W♥M (Archive)

Celebrating Earth Day 2009

Wishes for the Sky

(Note: no, not still celebrating 4/20, the majority of the article was written and was meant for yesterday's publication. Just pretend today is Wednesday.)

Earth Day
It's April 22nd and everybody knows today is Earth Day, "merry Christmas, happy birthday to whoever’s being born". For some reason, I thought the concept was fairly new (in the 80s), but apparently the hippy-peace-inspired movement’s been around for forty years now.

Last Sunday, I attended the annual Wishes for the Sky on Harriet Island in Saint Paul. Despite the rain, people still turned out for some kite-flying action. All the kites were hand-made, with messages ("wishes") written on them - and you had to return them once you were done flying them. I thought there was supposed to be music, but they might have left due to the rain... the only music seems to be by the wind chimes on these bamboo structures.

To keep with the environmental and music theme, here are two digipaks releases:

Margo Reymundo - I Saw You

Margo Reymundo

Margo Reymundo
margoreymundo.com ♥ myspace.com/margoreymundomusic

The CD presentation is in a cardstock foldout, slipped in a pink tissue-like envelope, with bold letters in the back: "ORGANICA RECORDS". So yeah, it was an attractive package.

As her record label and her trademark brand, "organica" suggests, her music is the opposite of "electronica". With her Ella Fitzgerald-ish sounding vocals and pop-sounding music, she does just that on her album My Heart's Desire.

I think the first thing you'll notice about the record is that Reymundo made this record a very personal album for you. The record is best experienced as a whole, not as random songs. This is done mostly through really short snippets, from the brief 10-second "organica (laughs)" introduction, to the random "strap in", and "still rolling?", to the outro "thank you". These mini-clips will only make sense throughout the album and nowhere else.

Cover lovers, such as myself, will be drawn to her saucy jazzy version of Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine", a flamenco version of Carly Simon's "You Belong to Me" (she managed to sneak in a few Spanish lyrics in the song too), and The Police's "Wrapped Around Your Finger". Of all the covers, I was impressed by the Police song, because although it still maintains an 80s-sounding feel to the song, it still sounds fresh and new with it's slow-winding guitars and Reymundo's woman vocals.

It would be unfair to suggest a cover song, so I would recommend her original "I Saw You". This pop song is all about making someone notice her, except he's too chicken to do anything about it. It's a fun song, perfect for radio.

You can pick up My Heart's Desire at her website. I should point out that her amazon lists this CD as "content/copy-protected CD" - which means one thing to me: you will not be able to play this on your computer or sophisticated car stereo.* So be warned.

[* UPDATE 5/2/09: I am told from an official source that the amazon listing is for a "PROMO CD" and that consumer CD are not copy-protected.  This cleared up my confusion with why amazon flagged this CD as content/copy-protected.]

Eulogies - Two Can Play Eulogies Tour Dates 04/26/09 Echo Los Angeles, CA 05/01/09 Bell House Brooklyn, NY 05/02/09 Valentines Albany, NY 05/04/09 Bowery Ballroom NT 05/05/09 Johnny Brenda’s Phila, PA 05/07/09 Black Cat Washington, 05/08/09 Diesel Pittsburgh, PA 05/09/09 Grog Shop Cleveland, Ohio 05/10/09 Skully’s Columbus, Ohio 05/11/09 Magic Stick Detroit, MI 05/13/09 Lakeshore Theater Chicago 05/14/09 Mojo’s Columbia, Missouri 05/16/09 Hailey’s Denton, Texas 05/17/09 Warehouse Houston, Texas 05/18/09 Parish Austin, Texas 05/21/09 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ 05/22/09 Casbah San Diego, CA 05/23/09 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA 05/24/09 Independent SF, CA 05/26/09 Douglas Lounge Portland, OR 05/27/09 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA *with the Dears Discography [2007] Eulogies [2009] Here Anonymous

Eulogies
eulogiesmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/eulogiesmusic

The first thing I noticed about Eulogies's sophomore album, Here Anonymous, is that the digipak by Danger Bird Records is absolutely gorgeous. The artwork consists of black and white charcoal-like stencils, with splashes of dirty colors. The center that holds the actual CD is also worth checking out, it's entirely form-fitting with only two tabs to hold in the CD. I may have to scan it to show you how great this is.

So, Eulogies is an indie-rock band from Los Angeles, that seems to be mostly driven by guitarist and singer Peter Walker... who previously existed as a solo artist. I think Walker's vocals is pretty mellow, almost lazy and won't ever reach those high-energized vocals. The closest Walker comes on singing at the top of his voice is "Out of Character", which is easiest the rockiest song on the album. Ironically entitled "out of character", too.

The "tired" sound fits perfectly with the type of music that Eulogies writes, often self-introspective, personal, and a wee bit depressing, I'll have to admit. "How to Be Alone" finds itself teaching you how to do just that, while "Goodbye" is just a real tear-jerker with its depressing lyrics: "so I'll go home alone, everything's fine. I'll have you all in my thoughts tonight". "Goodbye" is the song you secretly listen in your room, while weeping....

Still, my favorite song on the album is actually quite cute and upbeat. It is the duet with Nikki Monninger from Silversun Pickups, called "Two Can Play". This is just a really cute song. You can actually get the song for free if you sign up on their website.

The trivia about "Two Can Play" was that it was previously available on their four-track EP Tempted To Do Nothing (all four songs appeared on Here Anonymous). What made that EP special is that there is a special "VinylDisc" edition. The release combines CD and vinyl together! I've never heard of such a thing, but apparently one side is CD, while the flipside has vinyl grooves. Cool, huh?

Anyway, Eulogies are about to embark on their North American tour with fellow label-mate The Dears, starting in May. You can pick up the album at the show, or if you can't make it, order it from Danger Bird Records.

PS, I just added Eulogies on twitter, which is getting a lot of exposure since Oprah Winfrey and Ashton Kutcher came on board. I have noticed a ton of bands on twitter, too.

Final Thoughts
Some may argue that the ultimate environmentally friendly music package should be all-digital, but don't you have to take into account the energy to keep the computer running to read and transfer the files?

Happy 40th Anniversary Earth Day!

 04/23/2009 02:33:40 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com

Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe

Depeche Mode - Hole to Feed Depeche Mode Tour Dates  07/24/09 Toronto Molson Amphitheater 07/25/09 Montreal Bell Centre 07/28/09 Washington, DC Nissan Pavillion 07/31/09 Boston Comcast Center 08/01/09 Atlantic City Borgata 08/03/09 NY Madison Square Garden 08/10/09 Seattle Key Arena 08/12/09 San Francisco Shoreline Amp 08/14/09 San Diego Cricket Wireless Amp 08/16/09 Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl 08/17/09 Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl 08/20/09 Santa Barbara  Bowl 08/22/09 Las Vegas The Pearl 08/23/09 Phoenix US Air Arena 08/25/09 Salt Lake City E Center 08/27/09 Denver Red Rocks 08/29/09 Dallas Superpages.com Center 08/30/09 Houston Woodlands Pavillion 09/01/09 Atlanta Lakewood Amphith 09/04/09 Tampa Ford Amphitheater 09/05/09 Ft. Lauderdale Bank Atlantic Center Discography [1981] Speak & Spell [1982] A Broken Frame [1983] Construction Time Again [1984] Some Great Reward [1986] Black Celebration [1987] Music for the Masses [1990] Violator [1993] Songs of Faith and Devotion [1997] Ultra [2001] Exciter [2005] Playing the Angel [2009] Sounds of the Universe  Read More Depeche Mode http://weheartmus... Rhino Records, in association with Reprise/Sire, released all of Depeche Mode's albums in a delux...

It’s April 2009, and the boys from Basildon, Essex, England are back with their 12th studio release Sounds of the Universe. For many of the music masses out there, who are not products of the 80s like me or connoisseurs’ of the British music scene, Depeche Mode is the longest lasting, most influential and most successful band to have emerged from England in the last thirty years.

While many of their bigger contemporaries from across the Pond, came over and conquered America with military precision, using slick videos, and imagery that was being pumped into every home that had cable television courtesy of MTV. Wham! Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and U2 to name a few were some of the biggest names. Depeche Mode was never considered to be a part of their class and for many in the music press they were at the bottom of the totem pole. You didn’t see Depeche Mode at Live Aid or performing “Do They Know It’s Christmas” with all of Britain’s musical elite.

Depeche Mode were simmering just below the radar of the mainstream musical landscape, while touring constantly, building a fan base that has proven to be fiercely loyal and constantly honing their craft. This band moved from the light and fluffy electro pop, that was created with founding member Vince Clarke who penned Depeche Mode’s biggest early hit the unforgettable “Just Can’t Get Enough” to the arrival of the immensely talented Alan Wilder, who as Martin Gore, once said was “the one real musician in the band”. Depeche Mode reached their true heights while many of their peers were falling by the wayside into musical one hit wonderland.

In this writer’s opinion with Martin Gore taking over songwriting duties with the departure of Vince Clarke, it was Alan Wilders’ musical abilities that helped create the template for the sound that moved Depeche Mode away from the light and fluffy synth pop sound of their beginnings to the dark, sensual, provocative, sexual and more mature themes that allowed them to forge a new identity and separate themselves from the rest of the British pack. In a strange way I believe that being under the radar and underestimated has been nothing but good for this band.

Depeche Mode has survived the kind of turmoil that has destroyed other bands, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, nervous breakdowns, fights for control, recognition, ego, fame and money. In a career, that has unbelievably spanned 30 years, with total world wide record sales in excess of 100 million. With musical landscapes changing all the time they have continued to find ways to connect with their audience and remain fresh. Their career is astonishing giving where they started they have never compromised their musical principles and have always stayed true to themselves and their vision.

It’s no wonder, that Depeche Mode has influenced many of today’s popular recording artists due to their innovative recording techniques and their use of sampling from the very beginnings of their career. Sasha Frere-Jones in an accompanying interview for his piece in The New Yorker evaluating the impact of British musical acts in the United States claims that "probably the last serious English influence was Depeche Mode who is more and more significant as time passes.”

With this release, what Sasha claims is very evident and shows you why Depeche Mode remains a viable musical entity. From the opening drone of “In Chains” to the pulsing rhythms of “Peace” which happens to be my very favorite track you are taken on a musical journey that is wonderful to hear by the best in this genre of music.

 

Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus

I found myself restarting several tracks after they had finished to, think through what I had heard; and I heard something new every time, in every track. This took me back to when I had listened to the Black Celebration, Music for the Masses and the iconic Violator albums for the first time.

Working again with “Playing the Angel” producer Bruce Hillier who is part of the creative team 140dB the album contains 13 tracks. As with their previous release, vocalist Dave Gahan who is becoming ever more confident as a song writer has written three songs with the help of Christian Eigner and Andrew Phillpott: "Hole to Feed", "Come Back" and "Miles Away / The Truth Is".  That is something that never happened in the previous ten album releases which were all penned by Martin Gore, this tells you how this band has continued to evolve, grow and learn from their past so they are able to continue to move forward. As with past releases Martin Gore takes lead vocals on the absolutely funky and hip hop influenced “Jezebel” and it wouldn’t be a Depeche Mode album without an instrumental the irresistibly groovy “Spacewalker”.

Martin Gore has described the album's sound as "yesterday's future".  I can only imagine how this music will come across live, when the “Touring the Universe” world tour begins on May 6^th in Luxembourg.  If this is a taste of “yesterday’s future” and where this band is going, I can not wait to hear more and more.

 04/22/2009 10:42:02 ♥ carl () ♥ depechemode.com ♥ myspace.com/depechemode 

Run Hide Survive

Run Hide Survive - Dyson (Punx Soundcheck Remix) Run Hide Survive Tour Dates 04/24/09 Apocalypso @ The Old Queens Head London 04/25/09 Mixed in Sheffield party Sheffield 05/04/09 Fuzz Club BBQ @ Sheffield University Sheffield 05/08/09 Club Pony @ DQ Sheffield 05/22/09 Fabric London 05/29/09 Club Pony Special @ The Harley Sheffield 06/12/09 Club Pony @ DQ Sheffield 06/24/09 Kill the Rhythm @ Nation of Shopkeepers Leeds

Run Hide Survive is an electronic duo act comprised of Luke Adey-Rennard and Mike Forrest, hailing from Sheffield, England. Their double A-side release "Dyson/Pigeon", previously available only on 12" vinyl, is being made available in a digital format May 3rd. This new digital version includes a remix of 'Dyson' by Punx Soundcheck.

You may or may not know that Sheffield has strong roots in electronic music, with acts such as The Human League, Heaven 17, and Cabaret Voltaire. Apparently Run Hide Survive has a fairly cheeky, sardonic take on this electronic past:

They make music in [a] former factory next to Sheffield United where they spend hours listening to Cabaret Voltaire and the first 2 Human League albums. This is all in an effort to invoke Sheffield's rich electronic heritage before realising they prefer Brothers in Arms and think the Human League were better when they were produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

(I'm assuming Run Hide Survive is poking fun at the irony in such a loss of creative control The Human League suffered under Jam and Lewis, despite saving the band's career. I have no idea what they are referring to by "Brothers In Arms"--
       it may be the name of the Dire Straits album, or something else.)

But apparently there is a revival of sorts in Sheffield; The New Musical Express (NME), which covered the original Sheffield electronic scene, calls it "Sheffield Electric". Run Hide Survive has been an active participant, running a very successful homegrown electro/disco party called Club Pony once a month, playing with acts such as Brodinski, The Proxy, Boy 8 Bit, Riton and Riotous Rockers. The band has also played venues such as the Fabric nightclub, the Field Day Festival and the Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts, sharing billings with Erol Alkan, Simian Mobile Disco and Herve, amongst others. I admit, as a clueless American, I was not familiar with Cabaret Voltaire nor any of the aforementioned venues. (Sorry!) I guess it remains to be seen if Sheffield's new electronica will be as popular in the States as its electronic pop music was in the past. Either way, "Dyson/Pigeon" was well received among the members of my home-- I mentioned before that some music I've reviewed has gotten my wife and daughter to dance-- so I have high hopes for Run Hide Survive and "Sheffield Electric". More, please!

 04/22/2009 02:48:02 ♥ jaklumen ( / jaklumen.vox.com) ♥ http://www.myspace.com/runhidesurvivedjs

Oh Darling – Nice Nice

Oh Darling - Electrocute Oh Darling Free Downloads Download entire album for free in the month of April from Oh Darling Official Site Tour Dates 04/22/09 San Jose State University San Jose, California 04/23/09 SPACELAND w/Casxio, The Nights, and Vanaprasta!!!!!!! Los Angeles, California 04/25/09 The Brown Lantern Anacortes, Washington 04/26/09 Doug Fir Portland, Oregon 04/28/09 Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, California 04/30/09 Old Ironsides Sacramento, California 05/01/09 KFSR Fresno, California 05/01/09 Fresno State University Fresno, California 05/01/09 Kuppajoe Fresno, California Other Cuteness Cub http://weheartmus... cub was an indie rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia which formed in 1992 and disbanded in...

“Cute” is a four-letter word, and in the case of many bands, the kiss of death. But for the Portland-based band, Oh Darling, the word is practically a calling card. Each song on their debut album, Nice Nice, could easily find a place within the multi-faceted cute spectrum, which ranges from “unabashedly cute” to “slightly venomous cute.”

Lead singer, Jasmine Ash, guides each song with sugary sweet precision. Even when she’s threatening to crash a plane into your front door, you can’t help but think, Aw, how precious! Most of the lyrics are backed with pristine harmonies, and with each track, Oh Darling seems hellbent on sucking you in, one infectious hook at a time.

Despite the relentless deluge of sweetness, there is an undercurrent of harder rock beneath each pop gem. Sure, it’s cute rock, but there’s still an undeniable edge to the growling guitars behind songs like, “Shoulda Never” and “Against the Skyline.” On the straight-up rock track, “Waking Up on a Train,” a chorus of ba ba ba’s is directly followed by a chugging guitar solo, serving up a much-appreciated dose of testosterone (cute testosterone, but testosterone nonetheless).

Oh Darling is at their best when these two forms of cute –infectious cute and rocking cute—are perfectly balanced. Not surprisingly, the catchiest track on the album is called “Electrocute.” With the obligatory ooh’s and ah ah ah’s backed by thumping bass and guitar licks, the song is a testament to their flawless pop sensibilities.

But such perfection can occasionally grow tiresome. At times, some songs are so precise and seamless, they seem over-calculated. Slower tracks such as “Blindspot” tend to drag, while faster tracks like “Hey. Stay. Wait. Explode” could benefit from Ash losing her cool once in a while. Despite this, Oh Darling remains meticulous when it comes to their particular brand of cuteness, and it’s quite clear they know what they’re doing.

Besides, it’s easy to overlook a few flaws when they’re just so gosh darn adorable.

 04/21/2009 15:51:36 ♥ kateg () ♥ ohdarlingmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/ohdarlingmusic 

Leela James - Let’s Do It Again

Leela James - I Want To Know What Love Is Leela James Tour Dates 06/04/09 Atlanta, GA The Loft 06/06/09 Columbia, MD  Capital Jazz Fest 07/09/09 New York, NY BB Kings 07/10/09 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theatre 07/13/09 London, England Jazz Café 07/14/09 London, England Jazz Café 07/16/09 Ghent, Belgium Jazz Festival 07/17/09 Copenhagen, Denmark Vega Jnr 07/18/09 Stockholm, Sweden Jazz Festival 07/19/09 Oslo, Norway Victoria Theatre 07/21/09 Koln, Germany Stadtgarden 07/22/09 Zurich, Switzerland Kaufleuten 07/23/09 Luxembourg Den Atelier 07/25/09 Nice, France Jazz Festival 07/26/09 Paris, France Trabendo 07/28/09 Hamburg, Ger  Manderin Casino 07/29/09 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg 07/30/09 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg 08/09/09 Long Beach Jazz Fest, CA 08/12/09 Seattle, WA 08/13/09 Seattle, WA Discography [2005] A Change Is Gonna Come [2006] Live In New Orleans [2009] Let's Do It Again See Also Angie Whitney http://weheartmus... Nothing's quite as good as a solid, soulful R&B record to chill you down or warm you up, dependin...

In a musical climate, that has made international stars of artists, and I use the term artists lightly like Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus. Its refreshing to come across someone as refreshing as Leela James. Hannah and Miley take note, if you want to know how to SING and stir people’s souls, listen to “Let’s Do It Again”.

For those of you reading this review and are unfamiliar with Leela James, this Los Angeles, California native and resident Houstonian has a voice that makes your heart take notice and makes chills run down your spine.

She may be an unknown to most of the music masses, but she has been involved in the music industry for some time. If you are a fan of hip hop, and the brilliant work of Pete Rock of Pete Rock & CL Smooth fame, you would have heard Leela’s voice as a feature vocalist on his 2004 release “Soul Survivors Part II” and she has toured as an opening act for  The Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray.

Leela, was signed by Ruff Nations Records shortly, that imprint had a distribution deal with Warner Brothers Records, but that label shortly folded and Leela was cast into the music industry’s black hole of artists that see their careers come to a sudden halt. Thankfully, Warner Brother’s was smart enough to realize they had a talent and in 2005 her debut album “A Change Is Gonna Come” was released. This project was executive produced by Commissioner Gordon, and featured production by Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, Wyclef  Jean, James Poyser and Chucky Thompson.

The success and positive press of this debut album, had kept Leela and her band on the road for three consecutive years, and contributed to her second release taking so long to be completed.

It’s rare for an artist to do something to creative and daring, but Leela’s decision to record this album completely live with her backing band was brilliant. This album of cover songs by artists as far ranging, as Angela Bofill, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Phillis Hyman and Foreigner takes on a life of its own. Upon first listen, my first impulse was to turn up the volume. I am a huge fan of Foreigner, Lou Graham’s voice was an original and it took Foreigner to great heights in the 70s and 80s, but Leela James’ version of “I Want To Know What Love Is” is taken completely to church and the live arrangement manages to take this song to places that would make Mick Jones and Lou Graham quite proud.

“You will hear a variety of range as a vocalist,” Leela James said about what the listeners will find on the CD. “I love all kinds of music, if the song is good, it's good!”

There are many highlights on this album, but a special note should be made of Leela’s backing band. This group of musicians are air tight and in the pocket and they bring a flavor to the arrangements that truly bring out the best in Leela.

Some of the tracks on the album include The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You,” Angela Bofill's “I Try” and Bootsy Collins’ “I’d Rather Be With You.”, Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful and James Browns’ “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”.

Just when I start to lose my faith in REAL SOUL MUSIC, I stumble across a project as emotionally stimulating as “Lets Do It Again” and I am reminded as to what music can do to stir the soul.

I encourage all music fans to listen to the wonderful CD and support this artist, because she is a hidden diamond, in a sea of crystallized glass.

 04/21/2009 00:47:56 ♥ carl () ♥ www.leelajames.com ♥ myspace.com/leelajames

Kottonmouth Kings - The Green Album

Rock Like Us Kottonmouth Kings Tour Dates 04/20/09 House of Blues w/ OPM & Sen Dog 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 - 04/20/09 House of Blues w/ OPM & Sen Dog 1055 5th Ave, San Diego, California 92101 - 04/20/09 The Grove - 4/20 Freedom Fest w/ OPM & The Pricks & Boombox Ninjas 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, California 92806 - 04/29/09 Prince of Wales Hotel - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Bunbury, Western Australia 04/30/09 Metro City Perth - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Northbridge, Western Australia 05/01/09 HQ Complex - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Adelaide, South Australia 05/02/09 ANU Union Bar - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Acton, Australian Capital Territory 05/03/09 Hifi Bar Melbourne: Basement - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Melbourne, Victoria 05/06/09 Pier Live - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Frankston, Victoria 05/07/09 The Gaelic - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Surry Hills, New South Wales 05/08/09 The Bar on the Hill - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Callaghan, New South Wales 05/09/09 Towradgi Beach Hotel - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Towradgi, New South Wales 05/10/09 Mona Vale Hotel - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Mona Vale, New South Wales 05/14/09 The Coolangatta Hotel - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Coolangatta, Queensland 05/15/09 Hifi Bar Brisbane - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Brisbane, Queensland 05/16/09 Sands Tavern - Down Under 2009 w/ Sen Dog Maroochydore, Queensland Discography [1998] Royal Highness [1999] Hidden Stash [2001] Hidden Stash II: The Kream of the Krop [2002] Rollin' Stoned [2004] Fire It Up [2005] Kottonmouth Kings No 7 [2006] Hidden Stash III [2007] Cloud Nine [2008] The Green Album

You know what 4/20 is don't you? Is it any wonder why pot-day is so close to earth-day?

In "celebration" is The Green Album by Kottonmouth Kings. Although you may think 'green' refers to the color money, looking at their cover artwork, it's clearly all about the other green buds. These guys are seriously crazy about the Cannabis stuff, apparently they have an even newer album to be called Hidden Stash IV (YES these guys named several of their albums Hidden Stash, plus other high-larious titles like Rollin' Stoned, Fire It Up and Cloud Nine).

So anyroad, the band's been around since the mid-90s and described themselves as "psychedelic hip-hop punk rock". And true to their description, there's a little of everything on this Green Album, from rock-ish ("Rock Like Us") to punk ("Socal Punk") to trippy hip hop ("Grass Is Greener") to rap ("We Don't Give A F***").

When you think of white guys doing hip hop or rap, it can go either way: 1. parodies/funny/ironic kind of band (see Blood Hound Gang), or 2. hardcore/serious (see House of Pain). It's hard to tell with Kottonmouth Kings, they seem hardcore, but with the pot elements, it just seems silly to me.

They first became famous with their "Suburban Life" on the soundtrack to Scream 2 (1997), and about 10 years later, they were enjoying the height of their popularity by going on a very successful Cannabis Cup tour, as well as "Band of the Year" by High Times Magazine.

When they are not singing about pot, they do have some interesting songs. "Blaze Of Glory" gives us a glimpse of BJ "the Pimp" Smith's back story and the lifestyle that they like to lead. He also raps on "What U In 4", which is possibly the hardest song on the album.

Other subject matters outside of buds is sex, and it's hard to ignore it on the song "Sex Toy". It's a bit raunchy, and features vocals by Tech N9ne.

The Green Album is available now at Suburban Noize Records, look for Hidden Stash IV to come out this year. If you're into the pot culture or like party bands, you probably will love this band. In fact, you probably own this CD already, you just forgot.

Kottonmouth Kings "Everybody Move"

 04/20/2009 11:42:16 ♥ vu () ♥ kottonmouthkings.com ♥ myspace.com/kottonmouthkings 

Wye Oak and Pomegranates at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (4/19/09)

Wye Oak - Warning Wye Oak Tour Dates 04/20/09 Public Space One Iowa City, IA 04/21/09 Waiting Room Omaha, NE 04/22/09 The Lions Lair Denver, CO 04/23/09 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT 04/24/09 Neurolux Boise, Idaho 04/25/09 Red Room Kennewick, WA 04/26/09 Sunset Tavern Seattle 04/27/09 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR 04/29/09 Rickshaw Stop SF, CA 04/30/09 Silverlake Lounge LA, CA 05/01/09 Stinkweed Records Phoenix, AZ 05/04/09 Opolis Norman, Oklahoma 05/06/09 Mohawk Austin, Texas 05/09/09 Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, GA 05/10/09 Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC 05/11/09 The Black Cat Washington 05/12/09 Kung Fu Necktie Phila, PA 05/13/09 Mercury Lounge NY 05/14/09 TT The Bears Cambridge, MA 05/15/09 Cafe Nine New Haven, CT 05/16/09 Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD 06/15/09 Southgate House Newport, KY

Jenn Wasner, singer from Wye Oak* (official/myspace) joked that their touring teamup of Wye Oak and Pomegranates should be called "The full spectrum of human emotions tour" because while Wye Oak brought the "sadness", Pome brought the "happiness".

Opening up for both band was Minneapolis' Bill Caperton (myspace), who, when not playing solo, is part of the band Ela (myspace). He played a pretty long set, surprisingly since it was a Sunday evening and there were two other bands on the bill. I think he might have realized this just ended after one song when he announced that he had two more... saying "I think I'll just leave it at that."

Pomegrantes at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (04/19/09) ♥ photo by vu

Pomegranates (myspace) took the stage and introduced themselves as "Jesus Christ and the Fire Eating Five!" as they set in their energetic music set.

The band name shenanigan continues on as Isaac Karns introduced them again as "Three Ninjas Plus One", and would continued with "as Joey said, we're called the E-Flat Band!". Apparently the last name never fail to get a laugh.

Pomegranates - Late Night Television

My personal favorite from their set list is "Late Night Television" from their debut album, Everything Is Alive (2008). Anyway, for some reason, the aggressive music doesn't seem to go with the depressing lines: "I want to know where you've been at night. I've been lying awake, I left on the lights. ", but it worked (and it rocked).

I think the highlight of the show was for their last song, they asked Brody to come on stage for their finale song "Southern Ocean" (see video below).

Wye Oak at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (04/19/09) ♥ photo by vu

So embarrassingly enough, I actually have listened (and own) Wye Oak's first album, If Children, I only realized this after I picked up their album again.  Anyway, that would explain why they sounded so familiar to me.

They sounded really good live, with this constant guitar fuzz, and melodic girlie vocals of 'singing waitress' Jenn Wasner. But let's not forget with Andy Stack's contribution with his right arm on the drums, while his left on keyboard thing, while his mouth on blow-y thing.

Wasner said they have a new recorded already recorded, and that it was coming out on July 21^st. A quick check reveals the album is called The Knot. At the moment, you can get If Children via their record label, Merge Records.

As for Pome, you can get their records at Lujo Records - check out the free MP3 downloads!

So, definitely go see the rest of the "the full spectrum of human emotions" tour in a city near you.

Pomegranates - Southern Gate

* Incidentally, the band's name comes from their homestate Maryland's honorary tree of the same name.

 04/20/2009 11:07:06 ♥ vu () ♥ myspace.com/everybodyoutside ♥ wyeoakmusic.com/myspace 

News: S*M*A*S*H and the Orphans, together on one bill

Ed Borrie - 15 Years Ed Borrie Tour Date 04/24/09 Soulcellar, Southampton Read More S*M*A*S*H http://weheartmus... I couldn't hold back my excitement when I got the new S*M*A*S*H album, Icon, in the mail the othe...

For a mere £4, this Friday, April 24^th, you can see these two legendary bands: S*M*A*S*H alongside The Orphans (members of These Animal Men) in Southampton at Soulcellar.

S*M*A*S*H - Icon S*M*A*S*H - Real Surreal (single version) These Animal Men - Too Sussed?

People who knows me, knows that I'm a huge fan of both of these guys, so I'm making this announcement prior to the show. And you know, I would totally be there if at all possible. Unfortunately there's this ocean between us.

Also, I received a 'bootleg' of S*M*A*S*H singer, Ed Borrie doing an acoustic solo appearance at the 100 Club (in London?). The audio is pretty good, it sounds like it's from the soundboard. The whole show is pretty low-key, as expected with an acoustic set. What makes this show kind of cool is the violins by Amber Ross, which you can clearly hear on "15 Years". And, gosh, it's so good to hear Borrie singing his word-plays "All I wanted was to be you, all I wanted was to be used."

Borrie did a few old S*M*A*S*H songs ("Lady Love Your C***", "Revisited #3" and "Drugs Again"), and right before "Drugs Again", he introduced it by saying "Ordinary, I'm in a punk band, so I'll just play a couple of those songs".

It looks the Orphans will make another appearance in October 24^th in Germany, of all places at KOZ, Goethe University in Hessen.

The Orphans have been enjoying a sold-out first pressing of their album (Muff? I have no idea since I haven't correspond with these guys before), so they're going back printing more.

In the meantime, you can pick up Icon from S*M*A*S*H at amazon.co.uk. What made this album so important is because their last/debut album, Self Abused, was released in 1994. That's thirteen years ago! So be sure to pick up Icon when you see them.

 04/19/2009 19:01:50 ♥ vu () ♥ myspace.com/llyc ♥ myspace.com/theorphansonline

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 

Chris Huff - Death and Texas LP

Chris Huff - Then We're Dead Chris Huff Free Downloads "For the Trees (Instrumental)" at HuffMusic.com Discography [2008] North Cathedral Way [2008] Death And Texas LP See Also Daniel Johnston http://weheartmus... Finally, another man with bi-polar and an inspiration to many contemporary artists, Daniel Johnst...

Is everyone getting a refund on your taxes this year? Of course, I waited until the last hour to get it done. Why is this so complicated? Seriously.

So on this special occasion of tax day (April 15^th), I thought I would review an album called "Death and Taxes" - unfortunately, I had misread it. The actual album is called Death and Texas by multi-instrumentalist Chris Huff. I'm sure I'm not the first one to make that mistake of the commonly used phrase...

Anyway, Huff's been working in the music industry for a while, at least I get that impression from his biography. He's worked with Peter Yarrow (you know of Peter Paul and Mary), Chuck Hammer, and played all over the world.

With the latest release of Death and Texas he used ProTools while traveling with his wife Linda on her National Tour of Les Miserables. She actually helped contributed backup vocals on a few tracks ("Hey Now Now", "For The Trees", "Neighborhood (Ain't It Time)") as part of "The Huffettes", a three women-singers of Linda, Johmaalya Adelekan and Shahara Ray.

I felt Chris Huff's songs are very early 80s. Take for instance, the blues/rock fusion of "Neighborhood (Ain't It Time)", which I can't help but think of Billy Joel.

My favorite songs are the intro song, "Hey Now Now" and "Then We're Dead", which are fast and quick pop songs. I enjoyed the lyrics on "Then We're Dead", which seems to be a dialogue between a bishop and a priest. If lyrics are your thing, also check out the slow-burner like "Ghosts Of The Past".

They also really seem to like "For the Trees", which contains the catchy phrase "forest for the trees", but I felt it was just too long. But just in time for Earth Day, you can check it out on his myspace.

Although the album is clearly labeled it as an "LP", the eight songs on the album is a very quick listen and feels like an extended EP. Still, if you like retro/classic rock music, the $10 CD will be worth it.

 04/18/2009 03:04:36 ♥ vu () ♥ huffmusic.com ♥ myspace.com/huffrock