W♥M

Peelander-Z at Turf Club, St Paul (10/20/12)

Tour Dates 10/23 Seattle, WA @ Funhouse * 10/25 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of The Hill * 10/26 Stockton, CA @ Plea For Peace Center * 10/27 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar * 10/28 Phoenix, AZ @ The Trunk Space * 10/31 Dallas, TX @ Club Dada * 11/01 Shreveport, LA @ Fatty Arbuckles * 11/02 Austin, TX @ Red 7 FunFunFun Festival 11/03 Austin, TX @ FunFunFun Festival 11/04 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live * 11/06 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks * 11/09 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn * 11/10 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge * 11/13 Tallahassee, FL @ Rehab * 11/14 Orlando, FL @ The Social * 11/15 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum * 11/17 Gainesville, FL @ High Dive * * with Electric Eel Shock Read More Peelander-Z Our favorite Japanese Superhero band is back from their space vacation. Peelander-Z, as you know, is a touring band. They are a band that is always fun to watch, and even if you've seen them five times (like me), their shows never gets old ...

Peelander-Z's space ship crashed at the Turf Club in Saint Paul, last night. They brought with them Electric Eel Shock, who I previously mentioned were "originally an 11-piece band, it was absolutely a logistic nightmare that they're currently just a trio."

ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK

EES was a blast to watch, they play high energy Japanese metal and clearly influenced by Black Sabbath with their cover of "Iron Man." I panned left and noticed pubic hair. WTF the drummer was naked! That's what you get for being in front of the stage.

I think they may be taking a cue from Peelander-Z with their effort to get the audience to participate in their songs. They're still a lot of fun to watch, and I know for a fact that there were a few fans in the audience that came just to see EES and Peelander-Z was an added bonus.

Speaking of which, here's a little behind-the-scenes from the planet Peelander-Z: This is Peelander-Red's last tour with Peelander-Z. I don't know if they're going to permanently replace him with Black or a new color. As Cristina and I previously discussed Red is her favorite Peelander. We also noted how their lineup changed with Peelander-Blue leaving the band and was replaced by Peelander-Green. Then there was Peelander-Black (who did not make an appearance on this current tour) and the girl version called Peewonder-Z.

TYPICAL PEELANDER-RED

Are the changes good? I think the more important thing to notice is that Peelander-Z is constantly evolving. I think this is important, especially for fans, like me, that go to all their shows. Every show there is a subtle change, for instance, their costume has been altered with helmets or wigs or extra facial hair or new garments. But I think the best is that the audience is part of the show. My favorite is when they ask for people in the audience to play their instruments while they go in the audience to do limbo and squid bowling.

Setlist is similar to their appearance in May: Intro space countdown, "So Many Mikes", "Under Zero Gravity" (which they called "Zero Zero"), "Mad Tiger", "Taco Taco Taco", "Ice Cream", "Get Glasses", "Ninja High School" (always my favorite song from them), "S.T.E.A.K.", and they ended their set with a cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Notably missing is "EIEIO" (Old Macdonald Had a Farm).

Go see Peelander-Z on this tour to say farewell to Peelander-Red on his last tour. If you've never seen Peelander-Z before, go ahead and take a chance on them. Be warned: you'll become an instant fan if you do see them. Scanning around the audience last night, there was a ton of Peelander-Z T-Shirts! That's awesome.

Peelander-Z is currently on tour in support of their new album, Space Vacation, out now via Chicken Ranch.

Peelander-Z at Turf Club, St Paul (10/20/12)

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Out of This Galaxy

Read More Asteroids Galaxy Tour The Asteroids Galaxy Tour are... er... on TOUR! I've been in love with this band since October 2008, and it's great that they are finally making their way from Copenhagen to Minneapolis!

ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR
theasteroidsgalaxytour.com

Did you miss The Asteroids Galaxy Tour when they were in Minneapolis, because it sold out? Here's your chance to make up for it, mark it on your calendar: November 3rd at the Triple Rock Social Club. This is a larger venue, so hopefully it will accommodate for their fanbase.

Here is my favorite song from them:

Fall tour starts in October in Portland.

10/26: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
10/27: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
10/29: Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
10/30: Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
11/01: Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
11/03: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
11/04: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
11/05: Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
11/07: Montreal, QC @ Cabaret du Mile-End
11/08: Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
11/09: Washington, DC @ Black Cat
11/11: Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg

PEELANDER-Z
peelander-z.com

Our favorite Japanese Superhero band is back from their space vacation. Peelander-Z, as you know, is a touring band. They are a band that is always fun to watch, and even if you've seen them five times (like me), their shows never gets old.

Their latest single is called "Get Glasses," which you can hear on Soundcloud.

If you haven't picked up their album, Space Vacation, here's your chance again:

09/21 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar 10/10 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East * 10/11 Providence, RI @ Firehouse 13 * 10/12 New York, NY @ Studio @ Webster Hall* 10/13 Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar * 10/15 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom * 10/16 Detroit, MI @ PJ's Lager House * 10/17 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme * 10/19 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Music Joint * 10/20 Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club * 10/23 Seattle, WA @ Funhouse * 10/25 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of The Hill * 10/26 Stockton, CA @ Plea For Peace Center * 10/27 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar *

10/28 Phoenix, AZ @ The Trunk Space * 10/31 Dallas, TX @ Club Dada * 11/01 Shreveport, LA @ Fatty Arbuckles * 11/02 Austin, TX @ Red 7 FunFunFun Festival 11/03 Austin, TX @ FunFunFun Festival 11/04 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live * 11/06 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks * 11/09 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn * 11/10 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge * 11/13 Tallahassee, FL @ Rehab * 11/14 Orlando, FL @ The Social * 11/15 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum * 11/17 Gainesville, FL @ High Dive * * with Electric Eel Shock

BIGBANG
facebook.com/BIGBANG

Korean group, BIGBANG (or 빅뱅) announced their first ever US tour dates this November:

11/03/12 Honda Center in Anaheim, California
11/09/12 Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey

With the unexpected popularity of Psy, I would think their parent company, YG Entertainment will be bringing more K-pop to America.

The two US dates are part of BIGBANG's global tour, "BIGBANG ALIVE GALAXY TOUR 2012," already selling out dates in Asian countries (Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, China, etc.) Will their K-pop music translate, to music fans in America? I guess we'll find out this November.

THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
thirtysecondstomars.com

Thirty Seconds To Mars just released "Night Of The Hunter (Shannon Leto Remix)" on September 18th. Originally from their third album, This is War, but the song's been re-worked for the dance floor by the band's own drummer Shannon Leto.

Shannon Leto explained, "'Night Of The Hunter' is one of my favorite songs to play live with my band [Thirty Seconds To Mars] and I really wanted to reinvent it, to shed a different light on it by bringing a dance element to it. I'm excited share the remix out there in the world!"

If you waiting for their fourth album, they said that the new album is a "dramatic departure from the past." Could the "dance floor" recent remix be a signal for what's to come?

Expect the band to go back on tour after the fourth album is announced; after all, Thirty Seconds to Mars recently got a Guinness World Record for more concerts than any other band in a single album cycle with their 300th show (although I could not find the record on their website?)

TAMARYN
tamarynmusic.com

Tamaryn (born in New Zealand, currently based out of San Francisco) has a single and video is called "Heavenly Bodies." The track is taken from her new album, Tender New Signs, coming out October 16th on Mexican Summer.

About the new album, Tamaryn said, "In making this record, I hoped to transcend the mundane world, by living in a new one of my own creation, now it's time to invite everyone else in it with me."

You can experience her world on her tour dates:

Oct 13 Glassgow, Scotland – Captain’s Rest Oct 14 Manchester, UK – Soup Oct 15 London, UK – The Lexington Oct 28 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court Oct 29 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive Nov 01 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry Nov 02 Chicago, IL - Schubas Tavern Nov 03 Toronto, ON - The Garrison Nov 04 Montreal, QC - Il Motore Nov 05 Allston, MA - Great Scott Nov 08 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's

Nov 09 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge Nov 10 Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory Nov 11 Washington, DC - Red Palace Nov 13 Atlanta, GA – 529 Nov 15 Houstin, TX – Fitzgerald’s Nov 16 Dallas, TX - Club Dada Nov 17 Austin, TX - Red 7 Nov 20 San Diego, CA - Casbah Nov 23 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo Nov 24 San Francisco, CA - The Independent

BRIEFLY:

ATOM ORR atomorr.com Atom Orr's new album, Galaxies With Long Yellow Curtains, can be heard streaming at Soundcloud. They didn't send me a biography or any other interesting notes, so I don't really have anything to say about them.

NAIMA MORA t2ps.com Naima Mora is the winner of 2005's America's Top Model and she also sings in a band called Galaxy of Tar. Mora's latest work is her first book, "Model Behavior." This is an eBook, and is the first in a Model Life Series™.

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Peelander-Z at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (05/15/12)

Tour Dates 05/16/12 Reggie's Music Joint - Chicago, IL 05/17/12 Pike Room - Crofoot Pontiac, MI 05/18/12 Musica - Akron, OH, US 05/19/12 Great Googamooga - Brooklyn Read More Peelander-Z You know the story, we here at W♥M loves Peelander-Z, so… Having seen Peelander-Z four previous times (SXSW, NXNE, twice at the Turf Club), I have to say that last night's show at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis was by far the best Peelander-Z show yet! I was afraid that their same-old routine would get old, but it never gets old. Birthday Suits Opening up for Peelander-Z was the same two bands that opened up for them in 2010: In Defence and Birthday Suits. The later band have opened up for all Peelander-Z shows in Minneapolis, as well as other Japanese bands (Guitar Wolf, for instance). If you haven't seen Birthday Suits, they are a guitar/drum duo that play punk rock and get pretty energetic on stage. All their songs seems like they're under two minutes, so a standard opening set lasts less than 30 minutes! Peelander-Z is currently on tour to promote their new album, Space Vacation, but surprisingly doesn't play too many new songs (which is perfect as I feel you need to introduce new material slowly into your act). New songs played live include "Star Bowling", "Get Glasses", (maybe "Space Vacation"?) and the Cyndi Lauper cover (the intro music didn't count!). I'm missing a few songs in my notes, but they did the favorites: "So Many Mikes", "Mad Tiger", "EIEIO", "Taco Taco Taco", "Ice Cream", "Ninja High School" (my favorite, as it sounds like the Ramones), "S.T.E.A.K.", and they ended their set with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". They did the pots & pans thing, they did the limbo thing, asked for guest drummer and bassist, and, of course, the squid bowling. The new thing is them playing baseball. The highlight of the show is when Peelander-Red was walking on the ceiling. That was rad, I don't think I've ever seen that done by any other performers before! If you haven't seen Peelander-Z live before, you have to check them out, you'll be in for such a treat. If you've seen them, I can tell you, it's still lots of fun. Peelander-Z's latest album, Space Vacation, is out now via Chicken Ranch Records. Peelander-Z at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (05/15/12)

vu () ♥ peelander-z.com

Turning Japanese

Read More Peelander-Z You know the story, we here at W♥M loves Peelander-Z, so..

PEELANDER-Z
peelander-z.com

The problem with seeing a favorite band over and over again is that it might old. That's why bands keep releasing new music, hoping to play old favorites, but mixing in new songs they haven't tried before. Since Cristina and I have been steadily following Peelander-Z since 2008, I have to say that it's been really fun to see the band through the evolution of their gigs. Sometime it's the same-old-thing, but it's fun and never gets old.

So, I have been listening to Peelander-Z's new album, Space Vacation, it doesn't capture the energy and happiness of seeing them live. But what it is, it's a good themed album. Unlike their moving to the countryside theme of "P-TV-Z, Space Vacation seems to follow a visitor who came to Earth and is introduced to Sushi. It's not as complicated as it sound.

The music is typical Peelander-Z, a little DIY and punk attitude, however I thought their lead single "Star Bowling" and "Mr Tea" sounded really pop. Fans of punk should be comfortable with "Big Bang" and "Sa Yo Na La-La", which sounds like the Ramones from Japan.

As a cover-lover, you know that I did appreciate their cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". I wasn't absolutely sure if it's some voice modification, but I think it's Peelander-Pink on lead vocals for this song. One of the problems of reviewing music via digital MP3 is that they never send the liner notes so you have to guess at these things. I will find out the truth when I see them live in May.

BONUS: Listen to Introduction to Peelander-Z and Peelander-Black explained (26 mins in).

Peelander-Z, is, of course, always on tour:

04/11 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs 04/12 New York, NY @ Rocks Off Concert Cruise 04/13 Philadelphia, PA @ The Fire 04/14 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar 04/15 Washington, DC @ DC9 04/16 Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter 04/17 Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall 04/19 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 04/20 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum 04/21 Gainesville, FL @ Double Down 04/22 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall 04/24 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks 04/25 Houston, TX @ Walter's On Washington 04/26 San Antonio, TX @ The Korova 04/27 Norman, OK @ Opolis Norman Music Festival

04/28 Dallas, TX @ Prophet Bar 04/30 Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar 05/02 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater 05/05 Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theatre 05/06 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge 05/08 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater 05/09 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 05/11 Bozeman, MT @ Zebra Cocktail Lounge 05/13 Sioux Falls, SD @ Boonies Bar & BBQ 05/14 Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium 05/15 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry 05/16 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Music Joint 05/17 Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot 05/18 Akron, OH @ Musica

Read More Guitar Wolf The legend is back in the USA! The last we heard from them was when the original Bass Guitar died. With new Bass Guitar (UG) and Drum Wolf, be prepared to have your face melt off when they come to town.

GUITAR WOLF
guitarwolf.net

Yeah, I know, you must be tired of hearing me talk about Guitar Wolf (here, here, here, and here) - but I wanted to remind you that Guitar Wolf's show in Minneapolis is this week, on SUNDAY. I know it is Easter.

I will be picking up some 10" of Jet Satisfaction which was originally released in Japan in 2009, but available for the first time in the USA with this tour. I did take a sneak peak at some of their tour merchandise at guitarwolfshop.com and I will likely pick up a set of pins as well. I wish bands would make patches; I'd love a Guitar Wolf logo to sew on my bag…

Here is what's left of their USA tour:

4/05 St Louis, MO Firebird
4/06 Lawrence, KS Bottleneck
4/07 Des Moines, IA Gas Lamp
4/08 Minneapolis, MN 7th St Entry
4/09 Fargo, ND Aquarium
4/10 Rapid City, SD Skullets
4/11 Missoula, MT The Top Hat
4/13 Bellingham, WA The Shakedown
4/14 Seattle, WA Corazon
4/15 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
4/17 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
4/18 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite
4/19 Santa Ana, CA Constellation Room
4/20 San Diego, CA Casbah
4/21 Phoenix, AZ Martini Ranch
4/22 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad
4/24 San Antonio, TX White Rabbit
4/25 Dallas, TX Trees
4/26 Memphis, TN Hi-Tone

BRIEFLY:

ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK electriceelshock.com Originally an 11-piece band, it was absolutely a logistic nightmare that they're currently just a trio. Electric Eel Shock or EES is currently back in Japan, doing some local Tokyo dates: 2012/04/06 新宿JAM / Shinjuku JAM Tokyo 2012/04/11 下北沢シェルター / Shimokitazawa Shelter、Tokyo 2012/05/01 下北沢シェルター / Shimokitazawa Shelter、Tokyo

MONO monoishere.com Not to be confused with the defunct French band, this Mono is a Japanese instrumental shoegaze band. Their last album, called Hymn to the Immortal Wind, which was three years ago, and rumor is that Mono has a yet-to-be-titled album coming out this year, 2012.

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Better in Japan

Read More W♥M118: Big in Japan Sally is back from Japan holiday. This is only part one - which is basically shows we're seeing this week and it's mostly about Japan.

みんなの家 (A Home For Everyone)
jaapan.com

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It's called "The Playbutton." It is basically a small button (or as the UK calls them, badges) that clips on your garment. What makes it cool is that it's actually an MP3 player with possibly a tiny flash chip containing 12 audio tracks. I think this is the first of many Playbuttons to come, this particular compilation features 12 Japanese experimental/electronic artists.

The compilation is an effort to help residents of North-Eastern Japan recover from the Tsunami that hit the coast on March 11th, 2011. They hope to build houses for the people of Japan.

Tracklist:
01. Boredoms - Super You
02. Jemapur - Untitled
03. hamaYôko - Tsumetai Tsuki
04. Satanicpornocultshop - Usotsuki
05. Nao Suzuki (Chimidoro) - Fûkei in Japan
06. de!nial - Minus Algorhythm
07. Akane Hosaka - 1!2!Sports
08. Takeko Akamatsu (Craftwife) - Beyond The Shell
09. Maruosa - Catchpulse
10. ECD - Recording Report (Hangenpatsu Remix)
11. Oorutaichi - Misen Gymnastics
12. DODDODO - Neko Ga Nya-tte, Inu Ga Wan!

Prix / Price / 価格 : 25 € VAT incl. For deliveries outside of the EU, the price (excluding VAT) is € 20.90

Listen to the compilation at official.fm

PEELANDER-Z
peelander-z.com

We have sung the praises of Peelander-Z here many times; they are simply one of the best live acts we've ever seen.

Guess what? They have a new album out on April 10th called Space Vacation, via Chicken Ranch Records, and you can preview their first single, "Star Bowling", over at Soundcloud.

Space Vacation will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital, plus: fans will want the special collector's edition, which comes with a DVD and a limited edition Peelander–Z comic book featuring artwork by John Holmstrom (famous for illustrating the covers of The Ramones albums Rocket to Russia and Road To Ruin).

No surprise, but they are on tour – see them at SXSW! Bring the kids, they'll love them!

03/08 Hot Springs, AR @ Maxine’s
03/09 Shreveport, LA @ Media Star
03/10 San Antonio, TX @ Big Spill Festival
03/11 Austin, TX @ Beauty Ballroom - 8PM
03/14 Austin, TX @ Elysium – 4:45PM
03/15 Austin, TX @ Vagabond Collective - 5:15PM
03/16 Austin, TX @ Threadgills – 4:30PM
03/17 Austin, TX @ The Grackle
03/17 Austin, TX @ Treasure Island – 1 AM
03/18 Austin, TX @ Springdale Farm 1PM

BRIEFLY:

MAGICAL MISTAKES magicalmistakes.com Erik Luebs is better known as his stage name, Magical Mistakes. Last year, the guy packed up his bags and went to live in a small village in Japan. His current music involves vibraphones, xylophones, piano, guitars, drums, voice, and "found sound". His latest EP is called Special Friends, and you can hear it on his website.

REGURGITATOR regurgitator.net Sure, I think singer Quan Yeomans is half-Vietnamese and, sure, they're based out of Australia, but their latest video for "No Show" uses clips from this old Japanese monster movie. It's great! The single is from the band's seventh studio album SUPERHAPPYFUNTIMEFRIENDS. Read more about Regurgitator on W♥M

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NXNE: Saturday (06/18/11)

Saturday was absolutely the best of the NXNE week.

Kaya Fraser at Harbour Parklands, Toronto (06/18/11)

Spent daytime taking the King's streetcar down to Queen's Quay. By the way, how can a street be both called Queen's Quay and Harbour Front Road? Very confusing, Canada.

Accidentally found where Harbour Parklands was, which is right near the gates to take the Island ferry. Kaya Fraser was playing acoustic. Unfortunately, we were just passing through, we didn't stay too long.

There were already a few people in line for the Bruise Cruise at the dock. The queue was confusing, there was already a RSVP and a non-RSVP line, but they also wanted us in boys-girls lines. All liquids and foods were asked to be dumped before entering the ship.

Jesuslesfilles Uncle Bad Touch Young Governor

The music cruise was sponsored by M for Montreal and Brooklyn Vegan. I found out that the Brooklyn Vegan dude couldn't make it because of an expired passport. I guess it's pretty easy to let that sort of thing lapse, especially if you don't travel outside the US.

The show started a little after the boat left harbor. As you can see from the lineup, the bands are more on the punk-ish variety.

I saw all the bands, starting with Jesuslesfilles. They were giving away free cassettes (yes, cassettes are the new vinyl).

Uncle Bad Touch was a trio, which had both Kathryn and Mikey sharing the singing duties. They were pretty garagey and noisy, which is odd for for a boat ride, I guess. Young Governor's Ben Cook had the right idea, he was dressed for the part: hawaiian shirt, skinny legs, sunglasses. He looked like Tom Cruise and Michael J Fox. I liked them, seems to have a lot of stage presence.

Ty Segall was the headliner, who came on stage with double sunglasses. Prior to playing "Annette's Got the Hits", Ty was asking for "Steve". Turns out, bassist Steve McDonald is from Redd Kross, a band that we covered heavily at KFSR 90.7FM when I was still DJing. That's actually an indication of how long Redd Kross has been around. Anyway, apparently Ty Segall was a huge Redd Kross fan, so this was a dream come true for him.

It was a three hour's tour, but Ty and the gang were still playing and human surfing when the boat dock. What a nice place to see them, especially considering that a fan told me that the night before, their NXNE showcase was packed from ear to ear, and you know how I dislike seeing sold-out shows.

Ty Segall (left) with guest bassist Steve McDonald (right) at Bruise Cruise, Toronto (06/18/11)

We got back and headed over to see Men Without Hats and Devo at Yonge/Dundas (which I've detailed here). Devo's set ran well past 10pm, which meant that I've just missed Smoke Fairies. That's fine, that gave me enough time take it easy on the way to Comfort Zone on Spadina to see Peelander-Z.

Neon Windbreaker

Comfort Zone was easily the worst of the venue at NXNE that I've been to. It's a dirty, pitch black basement basically. It's perfect for low-fi or punk bands, which was what Neon Windbreaker were. They spent as much time on stage as they singing in the audience. They had a local following, which is easy to see why because of their high energy and loud performance. Only thirty minutes before they called it quits.

Meanwhile, there was a band that played while the main stage was being setup. I wish I caught their name, but they were a trio, and they played the same set of songs prior to both Neon Windbreaker and Peelander-Z.

Peelander-Z at Comfort Zone, Toronto (06/18/11)

Peelander-Black was nowhere to be seen, I am assuming he doesn't have the proper paperwork to enter the country. Cristina and my suspicions that he's still a Japanese citizen comes to mind. Either that, or they've sacked him, which I hope wasn't the case.

Talked briefly to Peelander-Red prior to their show, asked them about their 5 O'Clock show (which we couldn't make it because of being stuck on a boat) and he said it was a great show. They had children in the audience, which I think their music and show is perfect for them.

Anyway, I've seen Peelander-Z a few times now, so this was a typical show for them. Red does the usual crowd surf (failed on first attempt!), but because we were in a basement, he was playing neck to feet to the ceiling! Talk about raise the roof.

Audience participation was required, of course, and if you've seen their show, you know that this method is used to distract us while the giant squid and jump rope and human bowling are played out. Lots of fun.

Because of the festival shows, this was one of their shorter set. Don't know their new songs, but "So Many Mike", "Mad Tiger", "Taco Taco Taco", "Ice Cream", "Ninja High School", and "S.T.E.A.K." were played.

One thing I should mention is that the Toronto audience were younger, and they sure slam dance/mosh violently to Peelander-Z songs! Seriously, kids, take it easy! The poor security guard, he couldn't do anything.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

W♥M111: NXNE

W♥M111 (30 mins) Listening options: Archive.org: W♥M111

NXNE is coming, June 13-19, 2011, in Toronto, Canada. I am flying in on the 12th, and I guess will be doing touristy things in the city. If you want to hang out, send me a note. The music portion, as far as looking at the schedule, doesn't actually start until Wednesday, the 15th. Which means, I have a lot of time to kill, perhaps I'll attend some of the movies that NXNE has to offer (I am probably going to try and make it to "Upside Down – The Creation Records Story", a documentary about Creation Records). I have gone on record and stated that I think Alan McGee is a genius.

Bands on NXNE that Cristina and I touched on:

Men Without Hats: Love them. Can't believe they are still around. Basically cannot wait to hear them play their big two hit songs, "The Safety Dance" ("because if your friends don't dance, then they're no friends of mine!") and "Pop Goes the World".

Evan Dando and Juliana Hatfield: I haven't seen either bands (Lemonheads or Juliana Hatfield Three), so I am definitely excited to see them for the first time. Lara claims that Dando brings a sort of time machine with him: to the year 1992.

The Pharcyde: Cristina seems more excited about this 90s hip hop band, who, to be honest, I was never into hip hop - but if they are playing, I'll check them out!

Art Brut: I think they're really, really funny. They also love their comic books (they have a fascination with American comics, because they're from the UK). I've seen them before, but I'll love to see them again. See below for more Art Brut dates:

6/15 - Chicago at Double Door
6/16 - Cleveland at Beachland Ballroom
6/17 - Toronto at Mod Club
6/18 - Montreal at Il Motore
6/20 - Boston at Brighton Music Hall
6/21 - Hoboken at Maxwells
6/22 - DC at Black Cat
6/23 - Brooklyn at Music Hall Williamsburg
8/27 - Los Angeles at Sunset Junction Festival

Peelander-Z: Recently added to the bill. They're playing a few dates, one of which I cannot make it to. It'll be good to see them again.

Washington: Also a late addition (she wasn't on the initial lineup), but I'll finally get a chance to see her. She canceled her Minneapolis show, so this will be my first time seeing her in Canada. First song of the show is Washington's "Sunday's Best".

Click "read more" to see the entire schedule for NXNE (or head over to nxne.com). So many of the bands starts at 9pm, so it's definitely not an all-day party as far as it compared to SXSW.

BONUS
Two interesting Peelander-Z projects coming up, including Peewonder-Z, the sister band of Peelander-Z, and TheBlackCherry, a side project of Peelander-Green (aka Cherry) and Peelander-Black.

Both Peewonder-Z and TheBlackCherry are playing at Death By Audio in New York on June 9^th, details on fb.com

Also, Australia's The Panda Band has return with their single, "The Fix", which is available as a free download. Second song of the show is Panda Band's "The Fix".

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Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on mypodcast.com

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Peelander-Z at Turf Club, St Paul (04/15/11)

Tour Dates 04/16/11 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner* 04/17/11 Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room * 04/18/11 Cleveland,OH@ Beachland * 04/19/11 Newport, KY @ Southgate* 04/20/11 Knoxville,TN@Cider House* 04/21/11 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade* 04/22/11 Nashville, TN @ The End* 04/23/11 Tallahassee,FL@Engine R* 04/24/11 Mobile, AL @ Music Box* 04/26/11 N Orleans, LA @ 1 Eyed J* 04/27/11 Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's* 04/28/11 Austin, TX @ The Parish* 04/29/11 Dallas, TX @ The Loft* 04/30/11 Norman, OK @ Norman Festival 05/07/11 New York, NY @ The Studio* 05/14/11 Tampa, FL @ Tropical Heatwave 06/05/11 Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Fest* 07/20/11 Cleveland, OH @ Time W Amph+ 07/21/11 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna+ 07/22/11 Burgettstown,PA@1st Niagra+ 07/23/11 Uniondale,NY@Nassau Veterans+ 07/24/11 Oceanport,NJ@Monmouth Park+ 07/26/11 Columbia, MD@Merriweather+ 07/27/11 V Beach, VA@Verizon Amph+ 07/28/11 Charlotte, NC@Verizon Amph+ 07/29/11 Orlando, FL@Firestone Amph+ * with Anamanaguchi + Vans Warped Tour Read More Peelander-Z I had the intention of doing a tour announcement for Peelander-Z, the most amazingly fun band to see live. Listen to Cristina and I gush over them on episode #78

You know the story, we here at W♥M loves Peelander-Z, so when they stopped by The Turf Club in St Paul last night, April 15^th, I was there with my mental shoes.

ANAMANAGUCHI

BIRTHDAY SUITS

Anamanaguchi, a "chiptune" band from New York, famous for two hacked NES that they bring on stage to help them play their all-instrumental music. I didn't know/couldn't tell what songs were what, there were a couple of fans who were absolutely ecstatic about the music (violently dancing to the songs).

Personally, I wish they would tone down the strobe lights, they used this a lot. They ended their late set with "Helix Nebula", which is available as a free download via 8bitpeoples.com (direct link).

Friends of Peelander-Z, The Birthday Suits once again took up support. Like last year, the Japanese duo gives it all they got with bass and drums. All their songs are in true punk fashion, under two minutes, and within thirty minutes, the band was done and gone.

PEELANDER BLACK

This was my third time seeing Peelander-Z and I thought it would get old fast, but surprisingly didn't feel old at all. They changed their routine a bit, instead of the marching in with an introduction within a giant picture frame, they just started right away with the intro. The vamping music quickly becomes "So Many Mike", followed by "E-I-E-I-O", "Mad Tiger", "How Are You USA" (free download at fanatic), "Ice Cream", "Ninja High School", "S.T.E.A.K.", and ended "Peelander-Z Theme". I'm certain I'm missing a few song on the setlist, but those are the ones I've jotted down.

My favorite song that night was "Ninja High School", because it was actually a pretty normal song with melodies. Memorable moments include the two dudes from The Birthday Suits going on stage to play their part in "S.T.E.A.K.", while the rest of the band do human bowling. Usually they have random audience members go on stage to play instruments, so it's kind of cool to see other professional players do that part.

So, yeah, it's always a pleasure to see Peelander-Z. If you were afraid their schtick will get old, do not worry, it doesn't get old. You'll have a blast and you'll want to bring all your friends to check out the fun.

If you're not convinced, the photograph below is a typical Peelander-Z moment, this is Peelander Red held up by the audience - all around were hands in the air. Awesome.

vu () ♥ peelander-z.com ♥ anamanaguchi.com ♥ myspace.com/birthdaysuits

Spring Tour 2011: Tacos & Monkeys

Peelander-Z: Taco Taco Tacos Read More Peelander-Z ..the most amazingly fun band to see live. Listen to Cristina and I gush over them on episode #78

It looks like 2011 is starting off on a great note, with all these tour announcements! So many that I will have to divide them up in the next few posts.

PEELANDER-Z
www.peelander-z.com

First up, Cristina and I have many, many, many, time sang the praises of this band. Basically it just comes down to this: Peelander-Z is the best live band you'll ever see. If you don't believe me, please refer back to the pictures in my review.

Looking over their massive tour schedule for 2011, I can tell you that this band never rests. I'm pleased to see them doing the Warp Tour - I will bet you they will gain quite a following with this crowd!

So what can you expect to see at any given Peelander-Z show ? Human bowling, head-bashing battle, giant squid monster, climbing, body surfing, audience playing their instruments and pots & pans, the list goes on and on.

This year's tour is pretty exciting because they're touring with Anamanaguchi, a band that makes music out of hacked NES chips. It should be a pretty amazing lineup... although I would love a superteamup of Guitar Wolf and Peelander-Z, all guitar battle!

03/15 Austin, TX @ Beauty Bar# * 03/16 Austin, TX @ The Elysium Chicken Ranch# * 03/17 Austin, TX @ Threadgills# * 03/19 Austin, TX @ The Grackle#* 03/19 Austin, TX @ Headhunters Chicken Ranch# * 03/22 Hot Springs, AR @ VOV Festival 03/24 Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep 03/25 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre 03/27 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge 03/29 Ketchum, ID @ Whiskey Jacques 03/30 Boise, ID @ The Mardi Gras Event Center 03/31 Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall 04/01 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven 04/02 Portland, OR @ Someday Lounge 04/05 Stockton, CA @ Plea For Peace Center 04/06 Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk 04/07 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge 04/08 Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy 04/09 Temecula, CA @ The Vault 04/10 Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon 04/12 Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee 04/13 Farmington, MO @ The Vault 04/14 Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club 04/15 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club 04/16 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall 04/17 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room 04/18 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern		04/19 Newport, KY @ Southgate House 04/20 Knoxville, TN @ Cider House WUTK Presents 04/21 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 04/22 Nashville, TN @ The End 04/23 Tallahassee, FL @ Engine Room 04/24 Mobile, AL @ The Music Box 04/26 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jack's 04/27 Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's 04/28 Austin, TX @ The Parish 04/29 Dallas, TX @ The Loft 04/30 Norman, OK @ Norman Music Festival * 05/07 New York, NY @ The Studio at Webster Hall 05/14 Tampa, FL @ Tropical Heatwave 06/05 Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Festival * 07/20 Cleveland, OH @ Time Warner Cable+ * 07/21 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Center+, * 07/22 Burgettstown, PA @ First Niagra Pav+, * 07/23 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Mem+ * 07/24 Oceanport, NJ @ Monmouth Park+, * 07/26 Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post+* 07/27 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless+, * 07/28 Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless+, * 07/29 Orlando, FL @ Firestone Amphitheatre+, * All dates with Anamanaguchi (except *) + Vans Warped Tour # SXSW

I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

ARCTIC MONKEYS
arcticmonkeys.com

Can I tell you that the last time I saw Arctic Monkeys at First Ave, that Elvis Costello was in the crowd? How did I know? His bodyguard pushed me aside.

Well, the Arctic Monkeys are back and they are returning back to First Ave, and I'm certain it will probably sell out like the last time. If you don't like crowded hipster shows, best avoid this one, otherwise get your tickets before they sell out.

No news of a new album, but they previewed "Brick By Brick" on their youtube page. Video is unamazing, featuring a spinning record. Yeah, possibly the worst video I've ever seen.

Their upcoming US tour dates in full:

5/17 Washington, DC 930 Club
5/18 Philadelphia, PA Knitting Factory
5/19 Boston, MA House Of Blues
5/21 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
5/22 Montreal, QC L’Olympia
5/24 New York, NY Summer Stage
5/26 Detroit, MI Clutch Cargoes
5/27 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
5/28 Minneapolis, MN First Ave
5/30 Denver, CO The Ogden Theatre
5/31 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
6/3 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium

BNLX
susstonesshop.com/bnlx

Not a full tour, but I wanted to pass along this, if you live in the Minneapolis-area: BNLX are at it again with their fifth EP release, titled EP #5 at the Cause Soundbar on March 11^th (that's THIS Friday).

This time around, they are getting help from Idle Hands, Satellite Voices, and Byzantine Beatbox. The only band I've heard of is Idle Hands, they were my most anticipated band at Bastille Day 2009.

I had to put on EP #5 because, according to the press information, "Garbage Strike (It's Rubbish)" is a "well-done Smiths homage/parody". I wouldn't call Ed Ackerson's Morrissey impression well-done or even half-baked, but it's a better effort than certain people I know. If you want to hear it for yourself, the song is available as a free download from susstones.com.

Their only cover on this EP is Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day", in the typical drum machine fashion like their last cover lover EP #4.

As usual, BNLX makes all their products affordable: $2.91 for a CD (they're all handcrafted), and $5 T-Shirts. I didn't see the shirts for sale on their website, but you can pick them up at a merch table at one of their live shows.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

W♥M100

W♥M100 (68min, 47mb)

This took ages to edit, it's over one hour and it's only part one. I have about two more hours to edit for part two, but I suspect part two are more or less throwaway bits because all relevant stuff (music-related) are put into part one.

So, one thing is certain: when Cristina and I get going, we tend to go off the rail. So a conversation will start with one topic and end up completely different, but the steps that gets there makes sense - at least to us.

We talked about a lot of things, but I've only included these items in part one:

Britpop, early W♥M, Coast, etc.

Peelander-Z

And Toni Halliday and Curve and Chatelaine.

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____
Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on mypodcast.com

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic