W♥M

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down at the Cedar Cultural Center

Tour Dates 04/05 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad 04/06 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom 04/07 San Diego, CA The Casbah 04/08 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour Read More Thao & The Get Down Stay Down Did I not warn you that " the band to head out on tour in 2013 in support of the new album"? I have just received confirmed tour dates for Thao & The Get Down Stay Down for 2013. ...…

San Francisco-based band Thao & The Get Down Stay Down got down with us at the Cedar Cultural Center on April 1st and we loved every moment of it. The band is currently on tour promoting their newest record We The Common out on Ribbon Music.

This throaty voiced tiny performer fills the room with her energy and packs a punch into every song, putting on an incredible show. She ends every song in her performance with the same energy she starts with; jamming hard on whatever instrument she happens to be playing at the time. Her abilities range far beyond her voice, playing the banjo, acoustic guitar, a purple electric guitar and a slide guitar perfectly, infusing her performance with variability and raw talent, leaving us as the audience amazed.

As Thao sings, she seems to call the audience to feel with her, challenging them to be introspective, and to accompany her through her journey of discovery. There is so much feeling and depth present in every lyric and every song, and it’s apparent that this is a deeply personal album. This seems appropriate, since her last album, she has been working with the artist advocacy non-profit Air Traffic Control and volunteering with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. She is both an activist and musician, promoting OX-FAM and giving props to Minnesotans United for Families during the show. It’s obvious the love that she has for her fans and the feeling is definitely mutual. There aren’t many shows left on her tour so if you have the chance to see this little dynamo in concert, take it, she is an incredible woman, artist, and performer.

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (04/01/13)

audrey ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ pertnearsandstone.com

Thao and the Get Down Stay Down: We The Common

Read More Thao and the Get Down Stay Down Their latest song, "Holy Roller," just premiered on their website and youtube. The song is from forthcoming record We the Common, out February 5th on Ribbon Music. ..…

Did I not warn you that " the band to head out on tour in 2013 in support of the new album"? I have just received confirmed tour dates for Thao & The Get Down Stay Down for 2013.

As expected, their latest album, We The Common, will be out February 5th on Ribbon Music. The title track "We The Common (For Valerie Bolden)" recently premiered on SPIN.com (which incidentally shut down its print editions and is now strictly digital). The song was said to be inspired by Thao Nguyen's volunteer work with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners.

Pre-ordering the album via dominorecordco.com will you get you two bonus songs (Melanie's "Brand New Key" and The Troggs' "With A Girl Like You"). The two songs are available as a limited edition 7" with the vinyl order.

In addition to the tour, they are doing some free promo in-store performances at these dates:

February 5 Los Angeles, CA Fingerprints Records
February 6 San Francisco, CA Amoeba Records
February 8 Seattle, WA Sonic Boom Records
February 9 Portland, OR Jackpot Records

The "We The Common" tour will feature our favorite Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside (all dates with * indicate with Ford):

03/01 Sacramento, CA Blue Lamp 03/02 San Francisco, CA Great American Music* 03/05 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge 03/06 Vancouver, BC Fortune Sound Club* 03/07 Seattle, WA Neumos* 03/08 Boise, ID Neurolux* 03/09 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge* 03/11 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge* 03/16 Houston, TX Fitzgerald’s* 03/17 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks* 03/18 Atlanta, GA Smith’s Olde Bar* 03/19 Asheville, NC Grey Eagle* 03/20 Washington, DC Black Cat* 03/22 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom*

03/23 Philadelphia, PA Underground Arts* 03/24 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair* 03/27 Toronto, ON Lee’s Palace* 03/28 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark* 03/29 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall* 03/30 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall* 03/31 Madison, WI Majestic Theater* 04/01 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center* 04/02 Iowa City, IA Mission Creek Festival* 04/03 Kansas City, MO Record Bar* 04/05 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad* 04/06 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom* 04/07 San Diego, CA The Casbah* 04/08 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour*

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic ♥ +W♥M

Girls Girls Girls: Jenny Owen Youngs, Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Tift Merritt, Beca

I'm heading out to see red-head A Fine Frenzy tonight at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis. I will also swing by 7th Street to see Canadian six-piece, Hey Rosetta!, so if you're coming out, come say hi to me. I'll be in the front.

Read more Girls Girls Girls.

Read More Jenny Owen Youngs Warming up the show was Jenny Owen Youngs, since I'm dyslexic when it comes to pretty girls, we'll just call her Young Jenny. I was quite impressed with her…

JENNY OWEN YOUNGS
jennyowenyoungs.com

I've been checking out random shows on Stageit. Most of these artists I've never heard of, except when I saw young Jenny Owen Youngs!

Home sweet home!
October 25 at 5:00 PM PDT - 30 min. show
Price: 50 Notes

It's about $1 for 10 Notes, so she's charging $5 per ticket. What's funny is, I noticed it changing from 40 Notes to 50 Notes. I don't know what it is, but have you ever pick up an item in a retail store and noticed a different price over an old price? If the older price is higher, you'll buy it and think it's a deal. If the older price is lower, then you think you're being ripped off!

That's okay, I can't really attend because I'm heading out early. Plus, I don't want to take any seat from her fans; I believe her show will virtually "sell out." Besides, I'm saving my 'notes' to see other random shows. I kind of wish Stageit had free shows, but I believe there is a minimum of 1 Note (10 cents) per show. Also, if you buy a ticket to a show and forget to show up on that date, you don't get a refund. So be warned about internet failures or not being home or plain forgetfulness.

I also wish they'd offer a download of the show in case you want to re-watch or if you get disconnected, but Stageit is live only. Maybe charge a premium for the video download or offer it free with your ticket?

I've already seen Youngs in person at a show a few years ago, and was quite impressed with her. Her third studio album, An Unwavering Band of Light is out now.

THAO & THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN
thaoandthegetdownstaydown.com

We've been covering Thao & the Get Down Stay Down for the last five years, so we love her.

Their latest song, "Holy Roller," just premiered on their website and youtube. The song is from forthcoming record We the Common, out February 5th on Ribbon Music. The album features twelve new songs, including a duet with Joanna Newsom.

Frontwoman Thao Nguyen had this to say about the song, "It was the first song I wrote for this new record…it marked a shift in how I operate. I was steadily, in an overdue way, becoming grateful for everything and everyone I had. I tried to capture a sense of revival and a determination to be better."

Expect the band to head out on tour in 2013 in support of the new album.

TIFT MERRITT
tiftmerritt.com

The Time called Tift Merritt's voice as "achingly beautiful country-tinged tunes hark back to the musical work of Joni Mitchell, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Leonard Cohen." I think they nailed it.

I just got word that she's heading out on tour in support of her Yep Roc Record's debut Traveling Alone, which is out now.

I don't think she'll be 'traveling alone', maybe you'll see her with her husband and longtime collaborator Zeke Hutchins?

TIFT MERRITT TOUR DATES
* with Justin Townes Earle
† with Andrew Bird

11/01 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre* 11/02 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre* 11/03 Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls* 11/04 West Long Branch, NJ Pollack Theatre* 11/05 Burlington, VT Higher Ground* 11/07 Portland, ME Port City Music Hall* 11/08 Portsmouth, NH Portsmouth Music Hall* 11/09 Norfolk, CT Infinity Hall* 11/10 Port Chester, NY Capitol Theatre* 11/11 NY, Westhampton Performing Arts Ctr.* 11/13 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live* 11/14 Blacksburg, VA Lyric Theatre* 11/15 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle* 11/16 Charlotte, NC McGlohon Theatre* 11/17 Birmingham, AL WorkPlay Theatre* 11/19 Copenhagen, Denmark Amager Bio† 11/20 Göteborg, Sweden Pustervik† 11/22 London, U.K. Assembly Hall Islington 11/23 Oxford, U.K. Bullingdon Arms 11/25 Manchester, U.K. Manchester Ruby Lounge

11/26 Edinburgh, U.K. Pleasance Courtyard 11/28 Newcastle, U.K. Cluny 12/02 Oslo, Norway John Dee 12/03 Stockholm, Sweden Nalen 12/04 Göteborg, Sweden Pustervik 12/06 Berlin, Germany Quasimodo 02/01 Albany, NY Linda Theater 02/05 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern 02/07 Evanston, IL SPACE 02/08 Milwaukee, WI Shank Hall 02/09 St. Louis, MO Off Broadway 02/10 Louisville, KY Uncle Slayton’s 02/13 Dallas, TX The Kessler 02/14 Austin, TX The Parish 02/15 Houston, TX McGonigel’s Mucky Duck 02/20 Knoville, TN The Square Room 02/21 Asheville, NC The Grey Eagle 02/22 Atlanta, GA Terminal West 02/23 Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsley

BECA becadreams.com New York City's Beca is releasing Born to Fly EP on November 20th, her second release on UK's This is Music Ltd. You can hear the track via Under the Radar. Don't really know much about Beca, but her biography insists "a female Serge Gainsbourg produced by the RZA." Don't they mean Charlotte Gainsbourg, or is his daughter too sweet? Charlotte was in a dark, dark movie called "Anti-Christ," which is far from sweet or innocent. To me, I've always thought Serge was really talented singer and songwriter, but a bit of a chain smoker and womanizer. Maybe Beca's a manizer? I don't know if there's actually a word for what I'm looking for. Anyway, her biography: Landing in London recently with a brand new project under the Beca pseudonym, “Let’s Run Wild” is the New Yorker's debut EP on This Is Music, revealing a fresh, darker, moodier sound that fits Beca like a glove. Imagine a female Serge Gainsbourg produced by the RZA. There will be a Born to Fly EP release party on November 13th in Pianos in New York. Something in Spanish and Lady DM (DJ set) are also on the bill. vu ♥ weheartmusic.com

September to remember tour

MADI DIAZ
madidiaz.com

Playing with Madi Diaz is Gabby Young at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on September 1st, which should be a good time.

I was sent Diaz's Far From Things That We Know EP to listen to, which is coming out September 20th on tinyOGRE Entertainment. I really liked "Johnny", I'm looking forward to hearing that song done live. I thought Diaz's voice is lovely/sweet on all three tracks, just like the video for "Let's Go" by Matt Amato. Which.... admittedly I did not like the boring video.

Diaz kicked off a national tour last week with fellow Nashville songwriter Keegan DeWitt (you can grab two free songs at madidiaz.com/tour).

Look for Diaz's full-length to be out in early 2012, but I suspect you'll hear those unreleased songs on her tour:

8/22 - San Francisco, CA @ Cafe du Nord*
8/23 - Santa Barbara, CA @ SoHo
8/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Café*
8/28 - Los Angeles, CA @ Sunset Junction
8/30 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge*
9/1 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry*
9/2 - Evanston, IL @ SPACE*
9/3 - Maquoketa, IA Daytrotter Barnstormin/Codfish Hollow Barn

*co-headlining with Keegan DeWitt

ATARI TEENAGE RIOT
atari-teenage-riot.com

The last time I mentioned ATR, I was rather excited that they've reformed last year.

With some tease to new material via mastermind Alec Empire's soundcloud account, it's about time that the noise artist is coming back with a vengeance! It's been a long ten years!

Full details of music videos, free MP3s, and detail about the Black Flags album at news.weheartmusic.com.

Tour dates:

08/26 -France - Charleville-Mezieres @ Cabaret Vert 09/04 - Seattle, WA @Bumbershoot Festival 09/05 – Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre * 09/07 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brew * 09/08 – San Diego, CA @ Porters Pub (w Retox) * 09/09 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Keyclub * 09/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Royal Resort * 09/13 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room * 09/14 – Orlando, FL @ Firestone * 09/15 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade * 09/16 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle * 09/17 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club * 09/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Polaris * 09/20 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon * 09/21 – Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights * 09/23 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre * 09/24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theater * 09/26 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's Downunder *		09/27 – Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theater * 09/28 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club * 10/05 – Austria – Vienna @ Szene 10/06 – Austria – Linz @ Posthof 10/07 – Slovenia – Ljubljana @ Kino Siska 10/10 – Hungary – Budapest ! A38 10/12 – Germany – Berlin @ Astra 10/13 – Germany – Leipzig @ Werk II 10/14 – Germany – Cottbus @ Gladhouse 10/15 – Poland – Warsaw @ Progresja 10/16 – Poland – Wroclaw @ Firlej 10/21 – Austria – Dornbirn @ Dornbirm 10/22 – Germany – Stuttgart @ Universum 11/23 – Russia – Moscow @ Tochka 11/24 – Russia – St Petersburg @ Glavclub 11/25 – Finland – Helsinki @ Nosturi 11/26 – Swedend – Stockholm @ Debaser * = w/ Otto von Schirach

THAO WITH THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN
thaomusic.com

I know I've previously mentioned her September dates here, but I personally like her, I'm adding more dates (see below).

Among the new dates will be that they will be playing with Sub Pop's The Head and the Heart. New dates includes Minneapolis!

This is her fourth time in Minneapolis, her fourth time playing at the Cedar Cultural Center. She really LOVES the venue. It's easy to see why, as I've previously mentioned, it's one of my favorite and best places to see live music.

09/20/11 - New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks* 09/21/11 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse* 09/22/11 - Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theater* 09/23/11 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club* 09/24/11 - Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater* 09/25/11 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Ukie Club* 09/26/11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg* 09/27/11 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom* 09/28/11 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge 09/30/11 - Boston, MA @ Royale* 10/01/11 - Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom* 10/02/11 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom*		10/03/11 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Calvin College* 10/06/11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall* 10/07/11 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theater* 10/08/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural* 10/09/11 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room* 10/10/11 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater* 10/14/11 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues* 10/18/11 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall* 10/19/11 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom* 10/20/11 - Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Commodore* 10/22/11 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile * w/ The Head and the Heart

LOCH LOMAND
lochlomond.com

Loch Lomond from Portland, Oregon, is going on tour this September to promote their second album, Little Me Will Start a Storm, released earlier this year. The album comes out on all formats (CD, Vinyl, and digital).


If you see them on tour, look for the glockenspiel.

More details on news.weheartmusic.com, below is their tour dates:

09.10.11 - Portland, OR @ MusicFest NW at Rontom's
09.14.11 - Bellingham, WA @ the Green Frog
09.15.11 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
09.16.11 - Cottage Grove, OR @ the Axe & Fiddle
09.17.11 - Davis, CA @ Sophia's Thai Kitchen w/ Point Juncture, WA
09.18.11 - Santa Cruz, CA @ the Crepe Place
09.22.11 - Goleta, CA @ Mercury Lounge
09.23.11 - Visalia, CA @ the Cellar Door
09.24.11 - Big Sure, CA @ Fernwood w/ Brooke Parrott
09.25.11 - San Francisco, CA @ Hotel Utah

UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
unknownmortalorchestra.com

Don't really know much about this band, but here's yet another Portland band. They seem quite new, having first started in late 2010 with a single called Ffunny Ffrends via bandcamp - however, if you head over to unknown-mortal-orchestra.bandcamp.com, there's nothing there.

According to their press release, singer Ruban Nielson is from New Zealand, but currently living in Portland with his band Mint Chicks.

They are doing a ton of tour dates, with a FREE show in LA at Bardot on 8/29, RSVP here.

08/29 Los Angeles, CA Bardot* 09/08 Portland, OR Hawthorne% 09/09 Athens, GA 40 Watt# 09/10 Raleigh, NC Hopscotch$ 09/11 Washington, DC Black Cat # 09/12 Philadelphia, PA 1st Unitarian Church # 09/14 New York, NY Webster Hall # 09/15 Brooklyn, NY Glasslands Gallery + 09/16 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club # 09/17 Montreal, QC Le National # 09/18 Toronto, ON Opera House # 09/19 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre # 09/20 Bloomington, IN The Bishop # 09/21 Grinnell, IA Grinnel College Gardner 09/22 Urbana, IL Pygmalion # 09/23 Cincinnati, OH Midpoint Music Festival #		09/24 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall # 09/25 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock # 09/26 Fargo, ND Aquarium 09/28 Seattle, WA The Crocodile # 09/29 Vancouver, BC Venue # 09/30 Portland, OR Branx # 10/01 SF, CA Great American# 10/02 SF, CA Great American# 10/03 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre # 10/04 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom 10/05 Tucson, AZ Club Congress 10/06 El Paso, TX Lowbrow# 10/07 Dallas, TX Club Dada # 10/08 Austin, TX The Mohawk # 10/09 Houston, TX Fitzgerald's # 10/10 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jack's # 10/11 Tallahassee, FL Club Downunder #		10/12 Mobile, AL Alabama Music Box 10/13 Birmingham, AL Bottletree # 10/14 Atlanta, GA Masquerade # 10/15 Columbia, SC New Brookland# 10/16 Asheville, NC Grey Eagle 10/17 Winston-Salem, NC Werehouse 10/18 Richmond, VA Strange Matter 10/19 - 10/22 New York, NY CMJ 10/25 Buffalo, NY Mohawk Place 10/30 Kansas City, MO Riot Room 11/07 Oakland, CA The New Parish * = w/ The Submarines # = w/ Toro Y Moi % = w/ Little Dragon $ = w/ Times New Viking + = w/ Woven Bones, Blouse, Man/Miracle

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

News: Autumn Tours 2011

MARGARET CHO
margaretcho.com

I saw Margaret Cho last year, she's funny, but it's not a show for kids.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that starting today, her Grammy-nominated album, Cho Dependent, can be had for as low as $1. This promotion is great if you haven't already got the album. And if you already own the CD, no problem, the digital download also includes two extra unreleased tracks.


Portion (20%) of this download goes to Immediate Justice, a charity for young women and queer folks of color. So be generous, if you've got the cash. If you're the #1 top donor, you get to appear in Cho's upcoming music video for "Asian Adjacent", filming in Los Angeles on July 24th. Second prize is a set of steak knives. Just kidding, you get a Cho Dependent package (tote bag, CHO HO tank top, posters, and an autographed LP). If 500 people donate, we all get "Sexting", an unreleased song from Drag Queen Sherry Vine featuring Margaret Cho. Make it happen.

Cho is doing some dates below:

07/16/11 San Diego, CA San Diego Pride Festival 08/03/11 - 08/05/11 Edinburgh Assembly Rooms 08/06/11 - 08/29/11 Edinburgh Assembly Rooms 09/02/11 Sydney Sydney Opera House AU 09/05/11 Brisbane The Tivoli Theatre AU 09/06/11 Melbourne Forum Theatre AU 10/13/11 London Leicester Square Theatre UK		10/14/11 London Leicester Square Theatre UK 10/15/11 London Leicester Square Theatre UK 10/16/11 Brighton Dome Concert Hall – Brighton 10/17/11 London Leicester Square Theatre UK 10/18/11 London Leicester Square Theatre UK 10/23/11 Glasgow The Stand Comedy Club UK 10/24/11 Glasgow The Stand Comedy Club

BEADY EYE
www.beadyeyemusic.com

It's inevitable, Beady Eye will conquer America this Fall 2011.

Lots of buzz, this post-Oasis band, lead by Liam Gallagher will play some key dates in America, hot off their debut album, Different Gear, Still Speeding. As I have previously warned/mentioned, you have to see this band this early in the stage of their career, otherwise you'll always kick yourself for not seeing them when they were starting out.

I know they're not even coming here until November and December, but you may want to buy tickets now before they sell out. Tickets goes on sale July 15th (Friday), with the exception of San Francisco - that goes on sale July 17th.

November 29 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
November 30 Seattle, WA @ Showbox Market
December 2 San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
December 3 Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre
December 5 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
December 6 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave Ballroom
December 8 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
December 9 New York, NY @ Terminal 5

M83
ilovem83.com

French electro-shoegaze band, M83, aka Anthony Gonzalez, will be touring the US this year. It's been over two years since his last live performance, so people are eagerly awaiting to see him.

General ticket sales are available to purchase today (July 12th), however, if you were a fan, you had early access as early as July 6th. Hopefully, when he comes around Minneapolis, we'll cover him.

Oct. 15 – Mexico City – Corona Capital Festival
Oct. 28 – Washington DC – Black Cat
Oct. 29 – Raleigh, NC – Kings Barcade
Oct. 30 – Asheville, NC – Moog Fest
Oct. 31 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Nov. 2 – Orlando, FL – The Social
Nov. 4 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
Nov. 5 – Austin, TX – Fun Fun Fun Fest
Nov. 7 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent Ballroom
Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
Nov. 10 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Nov. 11 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
Nov. 12 – Vancouver, BC – Venue
Nov. 13 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Nov. 16 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Nov. 17 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
Nov. 18 – Toronto, ON – Lees Palace
Nov. 19 – Montreal, QC – La TuLipe
Nov. 20 – Boston, MA – Paradise
Nov. 22 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

MARNIE STERN
myspace.com/marniestern1

I wanted to see Marnie Stern's famed "tapping" guitar style (which some people is calling her "Greatest Female Guitarists Of All Time"), but unfortunately, I was out of town when she was here in Minneapolis. She's still on tour, so here are the dates:

09/21 - Hamden, CT @ The Space
09/23 - Toronto, ON @ Wrong Bar*
09/24 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean*
09/25 - Cleveland, OH @ Happy Dog*
09/27 - Washington, DC @ The Red Palace*
09/28 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church*
09/29 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg*
09/30 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs*
10/02 - Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
10/06 - Sydney, Australia @ Tone
10/07 - Melbourne, Australia @ Northcote Social Club
10/08 - Perth, Australia @ The Bakery
12/07 - London, UK @ XOYO
12/09 - Minehead, UK @ ATP Nightmare Before Christmas+

* w/ No Joy
+ w/ Les Savy Fav, Archers of Loaf, No Age, The Dodos

THAO WITH THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN
thaomusic.com

Speaking of Kill Rock Stars, I missed Thao & Mirah the last time they were here too. This was not my fault, BOBBY's van broke down and Led to Sea had failed me.

It's fine, I've seen them a few times, I still love them. The Get Down Stay Down is returning with Thao this September, minus Mirah:

09/20 - New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
09/21 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
09/22 - Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theater
09/23 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
09/24 - Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater
09/25 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Ukie Club
09/26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
09/27 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
10/03 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Calvin College Fine Arts Center
10/06 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
10/07 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theater
10/09 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
10/10 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater
10/18 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
10/19 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
10/20 - Vancouver, BC @ The Commodore Ballroom

THE VACCINES
thevaccines.co.uk

I saw these guys open up for Arctic Monkeys, I have to say "A Lack Of Understanding" sounded great live. I also mentioned that their most energetic song was called "Nørgaard", which the video just debut July 7th via vevo.com. The video features a sexy active Danish girl Amanda Nørgaard playing tennis, skating, bicycling, and bowling.

9/8 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café
9/9 Vancouver, BC Venue
9/10 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
9/13 Los Angeles, CA Music Box
9/14 San Diego, CA The Casbah
9/18 Austin, TX ACL
9/21 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall
9/22 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
9/24 Philadelphia, PA Popped Festival
9/25 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
9/27 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
9/28 Montreal, QC Corona
9/30 New York, NY Webster Hall
10/1 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg

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

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Lost at Sea

Led to sea: Is This The Last Time

My favorite sailor song is "Jackie" by Sinead O'Connor. It's about a ghost who mourns for her husband, lost at sea and never found. It's very heartbreaking and I really love the use of violins to sound like a threatening thunderstorm in the song.

I've been dead for twenty years
Washing the sand with my ghostly tears
Searching the shores for my Jackie-oh

Below are some bands that's come across my email about the sea.

LED TO SEA
www.ledtosea.com

Seattle-based violist, Alex Guy, goes by the stage name Led to Sea. The exciting news is that she's touring with Thao & Mirah (and you know we love Thao here).

I've dug around to find out more about Led to Sea and I think she has two albums now, the most recent is called Into The Darkening Sky. From the reviews I've read, everyone seems to agree on one thing: she's amazing live... which incidentally brings us to her live dates - starting today, April 22^nd at the Northwest Folklife Festival. I'll probably pick up her album at the Cedar show, she's coming here to Minneapolis on June 2^nd.

04.22.11 - Seattle, WA @ Columbia City 04.24.11 - Seattle, WA @ Vera Project 05.01.11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour* 05.02.11 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Soho* 05.03.11 - Oakland, CA @ the New Parish* 05.05.11 - Vancouver, BC @ the Biltmore* 05.06.11 - Bellingham, WA @ WWU* 05.07.11 - Seattle, WA @ the Crocodile* 05.08.11 - Portland, OR @ the Wonder Ballroom* 05.09.11 - Olympia, WA @ the Northern* 05.27.11 - Seattle, WA @ the Northwest Folklife Festival 06.02.11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center* 06.03.11 - Chicago, IL @ the Empty Bottle* 06.05.11 - Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace*		06.07.11 - Boston, MA @ T.T. the Bear's* 06.08.11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg* 06.09.11 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church* 06.10.11 - Washington, DC @ the Black Cat* 06.11.11 - Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506* 06.12.11 - Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle* 06.13.11 - Atlanta, GA @ the Earl* 06.15.11 - St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway* 06.18.11 - Denver, CO @ High Dive* 06.19.11 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad* 06.20.11 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room* 06.21.11 - San Diego, CA @ the Casbah* 06.23.11 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American* All tour dates * with Thao & Mirah

Seapony: Blue Star

SEAPONY
myspace.com/seaponyband

I don't know much about Seapony, other than that I will probably like them since they are on Hardly Art records (the last two albums I reviewed from them are amazing).

Anyroad, it looks like Seapony is a trio: songwriter Danny Rowland, singer Jen Weidl, and bassist Ian Brewer (note: no human drummer).

Their music is described as "fuzz-drenched guitar playing simple chord progressions, topped with concise melodic hooks and breathy vocals." Sounds excellent.

Their album, Go With Me will be released May 31^st on Hardly Art. Tour information below:

04.22.11 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe
05.06.11 - Portland, OR - Renn Fayre (Reed College)
05.07.11 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
05.28.11 - Santa Cruz, CA - 418 Project
05.29.11 - San Francisco, CA - Hemlock Tavern
05.31.11 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo
06.02.11 - Seattle, WA - The Vera Project
06.15.11 - Brooklyn, NY - Glasslands

Sea Of Bees: Wizbot

SEA OF BEES
www.seaofbees.com

Julie Baenziger is better known as Sea of Bees. I've previously reviewed her cutely named EP, Bee Eee Pee, and I thought her vocals sounded like "small cute child".

NPR seems to agree, naming her top 100 acts at SXSW 2011 with a mention about her voice:

The press is buzzing: But as always, the real star is Bee's lovely and distinctive voice.

Well, it looks like she's going on tour with Stornoway, a band that will likely bring a dolly on stage.

Her new album is called Songs for the Ravens and since it doesn't look like she'll be come through Minneapolis, I might look into trying to get her album for review (when I have more time).

Below are the tour dates:

04.21.11 - Manhattan, NY @ The Living Room 04.22.11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Spike Hill 04.23.11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Sycamore 04.25.11 - Manhattan, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall 04.26.11 - Manhattan, NY @ Joe's Pub 04.27.11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands 04.28.11 - Manhattan, NY @ Piano's 04.29.11 - Manhattan, NY @ Cake Shop 04.30.11 - Manhattan, NY @ Mercury Lounge 05.01.11 - Manhattan, NY @ The Living Room		05.24.11 - Toronto, ON @ El Mocambo* 05.26.11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg* 05.28.11 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall* 05.31.11 - Seattle, WA @ Triple Door* 06.01.11 - Vancouver, BC @ Media Club* 06.02.11 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir* 06.04.11 - San Francisco, CA @ the Independent* 06.05.11 - Los Angeles, CA @ the Troubadour* * with Stornaway

BAREFOOT DANCE OF THE SEA
myspace.com/barefootdanceofthesea

Barefoot Dance of the Sea seems to be an all-girls band (a trio of Rebecca Wood, Beth Gibson & Sophie Cochrane). Apparently two of them are from the Hot Puppies (which I'll admit, I've never heard of either).

Their upcoming release is called 'Til Voices Wake Us, a six-track limited edition EP (only 150 copies of the CD will be released), coming out May 16^th. The details I have is that it will come with a silver and translucent foiled packaging. Sounds delightful.

Described as "two-and three-part harmonies and enchanting minimalist instrumentation", I would imagine it to be a lot of folk-harmonizing-action. I do like that melody-thing, so I might check them out later down the road when I have more time.

THE SEA KINGS
facebook.com/pages/The-Sea-Kings

Another folky/harmonizing band (although interestingly enough, "medieval pop" was used to describe the band). Below is a proper description of the band:

The sound that The Sea Kings make is rooted in folk music, with branches twisting through crunchy jazz rhythms and contemporary pop melodies, all under an acoustic canopy. Their lyrics convey images of towering cliffs and sandy beaches, reflecting a shared longing for home derived from a life of self-imposed exile.

The Sea Kings is from England, but the email I got also mentioned that they are specifically not from Scotland. Perhaps there's another band called Sea Kings ? This one consists of James Wills (Guitar), Joe Holtaway (Mandolin) and Jake Alexander (Percussion/Cello), all singers apparently.

I was also given a Spotify link, which is like a Unicorn in the States: it doesn't exist here. I know Ryan and I talked about it for hours two years ago, but Spotify still can't sort it out here.

Their EP is called An Introduction To The Sea Kings and available on most digital retailers.

THE NAKED AND FAMOUS
thenakedandfamous.com

The information I have is actually for The Naked and Famous, but I'm tossing them here because they are really excited about their new song, "Young Blood" getting a remixed treatment by White Sea (aka Morgan Kibby of M83). You can listen to the song on soundcloud.com

Details of their continuing tour dates are listed below.

FRI 4/22 KANSAS CITY, MO Beaumont
SAT 4/23 ST. LOUIS, MO Firebird
TUE 4/26 CHICAGO, IL Metro
WED 4/27 COLUMBUS, OH Outland
FRI 4/29 CLEVELAND, OH Beachland
SAT 4/30 TORONTO, ON Phoenix
SUN 5/1 MONTREAL, PQ National
MON 5/2 BOSTON, MA Paradise
WED 5/4 NEW YORK, NY Webster Hall
THU 5/5 PHILADELPHIA, PA Theatre of Living Arts
FRI 5/6 WASHINGTON, DC 930 Club
SAT 5/7 BALTIMORE, MD Ottobar
SUN 5/8P PROVIDENCE, RI The Met

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

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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

 

 

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (10/27/09)

Thao Nguyen - Feet Asleep Thao Nguyen & the Get Down Stay Down    Thao with the Get Down Stay Down    Setlist ♥ Cedar Cultural Center (10/27/09). Tour Dates 10/28/09 Turner Hall Milwaulkie, WI 10/29/09 Canopy Club Urbana, IL 10/30/09 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL 10/31/09 Cafe at Majestic Theater Detroit, MI 11/01/09 El Mocambo Toronto, ON 11/02/09 Il Motore Montreal, Quebec 11/03/09 Middle East Cambridge, MA 11/04/09 Bowery Ballroom NY 11/05/09 First Unitarian Church Phila, PA 11/06/09 Black Cat Washington DC 11/07/09 Canal Club  Richmond, VA 11/09/09 EARL Atlanta, Georgia 11/11/09 Studio @ Warehouse Houston, TX 11/12/09 Mohawk Austin, TX 11/13/09 Lola’s Ft Worth, TX 11/14/09 Jake’s Lubbock, TX 11/17/09 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ 11/18/09 Plush Tucson, AZ 11/19/09 Casbah San Diego 11/20/09 Glass House Pamona, CA 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...

The Cedar Cultural Center is like the NPR of the venues around Minneapolis. The venue is usually a sit-down (removable fold-out chairs) venue that seems to be catered to World Music, jazz, and acoustic/folky bands. That's exactly the atmosphere last night, when Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, stopped by on their on-going tour.

The Cedar is notorious for keeping its schedule, so starting at 7:30pm sharp, was David Shultz and the Skyline (myspace) a pretty mild singer/songwriter that did end with a strong finish when Get Down Stay Down's Adam Thompson and Willis Thompson joined him on stage.

The Portland Cello Project, aka PCP, (official / myspace) is an interesting band. They consist of five cellists, who, as told by ringleader Douglas Jenkins, started around the Portland area between classically trained musicians. Lots of highlights, the Pantera cover, "Mouth For War", the Halo theme song, and the Elliott Smith cover. You can tell they like Smith, having stated that he passed away six years and two weeks.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down was eager to get on stage. Lots of foot-tapping and lots of hand-clapping. Thao admitted that this was only the second-ever sit-down venue they played. That the other one, it was a Christian college, and they weren't allowed to dance. "It was the Footloose town!," she laughed.

Since that story, the audience seemed to warmed up and pretty soon everyone stood up. This is weird, considering that I don't think I've ever seen the venue with people standing up.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down ♥ Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis (10/27/09).

Highlight of the show for me was them doing earlier songs, like "Feet Asleep" with David Shultz and Douglas Jenkins joining on stage to help out. In fact, throughout the show, various other band members joined on stage to play. As you can see on the setlist list, they ended with "Easy" and their encore was "The Give" and "Fear and Convenience". What's not on their setlist is "Violet" and a goofy Salt N Pepa's "Push It" cover.

Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down are currently on tour. Their latest album, Know Better Learn Faster is out now. For a free download song, "Know Better Learn Faster", head over to their record label, Kill Rock Stars.

 10/28/2009 02:13:30 ♥ vu () ♥ thaomusic.com ♥ myspace.com/thaomusic 

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down – Know Better Learn Faster

Know Better Learn Faster Thao With the Get Down Stay Down Tour Dates 10/15/09 SoHo Santa Barbara, CA 10/16/09 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA 10/17/09 Crepe Place Santa Cruz,CA 10/18/09 Treasure Island Festival SF, CA 10/21/09 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR 10/22/09 Chop Suey Seattle, WA 10/23/09 Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver,BC 10/24/09 Empyrean Coffee   Spokane,WA 10/27/09 Cedar Cultural  Minneapolis,MN 10/28/09 Turner Hall Milwaulkie, WI 10/29/09 Canopy Club Urbana, IL 10/30/09 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL 10/31/09 Cafe at Majestic  Detroit, MI 11/01/09 El Mocambo Toronto, ON 11/02/09 Il Motore Montreal, Quebec 11/03/09 Middle East   Cambridge, MA 11/04/09 Bowery Ballroom New York 11/05/09 1st Unitarian Church Phila, PA 11/06/09 Black Cat Washington, DC 11/07/09 Canal Club   Richmond, VA 11/09/09 EARL Atlanta, Georgia 11/11/09 Warehouse Live Houston, TX 11/12/09 Mohawk Austin, TX 11/13/09 Lola’s Ft Worth, TX 11/14/09 Jake’s Lubbock, TX 11/17/09 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ 11/18/09 Plush Tucson, AZ 11/19/09 Casbah San Diego 11/20/09 Glass House Pamona, CA Discography [2008] We Brave Bee Stings and All [2009] Know Better Learn Faster Free Download Free download "Know Better Learn Faster" at Kill Rock Stars. Know Better Learn Faster LP with digital download currently on sale for $7.99 (excellent price!) 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...

My favorite songs are about rejection, despair, and soul-crushing loneliness. I also like songs that make you dance like an inebriated uncle. For me, these two qualities are not mutually exclusive. On Thao Nguyen’s latest album, Know Better Learn Faster, she provides me with plenty of material with which to dance/cry, a combination that I’m sure is freaking out my roommate.

Know Better Learn Faster starts off with a room full of clapping and hollering. “If this is how you want it, okay, okay,” sings Nguyen, along with a chorus of mournful voices. It’s a haunting dirge that quickly turns into a stomping hoedown, and it acts as an oddly appropriate segue into the next song, “Cool Yourself.” The chorus of voices returns for the oh-whoa-whoa refrain, and they make several appearances through out the album, providing a crowded, communal tone. It may not be a total Andrew W.K. vibe, but there’s definitely a party happening on this record.

Thao Nguyen - Feet Asleep

But even at its most infectious, the album’s lyrics always hint at something slightly darker. On the rambunctious “When We Swam,” Nguyen mourns the loss of a drowned relationship, all the while luring in listeners with the instantly danceable chorus: “bring your hips, bring your hips to me.” As seen on previous album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, Nguyen showcases a recklessly bold and honest style of songwriting. “What am I, just a body in your bed?” she demands on the deceptively buoyant, “Body.” Even under a smokescreen of handclaps and cheerful sing-a-long refrains, there’s no denying the flare of aggression in her voice.

It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the album’s chaotic energy, but there are several respites from the party scattered throughout the album. “The Give” is definitely more subdued and reflective than the first four tracks, but it is by no means quiet. Taking on the persona of a family patriarch, Nguyen spins a bittersweet narrative about broken promises and tokens of regret. It seems like an unlikely interlude within such an upbeat album, but the melancholy tone weaves in and out of even the punchier songs. It’s never blatantly obvious, but it lurks in many of the songs, adding a touch of pathos to even the most rowdy choruses.

True, these songs won’t make you weep, but it’s definitely not mindlessly catchy fluff either. So whether you’re looking for something to dance around in your underwear to or something to mull over on the train ride home, you can probably find a good balance of both on this album. Either way, you won’t end up slitting your wrists or waking up to find unsavory pictures of yourself on Facebook. See? Everybody wins.

 10/08/2009 10:11:58 ♥ kateg () ♥ thaomusic.com ♥ myspace.com/thaomusic ♥ twitter.com