New podcast: Slumberland Records
Thanks to Clicky Clicky and his “Tweet” for recommending us to Slumberland Record’s podcasts. Their Summertime Soul Vol.1 mix is out of site. Just in time for those 4th of July get downs. Check the tracklist below:
- Billy Preston - Billy’s Bag
- Ramsey Lewis - Party Time
- Googie Rene Combo - Smokey Joe’s La La
- Cliff Nobles & Co - The Horse
- Harvey Averne Dozen - Think It Over
- Rose Batiste - Hit And Run
- The Contours - Just A Little Misunderstanding
- Willie Tee - Walkin’ Up A One Way Street
- The Poets - She Blew A Good Thing
- Gene Chandler - Nothing Can Stop Me
- Billy Butler and The Enchanters - Right Track
- Mary Love - You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet
- The Astors - Candy
- Barbara Acklin - Am I The Same Girl
- Fontella Bass - Leave It In The Hands of Love
- Darrell Banks - Open The Door To Your Heart
- The Five Stairsteps and Cubie - Stay Close To Me
- The Impressions - We’re A Winner
Download this podcast in the following formats
- MP3 (Right click and save as then upload to MP3 Player)
- XML(Just copy and paste this XML link into your favorite Podcast catcher)
- iTunes(Just click on this link and iTunes will automatically open up the Slumberland podcast channel)
If you’re unfamiliar with podcasts and how they work, it’s pretty simple. It’s basically just a mix uploaded into a digital download or basically an MP3. However, there are ways to capture these “online radio” formats automatically using iTunes and several other programs. Learn more from this Wiki page.
Double Rec: Herman Dune and CoCoComa
CoCoComa from Chicago
I received an email this morning from a long time PR contact. She use to be with Cornerstone way back and then moved to Vice Records for a long time where we constantly heard about this wild and crazy band called the Black Lips. The next move for her was to Pitchfork to help promote the launch of their new pitchfork.tv, which is quite fun to check out if you haven’t already. Now she’s moved on to write for one of my favorite online record labels, RCRD LBL. And thanks to her email, I would not have had the pleasure of learning about a great modern day Garage Rock band, CoCoComa.
I’ve been on a small kick for that dirty, garage rock sound as of late. It all started with the recommendation to download the Lyres self-titled album by a friend of mine. Lyres are an old Boston based garage rock band from the 70’s and that album just blows me away. (Read more here)
Christen Thomas of RCRD LBL has a write up on CoCoComa that you can read HERE.
I don’t promote too many Chicago based bands (I wish I did) so I’m happy to stumble upon this gem. Thanks Christen.
CoCoComa Links of Interest:
- Myspace
- Goner Records (their label)
- RCRD LBL Page
- eMusic subscribers, download their self-titled album HERE
- Everyone else, reach out to Amazon MP3
CoCoComa Downloads:
- “(Tryin’ to) Read my Mind” (Right click and save as)
- “Premonition” (Right click and save as)
Herman Dune
Part Paul Simon, part John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats, part Johnathan Richman of The Modern Lovers, Herman Dune is a playful presence. The Paul Simon is not in the voice but rather in the backing music. Lots of rhythms and hand clapping going on. Has a very worldly sound mixed in with the alternative, indie rock vibe. The group is made up of two gentelman, David-ivar Herman Dune (guitar and leard vocals) and Neman Herman Dune (drums and backing vocals). They use to be a trio but Andrew Herman Dune, the former third member, left the band back in 2001. Since then it’s been David and Neman, however, they always bring along friends during their tours.
Another comparison I hear is that of Dan Bejar (aka. Destoyer). Which is interesting cause I don’t get Dan for some reason. I think it may be Herman’s playfulness and story telling capabilities that draws me to his pysch-folk / world sound. This is the strongest connection I think David-ivar Herman Dune, lead vocalist of the duo (formerly a trio) has when it comes to the great Johnathan Richman. The stories, just like Richman’s, are very innocent and childlike but are all stories that even as adults we can connect with. It’s similar to a solid Pixar film such as Ratatouille. You know, those movies that while are geared towards kids, us adults still get excited to see cause the story relates to all ages.
Herman Dune relatded links:
- Myspace
- Official Website
- Buy his music
- Watch Herman on La Blogotheque
- Download their Daytrotter session
- Watch video for “I Wish That I Could See You Soon” (Think Seasame Street should be calling Herman soon)
- Download Herman’s full set at Dublab HERE
- Everloving Records (his label)
Home sick is the only time to blog
Apart from my daily tasks at work and the recent bouts of weekend get aways such as college reunions, bachelor parties and preperation for moving next month, there has been absolutely no time to write about the music that I love.
But now, due to circumstances both induced on my own over the weekend and a combo of the fluctuating heat here in New England, I’m home sick with a nasty head cold. First time I’ve stayed home from work because i was sick I think in about three years.
So what’s on my mind right now when it comes to music?
The Vinyl Phenomena
I predicted that vinyl could potentially make a come back. It’s like how in Jurassic Park where we all learn a valuable lesson, nature always finds a way to correct itself. In the case of music, the goal is to try and hear it at it’s purest form. Of course, the live show is as pure as you’re going to get. But many, including myself, feel that a perfectly kept or brand new pressed piece of plastic is the closest you can get to being in the studio with the artists. So naturally, since we’ve all been moving in the direction of the digital world, where the music has been compressed to finite amounts, causing producers to alter the levels on the final production, there is a gap wanting to be filled. While the digital world may fill our “need it now” gap, it doesn’t completely supply us with the sound perfection we music lovers search for in a record.
Due to an accident out west, the vinyl phenomena may not be a crack pot idea. Check out this article in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vinyl10-2008jun10,0,3936629.story
MMJ doing NYE at MSG
While the critics may not find the latest My Morning Jacket album to be anything special, there is no question that they’re one of the best live bands around today. So when I heard they were planning a New Years Eve show at Madison Square Garden for 2008/2009 I wasn’t the least bit surprised. These guys deserve all the recognition they’ve received over the last few years. If you’re just catching wind of this southern alternative rock outfit from Kentucky, stream their latest album, Evil Urges, over at their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/mymorningjacket.
Their latest album is a really big step in a different direction for My Morning Jacket when it comes to studio sound. They’re doing a lot more experimentation unlike their previous albums which are mainly pure reverb southern alternative rock. However, I’ve heard that their live show is still as rocking as ever.
Purhase tickets for the NYE on Friday, June 27th through Ticketmaster.
Diplo remixes “California Soul” (Marlena Shaw)
Those unfamiliar with this song need to not look any farther then their TV. If you watch a lot, you’ve probably seen the commercial for Dockers where the camera glides through the San Francisco sky line. That’s the original version of the song being played by Marlena Shaw, Blue Note Records first female artist.
In the latest Verve Remix album (volume 4), Diplo puts his own spin on the tune.
Download: “California Soul” (Diplo Remix) (right click and save)
Listen:
Visit the Verve Remix official website: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/
What’s summer time without Bluegrass?
For me, it’s not summer. So that’s why I’m happy I stumbled upon The Creaking Tree String Quartet.
They take Bluegrass to a new level. A lot more passion from adding traditional classical music elements and real theatrical moments. It doesn’t always work well with that rocking chair out on the porch sipping a mint julep moment but it’s sure worth a listen this summer time.
Give a listen to what I call “intellectual bluegrass” over at their myspace page: www.myspace.com/creakingtree
Visit their official website: http://www.creakingtree.com/
A nod to the Little Compton / R.I. Gang
During college I was introduced to the R.I. scene by a group of hooligans that I was fortunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, to be dormmates with my freshman year at UVM. Call them dysfunctional, call them irresponsible, but there is definitely musical talent in their water. Most of us Jam band kids all know one musically talented band from RI, The Slip, and due to a nod by Jim James of My Morning Jacket, so do a good portion of the indie rock scene. I also stumbled upon Deer Tick whoes tunes “Ashamed” and “Baltimore Blues No.1″ still get me going.
Now a new breed has arisen. This time, they’re not rising from their roots of R.I. but rather from the roots of the Redwoods; San Francisco.
Big Light are Fred T. (guitar, vocals), Brad (drums), Jamie(guitar, bass and vocals), Colin (keys), Dan (guitar, bass, keys and vocals), Steve (bass). They also have down their sound man, Jeremy, as a member. It’s surprising how many sound guys get over looked in the industry.
Their first single, “Hard Knocks”, off their seven song EP is available for download below or at their myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/biglightband). The song’s about a person that reminds Fred of his sister Jane and has almost a Tom Petty vibe to it. Fred is the lead vocalist in the group and he’s got a low, lazy and raspy approach to vocals. This vocal style is common among the psych-folk scene that crawls all over San Fran. The music itself is very crisp and has a nice bouncy groove to it. Great summer time tune.
Download: “Hard Knocks” (RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE)
Listen:
Big Light are going on a West coast tour soon and will be playing with both Apollo Sunshine and Surprise Me Mr. Davis. Their EP release party will be at 12 Galaxies in San Fran on June 26th, which kicks off this tour:
High Sierra Music Festival - 7/4 thru 7/6
Spaceland, Los Angeles (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/8
SoHo, Santa Barbara (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/9
Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/11
Cafe Du Nord, San Fran (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/12
12 Galaxies w/ Charles Gonzalez & The Stereo Glitter - 7/31
12 Galaxies - 8/28
12 Galaxies - 9/25
Las Tortugas Dance of the Dead III - 10/30 thru 11/2
12 Galaxies - 11/27
M83 @ Middle East Downstairs, Boston, MA 6/2/2008
For M83 it’s always about drama. That’s one thing you can say has stayed consistent between his latest album, Saturday’s = Youth, and his past works such as Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts (Pick up M83 music from Amazon MP3). During the show last night I was curious to see how Anthony Gonzalez, main Frenchy behind the sounds of M83, would mix in his collection of sounds with the new heavy 80’s drama themed material.
To my surprise there wasn’t a very big difference between the songs, besides “Graveyard Girl” and “Kim & Jessie”. “Graveyard Girl”, for all it’s hype and single talk, it’s not one of my favorite tunes. It gets old really quickly. But “Kim & Jessie” is a classic 80’s tune that really flows. In fact, last night I was getting Don Henley flashes. I think it was “Boys of Summer”. There is a synth line that sounds like a seagull screaming that reminds me a bit of this classic Henley tune. In my book that’s not a bad thing.
I asked an M83 fan, who has been with M83 since his earlier works, what she thought of the show. For her, it was M83’s haunting presence that led her to many a nights staying up listening to the sounds, wondering where or how they were created. She feels that the new material lacks some of this haunt. However, songs like “Couleurs” and “Skin of the Night” are hard to deny.
We both agreed that the show stopper was Morgan Kibby on female vocals. She did one heck of a job with her lines. It was like I was listening to her voice on the album. Take note Ashley Simpson, to be a singer, you do actually need to sound like the same person live. Morgan’s voice is really impressive and just like Anthony said he fell in love with her voice as soon as he heard it on myspace, I’m sure show goers will have the same experience.
Another point made by my friend was that the Middle East has relatively a rough sound setup. The low ceiling ends up causing a lot of music to sound distorted. So great for heavier, more concrete sounding tunes, such as M83’s older material, but not all that great for his latest stuff. Songs like “Graveyard Girl” and “Kim & Jessie” were not as crisp as they are on the album.
But you couldn’t say “not crisp” about the overall performance of the band. Anthony and company were on point last night. That’s why I was so disappointed of the resistance to extend on a tune. The encore, “Couleurs”, was even cut in half. The whole second half of the tune, when it really gets rocking, was not explored.
In the end, I love Saturdays = Youth and since they were so on point and the vocals were perfect, this show was definitely solid and also very hot. Literally hot. I couldn’t imagine what it was like for the band. Just wish they would let go a little more when reaching some of those climatic events. But perhaps that’s my ex-jam band mind talking.
I didn’t pick up the full setlist but I found one online from another show on the 20th of May. It looks to be fairly close to what they played last night although I’m not too familiar with his older material so this may not be completely accurate. But the new material looks to all be the same.
01 - Run Into Flowers
02 - Graveyard Girl
03 - Fields, Shorelines And Hunters
04 - Moon Child
05 - We Own The Sky
06 - Gone
07 - Kim And Jessie
08 - Highway Of Endless Dreams
09 - Don’t Save Us From The Flames
10 - Skin Of The Night
11 - A Guitar And A Heart
12 - Couleurs (only played 1/2 of the song in Boston)
Remaining Shows:
6/4 NYC - Bowery Ballroom
6/6 Philadelphia - First Unitarian Church
6/7Washington, DC - Black Cat
Listen:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/m83
Download:
The above pictures were all taken by Vinny Barnes at the Brooklyn show last night. See more of his pics over at The Square Flickr account.
Friday Love - Hercules and Love Affair, MGMT, Boston Gang, etc.
Hercules and Love Affair “Blind” Remix
It’s been one busy week at work as you can see with the lack of posting going on at the square. So, to make up, here are some remixes of the Hercules and Love Affair dance floor smash, “Blind”. If you don’t know anything about these cats, all you need to know is they’re a DFA produced, p-fork would probably lick their boots if they could and they’re on a mission to bring disco back to the dance floor and doing so in futuristic style. Their debut self-titled album is out in the U.S. on June 24th from Mute Records (on license from DFA). It’s already out in the U.K. I believe.
Blind (Hercules Club mix):
Blind (Frankie Knuckles mix):
Blind (Frankie Knuckles dub):
Blind (Serge Santiago version):
Get a free Hercules and Love Affair MP3 download for the “Hercule Theme”
You will be hearing more about these guys as the summer goes on. They’re currently in touring in Europe but will be returning to the states shortly after. No tour has been officially announced but a little birder has told me that it’s in the works. Keep yourself tuned to the square for updates and also some contest giveaways such as tickets, cds, remixes, t-shirts and other goodies.
MGMT video for “Electric Feel”
Don’t own their latest album, Oracular Spectacular? You should. Get it here: (Amazon MP3)
Local Boston Scene
This Saturday the kids from Soulclap are throwing down a neighborhood outdoor party on the Charles called Dancing on the Charles. They have seven dates scheduled for this outdoor party this summer. It started last year and get some great responses. Hope the weather holds up for their opening day bash. Last year they had about 300+ kids show up so they’re hoping for an even larger turn out this year. There will be tiki torches, drinks, music, port-o-potties and lots of dancing.
Soulclap home page: http://www.soulclap.us/
Event Info: http://www.soulclap.us/dotc/
On Monday, June 2nd, there is a pretty crazy show at Underbar being put on by FTW. I’m not sure how I feel about this whole “Monday night is the new Saturday night” movement going on recently (Hot Chip, Cut Copy and most recently, M83 on this coming Monday and this show too).
Dopemine Records brings Lifelike and Alan Braxe to our lovely city. Supporting will be Boston’s own Hearthrob and DJ Die Young, who recently signed with Dopamine.
Event info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23236200309
Sound Samples:
Lifelike DJ set:
Download: http://www.lifelike-music.com/goodies/LIFELIKE-DJSet-01_2008.mp3
Alan Braxe mini mix:
Download: http://www.whosyamama.com/mixes/AlanBraxeminimix.mp3
Basstown Presents: This Saturday @ Great Scott
More info:
- basstown.blogspot.com
- going.com
- facebook.com
- Trouble & Bass Myspace
- DJ Die Young Myspace
- Volvox Myspace
Recent albums, tracks and shows to recommend
Going to be a busy week so throwing up this quick post and that’s probably all she wrote until after the holiday.
Below are a few recommended albums that I’ve recently picked up and a couple of gigs happening in Boston that are worth mentioning. Let me know if you’ve got anything to add in the comments.
Recommended Albums
Quiet Village - “Silent Movie”
- Label: iK7
- Sound: Chilled out electronic inspired by vintage movie soundtracks and the balearic movement. Great for a relaxing Sunday drive.
- Favorite Song: “Pacific Rhythm”
- MP3 Download: “Circus of Horror”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/quietvillage
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Jason Collett - “Here’s To Being Here”
- Label: Arts & Crafts
- Sound: Americana rock w/ BC rock revival influence. For those who don’t know, Jason is a member of the ever so popular Vancouver based indie rock mega group, Broken Social Scene.
- Favorite Song: “Out of Time”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/jasoncollettofficial
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Lyres - “Lyres Lyres”
- Label: Ace of Hearts
- Sound: Garage rock at it’s finest. You would find them hanging out with Boston bands such as Mission of Burma and Neighborhoods around the mid-80’s. Started in 1979 and has in some way shape or form stayed in tact off and on ever since. The main man behind the project is Jeff “Mono Man” Connelly (former member of DMZ).
- Favorite Song: “How Do You Know”
- MP3 Download: “How Do You Know”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/thelyres
- Purchase: (eMusic) (Amazon)
Recommended Boston Gigs:
Wednesday night there is a show at the Middle East Downstairs. Headlining the show is Subtle and opening are Black Moth Super Rainbow and The Republic Tigers. The headliner and the second opener, Black Moth Super Rainbow, are worth checking out. Althought I’m not sure how BMSR will translate at the Middle East Downstairs. I see them being more of like an ICA or Museum of Fine Arts show where you sit down and let their onslaught of crazy sounds and melodies take over your thought process. I know nothing about the other band besides the fact that they were featured in the Boston Metro this morning. That isn’t always a good thing.
Subtle have collaborated with one of the square’s favorites, TV on the Radio. The music mixes the exotic rapping and vocal style of Doesone with electronic/instrumental minglings of Alexander Kort, Jordon Dalrymple, Jeffrey ‘Jel’ Logan, Marty Dowers. Another collaborator and original member, Dax Pierson, adds an emotional element to the ever evolving Sublte sound by experimenting with voice recordings and harmonica even though a car accident while on tour in 2005 confined him to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. He no longer tours with the band but still contributes his voice recording and synth experiments to their albums. Doesone, real name Adam Drucker, and Jeff Logan are founding members of the label Anticon. However, Subtle is on Lex Records. This crew also has strong ties with Amoeba records in the Bay Area so yeah, you can say these guys are pretty well connected in the indie scene. But they also have strong ties in the hip-hope world as well.
- Location: Middle East Downstairs - corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: $12
- Details: 18+
On Friday don’t miss the Solid! night at Zuzu where DJ Die Young and and Baltimoroder will be laying it down for the Basstown faithful.
- Location: Zuzu - right next to Middle East Downstairs on the corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: Free
- Details: Bring your dance shoes / 21+
Hearthrob Approved Track Download:
Recent track download recommended by the boys of Hearthrob comes from The Presets. It’s a track called “This Boy’s In Love” and below is both the original and a remix by LifeLike. Keep your ears out for this one during their sets.
Listen
- Original
- Remix:
Download
Black Kids & Cut Copy @ Paradise - 5/12/08
Black Kids Review:
Monday’s are not usually the best day for me when it comes to giving a thorough review of a show. But I kept my whits about me by not drinking too many PBRs.
I missed the opening band, Mobius Band. I know some of my fellow Boston bloggers have been following these guys but I have yet to catch on. I’m sure that sooner rather then later I’ll catch their opening act. Give them a listen and let me know what you think: http://www.myspace.com/mobiusband.
I made it just around the time Black Kids were making it on stage. The crowd didn’t seem into it right away. I think the packed house and cramped space didn’t help. They’re a band you want to sit back and groove to. Even their grooviest of tunes didn’t get me moving too much. But I don’t think that’s really the point, unless you’re completely in the bag. The point here is that they play fun, catchy music. The lead vocalist, Reggie Youngblood, has a unique sound but as we all know, we take after our idols. I heard hints of Bowie on occasion and for modern day inspiration he was definitely throwing in some British accent love for Bloc Party frontman, Kele Okereke .
My one problem with Black Kids is the line up that seems forced here - brother and sister in the same band. If Ali Youngblood actually played an instrument proficiently or had impeccable vocals, it would be one thing, but she really doesn’t do much to add to the band. The whole brother - sister thing probably works to their advantage but I recently saw an interview where Reggie said “it’s the first time I’ve played with my sister. That’s not completely OK. We don’t hang out. If we weren’t playing music, we probably wouldn’t see much of each other.” (Boston Metro). Not sure if that’s good press or not. Maybe he meant to say that “It’s OK” and the Metro either miss quoted him or he miss quoted himself.
What’s even worse about their setup is they put her front and center. When she’s not supplying the back up vocals or pushing a few keys on her mini synthesizer, she passes the time by doing a little jig. It’s kind of like the Ashley Simpson episode from SNL.
However, they’re having fun and that’s all that really matters. Would I recommend seeing Black Kids live, not really. Nothing too special. However, I would recommend buying their music for their poppy and fun songs.
Their album his coming out in July. It was recorded and produced over in London by Bernard Butler (former Suede guitarist). The album is coming out on Columbia Records.
Cut Copy Review:
Cut Copy are all about the build up. They love revving up the crowd with breaks in the song that lead up to huge bass lines and infectious melodies. If you own their recent album, In Ghost Colours, you already know this. The one thing that I felt lacked from their set was a flow. There were periods between each song that were longing then I expected. Especially since on the album the songs flow into one another.
But that is the only downfall. Everything else was just pure, good old fashion, dance fever music and electronic pop goodness.
I was able to capture most of their performance of the single “Lights & Music”. Watch below. The sound is a bit scratchy since I was up in the stage-right balcony where speakers point right at you. The more and more I go to the Paradise the more I enjoy the sound quality in certain locations such as in this spot. If you go too deep into the balcony then the sound gets muffled. I also enjoy the floor over on the left better then the right even though the right side is bigger.
And watch carefully folks, Boston kids love to get down. I mean, this place was going nuts during these build up moments. The boys from Cut Copy were eating it up. I looked down on the sea of kids and could barely make out individuals. It just looked like one big mass of human arms flaring back and forth. Too bad this was a Monday night others I would have been down there in the mix.
Get Physical Tour @ Studio B - May 9th, 2008 (Pics)
Here are some photos from this weekends Get Physical North American Tour featuring the DJ duo, M.A.N.D.Y., and the wild and crazy Heidi. This was also a show to celebrate the 15th anniversary of XLR8R magazine. For those of you who don’t know, Get Physical is a label from Germany that was started by M.A.N.D.Y (Philipp Jung and Patrick Bodmer), Booka Shade (Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier), Peter Hayo and DJ T. (Thomas Koch).
You can find tons of their music catalogue over at Beatport.
Check out the “Get Physical…” tour blog over at Beatport.
The tour ended in Chicago last Saturday night. Make sure to visit the Get Physical website to see other tours from their artists such as Booka Shade who are making a return to North America this summer.
So, was the “Get Physical Tour”, physical you ask? See picture below and the rest of the pictures after the jump. (All photos provided by Vince Barnes)
LETS GO FLYERS!!! (and Black Kids and Cut Copy)
In support for the greatest team in the NHL, I will not be posting too much this weekend. However, I must remind you that Black Kids and Cut Copy are playing on Monday night at Paradise Rock Club. Yes, I know, another great Monday night show but it’s also another one not to miss. Should be a really fun time and I highly recommend you get your bottoms over there.
Listen to Black Kids (The Twelves Remix):
Download: Cut Copy - “Lights & Music” (radio edit)
I’ll leave you with footage from what is going to go down as one of, if not the greatest hockey fight in the history of the sport. This happened in modern times so for all those folks who feel Hockey has gone soft, check out this one between the Flyers and the Ottawa Senators. Both sides get their throws in but it’s clear the men in Orange and Black come out on top.
