Biting Their Style

Okay, I'm going to admit that I'm totally biting this post from our good friend Cory at Subservient Experiment.  I saw this video, and listened to the song, and loved both of them.  I'm a fan of the girl in the vidie, nice.

The video is the greatest commercial for an album I think I've seen...ever.  According to Cory's post the band does all of their own promotion, marketing and booking.  How very DIY punk of them, right?  

What's the bands name?  Oh right. Action Painters are to the 2009 NYC music scene what Stellastarr* was five years ago.  A nice indie pop band with a great sound that owes more than little bit to the sounds of the 1980s.  Their song "Super Market" is a nice indie pop that combines the jangly geetars with some nice synths, good stuff.  I don't see why these guys can't get the same kind of hype as their Brooklyn colleagues.  They have the stuff that Subterranean was made for--and hipsters.

And, I think their keyboard player has just been added to my rock n' roll crushes.  Yeow!

If you like what you hear you can download a whole album by them here--for free--it's worth it, great, great songs y'all.

MP3:  Action Painters - Super Market

New Neko Case

Neko is at it again--she letting everyone download her new single for free.  It's good, not as good as her first single "People Got a Lot of Nerve," but it's the best use of a music box/jack-in-the-box I've heard used on a song...ever.  Her new album comes out next week, March 3.

MP3:  Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

School of Seven Bells In Denton!

I found out today that School of Seven Bells is finally coming to...Denton?  I really, really, really wish a promoter in Dallas would have brought SVIIB to Dallas, but, Denton seems to get more indie bands--so what can you do, no?  It really has more to do with that I don't want to drive all the way to Denton to see a show.  But, I've been wanting to see a show at Hailey's and I think this one may actually pop my lil' D cherry.  

6/3/09 - Denton, TX @ Hailey's

MP3:  School of Seven Bells - Chain

Under The Cover

The other day I was cruisin' around the back alleys of the internets (lookin' for tricks obviously) and I came across The Boy Least Likely To.  Now, I'd heard of them before, but I saw they were compared to my fave Camera Obscura and Belle and Sebastian, so, I finally checked them out.  Well, when I did I came across this little gem--their cover of the George Michael classic "Faith."  And once I listened to it I realized what that song truly needed was a little banjo and acoustic guitar.

MP3:  Boy Least Likely To - Faith (George Michael cover)

Folk + Electronica = Folktronica

My only previous experience to the genre was Beth Orton, but now I have a new artist to add to my list:  James Yuill.  His single "No Surprise" has great electronic melodies accompanied with his fantastic guitar playing.  The song recalls the loneliness of unrequited love, the electronic elements add a special something to the song that makes it more than just a saccharine singer/songwriter love song.  But, the UK wonder boy pulls it all together into a sweet, cohesive pop song.

MP3:  James Yuill - No Surprise

Morrissey Years of Refusal

Steven Morrissey has had an amazing career, despite being a member of seminal Manchester band The Smiths he dropped off in popularity in the mid-90's.  It's not like his style changed up dramatically and went the punk or emo route, people just stopped paying attention.  But all that changed when he released You Are The Quarry in 2004.

Morrissey continues his resurgence with his latest effort Years of Refusal.  True to his style Moz changes from a crooner to a rockin' crooner singing about not knowing love, or being able to love and he still firmly has an anti-authoritarian chip on his shoulder.  So, basically, it's the same ol' Morrissey we've come to know and love.  

"All You Need Is Me" best sums up the my Moz's feelings by seemingly talking to lovers and detractors: "You hiss and groan and you constantly moan/but you don't ever go away and that's because all you need is me."

"I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" is one of my favorite tracks, which I'm posting.  You can pick up his album here.  He will also grace us with his presence on April 10 at the Palladium Ballroom.  Be sure to stop by Kroger's and pick up some cheap roses for the man.

MP3:  Morrissey - I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris

Depeche Coming Back To The D

Yep, the men from Depeche Mode are bringing back their joyfully dour sound back with a new album and new tour and are hitting up The D.  I'm short on details as far as where they will actually be playing, but, I'm sure it will either be the AAC or Starplex/Smirnoff/Superpages.com Center.

8/29/09 - Dallas, TX

Mash-Up Monday

It's been a while since I've heard anything exciting from Modest Mouse, but, this one is a new-oldie.  It combines the beat from Kanye West with the Modest Mousers for some interesting listening.

MP3:  Modest Mouse vs. Kanye West - Floating Paranoia

You're Only a Zero To Karen O

It's only been the last year or so that I've really gotten into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but, I was really excited to hear their new song "Zero."  Karen O has one of the best rock voices around and I can't wait to hear the rest of the new album when it comes out.  If "Zero" is any indication of how it will sound, I think I'm gonna love it.

Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels

The sound of Great Lake Swimmers ranges from dour folk-like songs to AM gold hits of The Byrds or Gordon Lightfoot with a little Ralph Stanley thrown in for good measure.  The voice of lead Swimmer, Tony Dekker, is warm and familiar, sounding like a folky Eric Bloom of Blue Oyster Cult.

The band is at it's best when it digs into the up tempo songs like "She Comes To Me In Dreams," "Palmistry" and "Everything Is Moving So Fast."  My favorite song on the album is "The Chorus is Underground," the banjo picking of Erik Arnesen is fantastic and the violin flourishes throughout the tune are top notch.  However, the down tempo songs like "Stealing Tomorrow" is somber and beautiful.

This is an early pick for favorite of the '09.  The band will be hitting up Hailey's in Denton on April 8.

MP3:  Great Lake Swimmers - Pull a Line

White Suburban Kids Be Crazy, Yo!

I'm not exactly sure what they are putting in the water out in the 'burbs these days, but, it needs to stop...now.  Yesterday I was reading an article on Rock & Roll Daily about Limp Bizkit's reunion and they position was would anybody care.  They stated the state of the music industry has shifted dramatically from when Bizkit had their heyday, which is true.  But, they also interviewed an industry "insider" that said “It’s possible that aggression and escapism are just what the public needs right now,” counters Beaujour, who notes that rap-rock is bubbling up again in “screamo-crunk” bands like Hollywood Undead and brokeNCYDE.

I personally had never heard of "screamo-crunk" so I checked out brokeNCYDE's Myspace page...and now I want to stab my ears out.  Sure, the beats are good, but when did it become cool to match screamo-punk with crunk?  This is probably the worst thing I've ever heard in my life.  Sometimes, genres don't need to be blended and should be left alone.  And, on a personal note, the band looks like a bunch of douche bags.

But, for your listening pleasure (?), check out their take on Flo Rida's hit "Low." 

brokencyde songs
Free mp3 download | free music download

Hipsters Are Faux Folkies

Yesterday I noticed that one of BFD's favorite bands, Headlights, took part in the Splicetoday.com folk mixtape.  I originally intended to post their contribution, "Come All Ye Fair Ladies," but as I got into the tracks the were released today I was in awe of what I was hearing from artists other than Headlights.

The Old Lonesome Sound brings together indie and blogger darlings to record their own version of traditional folk songs.  They range from the heartbreaking "Two Soldiers" by Arbouretum's Dave Heumann to the blues-gospel of "Ain't No Grave" by Adam Arcuragi.  The sound of the tracks range from a classic country, to blues, to a more indie-fied interpretation of the songs.  Thankfully, most of the artists stayed true to the original sound of the songs.  While not every song is a gem, 95% of the album is a keeper.  

The album is available for free download here.

MP3:  Dave Heumann - Two Soldiers

It's Weird What We Do When We're Kids

I was just watching an episode of Golden Girls and like Charlie Brown I noticed a little red-haired girl.  As soon as I saw her face I knew it had to be a young Jenny Lewis--it was.  I knew she was an actress before she was a singer, it's just weird she was in one of my favorite old shows.  

Broken West "Perfect Games" Video

The Broken West have a new video for "Perfect Games," but, I guess you knew that from the post title, right?  Sorry.  But, I'm still digging their fantastic album Now or Heaven, it just keeps getting better. 

Under The Cover

For the last several years it's been the norm, and has become the norm, for bands to cover songs from the 80's.  I notice it more now since it's the music I grew up on and when I hear it I'm always "what the..."  

But, head Pornographer A.C. Newman recently added his take of the A-Ha classic "Take On Me" for Starbucks Sweetheart compilation.  He has no soul stirring synths, just a man and his geetar.  It's a great take on the sing along classic.

MP3:  A.C. Newman - Take On Me

Happy Hallmark Day!

So, today is the Valentine's Day, the most wonderful holiday created by a card company ever.  I hope you enjoy the day with the man or woman in your like and cherish each day with each other like it's the last one you will ever spend together.

So, to get you in the mood here are a couple of numbers you might like.  Each is from opposite ends of the lovey-dovey spectrum.

For the haves...

MP3:  Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps

For the have-nots...

MP3:  Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Bitch, I Love You

Titans Making Love To A Rainbow

It's not often that I get music in the mail from a band and it's accompanied by a hand drawn poster.  But, that's exactly what happened when I opened up a package from San Francisco's Butterfly Bones.

I was smitten with the song "Candywine Kissing Lips" when I heard it and wanted to share.  The guitars on it are distorted and feedback heavy, reminds me of "Drown" by Smashing Pumpkins.     

MP3:  Butterfly Bones - Candywine Kissing Lips

Brand New Camera Obscura

My long-ish wait for the new Camera Obscura album has almost drawn to a close.  I fell in love with the Scottish sextet a few years ago when I heard "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken."  Their last album Let's Get Out of This Country fused Chamber Pop, Twee or what ever you want to call it with the joy of 60's girl groups.

Since then they've left Merge Records and joined forces with the Pixies old label 4AD.  From the sounds of their new album My Maudlin Career they are picking up right where they left off with the last one.  My Maudlin Career will be out April 20th.  

I honestly can not recommend the Camera Obscura enough, Let's Get Out of This Country is a great album that need to be in your CD player NOW!  

MP3:  Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Wine Down Wednesday

Coming off recently being featured in The 9513 podcast, Eastwood will be the main attraction tonight at Wine Down Wednesday.  Head down to the ol' Lakewood wine bar and drink, listen and be merry.

MP3:  Eastwood - Right Place, Wrong Time

Great Lake Swimmers Coming To Denton

Folkies Great Lake Swimmers will bring their minimalist folk-rock-pop tunes to Hailey's in Denton this spring touring behind their new album Lost Channels.  Their albums is set to be released the day their tour starts, March 31.    

MP3:  Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling On a Line

3/31/09 - Seattle @ The Tractor Tavern
4/01/09 - Portland @ Doug Fir
4/03/09 - San Francisco @ The Bottom of the Hill
4/04/09 - Los Angeles @ Spaceland
4/05/09 - Tucson @ Plush
4/07/09 - Austin @ Stubbs Bar-B-Q
4/08/09 - Denton @ Hailey's
4/10/09 - Atlanta @ The Earl
4/13/09 - Charlottesville @ Gravity Lounge
4/14/09 - Washington @ Black Cat
4/15/09 - Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda's
4/16/09 - Northampton @ Iron Horse Music Hall
4/17/09 - New York City @ The Bowery Ballroom
4/18/09 - Cambridge @ The Brattle Theater
4/20/09 - Newport @ The Southgate House
4/21/09 - Chicago @ Schubas
4/22/09 - Minneapolis @ 7th Street Entry
4/23/09 - Madison @ High Noon Saloon

School of Seven Bells "Half Asleep" Video

Finally, the kids of School of Seven Bells release a video.  I've been wondering if they ever were, I mean their album has only been out three months!  Anyhoo, check out the video for "Half Asleep" from their fantastic album Alphinisms.

Party With Ladytron at The Granada

Ladytron and The Faint will be hitting up Greenville Ave. as they head back to The D.  Ladytron will be promoting their remix EP for their song "Tomorrow."

MP3:  Ladytron - Tomorrow (Vector Lovers Lucky Remix)

4/1/09 - Milwaukee, WI @ Tuner
4/2/09 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
4/3/09 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
4/4/09 - Chicago, IL @ Metrto
4/ 6/09 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
4/7/09 - Montreal, QB @ Theatre Telus
4/8/09 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues
4/10/09 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
4/11/09 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
4/13/09 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
4/14/09 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
4/15/09 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
4/17/09 - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
4/18/09 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
4/20/09 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
4/21/09 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's
4/22/09 - Dallas, TX @ Granada
4/24/09 - Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
4/25/09 - Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
4/26/09 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda
4/29/09 - San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
4/30/09 - San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
4/1/09 - Portland, OR @ Roseland
4/2/09 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
4/3/09 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore
4/5/09 - Denver, CO @ Ogden

Free Beer With The O's

The O's will perform at Good Records this Thursday at 6p to celebrate the release of their album We Are The O's.  I believe I will be down there amongst the kiddos watching the band...and drinking free beer.    

Trees To Re-Open?

Over at Life Outside The Bubble rumor has it that someone is interested in reopening Trees.  Do you know how sweet that would be?  The last time I was there was three(?) years ago when I caught a Kasabian show there.

I saw many a show there and would love to see it reopen.  Actually, my first celebrity siting was there--I passed Vinnie Paul in line for the bathroom.  Since Dada is getting better shows and seems to be doing well, All Good has great stuff going on there and The Door is doing pretty well I hope that it will reopen.

Even EdVed Love The Karaoke

Sometimes Ed seems like he's angry at everything.  But, like most of us, get a little alcohol in him and he loosens right up.  Evidence:  Eddie Vedder sings "Where The Streets Have No Name" karaoke style at Cubs fantasy baseball camp.

Bosque Brown Baby

It's hard to compare Bosque Brown to any other band or musician.  Her musical sound is spare and slightly haunting in the tradition of old mountains.  Her voice is similar to Chan Marshall, er, Cat Power--but, the tone of her music has more in common with Gillian Welch.  Her friend Damien Jurado said she's Kitty Wells heartache mixed with Robert Johnson's howl.  And honestly I don't think the comparison is far fetched.

Her music teeters on the edge of dour mood music and twangy upbeat songs.  The album builds slowly and beautifully from the moody "White Dove" to the sublime "Train Song" and spiced up in between with the acappella gospel of "On and Off Pt. 1, 2 & 3."  While her songs can be seen as somewhat sad, like "Went Walking," there is a cheer in her voice as the album continues in songs like "Train Song."  The latter song is one of the more upbeat songs on Baby and reflects the sweetness in her voice and is one of my favorites on the album.

Upcoming shows:

3/1/09 @ Dan's Silverleaf - Denton, TX

3/7/09 @ Good Records (in-store) - Dallas, TX

3/20/09 @ SXSW - Austin, TX

Her album Baby will be out on March 3 and you can get it here.

MP3:  Bosque Brown - Went Walking

Eating Up My Bandwidth

Being able to get onto Hype Machine's blog list has been a blessing and a curse.  I've had a lot more readers, which is good.  But, when I post something that is really popular it bogs down my bandwidth to where readers can't listen to or download songs.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

But, I'm at number 16!

Yeah, They Local

There are many, many, many Roots, Americana, Alt-Country and Country bands in the DFWd area but one of my absolute favorites is 100 Damned Guns.  The Ft. Worth six piece combines a bit of rock and roll swagger with a lot of Honky Tonk attitude.  Their music is reminiscent of what I grew up listening to--Outlaw Country with the musicianship of seasoned Music Row veterans.  They have a sound that owes as much to Hank Williams as it does to Gary Stewart, Waylon and Willie.

Lead vocalist Judd Pemberton has a voice tailor made for underground Country music--from one song to the next his voice goes from angst to heartbreakingly tender and both sound heartfelt without a hint of pretense.  

Their live shows are spectacular, for my money they put on one of the better shows around.  Their version of the traditional song "Hard To Love" in their set is outstanding.  They turn the Bluegrass staple into a hard charging anthem.  

Below are a few songs to whet your appetite for their follow-up to Songs of Pain, Murder and Woe titled  Stay Out of Nashville!

MP3:  100 Damned Guns - Ol' Barbwire

MP3:  100 Damned Guns - Broken Bottle Blues

MP3:  100 Damned Guns - Already On My Way

Musical Obsession

I've listened to this song a lot this weekend and throughout this very short week.  "Kiss Me Again" by Jessica Lea Mayfield is sweet and heartfelt.  The complete apathy in her lyrics about the whomever she's talking to is interesting.  With lyrics like "You can touch me if you wanna I don't care" wouldn't really set my pants on fire either.  But, hey...free pass!

You can get this song on her album Blasphamy So Heartfelt here.

MP3:  Jessica Lea Mayfield - Kiss Me Again

The O's We Are The O's

The local duo known as The O's have received quite a bit of fanfare since their formation in mid-2008.  More than a fly-by-night outfit, Taylor Young and John Pedigo are no strangers to the local music scene in The D, each playing in bands ranging from The Polyphonic Spree to BAcksliders.

It would be easy to pigeon-hole the duo's first album as roots music.  But, aside from the traditional string instruments they use, this isn't the case--more precisely roots-pop with twangy vocals.  They don't aren't as pop as say, and Alison Krauss record, but, songs like "You've Got Your Heart," "Fast As I Can" and "We've Had Everything" are full of pop melody.  

There are odd moments on We Are The O's like "I Love You So Much" where the singer breaks into a Vaden Todd Lewis wail that goes along with the heart break on the song.  The song has a humor to it like reminiscent of a teenager wailing his love at the top of his lungs to the girl he hearts.  

MP3:  The O's - Fast As I Can

Mash-Up Monday

On days like today I need to hear something about how great it is to be alive and out in the sunshine and all that jazz.  And I can't think of a better way to bring me out of my case of the Monday's better than Mr. Louis Armstrong.  

Yep, seems that if you combine the music from Radiohead with the vocal of Louis you still get a pretty damn good song.

MP3:  Radiohead vs. Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful Surprise

What's a Dead Confederate?

I think I missed out when I didn't catch Dead Confederate's recent show here in town.  I didn't go because the Cocky Americans were opening up for them and I'm not a big fan of that band.  Just kinda noise.  

However, after a chance listening of "The Rat" by Dead Confederate this weekend I'm kicking myself in the ass.  Their music, from what I've heard, ranges from Cobainian screechy yells and crunchy guitars to sing-song shoe-gazy fare.  And, I've been kinda obsessing over "The Rat" all weekend.

MP3:  Dead Confederate - The Rat