Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Everest | Let Go



I have to give full propers to my brother for this one, he kept on me about listening to them after seeing them on Late Night Jim Jam. And honestly I'm glad he did.

With a sound that ranges from jangly drawl-laden rock to Jeff Buckley sounding slow burners, they have a sound that's going to stick in your head, specifically the above track.

I wish I wouldn't have missed them when they were at The Granada.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Justin Townes Earle | TIcket Giveaway

Justin Townes Earle has had his problems of late, problems that included a trip to rehab. But, he's out now and back on the road supporting one of the best albums of the year, Harlem River Blues. JTE continues to mix classic country, gospel and Americana influences without coming off kitschy.

We have two pair of tickets to giveaway for his show December 3 at the Granada Theater in Dallas, TX. Email me with "Drowning in the dirty waters" and you get a pair.

Also, below is his appearance on WNYC's Soundcheck, where the troubled troubadour speaks on his music, life and troubles.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin | Sink/Let It Sway | Video

The boys from Springfield, MO will be at the Cambridge Room/Pontiac Garage, or whatever they are calling it now, tomorrow night. Tickets are just $10.



Thursday, November 4, 2010

White Mystery | Powerglove



Having never been a fan of the White Stripes and only being a casual fan of the two-man combo that is The Black Keys, White Mystery bring the one-two punch to the guitar/drum combo that I like more than anything, aggression.

Alex and Francis White, a brother/sister combo eschew the white man blues of the Stripes and Keys and bring a more forceful punk feel to the game. Alex's vocals recall those of a Joplin meets the Stooges will all the raw power in tact.

MP3: White Mysery - Powerglove

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Millionyoung | Chlorophyl

I'm working on a project for a client and it involves Florida musician Millionyoung and I pretty much instantly loved his music. And it pretty much hit me, he's in the same fucking "chillwave" sub-sub-sub-genre as Neon Indian.

However, you know what Millionyoung has in common with Neon Indian? They are both electronic acts. You know what the difference between the two is? You don't have to "get" Millionyoung, you listen, you like, then you love.

MP3: Millionyoung - Chlorophyl

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Bad Brains | Ticket Giveaway

Thanks to the good folks over at the Granada Theater, we have two pair of tickets to give away to see legendary punk band, Bad Brains (10/29, doors at 7p).

Email us at bonafidedarling(at)gmail(.)com with "bad brains make you jump for joy" in the subject line and you will get a pair.

Girl In A Coma | Walkin' After Midnight

I have to thank Cory over at Subservient Experiment for hippin' me to this one. Just another bullet point to add to my list of things I love about Nina Diaz.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Mighty Mike | Imagine A Jump

It's been a while since we've featured a good mash up... and that trend may continue even with this song. But, mixing up the hopeful meloncoly of John Lennon's "Imagine" with the over-the-top revelry of Van Halen's "Jump" is a stroke of genius.

MP3: Van Halen vs. John Lennon - Imagine a Jump

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

DJ Shadow | Def Surrounds Us

It seemed that with 2006's Outsider album and continuing now with "Def Surrounds Us" that DJ Shadow is moving further away from being the sample laden innovator he was with Entroducing... and continued with The Private Press and is getting closer to just your average, everyday hip-hop producer. While "Def Surrounds Us" has some nice moments, most notably the bass laced throughout the song, the samples seem uninspired and thrown together.

&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lt</span>;a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">href</span>="http://djshadow.bandcamp.com/album/def-surrounds-us-b-w-ive-been-trying">"Def Surrounds Us" b/w "I've Been Trying" by DJ Shadow&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lt</span>;/a>

Sarah Jaffe | Creep

Prolly one of the best musical moments of my life when Sarah Jaffe got the crowd to sing along with her as she covered Radiohead's "Creep."

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Justin Townes Earle | Daytrotter Session


He may have his mama's eyes, but, his voice, live show and overall visual asthetic comes from a time gone by.

Justin Townes Earle has very quickly become one of my favorite musicians around. He doesn't really rely on his dad's last name, he's done everything pretty much on his own from the start.

Check out his Daytrotter Session for live versions of "Ain't Waitin'," "Mama's Eyes," "Boy Keep Movin'," and one of my personal faves "They Killed John Henry."

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Kings of Leon | Radioactive | Video

It's prolly time for me to let go of KoL sounding like their first two albums and that sonically they've moved on into a more pop-oriented direction. But, upon first listen "Radioactive" isn't a bad little number, completely ready for radio and college girl's dorm rooms.

Sarah Jaffe | Tickets

It's probably safe to say that Sarah Jaffe has become somewhat of a sensation around DFWd. She's a gifted songwriter penning songs that cut straight to the heart of emotion and a voice that makes you feel like you're living what she's singing. And it probably won't be long before people are saying "remember when Sarah Jaffe lived in Denton?"

That being said, I have two pair of tickets to give away for her show Saturday at the Granada. If you don't get the tickets, you should go anyway, it's only $10 freaking dollars!

So, email me at bonafidedarling(at)gmail(dot)com with "Black Hoax Lie" in the subject line and you get them.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Concretes | Good Evening

Pulsating, Swedish and something that captures your imagination, that's what The Concretes "Good Evening" is like.

It lies somewhere between down tempo electronica and shoegaze, and like the description of the song said, somewhere between a smile and an tear.

MP3: The Concretes - Good Evening

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Justin Townes Earle | Harlem River Blues

Get the title track for JTE's newest album for free. It's what you would expect from the lanky troubadour, smooth vocals and an authentic country sound.









Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Ronnier Fauss | Mulligan

Ronnie's back. It's no secret that we're big fans of Ronald Fauss' work around these parts and he's back with a new EP, Mulligan. Well, the album isn't officially out yet, but, you can listen to streams of the songs here.

While his output is prolific, his work hasn't slipped one bit. He continues to bring a good natured, blue-collar vibe to his particular brand of alt-country.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Tracey Thorn | Kentish Town (Walls remix)


I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to think about Tracey Thorn's solo career. Since her hubby/musical partner Ben Watt spends the majority of his time now DJing and running a record label, I guess they don't have time for Everything But The Girl anymore. But, that doesn't explain why she would go back to her roots as an acoustic crooner and ditch the beats and blips that got them noticed internationally in the first place.

I wanted to love her last two solo albums, but, I've never been able to get into them like I did with EBTG's electronic material. Her voice belongs to beats.

That being said, there is a remix EP coming out featuring some of her newest material, and the Walls remix of "Kentish Town" is on it. At least it's not as depressing as "Oh, The Divorces."

MP3: Tracey Thorn - Kentish Town (Walls remix)

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Sea of Cortez | The Shore


As you've not doubt noticed it's been a super-slow week around these BFD parts, just notta lotta going on, no?

While I don't like biting other posts, this one couldn't go unnoticed.

Last week our friends over at Subservient Experiment had a post about The Sea of Cortez. And while Cory's words are usually more well crafted than mine, I'll say that I have been listening to this one since they put it up. It's a little like poppier version of Matthew and The Arrogant Sea only without the bad attitude and hipster pretentiousness.

MP3: Sea of Cortez - The Shore (via SubEx)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Electric Sunset | Soda

Seriously, there really must be something in the water in San Francisco. The latest Bay Area music to catch my ear is from Electric Sunset. His take on electronica is at once catchy, ethereal and poppy without giving up the goods and wandering too far into the pure pop territory.

MP3: Electric Sunset - Soda

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Sarah Jaffe | KUT Session

Growing local musical luminary Sarah Jaffe recently did a session for KUT in Austin, which just happened to be posted today. Check it out, here and listen to a new arrangement of "Clementine."

Monday, July 19, 2010

DOMA XXII

This past Saturday we busted out our trusty pen and reporter's notebook and headed down to Deep Ellum to keep tabs on the goin's on at the ol' Dallas Observer Music Award Showcase pt. 22 and were more than thrilled to see everyone who came out.

It did our hearts good to see all the people who actually gave a shit, for at least one night and come out to support local music. It was even more impressive that everyone came out to DEEP ELLUM! Elm St. looked like it did when we'd go see the Rev at Trees. It was a great night and hopefully the DOMA showcase will be back there next year and the peeps will come out.

You can check out our take on The Cool Kids show and Ishi here.

Along with out trusty notebook we also busted out the Hipstamatic to take a few shots with our... uh, phone. Check 'em here.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band | Hurrah

Check out the new single "Hurrah" from Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.

MP3: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Hurrah

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Pearl Jam | Amongst The Waves | Video

If there is one common touch stone among PJ's many albums, it's Ed's love of the ocean. Pretty much every album has a song that references them. So, their newest video for "Amongst The Waves" is a live version of the cut, spliced with live footage, surfing... and waves. You can buy the video and the proceeds go to Conservation International's Marine Programs.

Pearl Jam Oceans from Pearl Jam on Vimeo.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Bassnectar | Magical World

Yesterday DC9 posted a Datahowler mash-up of Durrough's "Ice Cream Paint Job" pitted against the buzzed out bass of Bassnectar's "Magical World."

The Bassnectar backing music made me wish I were standing in front of a stack of top-of-the-line club PA system loud enough to make my insides rattle. Forget the fact that Nelly Furtado is the vocalist on the track, the bass is what's going to keep you coming back for his one.

MP3: Bassnectar - Magical World

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Tickets | The New Pornographers

I have two pair of tickets to give away for The New Pornographers show at Palladium Ballroom on 7/24.

Email bonafidedarling(at)gmail.comwith "I love new pornography!" in the subject and a pair of tickets are all yours!

Congrats to our winners!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Bishop Morocco | Last Year's Disco Guitars

When it comes to a new-new wave band, Toronto's Bishop Morocco aren't to be messed with. More than simply retreading a new/old new wave sound they've taken it and made it their own.

Basically, they sound like Ian Curtis fronting New Order, complete with Peter Hook bass. Light, poppy, filled to the gillroy's with hella catchy hooks it's the soundtrack to your teenage make out tape. If, you know, you had such a thing.

MP3: Bishop Morocco - Last Year's Disco Guitars

Friday, July 2, 2010

How To Dress Well | Ready For The World

Brooklyn's lo-fi purveyor of bedroom produced soul has been rolling out haunting, ambient down tempo soul tracks since late last year.

It's newest track "Ready For The World" is pretty much exactly what I said about them in the last sentence: ambient, chilled out and ready for late night bedroom action or after hours smoke out sessions.

Check out (read: download) more of it's tracks here.

MP3: How To Dress Well - Ready For The World

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Beck Record Club | Never Tear Us Apart

My personal opinion of Beck has been tarnished for a while ever since I read Wayne Coyne's account of their tour serving as Mr. Hansen's opening act and backing band. He said that all Beck cared about was being cool and that he's basically a weirdo.

And, I've found most of his Record Club material to be pretty lack luster.

But, I do enjoy version of "Never Tear Us Apart" from his latest installment. Having St. Vincent on vocals was a stroke of genius.

MP3: Beck's Record Club - Never Tear Us Apart

Memphis Jug Band | Cocaine Habit Blues

Before hippies and flip-flop wearing frat boys were going bonkers over Old Crow Medicine Show's version of "Cocaine Habit Blues" (it talks about drugs, y'all!) the songs was already 80 years old.

Of course Old Crow did the song justice with their version of it, but, there isn't anything quite like hearing a jug being blown on for the bass lines.

MP3: Memphis Jug Band - Cocaine Habit Blues

Tommy Sparks | She's Got Me Dancing

Just because the camp is on par with the awesomeness...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Designed To Rock | Gavin Mulloy

You may or may not recognize our latest subject of "Designed To Rock." But, if you pay attention to the local music scene you will definitely recognize the name: Gavin Mulloy, he of multiple "Poster of The Week" winning selections.

We had the opportunity to pick his brainy-brain a little bit. Make sure to check out his work linked throughout the interview.

Bona Fide Darling: How did you get started doing gig posters? Who was the first band you worked with?

Gavin Mulloy: My friends were in bands that were playing regularly and they kept having gigs. I kept seeing posters for other bands and just started doing one.


The first REAL gig poster I did was for the Cocky Americans at the Cavern. I don't feel comfortable with some of my decisions regarding the fonts now but think it came out OK. The inspiration came from a Richard Gere quote that the Guitarist in Cocky Americans had as his quote on Myspace at the time. Yes, you read that correctly, Richard Gere as muse.


BFD: What drew you to being a designer?

GM: I became a designer because my roomie at the time (early 2000's) started a website. We reviewed CD's and interviewed bands and eventually put out a monthly eZine. It was fun but at the start it looked like we made it in MS Word. We started getting interviews with people like David Cross and Flava Flav, so the site needed to look professional. So basically being ashamed of how it looked pushed me to design. Which is weird if you've seen my wardrobe.

BFD: What is typically your approach to designing a poster for a band; their sound, lyrics or just a vibe you get?

GM: I try and start from scratch each time. I sometime blare a song over and over and make that the inspiration....but I also use what I know of the people in the band to influence my design. Sometimes I just start in a style I haven't explored and adapt it around the band.

BFD: Do you ever get tired of winning the Observer's "Poster of The Week?"

GM: Yes. It's exhausting. People I don't know coming up to me in the streets. The new home security system I had installed.

No, it's great and has done nothing but bring me more business that I can handle. Plus it's always god to win something, right?

BFD: Who has been the hardest band to work with on a design?

GM: Bands have been a piece of cake. Never had a problem....except rush orders. Only had to start from scratch once.

Individual promoters can be another story. Especially when they art direct. Stick to the...whatever it is you do.

BFD: How much, if any, input do you give the band?

GM: I always ask a band for ideas when we first make contact. I'm making something for them. That always needs to be remembered. If I asked a band to write a song for me, paid them, then I'd expect their input. Most of the time after 2 posters I have an idea what they want. For bigger shows, I welcome bands ideas.

BFD: What is your design process like?

GM: Whiskey, Old yearbooks, Tears, Repeat. Then, I usually try and gestate a theme or look away from the computer. Unfortunately, I draw like Verbal Kint, so sketching is rudimentary at best and most ideas just live in my head. I really love fonts and have probably spent half my life looking for the perfect one for the design.

BFD: What other designers are you inspired by?

GM: Everyone. I mean everyone that posts on Gigposters.com. Others: Signalnoise, Abduzeedo's Daily Inspiration Post, fffound.com, some new stuff from Modern Anthem, Todd Slater, Sagemeister (more outlook than asthetic), FarmBarn, Wierhouse, Jordan Gray....more that I'm blanking on now...The best thing about the internet is the inspiration is endless. I occasionally get lost in a complete strangers Flickr or deviantArt gallery for hours.

BFD: Do you have a particular style or period of design that you are drawn to?

GM: I don't favor one style over another. Depends on the band. Really got drawn into the country poster look (which shocked the hell outta me). Just some cool Texas vibe.

BFD: What has been your favorite poster you've created so far?

GM: By far. Took me far too long to get this old image looking like I wanted it, but I like it.

BFD: How did you get hooked up with The Local Yokel Show?

GM: (plug) lokelyokelshow.com you mean? I knew Simon, Chad & Pete from the Libertine. It's really my 2nd home.
Simon figured the only way to get me out of his bars was to distract me with a podcast. My friends from Somebody's Darling went on the show and when they left, I just kinda stayed and Chad asked me keep coming on, and it just kinda worked. It's been a blast. I've gotten free concerts from Ishi, Sorta, Paul Slavens, Ryan Thomas Becker (the only man with 3 1st names I've ever trusted), The O's...and the Haiti fundraiser at the Libertine was a blast. Too bad Chad Wycleffed all the proceeds on some girl from Cedar Hill.

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

GM: National - TV on the Radio

Local - RTB2

Like both bands and wanna play with the letters on each. Plus, they're very visual with they're music/lyrics.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

About Last Night... The Hood Internet


Friday night was a party night at The Loft when The Hood Internet hit town. We've got some video from the show above and some pictures from the show on our Facebook page. Check out our videos, check out the pictures and become one our friends or fans and keep coming back.

At some point tomorrow, we'll have a link to our "Last Night Review" on DC9 At Night.

*You can read my review of the show here.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Elkhart | Live At Rudyards

Our good friends Elkhart have a free live record you can get from their set at Rudyard's in Houston a couple of months back which contains their excellent version of Radiohead's "House of Cards."

You can get your grubby little hands on it right here.

MP3: Elkhart - House of Cards

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Neighbors | Hooligans

Being that Noah Stitelman is the sole neighbor, and from Brooklyn, I'm surprised he didn't decide to spell it European style.

That being said he's crafted a nice little electronic indie-pop number. Lying somewhere between the horribly over-rated "chillwave" and Postal Service elements, Neighbors are set to make a name for itself.

MP3: Neighbors - Hooligans

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Minipop | Into The Night

San Francisco's Minipop (and Q&A alumni) are set to release their new EP Automatic Love on June 25th. Automatic Love sees the band continuing it's sugary-sweet blend of indie-pop goodness they employed on their first LP A New Hope.

The sacchariney sweetness of the group may lead you to stay away from the Bay Area kids. But, the solid songwriting and impressive musical chops are enough to give them substance and depth beyond the pre-fab groups made for radio play.

I go back and forth trying to decide if they fall into my guilty pleasure category: super-poppy, ballad heavy, girl lead singer. But, then I remember I love The Sundays and Mazzy Star and then I get over it. But, I digress...

You can get the album on iTunes on Friday.

MP3: Minipop - Into The Night

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tickets | The Hood Internet

We have three pair of tickets to give away for this Friday's Hood Internet show at The Loft. If you haven't heard the Chicago mash-up masters, you better get up on 'em. Mixing hip-hop and indie rock together the duo has made quite a name for themselves the last few years.

Email us at bonafidedarling(at)gmail(dot)com with "Throw Your Hood Up" in the subject line you will get a pair of tickets.

MP3: The Hood Internet - Oh My Kids (Usher vs. Sleigh Bells)

Monday, June 21, 2010

Ishi | Pastel Lights


I've been listening to quite a bit of Ishi lately and came across this video from the good folks over at The Local Yokel Show where Ishi played live for them.

If you haven't had a chance to check them out, we've gotta lil' something for you below. Their blend of acoustic intstrumentation with electronica is pretty phenomenal. If you like Beth Orton, then you will prolly love Ishi.

MP3: Ishi - Pastel Lights

Thursday, June 17, 2010

M.I.A. x CeCe Peniston | Finally XXXO

I couldn't really let this one sit around and not say something about it. When you mash up M.I.A. with one of my all-time favorite (guilty pleasure) songs I couldn't help myself. Dave Wrangler has mashed M.I.A. with 90's dance diva Cece Peniston and to a pretty good effect. The vocals could've been pushed a little further down in the mix or the music brought up more, but, the result gets the point across.

School Of Seven Bells | Windstorm (A Place To Bury Strangers Remix)

Meh. Not as good as the first tastes of their new album. This reimagining of the song leaves a lot to be desired. But, maybe I'm missing something.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

She Sir | Boystown

Hailing from the great hot south of Texas, She Sir mix indie rock with insatiable pop sensibilities. Their music shares as much in sonic texture of early 90s Brit Pop, The La's, The Stone Roses and the like as it does with the neo-folk movement of the late 00s.

Russell Karloff's voice mixes well with his harmony partner, with a splash of reverb to top it all off.

MP3: She Sir - Boystown

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

School of Seven Bells Hit The Ro-Ad

School of Seven Bells, or SVIIB, will hit the road in support of their latest album Disconnect From Desire. They will hit up Hailey's on October 8. Don't disconnect from your desire and go out and see them...

October 8 - Hailey's - Denton, TX
October 9 - Mohawk - Austin, TX
October 10 - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX

Friday, June 11, 2010

Tickets | Passion Pit | 6.21


I have two pair of tickets to hand out for the Passion Pit show at The Loft on 6/21. Yep, two pair, kid.

Email me at bonafidedarling(at)gmail(dot)com with "Passion Pit After Dark" in the subject line and you will get yo' grubby lil' hands on one pair.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Newish Pearl Jam

Antiquiet posted a link to an unreleased track that is from either the Riot Act sessions or the Backspacer sessions. Listen to it here.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Blockhead | It's Raining Clouds

You can blame Josh Davis for inventing and perfecting trip-hop/instumental hip-hop, whatever you want to call it, with Entroducing...

Since that seminal release there have been a lot of imitators, but very nary a duplicator. There still hasn't been anyone who has come as close to perfection as DJ Shadow did on that album, but, RJD2, Cut Chemist and Pretty Lights have all had brushes with greatness in the same genre.

A few days ago I was introduced to Blockhead, a Manhattan beatmaster that makes his own form of down tempo, instrumental hip-hop. He does it without mimicking anyone else, just throwing the beats and samples into a pot and coming up with his own funked up stew.

MP3: Blockhead - It's Raining Clouds

Monday, June 7, 2010

DJ Sober + A1 | AUTOMATIC

I finally got around to checking out the AUTOMATIC mixtape Sober and A1 posted last week and it does not disappoint. It runs through more genres (or jonres as Nikki Sixx would say) than you can shake a stick at, which other than the choice cuts on it and the flawless mixing, is why I like it so much.

Get AUTOMATIC here.

Romany Rye | All The Boys

In the vein of 70's folk-rockers, Romany Rye brings his "A" game with "All The Boys." In a genre that's been pretty well packed for the last several years Rye stays true to form without too much embellishment on either the folk or rock side. Instead, they both nestle together quite nicely.

MP3: Romany Rye - All The Boys

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tickets!

I have four pairs of tickets to give away for the Lou Barlow show with hometown opener Sarah Jaffe at The Loft on 6/15. Come and get 'em!

So, the first four peeps to email me at bonafidedarling(at)gmail(dot)com with "Going to the Lou" in the subject line get a pair.

Lou Barlow - Right

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

She & Him | Fools Rush In



She & Him recently covered Ricky Nelson's "Fools Rush In" for Levi's Pioneer Sessions. While, it would've been awesomer to cover "Lonesome Town," Zooey pretty much kills this version. She and M. Ward have a knack for covering old songs and making them seem fresh while putting their own stamp on it without ruining the whole thing.

MP3: She & Him - Fools Rush In (Ricky Nelson cover)

"It's Not Long Enough!"

Metric | Stadium Love | Video

Friday, May 28, 2010

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin | Sink/Let It Sway

Yes, yes, yes... Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are back with a fresh new Chris Walla produced album and a new single "Sink/Let It Sway."

We've been big fans of theirs for a few years now, and even bigger fans of their outstanding album Pershing. While "Sink/Let It Sway" isn't quite on par, yet, with the tunes of their last album, it's a good start.

MP3: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Sink/Let It Sway

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band | Leaving Trails

A lot of people don't like it when you say a band is the "bastard child of...", but, I'm not one of "those people." I find it to be one of the best ways to describe someone pretty well.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam band sound like the bastard child of Interpol and The Strokes and grew up listening to Spoon. The garagey vibe with the monotone, sing-talk lyrics. "Leaving Trails" rocks out in a completely garage/indie-pop way and has a summer-time vibe.

MP3: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Leaving Trails

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Behind The Tables With DJ Sober




I've seen Sober play out a couple of times, the first time I saw him was when he opened for Kool Keith a couple years ago. I saw him another time opening up for someone else, but, he was excellent both times I saw him. For me it was awesome to watch him at his craft, but, it was even better that he was playing all late golden era NYC hip-hop. Craig Mack, Biggie, Wu...

The video is stunning in it's cinematography and bed music, which is really what sets this piece off. (via DC9 via Bocha Libre)

Pretty Lights | Making Up A Changing Mind

It really is no secret that we're big fans of Pretty Lights around these parts. But, what was a little surprising to me is that I missed the latest release... that was released back in March. I am slippin.

The newest EP continues with the clever wordplay titles, and down-shifts a little bit. The classic soul and blues samples help give this EP a very laid back vibe. The music doctor prescribes it for the first thing you listen to after smokin' out or as the soundtrack to makin' it with you partner.

Get the whole shebang, shebang for free here.

MP3: Pretty Lights - Understand Me Now

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Pearl Jam + Ben Bridwell | Hunger Strike

Warpaint | Elephant

Recently I was asked by a promoter to create a poster for an upcoming show featuring the band Warpaint. I knew the name, not the music. Usually, I do a little research into the band, their sound and what not to come up with the poster. However, for Warpaint... I mean c'mon, pretty easy to come up with something. Yeeeaaaah... I got shutdown and asked to come up with something else. Part of the gig? Yes.

So, I checked out their tunes and was blown away, I was pretty off the mark with what I had created. But, upon listening to them I fell in love. I heard "Billy Holiday" first, then "Elephant." Charming, mesmerizing, minimalist and right in my wheel house.

MP3: Warpaint - Elephant

Monday, May 24, 2010

Yo La Tengo | Here To Fall (Pete Rock Remix)

It's not often you'll see a Yo La Tengo post here, but, when I see Yo La Tengo and a Pete Rock remix, then consider my interest piqued.

MP3: Yo La Tengo - Here To Fall (Pete Rock Remix) (via Matador)

Friday, May 21, 2010

DJ Rap | I'm Ready

It's been about 12 years since I was introduced to DJ Rap via BT's "Never Gonna Come Back Down." I was intrigued to see who exactly would inspire Mike Doughty to find a way to insert her into his freestyle on that song and why he would want her digits. Then I saw the cover of her debut electro-pop album Learning Curve. I mean, if you're a red-blooded American man (who loves electronica) and you see that album cover and don't buy it... keep on walkin'.

That album was front to back goodness, decent processed vocals over great beats that wouldn't push the average listener away.

Well, it's been 11 years since that album and after DJing around the world since then she's finally back with a new song, "I'm Ready."

Sadly, it's a bit of a disappointment. It comes nowhere near the greatness of "Bad Girl," "Good To Be Alive" and "Ordinary Day." I'm going to hold out judgment until I can hear the rest of the album... but, this is lacking promise.

MP3: DJ Rap - I'm Ready (via Spinner)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

23RAINYDAYS | The Enemy


23Rainydays wears their look and influence firmly on their sleeves. The look clearly derived from goth and a sound that comes from equal parts dance music and punk this L.A. band wants you to take notice of them... and not always for the best.

Lead singer Ian Kaine MacGregor tries a little too hard to sound like his English goth-pop influences. Instead of saying "my" it comes out a "moy" and so on and so on. What they lack for imagination and originality is made up with catch album titles, Instruments of Fashion And The Murder of Romance. While bands like Deadsy have come off as hard and more catchy, 23's best song "Goodnight & Goodbye" isn't featured on this album.

The boys need to stop trying so hard to be edgy and focus more on the music.

MP3: 23Rainydays - Get A Gun

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

It's Been A While

Did you miss us? We missed you. We had to take a little time off to things back in balance with working full-time, going to school full-time and transitioning jobs. But, we will be back and just as good as we ever were.

We look forward to you coming back for more...

-Lance

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Kristen Wiig | Champion

Kristen Wiig: sexy, funny and now sultry singer. Yep, the easy-on-the-eyes comedian is featured on the MacGruber soundtrack with "Champion."

MP3: Kristen Wiig - Champion

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

About Last Night... Pearl Jam

The long cold winter of my Pearl Jam discontent was finally over on Monday night as the last of the international grunge boys made their way to Kansas City.

The set meandered through all eras of their music and started off strong with one of my favorite songs, "Of The Girl," from Binaural and continued with "Animal" and "World Wide Suicide." However, for me the show bogged down a little bit with their newer material. "Unknown Thought," "Among The Waves" and "Johnny Guitar" don't have the rockin' sting the band once carried. It probably springs from the fact that as the band approaches their 50's (yes, fifties) they just aren't as pissed off as they once were in their twenties... and the newer songs show as much as they may still have the same opinions and feelings they should be shaking their fists instead of yelling.

But, here's the rub... the songs through 2003's Riot Act, even 2007's self-titled album still have all the piss-and-vinegar they once did and still hold the same emotion.

That being said, they are still, and will probably continue to be one of the most entertaining live acts that are on the road.

Of The Girl
Animal
World Wide Suicide
Got Some
Unthought Known
Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
MFC
Johnny Guitar
Amongst The Waves
Even Flow
Gods' Dice
Present Tense
Daughter
Wishlist
Insignificance
Do The Evolution

Encore 2

Off He Goes
Just Breathe
Given To Fly
The Fixer
Life Wasted
Porch

Encore 2

No More
Black
Better Man
Happy Birthday
Alive
Rockin' In The Free World
Yellow Ledbetter

Friday, April 30, 2010

Interpol | Lights

Interpol are back, and so is there Joy Division summoning with "Lights." Not quite the anthem the filled Antics or the bleakness that colored Turn On The Bright Lights... but, it's promising.

MP3: Interpol - Lights

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Norman!

Not hailing from Norman, OK or a tubby Boston alcoholic, no... neither of these things. Norman hail from the great Northwest where there are forests and rain and rain... and rain. But, their blend of alt-ish country and folk-pop are catchy and upbeat.

Sure, the vocal sound of Eric Nordby rides a razor thin line between mimicry and outright similarity to Fleet Foxes Robin Peckhold. But, in a post-Fleet Foxes world it's to be expected. He even sounds a little bit like Matthew Gray of Matthew and The Arrogant Sea... only with out the holier-thou-hipster attitude.

MP3: Norman - No Clouds

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sundress | Two Tones

Sundress continue to defy my expectations. Maybe it's the second name change... but, probably not. They continue to sound like absolutely nothing coming out of the North Texas, Golden Triangle of Music.

Their music shares more with gazer of shoes across the see than they do anyone in the region. At this point they are bordering on being the y'all version of The Coral or The Delays out of the UK and the new songs from their upcoming debut prove it--gently, reverb soaked guitar screeches matched with warm vocals.

Oh, and I should probably explain this too... Sundress was This Old House, but had to change their name so they chose Odyssey and for now they've settled on Sundress.

MP3: Sundress - Two Tones

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Holy Ghost! | LCD Soundsystem | Coming To The D

It's amazing it's taken this long for Dallas to bring our favorite Brooklyn disco-redux-hipsters to town, but, alas the boys over at the Palladium have done it. Holy Ghost! are coming to town with label mates LCD Soundsystem. They've even remixed LCDSS to boot!

June 9 LCD Soundsystem w/Holy Ghost! @ The Palladium Ballroom

MP3: LCD Soundsystem - Say My Name (Holy Ghost! Remix) via Stereogum