W♥M

Ron White - Behavioral Problems

Ron White - Don't Shake A Baby Ron White Tour Dates 05/01/09 Memorial Auditorium Fargo ND 05/02/09 Washington Pavillion Sioux SD 05/03/09 Rushmore Theatre Rapid  SD 05/08/09 Schnitzer Hall Portland OR 05/15/09 Little Creek Casino Shelton WA 05/16/09 Sullivan Arena Anchorage AK 05/30/09 Beau Rivage Theatre Biloxi MS 06/05/09 Embassy Theatre Ft. Wayne IN 06/06/09 Adler Theatre Davenport IA 06/12/09 Fox Cities PAC Appleton WI 06/13/09 Crystal Grand  Dells WI 07/02/09 Buffalo Thunder  Santa Fe NM 07/04/09 Peppermill Hotel Reno NV 07/30/09 S Shore Circus Cohasset MA 07/31/09 Cape Cod Melody Tent Hyannis MA 08/01/09 Newport Yachting  Newport RI 08/02/09 Hampton Beach Casino NH 08/07/09 Mahaffey Theatre Petersburg FL 08/08/09 Saenger Theatre  Pensacola FL 09/18/09 Mirage Las Vegas NV 09/19/09 Mirage Las Vegas NV 10/03/09 Radio City Music Hall  NY 10/04/09 Count Basie Theatre Red Bank NJ 12/05/09 Mirage Las Vegas NV 12/11/09 Mirage Las Vegas NV 12/12/09 Mirage Las Vegas NV Discography [1990] Tater Salad aka. Busted in Des Moines [2003] Drunk in Public [2004] Truckstop Comedy Vol 13:Jerry Dye-Ron White [2004] Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again [2006] Blue Collar Comedy Tour: One for the Road [2006] You Can't Fix Stupid

Ron White is a "hillbilly comedian", who, along with ringleader Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy, are part of the very successful Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Since the theme of this comedy tour centers around stereotypical redneck jokes, it's good to see that the latest Ron White material is less about rednecks. However, due to the nature of mature languages and themes, Behavioral Problems (released April 21^st on Capitol Records) might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Let's focus on what's good about White's jokes: he makes a whole lot of sense. Take for instance, his insight on "Don't Shake a Baby" - a joke that states the obvious. Apparently, Apple should pay attention to Ron White - as they didn't know it was a problem until a ton of people reported its "Baby Shaker" software was offensive.

You also get the impression that White is very patriotic, based on many of his military jokes and the fact that he served in the Vietnam War. Again, his observations are quite hilarious, from changing the complicated US color alerts to simply "get a helmet" and "put on the helmet" or selling the Navy's miltary bases to Israel as "ocean front properties".

Many of White's jokes are based on his life's experiences. For instance, his (one of his many, I'm sure) arrest for drug processions for "half an eight of weed".... which he considers is "out of weed". His sex jokes are a bit raunchy, and really not family-friendly. Also, to tell you the turth, his jokes about fat people are really offensive - but if you can't laugh about it, you may want to avoid Ron White altogether.

One of the thing that White does really good, especially on this Behavioral Problems recording is that his wit is top-notch. He made a few verbal errors, like saying "peaches" instead of "pizzas" or "UFO" instead of "USO" or when he forgets the punchline to his unfinished "pedicure" joke. Instead of sounding stupid, he actually makes jokes about his mistake, you just have to hear to know what I'm talking about. The mistake jokes actually sounds like it was all part of the plan, and that's what makes White so good.

White is currently on tour. Many of these shows are double appearances because of the Grammy nominations and Comedy Central are boosting his popularity. If you've just seen Ron White's Behavioral Problems on Comedy Central a few weeks ago, the good news is that you can now pick up the DVD or CD at most retailers or at his live shows. Some perks if you decide to buy it is that the DVD or CD are uncensored, so you can actually hear what Ron is saying.

 04/30/2009 21:19:50 ♥ vu () ♥ tatersalad.com ♥ myspace.com/ron_white

Ty Segall

Ty Segall - Pretty Baby (You're So Ugly) Ty Segall Tour Dates 05/02/09 The Knockout SF, CA 05/14/09 The SF Eagle SF, CA* *with Numerators and Bridez

TY SEGALL
TY SEGALL
CASTLE FACE, 2009

The first few seconds of Ty Segall's self-titled debut seem innocent -- a chummy little beat spiked with tambourine. Soon enough, however, the guitar rips in, boozily belligerent and arm-in-arm with Segall's nasal, speaker-splitting voice. From here, the album runs pell-mell into a loud and fuzzy wall of raw garage hysterics.

Blessed with superbly sneery hooks and all the guttural nonsense you've come to require from rock n' roll, the record is yet another plunge into the 1960s revival that seems to have captivated many musicians of late. This isn't to say that it's just another stale homage (and heck, most bands that get misty-eyed over that era are anything but). The electricity present on all 12 of the tracks is difficult to ignore; it's all the more impressive when you remember that it's just one fella. And although the one-man-band trip is also nothing new these days, it's always impressive when the live-wire humidity of a recording is carried alone. Songs like "Pretty Baby (You're So Ugly)" and "The Drag" are heavily perfumed with alcohol and the want of bad behavior, while stalkier numbers like "An Ill Jest" burn slowly like cigarette paper. There's even a cover of the Ramones' "You Should Never Have Opened That Door," the presence of which is cute to say the least.

The album clocks in at a scant 24 minutes; once it's through, it's probably best just to start it back up again. What it lacks in long-windedness it makes up for in energy and hiccuping thrills, and brevity, as they say, is the soul of wit. It's easy to enjoy this short, hyperactive little record-- just invite some friends over for a shack-shaker and press play.

 04/30/2009 00:59:18 ♥ artie () ♥ myspace.com/tysegall ♥wizardmountain.org 

The Wooden Birds - Magnolia (Barsuk)

The Wooden Birds - False Alarm The Wooden Birds Tour Dates 04/29/09 Vera* Groningen, Netherlands 05/01/09 Bikini Test*  Switzerland 05/02/09 d*qliq* Luxembourg 05/03/09 Albani* Winterthur, Switzerland 05/04/09 Cafe de la Danse* Paris, France 05/06/09 Wah-Wah Club* Valencia, Spain 05/07/09 Moby Dick Club* Madrid, Spain 05/08/09 Cafe Hispano* Zaragoza, Spain 05/09/09 Apolo* Barcelona, Spain 05/10/09 Psilocybenea*  Spain 05/12/09 Orangehouse* Munich, Germany 05/13/09 Wuk* Vienna, Austria 05/14/09 Teatar & Td* Zagreb, Croatia 05/15/09 GrooveStation* Germany 05/16/09 Pop-Up Festival Germany 05/17/09 Cafe Zapata* Berlin, Germany 05/27/09 Modified Phoenix, Arizona 05/28/09 Spaceland LA, CA 05/29/09 Bar Pink San Diego, CA 05/31/09 Rickshaw Stop SF, CA 06/02/09 Media Club Vancouver, BC 06/03/09 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR 06/04/09 Chop Suey Seattle, WA 06/06/09 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT 06/07/09 Larimer Lounge Denver, CO 07/04/09 Stubb’s BBQ  Austin, Texas *with Grand Archives Note Magnolia album is out May 12th on vinyl. Download "False Alarm" from Barsuk. See Also Ben Gibbard http://weheartmus... This is my large music feedback cycle. So what does this have to do with Ben Gibbard? He is my me...

The Wooden Birds, Andrew Kenny’s latest project, is a reflection of his move from Brooklyn, New York back to his hometown of Austin, Texas. The two cities have quite a bit in common (laid back atmospheres, blogworthy music scenes, skinny jeans galore), but the differences are palpable on the Wooden Birds’ mellow debut, Magnolia.

Kenny subtracted the signature synths and electronic beats from his former band, American Analog Set, and added rhythmic percussions, an acoustic guitar, and backing female vocals provided by Ola Podrida. Like Kenny’s hometown, the songs on Magnolia are laid-back and tranquil – but with a steady energy that pulses like a heartbeat.

With the simple instrumentation, focus is drawn to Kenny’s quivery vocals and intricate lyrics. The Ben Gibbard comparisons are obvious (they once split an EP together), but Kenny sets himself apart by eschewing pop hooks for intense, prose-like verses that provide quiet, melancholy insight. On the slightly more upbeat track, “The Other One,” Kenny seamlessly tells the tale of a brother with a “journal with the saddest words / that you ever heard,” weaving a thoughtful character study of a detached family.

Kenny’s attention to detail stands out on several character-centered tracks, such “Seven Seventeen,” where he continually laments over the fact that “she was seven when I was seventeen.” Small but specific details scattered throughout Magnolia such as “kissing bike tires,” “makeshift rafts,” and “mom’s Indian rug” emphasize Kenny’s return to Austin. On “Hometown Fantasy,” the simply maracas and acoustic guitar are an ideal soundtrack to any idyllic front porch conversation.

With such a peaceful ambiance, it’s inevitable that some of the slower songs suffer from the “sameness” stigma. It can sound condescending writing off certain albums as “background music,” but in The Wooden Birds’ case, it’s hardly an insult. The album would certainly compliment a drive down South Congress or a lazy afternoon at Barton Springs. But even if you’re miles away from Texas, Magnolia will leave you nostalgic for somewhere warmer, somewhere quiet.

 04/29/2009 00:09:48 ♥ kateg () ♥ thewoodenbirds.com ♥ myspace.com/thewoodenbirds 

Bob Dylan - Together Through Life

Bob Dylan - Beyond Here Lies Nothin' Bob Dylan Tour Date 07/02/09 Sauget, IL at GCS Ballpark 07/04/09 South Bend, IN Coveleski 07/08/09 Louisville, KY  Slugger Field 07/10/09 Dayton, OH at Fifth Third Field 07/11/09 Eastlake, OH at Classic Park 07/13/09 Washington, PA Consol Energy 07/14/09 Allentown, PA at Coca-Cola Park 07/15/09 New Britain Stadium, CT 07/19/09 Syracuse, NY at Alliance 07/21/09 Pawtucket, RI at McCoy Std 07/23/09 Lakewood, NJ at FirstEnergy 07/24/09 Aberdeen, MD at Ripken Std 07/25/09 Norfolk, VA at Harbor Park 07/28/09 Durham, NC Durham Bulls 07/29/09 Sevierville, TN Smokies Park 08/04/09 Round Rock, TX at Dell Diamo 08/05/09 Corp.Christi, TX Whataburger Fd 08/07/09 Grand Prairie, TX at QuikTrip Pk 08/11/09 Glendale, AZ at Camelback 08/12/09 Las Vegas, NV at Cashman Field 08/14/09 Fresno, CA at Chukchansi Park 08/15/09 Stockton, CA Banner Is. Ballpark          Bob Dylan Tribute Flyer Read More Bob Dylan http://weheartmus... Undoubtedly, the most influential folk singer/songwriter is non other than Bob Dylan. And what a ...

I attended a Bob Dylan (official/myspace) tribute event last night at the Red Stag Supper Club, in Minneapolis. The event was also a listening party for Dylan's 33rd studio album, Together Through Life (released today, April 28^th on Columbia Records). The turnout was pretty good (although I will confess most of the people there - they were there to eat dinner), and a few W♥M locals turned up: Brody, Carl, Kate (not to be confused with new Kate), and Lara.

As the name of the 'venue' suggest, this is a restaurant - so the sound of people chattering and eating is really not ideal for a show (especially when the majority of the acts are singer/songwriter acoustic sets). I don't know what the noise ordinance was for that area, but everyone agreed that they should've turned up the mic and sound system and really blast it.

Andy Ulseth - The Great Blue Heron

Local musicians turned up to do Dylan covers, including Martin Devaney (myspace) , Sam Cassidy from At Any Speed and Shoreline (official/myspace), Andy Ulseth (myspace) and Derek Helland from Victory Ship (myspace).

We have previously mentioned two of the band on the bill, Victory Ship and Andy Ulseth - so be sure to check out our previous articles.

Hollywood Foto-Rhetoric: The Lost Manuscript

Incidentally, lady luck must've been shining on me last night because I ended up winning one of the contest: a book by Bob Dylan and Barry Feinstein called Hollywood Foto-Retoric and an EP called Things Have Changed. The book is a Dylan poetry book, with Feinstein photos. Some of the pairings are questionable, like the Charlie Chapin photo with "Madness" by Dylan. I wish the photos were printed on larger pages (it's such a rare glimpse into the lives of Hollywood stars and I wish the black and white images are in greater details). Either way, I am very happy with my winnings, and am very glad I showed up.

As for Dylan's album, Together Through Life, I do have a copy here and listening to the first few tracks, you'll notice one thing: Dylan's voice have dramatically gotten more and more rustier (in a good whiskey-hearing way). Check out the new single "Beyond Here Lies Nothin'" to know what I mean. If you like the song, head over to beyondhereliesnothin.com to use the lyrics of the song to create a portrait.

Songs from the album seems to be Dylan love songs, reminiscent of his semi-recent albums Modern Times and Love and Theft, so if you enjoyed those albums, you will love the direction this album is heading in.

The album comes in four major formats: a standard CD (all original Dylan songs), a 2CD/1DVD set (the second CD includes songs written by other people), digital MP3s (c'mon, just pay a little more and get the CD), and 180 gram vinyl - for the old school fans. As usual, I would recommend the 3 disc set, for even casual fans.

Starting in July, Bob Dylan and His Band, John Mellencamp, and Willie Nelson, are going on a national "Minor League Baseball Park" tour. You can either buy tickets for field tickets or a seated bleacher (which I will suggest you bring binoculars).

It should be loads of fun, and children under the age of 14 can get in free with an adult. Tickets doesn't officially go on sale until May, but I believe fans signed up for his email list gets first dibs on pre-sale tickets.

ALSO: Out today is The Black Crowes' Warpaint Live album on Eagle Rock Entertainment. The live album are live songs of every song (in the correct order) from the Crowes' previous studio album Warpaint. The album also comes with a bonus live CD, you can read more details on our news.weheartmusic.com website.

 04/28/2009 18:04:22 ♥ vu () ♥ bobdylan.com ♥ myspace.com/bobdylan 

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)

The First Edition-Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Is In) The First Edition Tour Dates 04/26/09 Orleans Hotel Las Vegas, NV 05/01/09 Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino Mescalero, NM 05/02/09 Buffalo Thunder Sante Fe, NM 05/03/09 Desert Diamond Tucson, AZ 06/13/09 Blue Chip Michigan City, IN 06/18/09 Moondance Jam Walker, MN 06/25/09 Krouskop Park Richland Ctr, WI 07/30/09 Jay County Fair Portland, IN 08/04/09 Ohio State Fair | Celeste Center Columbus, OH 09/04/09 Shenandoah County Fair Woodstock, VA 09/11/09 Gstaad Fest Gstaad, Switzerland 09/14/09 Gigantium Aalborg, Den 09/15/09 Valby-Hallen Copenhagen, Den 09/17/09 Sportshall Torshavn, Faroe Islds 09/18/09 Sportshall Torshavn, Faroe Islds 09/20/09 Grieghallen Bergen, Norway 10/09/09 Silver Lagacy Hotel Reno, NV 10/10/09 Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 11/05/09 Jones Hall for the Performing Arts Houston, TX See Also Dolly Parton http://weheartmus... First off, I've edited together a few video sessions and we're going to call it a Holiday Buyer'...

A Cover Lover Special: Just Dropped In

Kenny Rogers - Just Dropped In Bettye LaVette - What My Condition Is In Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - I Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Is In Supergrass - Condition

"Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" is the hit song that put Kenny Rogers (official/myspace) on the music map. His band was called The First Edition but was quickly replaced with Rogers' name in less than a year to Kenny Rogers & The First Edition.

If you have a chance to listen to their hit song, you can clearly hear a very young Rogers doing his best psychedelic vocals, singing about the dangers of LSD and looking at the state of his condition. Rogers love the song so much, that even after his group broke up in the mid-70s, he re-recorded a different studio version on his album Ten Years Of Gold. The new version finds Rogers a little more bluesier.

The song caught the attention of producer Ollie McLaughlin, who had Bettye LaVette (official/myspace), record "What Condition My Condition Is In" as a B-Side to Popcorn Wylie and Tony Hester song, Get Away. Obviously, LaVette (previously recorded under Betty La Vette on Karen Records) brought a more soulful interpretation to the song.

It is obvious to me that New York's Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (official/myspace), based their own version on LaVette's... simply based on the singing style and especially the brass section on both songs. I love their version too, as I have previously had Sharon Jones on my Top 10 List for 2008.

Willie Nelson - Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)

Mickey Newbury - Just Dropped In (To See What Condition Was In)

Honorable mentions should include Supergrass (official/myspace) and Willie Nelson (official/myspace) . 'Grass concentrated more on the 60s psychedelic on their B-Side for Alright/Time single. Nelson loved the song so much that he included two different studio recording on his two cover albums: The Rainbow Connection and The Great Divide.

What's interesting to note is that the song was written by American songwriter Mickey Newbury for Jerry Lee Lewis, who previously recorded it for his album Soul My Way, but was not promoted as a single. I don't believe Newbury ever recorded a studio version of his now-famous song, but a live version does exist on his 1994 live album Nights When I am Sane.

Finally, I wanted to mention that fans of the cult-classic The Big Lebowski (1998), will be treated to the entire First Edition's song for The Dude's trip:

The Big Lebowski - Gutterballs

For a complete cover recording listing of "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)", head over to mickeynewbury.com, or see below:

Rosen Alex Nick Cave Children of Bodom Duck’s Breath Mystery Theatre w/ Randee of the Redwoods Tinsley Ellis Myron Floren (Lawrence Welk Presents…) Free Urbie Green Tommy Hans Die Haut Teddy Hill & The Southern Soul Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Bettye LaVette Jerry Lee Lewis Keith Miles Mojo Nixon & the Second Edition

Willie Nelson (2001 version) Willie Nelson (2002 version) Wayne Perkins John Pinamonti Reef Robosonic (samples Just Dropped In, titled, “Kaputt in Holywood”) Kenny Rogers & T. F. E. Slim Chance & The Convicts Jonmark Stone & Marie Rhines Styvar Manor Supergrass The Band That Time Forgot The Turn Ups Owen “Big Daddy-O” Tufts Jeff Walker (of Carcass) Richard Walton

As for Kenny Rogers, he's still doing tours, at mostly casinos. His last album was Water & Bridges in 2006.

 04/27/2009 00:59:58 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com 

Headlights, The Love Language at the Bell House, Brooklyn (4/24/09)

Headlights - Market Girl Headlights Tour Dates 05/07/09 Il Motore Montreal, PQ 05/08/09 Rivoli Cabaret Toronto, ON 05/09/09 Schubas Chicago, IL 05/10/09 Cedar Cultural Center Minn, MN 05/13/09 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA 05/14/09 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR 05/15/09 Bottom of the Hill SF, CA * with Loney Dear Sweat stain heart ♥ photo by laura

About halfway through the opening set of the Love Language, I couldn’t help but notice something odd: where was the flannel? Perhaps it was the slightly warmer weather or the fact that neither bands were from Brooklyn, but it’s a strange sight these days, going to a show with no trace of the hipster staple. The lack of flannel continued onto Headlights’ set, and it was somewhat telling, as both bands offered up refreshing doses of unpretentious, enthusiastic pop.

The Love Language - Lalita

The Love Language, a six-member troop hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, proved to be ideal openers for the somewhat more polished Headlights. Stuart McLamb, lead singer and wearer of dilapidated wife-beaters, charmed the stoic audience with his off-beat lyrics and undeniably catchy melodies. There seemed to be an endless supply of tambourines, an occasional accordion, and when Missy the keyboardist started dancing around barefoot, it seemed wholly appropriate. Their entire set gave off the vibe of an indie pop country hoedown.

The Love Language ♥ photo by laura
Headlights ♥ photo by laura Headlights ♥ photo by laura
Headlights ♥ photo by laura

TLL ended with their fan-favorite, “Lalita,” McLamb’s viciously sweet ode to an ex-girlfriend, and a somewhat creepy, somewhat endearing (but ultimately catchy) cover of Ricky Nelson’s “Hello, Mary Lou.” When their set ended, they left a palpable energy in a crowd, which is always a noteworthy accomplishment for a relatively unknown opening act.

With only four members, Headlights initially had a more subdued presence than TLL, but they immediately proved their pop prowess with gems like “Market Girl” and “Your Old Street.” Keyboardist Erin Fein provided her signature crystal clear vocals, while guitarist Tristan Wright took the lead on some songs, offering a nice contrast with his rougher but equally sweet vocals.

Midway through their set, they called up TLL up to the stage to join them for the stand-out hit from their second album, “Cherry Tulips.” It was obvious the two bands enjoyed touring together, and since this was their final show together, there were several “I love you, man!” moments – punctuated with tambourines and more barefoot hijinks. When they ended the night with “TV,” the two-minute favorite from their debut album, the audience was completely mesmerized. They had just put on a glam-free, wonderfully sincere show in the heart of Brooklyn. Quite a feat for this flannel-free band.

There are only so many alternatives the Merriam-Webster thesaurus can offer for “precious” and “cute,” but Headlights literally exemplified the two when Fein called attention to bassist Nick Sanborn’s sweat-soaked t-shirt. Apparently his chest hair has the awesome habit of forming a sweat stain in the shape of a perfect heart. Seriously, how twee can you get?

 04/26/2009 21:29:00 ♥ kateg () ♥ headlightsmusic.com/myspace.com ♥ myspace/thelovelanguage 

Fast Food Music, Delicious!

I'm starting to see a trend in fast-food music lately! Fast, cheap, and easy, is always my motto.

Fireflight - Unbreakable Fireflight Fireflight Tour Dates 05/01/09 Agape Fest, IL 05/08/09 Visalia Fox Thea - Fireflight, CA 05/09/09 Paramounts Santa Clara, CA 05/11/09 San Bernard  Fairgrounds, CA 05/15/09 Lafayette Theatre, Indiana 05/16/09 Michigan Adventure, MI 05/22/09 Birmingham Stad Van Nuys, CA 05/24/09 Del Mar Fairgrounds, CA 06/10/09 Shed Smoky Mtn, Maryville, TN 06/11/09 Ichthus Fest Wilmore, KY 06/12/09 Ichthus Fest Wilmore, KY 06/13/09 Carowinds Palad, Charlotte, NC 06/18/09 Stone Mountain Park Fest GA 06/19/09 Clay’s Park Resort , OH 06/20/09 Great Escape, New York 06/25/09 Praise Assembly of God, OK 06/26/09 Ridgeway Baptist Sapulpa, OK 06/27/09 Joplin Family Worship Center Joplin, Missouri 07/10/09 Kings Dominion at Kingswood Stage - King’s Fest Doswell, Virginia 07/11/09 Kings Island Timberwolf Amp - SpiritSong Festival ’09 Mason, Ohio 07/15/09 Kentucky Christian University Grayson, Kentucky 07/17/09 Civc Center Grounds - Sonshine Festival Willmar, MN 07/18/09 Alexian Field - Ignite Festival Schaumburg, Illinois 07/24/09 Porter County Fair Grandstand w/ Switchfoot Valparaiso, Indiana 07/25/09 Pikeville City Park - July Jam Pikeville, Kentucky 08/01/09 Gunstock Mountain Resort - SOULFEST Gilford, New Hampshire 08/03/09 Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Kingdom Bound Darien Center, New York 08/05/09 Unity Fest - Michigan Adventure - Unity Fest w/ Family Force 5 Muskegon, Michigan 08/08/09 LeClaire Park Bandshell - Rock the River Festival Davenport, Iowa 08/15/09 Mainstage - Purple Door Festival Lewisberry, Pennsylvania 08/28/09 Canada Olympic Park - Refuel Festival Calgary, Alberta 09/05/09 Rev Gen Fest - New York Stage - Revelation Generation Festival Frenchtown, NJ 09/21/09 Toyota Stage - Oklahoma State Fair Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 10/31/09 Palmer Event Center Austin, Texas 12/04/09 Haus Ennepetal - Christmas Rock Night Ennepetal 12/05/09 Haus Ennepetal - Christmas Rock Night Ennepetal 12/30/09 Louisville Convention Center - Youth Convention Louisville, Kentucky

Taco Bell
The fast food chain unveiled their Feed the Beat "Best of the Beat" winners (as determined by votes by fans). This year's winners are: Hit the Lights (myspace.com), Thousand Foot Krutch (official/myspace), and Fireflight (official/myspace).

I downloaded and listened to all the songs and they seem to all be of that power-pop/alternative/myspace-type music. I'm over-generalizing, but it's hard to determine what genre a band is based on one song.

Thousand Foot Krutch uses too much of that vocalizing technology on their winning song "Pulse", and Hit the Lights (named after a Metallica song!) are on the cover of AP's "100 Bands You Need to Know" on their April 2009 issue (although the singer Nick Thompson looks weirdly unhappy on the cover).

I think I'll spotlight Fireflight's "Unbreakable", there's a girl on vocals. From the looks of things, they will be doing a few dates with "Christian band" Switchfoot, based on the feedback for our article on them - they are extremely popular... so expect to see Fireflight doing really well in 2009, as I think Switchfoot's audience will most likely become instant Fireflight fans. (Speaking of fans, please see update below.)

If you like what you heard, all three tracks can be downloaded at feedthebeat.com.

Incidentally, all three bands won flight arrangements and recording sessions and studio time with a rock music producer, engineer, and masters for one song - according to the rules on Taco Bell's website. Although that doesn't sound like a lot, the estimated value is $15,000 ... that's a lot of taco bell food.

Kidz Bop - Get The Party Started

Kidz Bop

McDonald's
Not to be outdone by rival-Pepsi-owned Taco Bell, McD in association with Kidz Bop, are releasing about eight CDs with their Happy Meals.

If you don't have kids, but still want the CD, you can purchase them separately for about $0.99 each. The annoying thing is if you want to collect all eight, you have to go back every week. This week (April 24^th to May 1^st) you can get CD 1 & 2 - this will continue until the end of May.

There's no details on the cardstock packaging for the CD, so these are pretty much anonymous children singers. Some sounds like they are in their late teens (what qualifies for 'kids' anyway?). All the songs are covers, by the way.

As much as I love covers, these songs doesn't really offer much. Sexual innuendos like "I can go for miles if you know what I mean" on "Get The Party Started" are pretty much lost on children singing the line.

Still, for $1, these five songs are worth it for your children. For the adults, I recommend the McRibs if it's available.

Das Racist - Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell (Wallpaper. RMX) Das Racist & Wallpaper. Wallpaper. Tour Dates 05/29/09 San Diego, CA @ Beauty Bar 05/30/09 Phoenix, AZ @ Rogue Bar (Shake!) 05/31/09 Las Vegas, NV @ Beatles Revolution 06/06/09 Mountain View, CA @  BFD Fest 06/19/09 Brooklyn, NY @ Studio B

Pizza Hut/Taco Bell
This is a very catchy, but dumb, that's d-u-m, song called "Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell" by Das Racist (myspace.com). The lyrics revolves around three lines:

I'm at the Pizza Hut
I'm at the Taco Bell
I'm at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell

Dumb isn't necessary bad, it's actually hilarious and funny as the two parties in the song are trying to meetup on Jamaica Avenue at the combination Pizza Hut/Taco Bell. Can you say "Harold and Kumar Goes to the combination Pizza Hut Taco Bell?"

Pizza Hut/Taco Bell on Jamaica Ave

I did check if there was a Pizza Hut/Taco Bell in New York (since the band is based out of there), and they are in fact singing about RL Pizza Hut/Taco Bell on Jamaica Ave.  Note: the band should get the restaurant to sponsor a show there.

I haven't heard the original song, but the particular song I was sent is a remix by Wallpaper. (myspace.com) (note the period, as in "feat."). Wallpaper. seems to know what he's doing, after all, he's been remixing quite a few other artists (Jamie Lidell, Passion Pit, The Submarines, Restiform Bodies, and You Say Party! We Say Die!).

Anyway, enjoy the very catchy and awesome song, while you go through drive-through. See you at the Pizza Slut/Taco Hell combo.

 04/25/2009 11:38:06 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com

Off the Beat - Unbreakable

Off the Beat

Update 4/25/09 8:05 pm: I received a message shortly after my article went live, that University of Pennsylvania's Off the Beat (official/myspace) have recently covered Fireflight's "Unbreakable" on their latest record, 1929. What makes their covers interesting is that all their songs are done in a cappella.

Looking at their impressive backcatalogue (they've been steadily releasing an album since 1990), I can only guess that like Menuedo, their singers staff changes every few semesters based on students.

So, listening to Off the Beat's "Unbreakable", it's definitely different without the use of music!

 

Saturday Treats

Let's see... I have a few gems for you today

ASTREETLIGHTSONG

ASTREETLIGHTSONG - The Ocean Floor
These guys are a new-ish band, based in Sydney. Three guys who, from all reports, appear to be storming forward, gaining immense popularity.. with tunes being played on FBi radio and JJJ ; being runners up in the SONY/BMG Uncharted Competition in 2007; and even having the very exciting claim to fame of supporting The Church on their recent tour. The Ocean Floor is their new EP, which contains seven tracks including their new single, The Lighthouse.

Just listening to these tracks, ASTREETLIGHTSONG have something a bit different. They look young, very young, yet their sound is more mature. I suppose that's how they scored The Church support slot. The tunes, are slow, mellow and slightly dark; they would be excellent played very loud... with ear protection worn at all times, of course. However, unlike most songs of the same description, they are not grating on a short attention span.

In addition to The Ocean Floor, the guys have another EP available.... and and and as i mentioned they can be heard on any decent (Australian) radio station as well as seen on yours and my favourite drunken viewing... none other than Rage on the ABC.

I look forward to sitting, sipping a beer in front of these boys... at a venue near me.

 

The Lighthouse

If you feel that you would like to do the same.... here's a hint to hunting them down in person:

8 May 2009	Hopetoun Hotel	Sydney, NSW
13 May 2009	Phoenix Bar	Canberra, ACT
14 May 2009	Ding Dong Lounge	Melbourne, VIC
15 May 2009	Public Bar	North Melbourne, VIC

If you want to know more.... this is where you should be clicking:
Official website: http://www.astreetlightsong.com
MySpork Page: http://www.myspace.com/astreetlightsong

Ex Norwegian

Ex Norwegian - Dance Trance Pants

Ex Norwegian
Ex Norwegian are a four-piece out of Miami Beach, Florida, in the US. Their name is apparently a reference from that Monty Python sketch about the dead parrot... interesting choice to say the least. Their debut album, Standby, was released in March 2009 on the newly formed Dying Van Gogh label and Sally happened to stumble across a copy of it a while ago (and apologises for sitting on it for so long before she wrote about it).... *ahem*.

What can i say? It's poppy, it's cute, it's quite danceable. Housework or roadtrip? This is the album for you. Off the top of my head, I can't actually name a band that I would say they sound like. This is probably not a bad thing, it's always good to be original after all. Looking at their "influences" as per their myspork page, I can't see a band I don't like (it's all about me it's it?), The Kinks, The Easybeats, David Bowie....nice. I also see further Monty Python-esque references... a good sense of humour goes a long way in my books.

But I'm loving the smiliness that this album makes me feel, even the slower songs are quite happy sounding. A special mention for smile-making goes to the track, Dance Trance Pants, which both makes me smile as well as remind me of a friend who makes his own orange pants to go to what i would describe as, "terrible techno evenings".

Just one thing... the track, Add Vice.... don't you think the first few lines sound a lot like Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Broken-hearted"? What? You don't have a copy of Standby to compare it to? Well you'd best get one.

Alternatively, see them here:

30 Apr 2009	Tobacco Road	Miami, Florida
1 May 2009	Churchill’s Hideaway	Miami, Florida
8 May 2009	Miami Art Central	Miami, Florida
10 May 2009	Buck 15	Miami Beach, Florida
21 May 2009	Churchill’s Hideaway	Miami, Florida
5 Jun 2009	Propaganda	Lake Worth, Florida
16 Jul 2009	Mansion 462 - Summer Tour	Chapel Hill, North Carolina

EX NORWEGIAN Dance Trance Pants

Apparently, the band are preparing for the next album to be released at the end of the year... ooh! So keep your eye on the prize.... and here: http://www.exnorwegian.com

Just two questions: What is sudeki? and What is Fujeira?... That is all.





Other news...

Being Anzac day, there is a wonderous array of fun things happening....

Tonight at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills (Sydney) we have none other than Peabody, Charge Group and The Laurels ...... brilliant.

Today we have the Essential Festival (Dappled Cities, Bluejuice, Young & Restless, The Scare, The Holidays, The Scare, Belles Will Ring, Cloud control, Spod, The E.L.F , More) at Spectrum, 34B, Vegas Bar, Qbar, and the Oxford Art Factory... but hurry because it starts at 3pm.

and not to discriminate... at the Hobgoblin (London) tonight we have monthly Chimp Night with our favourite ape themed band, Celebrity Chimp .

We also have the recently announced first installment of bands to be playing at Splendour in The Grass ... The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, Jane’s Addiction, MGMT, Friendly Fires, Leader Cheetah, Yuksek, Augie March, Manchester Orchestra, Little Birdy, The Gutter Twins, Birds Of Tokyo, Josh Pyke, Sarah Blasko,  Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials..... Please buy Sally a ticket.


Sally
sally@weheartmusic.com

Ice Palace at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (4/23/09)

Ice Palace - Thoughts/Facts Ice Palace Tour Dates 05/04/09 Rapid City, SD -  Dahl Arts Center 05/05/09 Bozeman, MT - Filling Station 05/06/09 Missoula, MT - Other Side 05/08/09 Seattle, WA - Neumos # 05/09/09 Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Ballrm # 05/10/09 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballrm # 05/12/09 SF, CA -  Independent # 05/16/09 Tucson, AZ - Plush # 05/17/09 Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room # 05/19/09 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre # 05/20/09 Omaha, NE - Waiting Room # w/ Cloud Cult, Say Hi Read More Caroline Smith http://weheartmus... Brody and Dolly talks about the music that they are loving lately. This includes Caroline Smith a... Cloud Cult http://weheartmus... Minneapolis experimental rockers Cloud Cult are primarily the creation of singer/songwriter ... Dark Dark Dark http://weheartmus... Just in time for Halloween comes Dark Dark Dark, the band so gloomy they named it thrice. Largely...

Ice Palace just held their CD-release party (Wonder Subtly Crushing Us, released on Earthology Records) last night at the lovely Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. Helping them celebrate are three local bands: Dark Dark Dark, To Kill A Petty Bourgeoisie, and Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps.

Judging from last night's audiences, there was a huge influx of alt-country/americana folky crowd of young people. I am told that this kind of music is massive, especially in the mid-west. It's only too bad that, in my opinion, Ice Palace is more guitar indie rock, and To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie is far too experimental and tribal - which had their own sort of audiences. Still, it all balanced out, I suppose.

Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps Setlist ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (04/2/09)

Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps (official/myspace): The first time I heard of Caroline Smith was when Brody was raving about her. I think at the time, she didn't really a record or a full band (?), but from the looks of things last night - she seems to be doing quite well so far.

I think the highlight for me was the one acoustic-only song (her upright bassist and percussions took a break), I think on the setlist it's listed as "Gracie", the song after "Clench My Teeth".

To Kill A Petty Bourgeoisie (official/myspace): I thought this was the most interesting of all the bands. I think if they had opened up for the Japanese noise band, The Boredoms, they would've fitted right in. Unfortunately the midwestern folky audience didn't know what to do with Bourgeoisie.

The singer looks half-asian or something, she's a small thing. I thought she was exclusively the singer, but she did play a little keyboard and also guitar at some point. The best songs on their setlist was when they had live drumming, but the highlight for me was when the violinist joined them on stage for the third song.

Dark Dark Dark Setlist ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (04/2/09) Ice Palace Setlist ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (04/2/09)

Dark Dark Dark (official/myspace): Their name is a bit of a misnomer, they don't seem very dark to me (in fact, Bourgeoisie is a darker band). If their name sounds familiar, that's because we've previously mentioned them a few times, check out Andrew's review.

I was actually kind of excited to see them, their set consists of mostly accordion songs (which sort of made many of their songs to sound Frenchy or even carnival-y). I asked singer Nona about their EP, Love You, Bye, because I wanted to pick it up (since I already had their LP), but she said it was out of print (edit: see tweet below.)

Ice Palace (official/myspace): Clearly, having been touring the country with Cloud Cult have been good to Ice Palace. They were very confident on stage, and everyone had an especially good time rocking out. I will tell you what though: for their first two songs ("Outside The Gates" and "Phonebook Pillow"), they had three guitars, one bass, and drums. Yes, lots of loud clashing layers of guitars, particularly on "Phonebook Pillow".

My favorite songs from the set was the trumpet songs ("Devils Tower", "Thoughts/Facts"). For their finale, they had, I think the drummer from The Good Night Sleeps' Arlen Peiffer joining them on stage to do tambourine.

Please note: This was really last minute, so I didn't have time to prep for a camera. Also, everyone had about a 30-minute set, with the exception of Ice Palace, for obvious reasons. Plus, all the bands had setlists, except for Bourgeoisie - who apparently are rebels... :)

 04/24/2009 11:27:06 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com

tominhaler @weheartmusic thanks for reviewing the DDD show! we have a few copies of "Love You, Bye" on vinyl at http://www.sad-music.net!
Friday, April 24, 2009 6:24:57 PM from TwitterFox

Zigmat - Sounds of Machines

Zigmat - Machine Zigmat Tour Dates 06/04/09 Club NME @ The Annex New York, New York Influences Goldfrapp http://weheartmus... I also picked up a few new CDs, including Goldfrapp's Seventh Tree, primarily for a decently pri...

"Electronica" was all I needed to know when Vu sent me the information on Zigmat.  "If you don't want to review this, I'll do it," he wrote.  "I like sweet girl vocals on electronic music."  No chance.  When I started listening, I knew I had something pretty special.  "You're too late-- after playing the video for 'Machine', Cimmorene [my wife] said she liked it," I replied.  "I really like what I'm hearing so far."

To be honest, "electronica" doesn't do enough to describe the band's sound, which strikes me as more sophisticated and mature, with a fusion of many musical genres punctuated by electronic textures.  The opening track of Sounds of Machines, "Wait", has cool jazz flavors, while "Light of the Moon" sounded post-punk influenced.  "Machine" seemed somewhat gothic and industrial.  This album is really rich, and it's difficult to separate every nuance of style as there is just so much there to wade through.  The press release describes them as "a throwback to a certain type of theatricality missing from today’s music scene," and that's probably the best way to put it.  I think they could fit in just fine on a theatrical stage as well as a more standard rock venue.

Zigmat is fronted by Monica Rodriguez and Stephen Yonkin, who met after college but had incidentally attended the same school.  Monica was already putting together a band and was looking for a bass player. The band officially launched in 2006, and Sounds of Machines is their followup to their self-titled EP.  They list the Lemonheads, Massive Attack, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Brazilian Girls, Air, and Goldfrapp among their influences.  They performed at SXSW just last month, which I was unable to attend.  (I'm reading that the crowd's reaction was 'incredible'-- Vu, can you confirm?) The full biography I received is available at their MySpace page , which contains more reviews from the press, but I must say, you've really got to listen for yourself.  I've been excited about a lot of music I've reviewed so far, but I really think Zigmat has the potential to hit it big in the mainstream.  Yeah.  It's that good.

Sounds of Machines can be purchased at CD Baby here in either a physical (CD) or digital format.  

 04/23/2009 10:10:50 ♥ jaklumen ( / jaklumen.vox.com) ♥ zigmat.com ♥ myspace.com/zigmat

jaklumen wrote: Wed, Apr 29, 2009 at 6:53 PM

I got a copy of their self-titled EP today, and so made a few notes on it and more information about the group here at the WHM group.

>>>

!Zigmat!

Zigmat

Zigmat - Zigmat!

• jaklumen
• Apr 29, 2009 at 4:51 PM

 

If you're following the main W♥M blog, you may have read the review I did for Sounds of Machines.  I really like this band's sound so I picked up a copy of their self-titled EP for comparison.  Something I forgot to mention is that Monica Rodriguez drifts into Spanish lyrics with her singing, which is featured much more prominently in this EP.  Some tracks are featured in Sounds of Machines, but feature more of this alternating Spanish and English lyrics; in fact some of the tracks are marked with "Spanglish" in parantheses.

As a result, there is a fairly strong base of Latino fans, that I can see, and this may also be partly the basis for their comparison with The Brazilian Girls.