Pains of Being Pure at Heart sophomore album produced by Flood
November 4, 2010
Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ SXSW 2009
I’ve been a solid fan of the Pains of Being Pure at Heart ever since they burst onto the scene in late 2008/early 2009. I was pretty amazed when I read this article on Stereogum reporting that they’ve finished up their 2nd full-length with none other than Flood behind the faders. Knowing that a producer who was behind such huge massive sounds as U2, Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins, etc… was working with POBPAH initially scared the hell out of me. Adam Gold of the Nashville Scene/Cream once told me “they rock about as hard as a cupcake” referring to POBPAH. And honestly that’s a pretty accurate statement, but I’m actually fond of several “cupcake” bands, so that is (in some ways) a very good thing in my mind. Such a “big sound” production style would certainly spell doom for the tenderness and teenage awkwardness that is part of the reason I loved their debut album so much. At least that was my initial reaction. The quotes in the article, however, quelled most of my pessimism about this second album. Quotes like “the loud parts are louder and the quieter parts are quieter — with a lot more variation between the two” really make me feel like Flood didn’t just come crashing through the walls and lay down the law while POBPAH cowered in the corner. The band actually developed a “good push-and-pull with him” and believes that he actually learned as much from them as they did from him. To me, a big part of what made their debut so good was the way it was mixed, and most specifically the guitar sounds. Honestly there were a few moments where I found myself wanting the guitar parts to come through a little clearer; that they were a little too awash in fuzz and re-verb. So when I read that they were going for “a guitar sound that hit you in the chest.” I’m all about that. So with slight hesitation, I look forward to hearing this new album. As I’ve said all along, I really think this band has some staying power.
A few random other notes:
Congrats to everyone involved with Make-Out With Violence, the locally shot and produced feature film is now officially out on DVD and On Demand. I mentioned before they’d finally found a distribution home with Factory 25, but now you can actually go order a copy for yourself. Go forth and buy! These dudes sunk a lot of their own cash into this movie and worked tirelessly for years- they deserve it! (Via Nashville Cream)
Just watch this amazing feat of choreography and lighting that happened in NYC for the Target 2010 fall fashion spectacular. Mind=blown. (Via Vitalic Noise)
Halloween weekend rundown
October 29, 2010
Image via tenthousandknives
By now you’ve probably already pinned down your Halloween plans, but I’ll list off a few things going down this weekend just in case there’s a day that you haven’t quite figure out yet.
FRIDAY:
Freaky Friday Halloween Party at Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom. Featuring a total nostalgia-gasm of Guilty Pleasures + My So-Called Band in the Cannery and Yacht Rock Revue + Glam Hammer in Mercy Lounge. If I were going, I’d stay upstairs not because of the bands, but because we all know Guilty Pleasures + Halloween = lots of cougars dressing up as a “sexy _____” and exposing things that no cougar should ever expose. It’s 21+ and $15 gets you a wristband with access to both venues.
Clem Snide & Mountain Man are at the Basement. 21+ $8 9pm
SATURDAY:
Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom host their annual “Nightmare In Music City” party. Cannery Ballroom will be transformed into a giant dance party, Mercy will be an exclusive VIP area, and there will be a huge heated tent outside in the parking lot with more DJs and dancing. $15 GA, $50 VIP.
Mai and 12th & Porter present the 2nd annual “Haunted Valley” block party featuring DJ sets and performances by Ying Yang Twins, Chancellor Warhol, Majestico, Coach, Potamus, Brandon Wahl, Space Capone, Luna Halo, Rod Youree, Cal Ecker, Hands off Sam, and Slow Motion Centerfold. Not sure who’s playing in which venue, but GA tix are $25.
Ra Ra Riot, Villagers, and Givers are at Exit/In. 9pm $15.
There also may or may not be a secret show happening at a secret location that’s about a 40 minute drive down I-24. This secret location may or may not have a very strict capacity limit due to past events. The headlining band may or may not have been recording their debut album in this same secret location over the past few months.
SUNDAY:
Girl Talk at Mai. Outdoor party, rain or shine. Starts at 7pm!
That’s all I got. Have a good Halloween and keep it classy.
Hipster Runoff makes fun of Caitlin Rose’s NME mention
October 21, 2010
Ok, first of all, let’s be really proud of Nashville’s own Caitlin Rose, who got a spot on NME’s “The Cool List 2010.” Granted, she’s way down at #73, but that’s 2 spots above Rivers Cuomo, who came in dead last! So, way to go, Caitlin! It’s safe to say you’re officially a star in the UK. But sadly the way I found out about this was through my Hipster Runoff RSS feed. In this post from yesterday afternoon he makes fun of the NME cool list and describes Caitlin as “sounds like a girl who sad behind u in Algebra class who got preggers by senior year.” At first glance it’s a little insulting, but seriously, this is Hipster Runoff we’re talking about here. It’s kind of an honor to be made fun of by Carles. And if you take anything on that blog seriously you’re missing the point altogether. ❤ U Caitlin. U rule forevs.
A weak weekend
October 15, 2010
There’s always plenty of things going on in this City of Music every weekend, but this particular one really doesn’t have much of anything that I personally get excited about. But, here’s my best attempt:
FRIDAY:
DJs Wick-it and Kidsmeal, along with several other DJs, have been throwing a pretty badass party called Mashville roughly once a month for three years now, and they’re throwing the biggest party yet tonight at Mercy Lounge to celebrate. It’s also the release party for Wick-it’s new mashup album. Expect some of the best scratching performances you’ll find in the southeast, along with plenty of hip hop, pop, and maybe some head-bending WOMP WOMP in the form of dubstep. The very mention of dubstep makes me cringe, but I certainly respect those guys because their skills are easily light years ahead of any other DJs in this town. Sean Maloney says I need to smoke more weed to enjoy dubstep… but even then I don’t think I could enjoy it. It just ain’t my bag. There’s a 5% chance I might go just to see Kidsmeal and Wick-it have a scratch-off, and head for the patio when the WOMPs start pulsing, but who knows. Read a much better preview by Mr. Maloney at the Nashville Cream.
SATURDAY:
There is honestly not one thing happening Sat. that piques my interest enough to mention.
SUNDAY:
Matt & Kim w/ Donnis and Girls in the Eighties @ Exit/In. I saw Matt & Kim play a sold out show at this same venue along with the Cool Kids about 2 years ago, and while I don’t call myself a serious fan, they put on a pretty enjoyable show. Not that familiar with Donnis, but he drops some pretty sweet verses on “All The Girls” by Bag Raiders. And I enjoyed Girls in the Eighties’ quick and simple pop punk at their NBN show a couple weeks ago.
Have a great weekend!
New And The Relatives/Big Pics from Chile
October 14, 2010
File this one in the “what could have been” folder. Local classic indie rock (yes I’m using “classic” with “indie rock”) trio And The Relatives have sadly reached the end of their career… for the forseeable future, at least. I hate to say that, but it’s true. I won’t go into explicit details but a member of the band rather unexpectedly made the decision to move to California. That being said, they ARE releasing the debut album Green Machinery which they’ve been working on for the past few years; it will be out very soon on vinyl via a joint effort between Michael Eades’ YK Records and Theory 8. It will also be available digitally via their Bandcamp. You can actually go there now and preview a couple of the tracks. I’ve watched this band develop over the past few years, and it’s rather amazing how far they’ve come. I also must mention the eye candy that is the artwork and new website, designed by Eades and Kyle Scudder. I’d like to hope they will eventually reunite at least to play a show here and there, or even just to work on new recorded material… similar to the Hotpipes’ situation.
Some more random links/tidbits of interest:
The Boston Globe’s Big Picture blog has a series of beautiful and moving photographs from the Chilean mine rescue. I can’t imagine being trapped underground for 2 months with 32 other men, and no doubt the full psychological effects have yet to be seen. Regardless, these photographs are incredible.
T.I. apparently talked a guy out of committing suicide Wednesday afternoon in Atlanta, just a few days before he’s scheduled to go to trial on a probation violation. Good job, T.I.! Maybe the judge will go a little easier on you?
The Village Voice did a pretty cool interview with Duck Sauce (a.k.a. A-Trak and Armand Van Helden). Just go read it, and be sure to check out their new single “Barbara Streisand” for which they did this awesome came0-packed video:
New Armed Forces track/weekend stuff
October 8, 2010
It’s all about the timing, yo. If you’re in Nashville you have to know that this week was the Scene‘s annual Best of Nashville issue, in which the readers fill out polls for a few weeks voting on all kinds of local bests. The writers also compile a small list of their own favs, and our good friend Brandon Jazz was named “Best Lovable Attention Whore.” Whether it was planned or not, the timing of the release of his next single “Lose All Control” is perfect. It dropped today and was produced by Privates’ frontman Dave Paulson’s DJ-altero-ego DPAUL. The track is pure electro/disco-pop, and features a ridiculous/hilarious rap segment toward the end. Seriously, listen to this track all the way through (it’s available for free at his bandcamp)- at about 1:50 in, you’ll smile at the very least, if not have a full-blown ROFLMAO.
Now for what to do show-wise this weekend:
FRIDAY:
Tonight is a VERY rare performance of Nashville legends Jason & the Scorchers at Mercy Lounge. The band was one of the first non-country acts to emerge from Nashville, and were originally called Jason & the Nashville Scorchers. When signed to a label, they were forced to drop “Nashville” from their name because the label thought people would be too shocked to hear rock n roll from a band with Nashville in their name. Thus began the famous “Nashville Curse.” 9pm, 18+ $15 advance, $20 at the door
How I Became the Bomb is at The Basement with Cobra Cheetah Tiger Viper and My Dear Disco. 9pm, $8
SATURDAY:
This isn’t a show, but I must mention that Oktoberfest and the Germantown Street Festival are happening in the Germantown neighborhood. We’ve attended the past 2 years and it’s been a blast. There’s lots of good beer, bratwurst, and all sorts of other unhealthy items, in addition to music, vendors, and people dressed ridiculously. It’s totally free too. Though indistinguishable from one another, the two festivals claim to be separate.
Menomena is at Mercy Lounge with Suckers and Tu Fawning. 9pm
Electric Six at Exit/In was apparently canceled… lame.
The Scene is hosting Saturday’s Musician’s Corner show in Centennial Park. Lineup: Natalie Prass, Evan P. Donohue, Big Surr, Dozen Dimes, and Carter Administration. According the Cream, there might be a 6th band but it hasn’t been confirmed.
Have a great weekend!
Lots of good things happen tonight
October 6, 2010
Before I talk about the nerdy television shows which will be on tonight, I must mention that Nashville rockers Heartbeater released their debut album Slow Waves yesterday. I totally forgot to mention it. Hell I’ve only heard a couple of the songs, but I know it’s an awesome record because I’ve seen them live many times, and they are just that good. The main strongpoint is the amazing chemistry between the two guitar players whose parts are almost always playing off each other and harmonizing. Check them out at heartbeater.net or their label’s bandcamp.
Now for some serious nerding-out.
- Obama finally got a clue and is having solar panels installed on the White House. It’s about fucking time!
- Tonight is the season premier of Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel. The myths their testing tonight both involve dogs, so this will surely be an adorable episode.
- Of course, directly following Mythbusters will be the 2nd episode of Phil Plait’s Bad Universe. This time he will be studying the realities of alien attacks and the overall existence of extraterrestrials, as well as the grim realities of interstellar travel. Two of my favorite things back to back=me having a nerd-out. Here’s a sneak peak at tonight’s episode:
Dixie Downturn 8 off 8th tonight
October 4, 2010
Next Big Hangover. Next Binge Nashville. I’ve heard it all. But it’s over. It was awesome and everyone had a blast, but it’s time to move on with the regular Nashville rock and roll grind. Going out and seeing another show is probably not high on your list of things to do tonight, but if there was ever a lineup capable of changing that sentiment, it’s the Dixie Downturn 8 off 8th tonight at Mercy Lounge.
What’s Dixie Downturn? Oh, they’re just the greatest blog in the universe. Well, 2nd greatest blog… obviously this blog is the greatest in the universe. J/K. Seriously though, they are brand-spankin’ new and they are already rocking my world, mainly because they said this about my band Powerbrrrd:
Powerbrrrd are three goofy mofos that play sloppy, infectious rock ‘n’ roll music in the vein of Superchunk and Guided by Voices. They also have a video that reenacts the opening sequence from The Adventures of Pete and Pete. They are obviously in the running for greatest band in the universe for that fact alone.
But also because they put together this utterly amazing lineup for an 8 off 8th tonight- Spanish Candles, Powerbrrrd, Action!, Diarrhea Planet, Heartbeater, Fake Brad, Big Surr, and one more that I haven’t heard about yet. All these bands are bands that we love to play with and who love us, and now we love DD, who also loves us, and and and there’s just so much love.
Massive love aside, keep an eye on Dixie Downturn y’all- they’re all about the free shit, and that’s alright with me. Here’s a link to their post about tonight, and here’s a link to the facebook event. As always, it’s FREE, 21+, and there are $2.50 Yuenglings.
NBN EventBrite day party Friday
September 28, 2010
There have been hints and rumors galore about this Friday’s NBN day party, but the word is officially out now. This party is being touted as one of the best, if not THE best event at Next BIG Nashville this year. It’s a SXSW day party-style event going down at the awesome Neuhoff Factory in Germantown, and there will be TONS of free swag, free booze, a photobooth, t-shirts printed onsite, and of course an awesome lineup of music. The Features headline, with support from Morning Teleportation, Take The Power Back (female RATM tribute), and Kurtis Stanley. I will also be DJing some hot new jams between and after the bands.
Priority entrance will be given to NBN VIP badgeholders and wristbands, but EVERYONE MUST RSVP at the EventBrite website. If you’re not a badgeholder or wristband-wearer but still want to go, get your ass on over there and RSVP now because only the first 100 general public will get in! Full details:
EventBrite NBN Factory party
3:30-7pm
Neuhoff Factory- 1315 Adams St., Nashville
21+ ONLY, must RSVP here
THE FEATURES
Morning Teleportation
Take The Power Back
Kurtis Stanley
DJ sets by BURGERS between/after bands
Free drinks, free swag, photobooth, onsite t-shirt printing
See you Friday!
TEX Big Nashville tonight and tomorrow/random tidbits
September 27, 2010
Do you know Tex Rambunctious? If you don’t, then you’re probably a low-life scum suckin’ pile of horseshit! At least, that’s what Tex would say. Tex is the alter-ego of local music promoter/manager Dean Shortland, and he’s put together a one-two punch lineup of free shows leading up to this weekend’s Next BIG Nashville Music Festival/Conference. It’s called TEX Big Nashville, and the lineup is full of great bands who were flirted with by NBN but ultimately dumped for sexier bands/artists. My own band POWERBRRRD (Seth decided to make us a twitter, so follow us!) is among them. We are on tonight’s lineup at Mercy Lounge, which is an 8 off 8th-style lineup consisting of us, Del Barber, Chris Pickering, Jacob Thomas, Shotgun Lover, The Weeks, and maybe Jeremy Lister. As always, it’s FREE and starts at 9pm.
Tomorrow night’s TBN lineup is at Exit/In and features Codaphonic, My Tyger, The Black Shades, Reno Bo, and Bravo Max. Again, it’s FREE and will start at 9pm.
These are all great bands who, by any normal standard are certainly good enough to play NBN, but probably either a) haven’t been around long enough/produced enough recorded material, or b) don’t have any label/management affiliations/connections. So please do come out and checkout at least one night of bands before you booze it up on free drinks and sponsorships this weekend. Stay tuned in the next day or two as I have some pretty exciting news to unveil about exclusive NBN happenings on friday.
A few more random tidbits of interest:
In other NBN-related news, the Fader is co-sponsoring the WAVVES/Tennis/Christmas Island/Diarrhea Planet/Girls in the Eighties showcase on Friday night at Exit/In. They blogged about it. Which is pretty awesome.
Spin magazine also showed Nashville some love in a post about 5 new Nashville bands they ❤. Kind of an odd mix but mad props to PUJOL, The Ettes, and Turbo Fruits for making the list.
Didn’t get a chance to blog about this last night but Nashville’s own video journalist Crystal Heidemann of YouTell Concerts got made fun of on Hipster Runoff. As I told her, she should only feel honored.
steve cross loves music and science 