W♥M

The Great Return

Camera Obscura USA Tour 2024 Read More Camera Obscura Camera Obscura is back with a new album, Desire Lines, out now on 4AD Records. The Scottish band is in America at the moment …

Camera Obscura
camera-obscura.net

U.S. fans of Scottish pop rejoice! We’ve sorely missed the ‘60s girl-group stylings of Camera Obscura on our shores, but the five-piece twee pop band from Glasgow are finally gracing us with a stateside tour this spring, in support of their new album, Look to the East, Look to the West, out on May 3rd. The band last toured the U.S. in 2014, but they’ve weathered a lot since then, including the tragic loss of founding keyboardist Carey Lander, who passed away in 2015 from bone cancer. They took some time off to mourn and regroup, but kept in touch, and played the Boaty Weekender, Belle and Sebastian’s seaside cruise festival, in 2019. But this year marks a full-fledged return to new and live music, which so far includes a UK tour, some festival dates in Mexico City, and hopefully more to come.

Camera Obscura (26 July 2014)

We saw the band in July 2014 and wrote, “Tracyanne Campbell was in good spirit. Apparently they don't have "Pedal Pubs" in Scotland, as Campbell quipped, "Yeah, that thing wouldn't last two minutes in Glasgow!" Camera Obscura's set was basically the same set they've been playing throughout the country. Half of the songs were taken from Desire Lines and My Maudlin Career, both albums available via 4AD Records.”

Photo Ops will be support for this upcoming Camera Obscura USA tour.

Tour dates:

May 29 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

May 30 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

May 31 - Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmont

Jun. 1 - Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall

Jun. 3 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall

Jun. 4 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line

Jun. 7 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile

Jun. 8 - Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall

Jun. 10 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

Jun. 11 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

Jun. 12 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom

Jun. 14 - Dallas, TX @ Studio at the Factory

Jun. 15 - Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn

Jun. 17 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety

Jun. 18 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle

Jun. 19 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

Jun. 20 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall

Jun. 22 - Mon. Jun. 24 - Mexico City, MX @ Foro Indie Rocks!

Aug. 2 - Sat. Aug. 3 - Glasgow, UK @ The Glasgow Weekender

Aug. 29 - Sun. Sept. 1 - Dorset, UK @ End of the Road Festival

Aug. 30 - Cardiff, UK @ Tramshed

AIR USA Tour 2024

Air
airfrenchband.com

Do you remember the first time you heard Air’s “Sexy Boy”? My God, it was nothing I’ve ever heard before and it was simply amazing! It’s catchy, it’s dancey, it’s everything a perfect summer single should be. I immediately went out to buy the French duo’s debut album Moon Safari at the Wherehouse Music Store (back when CDs were sold in stores).

I’m happy to say that Moon Safariis being re-issued as a special 25th anniversary in a Deluxe audio-video package (a Deluxe 2CD/Blu Ray Audio-Video), available via Warner Music France. For those with the proper audio equipment, the record will also include a Spatial Dolby Atmos audio version of the original album along with super rare or previously unreleased tracks as well as Mike Mill’s 1998 documentary film Eating, Sleeping, Waiting & Playing filmed during the band’s first ever worldwide tour and more.

To celebrate, the band will be playing the album live on this special 2024 tour.

Tour dates:

05-25 Sydney, Australia - Vivid LIVE

05-26 Sydney, Australia - Vivid LIVE

05-30 London, England - Royal Albert Hall

05-31 London, England - Royal Albert Hall

06-02 Zürich, Switzerland - Unique Moments Festival

06-14 Barcelona, Spain - Sónar Festival

06-15 Monaco, MC - Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo

06-18 Lyon, France - Les Nuits de Fourvière sold out

06-21 Rome, Italy - Roma Summer Fest

06-22 Ferrara, Italy - Summer Vibez

06-24 Paris, France - Days Off Festival at the Philharmonie

06-26 Halifax, England - The Piece Hall

06-27 Southampton, England - Guildhall Square

06-30 Dublin, Ireland - Trinity College Dublin

07-05 Gdynia, Poland - Open’er Festival

07-09 Cascais, Portugal - CoolJazz Festival

07-13 Montpellier, France - Festival Radio France, Amphithéâtre d’O

07-16 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg - Neimënster

07-18 Gent, Belgium - Gent Jazz Festival

07-19 Gent, Belgium - Gent Jazz Festival

07-21 Berlin, Germany - Zitadelle Spandau

07-23 Vienna, Austria - Metastadt Open Air

08-10 Copenhagen, Denmark - Syd For Solen festival

09-25 Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre

09-27 Seattle, WA - Benaroya Hall

09-29 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre

09-30 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre

10-02 San Francisco, CA - The Masonic

10-04 Denver, CO - Bellco Theatre

10-06 Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre

10-08 Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre

10-10 Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre

10-12 Toronto, ON - Massey Hall

10-13 Laval, QC - Place Bell

10-15 Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall

10-17 Philadelphia, PA - The Met

10-18 Washington, D.C. - The Anthem

10-21 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

10-22 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

10-24 Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle

10-26 Miami, FL - Fillmore Miami Beach

10-29 Dallas, TX - Music Hall at Fair Park

10-30 Austin, TX - Moody Amphitheater

Heavenly USA Tour 2024 Read More K Records The special K Singles Zip-Pak for the week of June 23, 2011 is for Emily Beanblossom. If you don't know what that is, I suggest you head over to K Records or here. It's basically an annual subscription for a weekly service .…

Heavenly
facebook.com

Lovers of twee—this is your moment. One of the 90s’ ultimate purveyors of twee pop, Heavenly, have just announced their first West Coast tour of the U.S. in almost 30 years. The UK band, who formed in 1989 in Oxford and proceeded to put out a slew of indie-pop albums par excellence, had started reissuing their back catalog last year and did some reunion shows in the UK, but they’re now gracing our shores with a handful of shows. They'd previously announced NYC shows, some of which sold out, but graciously added dates on the West Coast as well.

The opening band for most of these shows will be the indiepop supergroup Swansea Sound, featuring members of Heavenly, Pooh Sticks, The Dentists, and Death in Vegas.

Note: Heavenly’s albums are distributed in America by K Records… although a search on their website does not offer a full discography, only some compilations (singles and Peel Sessions). However, it’s almost certain that you can pick up their albums (on vinyl) at their upcoming concerts.

HEAVENLY – 2024 TOUR DATES

May 31 – NYC – Market Hotel

June 1 – NYC – Market Hotel

June 1 – NYC – Tran-Pecos (matinee)

October 15 – Seattle – Tractor Tavern

October 16 – Portland – Mississippi Studios

October 18 – San Francisco – Rickshaw Stop

October 23 – Los Angeles – Zebulon

Madness USA Tour 2024 Read More Madness This song, "In the City" by Madness came to my attention recently, popping up randomly on music shuffle. If you're not familar with Madness, they are a ska band from Camden Town, London and had a massive hit with "Our House" in the US .…

Madness
madness.co.uk

Beloved British ska and pop band Madness announced their first US tour since 2012. Throughout their long career, Madness have had 10 UK top ten albums, 15 top ten singles and have won a multitude of awards.

The C’est La Vie In America will find the band in some US cities like Seattle, Oakland, Las Vegas, Boston, and New York, giving American audiences their first chance to see the band in over a decade. The tour follows their new UK #1 album Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est la Vie.

Madness C’est La Vie In America

May 22 – Seattle, WA @ Wamu Theater

May 23 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

May 24 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

May 27 – Las Vegas, NV @ Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival

May 29 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway

May 30 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to [email protected] with a good lead time. Thank you.

vu ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com ♥ bsky.ap

Flashback: Jeremy Jay at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (26 July 2008)

Tour Dates 08/09/08 Lucky 7 House, Olympia, WA 08/14/08 Club Pop Seattle, WA 08/16/08 Luigis Fun Sacr, CA 08/18/08 Club Donut SF, CA 09/16/08 Karrera Club Berlin 09/19/08 Niuwe Anita Amsterdam 09/20/08 South Pop Festival 09/21/08 Zxzw Festival Tilburg 09/22/08 Astra Tube Club 09/23/08 Magic Magazine Party 09/24/08 Kb Malmoe 09/25/08 Blaa Oslo 09/26/08 Union Rock Drammen, Oslo 09/27/08 Fritz´S Corner @ Debaser Slussen 09/30/08 Colmar Grillen 10/01/08 Tba Clermont 10/02/08 Cri De La Muette Toulouse 10/03/08 Emporium Galorium Rouen 10/04/08 Mains D’oeuvres Paris 10/05/08 Freebut Brighton 10/06/08 Barfly London 10/07/08 The Library Leeds 10/08/08 Barfly Glasgow, Scotland 10/09/08 Black Box Belfast 10/10/08 Upstairs @ Whelans Capdublin 10/11/08 Cypress Avenue Cork 11/26/08 Troubadour Brisbane 11/27/08 Hopetown Sydney 11/28/08 Roxanne Melbourne 11/29/08 Queenscliff Folk Fest 12/07/08 Hologram Angel, CA Read More Jeremy Jay You may have remembered our coverage of Jeremy Jay, well it looks like he's about to do a long Summer tour, covering just about every state! …

Lara went to see the very tall Jeremy Jay play the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on July 26, 2008. Let’s be fair, she couldn’t take her eyes off of Jay’s very large Corona bottle the whole night.

>>>
Recently it’s been brought to my attention that 6’3” is not ‘that’ tall (it’s only ‘tall’). Still, watching Jeremy Jay play on Saturday, all 6’3” of him, I understood why he appears that tall. There’s a gangly unease to his presence; he’s mostly arms and legs, with a flop of pale hair and a crinkly smile. Something about him inspires the word ‘dapper’ (perhaps the heeled loafers), and yet his physical gravitas is underplayed by the fact that he seems really nice (perhaps because of the oversized Corona that befriended his hand all night).

Jay performed selections from A Place Where We Could Go, his latest release (April 2008), Airwalker (2007 EP), and Alpharhythm, a shiny curiosity that’s as booty shaking as a mellow 60s throwback can be. “Heavenly Creatures,” one of my favorite tracks from A Place, didn’t differ much from the album version in execution; it was just better. Truthfully, all the songs were better live (a statement proved true by my concert companion who said “he’s better live” and “I like this”).

It’s always special when a musician improves himself on stage. Jay plus band had a richer sound and a more inviting presence. While A Place envisions a sort of sparse alternaverse, where Lynch meets Howard Hawks and every moment is like opening the door to Oz (you know, trippy but logical), the show felt comfortably austere. Jay’s style still fluctuated between vintage noir and downtown hipster, but his attitude was mostly blasé. He rocked out a bit, funked it up a smidge, and even tackled the underappreciated Blondie ballad “Shayla” without ruining it forever. Moreover, as if to befit the Entry’s seedy punk club-meets-rapist’s basement ambience, his pretty croon sounded sort of sexy, in a dirty, non-cardigan-wearing way (as opposed to his clean-cut, cardigan-wearing self). By the end of the show, JJ’s good boy image was ruffled some, thanks to that sexy voice and also thanks to large bottles of Corona. (Thanks, large bottles of Corona.)

Jeremy Jay is still on tour. He’s tall (but not that tall), nice, and may need a floor to sleep on. If you have a spare floor (or like music), check out the tour dates. You can find more information on his K Records page (krecs.com) or his Myspace (myspace.com/jeremyjay).

lara ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ facebook.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Emily

I want to spell 'emily', but my fingers keeps typing emaily. And speaking of email-y, we get a lot of emails, so please include a brief biography if you're an establishing artist - it would really save me some time!

EMILY BEANBLOSSOM
whipsoflove.tumblr.com

The special K Singles Zip-Pak for the week of June 23, 2011 is for Emily Beanblossom. If you don't know what that is, I suggest you head over to K Records or here. It's basically an annual subscription for a weekly service that works out to be "69 cents a song" according to the K people. It's recommended if you like K Records artists and/or just want new and random music in your email inbox. You didn't hear it from me, but I guess the service will be changing to something more "awesome", I'll let you know if I hear anything official.

Anyway, going back to Emily Beanblossom, I listened to the whole Zip-Pak and it was one of the shorter Paks, it was probably less than five minutes. The main and exclusive song was "Tax Evasion" from Beanblossom's Where Monsters Dwell Session and an excerpt of the demo (less than a minute). Also included was an "interview" with Selector Dub Narcotic/Calvin Johnson (which amounts to nothing more than an introduction and a "let's do this!") and a demo version of "The Moon Rhythm Mastah".

I did like Beanblossom's voice, you'll like her if you like Cat Power-type, but Beanblossom's a bit more on the experimental side (see her regular band, Christmas).

EMMY THE GREAT
emmythegreat.com

Can you get more egotistical than that? I'm sure it's a joke and a nod to Alexander, you know, Alexander the Great.

Anyroad, despite dating Tim Wheeler (we love Ash), I've actually have never listened or wanted to listen to her. Judging from her latest video and single for Iris, I would have to describe her as pop. Definitely not teenage rock as I half-imagined a name like Emmy the Great should be.

The news I got is that her followup to her 2009 debut First Love will be called Virtue and will be out this August 16th in the US, courtesy of Close Harbour Records (although it looks like it was made available digitally and in the UK a few weeks ago). The album was produced by Gareth Jones, famous for producing some Depeche Mode albums in the 80s.

EMILY'S ARMY
emilysarmyband.tumblr.com

Emily's Army is an East Bay punk band, who recently premiered their video for "Broadcast This" on Rollingstone.com. I did see the video, they are pretty power punk (ala Green Day) and they look insanely young.

If you were wondering, the trio (although in a recent picture, it looks like they added another band member), they are 15, 16, and 17 years old.

Catch them now before they supernova:

8/11-8/13 — INSUBORDINATION FEST @ Ottobar, Baltimore MD
9/11/2011 — 924 Gilman Street — 7:30PM-10:30PM — $5 at door

Christy & Emily: Bells

CHRISTY & EMILY
www.christyandemily.com

Christy Edwards and Emily Manzo, otherwise known as Christy & Emily, like duh. From what I've gathered, they've recently added a bassist (Peter Kerlin) and drummer (Kristin Mueller) for a fuller sound.

Their last release was in April, for a split 7" called Quick Words with Talk Normal via Klangbad Records (founded by Cornelia Paul and Hans Joachim Irmler and based in Germany), and you can download "Bells" via Tom Tom Magazine. As a special bonus, if you get the 7", it comes with a download code for both songs, plus another Christy & Emily's cover of Oakley Hall's "Endtime Evangelist".

Look for a full-length by Christy & Emily to be out this or next year.

Emma Shaheen: Life is Beautiful

EMMA SHAHEEN
emmashaheen.com

Emma Shaheen, based in Leeds, is of Kashmiri/Irish descent. I scanned her biography, nothing really stands out, except she was in a nu-jazz band called Today's Mathematics when she was seventeen years old.

You can download The Life Is EP for free at bandcamp, but the song "Falling for You" will set you back £0.79.

The songs on The Life Is EP varies, from the rap-ish/dub "Life is Beautiful" (the best track here), to smooth pop on "Play On" and "Morning Sun", and semi-acoustic "Kissing You" (mixed with some beats).

I am a sucker for British accents, so if you are too, check out the free EP. I was especially impressed by "Life is Beautiful", so I'm including the song in this article.

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

What about Bobby?

BOBBY
bobbytheband.com

BOBBY joins other one-named people like Thao and Mirah on the road this June. I've previously mentioned this girlie tour via Led to Sea, but I might as well mention the tour dates again (see below).

Honestly, I don't know much about BOBBY, but that's probably just how they like it: elusive and strange. I thought I read it's lead by Tom Greenberg and features members from Mountain Man (an all-girls band). I suppose all the mysteries will be revealed when I see them at the Cedar Cultural Center this June 2^nd.

Free download of "Groggy".

Tour dates with Thao & Mirah:

Jun 2 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center Jun 3 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle Jun 5 - Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace Jun 7 - Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bear's Place Jun 8 - Brooklyn,NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg Jun 9 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church Jun 10 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat Jun 11 - Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 Jun 12 - Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle Jun 13 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl		Jun 14 - Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge Jun 15 - St Louis, MO @ Off Broadway Jun 16 - Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar Jun 18 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive Jun 19 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad Jun 20 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room Jun 21 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah Jun 22 - Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar Jun 23 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music

BOBBY LONG
bobbylong.info

Bobby Long is a British singer/songwriter, who signed with Dave Matthews' record label, ATO Records.

His latest release is called A Winter Tale, recorded in London and produced by Grammy-award winner Liam Watson (The White Stripes). You can preview what he sounds like with a free download of "Penance Fire Blues" via Spinner.

Here is his tour dates:

May 19 Webster Hall New York, NY
May 21 9:30 Club Washington, D.C.
May 26 Wabe Berlin, GER
May 27 Backstage Munich, GER
May 28 Arkadas Theater Cologne, GER
May 29 Sinkkasten Frankfurt, GER
May 30 Logo Hamburg, GER
May 31 Verve Bielefeld, GER
June 1 100 Club London, UK
June 2-5 Mountain Jam Music Festival Hunter, NY
June 10 8 PM "The On Tape Lounge" at Bonnaroo Manchester, TN
June 11 3 PM "Sonic Stage" at Bonnaroo Manchester, TN
June 24-26 DMB Caravan Atlantic City, NJ
July 8-10 DMB Caravan Chicago, IL

BOBBY BIRDMAN
bobbybirdman.com

Bobby Birdman hatched in San Diego, but flew the coop and is nesting in Los Angeles. I am told that he's laying "new s**t" on June 21^st, a 7" called Don't Walk Away, via K Records.

Don't Walk Away was recorded at Dub Narcotic Studio, in Olympia WA (with Selector Dub Narcotic, aka Calvin Johnson). You can listen to Calvin's Dub Walk here.

Listen to the A Side:

Bobby Birdman - Don't Walk Away

He recently wrapped up his tour with YACHT (another favorite K artist of mine), and unfortunately, I think he may have cancelled his Minneapolis appearance.

Birdman's been busy with a bunch of music-related projects, such as remixing Young MC's "Fastest Rhyme" and compising music and sound installations for Geoff McFetridge. He's also contributing tracks to YACHT, Ben Butler and Mousepad, among others.

BOBBY V
www.bobbyvmusic.com

Last March, Bobby V announced that his album, Fly on the Wall, landed on the top 10 of Billboard's Top 200 album (debuted at #4 on the Hip Hop and R&B Chart)!

What's interesting to note is that Bobby V covered another famous 'Bobby', Bobby Brown's "Rock Wit'Cha". The song definitely helped the album reach its top ten status.... especially because Bobby Brown gave big approvals on the cover song.

Fly on the Wall was released March 22^nd, via Capitol Records and Blu Kolla Dreams label.

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com

♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Jeremy Jay – Dream Diary

Discography [2008] A Place Where We Could Go [2009] Slow Dance [2010] Splash [2011] Dream Diary (out on April 12, 2011) Read More Jeremy Jay Recently it’s been brought to my attention that 6’3” is not ‘that’ tall (it’s only ‘tall’). Still, watching Jeremy Jay play on Saturday, all 6’3” of him, I understood why he appears that tall. There’s a gangly unease to his presence; he’s mostly arms and legs...

According to Jeremy Jay’s publicist, Dream Diary is Jay at his “dreamiest.” This is no small claim. If you’ve been following Jay over the years, you’ve probably come to the same conclusion: here is a musician with his head perpetually in the clouds. Perhaps a consequence of being tall, Jay has found a niche in cloud surfing, and it suits him well. He doesn’t craft “dream pop” inasmuch as dreamy musings.

Dream Diary is a tour de force de pop, in the best sense. Jay is well-versed in vintage style cues and his interpretation of pop music seems to pull from a mix of genres, from French New Wave to the upbeat, melody-driven pop of the 1960s. Because of this refusal to adhere to one impulse, Diary is difficult to categorize. “Caught in a Whirl” rides along on a bicycle built for two, the missing link in a Marlo Thomas/Godard union. Conversely, “The Dream Diary Kids” uses far too much synth to be mistaken for anything but a product of the 21^st century. As the album progresses, Jay’s focus degenerates a bit; the incongruous “Wild Orchids” has Jay doing his best impersonation of sultry over a dirty beat, marred slightly by his creeping falsetto. The final track, “Man on the Mountain,” is a complete departure, as a kind of Ziggy Stardust ballad set against a twinkling backdrop (had Bowie spent his years gazing at palm trees instead of hallucinogens).

The aforementioned “Caught in a Whirl” is one of Dream Diary’s strongest tracks and it highlights Jay’s knack for wistful songwriting. Jay describes infatuation as only a true romantic could: starry-eyed memories devoid of cynicism. It’s easy to lose one’s self in his prose, beautiful for its simplicity; it’s difficult to ignore his heart, as he wears it on his sleeve. We may not be privy to Jay’s private inspirations, but he’s painted us a postcard image, wishing you were here.

In the film adaptation of The Virgin Suicides, Sofia Coppola effortlessly captured the languid flow of 1970s suburbia through the lens of a teenage girl; she showed a keen understanding of adolescent heartache, and Jay does the same. His music is grown up and sophisticated, yet it’s obvious he’s interested in those core sentiments that we never fully outgrow: sweet, pure love and the freedom to pursue it.

Dream Diary is scheduled for a digital/vinyl release on April 12. For the latest album info, visit Facebook / Myspace. You can stream the album here. More information on Jeremy Jay can be found at his K Records page.

lara () ♥ myspace.com/jeremyjay

Thao and Mirah with The Most of All at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (7/1/10)

Tour Dates 07/03/10 The Bottleneck Lawrence, KS* 07/05/10 Hi Dive Denver, CO* 07/07/10 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT* 07/10/10 Mississippi Studios Portland, OR 07/17/10 Edgefield Troutdale, OR 07/18/10 Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA 07/19/10 Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, BC 07/20/10 Bing Crosby Theatre Spokane, WA 07/23/10 Verdi Club San Francisco, CA * with Mirah Read More Thao and the Get Down Stay Down http://weheartmus... There's a lot of buzz around this singer, Thao Nguyen and the Get Down Stay Down (seriously, jus...

Fellas, if you were wondering where all the women were on the night of July 1^st in Minneapolis, they were all at the Cedar Cultural Center to see Thao Nguyen and Mirah Zeitlyn.

Opening up for them were These United States (official / myspace), a band that I almost considered writing an article with The Presidents of the United States. They seem to have a love and history for Dinkytown in Minneapolis, as Jesse Elliott awkwardly deliver these stories between songs. One thing is for sure, they were certainly happy to be there that night as they've admitted that they've played some "sh** dive bars". Mirah and Thao and the Most of All, all joined These United States on stage to do a jamboree epic end song.

So, I'll try and quickly summarize Thao and Mirah for you, if you're not familiar with their music. To me, the two artist are somewhat different. I'll give you some examples, Mirah's work seems to be about nature and the Earth, while Thao's music are somewhat biographical, and lately, more fun/dancy. Even the two's singing style are different: Mirah is more melodic and quiet, while Thao's singing style is erratic. To hear them singing each other's songs, in an almost cover lover lovefest, it's so weird to me.

 

Thao Nguyen - Feet Asleep

Often the songs are done as duets, like on "Feet Asleep", which Mirah started, but Thao ended the song with the second stanza. I've never really thought the song needed another singer, but it really works live.

The highlight of their set, was definitely their finale, "Gone Are the Days", dubbed "the Disco song". This is just an amazing song, done live. Everyone, including These United States were on stage, singing, laughing, dancing, and having a great time.

♥ Thao and Mirah

♥ "Gone are all the Days"

Mirah - Gone Are All the Days (Disco Mix)

Mirah

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that you can get this special disco mix of "Gone Are The Days", as well as five other remixes (Instrumental Mix, Doulgeris remix, Vox Only, Shawn Parke Remix, and Reduced Instrumental) as the first of K Records' very special Zip-Pak service. I've previously mentioned that it's $50, but you get about 50 EPs (this new service replaces the monthly singles club that were popular in the 90s).

If you're a Mirah collector, you'll want to pay attention to the two exclusive remixes, Shawn Parke (which, incidentally had a silent 45 seconds at the end) and Reduced Instrumental, which is only available as part of this massive 120mb download. Personally, I can't get enough of "Gone Are The Days" and each remix, with the exception of the instrumentals, does it correctly by not distracting from Mirah's beautiful vocals. I've heard too many remixes that gets it wrong by just putting techno beats and totally destroying the vocals. And as much as I like disco, I'll have to say that the Doulgeris remix is probably the best among the bunch.

Next week, July 8^th, the K Singles Zip-Pak will feature Electric Sunset, a band that I'm not familiar with, but I'm definitely going to check it out. And that's really the point of the K Singles club, for you to discover K's other bands.

 07/03/2010 17:17:44 ♥ vu () ♥ thaomusic.com ♥ myspace.com/cmonmirah

 

 

Arrington & Angelo

Tour Dates 02/27/10 Olympia, WA - Mango House 02/28/10 Seattle, WA - 20/20 Cycle 03/01/10 Olympia, WA - Northern Discography [2006] Breath of Fire [2008] I See Beyond The Black Sun [2009] Malaikat dan Singa Read More K Records http://weheartmus... Calvin Johnson announces his tour dates with fellow K Records artist, Mahjongg. I did check out ...

ARRINGTON DE DIONYSO
myspace.com/arringtondedionyso

Heard any Indonesian records lately? I didn't think so.

Earlier this year, K Records released one of the most interesting record on my playlist lately: an eccentric guitar-driven, DIY/garagey music, sung entirely in Indonesian. Arrington told K Records that his lyrics are "lifted from the poems of William Blake and passages of The Zohar". And you know what? They do have that poetic quality to it.

While this sort of music might be way "too out there" for the typical NPR World Music listener, if you have an open mind and generally like experimental music - you'll find there's a lot to like of Malaikat Dan Singa (the title translates to "The Angel And the Lion"), the latest work from Arrington de Dionyso.

Since I do not speak Indonesian, it's hard for me to write much about it. I will say that many of the songs feels like they are basically one long song. For instance, I think the two Angels songs ("Mani Malaikat" and "Mencerminkan Mani Malaikat") were meant to be together as parts one and two. And incidentally, "mani" translates to semen.

My favorite songs on the record is "Kedalaman Air" (the depth of water), it's just a fun song. The song is a free download via Paste Magazine if you donated to their "Songs for Haiti" charity. It's a good deal, for any amount, you get over 200 songs.

So, in addition to being in a "hallucinogenic, trance-inducing trans-utopian cosmic" band called Old Time Relijun, Arrington De Dionyso is also one of the founder of The Olympia Experimental Music Festival and also an accompolished artist with art exihibitions going back to 1999.

You can pick up Malaikat Dan Singa for cheap ($12) directly at K Records ... and curiously there is a cassette version of the album on sale for $5. Cassettes ? Really?

Tour Dates 02/27/10 Olympia, WA - Mango House* 02/28/10 Seattle, WA - 20/20 Cycle* 03/01/10 Olympia, WA - Northern * 03/12/10 Farside - Tallahassee, Florida 03/15/10 Sluggo’s Pensacola, FL 03/17/10 SXSW! The Beauty Bar Austin, TX * with L'Orchidee d'Hawai & Arrington de Dionyso Discography [2009] My Music Is My Sweat [2010] Angelo Spencer et Les Hauts Sommets Read More Kimya Dawson http://weheartmus... Just to give you an idea of the lack of organization at W♥M, we have this shared "pending" list ...

ANGELO SPENCER
myspace.com/angelospencer

The first thing you will notice is how "surfy" Angelo Spencer's debut album, Angelo Spencer et Les Hauts Sommets (Angelo Spencer and the High Summits), is. The record was released on one of the most diverse record company around, K Records.

Unlike his, rather famous wife, Kimya Dawson, who is more known for her anti-folk lyrics, it would seem that Spencer is less about singing ... instead, the only "singing" is done with Spencer's guitar.

I'll give you a good example of Spencer's playing skill, on his song "Did You Hear The Sound Of...", it sets up this eerie mood and the guitar is done in a slow-tip-toeing play. His back-up band, which I think is called Les Hauts Sommets (incidentally also plays on Arrington de Dionyso's album), provides the weird snake-charming sound.

Ennio Morricone - Il Buono, Il Cattivo, Il Brutto

The thing about all-instrumental albums, is that I do find that my mind tries to fill in the blanks, since there are no lyrics to tell the story. In my mind, I think sometime Spencer really into old movies - like Beach movies (60s surf guitar music), or has a thing for middle-eastern movies ("Shepard's Delight" and "The Desert -- The Strongest" brings to mind). I know that he's admitted to really loving Ennio Morricone and Bo Diddley, so keep that in mind as you listen to Angelo Spencer et Les Hauts Sommets.

Spencer is currently wrapping up his tour with fellow label-mate Arrington de Dionyso, but will also be appearing at SXSW with Jeremy Jay. Again, you can get his records (and cassettes) directly at K Records. Be sure to get the exclusive "handmade-limited-letterpress-compact-disc-edition", these are only available for a limited number at K and also at Spencer's live shows.

 02/23/2010 00:53:30 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com

K is for Knockout

Just in time: back-to-school music! Below are reviews for three K Records releases, all very different genre of music: DIY punk/pop, hip hop, and electronic dance music. K remains one of the most interesting and diverse record label out of Olympia, Washington. It's no wonder that I love K and so does Kurt Cobain (who had a tattoo of the K shield).

 

Hornet Leg - Night of the Phantom Hornet Leg Tour Dates 09/16/09 Craig’s House! Olympia, WA 09/26/09 Olympia All Ages Project, WA 09/28/09 Comet Tavern Seattle, WA Discography [Jan 2008] Blood Trilogy [Sep 2009] Ribbon of Fear

Amazon tells me that Hornet Leg's Ribbon of Fear will be "will be released on September 22, 2009", but K Records is telling me that it's available today, September 8^th.

This band's debut Blood Trilogy 7" consisting of these "bloody" songs: "Bleed the Blood", "Covered in Blood", and "Bloody Hands", certainly left an impression on critics, citing them as "blazingly prophetic soul, erratic punk and garagey drone". While I would agree on the punk and garagey thing, based on their new record, Ribbon of Fear, I feel that they remind me a lot of early Violent Femmes (especially the Devil-may-care vocals of Chris Sutton).

Like most DIY punk records, this record seems to have been put together quickly, resulting to some very minimalistic and raw sound. Most of these rather short songs (under three minutes at most), and since some songs are cute ("My Baby" and "We're so Ugly") - they seem disposable.

There are some gems on the record, though. Whenever there's a woman singer (I am assuming it's ex-drummer Claudia Meza since there are no liner notes on my review copy) like on "I'm Leaving You" and "Ribbon of Fear", they definitely perk my interest.

My favorite song on Ribbon of Fear is "Night of the Phantom". This rock-pop song does get a bit cheeky when you hear the "phantom", but the catchy surf guitar rifts makes up for its cheesiness.

According to their blog posting, Chris Sutton officially joined one of my favorite group, Gossip, so I'm not sure how often Hornet Leg will be promoting their record. Well, catch them in Washington before Sutton join Gossip on tour in October.

 09/08/2009 00:12:54 ♥ vu () ♥ krecs.com ♥ myspace.com/hornetleg

 

Eprhyme - Punklezmerap Eprhyme Discography [Mar 2008] Punklezmerap (Single) [Jun 2009] Shomer Salaam (Single) [Sep 2009] Waywordwonderwill Read More Jewish Artists http://weheartmus... Jewish hip-hop? Is that even possible? Of course it is, silly rabbit! I mean, I downloaded an ent...

Let me tell you that Eprhyme's new album, Waywordwonderwill, comes out today on K Records (a strange release by this wonderful indie label, as it is the first hip hop album from them in over a decade).

Waywordwonderwill is a really hard album for me to nail down, there's elements of jazz, funk, hip hop, and rap, throughout the album. One thing is certain is that Eprhyme's music, with other Jewish hip-hop artists (Matisyahu, Y-Love, Describe, C-Rayz Walz and Kosha Dillz, and others), it would seem fans of this music genre can't get enough of it.

From my experience with this Jewish hip hip, is that they are generally about freedom, peace/unity, God, and love. Many of these themes are shared by Jamaican reggae, so it's no surprise that artists such as Matisyahu blends reggae and hip hop. What set Eprhyme apart from his peers is that he doesn't rely on reggae, but leans more towards rap and hip-hop with middle eastern influences (such as the stand-out track "Fixing Midnight", entirely sung in Hebrew).

Eprhyme's rapping style, which I quite like, reminds me a lot of Non Phixion, not because these guys are white, but because his lyrics flows like an uncontrollable, unstoppable river.

Unlike rappers that are quick on their feet with ab-lib lyrics, coming off their heads, I believe Eprhyme's music might be more planned out. Take for instance, the song "Beggin For Change", on first glance it sounds like the song is about children begging for your change, but a closer look and you hear that Eprhyme is really saying that they're begging us to change our world.

I like messages like that, but it's probably too heavy for most people (like the politically-charged, seeking freedom and justice on "Shomer Salaam"). Instead, I have to direct you to his brilliant debut song, "Punklezmerap". This is a quick-rapping song with lots and lots of that flowing lyrics about his love for music - a little biographical. What makes this song work for me is this mistakable Arabian background music loop.

Waywordwonderwill is out now and you can purchase it directly from K or amazon.

 09/08/2009 00:12:54 ♥ vu () ♥ krecs.com ♥ myspace.com/eprhyme ♥ twitter.com/EPrhyme

Joey Casio - Artists in Time of War Joey Casio Discography [Oct 2002] Attack Decay EP [Apr 2009] Share The Cup (Single) [Sep 2009] Debtor's Prism (Single) Read More K Records http://weheartmus... Calvin Johnson announces his tour dates with fellow K Records artist, Mahjongg. I did check out ...

It's really hard to write about an artist's work based on one or two songs, so please forgive me if you think I'm giving Joey Casio the shaft with his new 7" called Debtors Prism (released September 8^th on K Records.)

You're just a node on the network of bone
No eyes to stare at the soil you own
You feel nothing so you grab all you can
But who gets cut by the invisible hands?

It would seem that Casio spent the better part of 2000 with the Crunks Not Dead record label, doing a variety of mixes after his nine-track Attack Decay EP. From my understanding of these one-man-band, the "studio" recording of their works will never quite capture what they are like when they play live and/or with audience participation. So as much as I think the remix of remixes of the very bassy title track Debtors Prism might sound fantastic, it will always pale in comparison to hearing it live. And apparently Casio is quite popular with his "brandished unkempt house parties", so keep an eye out for any last-minute tour dates.

Between the two songs, I did prefer "Artists in Times of War", which I think is fitting to the time that was recorded. The message is clear, not only is there this physical war, but also an artistic war on two fronts: "content and form".

It should be noted that K Record owner/one-man-band himself, Calvin Johnson (with Joey Casio), recorded and mixed these songs from the Dub Narcotic Studios... so it does have that nice DIY element to them.

What's cool is that K is still doing the vinyl thing - as most modern record labels are doing. Fans are screaming that we're in love with records, and in fact, record sales in American rose 89% last year. The trend is telling us that record sales will continue to climb, as a new generation are using MP3 as samples and still buying physical media for their collection. Check out Debtors Prism is only $3.75 on 7".

 09/08/2009 00:12:54 ♥ vu () ♥ krecs.com ♥ myspace.com/joeycasio

The Pine Hill Haints

The Pine Hill Haints - Never Cry The Pine Hill Haints Tour Dates 07/14/09 Exit Inn Nashville, TN 07/20/09 Coldwater Books Tuscumbia, AL 07/21/09 Heritage Florence, AL 07/22/09 St Florian Park St Florian, AL 07/23/09 Ricatoni’s Florence, AL 07/23/09 Rivertown Coffee Florence, AL 07/24/09 Rosies Florence, AL 07/24/09 Crossroads Huntsville, AL 07/25/09 Bottletree Birmingham, AL 07/30/09 Alabama Music Box Mobile, AL 07/31/09 Chelsea Baton Rouge, LA 08/01/09 Beerland Austin, TX 08/03/09 Altitude Flagstaff, AZ 08/03/09 Mia’s Flagstaff, AZ 08/06/09 Redwood Bar and Grill LA, CA 08/07/09 Ireland 32 San Francisco, CA 08/08/09 Jambalaya Arcata, CA 08/09/09 Brotherhood Olympia, WA 08/10/09 Comet Tavern Seattle, WA 08/11/09 house show Portland, OR 08/12/09 Tiger Tale Seattle, WA 08/13/09 Boundary Bay Bellingham, WA 08/13/09 Wild Buffalo Bellingham, WA 08/14/09 Graham’s Glacier, WA 08/15/09 the Morgue Seattle, WA 08/15/09 Slim’s Last Chance Seattle, WA 08/16/09 the Kenton Club Portland, OR 08/17/09 Green Frog Cafe Bellingham, WA 08/19/09 Northern Olympia, WA 08/21/09 Buckhorn Laramie, WA 08/22/09 Badlander Missoula, MT 08/25/09 Dime Horseshoe Sundance, WY 08/26/09 JJ’s Laramie, WY 08/27/09 Box Awesome Lincoln, NE Discography [2000] God, the Devil and the Two by the Gate [2002] The Cold, Cold Hand (CD Split album with The Natchez Shakers) [2003] Trains Have No Names [2004] Those Who Wander [2004] You Bury Your Hate In A Shallow Grave [2005] Pine Hill Haints Meet Clampitt, Gaddis & Buck [2007] Ghost Dance [2009] To Win or to Lose

The Pine Hill Haints is a bluegrass/folk band, the latest release from K Records. Like many of K's artists, they are probably best experience live with their large cast of music players and their hardcore fans, as evident by many of the Haints' live photos on their 'space.

The band's been around at least ten years, debuting with God, the Devil and the Two by the Gate in 2000, which now have long been out of print. They probably didn't press too many either, seeing as their records was largely sold via the back of the tour van. Just quickly looking over amazon, God, the Devil and the Two by the Gate is currently selling for an unbelievable $82.

Since then, the band's been putting out quite a few split albums - a common practice with indie/underground artists. It wasn't until 2007 that Mister K himself, Calvin Johnson, decided to produce and release their Ghost Dance album under his label. Now in 2009 we have To Win or to Lose, released yesterday, July 7^th, on various formats (CD/LP/MP3). Incidentally, the record is actually cheaper than the CD, selling for $10 vs $12!

What I can tell you about To Win or to Lose is that it's not strictly bluegrass or folk, although there's plenty of those banjo, mandolins, and jangly acoustics to go around.

I know it's probably not true, but I feel like there's some Dylan in some of their songs. Like "How Much Poison Does It Take", as the lyrics and singing style reminds me of "Blowin' in the Wind".

The song, "Je Passe Devant Ta Porte" ("I pass your front door") stood out because it's half in French. The first part is in English, and I am assuming the later part is a translation in French. It's more like bayou French, not like French-French... not as pretty but it's blunt, like the song.

I was pleasantly surprise to find a couple of reggae-influenced songs ("Screaming Jenny", "Scar"), which is kind of a relief to see that they are open to other music out there.

My two favorite songs are the "Never" songs: "Never Cry" and "Never Gonna Die". The first comment on the hardship of being a musician ("I never got famous, I just got dead broke/But I play to win or to lose, it's all the same to a failed revolutionary.") and the second is about "being dead is a drag". Both have really great, fun lyrics.

To Win or to Lose is out now, see Jamie Barrier and Kat Barrier and their merry band as they tour through Alabama and then the West Coast.

 07/08/2009 02:42:22 ♥ vu () ♥ myspace.com/pinehillhaints ♥ krecs.com 

The Hive Dwellers, City Center at 92YTribeca, New York City (4/17/09)

Calvin Johnson - I'm Down Calvin Johnson Free Downloads "Tummy Hop", "I'm Down", "Can We Kiss", and more from K Records Tour Dates 04/19/09 Providence, RI. AS220 04/20/09 Annandale, NY. Bard College 04/21/09 Danbury, CT. Heirloom Arts 04/22/09 Montreal, Quebec. Lab Synthese 04/23/09 Hamilton, Ontario. Casbah 04/24/09 Toronto, On. Whippersnapper 04/25/09 Buffalo, New York. Soundlab 04/26/09 Brooklyn, New York. Market 04/27/09 Philadelphia, PA Barbary 04/28/09 Baltimore, MD Talking Head Club 04/29/09 Washington, DC. Comet Pizza 04/30/09 Akron, Ohio. Musica 05/01/09 Detroit, MI UFO Factory 05/02/09 Chicago, IL Co-Prosperity Sphere - VERSION FEST 05/03/09 Grand Rapids, MI DAAC * 05/04/09 Chicago, IL Ronny's Bar - * 05/05/09 Minneapolis, MN Eclipse Recs* 05/06/09 Iowa City, IA Public Space * 05/06/09 Indianapolis, IN 05/08/09 Louisville , KY. Skull Alley 05/09/09 Greensboro, North Carolina. UNC - Greensboro Campus 05/10/09 Athens, GA Secret Squirrel 05/11/09 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn 05/12/09 Huntsville, AL Vertical House Recs 05/14/09 New Orleans, LA Spellcaster 05/15/09 Scott, LA Bourque's Social Club 05/16/09 Austin, Texas. Emo's 05/17/09 Denton, Texas. Hailey's Club 05/19/09 Santa Fe, NM Warehouse 21 05/20/09 Tucson, Az Solar Culture 05/21/09 Isla Vista, CA Biko's Garage 05/22/09 Los Angeles, CA Smell 05/23/09 San Francisco, CA Parkside 05/24/09 Oakland, CA Ghost Town Gallery 05/25/09 Santa Cruz, CA Crepe Place 05/27/09 Eureka, CA Accident Gallery 05/28/09 Portland, Oregon. Rotture 05/29/09 Seattle, WA The Vera Project 05/30/09 Vancouver, British Columbia. little mountain studios - 195 E.26TH AVENUE 05/31/09 Anacortes, WA Dept of Safety 06/01/09 Olympia, Washington. Northern - 321 4th Ave. Read More K Records http://weheartmus... Calvin Johnson announces his tour dates with fellow K Records artist, Mahjongg. I did check out ...

Calvin Johnson is many things: founder of K Records, twee patron saint, notorious baritone… and spastic dance machine?

Yes, Calvin Johnson’s dance moves were front and center at 92YTribeca, where he unveiled his latest project, The Hive Dwellers. Fusing the stark catchiness of his influential band, Beat Happening, and the rock sensibility of his other influential band, The Halo Benders, The Hive Dwellers put on a hypnotizing set Friday night before a crowd of K Recs disciples and cardigan-clad pop fans. (Of which I admit to being both, but I refused to wear a cardigan to this gig. Too easy.)

 

Saturday Looks Good to Me - The Girl's Distracted

Fred Thomas, of Saturday Looked Good to Me, opened as City Center: a one-man outfit with a microphone and a synthesizer. The mostly instrumental set was largely ignored by the audience, who seemed to be more concerned with the impending presence of Calvin and the tiny hope that he might play “Indian Summer,” the twee-equivalent to “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” (He did not.)

Half an hour later, Calvin appeared, wearing his familiar uniform of a too-tight, too-small shirt. As this was the Hive Dwellers debut performance, none of the songs had titles yet, but this was of little concern to audience, who were too enthralled by Calvin’s erratic dancing to notice.

Compared to Calvin’s past work, The Hive Dwellers are much more fleshed out, with a bass player, synthesizer/keyboard, guitars, and City Center Fred on drums. Not to mention the mouth organ, acoustic guitar, and maracas Calvin occasionally whipped out between dance moves. As always, Calvin’s deep baritone was impossible to ignore as he rhapsodized about sitting alone in movie theaters and building pinewood coffins – typical subject matter in his case. He continued to charm the audience with his sardonic stage banter, in which he compared Manhattan to the Vatican and extolled the virtues of midriff-bearing t-shirts.

The Hive Dwellers ended on an exceptionally high note, finally plugging in the electric guitar that had been sitting in the corner throughout the whole show. (Too bad it also drowned out most of the vocals.) Though Calvin’s lyrics were unintelligible, his enthusiasm was evident –of course—through his frantic dancing.

Surprisingly, they were not the last act of the night. That honor went to Ian Svenonius’ latest project, Chain and the Gang. Unfortunately I had a midnight birthday party to attend and had to opt out of seeing them. Despite this, I left happy. I had just witnessed Calvin Johnson do suggestive things to a pair of maracas. What more could I want?

 04/18/2009 12:00:56 ♥ kateg () ♥ krecs.com ♥ slgtm.com