Tuesday, October 31, 2006

A Bow

The Scissor Sisters are playing Halloween to a sold out London crowd. Why do you care? Because you can see it for free tonight on Global Cool. By pledging to reduce your carbon emissions, you are treated to not only the show but pre-show-getting-ready-antics. Their costumes and live performance are not to miss on any old regular day. A special Halloween show should be phenominal.

side note:

We are still running the contest for 3 copies of The Changes album Today Is Tonight. Add your email addy here to be thrown into the hat. Contest ends on Nov 10th.

Scissor Sisters - Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand Cover)

Scissor Sisters - Skins (remixed)

Monday, October 30, 2006

If They Mated

Now, I know this is pointless drivel, but Mike and I spent LOTS of time waiting for all of the great shows ACL weekend. We were talking about how awesome it would be if Carrie Brownstein (of Sleater-Kinney) and Matt Friedberger (of the Fiery Furnaces) played together, and possibly the control issues, blah blah blah.

Anyways, we kinda came up with a name for them or moreover the subject of them. To us, they are now BrownBerger


We also saw a lot of Cat power and Sufjan, and then got carried away deeming them, ChanJan (pronounced shawn-yawn) Finally, we saw Smog and Joanna and called them Smoanna. See Mike's earlier post.

We thought it was fun. Maybe you guys can think of some others in the music world. They obviously don't have to have any relation to each other. Possibly just those you'd like to see play together or maybe have offspring.

Sufjan Stevens - Ding! Dong! Vol. 3 That was the Worst Christmas Ever

Cat Power and Karen Elson - I Love You (Me Either) off Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisted

Friday, October 27, 2006

If Yr Nasty


Pink Nasty (aka Austinite Sara Beck) is high on my list of need-ta/wanna see. She was invited to tour with Bonnie "Prince" Billy and is featured on his live album. He reciprocated with a duet on her new album Mold the Gold. Her brother is Black Nasty, who helps to co-write some of her songs. Black and Pink Nasty also sing love songs with another brother as The Kevins.

Somehow I missed her last time she was in town and down the street from my house. I'm hot on her trail and will be buying whatever she's selling. She's playing solo at Good Records on Saturday the 28th at 3pm.

also:
01 Nov in Austin @ Flamingo Cantina (solo) w/The Shells/Madeline and Geoff Reacher
02 Nov in Austin @ The Parish w/Britt Daniel
03 Nov in NYC @ Mo Pitkins (solo) w/Wooden Wand and many others
11 Nov in Louisville @ The Pour House w/Speed To Roam

May It Always Be

Don't Ever Change (w/Will Oldham)

Away Message (video)

Thursday, October 26, 2006

I'm in Love

I chickened out and told Khaela of The Blow that Mike's in love with her. It's the truth, but I am, too. I've been lucky enough to be at 2 of her shows in about a month's time, and the live experience is captivating. I want her to dance in my living room. I'm going to go out on a limb and bet that you haven't picked up the new album Paper Television. It just came out on K on Tuesday, so go NOW!

Parentheses (live)

How Naked Are We Gonna Get (live)

Hock It (live)

Get the rest of this show at Lullabyes.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Not Finished With Them Yet



I'm gonna guess that this version of CSS's Alala is the one you might see on not-so-mtv's subterranean. The director spoke about the stop-motion concept with Video Static.

There are a few different videos for the same song and if you're a huge fan like me you can see them all on You Tube.

Mike and I were up front for their show at the Gypsy Ballroom opening for Ladytron. We were kinda the only ones dancing, but that's not unusual for a Dallas show. If you go see them, or anyone, please dance.

Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above (Spank Rock remix)

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Via Audio


Via Audio was born at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. They recorded a six song ep, played numerous shows, and even caught the attention of Chris Walla of Death Cab. But don't count that against them, just kidding (I think I'm the only one not into Death Cab). Now, they are working on a full album with Jim Eno of Spoon. They've drawn comparisons to Stars and Rilo Kiley. Jessica Martins' super smooth voice reminds me of Sarah Harmer (whom I LOVE). I think they've got mad skills, and if I were you, I'd catch them before they blow up. They'll be at CMJ, so someone report back to me as to how the live show is.


We Can Be Good

Modern Day Saint

FUNFUNFUN

Funny enough, I was just looking for info on this festival last week. When you see that Peaches and Spoon are booked for the same show, your curiousity is peaked. I am happy to report that the very fine booker for Emo's has done what he does best but on a bigger scale. Fun Fun Fun Fest is going down December 1st at Waterloo Park in Austin. There's a little something for everyone with an indie stage, a punk stage, and an electronic stage.

I Summon You - Spoon

You Love It - Peaches with Joan Jett

Monday, October 23, 2006

EE

Erase Errata burst onto the music scene opening for the likes of Sleater-Kinney and Le Tigre. The jagged beats and bursts of trumpets made me instantly fall in love. Throw in that they're politically conscious and can out dance anyone, now that makes for a mean show. Their lineup has changed a bit. I do miss Sara Jaffe, then they threw in some guy, but now Jenny's back to singing and has taken on the guitar parts. They'll be playing at CMJ, but for right now are taking Europe by storm.


MON 23.10 Amsterdam NL @ Paradiso
TUES 24.10 Kortrijkt/Brussels B
WED 25.10 Paris F @ Point Ephemere
THUR 26.10 Milano I @ Magnolia
FRI 27.10 Barcelon ESP @ Apollo 2
SAT 28.10 Madrid ESP
SUN 29.10 Lyon F @ Le Sonic
MON 30.10 Brighton UK @ Pressure Point
WED 1.11 London @ Spitz

Nov 3-4 @ CMJ!

Sunday, November 12 @ Cafe DuNord, San Francisco w/ Clipd Beaks, Origami
Thursday, Nov 16 Canberra, AUS @ Transit Bar
Friday, Nov 17 Sydney, AUS @ Spectrum
Saturday, Nov 18 Melbourne, AUS @ East Brunswick Club
Monday, Nov 20 Perth, AUS @ The Rosemount Hotel
Wednesday, Nov 22 Adelaide, AUS @ Rocket Bar
Thursday, Nov 23 Brisbane, AUS @ Powerhouse part of LADYFEST!
Saturday, Nov 25 Wellington NZ
Sunday, Nov 26 Auckland NZ

Tax Dollar (video)

Tongue Tied

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Sniff Sniff

No one is going to miss Mike more than me. You'd think that he and I were seperated at birth, if we weren't born many years and kids apart. He's the best, but I don't need to tell you guys that.

Here's a clip of Amy Sedaris (hopefully, Mike's future wife) on The Daily Show. She's promoting her new book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. Watch it now before it gets pulled.

Adios Muchachos

If you don't mind, I've got a pretty big announcement to make now.

Next week I'll be taking off to serve a mission in Monterrey Mexico for the LDS church. I'll be gone for two years, which means I won't be able to blog at all. I don't even know if in two years blogging will still be around or relevant, but thankfully, my sister CC has agreed to take over everything here while I'm gone. I know she'll do a great job and I hope you guys keep reading here to see what she has to say. She taught me everything I know so she'll do an awesome job.

I just want to thank you all for reading for the past year (or however long you've been reading), seeing what I have to say about music or just enjoying the tunes. I wish you all the best, and see you in two years maybe.

Jens Lekman-Be Good

Monday, October 16, 2006

Boylife


I've been loving Lo-Fi Fnk's "Adore" since No Yeti Dance posted it back in June. The Swedish duo has been getting some hot press, mostly thanks to their hot tunes, remixes, and uhh Swedishness. I didn't even know they had an album out, but they do. It's called Boylife and it's out on Moshi Moshi Records (yeah original home of Hot Chip).

Lo-Fi Fnk-Steppin' Out

Speaking of Hot Chip, you can download their remix of Lo-Fi Fnk's "Steppin' Out" for free here.
BONUS: Booka Shade-Darko (Hot Chip's The Dream of Karaoke Remix)

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Someone to Drive You


It's time to jump start the hype machine, because the Long Blondes' debut album Someone to Drive You Home is hitting the stores November 6th in the UK. Why the lack of publicity in the US? I doubt it'll be released here then but, c'mon, an import is just as good. And it's totally worth it on this one. Trust me.
The album doesn't disappoint. It may to some because the tracklist looks like all the singles and b-sides rearranged. There's a couple new songs, and most of the other tracks have been re-worked. But the songs sound fresh and upbeat, full of life and that 60's girl rock sound that made them famous.

The Long Blondes-Only Lovers Left Alive

The first single lifted from the album, the rollicking "Once and Never Again" will be released October 23rd on two different 7"s and maxi-CD. Preorder all three formats at RecordStore.co.uk
They're also touring the UK with the 1990's and Monkey Swallows the Universe.
01/10/2006 Norwich Arts Centre
02/10/2006 Stoke Sugarmill
04/10/2006 Manchester Academy 3
05/10/2006 Leeds Cockpit
07/10/2006 Newcastle Northumbria University
09/10/2006 Aberdeen Lemon Tree
10/10/2006 Glasgow Oran Mor
11/10/2006 Belfast Speak Easy
12/10/2006 Dublin Crawdaddy
13/10/2006 Liverpool University
15/10/2006 Oxford Zodiac
16/10/2006 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
17/10/2006 London Mean Fiddler
18/10/2006 Cambridge Junction
22/10/2006 Cardiff CF10 (university)
23/10/2006 Bristol Thelka
26/10/2006 Brighton Concorde 2
27/10/2006 Southampton Joiners
28/10/2006 Birmingham Carling Academy 2
29/10/2006 Sheffield Foundry

Thursday, October 12, 2006

PDX Tonight


You may have heard of this Cansei de Ser Sexy business, I mean band, and how their sexy dance moves captivated the nation while on tour with one, "Diplo." Well now they're shaking their hips across America in the company of Ladybot. But, if you're in the land of Portland, OR you get to see them play a headlining show with local PDX DJs Beyonda and Copy at Dante's. Copy is a huge favorite around these parts. I suspect it will be a good time. I only wish I could be there. But! CSS is still on tour with Ladytron and are hitting Dallas next Friday. That's better.

Cansei de Ser Sexy-Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above
Copy-Afro Oven

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Case You Didn't Know

On Tuesday, Austin City Limits released a dvd of Neko Case's 2003 performance at their studio. It's a great way to experience Neko's banter, which I love. There's even an unreleased song called "Behind the House."

I also think it's great that New West is finally starting to put out dvds of some more recent artists' appearances from the classic program. It's great to put out country classics like Willie, Waylon, and Johnny, and I think Neko has a timeless voice, but I hope they continue to dig in the vaults and tap the younger market.

Get a taste of Neko live on David Letterman, then buy the dvd.



And if you buy her newest cd from Insound, you'll be entered to win a booklet signed by Neko.

Essohvee!

Undoubtedly, you've at least heard of Lady Sovereign. She began writing rhymes at 15. Then she started recording minute long songs with the basic built-in voice recorder on her computer and sending them to people she met in chat rooms. To date, she's recorded a couple of eps and numerous singles. Jay-Z has finally jumped on the bandwagon and will be releasing her album Public Warning on Def Jam on Halloween. Go see the funny little brit spit live.

Fiddle With the Volume
When I Shout
My Yard

Today is Tonight


One of my favorite bands, The Changes, released an album on September 26th. Why have I waited to post on it? Well...I don't really know. I talked up their EP last fall, because I was snagged by their catchy hooks and the all-around good-feeling atmosphere of the EP. On the album, Today is Tonight, most of the songs from the EP followed over to the album, with the addition of a few new excellent songs.

The Changes-When I Wake

Buy Today is Tonight.

Wait! I am going to be giving away three copies of their album! All you have to do is leave your e-mail in the comments, the winner will be chosen randomly. The contest will end in a few weeks.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Vannier


When Jean-Claude Vannier's album L'Enfant Assassin Des Mouches landed on my doorstep, I had to take note. I knew the name, and it turns out he arranged a little album called Histoire de Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg.
L'Enfant Assassin Des Mouches (1972) is a concept album about a child traveling through a fly kingdom, wth the story written in the liner notes by Gainsbourg himself. It's a topsy-turvy album, sparse at times and overflowing with energy at others.

Jean-Claude Vannier-Danse De l'Enfant Et Du Roi Des Mouches
Buy the album from Finders Keepers Records, who have re-released it to the wide public.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Oh Kelly


I don't know what took me so long to post on Van She. The Australians' self-titled EP landed in America last month I think. The song "Kelly" was posted all around, for good reason. It shamelessly borrows from 80s hits but still keeping it modern.
Here fellow Australian's Cut Copy do their worst to the track.
Van She-Kelly (Cut Copy Remix)

Two of the guys team up with two girls to remix a bunch of tracks with fantastic results. See: their remix of Klaxons' "Gravity's Rainbow." Check their MySpace for a remix of New Young Pony Club's "Ice Cream."

Buy the EP.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Yes Yes Yes

Sooo the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were phenomenal last night. Seeing them play two times in a year is pretty amazing for me, and I'm so glad I went. Their energy is so high, and Karen O just looks likes she's having the best time of her life everytime I see her on stage. Her smile is contagious. They played a lot of stuff off of Show Your Bones which plays out very well. My favorites were "Y Control" and "Turn Into." I took a lot of pictures, mostly of Karen. I got a new camera so I was trying to figure out the flash and modes and crap so a lot of them look terrible, but I think some are pretty darn good.
Here's my recap when I saw them in April in SLC.

Yeah Yeah Yeash-Shake It (Live)

Friday, October 06, 2006

Yeah Yeah Dallas!


Today the Yeah Yeah Yeahs hit Dallas for the first time in a few years. Maybe three. Too long! I saw them in Salt Lake City in April thankfully, and I can't wait to see them again.
Their show tonight at Gypsy Team Room is SOLD OUT. Didn't get tickets? Good Records has you covered! For you lucky folks, the Yeahs are playing an acoustic set at 5:30 today for you! Wow! Hopefully they show up unlike The Gossip...
Unluckily for me, 1) I work until 5 and 2) I'll still have to drive to Dallas from Tyler. Yeah. So I'll be missing it but hopefully you won't!

Here's some studio goodies that never made it onto Show Your Bones.
Sealings
Down Boy

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Shake it Over and Over


Whaaat you never thought you'd see the day. Well here it is. Hot Chip (a.k.a. Band o' '06) gettin' the unofficial remix by indie remix king Diplo. Okay so he really didn't do too much with it, but still pretty rad.

Hot Chip-Over and Over (Diplo's Shake it Over and Over Remix)

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

New Releases-October 3rd


The Decemberists' The Crane Wife FINALLY hits stores today! It's been over a year since we got Picaresque and this is the band's first album on major label Capitol. Thankfully, Capitol gave the band artistic freedom enough to include a few epic songs and breezy pop songs too. Well, as pop as wordy folktalkes can be.

Summersong
Listen to the whole album at MTVu.


The Killers' Sam's Town has gotten a lot of bad reviews. The band's departure from the Hot Fuss sound has a lot of people upset. I'm willing to give the album a try, since I've fallen for "When You Were Young" pretty hard. Sure the lyrics may be a little on the cheesy side, that synth line has me hoooked.
Find songs on The Hype Machine.

There's some other stuff out today buuut these are the two I've been looking forward to. Hold Steady, Mold Schteady.

Buy The Crane Wife & Sam's Town from Insound.

Please Don't Go


Dear Nora is calling it quits. Well, she (Katy Davidson) is not, but she has strayed from the course of Dear Nora and will continue to play music by herself as well as with friends. She's already started playing with Marianna Ritchey as Katy & Marianna. Please let Dear Nora know how much you care by pre-ordering the last album There is No Home at Magic Marker.

Here are some of the last dates. Let's hope there are more to include the south (*cough*Texas*cough*).

10.06 @The Smell Los Angeles, CA
10.08 @Che Cafe San Diego, CA
10.12 @Holocene Portland, OR
Australian Dates with Darren Hanlon:
09.23 @Modified Phoenix, AZ
10.06 @The Smell Los Angeles, CA
10.08 @Che Cafe San Diego, CA
10.10 @Hemlock Tavern San Francisco, CA
10.12 @Holocene Portland, OR
10.25 @Community Arts Hall Wauchope, New South Wales, Australia
10.26 @Top Uralla Uralla, New South Wales, Australia
10.27 @Bon Amici's Cafe Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
10.28 @Globe Theatre Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
10.29 @Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
11.01 @Tea Club Nowra, New South Wales, Australia
11.02 @Heritage Hotel Bulli, New South Wales, Australia
11.03 @Gallipoli Legions Club Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
11.04 @The Metro Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
11.05 @Tilley's Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
11.08 @Three Legged Dog Albury, New South Wales, Australia
11.09 @Karova Lounge Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
11.10 @Peninsula Lounge Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
11.11 @Corner Hotel Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
11.12 @Republic Bar Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
11.13 @Royal Oak Hotel Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
11.16 @Jade Monkey Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
11.17 @Hyde Park Backroom Perth, Western Australia, Australia
11.25 @Troubadour Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
11.26 @Powerhouse Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Emily

Loose

Monday, October 02, 2006

Xiu Xiu Remixed


If you've never heard This Song Is a Mess But So Am I (real name: Freddy Rupert), well, check out some mp3s. Okay, here:
Bedridden and Dancing
Faces
Those should have you prepared for this.
Xiu Xiu-Buzz Saw (This Song Is a Mess But So Am I Remix)

Xiu Xiu is on tour. Don't miss them like I did.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

This Week in Useless Posts

So, I'm sure most of you have seen this already, as it was sent to me by a friend a while ago. But, Mike hasn't seen it yet, and I thought it was pretty funny.