Monday, November 30, 2009

Metric Tickets

I have one pair of tickets to give away for the Metric show this Wednesday at Palladium Ballroom.

To get them, all you have to do is send and email to bonafidedarling (at) gmail (dot) com with "Metric System" in the subject line. If you want to buy tickets you can get them here.
Congrats to our winner!










Bona Fide Darling Showcase!

Hello, kids! I'm happy to announce that we are having our first music showcase at City Tavern on January, 2.

Know, New Years Day gives you plenty of time to sleep off that hangover... or catch up on some sleep. We were lucky enough to get a really strong line-up for what hopefully will be a long line of shows. Ronnie Fauss will start things off, followed by the excellent Elkhart and Bosque Brown will be the evening's main attraction.

Cover is only $5, so, with some rest and cheap cover you really have no reason not to check the show out!

It's Not Me... It's You

Richmond, VA's BbopNRokstedy seem to have a problem with an ex-girlfriend. The incoming voice message to "Message Erased" sounds authentic enough, but, you know how creative the kids are these days with the computers and internets and all.

However, the duo turned it's rejection into a club ready banger. Except for two unfortunate repeats of "...take care of yourself" from the voice mail, it turns into an excellent adventure into the land of indie electronica. It's better than anything I've heard Neon Indian do.



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Jihae Wants Your Love

This is probably the most interesting song I've heard of late. Jihae (jee-heh) combines the smoky vocals of a female Tom Waits backed by His Name Is Alive.

Lyrics of relationship curiosity pepper this acid-jazz meets trip-hop tune that captured my imagination. It's not subject matter that is necessarily new, but, the vocals and music together give it a darling sense of urgency.

MP3: Jihae - My Love

Old Crow Get "Nard Dawged"

Of late, Ed Helm's character "Andy Bernard" has been my favorite anger suppressing character on the show that has gotten pretty stale. But, he joined Old Crow at a show last night playing banjo and singing. (annarbor.com)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Yeah, They Local


It's never a surprise when great music springs up from our neighbors to the north in Denton County.

The latest in a long line of noteworthy bands is This Old House. The name kinda fits them perfectly, with their pop influences on their folk-rock songs.

I first noticed them when they were the subject of an episode of "DC9 In Space" a few weeks ago. From there I went and checked them out on Myspace and the hook was sunken firmly into cheek.

Musically, their style isn't that different from Fleet Foxes, but, that would be where the comparison for them would end. Their voices aren't drenched in reverb to get the singing in an empty cathedral vibe. And where some of Fleet Foxes songs are upbeat, even sunny numbers, the few I've heard from This Old House lean heavily on the mellow vibe... perfectly fitting for the colder weather ahead. Or smoking lefties with your buds.

Their next show will be at Dan's Silverleaf (with Unwed Sailor) on 11/29.

MP3: This Old House - Locust

About Last Night... Neko Case

I've had the opportunity to see Neko Case in concert twice now and I've not been disappointed either time. She is in a category with the like of Alison Krauss as far as her voice is concerned, they both have pure singing voices where they don't have to strain to hit the notes needed in a performance.

You can check out my "Last Night Review" of the show for The Dallas Observer here. Last night the place was packed and I was sandwiched in between a few really tall guys, so, I only got a few pics an no video this time.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Two World Colliding

If you didn't see this on SNL this weekend, well, you can see it now. I'm sure Samberg has another viral hit on his hands.


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Ryan Thomas Becker Neighborhoof


Ryan Thomas Becker is better known around these parts as the frontman/geetarist for Denton's RTB2. But, Ryan is releasing his latest solo album that has him keenly treading the line between sensitive singer-songwriter and full-on rock master.

Don't look for any John Mayer type ballads to make the girls weep, it's not that kind of singer-songwriter album. He deftly moves around the spectrum of with a slowed down, rocked up lo-fi sound that would make Gorilla vs. Bear jizz his pants.

It's kinda criminal that "Seek Fire, Anime Kids" is not even two minutes long as it starts Neighborhoof off with a vibe you are use to hearing with RTB2. But, that seems to be where any comparisons to his other band can stop until the middle of the record. Which is probably good, since I doubt he set out to make a solo record that sounds like his other band.

The rest of the album flows with songs like "Whistle" that goes through country-blues, "Premaries" the sensitive duet and "Where Your Father Didn't Go" which sounds like lo-fi doo-wop.

Neighborhoof will have a release show at J&J's Pizza in Denton on 12/1.

MP3: Ryan Thomas Becker - Seek Fire, Anime Kids

Syntaks

Imagine Enya scoring the music during a "love scene" in a David Lynch movie and you pretty much get the gist of Syntak's "Twentytwohundred."

You to kinda fight through the first minute of the minimalist electronica, but, it's worth it as it escalates into full on, loved up shoegazy trance.

MP3: Syntaks - Twentytwohundred

LehtMoJoe Works Out "Blue Orchid"

Today our peoples over at Subservient Experiment posted a helluva LehtMoJoe remix of the White Stripes "Blue Orchid." He gives the falsetto Jack White's voice a workout around a bass that would make Luke blush. It's worth repeated listenings... trust me.

MP3: White Stripes - Blue Orchid (LehtMoJoe remix)


Thursday, November 12, 2009

100 Damned Guns On The Radio Tomorrow

Unfortunately I missed Sarah Jaffe's performance on KXT earlier in the week. But, hopefully I won't have to miss 100 Damned Guns performance at 1030a on 91.7... music to the core. But, you may want to play it safe and tune in around 1015a just to be safe.

MP3: 100 Damned Guns - Red River Valley

Under The Cover

I've really been diggin' the hell out of KXT this week. Throughout the week when I've been able to listen to it I've heard a few unexpectedly great cover songs. The best one that I heard just today is Iron & Wine's cover of New Order classic "Love Vigilantes." It gives a whole new spin on the song while keeping the emotion of the song intact.

MP3: Iron & Wine - Love Vigilantes


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Kite In The Air Mark It Down

It hasn't really been that long since we told you about San Francisco's Kite in the Air. But, they are already back with their second EP of the year, Magic Marker. This time the production is a little bit tighter, however, they are still rockin' it like Ladytron's poppy, non-maniacal kid sister.

Emma Lucia's voice perfectly compliments the groups throbbing electronica sound. This song shows maturity and progression in their sound, they deserve to be up there with the big names in the electronic scene.

MP3: Kite in the Air - Magic Marker

About Last Night... Pretty Lights

Last night was a testament that you don't have to have a major blog presence to be able to draw a strong crowd. Granted, it wasn't a sold out crowd, but, the floor level was pretty packed most of the night as revelers danced around to the electronic beats provided by Pretty Lights and his touring drummer.

Any apprehension I had about a live drummer being a part of the show was gone by the first song. He mixed in seemlessly with Derek Vincent Smith's glitchy melodies and brain-rattling bass. From "Keep 'Em Bouncin'" to "Who Loves Me?" the SMU crowd was getting sweaty moving around that much. It was nice to see a crowd so responsive and active during a show. There wasn't a moment during the show when there wasn't a body moving to the music.

The least impressive part of the evening was the "visual" element to his show. Touring with a huge LED screen lit up behind them the images they were showing were less than impressive. It seemed like they bought up a bunch of Flash movies and screen savers and added them to the show. Granted, this isn't a big deal, but, when you've seen DJ Shadows audio/visual elements to his shows it's a high bar to reach. But, I digress as some of the images were interesting to look at.

You can check out the pics from the show on your Facebook page.

On a different note: is every 14-16 year-old kid in Dallas a little shithead or was it just the ones who were at the show last night? They were some of the rudest kids I've ever witnessed.

Rhett Miller Ticket Give Away

This Saturday The O's and Shibboleth are playing with Rhett Miller of The Old 97's at Granada for the Breathe Easy Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. If you wanna check out the show we have a pair of tickets to give away.

Just email us at bonafidedarling(at)gmail.com with "Rhett is so dreamy" in the subject line and the tickets are yours!

*UPDATE - Tickets are gone, congratulations to our wieners.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Stoney G

I really shouldn't say anything since this song is on my iPod...

Designed To Rock


In today's second installment of "Designed To Rock," we talk with Round Rock, TX gig poster designer, Todd Slater. Todd has designed for a variety of different artists ranging from Green Day to Elvis Costello. You can check out his portfolio of work here.

Bona Fide Darling: How long have you been designing?

Todd Slater: Well, I graduated in 2003 from Stephen F. Austin and worked in a t-shirt shop for a couple of years before going freelance. I've been designing professionally for seven years now.

BFD: What was the first design you did for a major band? How did you get that gig?

TS: It was for Pretty Girls Make Graves and it was a show at the Trocadero in Philadelphia. I knew from gigposters.com that the Troc commissioned tons of silkscreened posters and I was able to finally track down their promoter after numerous phone calls and emails.

BFD: What is your preferred medium to work in?

TS: All hand-pulled silkscreen if possible.

BFD: Why do you think there has been such a boom in screen print rock poster sales over the last several years?

TS: Several major books have come out on the subject: Art of Rock & Art of Modern Rock which have helped. I think that bands selling their music digitally has put less emphasis on album art and that posters can fill that void for some.

BFD: Is there a band you would really want to work with?

TS: Man, so many. Bob Dylan is really high on my list. Tom Waits and Beck too. I'd also really like to do a Fiery Furnaces print and a Daniel Johnston print. There's tons really. Ween was a big reason I got into poster art and I've been fortunate to get to work with them on many projects.

BFD: Are your concepts driven from the band, their songs or neither.

TS: It's evolving actually. When I first began everything was driven by a single song or a theme on the band's album. I think I focused on this because I wanted to make sure people "got it". I sort of feared people (or the bands) staring at my prints with blank expressions on their faces. In the past couple of years I've focused on that less and just concentrated on vibe and feeling and mood and atmosphere when working on a print. I think it can be better to make the imagery difficult sometimes.

BFD: Do you prefer to hand design or computer design your projects?

TS: It's an even mix I'd say since everything starts as a sketch. I use programs like illustrator and photoshop to refine and polish those sketches. A wacom is a really handy tool for drawing I must say and I wonder if I'll move to that full time at some point.


BFD: Is there an artist you wouldn't want to work with?

TS: Haha...well, yes. There are bands I don't listen to that I've done work for but I can't give you a list. Eventually, I'll detail every bad experience I've had in a retrospective or book but now is not the time to go scorched earth. It will happen though and I will spare no details.

BFD: What drew you to graphic design?

TS: Failure to develop as a painter? I'm kidding (sort of). I think my work has an equal balance of design and illustration. I'm interested in both equally and making prints has been the right balance for me. There's also some sort of boldness and immediacy in graphic design that I'm attracted too.

BFD: My brother and I have a debate as to what make a good rock poster. He feels that they have to be screen printed and not any type of photograph. Where do you fall in this debate for the ages... and poster nerds.

TS: This is a pretty common feeling, your brother is not alone. Screen-printing is a must I agree, but photography has it's place in rock posters. I use stock photos quite a bit in what I do. Poster art is evolving and while I agree that most of the greatest posters are illustrated I can't rule out photography.

BFD: Any tips for aspiring designers out there?

TS: Trust your instincts and make a poster that is as important to you as the music you're creating it for.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Early Friday Party Starter

I saw this video a while back and just about instantly liked the song, even though it's very disco-ey. Brooklyn's Holy Ghost! have as they have said, something that is retro, yet relevant. The hook is extremely catchy and will serve you well as a part of your party time, night time city driving soundtrack.

Fun fact: the burly, bearded guy in the video is the same guy (who did the same thing) in New Order's "Confusion" video.

You can get the track, along with several remixes, here.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking Rock Your Universe


Now, I posted an piece about this on "Today In Music News" over at DC9, and truth be told... this song is actually pretty good. And informational, it's entertaining... it's infotaining. I've always been fascinated by space and other planets, so, this came a quite a pleasant surprise to me. The songs is great and comes off quite nicely.

But, it's also interesting how much Carl Sagan sounds like Kermit The Frog.

MP3: Carl Sagan Ft. Stephen Hawking - A Glorious Dawn

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Neko Case Tickets Giveaway

So, again, the Granada has given us three pair of tickets to give away for... Neko Case. I guess the post title and image up there kinda gave it away. But, what can I do?

So, if you would like a pair of tickets to the show, email bonafidedarling (at) gmail.com with "I Too Love Neko Case" in the subject line and one pair will be yours.

I would like to extend a very special thanks to the Granada for working with BFD to bring great music to the people.

Update: All the tickets have been given away, congrats to our winners!

Great Lake Swimmers "Palmistry"


The video for Great Lake Swimmers new single "Palmistry" is pretty fitting for the feel of the song. Late afternoon, on the water on a big-ass boat, laid back. The only difference is... it's like a clipper ship and not a bass boat.

Pretty Lights Tickets

Next Tuesday Colorado's own Pretty Lights will hit the stage at Granada Theater with sound/light/video spectacular. If you're a fan of DJ Shadow and have witnessed the spectacular feat that is his live show, then you will love this one as well.

It's no secret that we here at BFD are BIG fans of Pretty Lights, so, the Granada has given us 3 pairs of tickets to give away.

All you need to do is email us at bonafidedarling (at) gmail.com with "Pretty Lights Tix" in the subject line and you will get a pair.

*UPDATE - congrats to our winners!

Until then, check out his newest single "City of One."

MP3: Pretty Lights - City of One

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Spoon Transference


We told you about the Spoon's new song "Got Nuffin'" a while back. Now comes word that it's the first single on their new album Tranference. Can't-wait.

MP3: Spoon - Got Nuffin

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween Hijinx With Pearl Jam

If you're a fan of the Pearl Jam, you know there are certain things to expect at their shows.

1) They are probably not going to play "Leash"... even if you call them pussies.
2)They probably aren't going to play "Bugs" and they probably they aren't going to play "Sweet Lew" either, because they've never played either of them live.
3) If it's Halloween, they will more than likely dress up, you know, 'cause it's fun!

The fans in Illedelphia got a treat on Halloween as they played "Bugs," "Sweet Lew" and dressed up as Devo and covered "Whip It," all of this on top of a 40 song set. Pretty good for rock dinosaurs who don't mean much any more, right?

"Whip It"

"Sweet Lew"

"Bugs"

Designed To Rock


Today we're starting a new feature here on BFD that will be recurring somewhat regularly. As much passion as I have for music, I have the same amount of passion for graphic design of all kinds... advertising art, web design, stencil design and especially rock n' roll poster design. Our hope is to have Q&A's with some of our favorite designers around North Texas and the nation.

In the beginning when I first became interested in graphic design I was drawn to the work of Ames Bros, since then my taste has changed a little. Currently my favorite designer around is Jason Munn who designs for his own design company, The Small Stakes. I first saw his work in a design book I have, I Googled him and found his web site and from there... that was it. There are a lot of talented designers around the country and in the DFWd area, but, Jason is my favorite one around right now.

So, I'm absolutely thrilled to present a little Q&A he took part in this week... enjoy.

Bona Fide Darling: How long have you been designing and why did you get into graphic design?

Jason Munn: I've been designing pretty consistently for about the past 8 or so years. I worked in a couple different studios for awhile before going out on my own about 6 years ago. I got into design through growing up skateboarding and listening to punk and independent music. Skateboard graphics, magazines and album covers were really my introduction to art and design and after going to school for a couple of years as a fine art major I was steered in graphic design by a teacher of mine and things began to click a little.

BFD: What is your approach to each poster design? Do you feel like the band, venue or band's subject matter hold any importance to your designs?

JM: The band holds the greatest importance to me, but sometimes locations of shows and so on can play a role. I approach each design essentially the same way, research and listen to the band and do a lot of sketches and see what I can pick up on.

BFD: You use a lot of nature in your pieces--bugs as instruments and what not. Do you get a lot of inspiration from nature?

JM: I don't think I do, but I must in some way. I'm just trying to come up with something appropriate for the band and I know natural objects are used quite a bit in my work, so there is usually something in the music or identity of the band that will lead me this way.

BFD: Your Josh Ritter poster, where Idaho is a piano is one of my favorites of yours. Do you have a favorite you've done? Is there one you wish you could redo?

JM: Thanks, that was one of the rare posters where the artist or band had a request and Josh's was to have something to do with Idaho on the poster and I came up with the piano. I've got a few favorites, the couple I've done for The Books and for Deerhunter have always been some favorites. There are plenty I wish I could redo, or sweep under the rug.

BFD: How did you get your start working with bands and creating show posters?

JM: Most of my early posters were for a venue in Berkeley, CA called The Ramp. It was located in the basement of a church and the shows were quite small, and really amazing. Some friends of mine booked the shows there and they asked me to make all the posters. There was typically 1 - 2 shows a month, so the shows were pretty special and unique. Deerhoof, Why?, Damien Jurado, and Animal Collective were some of the shows to play at the The Ramp. Unfortunately, the venue only lasted a year, but I've continued to work with some of the bands that played there.

BFD: Is there a band you would like to work with that you haven't had a chance to work with yet?

JM: I actually don't think about this too much, but TV On The Radio is one band I haven't had a chance to do anything for that I would really be happy to create a design for.

BFD: You have a very particular style, your designs have a very clean and minimalist feel. Do you think that style works best for the bands you've worked with?

JM: I'm just trying to come up with ideas that work for the band, whether it is clean or minimal is not exactly the goal, but my ideas can be pretty subtle sometimes and adding more aspects to a design can make it feel confusing and the idea can be lost quickly, so I typically try to keep to what is needed to convey the idea or mood.

BFD: Do you approach your designs differently for publications than you do for music?

JM: Not really, my approach is pretty much the same. Sometimes other client work can have more guidelines in general, which is sometimes welcome.

BFD: Would you rather design for a band or venue? Which one would be better?

JM: Most I've my work is through the band, but I occasionally do work through venues, but the bands typically approve the designs either way, so its becoming one in the same.