Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
La Sera: Never Come Around
I'm trying to figure out if contrasting 70s horror with Spector-ethereal girl rock is some new mode of pissing contest relative to Vivian Girls, either former or current.
With her new off-shoot La Sera, Vivian bassist Katy Goodman butchers an unsuspecting male while singing the first single from her upcoming new album, "Never Come Around." Not long ago, Frankie Rose made a crowd of gothic prom-goers keel over in aural agony with her single "Candy" in an effort to emulate Carrie, so seeing Goodman clad in 70s grindhouse technicolor seems like mimicry.
I will say, though, that Goodman's version is at least clever and more amusing.
"Never Come Around" will be released as a 7" single in November through Hardly Art (Clear/red vinyl if you're so inclined to preorder.)
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
With her new off-shoot La Sera, Vivian bassist Katy Goodman butchers an unsuspecting male while singing the first single from her upcoming new album, "Never Come Around." Not long ago, Frankie Rose made a crowd of gothic prom-goers keel over in aural agony with her single "Candy" in an effort to emulate Carrie, so seeing Goodman clad in 70s grindhouse technicolor seems like mimicry.
I will say, though, that Goodman's version is at least clever and more amusing.
"Never Come Around" will be released as a 7" single in November through Hardly Art (Clear/red vinyl if you're so inclined to preorder.)
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Fun Fun Fun Fest: This is an excuse to post a Descendents track...
Via Forcefield PR:
DESCENDENTS UNITE TO HEADLINE FUN FUN FUN FEST 2010, MORE BANDS ANNOUNCED ADD'L BANDS INCLUDE: CULTS, WASHED OUT, NORTEC COLLECTIVE, THE ANTLERS
Full Schedule: http://funfunfunfest.com/events
Nov. 5, 6 & 7 at Waterloo Park, Austin, TX
Austin, Texas (October 29, 2010) - Fun Fun Fun Fest is proud to announce the addition of The Legendary Descendents to the lineup of the 5th annual music and comedy event in Waterloo Park November 5-7, 2010. The reunion show of this elusive and world renowned pop punk act will replace the Sunday headlining spot previously held by Devo.
The Descendents' performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest this year marks their first with the full band in almost a decade. The Descendents will be joined by the late additions of Nacional Records' Nortec Collective Presents Bostich + Fussible; the melodic and chillwave sounds of Washed Out; the subdued indie sounds of The Antlers; and the indie break-out band, Cults.
"I really can't believe it. The Descendents were one of those bands on my dream list that I thought I would never get to book" says Graham Williams, FFF Founder. "A week ago, we had no idea what we were going to do, and now we couldn't be more happy".
This year's music lineup of more than 80 acts ranging from hip hop to punk rock including "Weird Al" Yankovic, MGMT, Suicidal Tendencies, Mastodon, Slick Rick, Bad Religion, Capn' Jazz, The Hold Steady, Devin the Dude, Dirty Projectors, RJD2, The Vandals, Gwar, Monotonix, Pharoahe Monch, and many more. Go to www.funfunfunfest.com for the full lineup. Weekend passes and single day tickets are still available but limited.
A list of special pre parties and aftershows can be found on funfunfunfest.com or at .
ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST
Opening its doors in 2006, Fun Fun Fun Fest became quickly known as a different sort of festival that focuses on independent music, comedy, discovery, creativity, and setting the tone in the progressive music space from the Live Music Capital of the World. Now in its 5th year, Fun Fun Fun Fest has grown to include more stages, more ideas, more vendors, more genres, and ultimately more fans. Its one of a kind online user community has been custom built for FFF fans around the world to chat, share, blog, win tickets and merch, and interact with fest organizers. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.funfunfunfest.com. You can follow the fest on Twitter @funfunfunfest for up-to-the-minute news, or you can become a Fun Fun Fun Homie on Facebook @ facebook.com/funfunfunfest.
ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST SPONSORS
Fun Fun Fun Fest would like to thank all of their supporters who help make the festival possible, including Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Stanley-PMI, Heineken Light, Bacardi, Incase, the Austin Chronicle, and many more
ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST PARTNERS
Fun Fun Fun Fest would also like to thank all of their partners who help make the festival get better and better every year, including long time partners The Austinist, Giant Noise, Ground CTRL, Guerilla Suit, Jakprints, Transmission Entertainment, and more.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
DESCENDENTS UNITE TO HEADLINE FUN FUN FUN FEST 2010, MORE BANDS ANNOUNCED ADD'L BANDS INCLUDE: CULTS, WASHED OUT, NORTEC COLLECTIVE, THE ANTLERS Full Schedule: http://funfunfunfest.com/events
Nov. 5, 6 & 7 at Waterloo Park, Austin, TX
Austin, Texas (October 29, 2010) - Fun Fun Fun Fest is proud to announce the addition of The Legendary Descendents to the lineup of the 5th annual music and comedy event in Waterloo Park November 5-7, 2010. The reunion show of this elusive and world renowned pop punk act will replace the Sunday headlining spot previously held by Devo.
The Descendents' performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest this year marks their first with the full band in almost a decade. The Descendents will be joined by the late additions of Nacional Records' Nortec Collective Presents Bostich + Fussible; the melodic and chillwave sounds of Washed Out; the subdued indie sounds of The Antlers; and the indie break-out band, Cults. "I really can't believe it. The Descendents were one of those bands on my dream list that I thought I would never get to book" says Graham Williams, FFF Founder. "A week ago, we had no idea what we were going to do, and now we couldn't be more happy".
This year's music lineup of more than 80 acts ranging from hip hop to punk rock including "Weird Al" Yankovic, MGMT, Suicidal Tendencies, Mastodon, Slick Rick, Bad Religion, Capn' Jazz, The Hold Steady, Devin the Dude, Dirty Projectors, RJD2, The Vandals, Gwar, Monotonix, Pharoahe Monch, and many more. Go to www.funfunfunfest.com for the full lineup. Weekend passes and single day tickets are still available but limited.
A list of special pre parties and aftershows can be found on funfunfunfest.com or at .
ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST
Opening its doors in 2006, Fun Fun Fun Fest became quickly known as a different sort of festival that focuses on independent music, comedy, discovery, creativity, and setting the tone in the progressive music space from the Live Music Capital of the World. Now in its 5th year, Fun Fun Fun Fest has grown to include more stages, more ideas, more vendors, more genres, and ultimately more fans. Its one of a kind online user community has been custom built for FFF fans around the world to chat, share, blog, win tickets and merch, and interact with fest organizers. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.funfunfunfest.com. You can follow the fest on Twitter @funfunfunfest for up-to-the-minute news, or you can become a Fun Fun Fun Homie on Facebook @ facebook.com/funfunfunfest.
ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST SPONSORS
Fun Fun Fun Fest would like to thank all of their supporters who help make the festival possible, including Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Stanley-PMI, Heineken Light, Bacardi, Incase, the Austin Chronicle, and many more
ABOUT FUN FUN FUN FEST PARTNERS
Fun Fun Fun Fest would also like to thank all of their partners who help make the festival get better and better every year, including long time partners The Austinist, Giant Noise, Ground CTRL, Guerilla Suit, Jakprints, Transmission Entertainment, and more.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Daytrotter: Screaming Females
10.27.10: New Brunswick basement rock trio, Screaming Females, laid down a few tracks from their new Castle Talk album for Daytrotter. I was very happy with the live version of "A New Kid," which might be my favorite track on the album, and the medley transition to the scream-infused "Zoo Of Death" is worth checking out.
You can find the session here.
I reviewed the album for Kicking Against The Pricks. You can find that review here.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
You can find the session here.
I reviewed the album for Kicking Against The Pricks. You can find that review here.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
What I Heard This Morning: Mini Mansions
Soundcloud is hosting the new self-titled Mini Mansions album, which will be released November 2nd via the new Ipecac Recordings/Rekords Rekords partnership. Think of it as Mike Patton and Josh Homme shimmering in a honeymoon afterglow.
Mini Mansions is the product of Michael Shuman, who would otherwise be playing bass for Queens of the Stone Age. It comes across as toytronic psych pop, accessibly light and fluffy with an air of carnival-like spectacle attached.
You can view a teaser for the album below:
Check out the Soundcloud post here.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Mini Mansions is the product of Michael Shuman, who would otherwise be playing bass for Queens of the Stone Age. It comes across as toytronic psych pop, accessibly light and fluffy with an air of carnival-like spectacle attached.
You can view a teaser for the album below:
Check out the Soundcloud post here.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Fingertappin’ at the Necktie (Again): Marnie Stern & Drums Like Machine Guns
Drums Like Machine Guns
Marnie Stern
Kung-Fu Necktie
Philadelphia, PA
10.25.10
After a straight week performing at CMJ, Marnie Stern played to a pretty packed house at the Kung-Fu Necktie Monday night, her ever pleasant and smiling self behind the microphone as she informed us she loves playing Philly.
We cheered and all was good.
Earlier that evening, the last minute acquisition of Drums Like Machine Guns filled the void before Stern’s set and pushed off the start time about an hour. People were filing in, though the Necktie was never uncomfortably packed. Personal space was still available, even at the foot of the stage. Stern’s name, though, has evidently acquired more stock, the quantity of bodies noticeably at a higher count compared to her appearance last year.
Drums Like A Machine Gun is a noise band, their artillery a veritable yard sale of sound equipment that resided on tables and generated motionless fields of static. Best I can tell, they played one full twenty-minute opus, the cacophony at one point mutating into a rhythmic mass of undulating science fiction. They got their applause and then broke down their collective Radio-Shack. It was off-putting that the opener had such a short set, but it was an hour or so after show time. It’s possible that that impacted their time, which would be a shame considering how much equipment they require to do their thing.
Stern made her way through the crowd, picked up her guitar and proceeded to be overtaken by her rhythm section for the first song, which was “Nothing Left” from her new album, Marnie Stern.
Thankfully, she was aware something was wrong with the sound, and asked us, (her people), if adjustments were necessary. She was met with a crowd of fingers pointing upward, including mine. It took another song before the mix got better, though Stern was at a constant duel with the drum kit for the duration of her set.
Still, once Stern was more audible, she was able to get into the show and seemed to struggle less. It really is a pleasure to watch her play a guitar: her movements so delicate and quick, the sounds raw and unpolished. And she sings the entire time, somehow able to adhere to her vocal idiosyncrasies while staying true to the math she employs on her albums. Keeping time on this music is a chore for the casual listener, so she gets props for being so ambitious and having the chops to pull it off.
“The Crippled Jazzer” made a rock worthy appearance, as did “Vibrational Match” from In Advance of the Broken Arm. She also engaged the crowd into clapping for “Prime.” Otherwise, most of her set was devoted to the new album, renditions of “Risky Biz,” (loved this one, especially), “For Ash,” “Transparency Is The New Mystery” and “Her Confidence” offering a new and stripped-for-trio perspective on the music. Very beautiful was the haunting and lovely “The Things You Notice,” which kept the crowd quiet and attentive.
Staying consistent with her last visit, Stern’s set was relatively short and the encore was eschewed in favor of signing some merch, taking pictures and shaking a few hands. I got to converse with her briefly while buying the new album and heard a little bit about her stint at CMJ. And then I thanked her for the show.
Forgot to get the album signed, though. Fucking idiot.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Marnie Stern
Kung-Fu Necktie
Philadelphia, PA
10.25.10
After a straight week performing at CMJ, Marnie Stern played to a pretty packed house at the Kung-Fu Necktie Monday night, her ever pleasant and smiling self behind the microphone as she informed us she loves playing Philly.
We cheered and all was good.
Earlier that evening, the last minute acquisition of Drums Like Machine Guns filled the void before Stern’s set and pushed off the start time about an hour. People were filing in, though the Necktie was never uncomfortably packed. Personal space was still available, even at the foot of the stage. Stern’s name, though, has evidently acquired more stock, the quantity of bodies noticeably at a higher count compared to her appearance last year.
Drums Like A Machine Gun is a noise band, their artillery a veritable yard sale of sound equipment that resided on tables and generated motionless fields of static. Best I can tell, they played one full twenty-minute opus, the cacophony at one point mutating into a rhythmic mass of undulating science fiction. They got their applause and then broke down their collective Radio-Shack. It was off-putting that the opener had such a short set, but it was an hour or so after show time. It’s possible that that impacted their time, which would be a shame considering how much equipment they require to do their thing.Stern made her way through the crowd, picked up her guitar and proceeded to be overtaken by her rhythm section for the first song, which was “Nothing Left” from her new album, Marnie Stern.
Thankfully, she was aware something was wrong with the sound, and asked us, (her people), if adjustments were necessary. She was met with a crowd of fingers pointing upward, including mine. It took another song before the mix got better, though Stern was at a constant duel with the drum kit for the duration of her set.
 |
| Photo by David Torch |
“The Crippled Jazzer” made a rock worthy appearance, as did “Vibrational Match” from In Advance of the Broken Arm. She also engaged the crowd into clapping for “Prime.” Otherwise, most of her set was devoted to the new album, renditions of “Risky Biz,” (loved this one, especially), “For Ash,” “Transparency Is The New Mystery” and “Her Confidence” offering a new and stripped-for-trio perspective on the music. Very beautiful was the haunting and lovely “The Things You Notice,” which kept the crowd quiet and attentive.
Staying consistent with her last visit, Stern’s set was relatively short and the encore was eschewed in favor of signing some merch, taking pictures and shaking a few hands. I got to converse with her briefly while buying the new album and heard a little bit about her stint at CMJ. And then I thanked her for the show.
Forgot to get the album signed, though. Fucking idiot.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
What I Heard This Morning: WOMEN
Jagjaguwar’s WOMEN have released a new single from their recently released album, Public Strain. “Narrow With The Hall” is a super-dissonant garage jam, Brit-rock like The Zombies and ghostly like The Mamas and Papas. Listen to Women jangle. (Not jiggle, though, because that would be crude.)
"Narrow With The Hall"
"Eyesore"
Via Jagjaguwar press release:
On their self-titled debut, Women embraced sonic brashness that deeper examination revealed to be tinted with sly pop melody. With Public Strain the band have honed a sound truthful to that reverb drenched noise while allowing the pop sensibilities to surface into clearer focus.
In the autumn of 2009, Patrick Flegel (vocals/guitar), Matt Flegel (bass/vocals), Chris Reimer (guitar/vocals), and Michael Wallace (drums) went into the studio with an abundance of ideas, working around conflicting schedules and graveyard shifts. With Chad VanGaalen again on production duties, the band laboriously crafted a timeless sounding recording over the dead of winter in Alberta, Canada. The result exploits their usage of harsh, grating dissonance in smaller and controlled doses, using noise as the foundation for richly structured, layered songwriting.
From the opening strains of "Can't You See" it's clear that the album is far more than just a continuation of their debut. Resting upon Matt Flegel's plodding bass line, Patrick Flegel's deadpan vocal delivery, and Chris Reimer on bowed guitars and cello, this moody, nocturnal ballad opens the album on a dark note – one that is quickly countered by "Heat Distraction", a jigsaw of bright guitar phrases and winding time signatures.
This exact balance of delicate and dense is a pervasive thread throughout the album, reflecting the contradiction of the band's environment buried in urban sprawl framed by prairie landscape. Whether twisting through the urgent Krautrock of "Locust Valley", an exercise of harmony through simplicity, or climaxing with the bittersweet melody of "Eyesore", the album somehow builds luminous contrast out of a palette of greys.
In places claustrophobic, conjuring walking dreams of sexual anguish and general decay, elsewhere soaring with vintage guitar tones and vocal melodies or collapsing into swirling, mesmerizing swells, Public Strain cycles through insomnia, paranoia, resignation and euphoria, to capture a band with an undeniable voice coming into full awareness of their craft.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
"Narrow With The Hall"
"Eyesore"
Via Jagjaguwar press release:
In the autumn of 2009, Patrick Flegel (vocals/guitar), Matt Flegel (bass/vocals), Chris Reimer (guitar/vocals), and Michael Wallace (drums) went into the studio with an abundance of ideas, working around conflicting schedules and graveyard shifts. With Chad VanGaalen again on production duties, the band laboriously crafted a timeless sounding recording over the dead of winter in Alberta, Canada. The result exploits their usage of harsh, grating dissonance in smaller and controlled doses, using noise as the foundation for richly structured, layered songwriting.
From the opening strains of "Can't You See" it's clear that the album is far more than just a continuation of their debut. Resting upon Matt Flegel's plodding bass line, Patrick Flegel's deadpan vocal delivery, and Chris Reimer on bowed guitars and cello, this moody, nocturnal ballad opens the album on a dark note – one that is quickly countered by "Heat Distraction", a jigsaw of bright guitar phrases and winding time signatures.
This exact balance of delicate and dense is a pervasive thread throughout the album, reflecting the contradiction of the band's environment buried in urban sprawl framed by prairie landscape. Whether twisting through the urgent Krautrock of "Locust Valley", an exercise of harmony through simplicity, or climaxing with the bittersweet melody of "Eyesore", the album somehow builds luminous contrast out of a palette of greys.
In places claustrophobic, conjuring walking dreams of sexual anguish and general decay, elsewhere soaring with vintage guitar tones and vocal melodies or collapsing into swirling, mesmerizing swells, Public Strain cycles through insomnia, paranoia, resignation and euphoria, to capture a band with an undeniable voice coming into full awareness of their craft.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
What I Heard This Morning: Library Catalog Music Series (Vols. 9 & 10)
So, for over a year now, Asthmatic Kitty has been building up volumes of instrumental “soundtrack” music featuring an interesting array of musicians and sound artists like Richard Swift or Lowell Brams. For Volumes 9 and 10, William Ryan Fitch comes up with Music For Honey and Bile and art collective Comic Wow conjure up Music For Mysteries of Mind Space and Time. Information on each artist is provided via press release.
Albums were released 10/26 and you can stream each album via the links below:
Music For Honey and Bile
Music For Mysteries of Mind Space and Time
Or, sample the songs:
”When The Ground Is Numb” from William Ryan Fitch.
William Ryan Fritch is a film composer, recordist, songwriter, and multi instrumentalist living in Oakland, Ca. He records under the moniker Vieo Abiungo for Lost Tribe Sound Records, is a member of the trio Skyrider, the experimental post-hop outfit Sole and the Skyrider Band, and is a go to guy for a number of other recording artists and producers. Since 2008 he has scored nearly thirty films, several of which have premiered in film festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Toronto, Los Angeles and Copenhagen.Music for Honey and Bile is an album of filmic works in which unfettered optimism is loomed out of spectral melancholy, and the unflattering ruddy of such sanguineness stands naked in the midst of the noxious ether.
All pieces composed, performed, mixed and recorded by William Ryan Fritch.
William Fritch: Piano, organ, wurlitzer, pianet, guitars, pedal steel, drums, saxophone, percussion, marimba, cello, violin, viola, bass, contrabass, mandolin, banjo, hammered dulcimer, vibraphone, trumpet, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, programming, erhu, sarangi, and other various knick knacks
with the amazing help of -
Annie Lewandowski on track 8: chopstick prepared piano
James Diotte on track 13: vibraphone, jaguar organ, tape manipulation, and additional arrangement.
”Jazz Computer” from Comic Wow.
Comic Wow are sonic illustrators, alchemists, designers, dilettantes', poets, teachers, Socialists, and outdoorsmen whose advocacy of affordable colored cod pieces helped influence the look of thirty-third century America. Incidentally, they've also released music as Feathers. All pieces composed, performed, mixed and recorded by Eddie Alonso, Eric Rasco, John McEntire, Chris O'Malley, Ken Champion, Roy Silverstein, Paul Mertens, Tim Iseler, Jeremy Lemos, and Matt Crum.Eddie Alonso: guitars, farfisa mini compact, wurlitzer ep 206, rmi rock-si-chord, suzuki omnichord, baldwin electric harpsichord, chickering 5" 11' grand piano (re-built), percussion, marimba, banjo, vibraphone, cornet, electronics
Eric Rasco: bass, danelectro baritone, electronics, skeleton finger
John McEntire: drums, percussion, electronics, engineer
Chris O'Malley: drums
Ken Champion: pedal steel, dobro, guitar
Paul Mertens: flute
Tim Iseler: engineer
Jeremy Lemos: engineer
Roy Silverstein: guitar, engineer
Matt Crum: drums
Some coverage regarding previous volumes can be found below:
http://letters-from-a-tapehead.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-i-heard-this-morning-library.html
http://letters-from-a-tapehead.blogspot.com/2009/09/mailbox-giveth-library-catalog-music.html
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Monday, October 25, 2010
Beastie Boys: Too Many Rappers (featuring Nas)
The Beastie Boys’ Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 will release in 2011 according to a confusing press release. See if you can make sense of it.
Via the Beastie Boys’ newsletter:
BEASTIE BOYS HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART 2 TRACK LISTING REVISED, REPLACED ENTIRELY WITH SONGS ORIGINALLY RECORDED FOR HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART 1
In what can only be described as a bizarre coincidence, following an exhaustive re-sequence marathon, Beastie Boys have verified that their new Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 will be comprised of the same 16 tracks originally slated for inclusion on Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. The record (part 2 that is) will be released as planned in spring 2011 on Capitol.
The tracks originally recorded for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (which now are actually back on Part 1) have now apparently been bumped to make room for the former Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 material. Wait, what?
"I know it's weird and confusing, but at least we can say unequivocally that Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is coming out on time, which is more than I can say about Part 1, and really is all that matters in the end." says Adam "MCA" Yauch. "We just kept working and working on various sequences for part 2, and after a year and half of spending days on end in the sequencing room trying out every possible combination, it finally became clear that this was the only way to make it work. Strange but true, the final sequence for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 works best with all its songs replaced by the 16 tracks we originally had lined up in pretty much the same order we had them in for Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. So we've come full circle."
Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 marks Yauch, Mike "Mike D" Diamond, and Adam "Ad Rock" Horovitz's first full length effort since 2007's Grammy winning all-instrumental The Mix-Up. The new track listing of the album is now as follows:
1. Tadlock's Glasses
2. B-Boys In The Cut
3. Make Some Noise
4. Nonstop Disco Powerpack
5. OK
6. Too Many Rappers (featuring NAS)
7. Say It
8. The Bill Harper Collection
9. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win (featuring Santigold)
10. Long Burn The Fire
11. Funky Donkey
12. Lee Majors Come Again
13. Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament
14. Pop Your Balloon
15. Crazy Ass Shit
16. Here's A Little Something For Ya
Visit beastieboys.com for more info.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Via the Beastie Boys’ newsletter:
BEASTIE BOYS HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART 2 TRACK LISTING REVISED, REPLACED ENTIRELY WITH SONGS ORIGINALLY RECORDED FOR HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART 1In what can only be described as a bizarre coincidence, following an exhaustive re-sequence marathon, Beastie Boys have verified that their new Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 will be comprised of the same 16 tracks originally slated for inclusion on Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. The record (part 2 that is) will be released as planned in spring 2011 on Capitol.
The tracks originally recorded for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (which now are actually back on Part 1) have now apparently been bumped to make room for the former Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 material. Wait, what?
"I know it's weird and confusing, but at least we can say unequivocally that Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is coming out on time, which is more than I can say about Part 1, and really is all that matters in the end." says Adam "MCA" Yauch. "We just kept working and working on various sequences for part 2, and after a year and half of spending days on end in the sequencing room trying out every possible combination, it finally became clear that this was the only way to make it work. Strange but true, the final sequence for Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 works best with all its songs replaced by the 16 tracks we originally had lined up in pretty much the same order we had them in for Hot Sauce Committee Part 1. So we've come full circle."
Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 marks Yauch, Mike "Mike D" Diamond, and Adam "Ad Rock" Horovitz's first full length effort since 2007's Grammy winning all-instrumental The Mix-Up. The new track listing of the album is now as follows:
1. Tadlock's Glasses
2. B-Boys In The Cut
3. Make Some Noise
4. Nonstop Disco Powerpack
5. OK
6. Too Many Rappers (featuring NAS)
7. Say It
8. The Bill Harper Collection
9. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win (featuring Santigold)
10. Long Burn The Fire
11. Funky Donkey
12. Lee Majors Come Again
13. Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament
14. Pop Your Balloon
15. Crazy Ass Shit
16. Here's A Little Something For Ya
Visit beastieboys.com for more info.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
What I Heard This Morning: Exploding In Sound — Sonic Waves...
Dan Goldin of Exploding In Sound continues to write, review and promote relevant music that few people talk about. Goldin’s latest labor of love, Sonic Waves, is his seventh free compilation and available for download. Give it a listen and offer Mr. Goldin some support; after all, he is sifting through a lot of radio-friendly dead weight to bring these albums to the masses and asking for nothing in return. Or, at the very least, he’s asking for your attention.
The never ending search for great music has become a little bit easier, thanks to SONIC WAVES, the brand new digital compilation from tastemakers ExplodingInSound.com. Download it for FREE [link below] today and come discover your next favorite band. The line-up is a dream come true for the folks at EIS, with songs from Karnivool, Oceansize, Alberta Cross, Dead Confederate, This Town Needs Guns, Native, Retribution Gospel Choir, Tera Melos, Sebastien Grainger, Shoes And Socks Off, Medications, Night Horse, Royal Bangs, Mojo Fury, The Library is on Fire, and many more. SONIC WAVES draws inspiration from a time when radio DJs played the music you needed to hear, rather than the station’s predetermined playlist. These are the bands keeping rock music genuine, intelligent, and explosive; these are the decade’s future legends. Fans of post-punk, progressive rock, alternative, grunge, and indie rock will surely find themselves immersed in the twenty one songs that comprise SONIC WAVES, a collection of brilliant rock music from around the globe. With every compilation Exploding In Sound seem to outdo themselves and SONIC WAVES just might be their masterpiece.
Sharing of the compilation and the links to download is HIGHLY recommended and encouraged! Your friends are going to want to hear this, so spread the love. SONIC WAVES is a free compilation to be used for promotional use only, with a goal of reaching music fans worldwide, helping to provide great music to the masses. Word of mouth is always appreciated. Enjoy.
DOWNLOAD at http://www.explodinginsound.com/2010/09/exploding-in-sound-presents-sonic-waves.html
Thank you to everyone who has promoted the previous releases, I can only hope you will continue to show your support for the site and our cause. To all those that are new to EIS, I look forward to working with you in the future. For more information about Exploding In Sound please visit www.explodinginsound.com.
SONIC WAVES TRACK LIST:
1. Karnivool – Set Fire To The Hive
2. Oceansize – SuperImposer
3. Tera Melos – The Skin Surf
4. Medications – For WMF
5. Alberta Cross – ATX
6. The Library is on Fire – Magic Bumrush Heartz
7. Dead Confederate – Giving It All Away (feat. J Mascis)
8. Native – Backseat Crew
9. Retribution Gospel Choir – Hide It Away
10. Vending Machetes – M.O.
11. Shoes And Socks Off – No Fighting in C101
12. Earthtone9 – Amnesia
13. Mojo Fury – Deep Fish Tank [Factory Settings]
14. Vietwow! – Irritable Brain Syndrome
15. Royal Bangs – War Bells
16. Sebastien Grainger – I’m All Rage [Live ‘05]
17. Suns of the Tundra – Caught Telling The Truth
18. Art Versus Industry – Devour
19. Night Horse – Rollin’ On
20. The Fling – Out Of My Head
21. This Town Needs Guns – Panda
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
The never ending search for great music has become a little bit easier, thanks to SONIC WAVES, the brand new digital compilation from tastemakers ExplodingInSound.com. Download it for FREE [link below] today and come discover your next favorite band. The line-up is a dream come true for the folks at EIS, with songs from Karnivool, Oceansize, Alberta Cross, Dead Confederate, This Town Needs Guns, Native, Retribution Gospel Choir, Tera Melos, Sebastien Grainger, Shoes And Socks Off, Medications, Night Horse, Royal Bangs, Mojo Fury, The Library is on Fire, and many more. SONIC WAVES draws inspiration from a time when radio DJs played the music you needed to hear, rather than the station’s predetermined playlist. These are the bands keeping rock music genuine, intelligent, and explosive; these are the decade’s future legends. Fans of post-punk, progressive rock, alternative, grunge, and indie rock will surely find themselves immersed in the twenty one songs that comprise SONIC WAVES, a collection of brilliant rock music from around the globe. With every compilation Exploding In Sound seem to outdo themselves and SONIC WAVES just might be their masterpiece. Sharing of the compilation and the links to download is HIGHLY recommended and encouraged! Your friends are going to want to hear this, so spread the love. SONIC WAVES is a free compilation to be used for promotional use only, with a goal of reaching music fans worldwide, helping to provide great music to the masses. Word of mouth is always appreciated. Enjoy.
DOWNLOAD at http://www.explodinginsound.com/2010/09/exploding-in-sound-presents-sonic-waves.html
Thank you to everyone who has promoted the previous releases, I can only hope you will continue to show your support for the site and our cause. To all those that are new to EIS, I look forward to working with you in the future. For more information about Exploding In Sound please visit www.explodinginsound.com.
SONIC WAVES TRACK LIST:
1. Karnivool – Set Fire To The Hive
2. Oceansize – SuperImposer
3. Tera Melos – The Skin Surf
4. Medications – For WMF
5. Alberta Cross – ATX
6. The Library is on Fire – Magic Bumrush Heartz
7. Dead Confederate – Giving It All Away (feat. J Mascis)
8. Native – Backseat Crew
9. Retribution Gospel Choir – Hide It Away
10. Vending Machetes – M.O.
11. Shoes And Socks Off – No Fighting in C101
12. Earthtone9 – Amnesia
13. Mojo Fury – Deep Fish Tank [Factory Settings]
14. Vietwow! – Irritable Brain Syndrome
15. Royal Bangs – War Bells
16. Sebastien Grainger – I’m All Rage [Live ‘05]
17. Suns of the Tundra – Caught Telling The Truth
18. Art Versus Industry – Devour
19. Night Horse – Rollin’ On
20. The Fling – Out Of My Head
21. This Town Needs Guns – Panda
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Lennon 7.0: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band & Imagine...
John Lennon
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Apple/EMI/Capitol
Originally released: 12.11.70
Reissued: 10.4.10
John Lennon
Imagine
Apple/EMI/Capitol
Originally released: 9.9.71
Reissued: 10.4.10
No Ripcord review
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
Apple/EMI/Capitol
Originally released: 12.11.70
Reissued: 10.4.10
John Lennon
Imagine
Apple/EMI/Capitol
Originally released: 9.9.71
Reissued: 10.4.10
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Chronological Distaste: An Introduction to Disgrace and Out Of The Blue Teaches Boys About Keyboard Love...
I do, at times, think back to the many albums I’ve loved or the bands I looked up to and wonder to myself, “Why?” We’ve all done this, whether you want to admit it or not. And, most of us don’t.
Granted, sometimes it’s just a matter of having been young and caught up in an era. Nick Rocks and MTV informed my musical decisions in then modern suburban America while my father’s record collection didn’t really reach past the year I was born, (which is 1976 if you must know). We all start somewhere and we learn from our mistakes. As much as I would like to state for the record that The Velvet Underground & Nico was something I picked up on when I was 7, this is simply not true. So let’s, as the Minor Threat song instructs, look back and laugh.
Debbie Gibson
Out of the Blue
Atlantic
Released: 8.18.87
“Red Hot” still gets in my head from time to time, but only the part where Debbie Gibson sings, “Red hot! Red hot!/Baby, it’s red hot! Red hot!/I need your luhh-uh-uvvvv...”
Yeah.
I wasn’t even 11 yet, though I was getting into the idea of collecting music. Up to this point, most of the music I owned was recorded onto mix tapes. I was either recording music off the radio or off my parents’ television set as I leaned my cassette recorder against the speaker during music videos. Strangely enough, I was very much into Def Leppard at this point in my life. Hysteria wound up a milestone in my musical evolution and its subsequent supporting tour led to my second concert going experience.
But, that’s for another time.
Debbie Gibson was maybe my first pop star crush, so even for a Catholic school child of 10 whose weekend diet consisted of Headbanger’s Ball and Monkees LPs, I could, for Debbie, get my head around bubblegum residue like “Foolish Beat” or “Shake Your Love.” I cringe when I think of the time I invested on Out of the Blue, which is one of the first cassette tapes I ever bought with my own money. I think of the trash cans I emptied, the countertops I wiped, the carpets I vacuumed... Just to earn enough to buy Out of the Blue and listen to it, possibly out of spite for having made such an investment.
No, I liked it, but mostly because I liked her. Plus, Tiffany’s Tiffany was out around the same time and pitting pop originals against pop covers almost seemed like a way to propel myself into the upper echelon of snob’dom, such as it was for my clueless and sheltered ass.
I guess, in a way, there’s something to be said for sucking on behalf of YOUR art as opposed to somebody else’s, which at least offers Gibson a leg up on ‘97 popsters like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Out of the Blue will never stand as anything other than a relic of 80s glam and plasticity, but at least Gibson attempted to inform tastes, even if they did cater to the mainstream’s palette.
The tape is lost, obviously, as is my fondness for its composer. I was onto other things by the time Electric Youth came out. Not better things, but definitely other things.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Granted, sometimes it’s just a matter of having been young and caught up in an era. Nick Rocks and MTV informed my musical decisions in then modern suburban America while my father’s record collection didn’t really reach past the year I was born, (which is 1976 if you must know). We all start somewhere and we learn from our mistakes. As much as I would like to state for the record that The Velvet Underground & Nico was something I picked up on when I was 7, this is simply not true. So let’s, as the Minor Threat song instructs, look back and laugh.
Debbie Gibson
Out of the Blue
Atlantic
Released: 8.18.87
“Red Hot” still gets in my head from time to time, but only the part where Debbie Gibson sings, “Red hot! Red hot!/Baby, it’s red hot! Red hot!/I need your luhh-uh-uvvvv...”
Yeah.
I wasn’t even 11 yet, though I was getting into the idea of collecting music. Up to this point, most of the music I owned was recorded onto mix tapes. I was either recording music off the radio or off my parents’ television set as I leaned my cassette recorder against the speaker during music videos. Strangely enough, I was very much into Def Leppard at this point in my life. Hysteria wound up a milestone in my musical evolution and its subsequent supporting tour led to my second concert going experience.But, that’s for another time.
Debbie Gibson was maybe my first pop star crush, so even for a Catholic school child of 10 whose weekend diet consisted of Headbanger’s Ball and Monkees LPs, I could, for Debbie, get my head around bubblegum residue like “Foolish Beat” or “Shake Your Love.” I cringe when I think of the time I invested on Out of the Blue, which is one of the first cassette tapes I ever bought with my own money. I think of the trash cans I emptied, the countertops I wiped, the carpets I vacuumed... Just to earn enough to buy Out of the Blue and listen to it, possibly out of spite for having made such an investment.
No, I liked it, but mostly because I liked her. Plus, Tiffany’s Tiffany was out around the same time and pitting pop originals against pop covers almost seemed like a way to propel myself into the upper echelon of snob’dom, such as it was for my clueless and sheltered ass.
I guess, in a way, there’s something to be said for sucking on behalf of YOUR art as opposed to somebody else’s, which at least offers Gibson a leg up on ‘97 popsters like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Out of the Blue will never stand as anything other than a relic of 80s glam and plasticity, but at least Gibson attempted to inform tastes, even if they did cater to the mainstream’s palette.
The tape is lost, obviously, as is my fondness for its composer. I was onto other things by the time Electric Youth came out. Not better things, but definitely other things.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Primus Sailing The Seas of Oakland for New Year's...
If you live in Oakland, you have the chance to be very fortunate and see Primus play Sailing The Seas Of Cheese in its entirety.
From Les Claypool:
Twenty years... wow, time flies when you're having fudge. In 2000 I told myself, "I'm done with these New Year's Eve shows. They're in the middle of the holidays, all my relatives are out and I have to rehearse up a new theme every year; it's a pain in my ass." Then Michael Bailey offered me a solo show at the Fillmore for the 2000-2001 New Year's Eve. So I said, "Ok", thus spawning another decade of New Year's Extravaganza's. Now we are looking at the 2010-2011 show which will be my 20th in a row. (We actually played the Night Break club in San Francisco in 1988 on NYE but then skipped the next year.) For this we will need to blow it out and pull all the stops. Two nights at the Fox should do it and playing multiple sets with Primus and my band of all-stars (The Fancy Brigade) coupled with a dream bill of mine, which is being paired with The Residents, should just about do it. Be prepared to be dazzled, amazed and surprised beyond comprehension. - Les Claypool
PRIMUS NEW YEARS EVE: Tickets On Sale This Sunday!
12/30 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre – The Residents, Performing Seas of Cheese in its entirety
12/31 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre – Les Claypool's Fancy Brigade and The Dead Kenny G's
*Tickets On Sale Sunday, October 24th @ 10am Pacific
12/30 single night tickets are $42.50 | 12/31 single night tickets are $62.50
There are also a limited number of 2 night general admission tickets for $95.00 HERE
Find the latest updates at: www.primusville.com
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
From Les Claypool:
PRIMUS NEW YEARS EVE: Tickets On Sale This Sunday!
12/30 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre – The Residents, Performing Seas of Cheese in its entirety
12/31 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre – Les Claypool's Fancy Brigade and The Dead Kenny G's
*Tickets On Sale Sunday, October 24th @ 10am Pacific
12/30 single night tickets are $42.50 | 12/31 single night tickets are $62.50
There are also a limited number of 2 night general admission tickets for $95.00 HERE
Find the latest updates at: www.primusville.com
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Friday, October 22, 2010
Locrian: Pathogens
I received a rough cut of a video concept for “Pathogens,” which is one of the songs featured on The Crystal World. You can find the video here.
For reviews of Locrian’s past albums, check the following:
- No Ripcord review for Drenched Lands (2009)
- Stereokiller review for Territories (2010)
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Shopping For Records #39: Bob Dylan Mono Set...
Columbia hops on the Mono train with a new set of Bob Dylan reissues. They're also releasing Dylan's 9th volume of bootlegs entitled, The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964.
Info is below.
Via Sony:
The Original Mono Recordings are comprised of these albums painstakingly reproduced from their first generation monaural mixes as the artist intended them to be heard: One channel of powerful sound, both direct and immediate. While stereo recordings had been available as early as the mid-1950s, mono was still the predominant – and often preferred – mode of recording and mixing by the top artists of the 1960s. As a result, artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan devoted their attention to the mono mixes, leaving the stereo mixing process to studio engineers.
The Original Mono Recordings are accompanied by a deluxe booklet, featuring vintage photographs of Bob Dylan and an expansive essay from renowned author and critic – and longtime Dylan aficionado – Greil Marcus. Each disc in the set comes in its own individual jacket which faithfully replicates the original album artwork, complete with labels and stickers that were found on the original 1960s releases.
Also includes a limited edition 18" x 24" Bob Dylan poster.
The eight albums in The Original Mono Recordings are as follows:
* Bob Dylan – 1962
* The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan – 1963
* The Times They Are A-Changin’ – 1964
* Another Side Of Bob Dylan – 1964
* Bringing It All Back Home – 1965
* Highway 61 Revisited – 1965
* Blonde on Blonde – 1966
* John Wesley Harding – 1967
The Witmark Demos are seeing their first commercial release on 2 CD in nearly five decades after they were first recorded. Listening to these 47 original recordings, one can trace Dylan’s dramatic growth as a songwriter from early traditionally-styled songs like “Man On The Street” and “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Willie” through the social commentary of “Blowin’ In The Wind, “The Times They Are A Changin’” and “Masters Of War,” and the groundbreaking lyrical genius of “Mr. Tambourine Man.” All of these songs, and all the others on The Witmark Demos, were written – and their subsequent demos recorded – before Bob Dylan turned 24 years old.
Among the many gems found on The Witmark Demos are 15 previously unreleased Bob Dylan songs which include the plaintive “Ballad For A Friend,” the civil rights era-inspired “Long Ago, Far Away” and “The Death Of Emmett Till,” and the poignant “Guess I’m Doing Fine.”
The Witmark Demos also features a deluxe booklet featuring in-depth liner notes by noted music historian Colin Escott, as well as rare photographs of Bob Dylan captured during the same period as these early recordings.
Also includes an exclusive Witmark Demos t-shirt and a digital download of the complete album.
Tracklisting:
Disc 1:
1. Man On The Street (Fragment)
2. Hard Times In New York Town
3. Poor Boy Blues
4. Ballad For A Friend
5. Rambling, Gambling Willie
6. Talking Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues
7. Standing On The Highway
8. Man On The Street
9. Blowin’ In The Wind
10. Long Ago, Far Away
11. A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall
12. Tomorrow Is A Long Time
13. The Death of Emmett Till
14. Let Me Die In My Footsteps
15. Ballad Of Hollis Brown
16. Quit Your Low Down Ways
17. Baby, I’m In The Mood For You
18. Bound To Lose, Bound To Win
19. All Over You
20. I’d Hate To Be You On That Dreadful Day
21. Long Time Gone
22. Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues
23. Masters Of War
24. Oxford Town
25. Farewell
Disc 2:
1. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
2. Walkin’ Down The Line
3. I Shall Be Free
4. Bob Dylan’s Blues
5. Bob Dylan’s Dream
6. Boots Of Spanish Leather
7. Girl From The North Country
8. Seven Curses
9. Hero Blues
10. Whatcha Gonna Do?
11. Gypsy Lou
12. Ain’t Gonna Grieve
13. John Brown
14. Only A Hobo
15. When The Ship Comes In
16. The Times They Are A-Changin’
17. Paths Of Victory
18. Guess I’m Doing Fine
19. Baby Let Me Follow You Down
20. Mama, You Been On My Mind
21. Mr. Tambourine Man
22. I’ll Keep It With Mine
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Info is below.
Via Sony:
The Original Mono Recordings are comprised of these albums painstakingly reproduced from their first generation monaural mixes as the artist intended them to be heard: One channel of powerful sound, both direct and immediate. While stereo recordings had been available as early as the mid-1950s, mono was still the predominant – and often preferred – mode of recording and mixing by the top artists of the 1960s. As a result, artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan devoted their attention to the mono mixes, leaving the stereo mixing process to studio engineers.
The Original Mono Recordings are accompanied by a deluxe booklet, featuring vintage photographs of Bob Dylan and an expansive essay from renowned author and critic – and longtime Dylan aficionado – Greil Marcus. Each disc in the set comes in its own individual jacket which faithfully replicates the original album artwork, complete with labels and stickers that were found on the original 1960s releases.
Also includes a limited edition 18" x 24" Bob Dylan poster.
The eight albums in The Original Mono Recordings are as follows:
* Bob Dylan – 1962
* The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan – 1963
* The Times They Are A-Changin’ – 1964
* Another Side Of Bob Dylan – 1964
* Bringing It All Back Home – 1965
* Highway 61 Revisited – 1965
* Blonde on Blonde – 1966
* John Wesley Harding – 1967
The Witmark Demos are seeing their first commercial release on 2 CD in nearly five decades after they were first recorded. Listening to these 47 original recordings, one can trace Dylan’s dramatic growth as a songwriter from early traditionally-styled songs like “Man On The Street” and “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Willie” through the social commentary of “Blowin’ In The Wind, “The Times They Are A Changin’” and “Masters Of War,” and the groundbreaking lyrical genius of “Mr. Tambourine Man.” All of these songs, and all the others on The Witmark Demos, were written – and their subsequent demos recorded – before Bob Dylan turned 24 years old.Among the many gems found on The Witmark Demos are 15 previously unreleased Bob Dylan songs which include the plaintive “Ballad For A Friend,” the civil rights era-inspired “Long Ago, Far Away” and “The Death Of Emmett Till,” and the poignant “Guess I’m Doing Fine.”
The Witmark Demos also features a deluxe booklet featuring in-depth liner notes by noted music historian Colin Escott, as well as rare photographs of Bob Dylan captured during the same period as these early recordings.
Also includes an exclusive Witmark Demos t-shirt and a digital download of the complete album.
Tracklisting:
Disc 1:
1. Man On The Street (Fragment)
2. Hard Times In New York Town
3. Poor Boy Blues
4. Ballad For A Friend
5. Rambling, Gambling Willie
6. Talking Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues
7. Standing On The Highway
8. Man On The Street
9. Blowin’ In The Wind
10. Long Ago, Far Away
11. A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall
12. Tomorrow Is A Long Time
13. The Death of Emmett Till
14. Let Me Die In My Footsteps
15. Ballad Of Hollis Brown
16. Quit Your Low Down Ways
17. Baby, I’m In The Mood For You
18. Bound To Lose, Bound To Win
19. All Over You
20. I’d Hate To Be You On That Dreadful Day
21. Long Time Gone
22. Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues
23. Masters Of War
24. Oxford Town
25. Farewell
Disc 2:
1. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
2. Walkin’ Down The Line
3. I Shall Be Free
4. Bob Dylan’s Blues
5. Bob Dylan’s Dream
6. Boots Of Spanish Leather
7. Girl From The North Country
8. Seven Curses
9. Hero Blues
10. Whatcha Gonna Do?
11. Gypsy Lou
12. Ain’t Gonna Grieve
13. John Brown
14. Only A Hobo
15. When The Ship Comes In
16. The Times They Are A-Changin’
17. Paths Of Victory
18. Guess I’m Doing Fine
19. Baby Let Me Follow You Down
20. Mama, You Been On My Mind
21. Mr. Tambourine Man
22. I’ll Keep It With Mine
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Marion Brown (1931-2010)
Jazz’s avant-garde lost another of its blessed progeny Monday, October 18th: Marion Brown, one of the eleven players that participated in the recording of John Coltrane’s landmark Ascension, has passed away.
Other than his part in Ascension, he was also best associated with Archie Shepp, who’d brought him into the Impulse! fold. Brown dedicated his own Three For Shepp out of gratitude, mimicking Shepp’s own Impulse! dedication/debut, Four For Trane.
All About Jazz interviewed Brown in 2003. There's also a wonderful article penned by W. Kim Heron that can be found at Metro Times' "Music Blahg."
R.I.P.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Other than his part in Ascension, he was also best associated with Archie Shepp, who’d brought him into the Impulse! fold. Brown dedicated his own Three For Shepp out of gratitude, mimicking Shepp’s own Impulse! dedication/debut, Four For Trane.
All About Jazz interviewed Brown in 2003. There's also a wonderful article penned by W. Kim Heron that can be found at Metro Times' "Music Blahg."
R.I.P.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Ari Up (1962-2010)
Ari Up of The Slits has reportedly passed away. Pitchfork has posted an obituary. News came about via Johnny Rotten's website.
The Slits' 1979 album, Cut, is one of punk rock/post-punk's essentials and definitely one of the best albums you'll ever hear.
R.I.P.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
The Slits' 1979 album, Cut, is one of punk rock/post-punk's essentials and definitely one of the best albums you'll ever hear.
R.I.P.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Sun Airway: Put The Days Away
The vocalist sounds like Bono choking himself with Thom Yorke’s tongue. “Put The Days Away” by Philadelphia’s Sun Airway has a nice enough disposition to at least appreciate. Granted I’m not sold enough on the single to pick up the LP, but it’s good to see Philadelphia looking colorful and beautiful under the yellow streetlights. And the visuals are pretty spectacular. I’m not one to exchange sound for eye candy, but...
Via press release:
Dead Oceans would like to present the official music video for Sun Airway's "Put the Days Away," directed by Ricardo Rivera of KLIP Collective.
Night has fallen upon Philadelphia, and our heroine is making her way through the streets on her bicycle. Something is wrong, and the sight of happy couples are certainly not helping. She arrives home, soaked from the rain and begins to put the day away. Her unconscious mind becomes animated for us, a gorgeous combination of visual projections previously seen for Sun Airway's "Oh, Naoko," "Infinity," and "Waiting On You."
Click here to watch and embed "Put the Days Away" by Sun Airway.
Sun Airway's much-anticipated album, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier, will be released on October 26th in North America and is now available for pre-order at SC Distribution. All pre-orders include an instant MP3 download of the entire album.
Click Here to Pre-Order Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier
Sun Airway's Fall Tour:
10/26/10 Pittsburgh, PA - Brillobox w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/27/10 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/28/10 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/29/10 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/30/10 Grinell, IA - Grinell College w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/02/10 Seattle, WA - Crocodile w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/03/10 Portland, OR - Doug Fir w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/05/10 San Francisco, CA - The Independent w/ Bear In Heaven
11/07/10 Los Angeles, CA - Troubador w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/09/10 San Diego, CA - Casbah w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/10/10 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/12/10 Austin, TX - The Mohawk w/ Future Islands + Lonnie Walker
11/13/10 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon w/ Cloudland Canyon + Bear In Heaven
11/14/10 Atlanta, GA - The Earl w/ Bear in Heaven
11/15/10 Greensboro, NC - Guilford College w/ Bear in Heaven
11/16/10 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern Cafe and Music Hall w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
11/17/10 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
11/18/10 Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
11/19/10 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Via press release:
Dead Oceans would like to present the official music video for Sun Airway's "Put the Days Away," directed by Ricardo Rivera of KLIP Collective.
Night has fallen upon Philadelphia, and our heroine is making her way through the streets on her bicycle. Something is wrong, and the sight of happy couples are certainly not helping. She arrives home, soaked from the rain and begins to put the day away. Her unconscious mind becomes animated for us, a gorgeous combination of visual projections previously seen for Sun Airway's "Oh, Naoko," "Infinity," and "Waiting On You."
Click here to watch and embed "Put the Days Away" by Sun Airway.
Sun Airway's much-anticipated album, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier, will be released on October 26th in North America and is now available for pre-order at SC Distribution. All pre-orders include an instant MP3 download of the entire album.
Click Here to Pre-Order Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier
Sun Airway's Fall Tour:
10/26/10 Pittsburgh, PA - Brillobox w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/27/10 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/28/10 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/29/10 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
10/30/10 Grinell, IA - Grinell College w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/02/10 Seattle, WA - Crocodile w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/03/10 Portland, OR - Doug Fir w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/05/10 San Francisco, CA - The Independent w/ Bear In Heaven
11/07/10 Los Angeles, CA - Troubador w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/09/10 San Diego, CA - Casbah w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/10/10 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress w/ Lower Dens + Bear In Heaven
11/12/10 Austin, TX - The Mohawk w/ Future Islands + Lonnie Walker
11/13/10 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon w/ Cloudland Canyon + Bear In Heaven
11/14/10 Atlanta, GA - The Earl w/ Bear in Heaven
11/15/10 Greensboro, NC - Guilford College w/ Bear in Heaven
11/16/10 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern Cafe and Music Hall w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
11/17/10 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
11/18/10 Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
11/19/10 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Twin Shadow + Bear In Heaven
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
What I Heard This Morning: Dead Meat
Last week, I received an email from a fellow named Bruce Adams, who runs the FSS label, (or, Flingco Sound System) in Chicago. He was writing to promote Dead Meat, a San Francisco rock band that will be releasing a 7” at the end of November.
“Electric Head,” which is the song performed in the video below, is refreshing Touch & Go-era rock defiance, sonic grime and joyful dissonance evoking those primal days of pre-Internet promotion, cassette releases and DIY yore. There’s a sullen steadiness to the vocal that almost brings to mind Nirvana during their relatively short stint as nobodies, but Dead Meat sound like they owe more to the pre-Alternative boom.
Needless to say, I’m excited about the 7.”
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
“Electric Head,” which is the song performed in the video below, is refreshing Touch & Go-era rock defiance, sonic grime and joyful dissonance evoking those primal days of pre-Internet promotion, cassette releases and DIY yore. There’s a sullen steadiness to the vocal that almost brings to mind Nirvana during their relatively short stint as nobodies, but Dead Meat sound like they owe more to the pre-Alternative boom.
Needless to say, I’m excited about the 7.”
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Wire: Two Minutes
Wire will be releasing a new album entitled Red Barked Tree in January 2011 because they’re fucking awesome.
I managed to find their new single, “Two Minutes,” via Altered Zones. Loud, rambunctious and still a dominating post-punk presence that remains untouchable, Wire carries on amongst the charlatans, aging gracefully and continuing to matter. Old punks are mostly embarrassing, but Colin Newman is the most relevant curmudgeon to spring forth from ‘77.
After you listen to “Two Minutes,” check out my review of their last album, Object 47, listen to “The 15th” from their underrated masterpiece 154 and then check out a couple tracks from the post-Wire project of Bruce Gilbert and Graham Lewis, Dome.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
I managed to find their new single, “Two Minutes,” via Altered Zones. Loud, rambunctious and still a dominating post-punk presence that remains untouchable, Wire carries on amongst the charlatans, aging gracefully and continuing to matter. Old punks are mostly embarrassing, but Colin Newman is the most relevant curmudgeon to spring forth from ‘77.
After you listen to “Two Minutes,” check out my review of their last album, Object 47, listen to “The 15th” from their underrated masterpiece 154 and then check out a couple tracks from the post-Wire project of Bruce Gilbert and Graham Lewis, Dome.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Say No To Love
In adoring hipster news, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are busy working on a follow up to last year’s successful self-titled debut. A single will be released in November and a tour has launched. Here are the details and a video for the single, “Say No To Love.”
Via Force Field PR:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart released its self-titled debut album way back at the beginning of 2009. Since then the band has kept its fans satisfied while expanding their pop palette on the excellent Higher Than the Stars EP and this Summer's shimmering anthem "Say No To Love”.
Photo courtesy of Force Field PR
We're extremely pleased to report that the band has been recording, mixing, and mastering their much-anticipated sophomore full-length which is slated for a March 2011 release on Slumberland. In November the band will release the first single titled "Heart in Your Heartbreak" from the album with an exclusive B-side. The band launches a limited US tour on Oct. 20 in Boston (including CMJ in New York this week) and will be trying out a few songs from the new record live on these dates.
Stay tuned for more preview updates on this incredible new song as the album's first offering. A rousing step forward that manages to retain the ebullient charm, wit and pop panache of their best work, we're kinda crazy excited for you to hear what's next.
THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART
Oct 20 - Paradise Boston, MA *
Oct 21 - Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY (Brooklyn Vegan CMJ Showcase) *
Oct 22 - Pi Lam Philadelphia, PA *
Nov 4 - The Venu Vancouver, BC +
Nov 5 - The Vera Project Seattle, Washington +
Nov 6 - Holocene Portland, OR + !
Nov 7 - EMU Ballroom Eugene, OR +
Nov 9 - The Independent San Francisco, CA +
Nov 10 - SoHo Santa Barbara, CA+
Nov 11 - The Loft UCSD La Jolla, CA +
Nov 12 - Echoplex Los Angeles, CA +%
Nov 14 - Pomona CA Glasshouse *
! = w/ Glasser
+ = w/ Weekend
% = w/ Sonny and the Sunsets
* = w/ Stars
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart "Say No To Love" from Slumberland Records on Vimeo.
Via Force Field PR:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart released its self-titled debut album way back at the beginning of 2009. Since then the band has kept its fans satisfied while expanding their pop palette on the excellent Higher Than the Stars EP and this Summer's shimmering anthem "Say No To Love”.
We're extremely pleased to report that the band has been recording, mixing, and mastering their much-anticipated sophomore full-length which is slated for a March 2011 release on Slumberland. In November the band will release the first single titled "Heart in Your Heartbreak" from the album with an exclusive B-side. The band launches a limited US tour on Oct. 20 in Boston (including CMJ in New York this week) and will be trying out a few songs from the new record live on these dates.
Stay tuned for more preview updates on this incredible new song as the album's first offering. A rousing step forward that manages to retain the ebullient charm, wit and pop panache of their best work, we're kinda crazy excited for you to hear what's next.
THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART
Oct 20 - Paradise Boston, MA *
Oct 21 - Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY (Brooklyn Vegan CMJ Showcase) *
Oct 22 - Pi Lam Philadelphia, PA *
Nov 4 - The Venu Vancouver, BC +
Nov 5 - The Vera Project Seattle, Washington +
Nov 6 - Holocene Portland, OR + !
Nov 7 - EMU Ballroom Eugene, OR +
Nov 9 - The Independent San Francisco, CA +
Nov 10 - SoHo Santa Barbara, CA+
Nov 11 - The Loft UCSD La Jolla, CA +
Nov 12 - Echoplex Los Angeles, CA +%
Nov 14 - Pomona CA Glasshouse *
! = w/ Glasser
+ = w/ Weekend
% = w/ Sonny and the Sunsets
* = w/ Stars
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Shopping For Records #38: T REX reissues...
The Fat Possum label, (The Walkmen, Wavves, Band Of Horses, Dax Riggs), will be reissuing the T. Rex classic, The Slider, along with other T. Rex offerings. The album will be out October 26th.
Via Force Field PR:
Oxford, MS label Fat Possum has announced a series of reissues of classic T. Rex albums, beginning with The Slider, which will be available on CD and digital formats on Oct. 26 and newly remastered vinyl on Nov. 23. The Slider, along with most T. Rex titles, has been out of print on all formats in the US since 2003.
The Slider is the definitive soundtrack to Bolanmania that swept most corners of the globe during 1972. It was boom-time for manufacturers of lipstick-sized phials of glitter. The music press had a field day, too, seizing the opportunity to debate the rabid tensions between playful pop and sensible rock. But to the many thousands who had succumbed to T. Rextasy, the first great teenage phenomenon of the 1970s, it was - in the words of Morrissey - "many people's first love affair."
T. Rex
The Slider
(Fat Possum)
CD & Digital Street date: Oct. 26, 2010
Vinyl Street Date: Nov. 23, 2010
Original Street date: July 21, 1972
1. Metal Guru
2. Mystic Lady
3. Rock On
4. The Slider
5. Baby Boomerang
6. Spaceball Ricochet
7. Buick Mackane
8. Telegram Sam
9. Rabbit Fighter
10. Baby Strange
11. Ballrooms of Mars
12. Chariot Choogle
13. Main Man
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Via Force Field PR:
Oxford, MS label Fat Possum has announced a series of reissues of classic T. Rex albums, beginning with The Slider, which will be available on CD and digital formats on Oct. 26 and newly remastered vinyl on Nov. 23. The Slider, along with most T. Rex titles, has been out of print on all formats in the US since 2003.
The Slider is the definitive soundtrack to Bolanmania that swept most corners of the globe during 1972. It was boom-time for manufacturers of lipstick-sized phials of glitter. The music press had a field day, too, seizing the opportunity to debate the rabid tensions between playful pop and sensible rock. But to the many thousands who had succumbed to T. Rextasy, the first great teenage phenomenon of the 1970s, it was - in the words of Morrissey - "many people's first love affair."
T. Rex
The Slider
(Fat Possum)
CD & Digital Street date: Oct. 26, 2010
Vinyl Street Date: Nov. 23, 2010
Original Street date: July 21, 1972
1. Metal Guru
2. Mystic Lady
3. Rock On
4. The Slider
5. Baby Boomerang
6. Spaceball Ricochet
7. Buick Mackane
8. Telegram Sam
9. Rabbit Fighter
10. Baby Strange
11. Ballrooms of Mars
12. Chariot Choogle
13. Main Man
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Sunday, October 17, 2010
What I Heard This Morning: Clive Tanaka y su orquestra...
I'm typically not all that keen on electronic music, but Clive Tanaka's minimalist Eno-ish approach appealed to me. Plus, the video is awesome in that "child of the 80s" kind of way.
The song, "Neu Chicago," had only seen a cassette release but Tanaka's album, Jet Set Siempre No. 1 is getting a proper release in January of 2011 by the Tall Corn label.
Neu Chicago - Clive Tanaka y su orquesta from Clive Tanaka on Vimeo.
Video and additional info on Tanaka is available from Altered Zones.Via Friend Of Friends Network:
Clive Tanaka Premieres Video on Altered Zones
Previously cassette only Jet Set Siempre No. 1 gets LP treatment from Tall Corn; Due 1/11/11
Jet Set Siempre No. 1 has two personalities: Side A is labeled "For Dance" and Side B as "For Romance." From the opening notes of the A-side, you're immediately caught in a groove that entraps you until the tape is tightly wound around its second spool. While the B-side retains the rhythm, its added sense of enchantment ensures your moves connect with the eyes you're trying to attract. With Jet Set Siempre No. 1, Clive Tanaka y su orquesta have created one of the best electronic jammers I've heard in a long time. The only downside is that I'll probably wear out the cassette before summer ends.
Mr. Tanaka, a Hokkaido native, runs Tanaka Heavy Industries, a manufacturing keiretsu. He also often composes and performs music alone and with his orquesta. Mr. Tanaka is working on several projects presently, but one never knows when he will finish. The music of Jet Set Siempre No. 1 is presently only available on cassette tape and the 1/2" master reels to which it was originally printed.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Kicking Against The Pricks: Sleep, No Age, Abe Vigoda, Screaming Females...
Issue #3 of Kicking Against The Pricks has posted: Find it here.
My contributions:
Sleep
Starlight Ballroom
Philadelphia, PA
9.7.10
Kicking Against The Pricks live show coverage
No Age
Everything In Between
Sub Pop
Released: 9.28.10
Kicking Against The Pricks review
Abe Vigoda
Crush
Bella Union
Released: 9.21.10
Kicking Against The Pricks review
Screaming Females
Castle Talk
Don Giovanni
Released: 9.14.10
Kicking Against The Pricks review
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
My contributions:
Sleep
Starlight Ballroom
Philadelphia, PA
9.7.10
No Age
Everything In Between
Sub Pop
Released: 9.28.10
Abe Vigoda
Crush
Bella Union
Released: 9.21.10
Screaming Females
Castle Talk
Don Giovanni
Released: 9.14.10
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Mailbox Giveth: The Beatles Red & Blue compilations...
Just when I thought the well runneth dry...
The 1962-1966 (Red) and 1967-1970 (Blue) compilations were the first real Beatles' greatest hits collection to emerge after the band broke-up in 1970. Both two record sets, the albums were originally issued in 1973 and have undergone the same painstaking remastering process as the Beatles' catalogue in '09.
These arrived at my home yesterday and, to me, the compilations are more of a novelty item, something worthy of ownership under the following conditions:
1). You love the "now and then" photography on the front cover of each compilation.
2). Expanded liner notes and photographs.
3). Non-album singles are included if you don't own the Past Masters volumes.
4). The band's evolution is covered within four CDs.
5). You'd rather own the hits.
6). Also, there's free album cover posters and t-shirts if you pre-order through Beatles.com.
Red and Blue remasters will be released October 18th. Click here for more info.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
The 1962-1966 (Red) and 1967-1970 (Blue) compilations were the first real Beatles' greatest hits collection to emerge after the band broke-up in 1970. Both two record sets, the albums were originally issued in 1973 and have undergone the same painstaking remastering process as the Beatles' catalogue in '09.
These arrived at my home yesterday and, to me, the compilations are more of a novelty item, something worthy of ownership under the following conditions:
1). You love the "now and then" photography on the front cover of each compilation.
2). Expanded liner notes and photographs.
3). Non-album singles are included if you don't own the Past Masters volumes.
4). The band's evolution is covered within four CDs.
5). You'd rather own the hits.
6). Also, there's free album cover posters and t-shirts if you pre-order through Beatles.com.
Red and Blue remasters will be released October 18th. Click here for more info.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What I Heard This Morning: Brent Amaker & The Rodeo...
So, Brent Amaker & The Rodeo is a country band from Seattle that covered Kraftwerk's "Pocket Calculator."
No, I didn't make this up.
(photo credit: Lord FoTog)
Do yourself a favor and give this a listen: "Pocket Calculator" (Courtesy of My Old Kentucky Blog)
Some info on the band and tour dates via Terrorbird Media:
For many who have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Amaker already, it's no surprise that when it came time for the band to do their first cover song ever, the choice wasn't Johnny Cash or Hank Williams... but the influential German electronic group Kraftwerk. In fact, Seattle's Brent Amaker and the Rodeo are hell bent on getting their brand of whiskey-soaked, barn-burning country in the eyes, ears, and minds of audiences that are decidedly un-country. Case in point, the Rodeo have their Record Release Show on 10/22 at the Crocodile in Seattle with electronic popsters Head Like A Kite, as well as the acclaimed, head-turning hip hop of RA Scion of Common Market. Add to the fact that the band's praises have been recently sung by Magnet, ALARM, PopMatters, and others, it's looking like their goal of world-wide infiltration is, in fact, quite plausible.
Please Stand By, their third full length, is being released next Tuesday, October 19th by Seattle's Spark & Shine Records on cd, digital, and limited edition vinyl. The limited vinyl will come with the accompanying "adults only" comic book Mescal De La Muerte starring Brent Amaker and the Rodeo, written by Jay Cynik and illustrated by Simon Young. To celebrate the occasion, the hometown West Seattle Fun Blog will be publishing 2-3 pages of the R-rated comic book per day through the release week of the record. While having the comic book in-hand while the record is spinning on your turntable or record player is definitely the way to go, there won't be a better way to count down to the release of the album.
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo will be touring the US this fall (dates below), with European dates to follow in 2011.
________________________________________________________________
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo
Fall Tour 2010
10/22 The Crocodile, Seattle WA
(Record Release Show @ Heineken City Arts Fest w/ Head Like a Kite, Atomic Bombshells, RA Scion of Common Market)
10/27 Yakima Sports Center @ The Haunted Bordello, Yakima WA
10/28 The Filling Station, Bozeman MT
10/29 Signature's, Mitchell, SD
10/30 5th Annual Sioux Falls Zombie Walk
10/31 Nomad World Pub, Minneapolis MN
11/1 Elbo Room, Chicago IL
11/2 Off Broadway, St. Louis MO
11/4 Crystal Pistol Saloon, Tulsa OK
11/5 Flamingo Cantina, Austin TX
11/6 Continental Club, Houston TX
11/7 The Mix, San Antonio TX
11/9 Low Spirits, Albuquerque NM
11/10 Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff AZ
11/11 Double Down Saloon, Las Vegas NV
11/12 Doll Hut, Anaheim CA
11/14 Mt. Tabor Theater, Portland OR
12/4 Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco CA
(Terrorbird Holiday Bash w/ Maus Haus, Exray's + Special Guest)
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
No, I didn't make this up.
Do yourself a favor and give this a listen: "Pocket Calculator" (Courtesy of My Old Kentucky Blog)
Some info on the band and tour dates via Terrorbird Media:
For many who have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Amaker already, it's no surprise that when it came time for the band to do their first cover song ever, the choice wasn't Johnny Cash or Hank Williams... but the influential German electronic group Kraftwerk. In fact, Seattle's Brent Amaker and the Rodeo are hell bent on getting their brand of whiskey-soaked, barn-burning country in the eyes, ears, and minds of audiences that are decidedly un-country. Case in point, the Rodeo have their Record Release Show on 10/22 at the Crocodile in Seattle with electronic popsters Head Like A Kite, as well as the acclaimed, head-turning hip hop of RA Scion of Common Market. Add to the fact that the band's praises have been recently sung by Magnet, ALARM, PopMatters, and others, it's looking like their goal of world-wide infiltration is, in fact, quite plausible.
Please Stand By, their third full length, is being released next Tuesday, October 19th by Seattle's Spark & Shine Records on cd, digital, and limited edition vinyl. The limited vinyl will come with the accompanying "adults only" comic book Mescal De La Muerte starring Brent Amaker and the Rodeo, written by Jay Cynik and illustrated by Simon Young. To celebrate the occasion, the hometown West Seattle Fun Blog will be publishing 2-3 pages of the R-rated comic book per day through the release week of the record. While having the comic book in-hand while the record is spinning on your turntable or record player is definitely the way to go, there won't be a better way to count down to the release of the album.
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo will be touring the US this fall (dates below), with European dates to follow in 2011.
________________________________________________________________
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo
Fall Tour 2010
10/22 The Crocodile, Seattle WA
(Record Release Show @ Heineken City Arts Fest w/ Head Like a Kite, Atomic Bombshells, RA Scion of Common Market)
10/27 Yakima Sports Center @ The Haunted Bordello, Yakima WA
10/28 The Filling Station, Bozeman MT
10/29 Signature's, Mitchell, SD
10/30 5th Annual Sioux Falls Zombie Walk
10/31 Nomad World Pub, Minneapolis MN
11/1 Elbo Room, Chicago IL
11/2 Off Broadway, St. Louis MO
11/4 Crystal Pistol Saloon, Tulsa OK
11/5 Flamingo Cantina, Austin TX
11/6 Continental Club, Houston TX
11/7 The Mix, San Antonio TX
11/9 Low Spirits, Albuquerque NM
11/10 Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff AZ
11/11 Double Down Saloon, Las Vegas NV
11/12 Doll Hut, Anaheim CA
11/14 Mt. Tabor Theater, Portland OR
12/4 Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco CA
(Terrorbird Holiday Bash w/ Maus Haus, Exray's + Special Guest)
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wayne Coyne Prints with Blood...
So, both Pitchfork and Crawdaddy have mentioned this video of Wayne Coyne printing a Flaming Lips poster with his own blood. It’s not as ghastly as it sounds, just a little gross.
But, it’s interesting to watch Coyne basically create a collector’s item, knowing very well that his fanbase will gladly shell out their homes, limbs or offspring for something this unique. Not to mention, seeing as the poster is laced in Coyne’s coagulated red fluids, I’m sure owning the poster will be like owning a piece of their hero.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
But, it’s interesting to watch Coyne basically create a collector’s item, knowing very well that his fanbase will gladly shell out their homes, limbs or offspring for something this unique. Not to mention, seeing as the poster is laced in Coyne’s coagulated red fluids, I’m sure owning the poster will be like owning a piece of their hero.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tom Waits at 78 rotations...
Found an interesting article on Tom Waits via The Eyeball Kid. Mr. Waits will be appearing on a limited edition 78 vinyl record, Preservation: An Album To Benefit Preservation Hall & The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program. Proceeds will go to Preservation Hall Junior Jazz & Heritage Brass Band.
As an interesting aside, seeing as 78 players aren’t the most readily available commodity these days, a custom-made 78 player will be issued with the album to those contributing $200 to Preservation Hall.
Check out the article at The Eyeball Kid or TomWaits.com. Check out Pitchfork for photos.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
As an interesting aside, seeing as 78 players aren’t the most readily available commodity these days, a custom-made 78 player will be issued with the album to those contributing $200 to Preservation Hall.
Check out the article at The Eyeball Kid or TomWaits.com. Check out Pitchfork for photos.
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Monday, October 11, 2010
No Ripcord: Frankie Rose and The Outs
Frankie Rose and The Outs
s/t
Slumberland
Released: 9.21.10
No Ripcord review
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
s/t
Slumberland
Released: 9.21.10
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
What I Heard This Morning: Tyvek
Thought this would be good for Monday morning, some Stooge'd out Wire-ness in the form of "4312" from Detriot's Tyvek. Their new album, Nothing Fits, will be out November 9th through In The Red. In the meantime, "4312" has a good dose of pop harmony to coincide with its allegiance to Pink Flag, (albeit in a looser fashion).
"4312"
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
"4312"
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Lennon 7.0: On the Eve of the Birthday Never To Be…
So, I’m down to the last hour or so before what would’ve been John Lennon’s 70th birthday. The event has been well publicized over the last couple days, (even Google came up with a way to commemorate the event), and Capitoll/EMI has re-released John Lennon’s post-Beatles work in an array of formats, both original and compiled.
With the addition of last year’s Beatles’ reissues, this latest “onslaught of Lennon” sums up the entirety of the man’s work. Realizing that this work has been written about, discussed and reconsidered countless times since his death in 1980, Lennon has been somewhat of an obsession for me over the last year, having just finished Philip Norman’s John Lennon: A Life and then the research that went into last year’s three-part “Revolution 9.9.9” series.
So, for the month of October, I’ll be writing about the new reissues and the compilations, doing my best to honor and analyze the last century’s most widely respected and well-known songwriter.
I dub thee “Lennon 7.0.” Hopefully, you enjoy.
In the meantime, the video seems appropriate.
Also, if you're interested, you can find last year's Beatles coverage at the following links:
Introduction and Part 1 — From Beatlemania...
Part 2 — George Martin Joins The Band...
Part 3 — "And in the end..."
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
With the addition of last year’s Beatles’ reissues, this latest “onslaught of Lennon” sums up the entirety of the man’s work. Realizing that this work has been written about, discussed and reconsidered countless times since his death in 1980, Lennon has been somewhat of an obsession for me over the last year, having just finished Philip Norman’s John Lennon: A Life and then the research that went into last year’s three-part “Revolution 9.9.9” series.
So, for the month of October, I’ll be writing about the new reissues and the compilations, doing my best to honor and analyze the last century’s most widely respected and well-known songwriter.
I dub thee “Lennon 7.0.” Hopefully, you enjoy.
In the meantime, the video seems appropriate.
Also, if you're interested, you can find last year's Beatles coverage at the following links:
Introduction and Part 1 — From Beatlemania...
Part 2 — George Martin Joins The Band...
Part 3 — "And in the end..."
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Friday, October 08, 2010
What I Heard This/Last Week: Moondoggies, The So So Glos, Purling Hiss and Yuck...
Some songs to hear, some videos to check out.
Moondoggies: “Empress of the North”
Pleasant enough folk jam with a hand-drawn cartoon for narration sake. The song is sort of Bon Iver-ish so I expect fans of For Emma, Forever Ago to salivate over Moondoggies' Tidelands, which is releasing October 12th via Hardly Art.
The So So Glos: “Lindy Hop”
Mildly wild and catchy, "Lindy Hop" by The So So Glos is bubbly and bouncy enough to make your feet tap. The band is releasing an EP called Low Back Chain Shift through Green Owl and will also be embarking on a "Five Boroughs" tour through NYC.
"Lindy Hop"
Below are venue locations for you New York City residents out there, plus information on their FULL tour:
THE FIVE BOROUGHS TOUR
STATEN ISLAND
Thursday, October 21st
Martini Red w/ The Delay, In Buenos Aires
372 Vanduzer, Staten Island, New York 10304
MANHATTAN
Friday, October 22nd
Pianos - Force Field PR Showcase w/ Wild Nothing, Violens, Woven Bones, La Sera, Lord Huron
158 Ludlow Street, New York, New York 10002
BROOKLYN
Saturday, October 23rd
Shea Stadium w/ Weekends, Liquor Store, Woven Bones, Carnivores, Grand Rapids
20 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206
QUEENS
Sunday, October 24th
BBQ Matinee at Silent Barn w/ Patrick Stickles, The Beets, Shilpa Ray, Carnivores, Bad Credit No Credit, 911 Thesaurus, Perpetual Crush, Baby Birds Dont Drink Milk, Paps
917 Wyckoff Avenue, Queens, New York 11385
THE BRONX
Monday, October 25th
Paul Shaffers House w/ Sweet Bulbs, No One & the Somebodies, Electric Tickle Machine, Genuine Imitations
1808 Muliner Ave, Bronx, New York 10462
THE SO SO GLOS (FULL TOUR DATES)
09/30 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge #
10/01 - San Francisco, CA - Hemlock Tavern !
10/02 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall #
10/03 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo $ (Part Time Punks)
10/04 - San Diego, CA - Casbah #
10/06 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour #
10/08 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court #
10/09 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre #
10/11 - Dallas, TX - Loft #
10/12 - Austin, TX - Emo's #
10/14 - New Orleans, LA - The Circle Bar @
10/16 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl %
10/20 - Philadelphia, PA - Danger Danger Gallery &
10/21 - Staten Island, NY - Martini Red
10/22 - Manhattan, NY - Pianos (Force Field PR CMJ Showcase)
10/23 - Brooklyn, NY - Shea Stadium
10/24 - Queens, NY - Silent Barn
10/25 - Bronx, NY - House Party
# = w/ Futureheads
% = w/ The Coathangers, Woven Bones, Carnivores
@ = w/ Woven Bones, Bellys
& = w/ Carnivores
$ = w/ Abe Vigoda
! = w/ Royal Baths & The Mantles
Purling Hiss: “Don't Even Try It”
And, though I do love a good New York story, I love it more when Philadelphia artists get SOME of the spotlight. Mike Polizze's Purling Hiss will be releasing Public Service Announcement through Woodsist Records on October 26th. The track "Don't Even Try It" is strangely snipped to a segment's length, but check it out anyway: sort of a crudely recorded folk track that evokes Daniel Johnston and John Dwyer's OCS work.
"Don't Even Try It"
Look below for concert dates:
10/19 Charlottesville, VA Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar *
10/20 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
10/21 Atlanta, GA The Earl * ^
10/22 Birmingham, AL The Nickw * ^
10/23 Nashville, TN Mercy Loungew * ^
10/25 Toledo, OH Mickey Finn * ^ !
10/26 Covington, KY Mad Hatters * ^
10/27 Columbus, OH Skully's * ^
10/28 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig * ^
10/29 Indianapolis, IN White Rabbit Cabaret * ^
10/30 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle * ^
10/31 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle * ^
11/01 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock * ^
11/04 Seattle, WA Neumos * ^
11/06 Portland, OR Berbatis Pan * ^
11/09 San Francisco, CA Rickshaw Stop * ^
11/11 Los Angeles, CA Echoplex * ^
11/13 San Diego, CA Casbah * ^
11/14 Tempe, AZ The Trunk Space *
11/17 San Antonio, TX The Korova *
11/18 Austin, TX Emo's (Inside) *
11/19 Dallas, TX Club Dada *
11/21 Memphis, TN Hi Tone *
11/24 Washington, DC Black Cat (Backstage) *
11/26 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's *
12/03 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory *
* = w/ Kurt Vile
^ = w/ The Soft Pack
! = w/ Jaill
Yuck: “Georgia”
And, if you wanted to know what My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and The Cure sound like when they're sleepy, then check out "Georgia" by UK indie/lo-fi band, Yuck. Great name. The band has two 7" albums coming out in November, Georgia through Fat Possum Records and Rubber from The Pharmacy Recording Company.
Tour dates:
10/20 - Boston, MA @ Paradise *
10/21 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (Brooklyn Vegan CMJ Show) *#
10/22 - Philadelphia, PA @ Pi Lam *
10/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands (Popgun CMJ Party) ^
* = w/ The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
# = w/ The Blow, Screaming Females, Young Man
^ = w/ Dominant Legs
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
Moondoggies: “Empress of the North”
Pleasant enough folk jam with a hand-drawn cartoon for narration sake. The song is sort of Bon Iver-ish so I expect fans of For Emma, Forever Ago to salivate over Moondoggies' Tidelands, which is releasing October 12th via Hardly Art.
The So So Glos: “Lindy Hop”
Mildly wild and catchy, "Lindy Hop" by The So So Glos is bubbly and bouncy enough to make your feet tap. The band is releasing an EP called Low Back Chain Shift through Green Owl and will also be embarking on a "Five Boroughs" tour through NYC.
"Lindy Hop"
Below are venue locations for you New York City residents out there, plus information on their FULL tour:
THE FIVE BOROUGHS TOUR
STATEN ISLAND
Thursday, October 21st
Martini Red w/ The Delay, In Buenos Aires
372 Vanduzer, Staten Island, New York 10304
MANHATTAN
Friday, October 22nd
Pianos - Force Field PR Showcase w/ Wild Nothing, Violens, Woven Bones, La Sera, Lord Huron
158 Ludlow Street, New York, New York 10002
BROOKLYN
Saturday, October 23rd
Shea Stadium w/ Weekends, Liquor Store, Woven Bones, Carnivores, Grand Rapids
20 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206
QUEENS
Sunday, October 24th
BBQ Matinee at Silent Barn w/ Patrick Stickles, The Beets, Shilpa Ray, Carnivores, Bad Credit No Credit, 911 Thesaurus, Perpetual Crush, Baby Birds Dont Drink Milk, Paps
917 Wyckoff Avenue, Queens, New York 11385
THE BRONX
Monday, October 25th
Paul Shaffers House w/ Sweet Bulbs, No One & the Somebodies, Electric Tickle Machine, Genuine Imitations
1808 Muliner Ave, Bronx, New York 10462
THE SO SO GLOS (FULL TOUR DATES)
09/30 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge #
10/01 - San Francisco, CA - Hemlock Tavern !
10/02 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall #
10/03 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo $ (Part Time Punks)
10/04 - San Diego, CA - Casbah #
10/06 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour #
10/08 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court #
10/09 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre #
10/11 - Dallas, TX - Loft #
10/12 - Austin, TX - Emo's #
10/14 - New Orleans, LA - The Circle Bar @
10/16 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl %
10/20 - Philadelphia, PA - Danger Danger Gallery &
10/21 - Staten Island, NY - Martini Red
10/22 - Manhattan, NY - Pianos (Force Field PR CMJ Showcase)
10/23 - Brooklyn, NY - Shea Stadium
10/24 - Queens, NY - Silent Barn
10/25 - Bronx, NY - House Party
# = w/ Futureheads
% = w/ The Coathangers, Woven Bones, Carnivores
@ = w/ Woven Bones, Bellys
& = w/ Carnivores
$ = w/ Abe Vigoda
! = w/ Royal Baths & The Mantles
Purling Hiss: “Don't Even Try It”
And, though I do love a good New York story, I love it more when Philadelphia artists get SOME of the spotlight. Mike Polizze's Purling Hiss will be releasing Public Service Announcement through Woodsist Records on October 26th. The track "Don't Even Try It" is strangely snipped to a segment's length, but check it out anyway: sort of a crudely recorded folk track that evokes Daniel Johnston and John Dwyer's OCS work.
"Don't Even Try It"
Look below for concert dates:
10/19 Charlottesville, VA Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar *
10/20 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
10/21 Atlanta, GA The Earl * ^
10/22 Birmingham, AL The Nickw * ^
10/23 Nashville, TN Mercy Loungew * ^
10/25 Toledo, OH Mickey Finn * ^ !
10/26 Covington, KY Mad Hatters * ^
10/27 Columbus, OH Skully's * ^
10/28 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig * ^
10/29 Indianapolis, IN White Rabbit Cabaret * ^
10/30 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle * ^
10/31 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle * ^
11/01 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock * ^
11/04 Seattle, WA Neumos * ^
11/06 Portland, OR Berbatis Pan * ^
11/09 San Francisco, CA Rickshaw Stop * ^
11/11 Los Angeles, CA Echoplex * ^
11/13 San Diego, CA Casbah * ^
11/14 Tempe, AZ The Trunk Space *
11/17 San Antonio, TX The Korova *
11/18 Austin, TX Emo's (Inside) *
11/19 Dallas, TX Club Dada *
11/21 Memphis, TN Hi Tone *
11/24 Washington, DC Black Cat (Backstage) *
11/26 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's *
12/03 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory *
* = w/ Kurt Vile
^ = w/ The Soft Pack
! = w/ Jaill
Yuck: “Georgia”
And, if you wanted to know what My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and The Cure sound like when they're sleepy, then check out "Georgia" by UK indie/lo-fi band, Yuck. Great name. The band has two 7" albums coming out in November, Georgia through Fat Possum Records and Rubber from The Pharmacy Recording Company.
Tour dates:
10/20 - Boston, MA @ Paradise *
10/21 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (Brooklyn Vegan CMJ Show) *#
10/22 - Philadelphia, PA @ Pi Lam *
10/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands (Popgun CMJ Party) ^
* = w/ The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
# = w/ The Blow, Screaming Females, Young Man
^ = w/ Dominant Legs
Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead
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