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The Project_Pale

The Project_Pale - Driving These Icy Roads The Project_Pale Free Downloads Download "Driving RMX" at Reverb Nation Our invention and how they fail us out now on Amazon

I'll admit it, I'm not much of a rocker. I'm much more into music with an electronic groove. And not too long ago, mixing the two was almost considered heretical by some fans. It's fallen in and out of favor-- out first with the anti-disco backlash of the early 1980's, and then out again with the backlash against the synth-soaked pop of that decade, and the resurgence of garage band rock. Perhaps the combination is coming back into style again with Our Inventions and How They Fail Us, the debut album of a post rock band called The Project_Pale, released on the Ohm Resistance label.

Its front man, Jason Selden, is known to drum n bass audiences as Glitch from the Chosen. Bass duties are covered by another Ohm Resistance artist, Submerged. Completing the group is Sensi*star (a.k.a. Phillia Kim Downs), who provides vocals. Their sound is a merging of hard elements of rock, including metal, with synthesizer electronica, complete with Vocoders, dubs, and drum n bass reece lines. The album explores a variety of styles, some reminiscent of Pink Floyd, some classic metal, and blended together with night club electronica grooves.

The sound is personally not to my taste, but perhaps for the very reason it makes it worthy of consideration. By my experience, metal and electronica audiences are very separate (save maybe common roots in geek culture, but nevertheless), therefore, the pairing of the two is jarring and foreign enough to me that I would be so bold as to call it avant-garde. As I have written before, I suggest listening for yourself.

 05/31/2009 12:54:56 ♥ jaklumen ( / jaklumen.vox.com) ♥ myspace.com/theprojectpale 

Sci-Fi Goodness

I really like Science Fiction movies and television, especially when they start messing around with time-travel. So below are some television shows that I think you should check out if you're into time-travel and sci-fi.

If you don't like spoilers, please stop reading.

LOST

Michael Giacchino - The Constant

Michael Giacchino

This show started off with a plane crash on an island. Pretty normal stuff, except for a man in a wheel chair walking again (Locke) and that smoke monster and polar bears... Pretty mysterious, but I didn't really get into the show until season 2, when I watched a season 1 wrap up with one of my friend.

Currently, season 5 is pretty awesome! Although I have confessed that knowing too much about the Darma Initiative was lame, I do like the time-travel aspect of the show. You have to realize that the show didn't start off like this, it's evolved into science fiction.

I just love the time-travel aspect, and I think a lot of people will agree with me. I have already have my own theory on how the show is going to end (the show is ending next year).

Charlie Pace - Wonderwall on LOST

As far as music is concern, despite being lost and isolated on an island, you do get the occassional Patsy Cline. My favorite was spotting Oasis' "Wonderwall" as performed by Charlie Pace on a street corner. Charlie, as you know, is the singer in the fictional band Drive Shaft, who had brief fame before crashing on Flight 815.

For further music information, check out Lostpedia. In all of their database, they didn't at all mention the band Previously on Lost.

Previously On Lost - We're Going Home

Previously On Lost

Previously on Lost should be one of the worst band name ever. Their only gimmick is songs recaping Lost episodes. Previously no relationship with the show, for the last season (season six), ABC.com have hired them to do a musical recap of Season 5 (I can't wait to see what they rhyme with "Jacob" and "four-toed foot statue").

I did request their latest album The Tale of Season Four and the Oceanic Six, and I can tell you the band is as silly (and witty) (and nerdy) as I imagine the band to be. The first recap song "We're Goin' Home" will take you back to the Jack vs his beard fiasco and introduced the catchy chant "we are the oceanic six". It does get a little boring when you realize all the songs are about episodes from Lost. You start to think, didn't I just watch this ? With one exception, "Ballad Of Sayid Jarrah", is much better than the actual episode. It pretty much sums up what Sayid is all about: armed to the teeth secret agent with a list... and with good hair gel.

The Brooklyn band is currently on tour:

06/06/09 Public Assembly LIONSHARE and Ninjasonik Brooklyn, New York*
06/09/09 The Middle East Downstairs Cambridge, MA*+
06/10/09 AS220 Providence, Rhode Island+
06/11/09 Maxwells Hoboken, New Jersey*
06/12/09 Nightcat Cafe Easton, Maryland*
06/13/09 Danger Danger Gallery Philadelphia, Pennsylvania*

* with Anamanaguchi
+ with Harry and the Potters

My only concern for the band is that it's a novelty. I mean, will we still hear about them a year or two after the show's gone off air? Where will they get their inspirations for new songs ?

Their debut album, The Tale of Season Four and the Oceanic Six, can be bought via paypal to wearepol at gmail.com or iTunes.

JOURNEYMAN

Amanda Ghost and The Rural - Journeyman

Amanda Ghost and The Rural

I really like this show, I spent the better part of some weekend watching all thirteen episode of Journeyman on Hulu. The 2007 time travel television show feels like a modern age Quantum Leap (another show that I loved when I was younger). The show was created for 20^th Century Fox, but ultimately ended up airing on NBC.

The show is quite modern, I mean, after all, it was only two years ago, but seeing the iPhone on the show is kind of cool.

My problem is that Dan Vasser disappear in modern time (2007) whenever he does the time travel thing - often at unconvenient times. I mean, wouldn't people sort of noticed this bright light and a man disappearing? Also, since it's time travel, why doesn't he just return at the same time he left?

My favorite part about the show is the Journeyman theme song by Amanda Ghost and The Rural. The song was never official released on any record, but if you're interested in buying her 2008 download-only album, Blood On The Line, it is available here.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

Bear McCreary - All Along the Watchtower

Bear McCreary

Am I the only person that was disappointed with the very last episode of the new Battlestar Galactica ? I mean, huh? Prior to the final episode, the writing and story was top-notch! I love the time stuff, and it's more of a human story (everything from racisms to religion). The idea of the machines believing in God (read: not man), is a strange idea.

While the show was a rollercoaster ride, there were a few episodes that sort of went nowhere - but it's still a very excellent show. At one point, I thought it was my favorite show ever because they were killing off all your favorite (and not-so-favorite) characters.

Music was a main plot point when Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" (as played by Jimi Hendrix) caused the Final Five to unite and discover each other as Cylons. The Battlestar Galactica version from Bear McCreary is available on the soundtrack to Season 3.

 05/30/2009 22:42:24 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com

Screamfeeder - Kitten Licks (Deluxe Re-issue)

 

Screamfeeder - Dart (demo version)

Screamfeeder

1996.... perhaps you were not old enough to care or you didn't have an older sibling (or best friends older sibling) to guide you in the direction of Australian musical goodness. The re-issue of Screamfeeder's Kitten Licks may either transport you back, make you feel really old and/or make you say "wow, Screamfeeder are fairly splendid indeed".

Screamfeeder, Tim Steward, Kellie Lloyd and Dean Schwereb, were one of the staples of Aussie music for many years, but most notably in the mid-to-late 90's. If I am counting correctly, from six full length albums, Kitten Licks had to be the album that implanted the notion of Screamfeeder into the most number of human brains. Festivals and shows; touring for more than a year on the back of the success of the album, we now get to experience it all over again.

The original version of Kitten Licks (which according to their website was also released in the US in 1999 - so no excuses from anyone!) presented 12, punchy, to-the-point, oh-so-catchy poppy punk rock-esque tracks. If you haven't heard them before, now is your chance to be brought up to speed.

Kitten Licks Deluxe (sounds lovely, doesn't it?) has not only the original tracks, but an additional 7 tracks for your listening pleasure. These tracks are in the form of a number of b-sides, a demo version of the single Dart, and and and..... two covers Keep Hanging On (Husker Du) and Off To One Side (Come). So, perfect for those of you who didn't buy the original and even more perfect for you aficionados who can't bear to know where is a Screamfeeder release that you don't own (I know you people exist!).

You can also buy a number of other tidbits if you head on over to their website: www.screamfeeder.com

That not enough for you? Well, if you're on the ball there's a show tonight at the Annandale Hotel (Sydney) showcasing not only Screamfeeder and the entirety of Kitten Licks, but a number of bands that, like Screamfeeder, were at their height in the late 90's (and some that weren't). Midget, Sounds Like Sunset... brilliant!

Should be a brilliant show, so get down there... or alternatively, if you aren't on the ball and/or don't actually live anywhere near Sydney, there are number of upcoming shows around the country that I'm sure you are itching to drag yourself along to. Of note, the show in Adelaide at which guests include No Through Road (another excellent band with a recently released album that is definitely worth a listen, if you get a chance...) and Suzanne Grae and The Katies (never heard of them, but what an excellent name!).

Tickets through moshtix: www.moshtix.com.au (or just look at that poster just there, see it?)

Screamfeeder - Gravity

Sally
[email protected]

Sara Watkins

Sara Watkins - Too Much Sara Watkins Tour Date 06/03/09 The Largo Los Angeles, CA 06/05/09 Artscenter Carrboro, NC 06/06/09 Handlebar Greenville, SC 06/07/09 Chuck Mathena Princeton, WV 06/08/09 Kentucky Theatre Lexington,KY 06/11/09 Grey Eagle Tavern Asheville, NC 06/12/09 Melting Point, Athens, GG 06/13/09 Bonnaroo Fest Manchester,TN 06/18/09 Anthology Lounge San Diego, CA 06/21/09 Telluride Festival Telluride, CO 06/25/09 Little Room Los Angeles, CA 09/06/09 Strawberry Bluegrass Yosemite, CA Discography [1993] Little Cowpoke [1997] Here to There [2000] Nickel Creek [2002] This Side [2005] Why Should the Fire Die? [2009] Sara Watkins

Prior to releasing her debut self-titled album, Sara Watkins was cutting her teeth as the fiddler in the progressive bluegrass group, Nickel Creek. Bluegrass fans will probably know Nickel Creek as somewhat of a 'family' band, having siblings Sara & Sean Watkins and father/son Scott & Chris Thile (the band is primarily known as a trio, as Scott is an on/off bass player for the band) who often tries and incorporate more alternative modern bands like Weezer or Coldplay into their own original bluegrassy songs.

As Nickel Creek is currently on hiatus, Sara Watkins decided to branch off in her first solo effort, available now on Nonesuch Records (incidentally, the record label was responsible for more modern alt-country sound, such as the wildly popular The Black Keys and Wilco album).

So what do I think of her album? Well, let's just say there are some fiddles on it. Like, a lot of fiddles. Luckily, having been listening to too many indie-bands (guitars/bass/drums combo), I do welcome such a characteristic weepy grassy sound.

Half of the album are covers, more like unusual standards, while the other half are original Watkins song. The Watkins songs are usually slow brew songs, a little quieter. Her songs feels like they are mostly about friends ("My Friend") & family & religion ("Give Me Jesus").

All these songs features the fiddle in at least some capacity, but the ultimate fiddle vs mandolin song is "Freiderick". Although there are no vocals on the song, the fiddle seems to be is the voice on the song.

Filling inbetween the original songs are covers. I especially enjoyed her version of "Too Much", turning the more rough bluesy rock Davíd Garza song into a more country-pop love song (Garza's original version can be found on Overdub from 2001). Her version is both refreshing and upbeat, plus the electric guitar on the song is a nice touch.

The other contemporary is "Pony" by Tom Waits, from his 2004 album, Mule Variations. While one expects to hear his scratchy old-man's vocals on this minimalist song, Watkins actually made the song more... I don't know, beautiful? This is because her voice is too sweet and smooth (like Scarlett Johansson's Waits cover album), but it's unfair to compare anyone to the truly unique Tom Waits.

Although the covers range from contemporary to old-fashion country tunes (Jimmie Rodgers' "Any Old Time") feels uneven, especially from pop-style songs to rootsy songs, I think bluegrass fans will find something to like about this album. It's also especially a must-buy if you're already a Nickel Creek fan. You can currently catch her touring under her artist name or as fiddler in her various "families" like Watkins Family Hour, Fiction Family (Switchfoot!), and Works Progress Administration.

 05/29/2009 00:57:38 ♥ vu () ♥ sarawatkins.com ♥ myspace.com/sarawatkinssolo ♥ nickelcreek.com

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone – Vs. Children

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Optimist vs. The Silent Alarm (When The Saints Go Marching In) Casiotone for the Painfully Alone Tour Dates 05/28/09 Chicago, IL - The Hideout ^ 06/30/09 Atlanta, GA - 529 * 07/01/09 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 * 07/02/09 Phila, PA - First Unitarian Chapel * 07/03/09 Brooklyn, NY - Market Hotel * 07/05/09 Keane, NH - Starving Artist* 07/06/09 Cambridge, MA - TT The Bear's * 07/07/09 Montreal, QC - Il Motore * 07/08/09 Toronto, ON - TBA * 07/09/09 Grand Rapids, MI - DAAC * 07/10/09 Chicago, IL - The Hideout * 07/11/09 Minneapolis, MN - TBA * 07/13/09 Missoula, MT - TBA * 07/14/09 Seattle, WA - Healthy Times*$ 07/15/09 Portland, OR - The Artistery * 07/16/09 Vancouver, BC -Biltmore Cabaret *# 07/17/09 Anacortes, WA - WhatTheHeck2009 07/18/09 Anacortes, WA - WhatTheHeck2009 07/19/09 Anacortes, WA - WhatTheHeck2009 07/21/09 SF, CA - Bottom of the Hill 07/22/09 San Luis, CA - SLO Art Center 07/23/09 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo 07/24/09 San Diego, CA - The Casbah 07/25/09 Phoenix, AZ - Trunk Space 07/26/09 Tucson, AZ - Solar Culture 07/28/09 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive 07/30/09 Omaha, NE - Slowdown 07/31/09 Iowa City, IA - Public Space ONE ^ w/ Lineland & Animal Hospital * w/ Cryptacize $ w/ Ribbons # w/ No Kids Discography [1999] Answering Machine Music [2001] Pocket Symphonies for Lonesome Subway Cars [2003] Twinkle Echo [2006] Etiquette [2009] Vs. Children

In many ways, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone’s latest album, Vs. Children, picks up exactly where the previous LP, Etiquette left off. The heart-wrenching mumbled lyrics, the sardonic humor, the playful yet hypnotic beats: it’s all there. But somehow, Vs. Children seems to sink in deeper, and after repeated listenings, there’s a palpable change in Owen Ashworth’s monotone musings.

Ashworth has always chosen the most poignant personal topics for his songs and backed it up with a disarmingly upbeat yet sparse rhythm section. On Vs. Children, he continues this theme but fleshes it out with intricate harmonies and the occasional string or horn section. He never overdoes it, as CFTPA albums are known for their minimalist sound. But since the lo-fi “basement” feel of his earlier work is long gone, their sound is much more precise, more meticulous. This change is to Ashworth’s benefit, especially on tracks like Northfield, MN where the simple addition of a piano and backing vocals provides a haunting subtext to an already dark track.

Ashworth is no stranger to dark themes, and he consistently manages to strike up a perfect balance between the melancholy and melodic. On the bleakest track, “Killers,” he muses about “being killers, just for one night,” with only rhythmic percussion and droning synthesizers as a quiet but hopeful soundtrack. This same contrast is seen on the more buoyant songs as well, such as the thumping “Optimist vs. The Silent Alarm.” Just as Ashworth ponders over “laughing through the fear,” the jaunting tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In” barges in, bringing an unexpectedly amusing ending to the song.

As always, the lyrics are verbose and narrative, every English major’s wet dream. There are several Cliff Notes-approved themes that connect the songs (fear of adulthood, questioning maturity, etc.) but over-analyzing the lyrics doesn’t seem entirely necessary, as Ashworth’s intent is quite clear from the beginning. As evident from the occasional waver in his voice and his conversational tone, Vs. Children is a confession. Whether it’s autobiographical or not, only Ashworth knows, but there seems to be a small truth released in each song, without any pretension or theatrics.

When a band consists solely of a guy and his Casio, it’s easy to create an intimate atmosphere. Ashworth achieves this naturally but sheds the one-note, melancholy feel of many one-man bands. Instead, there’s always a sense of humor along with the disappointment, a pang of relief with every dose of nostalgia. On the final track, “White Jetta,” Ashworth repeatedly chants, “to stay the same, to never change.” It’s almost a cliffhanger ending to this album, as you can already sense the inevitable change about to happen, hidden somewhere in the song’s electronic pulse.

 05/28/2009 01:30:34 ♥ kateg () ♥ cftpa.org ♥ myspace.com/cftpa 

News: Kate Moss to write novel with Louise Wener? Plus The Pirate Bay theme song!

Hey guys, I just got back from a vacation to the North Shores for the Memorial weekend holiday. I have been up there several times, mostly for hiking purposes. This time around, we spent a chunk of the day in Duluth, which has this small touristy section (exit 256B), which may turn around that my opinion that Duluth has nothing to offer (other than the band Low and Bob Dylan).

Anyway, although fun and exciting, I'm an old man and will be recovering from my trip - so I actually have no reviews prepared. So, you know what that means? News and gossips!

KATE MOSS TO WRITE NOVEL

Sleeper - Inbetweener

Sleeper

Whoa, supermodel Kate Moss is literate? Well, she won't be doing all the writing, she's hiring Louise Wener (ex singer/songwriter of my favorite band Sleeper) as ghost writer. All this was first reported by the "highly reputable" the Sun.

As soon as the story was published in late Monday (May 25, 2009 at 6:17 PM), the story was picked up by a ton of "newspapers", including the NME, which Christopher said was "the musical equivalent of the sun".

Talking to Jon Stewart (Sleeper's guitarist), he basically could not confirm (or deny!) this, so in my opinion this gossip sounds legit.

Q (April 09)

So where are they now? Last month, Q Magazine, ran a story on Sleeper - lots of new details, including the elusive Diid Osman. I knew a lot of post-Sleeper split stories, but I'm not sure if it was public knowledge.

In addition to Stewart's jokingly regretful cover of Blondie's "Atomic" and working at the Brighton Institute of Music, his latest project is as the musical supervisor for the movie Telstar the Movie.

THE PIRATE BAY THEME SONG

Montt Mardie - We're All The Pirate Bay

Montt Mardie

Swedish "pirates" from the Pirate Bay was recently found guilty for, er, piracy and plunder. Although they have appealed the case, I don't think it will end in their favor.

Anyway, I got news from respected Swedish record label, Hybrism that Montt Mardié (monttmardie.com/myspace) have written an anthem for the Pirate Bay. You can torrent the song from thepiratebay.org/special (if you don't have bittorrent, you can find it online!)

An artist has got to make a living just like everybody else, there's no doubt about it. And these are tough times, believe me I know. The thing is though, if I were to go back in time, 10 years or so, and tell the 15-year-old version of myself that over a night, 60 000 people had heard one of my songs, the first question I'd throw back at myself wouldn't be "how much money did I make?".

Don't get me wrong, I love money and I want to make a lot of it. Bathe in it just like Uncle Scrooge. But money isn't the main reason why I write songs. First and foremost I want people to hear them.

Times are so strange at the moment and a lot of people are angry and upset. Still, for each day that goes by I get more and more convinced that we shouldn't try to fight the future, we should embrace it. Try to see opportunities instead of catastrophys.

I've written a song. I call it "We're All The Pirate Bay". It's free and nobody will ever have to pay for it, though if you incist you are welcome to make a donation!

Take care, Monty

Ironically, the theme song doesn't sound like it was stolen from anywhere else.

 05/26/2009 11:36:14 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com 

Tucker B's - Nightmares In The Key Of (((((WOW)))))

Tucker B's - Jungle Tucker B's Tour Dates 06/12/09 Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney 06/13/09 The Tote, Victoria 06/20/09 Amplifier Bar, Perth Read More tucker b's http://www.tucker... ChubbyThis is our billionth point 6 album so play it loud for your hed and add it to the massive ...

Well.... what do have we here?

I must admit, that I fell off the Tucker B's bandwagon quite a while ago; not a clue where they had gone. They may not have gone anywhere.... but all the same.... they're back! Nightmares In The Key Of (((((WOW))))) is the fifth album of this Perth band, now based in Sydney.

On paper the album looks excellent: a new drummer - none other than Mr Matt Blackman of Purplene, Charge Group and Palace Of Fire fame; recorded with Burke Reid (The Drones, Gerling); and the inclusion of a saxophone and the vocal stylings of what I can only assume is a real cockatiel...

If you look at their website (http://www.tuckerbs.com/) you'll understand when it's said that these guys are a bit special. This is very much reflected in Nightmares In The Key Of (((((WOW))))). It's quirky and strange. It's carries the vibe... like that movie... you know... about the leprechaun in space? Don't listen to it in the dark. At the same time it swings from creepy (WOW) to tuneful and pretty (No Lazy Death) and catchy (Jungle).

Tucker B's are very much about the lyrics. Nothing mushy or heartwarming here. No sweet voices or beautiful harmonies. Not even a great deal of singing in tune. All wrapped up in some kind of bizzaro mixture of genres.... synthesizers, loud guitars, soft guitars, that weird voice altering contraption, odd wails, rock, indie, country, who can tell? That key of (((((WOW))))).... ooh err.

All up, an exciting album, highly recommended, but not for the faint hearted. So.... May 30th (album release date - not just throwing random dates about)... get into it!




Also... http://www.myspace.com/tuckerbs

Sally
[email protected]

 

 

Lions, Tigers, and Bears, oh my!

We seem to get a lot of animal-related music, in the form of cover artwork or band names. This is the third installment in a the When Animals Attack Series:

ERIC MARGAN & THE RED LIONS
ericmargan.com ♥ myspace.com

Eric Margan and The Red Lions - Old Man River Eric Margan and The Red Lions Tour Dates   06/25/09 The Linda - WAMC’s Performing Arts Theater Albany, New York

Eric Margan & The Red Lions are a band based out of New York, playing mostly jazz pop music, but their inspirations and influences as listed on their myspace is by more contemporary alt-country sound such as Andrew Bird and Wilco. Their debut album is called Midnight Book, which was released in March 2009.

My first impression of the album is that it's pretty mellow, but very melodic. Eric Margan definitely has an ear for music harmony, combining pianos, acoustics, and violins.

"An Ocean Blue" starts the album as a tender-sounding song with very soothing vocals, pianos, and sweeping violins. None of the other songs sounds exactly like the opener, or each other, for that matter. Margan's diverse songs pulls from all sort of influences: Ennio Morricone-inspired music on "I'll Never Know", Tom Waits-inspired lyrics on "You Are A Ghost", and Ben Fold-ish sound on "The Blues Will Have to Do".

It's clear that Margan loves all sorts of music and he knows how to pull different sources together to compose his own songs. My favorite song on the album is this mix of blues and jazz song, "Old Man River", which seems to be like two different songs. The first section is a bit depressing:

For seventeen years, she has died.
For nothing. Oh, for nothing.
Their love was true, but time has made it strange.

The second part kicks in hard, and sounds more like an epilogue to a long tale. The same lyrics of "seventeen years" now sounds like a completely different song.

Midnight Book is out now, you can pick it up from amazon and CD Baby.

AEROPLANE PAGEANT
aeroplanepageant.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com

Aeroplane Pageant - Stars Still Pretty Aeroplane Pageant Tour Dates 05/30/09 Pianos (CD Release) NY

Aeroplane Pageant is a psychedelic-indiepop band from New York, with their upcoming album called Even the Kids Dont Believe Me. The band's already is established with their previous two releases (the album Wave to the Moon and EP, He is Fire), and have played with such bands like Vampire Weekend and The Hold Steady.

They seem to have been hit with a bit of bad luck yesterday when their percussionist, Chris Aguis was bitten by a venomous rattlesnake while hiking in North Carolina. He was saved by the local Park Ranger and escorted to the local hospital via a helicopter.

Unfortunately, this meant that the band had to cancel the rest of their so-called "Invisible Tour" this summer - including a few sold out shows. Chris was also hit with an outstanding $4k medical bill, which half was picked up by their record label, but it still a lot of money for an artist without any medical insurance.

Anyway, most of the early review I've read about Even the Kids Dont Believe Me, every one of them points to the vocalist Brian Kelly as either memorable or distinctive. They are right, but I've heard much more distinctive voices (Bob Dylan, that guy from the Fine Young Cannibals, etc), but it is hard to ignore Kelly's voice, especially on such stand-out tracks as "I Remember I Think", and "Stars Still Pretty".

The band seems to like to experiment with odd sounds in their music. Take for instance the movie projector sound on "Nobody Gets Hurt" or this warped-record on "See You At The Circus". I also enjoyed the piano and violins on "Mouthful Of Flowers", which seems to lend a little class to to the song.

Even the Kids Dont Believe Me will be released on June 12^th on Stormy Ice Records, in the meantime, their previous album, Wave to the Moon is available on iTunes.

DA BEARS
dabearsrock.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ grizzlyrecords.com

Da Bears - Classics Never Die Da Bears Tour Dates 05/25/09 The Casbah San Diego, CA 05/28/09 FMLY house party LA 05/29/09 Hemlock Tavern SF, CA 05/30/09 Church on Pennsyl Santa Cruz, CA 05/31/09 BIKO Santa Barbara, CA

Da Bears' latest release is Classics Never Die/Cowardly Cobra, an 11-track album that feels like a compilation of two EPs of "Classics Never Die" and "Cowardly Cobra". Not much is known about this San Diego band, and like many (new) bands, they don't exactly have biographies to send me. What I can tell you is that I get the impression, based on their psychedelic songs and six (!) band members, is that they enjoy playing live. This is evident in many of their live photos.

They seem to not take themselves too seriously, and they seem to really like pop culture (at least that's how I am interpreting it). To start off, with their name 'Da Bears', it sounds like they took their name from the SNL sketch Bill Swerski's Superfans, where the reoccurring and memorable lines are either "da Bears" or "da Bulls". In their song titles: "Regal Beagle" (Three's Company?), "Lindsay Lohan" (the song best sums up Lohan to: "the words are more absurd, you're just a little child"), "Life in Hell" (the song has nothing to do with Matt Groening) and "Cowardly Cobra" (the later melodies are taken from "Pop Goes the Weasel").

The opening song, "Classics Never Die" sounds like The Beatles, making use of weird editing and horn instruments, which sorts of end with a brief sample of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" ala Chipmunks-speed. What I like about these songs is there are transitional non-sense noises, usually found before each song ends (or in some cases, in the introduction of the song). These can be just odd sound, electronic feedback, or switching radio frequencies. It gives you a good indication to expect another full song.

If you're into fun jam bands that sounds like psychedelic fun, then definitely check out Da Bears. There are only 1,000 copies of Classics Never Die/Cowardly Cobra made ($8 each), you can find more details on their record label, Grizzly.

 05/23/2009 17:44:14 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com 

Morrissey, I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday. Heaven knows he's miserable now.

Exit Clov - Sing Your Life Exit Clov Morrissey Tour Dates 05/22/09 Apollo Manchester 05/23/09 Apollo Manchester 05/25/09 City Hall Salisbury 05/26/09 Mile End Troxy  London 05/28/09 Brixton 02 Ace London 05/29/09 Brixton O2 Ace London 05/30/09 Brixton O2 Ace London 06/02/09 Grand Rex Paris 06/03/09 Aeronef Lille 06/05/09 Rockhal Club Luxembourg 06/06/09 Watt Rotterdam 06/08/09 Elizabeth Hall Antwerp 06/09/09 Capitol Offenbach 06/11/09 Palladium Cologne 06/12/09 Columbiahalle Berlin 06/14/09 Poer 2 Bremen 06/15/09 Rytmeposten Odense 06/17/09 KB Hallen Copenhagen 06/18/09 Ahaga Boras 06/20/09 Senstrumscene Oslo 06/22/09 Lisebergshallen Gothenberg 06/24/09 Hovet Stockholm 06/26/09 Tampere Arena Tampere 06/27/09 Cable Factory Helsinki 06/29/09 Maneshe St Petersburg 07/01/09 B1 Club Moscow 07/04/09 Tallin Rock Café Tallin 07/05/09 Riga Dream Factory Riga 07/07/09 Warsaw Palladium Warsaw 07/09/09 Archa Theatre Prague 07/11/09 Gasometer Vienna 07/13/09 Velvet Rimini 07/14/09 Velvet Rimini 10/23/09 Birmingham Symphony Hall 10/24/09 Oasis Swindon 10/26/09 Opera House Bournemouth 10/27/09 Royal Albert Hall London 10/29/09 Academy Leeds 10/30/09 City Hall Sheffield Read More Morrissey http://weheartmus... Being a huge Morrissey/The Smiths fan, people often ask me: "What's your favorite Morrissey song?...

Every Morrissey fan knows what today is: it's Steven Patrick Morrissey's 50^th Birthday. 

The people over at The Music Slut (or at the very least, Matt, a self-proclaimed horn-rimmed glasses-wearing non-emo) are massive Morrissey/Smiths fan have compiled a their TMS♥MOZ.

They have been unveiling a cover everyday at 4pm until the end of May. Most of the tracks are downloaded directly from their website, with the exception of A Brief Smile's "Speedway". Possibly because it's a much longer track (larger file).

Since I'm actually kind of lazy when it comes to checking the website everyday, I've downloaded all the tracks currently and will probably forget the last five tracks. Well, that's just the way it goes.

Mojo Nixon - Girlfriend In A Coma Bill Nye (Momentisey) - "The Faster You Push Me"

So far, I've noticed a few duplicated covers: "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" (covered by Sharon Van Etten and Unicycle Loves You) and "Girlfriend in a Coma" (covered by Teddy Blanks and Mixel Pixel). Let's just face it, as far as "Girlfriend" is concerned: Mojo Nixon did it best. As for "Ignore", Bill Nye The Science Guy's version is pretty awesome.

Of all the songs, I was drawn the songs that rarely gets covered, like "Suffer Little Children" (not sure if I like the synth/electronic approach by Chris Garneau), "The Headmaster Ritual" (reduced to a slow piano and backup vocals by Max Vernon) and "November Spawned A Monster" (Microfilm's version has techno beats - a weird approach, but it's fun).

My favorite song so far is Exit Clov's "Sing Your Life". It's pretty faithful to the original, but with female vocals. They seem to understand this song needs a "lovely singing voice" and also the message of 'nothing lasts forever, so... do it now'.

I have included the original announcement below.

ANNOUNCING: TMS HEARTS MOZ (A COVERS ALBUM IN HONOR OF MOZZER’S 50TH BIRTHDAY)
Posted by m | 5.1.09 12:00 pm

As many of you are well aware, I’m a massive Morrissey fan. In fact, ‘massive’ might just be an understatement. As Mozzer’s 50th birthday approaches (May 22nd), I wanted to celebrate in some sort of special manner. After much deliberation, I decided that a covers project would be the perfect way for The Music Slut to mark the occasion. Over the course of the last few months, I’ve asked a bevy of my favorite artists to contribute tracks to TMS Hearts Moz. Highlighting a selection of their choice, the result is a 19 song compilation that includes renditions of Smiths favorites, Morrissey rarities and nearly everything in between. I’m so proud to present this to you, our dear readers, and I’m forever thankful to each of the acts that took time out of their busy schedules to submit their own interpretations of some of my most cherished tunes. Beginning on May 4th, and concluding on May 28th, one cover will be profiled & available for free download every weekday at 4PM EST.

The full list of artists included on TMS Hearts Moz (in alphabetical order) is as follows: A Brief Smile, Bridges & Powerlines, Chris Garneau, Deleted Scenes, Exit Clov, Free Blood, The Glass, Laura Palmer, Max Vernon, Microfilm, Mixel Pixel, My Burgundy Waltz, Pattern Is Movement, The Physics Of Meaning, Sharon Van Etten, Soren Anders, Spanish Prisoners, Teddy Blanks & Unicycle Loves You.

In addition to the digital LP, we’ll be teaming up with DJ Jess & the team behind Trash! for an unforgettable extravaganza on the evening of Moz’s 50th birthday. It will be held at New York’s Studio (at Webster Hall) on Friday, May 22nd. The celebration will feature live cover performances from A Brief Smile & Teddy Blanks in addition to a slew of surprises that we can’t reveal just yet. Much more info to come shortly. Dust off your dancing shoes & be certain save the date. Once again: MAY 22ND @ THE STUDIO!

Cover photo courtesy of yours truly. Manipulation via Blanks Space.

Feel like more Morrissey celebrations? Read more here at morrissey.weheartmusic.com. Look for Morrissey making his triumph return to Manchester tonight for his 50^th birthday bash at the Apollo Theater.

 05/22/2009 11:08:54 ♥ vu () ♥ themusicslut.com ♥ itsmorrisseysworld.com ♥ true-to-you.net 

Kylie Minogue - Boombox: The Remix Album 2000-2008

Kylie Minogue - Can't Get Blue Monday Out of My Head Kylie Minogue Tour Dates 09/30/09 Fox Theater, Oakland, CA 10/01/09 Fox Theater, Oakland, CA 10/03/09 Pearl Theatre, Las Vegas, NV 10/04/09 Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA 10/07/09 Congress Theatre, Chicago, IL 10/09/09 Air Canada Centre, Toronto 10/11/09 Hammerstein Ballroom, NY 10/12/09 Hammerstein Ballroom, NY 10/13/09 Hammerstein Ballroom, NY Discography [1988] Kylie [1989] Enjoy Yourself [1990] Rhythm of Love [1991] Let's Get to It [1994] Kylie Minogue [1997] Impossible Princess [1998] Intimate & Live [2000] Light Years [2001] Fever [2003] Body Language [2007] X See Also Dannii Minogue http://weheartmus... For those who aren't brushed up on their dance music, Dannii Minogue is the sister of Kylie Mino...

Just to give you an idea how popular Kylie Minogue is: I got an email announcing her first ever US (originally 6 dates), only to find out that her later New York pre-sale tickets were already sold out by the time my eyeballs saw the email. Demands were so high, they extended her New York stay to three nights from her original one night performance. Wow, it's kind of hard to believe that in her 20 odd music career that Minogue have never tour through North America!

Having already sold 60 million records world-wide, with 50+ hit singles, and sold-out world tours... Australian actress-turn-pop diva, Kylie Minogue, or simply known as Kylie, have come a long way from her humble beginnings in the early 90s as an actress.*

Kylie's latest release, at least in the US, is called Boombox: The Remix Album 2000-2008, and as the name implies, this is not a studio album but a remix album. Note that this is her 11^th remix album, earlier remix hits, check out Greatest Remix Hits 1 (1997) followed by Greatest Remix Hits 2 through 4.

The new remix album opens up with possibly the best song on the album. Technically not a remix, but more of a mashup between New Order's "Blue Monday" and Kylie's "Can Get You Out of My Head". The mashup version first appeared live at the 2002 BRIT Award from DJ Stuart Crichton, but later appeared on other releases (including an odd choice of movie soundtrack for Layer Cake, starring current Bond, Daniel Craig).

Other interesting remixes includes Fischerspooner's "Come into My World" remix, which remains intact as sounding similar to the original mix, but adding his own flair to it.

I have never heard of Death Metal Disco Scene (myspace), but I was definitely impressed with their "Wow" remix, where they mostly concentrated on the extremely catchy "bow-wow-wow! just the way that you dance! bow-wow-wow!" section.

I simply hated the original mix of "2 Hearts" that appeared on Kylie's 10^th studio album, X, but Mark Brown made it more bearable by making the song a little faster.

I haven't heard the original "Your Disco Needs You", but the Casino Mix on Boombox is really good. It made the song to sound more like a Pet Shop Boys sound to it, and I'll definitely will try and pick up her 2000 album Light Years to check it out.

The best remixes are the ones that either transform the song, making it their own distinct and unique version. Case in point is The Chemical Brother's version of "Slow". They manage to pull off their usual beats and rave sound, extending the middle part and only keeping mostly the chorus. If you hear this "Slow" version on the radio, you'd swear that it was a Chemical Brothers song.

Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out of My Head

If you're new to the world of Kylie, this Boombox album does a decent job of compiling some of the best remix. If you're looking for a studio album, I will have to recommend Fever (2001), which features some of her best-known hits, including some Cathy Dennis-written songs like "Can't Get You out of My Head", "Dancefloor" and "Come into My World".

Kylie Minogue - Come Into My World

"Come into my World" was also a smash-hit music video by auteur director Michel Gondry.  The video remains one of my favorite Gondry videos (other favorites is the lego White Stripes and Daft Punk's "Around the World").

Boombox is available now at any box store that carries music. Starting in October, Kylie will be over in the US to do a few selected dates for her first US appearance. I'm sure by then tickets will be sold out - so buy your tickets now if you want a guaranteed seat. From watching her concert footage, it's a huge show with lots of costume changes and loads of dancers.

* Although primarily known as a pop singer, let us not forget her appearance in the horrible video game movie, Street Fighter, as Cammy. She made such a wonderful impression, that the Washington Post called her "the worst actress in the English-speaking world". Aw, well she now knows how Madonna feels.

 05/21/2009 05:32:56 ♥ vu () ♥ kylie.com ♥ myspace.com/kylieminogue