new release by the reworked band once known as The Shins, a concert by New Build (interesting project involving members of LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip, two of my fave bands ever) plus various other new music opportunities which will invariably happen along the way. But also I'm hoping for a few other items as listed below.

1) Less whistling
From the beginning of "Moves Like Jagger" (in the video for this, I must add, I saw no moves remotely like Jagger by Maroon 5's Adam Levine) to Foster the People's mega-hit "Pumped Up Kicks," it seemed whistling was the thing to do in 2011. Let's hope for more inspiration beyond a simple "pucker up and blow" next year.

2) Animal band names
Pepper Rabbit has announced their split so that's one less entity utilizing a name from the animal kingdom but groups could aspire away from such Google-able nomenclature in order to keep things less confusing. Perhaps a move to the vegetable world would be a solid suggestion.

3) Keep live shows live
Bands shouldn't need to recreate songs exactly as heard on studio cuts -- too many backing tracks lean towards glorified karaoke. If that's the case, we all might as well stay home. With touring so important to many band's revenues, the concert setting allows an intimate view of the people creating the music. Each show simply needs a beginning, middle and end with a succinct set list for building allegiances between fan and band.

On that note, here's to another fun year of being a new music fan!

Top 20 Songs of 2011

2011-12-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

Just one more list for 2011 -- in no particular order here are twenty songs that filled my year with the sheer joy of discovery in a new tune, something to happily play again and again. With such a diverse group of songs, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. So there's no more excuses to be listening to the same old stuff, even if it's only a year old!

1. Foster the People, "Pumped Up Kicks"
2. Peter Bjorn and John, "Second Chance"
3. Radiohead, "Lotus Flower"
4. Cake, "Sick of You"
5. Wilco, "I Might"
6. Smith Westerns, "Weekend"
7. Givers, "Up Up Up"
8. Cults, "Abducted"
9. M83, "Midnight City"
10. Mates of State, "Palomino"
11. Portugal. The Man., "So American"
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., "Simple Girl"
13. Toro Y Moi, "Still Sound"
14. YACHT, "Shangri-La"
15. Moby, "The Day"
16. AM & Shawn Lee, "Dark Into Light"
17. Art Brut, "Lost Weekend"
18. Girls, "Honey Bunny"
19. Washed Out, "Eyes Be Closed"
20. My Morning Jacket, "Holding on to Black Metal"

New LCD Soundsystem Video for "Live Alone"

2011-12-21T12:57:00.001-05:00

Franz Ferdinand released an EP Covers in honor of last spring's Record Store Day, inviting others to revisit songs from their 2009 release, Tonight. Both LCD Soundsystem and Blondie's Debbie Harry (together with FF's lead singer Alex Kapranos himself) took on the song, "Live Alone." Originally presented as a punchy dance tune, Harry gives it a traditional early rock girl group treatment but LCD Soundsystem takes the implied romance in the lyrics to a whole new level. James Murphy's crooning vocals brings out the yearning in every note.

Wherever you are
Whoever is there
You know that I'll be here
Wishing I could be there

With this new video directed by Lustix, it also becomes another love letter to New York City with sweeping panoromic shots of skyline and dizzying night lights. In a futuristic twist, a robot is the protaganist of the story in a blur of heartache. Now that LCD Soundsytem is no longer, the longing for lost love is even more poignant as New York City moves on without a favorite local band.

Top Ten Releases of 2011

2011-12-19T09:15:00.001-05:00

This year, I made my list early so I could enjoy reading about other top picks. While I may not always agree with other choices for a top ten, I still appreciate the passion for new music discoveries even in genres that are not my favorite (thinking about bro-rock, folky types or anything else I consider snooze-worthy!) It's also a nice way to revisit releases I might not have explored thoroughly the first go around. In fact, I've already started my Winter 2012 New Music Playlist and there are a few leftovers from this year that will make an appearance. For now, enjoy this walk down memory lane for 2011 -- a truly great year for new tunes.

1. Peter Bjorn and John, Gimme Some
This Swedish trio hit one out of the park with Gimme Some, their sixth release since the band formed in 1999. The single "Second Chance" was all over both TV and online radio with its punchy vibe and feel good refrain. But the rest of the album is a worthy listen as well, a diverse offering the band presents with confidence. Their concert last spring was also a top five for the year -- relive it here.

2. CAKE, Showroom of Compassion
As a long-time fan of the band CAKE, I was thrilled that a new album finally appeared after six long years without anything new. It came as no surprise that the collection was filled with rockin' anthems and quirky sing alongs, such as "Sick of You." My big Christmas present last year was an overpriced StubHub tickets to a WRXP radio (R.I.P.) holiday show featuring the band and it was well worth it! They previewed the new songs and I was loving them at first listen -- write up of that show here.

3. Radiohead, King of Limbs
Radiohead released this album last spring and even though it has the shortest running time of any other of their albums, it was enough to easily earn a top ten slot. The band continues to create innovative approaches to music after almost twenty years together (as well as some new dance moves by Thom Yorke as choreographed by noted UK choreographer Wayne McGregor in the video for "Lotus Flower" below). After stopping by SNL and The Colbert Report, they played a few dates in the city, but I was not one of the lucky fans to see them.

4. Washed Out, Within and Without
Georgia native Ernest Greene put the term chill wave on the music scene map, with just a few songs composed in his childhood bedroom back in 2009. Hard to think that someone with a proper name like that would choose the sexiest cover artwork of the year... too bad his stage show I saw last summer didn't sizzle quite the same way, even with his new wife on the stage (review link here).

5. Portugal. The Man., In the Mountain. In the Cloud.
This band from the Pacific Northwest (two of the members even grew up in Alaska) have been together for five years, but I only just discovered them. Their expansive sound reflects their surroundings and lays the foundation for the soulful vocals of singer/songwriter John Baldwin Gourley. In the Mountain. In the Cloud. was a release I listened to over and over, capped off with a stellar concert appearance at Terminal 5 headlining the 2011 CMJ Music Marathon (review of the festival night here).

6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., It's a Corporate World
When I heard this band's single "Simple Girl" I was hooked, but I didn't realize the band had some serious writing chops and depth of talent until I witnessed them live (review link here). The music pulsed through the venue with layers of synths over a rock band format, encouraging me to revisit the entire release with many satisfying listens.

7. Moby, Destroyed
Moby released his latest CD with a book of photographs taken while out on tour, many of them in the middle of the night. The reflective mood is found throughout the album, and his singing on the single "The Day" revealed one of his most soul-searing melodies ever. One of my highlights of the year was definitely interviewing this guy who grew up in my hometown (link here) to hear first hand about the new tunes. I was also able to catch him doing his big time arena show act at Moogfest 2011, although I was disappointed he only stuck to older hits.

8. M83, Midnight City
Anthony Gonzalez is a charming Frenchman who released two discs worth of world-shaking synth creations this year, then formed a band in order to figure out how to play everything live and tour extensively. I only saw them doing a festival slot at this year's Moogfest, but it was enough to make me a fan forever.

9. Elbow, Build a Rocket Boys
Elbow is another long standing band from the UK (recently chosen to create a theme for the London Olympics next summer). Their fifth studio album is another stellar collection of tales of life across the pond, as sweetly sung by singer/songwriter Guy Garvey.

10. My Morning Jacket, Circuital
This rock band from Lexington, Kentucky, released their sixth studio album to much acclaim this summer and it's complexities made for an interesting listen. From the full throttle group singing in "Holding on to Black Metal" to Jim James' solo in "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)," there was something for everyone to latch on to and enjoy.

Favorite Holiday Tunes Playlist

2011-12-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays! Here's a playlist of not-so new faves that I actually love hearing every year, beyond the usual standards playing everywhere you go. Happy to revisit the many Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby songs plus the offering of each Beatle: Ringo's fun party of "White Christmas," Paul always the happy family man with "Wonderful Christmastime," John's emotionally-charged political statement of "Happy Christmas (War is Over)," and George's voice giving out though still such a gift of the soul in "Ding Dong, Ding Dong." Plus I find the 1972 duet of "Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie intriguing, moving and odd all at the same time. And I can't help but sing along to Wham's 80s hit "Last Christmas."

This curated listen is culled from my CD collection (!) when a compilation disc from MTV or various record labels was the greatest gift of all -- keeping me sane through many seasons of overindulgence. Back then you couldn't Google a band discovery and even to this day I have no idea who/where/what Local H is but I'm thankful for their track that starts things off. It also made for many a fun jam in the basement with me on drums...

1. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" -- Local H
2. "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" -- Julian Casablancas
3. "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" -- The Ramones
4. "Winter Wonderland" -- Phantom Planet
5. "Merry Christmas Baby" -- Hanson
6. "Christmas Wrapping" -- The Waitresses
7. "Little Drummer Boy" -- The Dandy Warhols
8. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" -- Weezer
9. "The Christmas Song" -- Weezer
10. "Snowball" -- Jimmy Fallon
11. "Father Christmas" -- The Kinks
12. "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" -- The Polyphonic Spree
13. "Frosty the Snowman" -- The Jackson 5
14. "Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!" -- Sufjan Stevens
15. "It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad!" -- Sufjan Stevens

Top 5+ Concert Experiences in 2011

2011-12-12T09:01:00.001-05:00

What a year for live music! I just counted up attendance at 30 concerts this year and on top of that I would need to add in three nights covering the CMJ Music Marathon and multiple shows at this year's Moogfest. No wonder my ears are feeling a big clogged these days... might have to succumb to wearing ear plugs in 2012. For now it's a happy trip down memory lane to recap the top five concert experiences of the year -- from the blowout of a send off for LCD Soundsystem to newcomers Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. along with the opportunity to enjoy seeing a few favorite bands finally play live. I'll post best of videos from our NMMatterscorp YouTube channel thanks to my camera guy Paul (and yes you can hear at least one of my "wooooos" on each clip!) For more info, link to my blog post write up for the concerts as listed. With fond memories of each one, enjoy.

1. LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5 -- March 28, 2011
This was the first and last time I'll see this oh-so favorite band who cranked out beloved dance hits for me to boogie along with every release. Terminal 5 is not my favorite venue (a big, mutli-layered space and sound can be messy) but the entire place turned into one big dance party during this three-set night. Walking around you'd have to jump through circles of people grooving along and there was not one person there who wasn't moving something, my kind of night. This video shows how it all began.

LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5 3/28/11 "Dance Yrself Clean"

2. Flaming Lips @ Moogfest -- October 29, 2011
I had heard tales of the emotional overhaul that takes place at Flaming Lips concerts (funfetti, colorful balloon balls, frontman Wayne Coyne's antics) but I finally experienced the euphoria first hand this fall at Moogfest. Supposedly the band plays each show as if it's every audience member's only Flaming Lips show so they are sure to play the hits along with anything new. This night they also played a fitting tribute to Bob Moog, "Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, with keyboardist Steve Dzord using an ipad to recreate Keith Emerson's famous synth solo. Discussing the concert afterwards, my son described his concert experience as a "bawler" for him and asked if I cried during the concert -- I had to admit, "yes twice!"

Flaming Lips @ Moogfest 10/29/11 "Lucky Man"

3. Matt & Kim @ Terminal 5 -- June 29, 2011
This popular hipster band took over Terminal 5 on glorious summer night -- both the band (couple Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino) and their adoring young fans were obviously "totally stoked" to fill the large venue for their own private dance party. This video shows the energy that began the show and it continued non-stop throughout the night.

Matt & Kim @ Terminal 5 6/29/11 "Block After Block"

4. Peter Bjorn & John-- May 2, 2011
Many bands claim to put on "high energy shows" but this trio from Sweden could be an illustration to the proper definition. The night I saw them they had two shows on the bill and they certainly did not hold back anything during the early slot. Guitarist John Erikkson even bloodied his forehead with some crazy shredding and I kept waiting for him to at least wipe his face with a towel they had been using for sweat outbreaks on stage. As seasoned performers, they obviously love playing their music even after all these years together (PB&J was formed in 1999) and nothing is slowing them down. Their popular single, "Second Chance" was heard all over the place in 2011. I wish them all thia well-deserved success and more.

Peter Bjorn & John @ Bowery Ballroom 5/2/11 "Second Chance"

5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Bowery Ballroom -- September 24, 2011
I wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived at the Bowery Ballroom to see the band Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. It's easy to venture right up to the stage there, so I introduced myself to Josh Epstein as he was plugging in equipment in order to snag another photo op with an interview subject. We had a quick chat on the phone a few days earlier, asking him about the band's quick rise over the course of the year with their debut release, It's a Corporate World. This duo complements each other so well, meshing vocal harmonies and pop hooks galore. Then they add in some funky lighting, bubbles and stage outfits to make for a fun live show, including a killer cover for the encore (see below).

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr @ Bowery Ballroom 9/24/11 "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)"

HONORABLE MENTION: Art Brut @ Music Hall of Williamsburg -- June 22, 2011
How can you not love this band? After singing along to three albums worth of fun, tongue-in-cheek pop tunes, I finally saw Art Brut cranking them out live as if they were indeed on "Top of the Pops." Eddie Argos could give lessons on how to be a charming frontman and he's having as much fun as anyone up at the concert being center stage. When he jumped into the audience with a lengthy monologue during a favorite song, "Modern Art," I loved every minute. "Modern art makes me want to buy a t-shirt!" Argos was joking how this was their "Glass Ceiling Tour" and he should be thankful for that. I say the music world is a way better place with Art Brut around and wishing for many more songs/tours ahead!

Art Brut @ Music Hall of Williamsburg 6/24/11 "Modern Art"

YACHT @ Santos Party House, NYC December 3rd

2011-12-05T17:12:00.001-05:00

I remember hearing the single "Psychic City" on KCRW years ago and loving it immediately. That voice, the funky beat, and those snarky lyrics about everyday appliances coming alive to party with an immediate sing along, Aye-eye-eye-eye! It found a spot on one of my new music playlists and I've been a fan ever since. Having missed them at Moogfest in October (a flight from Mexico City was cancelled), I went on their website and found an upcoming gig in NYC, one of the many perks of living in the area...

YACHT defines itself as a “band, belief system andbusiness,” with a corporate logo known as a smilangle (a smiley face inside atriangle). They are currently composingsome of the most danceable music today, recently releasing a new album, Shangri-La, last June. Songs from thealbum filled most of the set list at Santos Party House, with room for 2008’ssingle “Summer Song,” 2009’s “Afterlife,” along with “Ring the Bell.” Plus their dance hit “Psychic City” provideda suitable encore. Joan Bechtoit,mastermind for the group since its inception, took the stage with the rest ofthe band all wearing black before singer Clare L. Evans followed dressed in a whitedress. With her cropped white hair anddramatic eye makeup, her stylized movements brought an additional element oftheatre to the live concert. Bechtoitbounced from keyboards to guitar and singing into a mike, while Evans commandedthe audience to get their groove on.

Everything sounded great and the band was clearly enjoyingthemselves playing their part, communicating through the pop hooks and layeredbeats of “Beam Me Up,” “One Step, and “Utopia.” The group covered like-minded band, The B-52s, for a wound-up “Mesopotamia”and Bechtoit took over the drum kit for “Dystopia (The Earth is on Fire). However, the show wasn’t just about creating alive soundtrack for their fans to let loose and boogie. Early on, there was a PowerPoint presentationoutlining three stages for audience participation during the evening: 1)preparation, 2) initiation and 3) enlightenment. A slide show was also utilized to introduceband members (along with their nicknames and astrological signs) and included amap where the group was from (a Western American Utopian Triangle formed bylinking Los Angeles, Marfa, Texas and Portland, Oregon). During a Q & A session between songs,Evans was asked if she could be someone’s girlfriend. She replied, “Yes, spiritually andmetaphysically.” Another question posedqueried about her favorite food and orifice to which she responded, “avocadoand sinus.” For the last song, Evansinvited some young, front row fans up on stage to dance with her and everyonewas invited to say hello at the merch table afterwards. The overzealous security there had to get a bit physical to break up the line waiting there and Evans was clearly disturbed by it, saying sweetly,"they're being so mean."

YACHT takes its name from an alternative school thatBechtoit was enrolled in for a bit, an acronym for “Young Americans ChallengingHigh Technology.” He met Evans soonthereafter, but she didn’t join the band full time until 2008. It’s a match made in electropop music heaven.She’s also a science nerd who pens a popular blog, “Universe,” about theintersection of art and science. Theuniversal messaging of “Afterlife” speaks to the sun, moon and the light that“makes most of life.” Yet it quickly turnsto a tongue-in-cheek statement about the band’s core beliefs in putting theparty first.

If my friends were acrowd,

It might not be thebiggest

But it’d be definitelyloud

YACHT @ Santos Party House NYC 12/3/11 "Paradise Engineering" (Opening Song)

YACHT @ SantosParty House NYC 12/3/11 "Dystopia"

Sunbears! @ Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, December 2nd

2011-12-02T16:52:00.001-05:00

Sunbears! are described as a duo but the band playsout on stage weighted heavily towards Jonathan Berlin (singing while playingkeyboards, guitars and synths), away from the solid drummer Jared Bowser. These two are on the road in support of theirfirst full-length release, You Will LiveForever, the title a reference to how the internet will never forget thisgeneration with an eternal online imprint. Its thirteen tracks are appealing, carefully crafted pop songs, not justcompositions in a broad stroke of some musical genre. However, when presented live at the CameoGallery in Williamsburg, the thrust of presenting everything exactly as itsounds on the recording kept things from any sort of emotional lift off. Withprerecorded tracks of vocal harmonies, additional instruments and ample soundeffects, the performance seemed as organic as the bouquet of plastic flowersdecorating the drum kit.

The night even began as the album does, with the solo piano arpeggios of the instrumental lead off track, “You Will Live Forever.” Then the band followed with the second song, “Give Love a Try,” their single with a simplistic message and basic though uplifting sing along chorus. Many of the lyrics offered throughout the set were along the same vein, though the vocals buried throughout made a few words hard to discern. For example in the song “Strung Out! On My Own!” Berlin sings with conviction, Love don’t go away never, so I’m fine with you leaving me. “Together Forever” begins with We know better than you, You know better than me/We’re in this together, forever and ever, can’t you see. His vocal delivery can sound a bit like Wayne Coyne, and with the musicians backlit with strobe lights and footage on a scrim in constant motion, the show was almost like a mini Flaming Lips concert. It’s difficult to recreate songs produced after spending countless hours in a studio anyway, and the crowd would have enjoyed something different.

Sunbears!@ Cameo Gallery, NYC 12/1/2011

Late Fall 2011 New Music Playlist

2011-11-30T15:52:00.001-05:00

Here’s a new music playlist to indulge in before theonslaught of holiday music starts dancing in our heads. Strong releases by Atlas Sound and The War onDrugs provide the backbone while newcomers Future Islands and The Drums serveas bookends. See notes below -- enjoy!

1. “Stay Gold” – TheBig Pink

English electro-pop duo The Big Pink has just released thissingle from their second album due in January, Future This. The synth-heavysound lends itself to the dance floor, while the straightforward lyrics createan instant sing along.

2. “Money” – TheDrums

3. “Days” – The Drums

The Drums are an indie band from Brooklyn. Singer Jonathon Pierce explained recently ina KCRW interview how they like to write short, sweet, simple pop songs and certainlyshows in these two tunes off their second album, Portamento. Their somewhat derivative compositions are still hardto ignore, especially with such earnest intentions.

4. “Speaking inTongues” (featuring David Byrne) – Arcade Fire

This is a bonus cut off the deluxe version of alt band ArcadeFire’s recent release, The Suburbs. Itincludes vocals by David Byrne, a natural nod to the Talking Heads who createdan entire album with the same title.

5. “Come to the City”– The War On Drugs

6. “Come for It” –The War On Drugs

7. “City Reprise” –The War On Drugs

These three tracks are off the second full-length album, Slave Ambient, bythis indie rock band from Philly. AdamGranduciel’s vocals call out over a traditional rock structure with synths tobolster the texture of songs that quickly become anthems.

8. “Tell Me What YouWant” – Pajama Club

This band was formed by empty nesters Sharon and Neil Finn(of Spit Enz and Crowded House fame) after their kids left home in New Zealand topursue their own musical passions. With fun,funky undertones, the song off their first self-titled release is a sexy tribute to life after child rearing.

9. “Your Eyes” –Bombay Bicycle Club

This song is from the third release by the U.K. indie rockband, titled A Different Kind ofFix. As the group continues topolish and expand its sound, singer Jack Steadman’s earnest vocals keep thingsgrounded.

10. “Te Amo” – AtlasSound

11. “Mona Lisa” –Atlas Sound

Atlas Sound is the solo project of Deerhunter’s prolificmusician Bradford Cox. These two songs are off the third release, Parallax, but Cox recently explained toSPIN that he writes every day to fill a avoid, referring it to thumb-sucking. “Mona Lisa” features the vocals and piano playing of AndrewVanWyngarden of MGMT.

12. “All We EverWanted Was Everything”– MGMT

This Bauhaus cover was included in a mix album, Late Night Tales: MGMT, recentlyreleased by the alt band. It is a lovingtribute in a compilation of “post-punk, cult indie and counter-culturefigureheads” as hand picked by the group.

13. “Somebody That IUsed to Know” (featuring Kimbra) – Gotye

This newcomer to the U.S. scene is the stage name ofBelgian-Australian Wouter “Wally” De Backer, a multi-instrumentalistsinger/songwriter. His international flair is making waves forthis folksy tune with New Zealand singer Kimbra, a stinging musical attack onan ex-lover. The song is off Gotye’s latest release, Making Mirrors.

14. “Balance” –Future Islands

15. “Where I FoundYou” – Future Islands

This band from Baltimore took inspiration from the OuterBanks of North Carolina for their third full-length release, On the Water. From the sounds of wavesto rolling melodies, these two songs tug at the heartstrings with singer SamuelT. Herring’s emotive vocals.

Elbow Song Is Musical Theme for London 2012 Olympics

2011-11-28T13:48:00.001-05:00

A special piece ofmusic created by British alt rock band elbow for the 2012 Olympics in London isnow in the final stages of production. The theme will be used in promotional coverage before the games nextsummer as well as during the event.

“We are knocked out to be involved and it’s been quite achallenge,” says lead singer Guy Garvey. His warm, distinctive baritone has been the signature of this band sinceit formed twenty years ago. Their fifthalbum released last spring, Build aRocket Boys!, is landing on many top ten lists for the year (for example,KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” Jason Bentley). I heard about the band just a few years ago as a devoted listener to KCRW, loving the song "One Day Like This" from their last album The Seldom Seen Kid. Here's a video of Elbow performing the song when they stopped by the station last spring. The full live session can be viewed/listened to here.

Elbow performing "One Day Like This" on KCRW April 15, 2011

Talking Heads Chronology DVD Screening & Release Party, November 21

2011-11-22T10:06:00.001-05:00

The Fairfield Theatre Company’s Stage One was sold out lastnight for the new DVD Chronology tobenefit local npr station WPKN. Thedocumentary simply splices together footage from the band’s early days to 1983and then jumps to their performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductionceremony in 2002, which drummer Chris Frantz said at the time gave them “ahappy ending.” (So a nice way to fadeout the DVD as well.) It opens with amicrophone test in a New York City kitchen just after Frantz had moved there inthe mid 70s with fellow RISD classmates singer/songwriter David Byrne andbassist Tina Weymouth, who was also his girlfriend at the time. This tightly knit group lived together at 195Chrystie Street, a tough neighborhood in the Lower East Side but right aroundthe corner from the iconic club CBGBs. They rehearsed nights after working day jobs; creating songs togetherthat they would take soon take to the stage. In early gigs, they huddle together on stage and in interviews they arefiercely protective of each other’s quirks, as Weymouth once described Byrne’sbehavior as “organically shy.”

In 1978 the band opened for the Ramones and the rest is rockhistory. At the Q&A afterwards withWeymouth and Frantz, Weymouth thanked everyone for “patiently sitting through[their] home movies but these moments in time belonged to most of the audienceas well. Beyond the spirit ofreminiscence, there was a real sense at that time that this artsy pop music wassomething that had never been tried before. In the early scenes, people looked somewhat perplexed by the sound – notsure how to even move to it yet soon new wave became the most danceable genreever. Frantz explained that since they were art students, there was always an“artistic target” with their music. Theyloved pop music but also art so the thought was maybe “pop music can be thebest art ever.” His idea to cover AlGreen’s “Take Me to the River” became the first hit for the Talking Heads. Frantz said he knew they had made it big whenDick Clark told them on his show, “I like you guys!”

Weymouth found being in the band “very daunting” but “reallyloved these boys” so kept at it. (Theoriginal plan was for her to step aside but even Lou Reed commented how it wasa “good gimmick” to have a chick in the band.) It was her mother that essentially told her “you can do this.” The couple also revisited their side project,the Tom Tom Club, and how that band kept the Talking Heads going since theirsongs were better received internationally. Plus their influx of world music opened up American fans to receiveglobal influences. With its digitalized fimand remastered soundtrack, Chronologyprovides a rewarding trip down memory lane or a musical adventure for anyone.

My interview with Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth before a Tom Tom Club show last January here.

Bruce of WPKN working the merch table for the event

Atlas Sound plays The Ace Hotel NYC, Video for "Te Amo"

2011-11-18T14:26:00.001-05:00

KEXP has posted “Te Amo” from an Atlas Sound set atthe Ace Hotel, during the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City last month. It was the final performance sponsored by theSeattle radio station, and I luckily snagged a place on the tile floor as thecrowd gathered around the musical equipment before the show. Bradford Cox wasbeen creating music under the name Atlas Sound since he was ten when not busywith his band mates in Deerhunter. (Livingwith the genetic disorder Marfan syndrome manifested a solitary existence growingup so music was a refuge, supposedly there are boxes of cassettes to supportthis.) He was there overseeing the set up, concerned about the levels and thesubdued nature of the setting. Coxlikened it to playing at the New York University library with all the peoplebusy on laptops.

“Is there anybody listening to me talk right now?” He askedin a southern drawl referencing his hometown of Atlanta adding, “It’s soquiet!” This comment elicited some cheers and clapping, to which he scolded theaudience, saying how he hadn’t done anything but perhaps everyone justliked his outfit? Cox stood ready toplay in windowpane fabric pajamas festooned with geese and Topsiders with nosocks. His wispy honey colored hairframed an angular face and on top a very slight build. Yet he implored those incontrol until there was a distinctly louder feedback, explaining how “it’s nota folk project. “ There was also a nice shout out to the staff at the AceHotel, since he considers it a home away from home filled with friends – happyto be there since it was such an easy gig to get right downstairs to the lobby. Cox has a favorite room to stay in and has evenrecorded two songs there recently, when booked time at the studio had run out.

The new lush, stream of consciousness release, Parallax, provided most of the setlist. He joked between songs and wasclearly at ease in his surroundings. It was captivating to watch Cox commandthe foot pedals to create layers of sound from his Gibson acoustic guitar and prerecorded loops. Cascading synth sounds build the introductionfor “Te Amo” before Cox offered warm vocals to float above them. After he ended with the dulcet tones of“Flagstaff,” Cox donned a light brown corduroy jacket to chat with the many friends andfans that waited in line patiently for their turn with the lone musician. Always warm and engaging, he allowed photosand even a few girls to sit on his lap like a skinny Santa Claus. As I left the building hours later, I spied Cox stillgetting his picture taken by official photographers outside. I told him he wasquite a trooper to still be at it, especially as the temperatures were droppingwith the sun.

“Well, I sleep all day,” he told me. “My life is not that hard.”

"Te Amo" by Atlas Sound at the Ace Hotel, 10/21/2011

Release Night Screening of Talking Heads Documentary Chronology November 21 in Fairfield, CT

2011-11-16T12:52:00.001-05:00

Next Monday there will be a screening of a new Talking HeadsDVD, Chronology, at theFairfield Theatre Company (70 Sandford Street, Fairfield right by the trainstation). Doors open at 7 pm with a cashbar, with the movie beginning at 8 pm. At $20 a ticket, it’s a worthy fundraiser for WPKN, the Fairfield Countynpr station.

Chronology followsthe band from it’s beginning days at CBGB to their final tour in 1983supporting their Speaking in Tongues album(back in the days of vinyl!) Their stopin Forest Hills is definitely on my top ten list for all time greatest liveconcerts. The tour was also documentedin Jonathan Demme’s feature film, Stop MakingSense.

A brief Q&A with band members Chris Frantz and TinaWeymouth will follow the event. Thecouple live in Fairfield and are active in both the Fairfield Theatre Companyand WPKN, where Frantz has a radio show on the last Friday of the month from 1 –4 pm. For more information, visit fairfieldtheatre.org.

M83 Press Conference During Moogfest 2011

2011-11-15T16:33:00.001-05:00

Photo by Paul Seymour

There were very few opportunities for interviews during Moogfest -- it was a busy time for all. However, on Sunday afternoon the Moog Factory stayed open for a few back-to-back press conferences. Anthony Gonzalez, the mastermind behind M83, started them off with "Hi" to the press and public gathered. When no one spoke up right away with the first question, he sheepishly said "Bye" and pretended to leave. With smiles and some laughter, Gonzalez sat down again and gamely answered a very nonlinear group of questions. It was clear that this musician truly "leeves" for music, as he said in his charming French accent. My write up on PopMatters here.

Moogfest 2011 Overview on PopMatters

2011-11-14T10:15:00.001-05:00

My write up of the entire Moogfest 2011 festival is up on PopMatters today! Reading it over had me glowing with memories, three days of non-stop music in such a uniquely American, art loving mountain town. Link below...
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/150800-moogfest-2011-28-october-30-october-2011-asheville-nc/

Brian Eno on "The Colbert Report" November 10th

2011-11-11T10:14:00.001-05:00

Brian Eno in performance

Brian Eno was on "The Colbert Report" to talk about his "77 Million Paintings" exhibit down in Asheville, North Carolina which was a part of the whole Moogfest weekend October 28 - 30 (see earlier blog posts about our run ins with this rock legend!) The best part is at the end of the show when he sings "Lean on Me" a cappella with Stephen Colbert and Michael Stipe of R.E.M. Charming as always during the interview, Eno talks about a casual singing group he hosts weekly back at home just because singing is "so good for you" and "makes you sexy" in his own words. But he's the one selling the song and conducting the group with gestures, ever the producer! Watch the clip here.

Panda Bear Releases Tomboy on Vinyl, Proceeds Benefit American Cancer Society

2011-11-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

Noah Lennox of Panda Bear has recently released a 4 LPversion of Tomboy in a limitededition box set through Paw Tracks for $35. The expanded collection includes singlemixes plus unreleased instrumentals, a cappella arrangements and a new song,“The Preakness.” There is also a 16-pageart booklet with lyrics, a welcome addition anytime. All profits from the saleof this set will go to the American Cancer Society and is limited to 5000copies worldwide. Listen to theenchanting a cappella treatment of “You Can Count on Me” at the link here.

Portugal. The Man. Releases New Animated Video

2011-11-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

For their new video,“All Your Light (Times Like These),” Portland’s Portugal. The Man. passed thereigns over to filmmakers Justin Kramer and Lee Hardcastle. The pair created a clever Claymationtreatment which depicts an epic struggle for survival in a dangerous world ofcolorful caves and plastic cups. Whensinger/songwriter John Gourley begins the song with the lyrics, “I’m just a shadowof a bigger man,” the sculpted creatures represent far more than what is reallyjust molded clay. The song is off ofthis year’s release, In the Mountain. In the Cloud.

Moogfest 2011 -- Flaming Lips Cover EL&P's "Lucky Man"

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000-04:00

In the middle of the euphoric madness that I now know first hand goes on at a Flaming Lips show, the band chose to cover the Emerson, Lake & Palmer song "Lucky Man" at Moogfest last Saturday night. Wayne Coyne spoke of playing this song back in the day and smoking way too much pot at the time but it was offered in honor of Bob Moog and "all those that keep his spirit alive for us." Coyne strummed his road-weary acoustic guitar with a dome over the front and back cut out while swaying to the undulating melody. In another nod to the convergence of science and technology with music, Keith Emerson's iconic solo on an early Moog synthesizer was played on stage by Steven Drozd using an Animoog ipad app.

This song has a deeply personal place in my life -- Brain Salad Surgery was a favorite album belonging to my oldest brother Ed. I never needed to own many records in the 70s as I could hear them through the walls from his bedroom: The Who, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, The Rolling Stones, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Ed was definitely a man of his times, a friendly free spirit that died of an accidental drug overdose by the end of the decade. While I certainly miss having him in my life as the years continue, it is the music that he shared that pulls at my heartstrings the most. This song played live so lovingly brought tears streaming down my face, a wonderful tribute to both Bob Moog and my brother.

The Flaming Lips @ Moogfest 2011 "Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Moogfest 2011 Day #3

2011-10-31T12:46:00.000-04:00

Day three was a beautiful blue sky Sunday -- went to the historic Grove Park Inn for brunch before resting up for the final night at Moogfest. There was a press event at the Moog Factory which gave us a reason to head over there and listen to Anthony Gonzalez of M83 muse about his love of electronic music (PopMatters write up to follow soon!) The night began at 6:30 pm for this band's stellar performance and continued through sets by Neon Indian, Special Disco Version featuring LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and Pat Mahoney then Passion Pit over at the outdoor venue... another chilly night but well worth it. Home to what's left of the snow in the Northeast, trick-or-treaters and writing up the weekend in detail. Here is my write up as it appeared later on PopMatters.

Robots at the Moog Factory

Wondered where he caught the last tour?

More costumes...

Peewee at the Asheville Civic Center

Passion Pit's Ian Hultquist

Passion Pit's Michael Angelakos

Moogfest 2011 Day #3 10/30/11

Moogfest 2011 Day #2

2011-10-30T15:24:00.002-04:00

The eventful morning began with a fire alarm blasting throughout the hotel about 9:30 am. I threw something decent on in anticipation of perhaps running into a band member or two but there were only a smattering of people who took things seriously. After a visit from the Asheville Fire Department, it was determined that overly steamy shower had set off the alarm. (Hard to imagine as the shower stalls are so huge that it's hard to warm things up before hopping in!) It was good exercise to walk down the stairs six floors so we did the same back up to finish getting ready the day. On the way down later, we stepped into an elevator with the one and only Brian Eno who was giving an "Illustrated Talk" about his art exhibit in town later that afternoon. Paul was the one to confirm his identity and them became completely starstruck as I've never seen him. I had to chime in about how we've been fans since the days of Roxy Music -- to which he replied something charming about how I didn't seem old enough... we asked for a photo in the lobby with Paul's hat that Mr. Eno liked (he was such a sweet guy, full of compliments!)

Later, while waiting to enter the building for the lecture I saw a white commercial van going by with a bunch of guys in the back eyeing the line to get in... with one of them looking like Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips! I could help but smile, giving him a cheery wave and when he waved back I threw him a thumbs up. What a moment to share but no one but myself, at the time anyway. The Flaming Lips are one of my fave bands and I had never seen them play live -- until later that night! Definitely the highlight of the day, maybe even the entire festival. Can now check them off my concert bucketlist, with their blow out showmanship with huge balloons, strobe lights, confetti blasts and of course fully realized songs. It was cold in the parking lot venue, but the crowd closed in and Coyne had everyone up the noise to keep everyone warm. As a tribute to Bob Moog, they lovingly played a Flaming Lips version of Emerson Lake & Palmer's "Lucky Man"with its original synth solo, although this time played on an ipad app. The final song, "Do You Realize" was a sing along I'll always remember. See below for photos from the show, along with scenes on the streets of Asheville and clips from the other acts of the day (Cant, The Naked & Famous, Adrian Belew, Amon Tobin, and St. Vincent).

Moogfest 2011 Day #2 10/29/2011

Moogfest 2011 Day #1

2011-10-29T12:13:00.002-04:00

Paul's first local beer

Touched down in a rainy Asheville -- airport delays and cancellations put a crimp in some Moogfesters' travel plans yesterday. Walked around to gather up wristband passes (color-coded with a new computer chip to track our movements, hmmmm) and caught Moby speaking about the new ipad app called Animoog. After an delicious dinner Southern fare at Tupelo Honey it was on to catch Atlas Sound at the Orange Peel then back up the hill to the adjoined Asheville Civic Center and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for Tangerine Dream, Holy F**k, Moby, and TV on the Radio after midnight... video montage below!

Dessert at Dinner

Reconnecting with Moogfest Pals Terri & Will

After being Cluster Fluxed!

Cluster Flux booth

Wristbands with microchips to track all of our Moog movements

MOOGFEST 2011 Day 1 10/28/2011

New Music Playlists In the Archives

2011-10-27T17:45:00.001-04:00

To those intrepid readers who might dig into the archives and find an old playlist but would still like a listen -- I have everything since Summer 2010 in my Grooveshark account so could email a link upon request. Just shoot me an email... OR you can go on iTunes to purchase the songs from 2011 using this link here.

FYI here are the blog post below!

Late Summer 2011 New Music Playlist
Summer 2011 New Music Playlist
Late Spring 2011 New Music Playlist
Spring 2011 New Music Playlist
Winter 2011 New Music Playlist
Fall 2010 New Music Playlist
Early Fall 2010 New Music Playlist
Summer 2010 New Music Playlist

More CMJ 2011 Coverage

2011-10-24T14:30:00.001-04:00

Givers Playing Terminal 5

CMJ 2011 is over and although I was technically "covering" the festival, I felt like I barely scratched the surface. Going out night after night seeing multiple bands doesn't mean much when there are countless other venues doing the same thing!
Here are my other posts for PopMatters:

CMJ Day 3: Alberta Cross + Givers + Portugal. The Man.

CMJ Day 4: Pepper Rabbit + Active Child + Braids

CMJ: Viewing the Music Panels

CMJ 2011 -- Notes from the Festival

2011-10-20T14:17:00.001-04:00

Taking a breather at my computer here after two days and one night of CMJ which includes six panels, one showcase and one press mixer. After day one's sun, yesterday's northeaster put a damper on the city. I had planned to meet up with other PopMatters writers at the press mixer, but when they bagged out I slogged through the rain anyway. It was held way uptown at the Hudson Hotel (well really more midtown at 58th street, but when everything else is basically below 8th street it felt that way!) There was a fancy party space with the requisite fancy bathroom with faucets that were hard to figure out and music so loud that any conversation that began, ended promptly. Just what music journalists need, more assault to their ears... I walked in to a Maroon 5 song (yes, the one that Darren Criss covered on GLEE) wondering why they could snag a college radio dj to mix it up? I had my free beer -- it was that or spiced rum, no food -- and went back downtown to cover my first showcase at Pianos, happy to already know they have decent bar food there.

Write up for the showcase and two more nights of coverage to follow on PopMatters. I'm also planning on writing up the panel experience but they do start to sound the same after a few of them. The idea of bands as brands are nothing new but there are new tools to get the word out about the music. Even well-intentioned panelists had to mention if they were once in a band "way back when" (even though it may have been barely five years ago). Plus I stopped by the Ace Hotel to see a staff presentation by KEXP as listed in the comprehensive festival catalogue but it was non-existent. They were all busy broadcasting from the lobby and setting up for the first live act of the day. I did use the opportunity to meet John Richards of "John in the Morning" as I'm a very loyal listener from CT, pic below with links of my coverage on PopMatters.

CMJ 2011 Day 2: Little Red + Cloud Nothings + Exit Music

Fall 2011 New Music Playlist

2011-10-17T15:58:00.001-04:00

A change of season merits achange in playlists, especially when a bountiful harvest of international songsappear on the scene. Long awaited releasesfrom Wilco, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Mates of State anchor the list whileBeirut, Neon Indian and Girls weigh in with solid collections. Singles off new albums are a nice holdoveruntil music fans can dig into fresh picks from Real Estate and M83. Of course, there’s a welcome addition of newbands such as I Break Horses and Sister Crayon to keep the ears happy. Enjoy!

1. “Midnight City” – M83

French musician Anthony Gonzalezformed M83 a decade ago with an unabashed love of electronica to create popsongs with a dreamy feel. This is thesingle off the band’s sixth release, HurryUp We’re Dreaming.

2. “Ritual Union” – Little Dragon

This Swedish-Japanese bandgets its moniker from singer Yukimi Nagano’s nickname. The group of high school pals started playingtogether in 1996 and this eclectic synth pop tune is the title track of theirthird album.

3. “I Might” – Wilco

With a changing line up butunder the leadership of singer Jeff Tweedy, Wilco has been part of the Chicago alt-rockmusic scene since 1994. This solidsingle is off their ninth album, TheWhole Love.

4. “Souls of Gold” – Sister Crayon

Sister Crayon is a quartetfrom Sacramento, California (home of CAKE, another similarly idiosyncratic band). This song is off thegroup’s first official release, Bellow.

5. “Santa Fe” – Beirut

6. “East Harlem” – Beirut

Singer/songwriter Zach Condonbegan Beirut as a solo project and yet this six-member band is on its thirdalbum, The Rip Tide. The world music influence is from Condontravels around Europe after dropping out of school, adding distinctive vocalsto make it his own entire universe.

7. “How Deep Is Your Love?” – The Rapture

Drummer Vito Roccoforte andguitarist/singer Luke Jenner formed this New York City dance punk band in1998. After five years, the group isback with a new release, In the Grace ofYour Love.

8. “It’s Real” – Real Estate

Real Estate is a quintetbased in Ridgewood, New Jersey since 2008. Their take on psychedelic indie rock is revealed in this carefullycrafted single off their upcoming second release, Days.

9. “Polish Girl” – Neon Indian

Neon Indian also began assolo project by Alan Palomo, who rode the indie pop chill wave movement when itcame on the scene two years ago. Hisvocals are no longer buried for this catchy single off the sophomore release, Era Extraña.

10. “Palomino” – Mates Of State

Married couple Kori Garner(keyboards) and Jason Hammel (drums) has created infectious indie pop under thename Mates of State since 1997. They’veexpanded the sound for this swirling single off their seventh album, Mountaintops.

11. “Hearts” – I Break Horses

I Break Horses is a Swedishindie band recently formed by Mana Lindén and Fredrick Balck. This shimmering song is off their debut album of the same name.

12. “Same Mistake” – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is aquintet that met at Connecticut College and they are now based inBrooklyn/Philly. Their debut album was self-released in 2005, gaining noticewithout record company input. SingerAlec Ounsworth brings an individualistic approach to vocals as usual in thissong off their third release, Hysterical.

13. “My Mistakes” – Eleanor Friedberger

Eleanor Friedberger is alsohalf of the Brooklyn band Fiery Furnaces with brother Matthew. Here she breaks out on her own with emotionallycharged results. This song is from herraw and candid solo album, Last Summer.

14. “Honey Bunny” – Girls

15. “My Ma” – Girls

Christopher Owens(singer/songwriter) and Chet ‘JR’ White (bass/producer) formed this indie rockband in San Francisco, enlisting other members as needed for touring. These two varied but still rebellious songsare off their second album, Father, Son,Holy Ghost.

16. “Year of the Tiger” – St. Vincent

Annie Clark is the avantgarde multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter behind St. Vincent. She has also performed with The PolyphonicSpree and Sufjan Stevens. The majestic treatment for this song is indicative ofthe iconoclastic music on her third release, Strange Mercy.

17. “Dark Into Light” – Shawn Lee & AM

This collaboration formedthrough friendship let to the recent album, CelestialEclectic. The mesmerizing songfeatures AM’s wistful falsetto over Shawn Lee’s percussion with lofty themescontemplating right and wrong.

Mates of State @ Webster Hall October 12

2011-10-13T21:32:00.001-04:00

The stage at Webster Hall was covered with garlands ofgreenery and two puffy white clouds hanging from the ceiling for the Mates ofState show October 12^th. Afull house of fans arrived to see indie pop’s married couple Kori Gardner andJason Hammel, who have been creating music together for over a decade. After adeviation to a covers album last year, the duo is back on their game, offering upbuoyant and carefully crafted songs about going through life as a twosome. They took to their instruments to bang out aninfectious mix of hits and new tunes off the latest release, Mountaintops. There seemed to be lots of pairing off inthe audience as well, yet everyone was ready to sing along and pump fists insupport. Gardner stood at command infront of her keyboards, wearing a graphic print top and her blond hair in ahigh ponytail, while Hammel sat at his drum kit in a dress shirt and vest readyto rock. Throughout the night, there were lots of knowing smiles and mouthingof words to communicate with each other -- when they weren’t busy singing ofcourse. Kenji Shinagawa supported themsolidly on guitar and John Panos brought a magnetic stage presence, playing extrakeys, trumpet and tambourine as needed to broaden the Mates’ signature sound.

The band began with “Get Better” off 2008’s Re-Arrange Us to get things rolling. Then new songs were introduced: a rollicking beatin “Maracas” along with two compositions allowing a softer side, “Unless I’mLed” and “Desire.” Although, the lyrics,You’ll learn to live without me, seemedan unlikely thought from this songwriting team. The sentiment behind “At Least I Have You” sounded much more applicable,not that it really matters. Crowdpleasers such as “The Re-Arranger,” “Goods,” “Like U Crazy,” “Now,” and “My Only Offer” punctuated thenight, along with more contributions from Mountaintops. The soaring new single “Palomino”provided the finale with the band exiting to strobe lights, leaving behind aflashing energetic afterglow.

Mates of State @ Webster Hall 10/12/11 "Maracas"

Mates of State @ Webster Hall 10/12/11 "Palomino"

Congratulating Kori after the show!

Matt and Kim Live Session on KCRW

2011-10-12T12:14:00.001-04:00

The beloved indie duo Matt and Kim are legendary for theirover-the-top energetic live shows as I reported for PopMatters on last summer (link here). So itwas a different scene at the KCRW studio October 11^th when the bandplayed a set before noon on “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” Instead of playing sideby side on a stage, they offered up their upbeat music with Matt at hiskeyboards across the room from Kim, who was encased in an isolation booth withher drums feeling quite removed from everything. As Kim played with hair flying backwards fromthe kit in the confined space, Matt became sweetly concerned about herdiscomfort even while singing “lock me up” during their first hit, “YeaYeah.” He then decided their next song“I Wanna” should be changed to “I Wanna Get Kim Out of That Closet.” The two are just off a tour opening up forBlink 182 and My Chemical Romance, which included a stop at the iconicHollywood Bowl. During the interview with host Jason Bentley, they discussedthe difference between this experience and playing in front of only their ownfans. They also revealed plans to goback in the studio this January to begin recording album number four. Watch or listen to the session at the link below.

Matt & Kim Live at KCRW on Morning Becomes Eclectic 10.11.11

Portugal The Man. new leisure-filled video for “So American”

2011-10-10T15:36:00.002-04:00

Fave band Portugal.The Man. recently released a video for their song “So American” off the newalbum, In the Mountain, In theCloud. Directed with a slight handby Nik Zogratos, the footage follows the band through an idyllic day off. It begins with frolicking at the beach,showcasing juggling skills with empty Coors bottles and by nightfall a backyardBBQ with friends turns into a low-key jam session while passing the Maker’sMark. These relaxing scenes beliesinger/songwriter John Gourley’s pleading lyrics, “There’s a madness in us all.” And for now, the band is busy on tour. I can't wait to see them Thursday, October 20th at Terminal 5 with Givers or check them out at other dates here.

Portugal.TheMan - So American [Official Music Video]

Mates of State Unleash New Video for Palomino

2011-10-05T13:23:00.000-04:00

WhenJason Hammel spoke with me via PopMatters last year, he promised that a new “Mates”album would be ready soon. With the release of Mountaintops September13, it’s a promise fulfilled and the married duo are now on tour in support ofthe new release (next Wednesday, Oct. 12 as posted in "Next Up NYC" section to the right, other dates here). Together with Kori Gardner, Mates of Statehave also produced an enchanting video for the opening track, “Palomino.” Longgone are the days of sparse production with Gardner playing keyboards andHammel on drums. “Palomino” begins with a lush cascade of sound, a solidintroduction before those familiar synched vocals even begin. The bandexplained to npr that the song is a “reflection on childhood and life’sinevitable progression.” Referencing an old zen saying to “Aim for ColdMountain,” the idea suggests that “there is always going to be another peak inthe distance.”

DirectorJimi Patterson deftly uses rotoscope animation to tell the story, filming thelive-action material first before digitally hand-painting all 3,240frames. The couple encounters a series of mountaintops, reflecting thetheme of this album. Along the way they even come upon little girls thatlook like the couple’s two tow-headed daughters, as featured on Gardner’s blog“Band on the (diaper) run.” This video follows their musical journey in avast landscape of visual expression.

‪Mates of State‪ - Palomino (Official Video)

Milagres @ Mercury Lounge September 30th

2011-10-03T17:02:00.003-04:00

Milagres is on toursupporting their second release, GlowingMouth, a collection that finds an ethereal path away from their moreearthbound, Cold Play inspired debut, SevenSummits. Singer/songwriter KyleWilson wrote the songs while recovering from a serious climbing accident andtheir dreamy diversion provided a welcome addition to the band’s catalogue. Theynow deviate from standard rock format into a lush soundscape of layeredpercussion and vocals, making for a rewarding listen session whether live orotherwise. The title track, “GlowingMouth,” was picked as a KEXP Song of the Day recently and the entire album hasbeen in WFUV’s “The Alternate Side” top twenty most played albums for weeks, soit was interesting to see this band take to the stage.

On September 30, Milagresfocused on this new release for a full crowd filing in early at The MercuryLounge. There was the requisite plaid andfacial hair of any Brooklyn band, but Milagres has been around enough to knowhow to put on a solid show and all it entails, even quickly getting to themerch table to greet fans afterwards. Beginningwith the upbeat “Here to Stay” the group kicked into full gear, swirling music aroundWilson playing guitar center stage: Steve Leventhal on drums, Fraser McCullochon bass/vocals, Chris Brasee on keyboards and Eric Schwortz also on guitar/vocals. Next up was the climbing chorus of “Gone,”building with intensity and volume to fill the space. The poetic storytelling of “Gentle Beast”began with Wilson setting the scene.

Loved a girl when I was twelve.

From a book everything’s in

I tore wide ruled pages in pen

and I saved each note in an old box

so one day I could read them again.

But I’ll never feel the way that I felt.

Afterwards Wilsonacknowledged the crowd saying, “You guys are awesome. Thank you so much for being here.” The band quickly continued, offering up “Lostin the Dark,” “Half way,” and “To Be Imagined” along with an older song, “QuietStreet.” “Halfway” has also beenreceiving airplay, with its three-part harmonies repeating the longing in thechorus, I could be halfway from anyone. With cheers of recognition during theintroduction, the single “Glowing Mouth” brought the set to conclusion asWilson’s falsetto reached new heights --calling out while still hovering abovethe band. The measured studio versionbecame a loosely shared journey, as the audience replied in encouragement. Milagresis continuing on tour through the end of October, dates here.

NMMatterscorp YouTube Video: Milagres @ Mercury Lounge "Halfway" 9/30/11

NMMatterscorp YouTube Video: Milagres @ Mercury Lounge "Glowing Mouth" 9/30/11

Kyle Wilson works the merch table...

Paul chats with Eric Schwortz

Taking time for a photo op!

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival, NYC October 18 -22

2011-09-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

Get ready NYC area music fans! The CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival continues to growto epic proportions since its debut back in 1980. This year includes over 1300 artistperformances and dozens of cutting-edge films at 80 venues, nightclubs andtheaters around New York City. Notablebands include Wild Flag, Neon Indian, Portugal. The Man., Active Child, Weekendand Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. but it’s the bands you haven’t heard of that givethis festival its raison d’ être.

There are also close to 70 panels, seminars and specialevents to keep things going around the clock. Topics include A&R, Artist Management and Publishing/Licensing aswell as anything to do with social media. A CMJ Full Festival Badge costs $495 (with a CMJ Student Full Badgepriced at $295) but new this year is a CMJ Show Pass for $149 which allowsaccess to all CMJ Music Marathon Showcases and Film Festival Screenings – basedon venue capacity on a first come first serve basis. For those not planning toattend, I will be part of a PopMatters team spreading out over the city to bring theevent to life online. More info at cmj.com.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Bowery Ballroom September 24

2011-09-26T13:31:00.002-04:00

Listening to Dale EarnhardtJr. Jr.’s studio recordings, their songs are carefully crafted pop tunes fullof traditional harmonies but with quirky electronics and fuzzy guitars thrownin for fun. In live performance however,the band puts the emphasis on the fun as those elements rise to the forefrontalong with classic concert experiences like multiple lighting cues, costumechanges and bubble machines. This duofrom Detroit, Daniel Zott and Josh Epstein, provide all this without losingsite of who they are – two wacky musical dudes from Motor City. At the Bowery Ballroom September 24, theyshared lead vocals, instruments and commanding positions on stage to bringtheir music to life for their fans. Astheir lyrics pronounce, “Life’s too short to play it safe.” When Zott calls out “Come on, let’s dance,”he doesn’t exclude himself as he leaped around the stage, shaking his hips and playingguitar. And Epstein could still sing outwhile hopping along with the crowd without missing a beat. Drummer Michael Higgins provided the high-energybackbone required throughout the night.

Epstein and Zott enteredproudly wearing baseball jackets of the first place Detroit Tigers, not the NASCARjumpsuits the band has been sporting onstage during previous gigs. Motioning to their fans to get their hands upand smiling to each other, they began with the steadfast melody of “MorningThought.” By the third song the jacketswere off, revealing matching short-sleeved shirts with bowties. “Hello NYC,” Epstein said, introducing theband. He then launched a discussion ofthings Detroit shares with New York, which mainly included basketball starssuch as Isiah Thomas, Allan Houston and Chauncey Billups. The band then offered “When I Open My Eyes,”with Epstein banging on a big drum downstage along with other surfaces foundnearby. Later, he began the openinglines of LCD Soundsystem’s “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down,”to huge cheers. This heartfelt renditionwas a nice nod to the city.

The band then continued theirown compositions, including a new song “Don’t Tell Me” which was written duringa week-long break at home. The ending oftheir single, “Simple Girl,” became a full-blown explosion of sound,disintegrating to a halt. Another cover,“We Almost Lost Detroit,” by Gil Scott-Heron, became an impassioned plea fortheir hometown while rocking out the chorus. For the encore, the pair returned sporting their neon checked jacketsfrom the photo above to bring the 80s hit “I Wanna Dance With Somebody(Who Loves Me)” back to life as the venue became one big dance party. The night ended past midnight with themore-measured “Nothing But Our Love,” and the lyrics “I get more then Ideserve.” This band is gettingeverything they deserve and more. Endinga week that began at the Austin City Limits festival with stops inCharlottesville, Virginia, D.C. and Philly, there was also time for a quickcall to chat with me via PopMatters. Full write up with interview here.

NMMatterscorp YouTube Video: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Bowery Ballroom "It's A Corporate World"

NMMatterscorp YouTube Video: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Bowery Ballroom "Simple Girl"

NMMatterscorp YouTube Video: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Bowery Ballroom "Vocal Chords"

NMMatterscorp YouTube Video: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Bowery Ballroom "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" AWESOME ENCORE

Onstage with bubbles!!!!!!!

Introducing myself to Josh Epstein before the show...

for a quick photo op with another interview subject!

AM & Shawn Lee @ Mercury Lounge September 22nd

2011-09-23T16:59:00.004-04:00

With AM & Shawn Lee before the show

LA singer/songwriter AM andLondon-based producer/multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee began writing togetherafter AM contacted Lee in admiration of his music. A friendship grew over email and soon the twohad enough tunes to fill an album called CelestialEclectic, released earlier this month. It’s full of funky jams and AM’s laidback, lilting falsetto. (AM was born in Tulsa and grew up in New Orleans whileLee is from Wichita, Kansas.) Togetherwith drummer Pete McNeal and Brett Bixby on keyboards, they took the stage atMercury Lounge to present their new songs in live performance. “How’s it going New York?” AM, before theband started with the rim shot drums and fuzzed-out guitar chords of “Can’tFigure It Out.” A driving beat andsynth-punctuated vocals of “Lonely Life” followed as the pair dug into themusic before offering the opening track, “City Boy.”

Between songs AM and ShawnLee switched instruments and glances of recognition, as the band proceeded towin over the crowd. For the single,“Dark Into Night,” a sing-along was rehearsed beforehand even though it onlyrequired a few notes. But this sweet,layered melodic track filled the venue and the audience participation only madethings more transcendent. “Turn the wrong into right/Turn the darkinto light.” The group hit their stride chugging along with the next song,“Somebody Like You,” before Lee took over the drum kit for “Dillon’s Song.” A radiant cover of “Jackie Blue” fit inperfectly with the retro magic of their compositions. The final song, “The Signal,” allowed for moreintrospective lyrics, as well as an explosive ending of power chords and drums.

I don’t care what this scene is or

What the future has to say

Is your image in the way?

Hear AM & Shawn Lee play live on KCRW -- link on previous post.

AM & Shawn Lee @ Mercury Lounge "Dark Into Light"

AM & Shawn Lee @ Mercury Lounge "City Boy"

AM & Shawn Lee @ Mercury Lounge "Promises Are Never Far From Lies"

Motopony @ Mercury Lounge, September 15th

2011-09-16T12:50:00.002-04:00

During a recent interview with PopMatters, Motopony’s frontmanDaniel Blue promised how their live show takes the music to next level. His band made good on this promise at MercuryLounge on September 15, where Blue could strut his stuff on stage and theinstrumentation came alive despite a sub par sound system. Buddy Ross was in command at the keyboards asthe mastermind behind the production of their self-titled debut along with afew new entries during the set.

From the moment Blue introduced this Seattle band with hisunbuttoned shirt and tousled hair, every composition was another opportunity tocommunicate with the crowd. He is apoet, so lyrics are words with meaning behind them. His gestures helped to tellthe story as well as flat out sell each song. Blue also is quite a dancer, getting into the groove from the firstsong, appropriately named “Get Down.” Quietersongs such as “June” and “God Damn Girl” allowed Blue to croon softly at themicrophone with audience members singing along. However, it was two tunesgetting the most airplay that really got the fans moving: the jaunty “King ofDiamonds” and the folk rock explosion of “Seer,” a perfect pick for their finalsong.

Motopony @ Mercury Lounge 9/15/11 "Seer"

Motopony @ Mercury Lounge 9/15/11

A hug from Daniel Blue before the show

Buddy Ross & Camera Guy Paul

Dancing gal pal with boyfriend

Me & new guy Mike Notter

The Story Behind MTV's Moon Man Music

2011-09-13T12:20:00.001-04:00

I've known Ray Foote as "the guy who did the guitar on the original MTV station ID" for decades now, ever since my husband Paul worked with him at NYC's Elias Associates back when synths needed tuning. When MTV's 30th anniversary came around this summer, there was plenty of 80s tunes dusted off which I could still remember the video as it scrolled in my mind. For those there in the beginning, the chunky crank of solo guitar called out a new era of experiencing new music with a visual accompaniment. The moon man became icon for the fledging station, and he still appears on MTV's video music award statues even while the station rarely plays such things. Anyway, I thought it'd be fun to ask Ray for details about how he came to play on this epic moment of music history. Turns out it was a lucky convergence of college chums and rock 'n roll.

PopMatters post here.

New Collabo Alert -- AM & Shawn Lee

2011-09-09T11:48:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I heard a song that had been catching my ear lately playing on KEXP's John in the Morning show. Though dj John Richards is good about announcing each song and adding interesting info about the band which is certainly not a given these days, it is handy to have the playlist online. I scribbled down the name of the song, "Dark Into Night" which is on a new release called Celestial Eclectic by AM & Shawn Lee. It's a lovely, meditative track with floating vocals (Turn the wrong into right/Turn the dark into light) which will be perfect for the slow-paced resolution of my next playlist. Happy to have captured another fave song, I went about my day.

Tuning into KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic later, who should be in studio for a live session but AM & Shawn Lee. This collaboration between LA singer/songwriter AM and London-based producer/multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee actually began when AM heard a song by Shawn Lee on the radio. AM Googled him and a friendship formed over email. It wasn't until AM gave Lee a ride after a previous KCRW session that they decided to work together. The two traded tracks long distance and are now on tour with Thievery Corporation (tour info here). Watching the video is always fun, as preconceived notions of what musicians look like go right out the window. It's clear, however, that these two musicians enjoy each other's company in every way. As Lee put it during the interview with KCRW's Jason Bentley, "We upped each other's game."

KCRW session here.

Free download of "Dark Into Night" via Rolling Stone here.

Late Summer New Music Playlist

2011-09-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

It always seems that just as you’re trying to get in somefinal seasonal fun during the last weekends of summer, the weather turns in sheermockery of such a plan. Add in a rareearthquake plus a nasty hurricane here on the East coast in the same week, andyou can’t blame me for wanting to call this playlist Late Summer 2011. After all, the official start of autumn isn’tuntil September 23^rd this year. With thoughts of calmer skies and morewarm days ahead, I offer another compilation of new music to enjoy. From German electro to laid back bands fromthe Northwest and some new chill wave, recent releases are featured in astreamlined listening session with notes below.

1. “Up Up Up” - Givers

This infectious indie pop tune is the single off the Givers’first release, In Light. The quintet from Lafayette, Louisiana metduring high school and college to form a band which made this year’s hot listat SXSW.

2. “2 Hearts” – Digitalism

Digitalism is an electro pop duo from Hamburg, Germany whojust released their second collaboration, ILove You Dude. The pair, Jens“Jence” Moelle and Ismail “Isi” Tüfekçi, formed a friendship from hanging out at a localrecord store and are now known worldwide for their remixes as well as their owndance music.

3. “Puzzle Pieces” –Saint Motel

“Puzzle Pieces” is a rollicking single by this indie popquartet from L.A., where it was on heavy rotation even before it was releasedin May. The additional production valuewith horns and percussion only adds to the over the top giddiness of the track.

4. “Go Outside” –Cults

5. “Abducted” – Cults

Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin formed Cults as NYUstudents just last year, writing for themselves and playing for friends. Thesetwo confident tracks are off their self-titled release, which is making ‘bestof’ lists already.

6. “Bury Me Standing”– Handsome Furs

7. “Repatriated” –Handsome Furs

Handsome Furs is a husband and wife team from Montreal. Dan Boeckner is the singer for Wolf Parade sothe vocals seem familiar, but together with Alexei Perry it’s a totally differentsound. These two tracks are favoritesoff their third release, Sound Kapital.

8. “So American” –Portugal. The Man.

9. “Got It All (ThisCan’t Be Living Now) – Portugal. The Man.

10. “Sleep Forever” –Portugal. The Man.

This psychedelic rock band from Portland doesn’t stray farfrom its roots in Alaska with themes of nature and family for their latestrelease, In the Mountain In the Cloud.The expansive treatment for these songs finds a timeless groove, backing upsoulful vocals by singer/songwriter John Gurley.

11. “Shangri-La” –YACHT

“Shangri-La” is the title track of the new release byPortland’s dance pop duo known as YACHT. Claire L. Evans takes the vocals to a Utopia of choruses and JonaBechtolt joins in while overseeing their melodic electro-universe.

12. “Eyes Be Closed”– Washed Out

13. “Amor Fati” –Washed Out

With easily the raciest album artwork of the summer, Washed Outreleased Within and Without, acontinuation of the chill wave surge Ernest Greene defined two years ago. He no longer buries his vocals, confidently singingout with an expanded sound in various songwriting structures.

14. “Blood Never Lies” – Thurston Moore
Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore released a collection of pared down songs as a solo project recently, highlighting his songwriting skills and glistening acoustic guitar. Produced by Beck, Demolished Thoughts also allows Moore to focus on softer, compassionate vocals.

15. “Glowing Mouth” –Milagres

Brooklyn’s quintet Milagres has been streaming this eleganttune, which is the title track of a release due mid-September. Singer/songwriter Kyle Wilson’s soaringfalsettos float above an ambient musical landscape.

16. “WeightlessMemories” – Ulrich Schnauss & Jonus Munk

German electronic mastermind Ulrich Schnauss recently teamedup with Dane Jonus Munk, who is also known by the band name Manual. “Weightless Memories” is the opening track oftheir collaboration, creating an expansive soundscape of guitar and synths.

17. “Black Water” –Apparat

Apparat is the vehicle for Berliner Sacha Ring, embracingelectronic music of all forms since the mid-90s. “Black Water” is a free download from thenewest release, The Devil’s Walk, duein late September. Lush layers of vocalsand synths build in this lovely melodic composition.

Moogfest 2011 Line Up

2011-08-25T17:28:00.010-04:00

This year's Moogfest line up continues to expand with short YouTube videos announcing each additional group. With the latest list of 60+ I've counted up TWENTY bands that I consider a 'must see' with the pinnacle being The Flaming Lips, a group that's been on my concert bucket list for some time now. The festival will be held the weekend of October 28 - 30 in Asheville, North Carolina, a place I used to visit as a girl with my mother and grandmother to see the famous Biltmore Estate. Let's just say this is one funky town sitting in the Appalachian mountains... I knew nothing about it until I went there to review Moogfest 2010. Last year over 25,000 showed up to celebrate the innovative spirit of Bob Moog near the headquarters of Moog Music and the Bob Moog Foundation. The streets are full of a quirky mix of galleries, unique boutiques and interesting eateries plus there's plenty of people watching. You can walk everywhere, which makes it a great party town and the festival venues allow open access to catch a bit of a show or the whole thing. It's going to be hard to choose if I have to decide one act over another but here's my list for now -- in no particular order!

Brian Eno (77 Million Paintings, Illustrated Talk)

The Flaming Lips

Moby (full band)

Passion Pit

TV on the Radio

Special Disco Version featuring James Murphy & Pat Mahoney (DFA/LCD Soundsystem!)
Chromeo

Flying Lotus

M83

St. Vincent

The Naked & Famous

YACHT

Adrian Belew Power trio

Toro Y Moi

Atlas Sound

Gold Panda

Baths

Active Child
Little Dragon

The Antlers

Moogfest YouTube Videos:

Initial Line Up Announcement

Additions via MF Spaceman -- awesome dance moves on skates!

Recent Artist Additions

Interview with Red Hot Organization Founder John Carlin

2011-08-16T14:58:00.010-04:00

Earlier this summer, a list of interview opportunities sent out to PopMatters writers included John Carlin, the founder of Red Hot Organization. Since 1990, this organization has released fifteen compilation albums, along with related events and television programs to raise funds for HIV/AIDS. The latest, Red Hot + Rio, is an extensive work featuring 33 tracks highlighting the Tropicália music of Brazil. I have owned many of them (even on cassette years ago) and would have been happy to purchase them just for the works of art that they are, with inspired musical collaborations and unique album artwork. Yet the spirit behind the creative forces was never forgotten -- it was a way to honor those lost and inspire those who are working for a cure. I remember the days when opening up The New York Times meant reading about another casualty to the disease. Then things hit close to home: two individuals taken from life way too soon and I morn them year after year. In honor of my family friend with the brilliant mind and my college dancer pal who choreographed one of my favorite performances ever, I offer up this interview. It also gave me a chance to personally thank the man who came up with the idea, raising millions of dollars towards the cause.

My PopMatters interview here.