Bona Fide Darling

Everest | Let Go

2010-11-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

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.

Justin Townes Earle | TIcket Giveaway

2010-11-22T12:00:00.002-06:00

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

2010-11-22T10:19:00.002-06:00

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.

White Mystery | Powerglove

2010-11-04T12:43:00.005-05:00

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

Millionyoung | Chlorophyl

2010-10-21T13:32:00.004-05:00

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

Bad Brains | Ticket Giveaway

2010-10-14T12:35:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-14T12:28:00.002-05:00

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.

Mighty Mike | Imagine A Jump

2010-10-07T12:57:00.002-05:00

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

Sarah Jaffe | Clementine | Video

2010-09-16T11:30:00.001-05:00

DJ Shadow | Def Surrounds Us

2010-09-14T12:22:00.003-05:00

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.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://djshadow.bandcamp.com/album/def-surrounds-us-b-w-ive-been-trying"&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Def Surrounds Us&amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; b/w &amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;I've Been Trying&amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; by DJ Shadow&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Sarah Jaffe | Creep

2010-09-14T12:19:00.002-05:00

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."

Justin Townes Earle | Daytrotter Session

2010-09-09T15:51:00.002-05:00

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."

Kings of Leon | Radioactive | Video

2010-09-08T12:45:00.003-05:00

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

2010-09-08T12:32:00.004-05:00

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.~~

The Concretes | Good Evening

2010-08-25T13:16:00.004-05:00

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

Justin Townes Earle | Harlem River Blues

2010-08-24T12:09:00.004-05:00

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.

Ronnier Fauss | Mulligan

2010-08-04T13:06:00.005-05:00

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.

Tracey Thorn | Kentish Town (Walls remix)

2010-08-02T12:16:00.002-05:00

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)

The Sea of Cortez | The Shore

2010-07-29T12:58:00.003-05:00

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)

Electric Sunset | Soda

2010-07-21T13:18:00.000-05:00

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

Sarah Jaffe | KUT Session

2010-07-20T13:38:00.004-05:00

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."

DOMA XXII

2010-07-19T19:29:00.004-05:00

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.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band | Hurrah

2010-07-16T12:21:00.003-05:00

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

MP3: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Hurrah

Pearl Jam | Amongst The Waves | Video

2010-07-15T12:23:00.004-05:00

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.

Bassnectar | Magical World

2010-07-14T14:58:00.002-05:00

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

Tickets | The New Pornographers

2010-07-08T12:37:00.004-05:00

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!

Bishop Morocco | Last Year's Disco Guitars

2010-07-07T08:44:00.000-05:00

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

How To Dress Well | Ready For The World

2010-07-02T07:37:00.000-05:00

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

Beck Record Club | Never Tear Us Apart

2010-06-30T14:15:00.003-05:00

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

2010-06-30T12:33:00.005-05:00

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

2010-06-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

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

Designed To Rock | Gavin Mulloy

2010-06-29T12:17:00.003-05:00

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.

About Last Night... The Hood Internet

2010-06-27T18:23:00.004-05:00

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.

Elkhart | Live At Rudyards

2010-06-25T12:43:00.004-05:00

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

Neighbors | Hooligans

2010-06-24T09:26:00.000-05:00

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

Minipop | Into The Night

2010-06-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

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

Tickets | The Hood Internet

2010-06-22T10:38:00.003-05:00

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)

Ishi | Pastel Lights

2010-06-21T12:20:00.003-05:00

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

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

2010-06-17T09:26:00.004-05:00

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)

2010-06-17T09:08:00.000-05:00

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.

She Sir | Boystown

2010-06-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

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

School of Seven Bells Hit The Ro-Ad

2010-06-15T15:42:00.003-05:00

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

Tickets | Passion Pit | 6.21

2010-06-11T15:51:00.004-05:00

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.

Newish Pearl Jam

2010-06-10T12:22:00.002-05:00

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

Blockhead | It's Raining Clouds

2010-06-09T13:50:00.003-05:00

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

DJ Sober + A1 | AUTOMATIC

2010-06-07T13:05:00.004-05:00

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

2010-06-07T12:18:00.002-05:00

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

Tickets!

2010-06-03T12:13:00.006-05:00

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

She & Him | Fools Rush In

2010-06-02T13:57:00.003-05:00

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!"

2010-06-02T12:09:00.002-05:00

Metric | Stadium Love | Video

2010-06-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-28T09:47:00.000-05:00

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

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band | Leaving Trails

2010-05-27T06:43:00.000-05:00

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

Behind The Tables With DJ Sober

2010-05-26T11:37:00.004-05:00

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

2010-05-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

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

Pearl Jam + Ben Bridwell | Hunger Strike

2010-05-25T12:25:00.000-05:00

Warpaint | Elephant

2010-05-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

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

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

2010-05-24T21:11:00.002-05:00

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)

DJ Rap | I'm Ready

2010-05-21T11:04:00.000-05:00

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)

23RAINYDAYS | The Enemy

2010-05-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

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

It's Been A While

2010-05-19T23:50:00.002-05:00

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

Kristen Wiig | Champion

2010-05-06T07:37:00.000-05:00

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

About Last Night... Pearl Jam

2010-05-05T19:19:00.004-05:00

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

Interpol | Lights

2010-04-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

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

Norman!

2010-04-29T07:16:00.001-05:00

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

Sundress | Two Tones

2010-04-28T07:36:00.001-05:00

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

Holy Ghost! | LCD Soundsystem | Coming To The D

2010-04-27T23:05:00.004-05:00

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

Under The Cover | Girl In A Coma "Transmission"

2010-04-21T10:14:00.000-05:00

Not as blah as Ian Curtis would have liked, but, it give the version a bit of a kick.

Gone Too Soon...

2010-04-20T22:09:00.003-05:00

Over at DC9 this afternoon they posted what a very shocking story, and a very sad one. One of our favoritest bands, 100 Damned Guns, has broken up.

The Flaming Lips | Breathe

2010-04-19T08:37:00.000-05:00

The Flaming Lips hit up Late Night Jimmy on Friday for their rendition of Pink Floyd's classic "Breathe." A fantastic performance...

Beck | Devil Inside

2010-04-12T16:11:00.003-05:00

Since this is the first record of Mr. Beck's record club I actually know or give a "rip" about, I found this particular video pretty interesting. Beck and friends take on INXS' "Devil Inside."

Sarah Jaffe Premier | Watch Me Fall Apart

2010-04-09T08:15:00.000-05:00

We're pretty excited to exclusively premier a track from Sarah Jaffe's new album Suburban Nature. We're pretty big fans of hers and we absolutely love this track. Sure, there are more than a few really good songs Jaffe's debut LP, but, this song that comes next-to-last on the track listing is probably the best song on her album. It's one that could actually become a big hit if it found it's way to the radio.

All that being said, check out "Watch Me Fall Apart" below.

Survive | Lunar Eclipse

2010-04-08T07:36:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you take the synths from dark House and mix them with broken beats? Sometimes a mess, but, not with "Lunar Eclipse." Survive have managed to blend the two sounds and mix Burial with dark house sounds that are astounding. Slowed down, not chill, but could soundtrack any storyline involving Patrick Bateman.

MP3: Survive - Lunar Eclipse

Ariel Pink | Round And Round

2010-04-07T06:29:00.000-05:00

After seeing the Ariel Pink kicked around the blogosphere for a while I thought I'd finally give them a shot, and honestly, I shouldn't have waited so long. "Round And Round doesn't spin you around like a record baby. But, it does take you back to the early days of music videos... at least that's the picture I get when listening to it. It's easy Europop before Take That, Cathy Dennis and their kind took it over and introduced a 110 BPM 4/4 beats. Imagine Hall & Oates channeling Abba and Kraftwerk.

MP3: Ariel Pink - Round And Round

Mos Dub

2010-04-06T22:10:00.004-05:00

After hitting it out of the park last year with Jaydiohead, then whiffing with Jaydiohead: Encore and Doublecheck Your Head, Max Tannone is back and hit a triple and is rounding the bag for home with Mos Dub.

Yeppers, Mr. Tannone has mashed up up Mos Def with dub Reggae and the effect come together like chocolate and peanut butter. There isn't a missed opportunity on the 10 tracks. If you're uninitiated with Mos, there is no better way to get to know him. If you know him, get to know him in a different way.

MP3: Mos Dub - Ms. Vampire Booty

TIcket Giveaway | Temper Trap @ HOB

2010-04-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

If you'd like to see Temper Trap at House of Snooze on April 12th, hit me up at bonafidedarling(at)gmail.com with "Temper Bledsoe" in the header and you win a pair of tickets.

Sarah Jaffe | Two Intangibles Can’t Be Had (Working for a Nuclear Free City Remix)

2010-04-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sarah Jaffe is getting some fresh pub from a very unlikely source, Filter magazine. The electronica 'zine premiered the Working For A Nuclear Free City remix of "Two Intangibles Can't Be Had." The song isn't anything new, it's been featured on her Myspace page for quite while now. But, it's seeing the light of day thanks to he upcoming debut LP release.

MP3: Sarah Jaffe - Two Intangible Can't Be Had (Working For A Nuclear Free City Remix)

Das Racist | Shut Up, Dude!

2010-04-01T21:04:00.004-05:00

When SXSW was getting ready to jump off and Spinner was showcasing a lot of the artists participating the name Das Racist completely jumped off the screen at me. I mean, really... how could it not?

The NYC duo get on the free mixtape wagon and, well, give away a mixtape. If you like early Beasties and are a fan of non-sequitors in your everyday conversation then you will prolly like their jamz. That being said, download away here...

MP3: Das Racist - Who's That? Brooown!

Yeah, They Local | Analog Rebellion

2010-03-30T23:19:00.004-05:00

I've been looking for some local rock that I can get behind, something that makes me actually want to come back again. While there isn't a shortage of actual rock bands in our fair burg, they don't seem to get the recognition that our alt-, roots, folk and whatever other country style bands do. But, there is only so much Black Tie Dynasty Spektor 45 that I can take before I want to gouge my ears out.

But, hellooooo Analog Rebellion. Rock may be taking it a little far, but it has rock attitude, it's earnest, moody and... well, rock. Sure, "Marla Singer Doesn't Take Standardized Tests (Disposable Smile)" doesn't come off as the turn it up rocker you would expect, but, it's only the tip of the iceberg. Listen to any song from Ancient Electrons and it's bound to get stuck in the earhole and not come out.

MP3: Analog Rebellion - Marla Singer Doesn't Take Standardized Tests (Disposable Smile)

SPEAK | Carrie (Mindfull)

2010-03-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

Lodged somewhere in between Spoon and Ghostland Observatory is Austin's SPEAK. They have a penchant for delicious indie-pop that has it's eyes set on Top 40 success. And as I was reminded tonight, pop sounds don't equal shitty music.

MP3: SPEAK - Carrie (Mindfull)

The New Pornographers Come To The D

2010-03-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

Yep, A.C., Neko and the rest of the crew are hitting up Dallas on their tour behind the new album The Crash Years. They will be at "The Showroom" at Palladium... which I can only assume is the ballroom, on Saturday, July 24.

Wierd Al Gets His Propers

2010-03-24T21:02:00.003-05:00

If this were a real movie I'd pay at least $15 to see it.

Mount Righteous | Eat Your Wife And Kiss The Barbeque

2010-03-24T06:41:00.000-05:00

It's been noted, most recently on DC9, that Mount Righteous are moving away from the delightfully happy sounds of their first album to a more, noisy, punk driven version of a marching band. And to be fair, they've always been a punk marching band, but, now they're moving into the area of noise reserved for Sonic Youth and Jesus And Mary Chain.

"Eat Your Wife And Kiss The Barbecue" is a further step in that direction. I think it's going to take seeing them live to fully appreciate their sound. Because at times it seems like a bunch of people in a room making disjointed noise.

But, you can make up your own mind...

MP3: Mount Righteous - Eat Your Wife And Kiss Your Barbecue

The Canon Logic | "Avenue Of Criminal"

2010-03-23T22:31:00.004-05:00

Combine a little bit of Spoon's choppy keyboards with a little bit of Interpol's monotone vocals and a dash of California sunshine and you get the melodic indie-pop of The Canon Logic.

"Avenue Of Criminal" is not about Oak Lawn, but, it's a delightfully catchy pop tune that is ready to rock your clam back at Goo Lagoon. But, seriously, this song and it's album FM Arcade kinda run across the indie spectrum hitting styles seen by Spoon and Rooney. It's a bit too poppy throughout the run of FM Arcade and they seem to try a little too hard. But, once they stop aping the sound they know will work and come up with an original sound, then I think their magic will shine.

MP3: The Canon Logic - Avenue of Criminals

Under The Cover | Koot Hoomi

2010-03-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

So, this has to be the strangest cover I've heard. It's been called Ravi Shankar meets Sufjan Stevens meets... Hall & Oates.

Enjoy.

MP3: Hoot Hoomi - Kiss On My List

LehtMoJoe | RemixOne

2010-03-16T07:41:00.002-05:00

Remember the other day when we where talking about the heady times of 2009 when LehtMoJoe was releasing a helluva lot of remixes and you wished you could find them all on one extra awesome download? No? Well, he was... and I know I was talking about it with someone... I could've sworn it was you.

Our peeps over at Subservient Experiment let the world know about Leht's remix project RemixOne. It has all the remixes he released last year all on one special download.

Get it here peeps.

MP3: Au Revoir Simone - Another Likely Story (LehtMoJoe Remix)

Runaways | Giveaway

2010-03-15T18:14:00.004-05:00

We have a new contest for the good readers of BFD. We have not one, but two, prize packs to give out.

Pack Numero Uno: Runaways t-shirt, a poster from the film, a copy of Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway” by Cherie Currie and Tony O’Neill, a copy of "Joan Jet and the Blackhearts Greatest Hits" CD, a copy of the film's soundtrack which includes tracks from The Runaways, The Stooges, The Sex Pistols-- Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning also have recorded a song on the album, in addition to Joan Jett's upcoming photobook with Todd Oldham.

I know, pretty sweet, right?

Pack Numero two: A chance to win tickets for tomorrow's promo screening at the Angelika.

Check out info for the film here or here and email me at bonafidedarling(at)gmail(dot)com.

About Last Night... NX35 Night Three

2010-03-14T19:11:00.004-05:00

As great as Friday night, Saturday nights sets I caught were a little big lack luster. The two highlights were Naptime Shake at Banter and Robert Ellis at Sweetwater.

The Shake were not at it's full capacity as it was just Noah Bailey accompanied by the handsome Glen Farris on keys. A subdued set, but, really good none-the-less.

But, the highlight of the night was Houston's Robert Ellis. I mean, a guy who starts his set off by asking if anyone knows where to finds some cocaine in Denton is surely going to be a treat. His mix of honky tonk and hellbilly was at times break-neck. By the end of his set, Ellis slowed things down quite a bit with songs fit for love-time, two-steppin'.

By the time Horse Feathers came on at 130a, the crowd had filled up all available seats and those left had nothing to do but stand. But, as for Horse Feathers set, meh. The music was great, but, it was too quiet, too pastoral.

MP3: Robert Ellis - Foolish Blues

About Last Night... NX35 Night Two

2010-03-13T18:28:00.002-06:00

Last night was a complete luck out on great shows. I was there to cover Sarah Jaffe's set for DC-9 and ended up catching three phenomenal sets: Odyssey (formerly This Old House), Trespassers William and, of course Sarah Jaffe.

I won't really get into Jaffe's set, because you can read about that here, other than to say it was sweet to see Jaffe get so moved by the admiration coming from the crowd. A few different times it seemed as though she was fighting back tears because she was so moved.

Odyssey's set was nothing short of stunning. You could say it was ambient folk, or at least I thought that's what I thought I was getting into with them. But, it was more along the lines of "y'all-gaze." The band rambled through several new numbers that would probably make Jesus And Mary Chain green with envy. If you don't have these guys on your local music radar, you should get them on toot-sweet.

Trespassers William was completely new to me, never heard of them and wasn't sure if I would even like them. Well, the first word sung from Anna-Lynn Williams had my jaw dropped. It set was something similar to Mazzy Star, only if Hope Sandoval had a pure singing voice. It was hypnotic for their entire set.

MP3: Odyssey - At Risk
MP3: Trespassers William - Sparrow

NX35 Weekend

2010-03-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

Tonight I will be checking out Sarah Jaffe's set for the Observer. But, you can check out an interview she did recently with My Denton Music.

Hopefully I will be able to take my lil' camera in and take pics of the shows throughout the weekend, Saturday I'll be checking out Horse Feathers. So, should be a nice weekend for everyone.

If you still don't have your tickets, get info and show times here.

Friday Song Spectacular

2010-03-12T10:39:00.000-06:00

MP3: Minus The Bear - My Time
A seriously odd step for an alt-y band... early 80's pop/new-wave-ish synths and a "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" lyrical stab.

MP3: Dr. Dog - Stranger
Still the stuff petchoulie loving hippy girls dance too...

MP3: Blasfemea - Maria
Seriously catchy Portuguese electro-pop.

MP3: Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights - Pardon Me
Sounds like "Dog Star Champion" channeled through Kenny Wayne Shepard

Jesus Makes The Shotgun Sound | Do Not The Clothes Make The Man?

2010-03-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, it's really all in the name, right? Not since "Jesus Built My Hot Rod" has a name with Jesus in it been as completely awesome.

The California band takes it's musical queues from Explosions In The Sky via Sonic Youth, with Dave Gahan's vocals thrown in for good measure. They have a sound that is experimental, trippy and easy to digest.

MP3: Jesus Makes The Shotgun Sound - Do Not The Clothes Make The Man?

She & Him | "In The Sun" | Video

2010-03-10T20:27:00.001-06:00

Friday Mile | FYI

2010-03-10T15:06:00.003-06:00

The gloom and despair of Seattle and weather have wrought a delightfully rockin' alt-country band. Friday Mile, blend glorious boy/girl harmonies over Eagles-like melodies. "FYI" charms with it's pop sensibilities as they tell a certain-someone wasn't missed and their name didn't even come up at last night's party.

MP3: Friday Mile - FYI

Dark Mean | Music Box

2010-03-09T09:27:00.000-06:00

Mixing acoustic styles with a New Wave mentality is a pretty tough task to pull off, but, Ontario's seem to have a pretty good grasp on how to do it. From the piano and electronic beats of "Piano & Beat" pull of both an emotional depth and instrumental prowess.

You can download their Music Box EP here.

MP3: Dark Mean - Piano & Beat

Sarah Jaffe | Vulnerable

2010-03-05T08:44:00.002-06:00

Sarah Jaffe's sophomore album, Suburban Nature, is set to come out this May on Kirkland Records. The Denton chanteuse builds on her debut effort Even Born Again with a sound a little fuller and richer than her debut EP. The constant is her songwriting and her desperately emotive voice.

The girl is coming up the ranks with a recent European tour with Midlake and will be opening up for ex-pat Norah Jones on several dates as she strolls through the Southwest.

But, let us introduce you to her single "Vulnerable," one of Suburban Nature's best. Her album won't be out until May, but, this gem and the remix of "Two Intangibles Can't Be Had" are available now for download on iTunes.

RTB2 | When Hammer Hits Stone | Video

2010-03-04T18:30:00.003-06:00

Today the Observer posted one of our favorite songs from last year, RTB2's "When Hammer Hits Stone." The video servers as a visual queue to the bands lo-fi roots as it, well, is pretty lo-fi.

Not only did the Denton duo release a vidie for this rockin' ditty (see what I did there?), but also came news of the bands latest release, a live album titled In People out later this month.

Steel Train | Turnpike Ghost

2010-03-01T10:31:00.000-06:00

If you like your rock with a little bit of Flaming Lips sound eccentricity but with and Modest Mouse vibe, then look no further than Steel Train. These Jersey kids show that you don't need to be a juice head to be cool or require a spray on tan... they just good on they own.

MP3: Steel Train - Turnpike Ghost

Under The Cover

2010-02-25T08:28:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure who to blame my new found smitten-ness of Vampire Weekend on. Maybe it's my editor who said I should check them out. Maybe it's because the three songs of theirs I've heard on KXT. Maybe I decided to listen to Madonna's advice and "open my heart" to them. Regardless, I officially dig the whitest band alive.

That being said, they did a pretty boss cover of Rancid's "Ruby Soho."

MP3: Vampire Weekend - Ruby Soho

Seabear | Build A Fire | Video

2010-02-23T09:24:00.001-06:00

We told you a while back about the goodness of Iceland's Seabear. Now, you can see them live, on tape, on your computer! Of course the closest the band is coming here is SXSW... so, if you want to see them, I would suggest catching their Austin show.