For Your Consideration: Midlake Sounds Like: CSNY & The Moody Blues goes to college. For Fans Of: Nuggets. Led Zeppelin, Sea Wolf Album:The Courage Of Others (Released 2/2 – Bella Union) Free Live Set MP3: The Denton Session (Guardian UK) Streaming:NPR Music First Listen Websites:Midlake.net
It took me a bit to get into this Denton, TX band Midlake. Their music reminds me of everything Led Zeppelin did that required a flute. I would be remiss in forgetting to tell you that in addition to the CD and digital album release, the band will release a deluxe edition of The Courage Of Others, featuring a copy of the band’s short film directed by Jason Lee, a double LP, 45 rpm version of the record and a 32-page book and a live CD. This theme of bands releasing short films with their records has been HUGE lately (see Melissa Auf der Maur post). Is this a big demand to the fans? Does it influence whether or not you’d buy the record? Leave us a comment and let us know!
I was priviledged tonight to accompany a friend of mine, another former Nebraskan and a recently transplanted Angeleno working for a prominent entertainment periodical to a screening of the 8-time Oscar Nominated film “Inglorious Basterds”. An immense fan of Quentin Tarantino’s work of course i’d seen it before but what made the screening special was the venue and a few particular guests in attendance, namely the director himself, co-star Eli Roth (director of Cabin Fever, Hostel), producer Lawrence Bender and a few Holocaust Survivors.
I think it would be a drastic conflict of interest to slurp on a friends band and make an out and out recommendation for you to be into them, so I won’t do that. I’d like to preserve the little bit of integrity I have left so I will instead tell you with absolute honesty that of all of the regular bands that I see on the strip (and I see A LOT of bands on the strip), one of very few that I actually enjoy seeing at least once a month is Lady Sinatra. Their own brand of Rock & Roll is as hard, fast and loud as it is difficult to pin down directly. I sometimes swear that I hear a bit of Motörhead in the backbeat mixed with a bit of that indefinable Sunset Strip sound. The musicianship is tight and the swagger is loose. If you’ve got a girl that likes to strip then put on “Girl, You’ll Be A Trainwreck Soon” off of their 2nd album Hisses & Kisses and let her do her thing. The band (@LadySinatra) was at one point giving away a free download of the record in exchange for a Tweet, but that offer may have expired. It’s still available through iTunes.
Lead singer and head of Loose Fang Records, Bunny Holliday recently sat down with evergrowing institution The Real Sunset Strip w/Scheff and The Hawk for the short interview/artist profile above (shot by photographer Andrew Herrold) which should give you a taste of their sound.
But to catch them in action they’ll be playing Monday February 15th at Crazy Girls Gentleman’s Club (Sunset & LaBrea) in West Hollywood with Sink To See and brilliant newcomers Jacuzzis (fb event). Full Disclosure: I’m playing that show, too. But if you haven’t seen Lady Sinatra in on their home turf at The Viper Room then you just haven’t seen them in their destructively natural habitat. Click for more Trash »
I’ve categorized this as “You Should Know:” but really, if you haven’t heard of Montreal fireball Melissa Auf der Maur then you need a serious lesson in Alt Rock history. After Kristen Pfaff’s overdose, Melissa became her replacement as bassist of Hole and in 2000 MAdM would replace D’Arcy Wretzky in Smashing Pumpkins until it’s initial dissolution. Her 2004 solo album titled simply Auf der Maur would go on to sell over 180,000 copies worldwide.
Now that you know who she is you should know that her latest SELF-RELEASED solo album Out Of Our Minds is a vibrant, layered work with touches of Kate Bush with newer hints of artists like A Perfect Circle, Azure Ray and Blonde Redhead. Her electro-rock orchestrations have a very epic swing and play into the delicate blasts of her voice. And it could be my stubbornly approaching 30 yrs-old ears but in songs like “Meet Me On The Dark Side” I still hear a bit of that 20th century “alternative rock” sound remaining in the songs structure which might actually be a welcome appeal to people of my generation and the Gen X’ers just before us. Of the 5 tracks I have been given to preview the standout is still the title track but a close 2nd is “The Key” which almost has a Queens of the Stone Age vibe, not so coincidentally. MAdM has also worked with them in the past. Album guests include Jordon Zadorozny (Sam Roberts), Chris Goss (QOTSA, UNKLE), Alan Molder (Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins), Mike Frazer (Franz Ferdinand, ACDC) with a special duet with Glenn Danzig.
Out Of Our Minds is following the modern trend to remonitize music by appealing to hardcore fans by offering the solo record along with various other media in cost escalating tiers. Along with the solo record there is also an accompanying Graphic Novel by Brooklyn artist Jack Forbes as well as a 28-minute HD film, directed by Tony Stone which premiered at The Sundance Film Festival in 2009 and a vinyl picture disc (among other standard merch). All of this is set for release this March 23rd.
A free MP3 of the title track is available at xmadmx.com when you sign up for updates. Warning for sensitive listeners: In title track Out Of Our Minds, “Fire” and “Desire” lyrically interchange. But because she is a redhead, I think we can make an exception.
Fresh off performing with the tonally impaired Taylor Swift and legend Stevie Nicks at Sunday’s Grammy ceremony, Butch Walker and his new band The Black Widows…which I’m kinda guessing is at least 70-100% of his regular touring moppets The Let’s Go Out Tonites are set to releaseI Liked It Better When You Had No Heart on February 23rd with a handfull of Pre-Order options now-available including a tongue-in-cheek $25,000 option which will get you a limited personal friendship with Mr. Walker. Head to Butch’s website to check out the various legitimate options. If you dig the record I suggest you purchase the vinyl version which comes with a cd for your digital fix and will be released a full 2 weeks earlier on next Tues Feb 9th.
A sold out record release show is set for Tue Feb 23 at his usual spot The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. More tickets have already been released but it of course sold out immediately. Starting March 4 Butch will embark on a string of dates with Train to support the record (which you can preview below, dates listed after that). I know I speak for a lot of my friends who have been fans of BW since either The Marvelous 3 days or his early solo career when I say, “Butch! We love you, you make great music but please, please, please MAKE A HUGE OVER-THE-TOP ROCK RECORD PRONTO AND TOUR THE SHIT OUT OF IT!”
I feel as though I’ve mentioned this before, but American Psycho is my favorite movie. Number one. No really.
So when I heard that it is apparently getting the Broadway musical makeover, I had a ‘Say Whaaaaaat?!?’ moment. And yes, you can see both my Patrick Bateman action figure and my Lost Boys (fave movie #2) poster in the background. NERD ALERT!!! Click for more Trash »
My co-author intr0vert made me hip to this video-and to Yeah Yeah Yeahs, back when ‘Fever to Tell’ came out. To be honest, I am only a couple notches above ambivalent to the band, I skip past most of the YYY songs on my iTunes about 40% of the time. I have, however seen them 3 times now and I have to admit they can definitely work it out live. After much insistence from my roommate, I have acquired their latest album, ‘It’s Blitz!’ and am going to make an effort to get into it. Click for more Trash »
For Your Consideration: Evelyn Evelyn Sounds Like: Vaudvillians! For Fans Of: The Dresden Dolls, The Ditty Bops Album: Evelyn Evelyn
(Pre-Order Soon – March 30th Release – Eleven Records) Websites:Myspace.com/evelynevelyn | @EvelynEvelyn
Evelyn Evelyn is a conjoined-twin duo under the “production” of Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls) and Seattle folk-minstrel Jason Wembley. 3 arms, 2 heads, 1 sound. Album and Comic book coming later in the year on Dark Horse Comics. They will be playing Boston and touring Europe before a summer US tour. It’s good to see weirdness and creativity hanging out shamelessly in the world.
Evelyn Evelyn Tour Dates:
April 12 – Boston, MA – ART Theater
April 12 – Boston, MA – ART Theater
April 17 – Glasgow, UK – Òran Mór
April 19 – Dublin, IE – The Academy
April 22 – London, UK – Koko
April 23 – London, UK – Bush Hall
April 24 – London, UK – Bush Hall
April 25 – London, UK – Bush Hall
April 27 – Paris, FR – L’Européen
April 28 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkwag
April 29 – Hamburg, DE – Kampnagel
May 01 – Berline, DE – Babylon
May 03 – Cologne, DE – Gloria
May 04 – Antwerp, BE – Arenbergschouwburg
May 16 – June 25 – Full tour of US and Canada. Dates posted soon!
For Your Consideration: One eskimO Sounds Like: UK Acoustic mellowness
with subtle electronic support and Animation! For Fans Of: Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Gorillaz Album:The Adventures of One eskimO
(Warner Bros./Shangri La) Websites:Myspace.com/oneeskimo | findlittlefeather.com
One eskimO 2010 Tour Dates
2/04: New York, NY @ City Winery
2/05: Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theatre
2/08: New York, NY @ The Living Room
2/12: Akron, OH @ Akron Art Museum
2/13: Detroit, MI @ Winter Blast Festival at The Atrium at Compuware Corporation Building
2/25: Minneapolis, MN @ KTCZ Oake On The Ice Concert Series
3/04: Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre*
3/05: Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre*
3/06: Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe*
3/08: Denver, CO @ Odgen Theatre*
3/09: Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Tavern*
4/18 Indio, CA @ Coachella Festival
With Gomez = *
For Your Consideration: Lucy Schwartz Sounds Like: Piano-driven pop w/layered harmonies.
Well Produced. Vocal maturity beyond her 20 years! For Fans Of: Sara Barielles. A Fine Frenzy Album:Help Me! Help Me! EP
(Available 1/26 – Self-Released) Free MP3:Help Me! Help Me! Websites:Myspace.com/LucySong
Catch Lucy Schwartz Live in the LA Area:
Feb. 9 – Hermosa Beach, CA - Saint Rocke
Feb. 24 – Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
In L.A. you are encouraged not to acknowledge a celebrity’s existence —certainly don’t say anything to them, that’s what tourists do! It’s understandable why. After all we are all human beings who wish to be rewarded for our deeds but allowed our personal freedoms including the right to peace and privacy. But I’ll have been a citizen of the The City of Angels for 3 years come Valentine’s Day (romantic I know) and I don’t give a fuck what you say, if I want to talk to someone regardless of who they are…I’m gonna. Of course even I have my rules and standards. You never, ever bother a famous person with their kids or at dinner…EVER! And I want it very clear that I’m not trying to bother anyone just because they are famous. It’s ALWAYS about WHAT they do, which is why they are famous to begin with unless they are a non-celebrity like cast members of The Hills*. I’m not going to say something unless I really have something to say. Problem is, you always think of something to say out-of-the-blue 5 minutes later. Fortunately this afternoon. I had just such a 2nd chance.
You should know that I have an EAGLE-EYE for personalities. Some people just have that “glow-of-importance” to them. Maybe I can subconsciously observe their aura. I know that sounds ridiculous.** I have no real explanation for it. When I first moved to California my inner dialog after a quick glance at someone was always, “That person looks a lot like _________.” only to realize at 2nd glance that it most likely was that person, just doing whatever. I’ve learned now to accept that it probably is that person as it proves true more likely than not.
Last March I recommended Echo Park dance troupe/electrosiezure We Are The World as a band “You Should Know” and really, this recommendation is for your own good if you feel that music needs an artistic boost removed from the cult of celebrity currently seized ahold of iTunes. Finally the Echo Park quarted have made a hauntingly spectacular video for standout track “Clay Stones” in anticipation of their first release, a single of the song available today via IAMSOUND (still saying pre-sale). The Vinyl will be out 2/23 on Manimal.
And as I’ve said before if you get the chance to catch their kenetic live show (of which they play very few) consider yourself very lucky. Their myspace page indicates an upcoming February residency here in Los Angeles but a venue has yet to be revealed. Rest assured I will be making as many trips to Silverlake/Echo Park this month as necessary.
I may technically live in the city of Los Angeles but OFFICIALLY I am a citizen of West Hollywood, CA which has been it’s own entity since 1984. I think the city planners could forsee that LA was set for collapse or realized eventually Sarah Palin would become president and knew us freaks and wierdos would be herded into internment camps for our deviant lifestyles and decided that we should just have our own city so it would be easier to decide where to put the razor-wire fences. Honestly, I can’t see myself living anywhere else or being stuck with a better group of freaks.
Sometimes the wild nights take a couple of strange turns and the next thing you know you’re devising a way to not only destroy your liver with alcohol and your lungs with smoke but we may have collectively devised the largest timebomb you can possibly send down your gullet. I’ve already told you about The Real Sunset Strip, a show that comes live from that famous WeHo drag via USTREAM hosted byScheff and The Hawk whom each have their own regular “narrowcast” channels. Here is a clip that was streamed live recently where the hosts along with myself and photographer Andrew Herrold took a trip to Duke’s Coffee Shop* (between The Whisky A Go-Go and The Cat Club) and had them bring to reality an epicurean idea hatched next to a “street meat” cart in front of The Roxy minutes before the stream began.
The Real Sunset Dog: 1/4lb. Hot Dog wrapped in Bacon, Dipped in Batter and fried (w/Bun).
Optional Condiment Suggestions: Cholula Hot Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard
Estimated Calories:700-1,000+
*Sunset Strip History: The current site of Duke’s Coffee Shop used to be a club called The London Fog, which is where The Doors had their first regular gigs in West Hollywood before becoming the house band next door at The Whisky A Go-Go. Jim Morrison in his later years would probably have eaten The Real Sunset Dog without flinching. He was The Lizard King, he would probably eat anything!
Saddle Creek recording artist Orenda Fink (of Azure Ray, wife of Todd Fink of The Faint) has made her 2005 debut album Invisible Ones available for free download on her website now through the end of January in an effort to encourage relief effort donations for the current crisis in Haiti. In a very personal letter posted to her site that recounts her time in Haiti spent making music, art, and – most importantly – friends, Orenda asks that people make a donation to a relief effort organization in return for downloading the album. Invisible Ones, her solo debut, was inspired by and mainly written during her travels there in 2003.
Luca Brasi sleeps wit the fishes…but you can sleep with the horses! Or your prize racehorse’s head at least! It sells here for $45 stuffed…$35 without fiberfill or FREE if you ask Don Corleoné on his daughter’s wedding day.
Brings new meaning to the phrase “going to the mattresses”.
I’m fully jazzed that Omaha indierock veterans Cursive will be doing 2 shows this spring on the Sunset Strip. They’ll be out from Feb.16 – Apr.2 supporting Chicago’s Alkaline Trio starting and ending the tour in the LA area. If you haven’t caught Cursive since their days with Cellist Greta Cohn you may be pleasantly surprised with the renewed energy/texture that the addition/replacement of keys/horns has been to the bands live show. I felt like using a lot of slashes today. Need fulfilled. See you next month, Cursive!
Cursive tour dates (all in support of Alkaline Trio)
FEB. 16 POMONA, CA GLASS HOUSE
FEB. 17 LOS ANGELES, CA HOUSE OF BLUES (SUNSET STRIP)
FEB. 18 SAN FRANCISCO, CA REGENCY BALLROOM
FEB. 19 PORTLAND, OR WONDER BALLROOM
FEB. 20 SEATTLE, WA NEUMO’S
FEB. 23 BOISE, ID KNITTING FACTORY
FEB. 24 SALT LAKE CITY, UT IN THE VENUE
FEB. 25 DENVER, CO GOTHIC THEATRE
FEB. 26 LAWRENCE, KS GRANADA THEATRE
FEB. 27 CHICAGO, IL METRO
FEB. 28 CHICAGO, IL METRO
MAR. 2 ROYAL OAK, MI ROYAL OAK MUSIC THEATRE
MAR. 3 COLUMBUS, OH NEWPORT MUSIC HALL
MAR. 4 CLEVELAND, OH HOUSE OF BLUES
MAR. 5 PITTSBURGH, PA CLUB ZOO
MAR. 6 TORONTO, ON PHOENIX CONCERT THEATRE
MAR. 8 CLIFTON PARK, NY NORTHERN LIGHTS
MAR. 9 HARTFORD, CT WEBSTER THEATRE
MAR. 11 PHILADELPHIA, PA TROCADERO
MAR. 12 NEW YORK, NY NOKIA THEATRE
MAR. 13 SAYREVILLE, NJ STARLAND BALLROOM
MAR. 14 PROVIDENCE, RI LUPO’S HEARTBREAK HOTEL
MAR. 16 TOWSON, MD RECHER THEATRE
MAR. 17 CHARLOTTE, NC AMOS’ SOUTHEND
MAR. 18 CHARLESTON, SC MUSIC FARM
MAR. 19 ATLANTA, GA MASQUERADE
MAR. 20 JACKSONVILLE, FL FREEBIRD LIVE
MAR. 22 ORLANDO, FL HOUSE OF BLUES
MAR. 23 FT. LAUDERDALE, FL REVOLUTION
MAR. 25 NEW ORLEANS, LA HOUSE OF BLUES
MAR. 26 HOUSTON, TX WAREHOUSE LIVE
MAR. 27 DALLAS, TX PALLADIUM BALLROOM
MAR. 28 AUSTIN, TX EMO’S
MAR. 30 TEMPE, AZ THE MARQUEE
APR. 1 SAN DIEGO, CA HOUSE OF BLUES
APR. 2 LOS ANGELES, CA HOUSE OF BLUES (SUNSET STRIP)
For Your Consideration: Midlake
