W♥M

Davis, Davis

Katie Davis - She Hates Love Songs

KATIE DAVIS
www.katiedavismusic.com

Katie Davis is a folky singer/songer from Seatle. Her latest release is Three Songs, recorded Spring of last year. The songs are well-produced and a little more upbeat compared to her previous work, Terrible, Terrible.

Terrible, Terrible is a free four-track download at katiedavis.bandcamp.com, so you can check out for yourself. All the songs seems to be about heartbreaks, but for some reason, I sense a bit of humor in her songs. Like the punchline to "She Hates Love Songs" is the reason "and you're in them all now" and in "Los Angeles" about her wanting to stay, but "the fare's been paid".

I did enjoy Three Songs slightly over Terrible, Terrible, only because it sounds more solid. As I suspected, she's also happier on Three Songs. Sure, she's self-described as unhealthy hair and drinking southern comforts and singing only "sad songs", but she'll certainly make you smile when she mentions Susan Sarandon in "Gorgeous".

JOHN DAVIS
myspace.com/johndavis

I got this album a while back on account that I do love Superdrag, but I finally got around to listening to it (sorry, we get a lot of music here). If you were hoping for more aggressive 'drag rock, it's not here, instead, John Davis' solo self-titled album actually sounds more like John Lennon, post-Beatles.

Favorite track off John Davis is "Nothing Gets Me Down", possibly because it sounds like a Superdrag song.

Interestingly enough, some of Davis' songs reflect his born-again Christianity with songs like "Jesus Gonna Build Me a Home" and "Salvation". Even if you can't relate, these are pretty catchy tunes! So much that I might try and seek out his second solo work, Arigato!, which was sold during the Superdrag reunion tour in 2007.

If you're looking for Superdrag-related music, check out The Superdrag Tribute Project II, free to download.

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

W♥M Holiday Gift Guide 2009

 

Inon Zur - I am the One (Remix by DJ Killa)

Inon Zur

This is perfect for the upcoming Black Friday: I've filmed my W♥M Holiday Gift Guide 2009. These are the stuff that I want and/or own. Other like-mind geeks out there here's where you can find these awesome stuff.


Music: Superdrag - 4-Track Rock !!! 1992-1995 + Complete "Bender" Sessions, Putumayo Presents - Jazz Around the World
Toys: Red Hulk, Grey Hulk, Green Hulk (all are from Marvel Universe 3 ¾" Series)
Games: Dragon Age Collector Edition
Books: Ghost World: The Special Edition (Hardcover), Adrian Tomine's "Summer Blonde" ($5!)
Movies: Star Trek Target Exclusive DVD. Bluray version not available on the crappy target.com website. I would also like to formally lodge a complaint about target search: it sucks. Also: Shaw Brothers Metal Tin: Epic Heroes (4 DVDs and T-Shirt Offer) , this tin case is a great gift for the Martial Arts fan. I already own two of the movies on this collection, but bought this anyway.

So, as you know, I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to pop culture stuff, quite interested in collecting all of the Shaw Brother's movies on DVD. If you like that sort of thing, I'm maintaining a checklist of sorts at movies.weheartmusic.com. They're mostly only being released as DVDs, the only Shaw Brothers to get released as a bluray in the US market is Opium and the Kung Fu Master, and it's brilliant. Image quality is amazing for a 1984 film - much better than some of the dodgy bluray releases (I'm looking at you, Anchor Bay).

I have also been playing Dragon Age, quite slow-moving, but I love it. The best version to get is the PC version, surprisingly. First of all it's about $10 cheaper than the Xbox or PS3 version, and it looks fantastic compared to those console version. Plus you can zoom out for that top-view like those Baldur's Gate games. Love it.

The collector's version comes with some useless junk: in-game items (I hate these digital "extras") and cloth map. The best thing out of this collection is the soundtrack and "making of" DVD. I did watch the DVD features, they're professionally produced. Take the time to watch the strategy feature, there's some great insights on how to create your characters and what's the best weapons & armors in the game.

The soundtrack is composed by Inon Zur, who also previously did soundtrack work for Bioware's Baldur's Gate II and Icewind Dale II. Dragon Age soundtrack has the typical epic orchestral instrumentals, however there are a few songs on the album that features Gaelic-type singing by Aubrey Ashburn (particularly on "Lelianna's Song", "I Am The One", and the main theme song). From Ashburn's description on the DVD interview, it looks like the song writing process had quite a fast turn-around time.

There is one song on the soundtrack that I do not believe actually appears in the game, DJ Killa's remix of "I Am the One". Keep in mind that I haven't finish the game, so the song may be in the game... I was told that 30 Seconds to Mars also has a song on Dragon Age, but I've yet to encounter that either.

11/24/2009 00:52:54♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com

Superdrag - Industry Giants

Superdrag - Filthy and Afraid Superdrag Tour Dates 04/09/09 Bowery Ballroom New York 04/10/09 Music Hall Of Williamsburg, NY 04/11/09 Paradise Boston, MA 04/24/09 Rock Island Brewing Rock Island, IL 04/25/09 Metro Chicago, Illinois Discography [1994] Stereo "360 Sound" ( cassette ) [1996] Regretfully Yours [1998] Head Trip in Every Key [2000] In the Valley of Dying Stars [2002] Last Call for Vitriol [2007] Changin' Tires on the Road to Ruin [2007] 4-Track Rock!!! 1992-1995 + Complete "Bender" Sessions [2009] Industry Giants Read More Superdrag http://weheartmus... Details about the 'drag's new album is kind of sketchy. I'm told that they're still in the proces...

It's hard to talk about Superdrag without mentioning that one song, you know, "Sucked Out"*. So let's get that over and done with: the song was a smash hit from their 1996 album, Regretfully Yours, thanks to MTV's heavy rotation of the video as part of their "Buzz Bin" series.

Superdrag - Sucked Out

With the huge mainstream success of the song, their major record label Elektra demanded that Superdrag try and duplicate their hitmaker song - but the band never really achieved the same success in their later releases. Perhaps it's bitterness with their ex-label (obviously Elektra dropped the band after their second album), but primary singer/guitarist John Davis refused to play their hit song live.

When I saw them at the 400 Bar in 2000 for their In the Valley of Dying Stars promotional tour, it was evident that they weren't going to do that song as the set list started winding to the end... despite some jerk in the audience shouting out the song title over and over.

So I was happy to see Superdrag again from the recent SXSW Festival. The band looks and sound in top-tip shape. The recent band line-up is actually their original line-up, so it sort of made the release and touring for Industry Giants to be somewhat special.

Superdrag - Filthy & Afraid (Stealth Mix D)

I remember when I got a preview of "Filthy & Afraid" (Stealth Mix D) from the forthcoming album and I was really excited for the new material. I still think that song is their best song off of Industry Giants.

Other songs I dig are more stuff like "Cheap Poltergeist" and "Aspartame", which features some strong guitars and feels muscular - but, again, with some great guitar melodies. In fact, most of the album feels very rock n roll aggressive, with the exception of the acoustic-guitar intro of "Live and Breathe" (the song does pick up).

The one thing that I thought was odd was that the vocals are not Davis on certain songs. You can certainly tell with "You're Alive" with bassist Tom Pappas taking the lead vocals and made it sound like... I don't know, like a biker bar song or something. Not that I'm complaining, it was just unexpected on my part. I had to look at my playlist to make sure it was a Superdrag song!

It should also be noted that "Ready to Go" features guitarist Brandon Fisher on vocals, but this song sounds like it has the feel of a 'drag song (lots of guitar and bass on this one).

Industry Giants is out now, available at the usual locations - the best prices I've seen is at amazon for $12.98. I checked the official website and the merch section currently said the new CD is out of stock, however there's always MP3s. If you see them on tour, the album is sold for $10.

For hardcore fans, there are extra bonus tracks depending on where you purchase your album online. ITunes offers "Filter Out the Air", while amazon.com offers "4 On The Floor". If you already own the album, download each song individually should only set you back $2.

Fans should also want to check out the double-disc set of 4-Track Rock!!! 1992-1995 + Complete "Bender" Sessions, featuring very early demos of some of their most well-loved songs such as "Slot Machine" (the demo version features a medley of "Slot Machine" and "Phaser"), "N.A. Kicker", and "Sucked Out". This one is a tad more pricier at $20, but well worth it for any fan.

* We had promo copies of the single at KFRS 90.7 FM, and I don't think the song was added to our mandatory playlist (I ended up taking the promo single for myself, of course).

 04/06/2009 02:49:06 ♥ vu () ♥ superdrag.com ♥ myspace.com/superdragofficial 

SXSW: Summary

(This is a re-post from the archive.)

>>>
SXSW: SUMMARY
You know, the festival is only four days, but it really seem like weeks.

While having every band in the world merge at one place might sound like a great idea... sometime their appearance conflicts with other artists that you also want to see. So one of the biggest problem I had was sacrificing who to see.

Music happens from daylight (probably closer to 10am start) until two in the morning, or even later.

I usually started my day around 8am, working out my schedule for the day. Sometime it's logistics, sometime it's time-issues, but usually I have a full day's worth of stuff to do. I don't follow my schedule to a T, but there are certain items that I absolutely cannot miss (scheduled interviews takes priority over shows).

Camera Obscura - Setlist (3-19-09)	The May Fire - Set List (3-18-09)
Proclaimers - Set List (3-19-09)	Glasvegas - Set List, La Zona Rosa, Austin TX (3-20-09) - From Bob
Late of the Pier - Set List, Austin TX (3-21-2009)	Crimea - Set List, Austin TX (3-21-09)
Superdrag - Setlist, Guero's (3-19-09)	Wave Machines - Friends, Austin, TX (3-18-09)
Jay Jay Pistolet - Friends, Austin TX (3-18-09)	May Fire - Havana, Austin, TX (3-18-09)
Meiko - Cedar Door, Austin TX (3-19-2009)	Superdrag - Guero's (3-20-09)
Primal Scream - Austin, TX - Photo from Bob	Ed Harcourt - Cedar Door, Austin TX (3-19-2009)
Kate Tucker - Cedar Door, Austin TX (3-19-2009)	Diane Birch - The Garden Party, Austin TX (3-21-09)
The Gin Riots - Rio, Austin TX (3-21-2009)	Goldielocks - Rio, Austin, TX (3-21-2009)
Crimea - Austin TX (3-21-2009)	Babies Loves Jeremy Jay - Austin, TX (3-21-09)
Jeremy Jay - Club de Ville Austin, TX (3-21-09)	Melissa Auf De Maur - The Garden Party, Austin TX (3-21-09)
Camera Obscura - La Zona Rosa, Austin TX (3-20-09)	Solid Gold - Beauty Bar, Austin TX (3-20-09)
Laura Marling - The Garden Party, Austin TX (3-21-09)

WHAT WORKED
- Offline gmail. This worked! I read/did most emails offline and when I was connected, all emails were sent, marked as read, etc.
- iPod Touch, worked like a charm. I was able to grab onto various (free) wifi to receive emails or websurf (maps), etc.
- Austin Convention Center's SXSW wifi stayed up most 99% of the time. Wonderful!
- Cash (ATM) availability
- Blocking off 6th street for pedestrians

WHAT SUCKED
- AT&T Network, apparently everyone in Austin had an iPhone
- Walking......
- Sony Memory Stick not supported on my laptop
- Bands playing 30 minutes or less
- Badges are ridiculously expensive ($600-$700). I think they should make it more affordable, especially since most places don't bother to check for a badge and/or were free. If there was a cover charge, it is usually under $10.

I guess my problems are not really that bad.

DAY ZERO (Tuesday)
Travelling… nothing too exciting. My least favorite state was the one with the road tolls (I think this was in Oklahoma). We did stop in Oklahoma City to see Blackwatch Studios (myspace). We got to hear a few songs from Minneapolis' Cedar Avenue (official/myspace) band from their forth-coming long playing record. The few songs we heard were incomplete, but it sounds really layered with a variety of tracks.

By the way, if the name Cedar Avenue sounds familiar to you, it is because Kristin reviewed their debut album a while back.

DAY ONE (Wednesday)
Getting my barring was hard. I didn't know where any of the streets were. So when people text me: come over to (name of venue), I replied and ask what the cross streets were. Since walking around was my main means of transportation, I ended up crossing out outlier venues immediately.

Wednesday was evening-only, so I mostly went to see some British acts over at Friend's. These guys were all from the London area, with the exception of Liverpool's Wave Machines (official/myspace). These guys creeped me out with their masks that they wore on stage - however, due to heat and comfortableness, they took them off half way into their short set. Also caught a bit of Jay Jay Pistolet (myspace), whose singing voice is very peculiar... it's like he sounds like he's sing out the side of his mouth.

When Mumford & Sons (myspace) took the stage, it was very, very, very crowded. The audience loved them and it's apparent that these guys are going to blow up this year.

The Havana Bar had some Spanish showcase, featuring mostly Mexican bands such as Songs For Eleonor (myspace), Satin Dolls (official), Cosmopolitan (myspace), and Los Fancy Free (myspace). With the exception of The May Fire (official/myspace) and Spain's Capsula (official). We like Spanish acts, so be sure to read more Mexican Summer and my coverage of Los Fancy Free.

DAY TWO (Thursday)
I think this was the big press day, I got to meet & greet Victoria who setup the interview with Solid Gold (myspace). She was kind enough to have me in the Myspace Music event, featuring some artists that I really enjoy: Kate Tucker, Meiko and Ed Harcourt.

To kick off the party was The Real You (myspace), a power-pop band from Seattle, Washington. According to their biography, they've been on constant tour since forming in early 2007 - so I'm sure you'll run into this young band eventually.

I haven't been keeping up with Kate Tucker (official/myspace), but apparently her latest project is with a band called The Honeydove (myspace) - who debuted at SXSW! Unfortunately, I had prior commitments, but I would've liked to have seen her new band play at the Beauty Bar.

Anyway, the nicest bit about her set was that she wanted everyone at the event to get a copy of her last album, "I want to give you my music!"

So if you weren't at the event, you missed out. Hey, maybe you can stop in and say hi to her in Washington:

04/05/09 Sunset Seattle, WA
05/21/09 Chop Suey as honeydove Seattle, WA

Read more Kate Tucker & The Sons of Sweden on W♥M.

Meiko (official/myspace) had a guest trumpet player on for most of her set (she requested him on for the rest of show because I guess she felt more comfortable with having someone else with her). She actually started her set with "Piano Song", which ironically just her and her guitar... She made some funny comments, such as "I've never played to a bunch of porta potties before".

You get the impression that she was happy to be there, and maybe it's yellow-iest dress combined with her orange/red dyed hair, but she looks gorgeous.

Ed Harcourt (official/myspace) was very engaging…. During "Until Tomorrow Then", he got down to the audience and walked around, singing and putting his hands around people while everyone was filming and taking pictures. Enclosed is a video evidence.

Harcourt is releasing a new six-track EP called Russian Roulette out on May 5^th, but SXSW audience were privy to some of his new songs courtesy of Dovecote Records and Directv. Pay close attention to "Caterpillar", as this is a personal song about his newborn daughter being placed in an incubator as they helpless sit and wait.

Went to an open-door new talent showcase, this was not an official sanctioned SXSW event (you'll find that there are many, many unofficial events), so I don't have a listing of who played at what time. They were all giving away their CDs, but I couldn't bother to pick them up (this would require me to carry around stuff, and I didn't have a hand bag ready). Reminder for next year: bring a man purse.

Also went over to check The Elevaters (myspace) and Rumspringa (myspace) at the Hi-Lo venue. While Elevaters were fun and energetic, it seems the drums/guitar duo of Rumspringa had a lot of problems with their equipment. They had to cut their southern-sounding melodic set short after four (?) songs, quote from the singer, "my shit ain't working."

DAY THREE (Friday)
The busy day. Walked all over town basically. My only out-of-the-way venue was at 3 o'clock to see Superdrag (official/myspace) at Guero's, which I thought was far walking there. I ran into one of our RV family, who we'll call Rose because she looks like a pint-sized Pippettes, complete with dress and all. We walked back across the river so I can make it to my Asteroids Galaxy Tour (official/myspace) interview (this was delayed because of some miscommunication).

Afterward, headed over to Beauty Bar to see Solid Gold play, mustache and all. I can tell the audience was having a good time, especially the girl at the backstage.

Then snuck over to see this punk(ish) band that MTV was covering. I didn't catch their name, but it sounded something like Dirty____ Something. The singer had bleach blonde hair and eye shadows.... and likes to walk around with no shirts on.

Evening was spent mostly at the Scotland show: We Were Promised Jet Packs (myspace), Dananananaykroyd (official/myspace), Camera Obscura (official/myspace), The Proclaimers (official/myspace), Glasvegas (official/myspace), Primal Scream (official/myspace). I was in-out so I did end up missing Glasvegas & Primal Scream, but thanks to Bob for sending in some pictures.

DAY FOUR (Saturday)
Saw a few bands in the daytime at the Press Here Garden Party at the French Legation Museum across the Freeway (this is actually closer than it sounds). The walk there was interesting, and I discovered a no-seating Wendy's on the right side of 7th Street. Yep, I ended up having dinner there since they were making these chicken things that's not available in Minnesota.

I got to the Garden just in time to see Jeremy Jay (myspace), and enjoyed the most of the day with The Soft Pack (myspace) and Diane Birch* (myspace) before heading over to 900 Red River to see Jeremy Jay again.

Listened to Camera Obscura afterwards with those Peelander-Z, as I previously mentioned.

Headed back to the Garden to see Melissa Auf De Maur (official/myspace), who started her set with three cover songs: Nancy Sinatra's "Bang Bang", Danzig's "Devil's Plaything", and The Smiths "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before". Although the first two went off pretty well, she totally messed up on "Stop Me" - which is understandable because that song has a lot of Morrissey's lyrics and also they had only practiced it the night before in their hotel room.

It wasn't long before people started filling up the seats at the Garden to see Laura Marling (official/myspace). She was joined on stage by Marcus Mumford, I think. He played percussions and sang backup, although I have to say that Marling would've done just fine with her lovely voice and acoustic guitar.

Saw Late of the Pier at the Bat Bar later that night. Since it was being broadcast live on Directv, I think the pressure got to the band and it was just embarrassing to watch. Towards the end, they seem to not be so nervous, and the (rather long) setlist ended with men in death masks coming on stage to carry the band offstage. I don't have Directv, is there a way for non-subscribers to watch this?

Honey Ryder (myspace) was really happy to be Austin, I think this was their first ever US appearance or something. I believe also that their name came from a James Bond girl ? I don't know much about them, but they seem to have a wider audience and following in the UK, where their single "Fly Away" entered the UK Top 40 at #31.

GoldieLocks (myspace) is 75% English and 25% Swedish from Croydon (South London). She raps to DJ Sports (?), who is wearing this Skeletor T-shirt. After the show, she wanted to give everyone in attendance her EP, which actually went pretty fast. As I previously mentioned, keep an eye on this one.

There's no denying that The Gin Riots (myspace) have quite a few hardcore fans here, as evident by a bunch of Gin Riots T-Shirt in the audience.

It's been a few years since The Crimea (official/myspace) toured in the US, so I was happy to be there for them on their second and last SXSW appearance. They were the last band on my list, so it was kind of a relief when it was all over.

And as corrected by superfan Christopher, Tara Blaise shared the stage to sing backup for the band.... Highlight of the show was then Davey Macmanus stepped down and sang in the center of the audience.

* A note on Birch is that she has these incredible legs, but too bad they were well-hidden behind her piano on stage.

SXSW09 Preview

 

Superdrag - Aspartame

I will at SXSW09 from March 17^th to March 22^nd so I will have sporadic internet access, if any.  Please consider getting in contact with me if you want to hang out.

Also, don't expect any updates from me, until maybe March 24^th or so.  I am certain I will be seeing loads of bands, but there are only a few on my preliminary list: SUPERDRAG, THE COATHANGERS, THE DRONES, LAURA MARLING, HONEY CLAWS, ASTEROID GALAXY TOUR and THE CRIMEA.

I will try and do some random interviews!  Fun fun fun.

Here are some SXSW Schedule, check out my map.

SUPERDRAG

WEDNESDAY 3/18 1:30 P.M.  The Mohawk (Outside Stage)
WEDNESDAY 3/18 Paste Magazine Day Party  4:30 P.M. Bourbon Rocks
THURSDAY 3/19  Studio SX: 4:30 P.M.  Austin Convention Center
FRIDAY 3/20  The Boxing Lesson Day Party  3:00 P.M. Guero's
FRIDAY 3/20 After The Jump Fest Backyard Party: 7:30 P.M.
FRIDAY 3/20 Billboard (Official Showcase):  10:00 P.M. Pangaea
SATURDAY 3/21 Spin Magazine Closing Party  2AM

CRIMEA

18th March 2009 Pop Culture Press Party

 

The Coathangers - Nestle In My Boobies

COATHANGERS

Wed Mar 18th - 2:00 pm: Ms Beas | Todd P's Women's Showcase
Wed Mar 18th - 4:20 pm: BD Riley's Irish Pub | Stomp and Stammer Party
Wed Mar 18th - 9:00 pm: Red Eyed Fly | Suicide Squeeze showcase
Thu Mar 19th - 1:00 pm: Breakaway Records
Thu Mar 19th - 5:55 pm: 610 Vermont Rd | The Medieval Reslayathon
Fri Mar 20th - 4:00 pm: Back Alley Social | Brodown Hoedown
Fri Mar 20th - 5:50 pm: Whole Foods Rooftop Patio | Girls Rock Camp Day Party
Fri Mar 20th - 8:00 pm: 2706 South 4th Street | Ballistic Missile Day Party
Sat Mar 21st - 7:30 pm: Spider House | DJ Jonathan Toubin's Party

 

Honey Claws-Bone Hollow

HONEY CLAWS

Sun Mar 15: 1:00am  Purevolume Party @ Purevolume House (Honey Claws Junkbox) [323 E. 2nd Street @ Trinity]
Tues Mar 17: 10:00pm  Twist-Up @ Red Fez (Full Band) [209 W. 5th St.]
Wed Mar 18: 5:30pm ATX Mashup @ Walsh Landing (Full Band) [3700 Lake Austin Blvd.]
Wed Mar 18: 12:30am Lanai Rooftop Party @ Lanai Rooftop Lounge (Honey Claws Junkbox) [422 Congress Ave.]
Thurs Mar 19: 4:10pm  Re-Mix/Electronic Musician Party @ Calle Habana 6 (Full Band) [709 E. 6th St.]
Fri Mar 20: 1:00am THEFMLY.COM AUSTIN BLOWOUT 2009 PARTY @ HiLo (Full Band) [301 W. 6th St.]

 

 

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Sun Ain't Shining No More

THE ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR

Wednesday, March 18 Echo - Spaceland Showcase @ Maggie Mae's set: 4:30-5 PM
Thursday, March 19 Scuba's Round-Up @ Yard Dog set: 4:40 PM
Thursday, March 19 Windish Showcase @ Emo's Annex set: 8-8:45 PM
Saturday, March 21  The Big One Showcase @ Emo's Annex - Do512 Compound set: 4-4:40 PM
Saturday, March 21  Chop Chop Showcase @ Maggie Mae's set: 8 PM

RANDOM
Moshi Moshi VS Anorak London SXSW party
Saturday 21st March @ Lamberts
401 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas 78701

1pm - Casiokids
1.45 – Slow Club
2.30 – Crystal Antlers
3.15 – Still Flyin
4 – Lissy Trullie
4.45 – Solid Gold

SATURDAY MARCH 21st The Garden Party proudly presents:

The Dirty Projectors (Brooklyn, NY)
Melissa Auf der Maur (Montreal, QC)
Laura Marling (London, England)
The Soft Pack (San Diego, CA)
Wild Beasts (London, England)
Chief (Brooklyn, NY)
Diane Birch (Portland, OR)
Jeremy Jay (Paris, France)
Moriarty (Paris, France)
Frank Fairfield (Los Angeles, CA)

NEW BANDS I WANT TO CHECK OUT:

AN HORSE
Wed Mar 18: Midnight - Official SXSW showcase @ Maggie Mae’s
Thurs, Mar 19: 1:30pm - Aussie Showcase @ Friends [208. E. 6th Street]
Thurs, Mar 19: 4:30pm - Pirate! Party [710 Red River]
Sat, Mar 21: 10:00pm - The Agency Group Showcase @ Emo’s

BEAST
Wed Mar 18: 5:00pm – Canadian Blast BBQ @ East Tent at Brush Square Park [4th St. and Neches]
Thurs Mar 19: 4:50pm – Re-Mix Mag/Electronic Musician Party @ Calle Habana 6 [709 E. 6th St.] **
Thurs Mar 19: 9:00pm – Great Escape Showcase @ Maggie Mae’s [512 Trinity St.]
Fri Mar 20: 7:00pm – M for Montreal Cocktail @ El Sol Y La Luna [600 E. 6th St.] **
Sat Mar 21: 2:00pm – Exclaim Magazine Daytime Party @ El Sol Y La Luna [600 E. 6th St.]
**Beastsound System - a 20 minute “electro-live” set featuring only Jean-Phi (Laptop and gadgets+vocals) and Betty (vocals)

BELL
Mar 18 Club De Ville (Brooklyn Vegan SXSW Showcase) Austin, TX
Mar 19 Scholz Garden (twosyllable / I Guess I'm Floating SXSW party) - Austin, TX

News: The Bootleg Edition

Hey, hey, hey! You might have noticed my low-output these last few weeks. You know how it is. Busy, busy, and stuff.

All the news below have appeared on news.weheartmusic.com, so be sure to bookmark the website if you are a music junkie. So let's get to it:

Belle and Sebastian - Here Comes the Sun

Belle and Sebastian

[1] BELLE & SEBASTIAN: THE BBC SESSIONS
www.belleandsebastian.com ♥ myspace.com/thebandbelleandsebastian
Fans waiting for brand spanking new tracks will have to wait a few years. Jeepster (UK) and Matador (US) will be releasing this compilation on November 17^th.

Of course, as already a long-time fan, I will tell you that I already have a (crappy) recording of the over-the-air broadcast. I'm obviously still going to get a copy (particularly the limited double-CD version), just in time for Christmas, I suppose.

Highlight from the compilation is alternative version of "Lazy Line Painter Jane", which I'm quite curious about.

I'm definitely glad I will be able to replace my bootleg copy for this (assumingly remastered) version. In the meantime, enjoy their cover version of The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun", this track will be available on the 2^nd bonus CD if you get the limited edition.

Bob Dylan - Mississippi (Unreleased Time Out Of Mind)

[2] BOB DYLAN'S "MISSISSIPPI" AVAILABLE FREE ON AMAZON.COM
www.bobdylan.com ♥ myspace.com/bobdylan
Columbia Records announced that for a limited time, you can download this song on www.amazon.com/mp3, in promotion for Bob Dylan's Tell Tale Signs - The Bootleg Series Vol 8. I don't know how long the song is available for free, so you might as well download it while you can. I am assuming the promotion will end when the Bootleg #8 is officially released on October 7^th, but that's only an assumption.

The story behind this song was that it was originally recorded for the 1997 album (Tell Tale Signs), but a very different version of "Mississippi" eventually made it out on 2001's Love and Theft.

This version actually is more stripped down. Bob Dylan's 8th installment in his so-called Bootleg Series will be available in a two-disc format and a three-disc deluxe format. Hardcore fan will want the 3-disc format, of course.

Superdrag - Filthy & Afraid (Stealth Mix D)

[3] SUPERDRAG'S NEW ALBUM OUT IN 2009
www.superdrag.com ♥ myspace.com/superdragofficial
Details about the 'drag's new album is kind of sketchy. I'm told that they're still in the process of recording a yet-untitled new album pending for release in early 2009.

What is exciting about this new album is that it will feature the original line from 1998's Headtrip In Every Key. The one song that I was sent to preview is "Filthy And Afraid (Stealth Mix D)", which I'll have to admit is pretty rockin'.

Fans will note that it has that "Sucked Out" vibe to it.

Links: weheartmusic.com news.weheartmusic.com 

News for the Week of 4/06/2008

New Kids On The Block - Step By Step New Kids On The Block Tour Dates 05/16/08 Today Show - New York, NY 05/17/08 Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ 05/18/08 Tweeter Center, Boston, MA

Hey, I'm behind on the weekly news.

Randy sent this in: New Kids on the Block to Reunite.

I am actually not that excited (or surprise) about New Kids on the Block returning, but I know that Courtney is really excited about this and did a live blog on the reunion.

They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block. The Boston boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early 1990s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multi-platinum album, "Hanging Tough."

The group released a new photo Wednesday and reportedly will appear on the Today show Friday morning — the same time an unmarked countdown clock on http://www.nkotb.com ends.

"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.

Apparently, as of this writing, they seem to be signed to Universal Records and are going to be on tour. 

Tour Dates 04/17/08 La Cigale Paris 04/22/08 Gamla Oslo 04/24/08 Stacken Stockholm 04/29/08 Soho Revue Bar London 05/02/08 Bitterzoet Amsterdam 05/10/08 Blend Bar Ridgewood, NJ 05/15/08 Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ 06/12/08 Bonnaroo Manchester, TN 06/12/08 Xpo Fest Camden, NJ 08/09/08 All Points West Liberty, NJ 08/15/08 House Blues Atlantic City, NJ

 

 

Nicole Atkins - Party's Over

I was also told that Nicole Atkins's album ‘Neptune City to be released June 9th 2008, but I believe this might be a UK-only release date.

It looks like she's currently promoting in Europe (that must be nice) and eventually going to stop in London on the 29th of April.

The rest of her tour schedule will be back in the states, mostly in her homestate of New Jersey.

Find out more about Nicole Atkins on my previous my live concert review or check out www.nicoleatkins.com

I Am Incinerator

Superdrag fans rejoice! Well.... at least those in the West Coast. Apparently they are going to go west with a few dates.

5.28 Los Angeles CA Troubadour w/Kay Hanley & TBA
5.29 Los Angeles CA Troubadour w/Kay Hanley & TBA
6.01 San Francisco CA Bottom Of The Hill w/TBA
6.02 San Francisco CA Bottom Of The Hill w/TBA

Pre-sale tickets are already available as of yesterday on their website. I'll keep you updated if there are any changes/additional announcements.

I don't need to tell you that you should check out Cristina stalkerish obsession with Superdrag on W♥M.

 

Thursday - Understanding In A Car Crash

There's one more story about a Thursday/Envy split album, but I've run out of room and things to say about it. Just head over to our press page and read about it.

As usual all the stories here can be found on press.weheartmusic.com.

 04/06/2008 20:56:58  vu my♥posts weheartmusic.com

Superdrag Tickets Update

I Am Incinerator

Superdrag

Just a reminder that Superdrag tickets for Nashville, Knoxville, Chicago, and Washington DC are already on sale. NYC and Boston tickets will be available this coming Friday.

And, just another excuse to post a good song. A (very) slightly different version appears on three eps as "I Guess It's American".

 

Oddly brief, Cristina

Reunion Recap

 

Richard Ashcroft - A Song for the Lovers

Two weeks ago, I asked Vu if he wanted to post the news that The Verve had reunited. He encouraged me to do it. I then suggested that he do it. Do you remember either of us posting anything about The Verve? Yeah.

So, guess what, solo-Ashcroft haters? ThE vErVe Is BaCk!

The Verve, minus Simon Tong of The Good, The Bad & The Queen, recently regrouped to record a new album and tour. So far, only six UK dates have been confirmed. All are now sold out.

That's it. Let's see how long this lasts.

 

They're not the only ones making drippy dreams come true.

 

 

Heroes Tour Announcement / History

On Valentine's Day, Spanish über-rock band, Héroes del Silencio, announced that, after over a decade of pleading, fans would finally be appeased with a meager 10-date reunion tour in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of their first recordings and the tenth anniversary of their break-up.

Héroes was my first introduction to energetic (Hard) Rock music that melded well with Spanish-language lyrics, instead of sounding awkward or awful. Lead singer Enrique Bunbury doesn't waste his words on posturing, tits, or disingenuous panty-wetters. Layered in metaphors, the lyrics often deal with social ills, the human condition, or painful love. And, that's what gets you in the end. The guy is an angry, raspy-voiced romantic. He fiercely emotes, and growls like a wounded animal. Pretty sexy stuff. (Who knew that scrawny-assed vegans could be this hot?!)

Héroes del Silencio - Los Placeres de la Pobreza

Besides the disappointing lack of shows, the other topic of interest is the mystery of lead guitarist Juan Valdivia's hand managing to sucker-punch rhythm guitarist Alan Boguslavsky into submission. Apparently, Valdivia's manus has been "weakened" by an accident, tendonitis, or a muscle-mushiness of some kind. (All I know is that no one seems to be sure what it is, but they - journalists, bloggers, fans - all refer to it as the "lesión".) This has resulted in Boguslavsky, who was added to the line-up in 1993, being replaced by Valdivia's brother for the tour. BUT, it is all in the name of moral support, folks. No hard feelings. They let him know in an email.

Anyway, all tour dates are, of course, sold out. Tickets for the September 28th LA show are up on Ebay, starting at about a $100 a piece. You should really go, if you can make it. If not, don't worry. They're one of the most bootlegged bands in Latin America. We'll see them up on Youtube soon enough.

 

Soda Stereo - De Musica Ligera

My friggin' dreams have been smacked, flipped, rubbed down! Soda Stereo returns!

Emerging in the early 80s (with an insignificant, any-band album), Soda Stereo beautifully glided through fifteen years of New Wave, Rock, Dream Pop, Space Rock, and other genres to become one of the most beloved and influential bands in Latin America. If they'd sung in English, you'd definitely have them in your collection alongside Duran Duran, U2, Depeche Mode, The Police, etc.

This June, Soda confirmed that reunion rumors were true. They would briefly reform for twelve shows in seven countries to commemorate their last concert, which took place at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires in 1997. They are, however, already at eleven shows in only four countries. Me Verás Volver could very fortunately turn out to be a slightly longer tour than we could've imagined.

In addition to NYC and LA, Chicago and Miami will supposedly be on the itinerary. (No Hispanic left behind... except for those in Texas. But, you know what my man Danzig says.)

I will keep you guys posted. I promise to make you love them.

 

Superdrag - Destination Ursa Major

I'd heard. I'd read. But, I hadn't imagined that it would be this soon. Knoxville's bittersweet, Power Pop darlings Superdrag, are together once more and coming to six US cities (possibly not) near you this Fall.

I always assume that most people, who were of double-digit age in the mid-90s, will probably remember Superdrag's oft-played, MTV Buzz Bin hit "Sucked Out". You know, the "Who Sucked Out the Feeliiiiin?!" song. Yes? No? Well, whether you remember it or not, if you don't at least own one cd, you're missing out on some pleasantly pessimistic, reflexive, fun, endearing music.

After "Sucked Out" climbed Billboard's Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart to number 17, everything quickly turned sour for Superdrag. The second single and full-length follow-up went nowhere; Their label dropped them; And, the bassist left to work on his own project. Still, the quality of their music never suffered. John Davis and co. consistently put out great albums till they called it quits in 2003.

Presale tickets became available last week. You can try to get them here: http://superdrag.ducatking.com/

Oh, did I forget to mention that it's the original lineup of John Davis, Brandon Fisher, Tom Pappas, and Don Coffey, Jr.? Yup, it's 1996 again and I'm miserably happy.

 

Shed Seven - Return

One more: Last week, Digital posted a Myspace bulletin with a link to a Shed Seven reunion story. The whole band, except for Fraser Smith, will reunite for a 14-gig Greatest Hits tour that starts at the end of November and ends mid-December. Tickets went on sale today, though the Wikipedia entry claims that MySpace fans had access to presale tickets on the 7th.

In all my years of loving Britpop, I've never paid attention to this band. While researching them, I've found that they're not bad at all. (Although, I'm pretty sure that I read an interview where one of them badmouthed Catherine Wheel while touring Canada with them years ago. Um. That's a bad thing, as far as I'm concerned.)

 

 

Consumed by tedium, Cristina