Fool’s Gold takes a page from the Jack White play book
June 30, 2011
Photo by Brook Bobbins
A-Trak and his Fool’s Gold Records team seem to have taken a page from the Jack White play book and opened their very own record store/swag store in Brooklyn, NY. I shouldn’t have to say that I’m a huge fan of just about everything Fool’s Gold and/or A-Trak does, and this just makes it even better. You can bet I will be paying them a visit next I’m in the Big Apple. One thing is pretty clear here- the similarities between what Jack White has done with his Third Man Records here in Nashville and what A-Trak is doing with his Fool’s Gold Records in NYC. I feel like A-Trak is headed for a similar status in the hip hop/dance/DJ realm as Jack White has built in the rock realm. They both have opened storefronts in their respective cities with an exquisitely curated style and vision, but also their respective labels consist of top-notch talent and everything about both of their brands has a sense of organic, home-grown quality to it. Next in line: Mac McCaughn and a Merge Records store in Chapel Hill, NC?
MoogFest returns/The Rosebuds have a new album
June 2, 2011
The Rosebuds have been around since 2003, and were one of those “awww it’s a husband/wife band” bands. Little did I know that they’d been going through relationship issues over the past couple of years… in fact, Kelly Rosebud packed up an moved to Brooklyn, NY alone. Amazingly, they put their personal issues aside and made a record, which is coming out June 7 on Merge, called Loud Planes Fly Low. I caught the band opening for British Sea Power at Mercy Lounge several years back… 2008 I believe… and I remember it being a pretty good show. Good enough that I checked out their album Night of the Furies. You won’t find any soaring disco anthems like “Get Up Get Out” on Loud Planes Fly Low, but how could one expect that given the circumstances under which this album was made? These songs are much more honest and emotionally charged than ever before, and all in all the album has a more earnest feel than Night of the Furies. But I can’t compare it with other albums because I only have a few tracks from the rest of their discography. Overall this is a good album. Here’s the track “Come Visit Me”:
The Rosebuds – Come Visit Me (download)
MoogFest is back in 2011, and the lineup is absolutely phenomenal. I wanted to go last year because A) the lineup was awesome, B) the whole idea was awesome, C) Asheville is a pretty cool town. This year, I just don’t see how I can miss it. All efforts will be made to attend. I mean, just look at this freaking lineup:
Consider me there.
Moustache May: the Final Cut/music tidbits
June 1, 2011
If you didn’t know already, I participated in the final (probably) chapter of Moustache May, the annual celebration of the follicle curated by local web design wizard Michael Eades (aka Yewknee). It was bittersweet to see such a ridiculous and awesome thing come to an end, and honestly I’m torn between shaving mine off and attempting to grow it out longer just to see if it can be tamed into a nice handlebar. That could possibly take another month or so of growth, so we’ll just have to see if I can hold out. To be quite honest, a lot of people stigmatize an ordinary moustache as “creepy” or otherwise undesirable. But I feel that a well waxed/curled handlebar sets its bearer apart as much classier. The above video is a mock movie trailer created by several of the “core” MM participants… or at least those around Nashville who have been a participant for many years. It’s quite hilarious and well worth a watch.
A few random music tidbits I felt like mentioning:
–SebastiAn just released his first full-length album, titled Total. I hate to make this comparison but it can’t be avoided- if you liked Justice’s 2008 album Cross, you will like this album. It’s really fucking good. Thick, juicy, sexy, filtered-French-sample-funk/electro.
–Stacked is a mix by Royal Sapien that somehow crams 300 tracks into one hour. I had it going in the background for a bit and it’s just that- very background-y. But the feat of fitting/mashing 300 tracks into one hour alone is worth mentioning. (Via Harder Blogger Faster)
-Speaking of DJ-related things. I may or may not have mentioned on here the fate of my La Paz Late Night series. Basically I’ve decided that space is cursed. No restaurants can seem to find success there and neither can any DJ nights, despite its great location and swanky interior. I don’t have the means to promote a huge multi-sponsor event and that’s what the owner wanted. So, I’m talking to some people involved with a thing that seems like it’ll be pretty badass, but I don’t want to jinx it, so that’s all I’m saying for now. Stay tuned.
JEFF the Brotherhood really are the champions
May 3, 2011
Jake and Jamin of JEFF the Brotherhood are pretty much the luckiest dudes in the world right now, at least in terms of their musical career. The Nashville Cream broke the story just this morning that they and their own label Infinity Cat have struck a deal from heaven with Warner Music Group. Read that Cream post for the deets, but in short, they (both the band and their label) get the $$$ and muscle of WMG while not sacrificing their creative freedom. They can still do what they want, how they want, but with this deal they reach a MUCH wider audience. Not only do they have all this going for them, but they have basically the greatest dad ever- Robert Ellis Orrall. He uses his years of experience in the music industry to help J&J run Infinity Cat, and he’s supported them in every way possible through their various musical endeavours. (Vice Magazine ran a cool little story on that recently.) Way to go, bros. You really are the champions right now. I can personally attest to the fact that these are some of nicest, coolest dudes you’ll ever meet and they couldn’t be more deserving. #Winning all around.
It may take many more days before NWS survey teams can finish their assessment of the damage from the April 27th tornado outbreak, but being the weather nerd that I am, I want to go ahead and share a collection of links where you can find preliminary reports on the tracks and intensities of some of the many twisters that touched down. Note that there is at least one EF-5 (the highest intensity with winds over 200 mph) tornado confirmed, and there could be more upgraded to that status as more damaged is inspected. NWS Memphis survey– covering parts of northern Mississippi. NWS Jackson, MS survey. NWS Hunstville, AL survey. NWS Morristown, TN survey. And finally, this graphic from the NWS Birmingham, AL survey. The most complete graphic I’ve seen:
So that’s the bad. Please make a donation to the American Red Cross or any other legitimate organization providing relief for those devastated by this natural disaster. Now for some good things to lighten the mood.
I will call the news of Osama bin Laden’s assassination good, but I certainly will never rejoice the death of any human being. While I am relieved somewhat, and do feel that justice has been done, I’m quite certain that the assassination itself as well as the celebrations will only give the rest of al-Qaeda even more reason to attack the US and its allies.
In even better and much much much lighter news, Moustache May has begun its final year of activity. I participated back in 2008 and am doing so again this year. Due to some very important meetings happening last week at my work, I was unable to start my stache until Friday, so I’m basically starting with a clean slate. Right now I look utterly creepy but hopefully we’ll get past that stage very soon as it fills in.
I came across this absolutely amazing new music video for the Supermen Lovers’ track “Take A Chance” and decided that it was the best thing to end this post with. Enjoy. (Via Too Many Sebastians)
Shows to see this weekend
April 29, 2011
Here’s what I personally think is worth seeing this weekend:
FRIDAY:
The Pink Spiders, Evan P. Donohue, Devin Robinson, Denny & the Jets @ The End. 9pm $5. Yep, TPS are back, and for more on that check out Adam Gold’s feature on them in this week’s Scene.
SATURDAY:
Those Darlins Screws Get Loose album release party w/ Heavy Cream and Trophy Wife @ Mercy Lounge. $10 (half price tix available at Grimey’s!) Doors 8pm.
The Clutters Breaking Bones album release party w/ Big Surr and DJ Ben Swank of Third Man Records @ The Basement. 9pm
$5.
This is a really tough choice as both shows going to be utterly awesome. Might as well flip a coin?
In other news, the Cream’s “Conference Call” series continues with Evan P. Donohue. Definitely worth a watch or three.
In other other news, the Country Music Marathon is tomorrow and there are a ton of road closures around downtown. As usual, the Nashvillest gals are kickin’ ass and takin’ names by compiling all the info you’ll ever need to avoid crossing paths with the CMM.
Have a great weekend!
Epic Ditch/Natural Child
April 21, 2011
How did it get to be Thursday so fast? Sorry for the lack of posts this week.
Call it a supergroup if you want, but don’t attach the stigma of other failed supergroups to Epic Ditch, the new band from Superdrag’s John Davis. He’s recruited Knoxville-turned-L.A.-turned-Nashville producer Nick Rasculinecz, former Slack and Har Mar Superstar drummer Nick Slack, and Knoxville musician Stewart Pack to round out the lineup. They’ve yet to play a live show, but they have an EP up on Bandcamp for a measly $5, and I recommend checking it out. If you were a Superdrag fan, or a fan of any 90’s power pop or skater punk, it would be hard not to like this stuff. Very straightforward, intense, punch-in-the-face rock that will have you waxing nostalgic on most anything you listened to in your high school years. If you’re my age, and a dude, because this is pretty dude-tastic rock and roll.
After a run of several 7″ singles, Natural Child is finally releasing their debut LP 1971 through Infinity Cat Records. Their brand of greasy, dirty, and sometimes raucous stoner-rock hits the spot. Exile on Main St. hangs blatantly from their sleeves, yet they never get too derivative. But don’t take my non-professional music blogger opinion- check out what Patrick Rodgers, the Scene’s new music editor, had to say about it on the Cream. You can also snag the track “Hard Workin’ Man” there. Speaking of tracks, another one from the record, “Yer Birthday,” can be found on both Nashville’s Dead and RCRD LBL. That’s right- our local boys got some major non-local love. Good job, fellas.
If you haven’t heard yet, R.I.P. Gerard Smith, former bassist of TV on the Radio.
Nashville is going to be one gigantic orgy of awesomeness this weekend. Between Record Store Day happenings, Vanderbilt’s Rites of Spring festival, and other good “normal” shows, you can’t possibly be disappointed with your choices of entertainment.
RECORD STORE DAY:
First of all, I won’t even attempt to give a rundown of all the Record Store Day shenanigans when the hard-blogging dudes and gals at the Cream have done such a fine job themselves. But I will say that probably the pinnacle of the whole thing is the once-inside-now-moved-outside Jerry Lee Lewis show at Third Man Records. I think roughly 650-ish tickets were sold, counting the additional 300 that were released when the show was moved outside, but they are long-since sold out. Since the show is outside, I’m sure you could stand anywhere within a block of TMR and hear it.
RITES OF SPRING:
Both days have some worthwhile acts, and tickets are still available. Some acts of interest:
RITES FRIDAY:
Futurebirds- 4:45pm, Public Enemy- 9:10pm, and The National- 10:40pm
RITES SATURDAY:
Madi Diaz- 6:25pm, The Features- 7:15pm, Matt & Kim- 8:15pm, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros- 9:45pm, Kid Cudi- 11:15pm
“NORMAL” SHOWS OF INTEREST:
FRIDAY:
The Mattoid w/ Lone Official and Denny & The Jets @ Springwater. 10pm, 21+, $5. One of many of The Mattoid’s farewell shows this week.
SATURDAY:
The Greenhornes w/ PUJOL and Hacienda @ Mercy Lounge. 9pm, 18+, $12 adv/$14 dos
Hunx & His Punx w/ Shannon & The Clams, JEFF the Brotherhood, and Heavy Cream @ The End. 9pm, $6
SUNDAY:
Personal & the Pizzas, Useless Eaters, Barreracudas, and Cy Barkley & The Way Outsiders @ Glen Danzig’s House. 7pm $5
Finally, I have to post this amazingly satisfying video of Republican former Governor of Florida Charlie Crist apologizing to David Byrne for illegally using a Talking Heads song in a campaign ad during his run for a seat in the US Senate in 2010. Byrne sued, won, and part of the settlement was that Crist had to publicly apologize to Byrne on camera. (Via Steregum)
Have a blast this weekend and buy lots of records!
Weekend shows/thoughts on LCD Soundsystem
April 1, 2011
First up- the rundown of some good shows/activities for the weekend in Nashville:
FRIDAY:
Sebadoh w/ Richard Buckner @ Mercy Lounge. 9pm $15. I’ll be there taking pics.
D. Watusi 7″ release show w/ Diarrhea Planet & Fox Fun @ Glen Danzig’s House. 7pm $5
White Denim/Hans Condor @ Third Man Records. Tix no longer available. According the TMR website, this will be a 21+ show (due to alcohol being served) and doors are at 8pm, unlike most other TMR shows.
SATURDAY:
Spoken Nerd, the Billy Goats, Quiet Entertainer, Get Got, Manchild @ the 5 Spot. 9pm $5. This has to be the first time I’ve seen hip hop happening at the 5 Spot…
Pancakes & Booze Art show @ Open Lot. This is actually night 2 of the event (it’s also Friday night), but as far as I can tell only this night features live music? Said live music will come from Hanzelle and Auto Defiance. Both nights are 8pm-2am, 21+, have a $5 cover, cash bar, and freeze pancake bar. Open Lot is at 29 Hermitage Ave in East Nashville.(Via Dixie Downturn)
SUNDAY:
Loud Love: A Save WRVU benefit featuring R. Stevie Moore, Diarrhea Planet, Evan P. Donohue, Black Patch, Gnarwhal, and Flesh Vehicle. At the Muse, 7pm, all ages. $5 minimum donation. Yeah, it’s at the Muse, but it’s a killer lineup and a good cause.
At this point I must direct you toward the hilarious time-machine April Fool’s joke that the Scene music writers came up with on the Cream. Makes me feel all nostalgic inside…
An open letter from A. V. Club music critic Steven Hyden to LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy got me thinking this morning. I would argue that LCD Soundsystem, if things go as currently planned, is world’s best executed band/musical project. At least in realm of pop music. They’re by no means the greatest band, but I’d say the most perfectly executed band. The main reason for this is that Murphy is smart enough to know when to stop. Nothing lives forever. Everything has its peak, its high point. LCD Soundsystem has reached that, so why not go out on the highest possible note? End it with a bang. That’s exactly what Murphy is doing, and he is a fucking genius because of it. I whole-heartedly agree with Mr. Hyden’s sentiments about the career of LCD Soundsystem, so just go read the letter. I just wanted to add my thoughts about why ending it now is the best possible thing they could do. Thank heaven I got to see them at Bonnaroo last year, because I didn’t catch their only Nashville appearance (to my knowledge) at the Exit/In in ’05. (or was ’06?) Well done, Mr. Murphy. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of you.
Have a great weekend.
Remember Grand Palace records in Murfreesboro? While Chuck and Bingham have kept the screen printing business going full steam-ahead, and Alex Norfleet kept the recording studio up and running, the record store, venue and label have all gone somewhat dormant. As a matter of fact, (most locals know by now) the whole operation is moving out of the charming old building on the square that’s been its home for the past 6 or so years. Word is they’re moving to Nashville, but that’s as much as I know.
The point of all this is that Rod from the awesome Boro-based band Bows and Arrows is working with some friends to revive the label portion and has some new releases planned for this year under the GP moniker. Leading up to it, his own band is releasing a series of free digital 7″‘s. Here’s the news straight from the horse’s mouth:
Us and Grand Palace Records have a bunch of really exciting physical releases planned for most of the year, and to lead up to them Bows and Arrows will be releasing a Digital 7″ every week and they will all be downloadable for free on our bandcamp page at the bottom of the email. This first Digital 7″ consists of two covers, “Leave Me Be” by The Zombies and “All I Wanna Do” by The Beach Boys. They were each recorded in a couple hours in the house our debut album is named after, 1010 Eaton Street. Side B features our roomates on vocals, electric guitar and bells. Future Digital 7″ releases will include more covers, demo versions of songs, brand new songs and collaborations with other artists among other things.
So do yourself a favor and go grab the new digital 7″ from their bandcamp, and keep an eye on all things Grand Palace. They’re back.
steve cross loves music and science 