I’m up to my eyeballs in all sorts of random business this week, therefore I’m going to share a few links and tidbits quickly today, and that’ll be it for this blog until early next week. Here goes:
- As predicted, the Arcade Fire’s new album The Suburbs debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts thanks to putting it onsale at Amazon for $3.99 it’s first week. I completely agree with Aaron Hartley’s sentiments on the matter.
- Remember when Nashville’s Dead had their 1-year bday bash at Exit/In and The End? Well they finally posted some photos and video footage of it. It’s fun.
- Belle & Sebastian have a new album in the works, but no word on a release date. They do, however, have a title- Belle & Sebastian Write About Love, and album art:
That’s all I got. Now I’m gonna take care of some biz-nass and I’ll see you kids next week.
I’m swamped by a large project at work and dealing with a burglary of our house which occurred friday, so this will be short and sweet:
Nashville’s And The Relatives are gearing up for the release of their full-length debut album Green Machinery. I’ve known these dudes and been a fan for a good 2 years or more, and in that time they’ve really developed their own sound. You can stream the unmastered track “Hammer Down” at Future Sounds. You can also download 3 free tracks, 2 of which feature ATR Theory 8 labelmate Caitlin Rose on guest vocals, at their bandcamp. Needless to say, after hear “Hammer Down,” I’m eager to hear the rest of this album. I have a feeling it’s going to be my favorite material by them yet. Yes, they’re “good old indie rock” as FS describes, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t some of the best “good old indie rock” I’ve heard in quite a while.
Also, I would just like to comment that Arcade Fire and their management are pretty clever to offer the new album The Suburbs for sale on Amazon.com the very first day of its release. You can get it for a mere $3.99. That’s one hella good way to score higher album sales in week 1, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they end up charting in the top 5.
Nashville’s Dead bday tonight/new Bad Cop & Adam Anyone
July 27, 2010
Tonight Nashville’s Dead is a year old, and they’re throwing a huge free show on Elliston for Rock the Block. They’re taking over both The End and Exit/In, and it’s all free. It’s a crazy good lineup, basically Infinity Cat & friends, minus Jeff the Brotherhood. (Poor Jake got pneumonia a week or so ago and is still recovering I think…) Gonna be a huge party y’all. I still don’t know if I’ll be there… I’ve been feeling a little introverted lately… gettin’ all emo and shit. Just kidding. About the emo part. (via Nashville’s Dead, duh)
Nashville’s Bad Cop have a debut album ready to drop into the masses called Harvest the Beast, and it’ll be out Sept. 14th on ROIR! Records. These guys have been touring pretty hard and are all-around awesome dudes, and are worth checking out.
Their singer Adam Anyone also has a solo project in the works, and from the sound of it, he’s been listening to a lot of Nirvana lately. Pretty awesome stuff. Check out the video for “Sail Away,” directed by my friend and bandmate Seth Graves: (Via We Own This Town)
Review: Caitlin Rose’s “Own Side Now”
July 15, 2010
Caitlin Rose is quickly becoming a well-known name not only in the US, but also in the UK. In fact, her debut album Own Side Now is actually hitting shelves over there (on Aug. 9th via Names Records) before it comes out stateside. As of right now I haven’t heard any specific details on the US release, but it will no doubt be on Theory 8. This girl is headed for the stars and I have no doubt she will eventually make a sizeable impact on both country and indie music. I say that because she has purposely beaten her own path into the jungle that is the music industry, and avoided anything and everything to do with Nashville’s music row, home of modern pop-country. I must lay down a disclaimer that I’ve known Caitlin for a good 2 years now, and know about her for at least 4, if memory serves. My first encounter with her was when she tagged along with Joel J. Dahl (of De Novo Dahl) to perform with him on my radio show Fascination Street on 88.3 WMTS (MTSU’s college station). She went under the name “Save Macaulay” at that time, and played early versions of “One Speed Confessional” and “Shotgun Wedding.” (I think) To remember that and then listen to this album is pretty overwhelming. It’s not the comparison of then to now that overwhelms me, but that her performance then was nothing short of awesome, and she was only about 17 at the time! Furthermore, the track “Song for Rabbits” on the new album was actually written when she was 16!
Enough silliness. This album does her songs a lot of justice. The production plants her new “full band” sound firmly in that alt-country, indie-folk gray area. I think that’s right where she needs to be, at least for now, and it seems to be where she’s comfortable. She selected a group of session players to fill out the songs with strings, pedal steel, etc… and they nailed it. The album was recorded and produced by Mark Nevers (of Lambchop), who’s done studio work with the likes of Clem Snide, Silver Jews, and Bonnie “Prince” Billy. It was a perfect match of style, and with so many of Caitlin’s main influences being 70’s era Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Loretta Lynn, etc… his vintage analog recording gear created some very satiating sounds that fit her songs perfectly. I only have a digital copy, but I can’t wait to give this thing a listen on vinyl. Caitlin’s voice and amazing storytelling ability still remains the focus of the album, even though it’s filled with expansive instrumental performances, which is a testament to Nevers’ production skills. The placement of harmonies and guest vocals always complements the melodic aspects of the songs without stepping on the story being told. If there’s anything I could wish for on the next album, it would be to maybe hear her cut loose and really belt it out a little more on the rockin’ songs like “Shanghai Cigarettes.” But that’s just me forcing myself to be critical and nit-picky. This is a damn fine record by a girl who’s got more talent in her little finger than most of us have in our whole body. Grab the track “Sinful Wishing Well” from the new album below.
Caitlin Rose-Sinful Wishing Well
And now watch this video of an early demo of “Shanghai Cigarettes.” Then compare it to the album version when you buy it, and prepare to have your mind blown.
*FYI- I’m about to be in NYC for 5 days, so don’t expect any posting before next Wednesday.*
The Comfies Present: Benjamin A. Harper’s Fantôme
June 2, 2010
After a long, liver-abusing Memorial Day weekend, I’m back.
Last year Benjamin A. Harper (not that Ben Harper) of the Comfies released The Comfies Present: Benjamin A. Harper in This Ship Is Going Down. It was the first of a planned 3-EP series, and he’s just released the second of that series, The Comfies Present: Benjamin A. Harper’s Fantôme. As all smart artists do, he’s using Bandcamp to distribute his music, so go grab the new EP there. It’s on the name-your-own-price plan, so it can be free if you want it to be. The EP has a full range of song tempo and mood. From the toe-tapping straightforward power pop of “Shake It Like You Mean It” to the soft instrumental melancholy of “Christmas Eve Eve,” this EP covers a lot of ground in 6 short tracks. Harper is at his best in the higher-energy tracks of the collection, but one that is quickly growing on me is “Chemicals,” which features some very nice string arrangements. Ben actually played almost every instrument on these recordings, which is probably the main reason for the 10-month lag between releases. Or maybe I just had it my head that the releases were all set for a quick-succession release schedule for some reason… either way, I hope the next and final one comes soon!
The official EP release show is July 2nd at the End with Tristen. Be there.
Before I list this weekend’s Nashville show offerings, there are a few newsy-bits that need to be shared:
Caitlin Rose stopped by the Daytrotter studio recently to record a lovely live session. Go grab the mp3’s here… the free ones are an ugly 128 kb/s in quality, but for a measly $4 you can get the high quality version. I still haven’t heard an official release date for her album (which was recently completed), but it should be this coming fall/winter. (Via Yewknee via Hartley)
Some other big news from the Hartley camp- De Novo Dahl’s new album Tigerlion is officially out, and you can get it at their bandcamp for whatever price you wish to pay. They celebrate the release tonight at Mercy Lounge. (More on that below.)
Brooklynvegan is a bit behind on their coverage of Nikkin Darlin’s injury, but I mention the post because they included a pretty cool short documentary video about them that was shot during this year’s SXSW. Check it:
Now for this weekend’s plethora of show offerings…
FRIDAY
As I mentioned above, tonight is the release party for De Novo Dahl’s new album Tigerlion. It’s at Mercy Lounge, they’ve enlisted the help of How Cozy!, Tallest Trees, and Fly Golden Eagle. The show’s proceeds will benefit Ms. Candice Burnside, who you’ll know if you ever frequented Grimey’s New & Preloved Music over the past few years. She’s currently battling breast cancer (which as I understand, she’s all but won).
There’s a pretty kickass house show happening tonight in east Nashville- the Non-Commissioned Officers, Tristen, and the Whole Fantastic World. More info on the facebook event.
I must also mention that tonight is the 2-year birthday of Happy Valley, taking place at the Cannery Ballroom. Jim O’Shea and the staff of Cannery Ballroom have put their heads together to create a light show/atmosphere that will surely blow your mind. DJ’s are Coach, Mindub, Sanchez & the Shockers, Ducko, and Hands off Sam. I also hear that a certain hat wearin’, trash talkin’, Dime managin’, former oil tycoon will be there….
SATURDAY
There’s yet another benefit for Candice Burnside happening on Saturday, this time at the Exit/In, with none other than the Features, Cortney Tidwell, and a re-united (with a slightly different lineup) Hotpipes. There will also be DJs between bands: Sean Maloney (as LWWS LRRRGNT), Curse of the Drinking Class, and yours truly (Burgers). Facebook event here.
The other big show for Saturday is the Moustache May closing party at Mercy Lounge. Michael Eades has put together a great lineup for this one: The Whole New Usuals, Tristen, Shaboi, Roy Ira, and Uncle Skeleton. The big story here is Uncle Skeleton, the (formerly) side project of Ross Wariner of Kindercastle fame. Ross put out his debut album Pancho Chumley last year under the Uncle Skeleton moniker, and now the follow-up Warm Under the Covers will be unofficially released at this show. I say unofficially because Mr. Eades (whose label YK Records is handling the album) said “Sadly, the vinyl version will not be available in time for the release so I’m not making it official official until that time.”
I must also mention now, since it’s Memorial Day weekend, that this coming Monday, May 31st is my next 8 off 8th. It’s actually 7 off 8th, but that’s because it’s the official afterparty of the Rock & Roll Trivia 1-year anniversary, which is happening earlier that night and may run a little later than usual due to the festivities. The lineup is (in no particular order): The Whole Fantastic World, Bad Cop, Powerbrrrd, How Cozy!, Evan P. Donohue, Zut Alors, and Kingston Springs. As always, it’s FREE and is 21+. They also have $2.50 Yuenglings. Flyer (links to facebook event):
I heard about this show last friday, but couldn’t really mention it until the official word came from Mercy Lounge/Cannery. Chromeo and Holy Ghost! will be playing at the Cannery on August 26th! This is the kind of lineup that 5 years ago would’ve never been possible in Nashville, but now it’s happening, and you should be very excited because this is one of the best matchups ever to come through town. I must be totally honest- I’ve always been rather lukewarm about Chromeo, but I can rock some Holy Ghost! any day. After seeing LCD Soundsystem at Bonnaroo this year and then seeing Holy Ghost!, my DFA void will be filled.
On a different note, it looks like local math-punks The Ocelots have been busy in the studio, as they’ve got a new EP on their bandcamp. This material is a much-needed break from their past. These songs have more of a melodic direction than their older ones while still keeping the jagged, bouncy, math-rock format intact. In fact, one of the songs actually stuck in my head for a minute… something that would’ve never happened before. It’s name-your-price… but I suggest making a donation…
Kelly Kerr is what most would call a “veteran” of the Murfreesboro music scene. This guy has been around for years, played in tons of bands, was involved with the now-defunct Vacant Cage Records, and had a steady stream of solo projects. He even started a small brewing company called Bucket City Brew (which is part of the reason I started brewing). His latest project is called Kelly Kerr & The Distractions, and it’s easily his most notable endeavor. They are about to release their 2nd album, titled Chronological Disorder: How to Pass History in 13 Easy Steps, next week on May 11th. The album is comprised of songs all about various topics in US history, and is his best work to date. The recording quality is better than anything I’ve heard from him before, and the songs are all well-produced. Snag the track “Eli Whitney” below, and go to their Bandcamp page to get two other free tracks. Also check out their official website for some clever video commercials, show listings, etc… The album release show is May 22nd at Foobar, and will feature supporting acts Superstar Machine (Seth Graves’ official new chillwave project), and Streetlight Allstars.
Kelly Kerr & The Distractions- Eli Whitney
This weekend has a lot of good shows, most of which are benefits for victims of the recent flood disaste:
First of all, I have to plug my own band’s show this Saturday at the End. It’s Powerbrrrd’s first show in many months and while I’d like to say that we’ve been holed-up recording all this time, that is not the case. We’ve just been lazy, and getting a new drummer (I moved to bass and guitar), Jesse Baker. This show also serves as Diarrhea Planet’s EP release. Also playing- Frank the Fuck Out, Spanish Candles, and Bad Cop. Seriously, this one y’all don’t want to miss! Of course, it IS a flood benefit, so that $5 you pay at the door all goes to Hands on Nashville.
Tonight: The art space/zine shop/venue collective known as Little Hamilton is having some money woes, and are thus having a benefit show tonight to help raise $$$ so they can pay their rent. It’s a dance party featuring DJ Jade Payne and others, and starts at 9pm. 1318 Little Hamilton St.
Also tonight- Space Capone’s CD release party w/ Mikky Ekko @ Mercy Lounge.
Sunday there’s another great flood benefit show happening at Rocketown. This one will feature a shitload of bands, including Heavy Cream, Daniel Pujol, So Jazzy, Ben Steine’s Money, Big Surr, and many more. Important: this one is at Rocketown’s NEW LOCATION of 522 5th Ave South.
If you missed the awesome flood benefit show this past Wed. night at Mercy Lounge as I did, check out Nashville Cream’s Spin review of it. They also have some nice footage of it there, too.
Have a great weekend!
New Silver Seas/weekend shows
April 30, 2010
First of all, I apologize for a lack of posts this week. The first half of the week I was just being lazy, and the latter half I’ve been stricken with a wicked cold. But I’m doing much better today.
A few years ago when I had a radio show on 88.3 WMTS Murfreesboro, I did an interview with Daniel Tashian of The Silver Seas (who were then known as The Bees U.S.). They had just released a wonderful album called High Society, but since the release of that album they’ve kept a somewhat low profile. Now they’re finally gearing up the release of their next album Chateau Revenge, and you can actually order the album now in digital version only. The CD version will release July 6th. Though I haven’t heard the full album yet, you can stream snippets of the songs on their official website for the release. They’ve also released one track, called The Best Things In Life, for free. This song is simply pop perfection… I don’t know what else to say. In my humble opinion, it’s a perfectly executed, perfectly produced pop song. It was stuck in my head literally after the very first time I listened to it. The polished production fits perfectly with the songwriting style, and never crosses into “over-produced” territory. A full review of this record may come in a later post, but for now snag the mp3 below and put it on repeat. (Via We Own This Town)
The Silver Seas-The Best Things In Life
There are lots of good shows happening in Nashville this weekend, here are a few that stuck out to me:
Friday: Local Natives and Sucker @ The Basement; Treasure Fingers w/ Coach, Hands Off Sam, and Potamus @ Mai. (Treasure Fingers is effing amazing, if you into electronic/dance music at all, don’t miss this show!)
Saturday: Pretty Lights @ Limelight
Sunday: Avid Gardener, How Cozy!, Day Kids, Pharmacy Spirits, Conestyle, and Deluxin’ @ Little Hamilton.
Have great weekend!
Record Store Day/other Nashville music tidbits
April 16, 2010
Some other random tidbits I’ve come across:
Caitlin Rose was just confirmed for the End of the Road festival this Sept. in the UK. She also has a small UK tour scheduled for the spring/summer, and will be competing in the Road to Bonnaroo 8 off 8th this coming Monday at Mercy Lounge. (Via Hartley)
Natural Child got some blog love from Brooklyn Vegan. They’re playing a few shows in NYC this weekend, which is part of a bigger tour they’re currently on. They’ll also be hitting the road in June with labelmates JEFF the Brotherhood. You can also snag their track “Dogbite” from the post.
Makeup & Vanity Set released a new track called “Night Visions” to the masses via Bandcamp earlier this week. All you gotta do is give him your email address. I promise he won’t do anything bad with it.
I’ll leave you with this very…. homo-erotic… cover art from the new Scissor Sisters album Night Work, which comes out 6/29. Seriously though, would expect anything less from the Scissor Sisters?
Have a great weekend!
steve cross loves music and science 