W♥M (Archive)

I Was A Teenage Werewolf

Chico Fellini - I Was a Teenage Werewolf Chico Fellini

Happy Halloween! I don't actually have a whole lot of time to devote to this article, unlike last year's Halloween Spooktacular. As I was looking around for inspiration and scary ideas to write about, I was sent "I Was a Teenage Werewolf" by Chico Fellini (official / myspace).

I was a teenage werewolf, braces on my fangs!

The song is a cover of the classic Cramps (myspace) 1980 song from their album, Songs The Lord Taught Us. As with the original and the cover, they both feature that distinctive guitar riff and, er, campy and moody vocals. I'm not sure what the deal is with the Chico Fellini cover, but there's about 45 seconds of "extra" jewelery box music at the end. I only ask because I had to boost up my volume to catch it.

The Cramps - I was a Teenage Werewolf

If you love the Cramps, it might be worth your while to try and track download the bootleg called Songs The Lord Might Have Taught Us, which features an alternate mix of "I Was a Teenage Werewolf". I believe it might actually be the "Original Mix" found as bonus CD tracks on reissues, minus the Lux Interior's blowup at the false start.

Anyway, what the song is ultimately about is "growing pains" of a teenage werewolf, and I'm assuming describes the 50s film (having never seen it myself). The 50s horror film of the same name, starring a young Michael Landon, of Little House on the Prairie fame was so successful that it inspired other films such as "I Was a Teenage Frankenstein", "I was a Teenage Mummy", "I Was a Teenage Serial Killer", and "I Was a Teenage Intellectual", etc.

The Remus Lupins - I Was a Teenage Werewolf

What's not a cover song is "I Was a Teenage Werewolf" by The Remus Lupins (myspace). Fans of Harry Potter should have already known about this Wizard Rock group, and if you've never heard of Wizard Rock, then my friend, you are not a Potter fan. I'm not a fan, but I think I've mentioned before that I've come to the conclusion that the teacher Remus Lupin is a werewolf in the book series. The band's name is taken from the teacher's name.

As a bonus, here's also the most famous Wizard Rock band, Harry and the Potters (official / myspace) with their song "My Teacher is a Werewolf". In fact, here's even more Werewolfy songs from previous year's entries.

Harry and the Potters - My Teacher is a Werewolf	The Browns - American Werewolf in Calgary	Cocorosie - Werewolf	Scary Bitches - Werewolf	Southern Culture On The Skids - Werewolf
Michael Shields - Ginger Snaps Theme	Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London	Running Wild - Prowling Werewolf	London - Werewolves In London	Cat Power - Werewolf
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - She Said	La Union - Lobo Hombre En Paris	the Dillinger Escape Plan - Sunshine the Werewolf	The Born Losers - Werewolves on Wheels	Metallica - Of Wolf and Man

 10/31/2009 18:48:22 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com

Cleaning house…

I’m not going to blame my lack of updates on the swine flu.  That would be wrong, sleazy, and downright unconstitutional.

Now that I got that off my chest, I’m happy to report that my cleaning ventures have been particularly fruitful.  No, I didn’t find that copy of Tremors II: Aftershocks that you claim I never returned (let it go, bro).  I did, however, dig up the following dusty gems:

Wheat - HOTT

Wheat

Wheat – White Ink Black Ink

Americans like short things:  lines, books, hair, conversations, etc.  Sometimes even using full sentences takes too long; it’s why we invented Twitter.  Thankfully, there is a band called Wheat.  Not only is their name economical, but more than half of White Ink Black Ink is under the four minute mark.  You just can’t argue with odds like those.  Each track loyally embraces the simplicities of song craft and the complexities of song experience; meaning, the album will probably appeal to those of us that appreciate music straight up, minus additives like weird stupid metaphors and lengthy experimental escapades.  Of course there are flaws to this logic, the most obvious being 2009’s love affair with electro beats and dance-driven, overproduced indiepop.  The kids want to move and while White Ink has no shortage of catchy hooks and gung ho knocks, the resulting mood does not exactly inspire bods to hula, which is basically a compliment but commercially a loss.  At its best, the album sounds vaguely like the byproduct of a musical three-way:  the cool nonchalance of slacker rock + timeless anthemic sway + a dash of requisite “indie” flair (the indefinable “all spice”).  Suggested tracks:  the first half of the album.
Website / Myspace

UltraChorus – Ultra-Def

Speaking of electro beats:  Minneapolis electronica duo UltraChorus recently released Ultra-Def, a brain cell-shattering smattering of slick robot grooves.  This ain’t music for your grandma (unless grandma gets her freak on).  As I mentioned in my review of Words Kept Talking (7” single), being an electro-lovin’ musician in Minnesota is akin to being a minority in Minnesota:  you’re in the minority.  UltraChorus may very well be a shining fiber optic star in a universe of bland, denim-encased chunks of coal, and the world…of Minnesotans might never know.  Such a shame because Ultra-Def is solid material.  It pumps you up, but not in a Jock Jams sort of way, and warms the innards without leaving a metallic aftertaste.  A distinct rhythmic base connects each track without distorting identity; this attention to continuity gives us simpletons something to hold on to, a sort of symbolic Roller Coaster lap bar.  Suggested tracks:  “Words Kept Talking,” “Houseparty 5” and the super-mixed-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink “Yucatan Peninsula.”
Website / Myspace

Kordan – Fantasy Nation

Wow, Arthur Eisele (Kordan) sure knows how to befuddle a critic.  Is Fantasy Nation a concept album?  Or is it dreamy electro-pop disguised as a concept album?  Maybe it’s a soundtrack to a film not yet written:  something Japanese but inspired by French New Wave—a love story, perhaps, set in the stylish future, where the girls look like Francoise Hardy and the boys busy their arms with battered anthologies of 19^th century existentialism.  Something like that.  Honestly, the effort required to simplify Fantasy Nation­—to break it down, if you will—seems pointless, irreverent even.  The album succeeds as a fluid movement, a continuous aural flow.  What it isn’t (and, incidentally, what may hinder mainstream marketing) is track-driven.  Sure, I’ve picked a favorite (the wispy, Gainsbourg/Birkin-esque “Slouchy Girl”) but that’s just personal preference and an ear for melancholy vocals.  As an objective writer, I’d advise readers to avoid listening to Fantasy on shuffle mode; fight the urge to single-song download, readers (you wouldn’t treat In the Aeroplane over the Sea in such a defiling manner, would you?).  Suggested tracks:  listen to the whole damn EP (EP = short and sweet).
Website / Myspace

 10/29/2009 00:07:00 ♥ lara (/lara206.vox.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ news.weheartmusic.com 

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 

News: Breaking up is hard to do

As usual, check with news.weheartmusic.com for even more news and announcements.

RAKES BREAKS
www.therakes.co.uk

I got a note from the Astralwerks band Free Energy saying that some of their shows were canceled due to the fact that the Rakes broke up. That was a bit of a shocker, considering that I thought the Rakes, along with Bloc Party, were a really successful band with top 40 singles.

Here is an excerpt from the statement from the band, dated October 22^nd:

The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we’ve ever played. If we can’t give it everything then we won’t do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one. After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can’t give it 100% anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day.

A total of 10 dates were canceled by Free Energy, but here is the new dates (note: Minneapolis is canceled):

FREE ENERGY TOUR DATES:
10/24: London, UK @ Cargo (DFA Night)
10/26: London, UK @ Barfly
10/27: London, UK @ Rough Trade Records (Hoxton) In-Store
(Early Show)/Waterats (Late Show)
10/28: London, UK @ Windmill
11/11: Boston, MA @ Great Scott
11/19: Dallas, TX @ The Cavern
11/20: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
11/21: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
11/22: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/23: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/24: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
11/25: Washington, DC @ DC9, set TBA
11/27: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/28: New York, NY @ Santos Party House

Not Fair (Dr Rosen Rosen Rx)

Lily Allen

IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU
lilyallenmusic.com

Speaking of splitting, Lily Allen will be splitting from her record label, EMI. Allen, who recently had that insert-mouth-in-foot moment when she had nothing but disdain her fans for sharing her music, is to set up her own record label. She's currently has no plans on touring or promoting her latest album, It's Not Me, It's You and have pretty much abandoned being on the internet.

Quote:

I've thrown away my laptop and I haven't got a Blackberry. I've cut myself off and it's been brilliant so far.

Ironic since her career started because of her fame on myspace.

Pulp - The Boss (demo)

Pulp

MIS-SHAPES, MISTAKES, MISQUOTES (or alternate title, EVEN FURTHER COMPLICATIONS)
jarviscocker.net

Not breaking up, Jarvis Cocker was recently quoted by People Magazine as having said:

Glastonbury means an awful lot to me, I would love to play there again. We've talked about it, there we go, there'll be a band reunion.

That sparked a slew of rumors that Pulp were reforming for Glasto 2010.

Unfortunately, as quick as the rumor started, it was also swiftly put to an end when Jarvis came out to say that "Pulp have no plans to get back together".

Someone asked me if I fancied playing at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, I said yes, they twisted that into a 'Pulp reform' story. It's not true.

The Smiths - I Know It's Over (live)

The Smiths

THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE
www.itsmorrisseyworld.com

Speaking of further complications: It's widely reported that Morrissey collapse on the floor on the opening song, "This Charming Man" at Oasis Leisure Centre, due to breathing difficulties.

Although, NME said Morrissey to resume tour in London following onstage collapse, I suspect there will be even more cancellations in the future. Morrissey's has always been notorious for cancelling shows, due to illness and/or unexplained circumstances. I have seen Morrissey live before, but my original ticket to see him in somewhen 1994 was dashed when he canceled that show in Los Angeles. I believe we ponied up $75 per ticket (that was like a billion dollars back then).

Of course, none of this compare to the fan outage of Denny offering free burgers to fans who bought tickets to see Morrissey. Morrissey, as you know, is famous for being an advocator of vegetarianism.

 10/27/2009 14:51:08 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com

Afro-Punk at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/25/09)

Saul Williams - Convict Colony Saul Williams Saul Williams ♥ The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/25/09) Tour Dates 10/26/09 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick 10/27/09 Chicago, IL @ Double Door 10/30/09 Phila, PA @ Theatre Living Arts 10/31/09 Northampton, MA @ Pearl ST 11/01/09 Washington, DC @ Black Cat 11/04/09 Atlanta, GA @ The Loft 11/05/09 Orlando, FL @ The Social 11/06/09 NOrleans @ House of Blues 11/08/09 Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre 11/10/09 SF, CA @ The Independent 11/11/09 SBarbara, CA @ Velvet Jones 11/12/09 San Diego, CA @ Delta Room 11/13/09 Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy 11/15/09 Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theate 11/16/09 Seattle, WA @ Neumos 11/17/09 Vancouver, BC

Inspired by the 2003 documentary "Afro-Punk", the website of the same name, Afropunk.com, brings together all kind of culture and lifestyle. That company is also behind a series of tour dates with headliner Saul Williams, with a special guests joining on and off tour (I did notice that one of the original black-in-rock Living Colour will be joining on for a few dates!)

Afro-Punk is necessary about punks, it seems to also inherited punk attributes, such as its attitude and DIY mentality. So what we all witness last night was basically a very interesting mix of music genre, art, and lifestyle, in one show. One thing for sure is that all the acts on the bill is high-energy and, you can tell, in love with music.

The whole tour is being sponsored by Converse shoes and Bud Light (which was a bit ironic since the majority of the audience seems to be underage the legal drinking age). Throughout the night, MC Tchaka Diall (myspace) kept us entertained by throwing out T-Shirts and introductions.

Kicking it all off was Dearling Physique (official / myspace). Having already seen the band a few times already, I can already expect a funky outfit and even funkier dance moves. Well, in addition to those things, singer Dominique Davis also brought props on stage! Peacock feathers and a birdmask, that looks like it was from the imagination of Grant Morrison.

No Bird Sing (official / myspace) seems to me to be from the same school as Atmosphere and Eyedea & Abilities. I thought they were very good, especially on their last song of the set, "Ars Poetica".

The most punkish sounding band on the bill was American Fangs (official / myspace). Lots of movement and high energy, definitely a great band to see live. Don't believe me? Check out their song "My 2 Richards" at Vimeo. Their debut EP is $5 at, which the touring people claimed is "your new favorite EP".

CX Kidtonik & Tchaka Diallo (myspace) basically warmed up the audience with two or three songs before Saul Williams (official / myspace) joined them on stage with the rest of the touring band. For those who aren't familiar with Williams, he started as a spoken word poet (which he also incorporate between his songs during the show). In 2001, he made his first cross over to the world of music, and since then have worked with Trent Reznor, KRS-One, De La Soul, among others.

Although there were some excellent songs played during his set, I'll have to say that the highlight for me was his rendition of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday", sort of appropriate for that Sunday evening. As for the encores, I believe the first one was "Surrender", followed by "a new song" and "Raised to be Lowered".

But just when you thought the show was over, CX and Diallo came on stage to do some improv music as the few audience that remain gathered around to see what they're doing.

Overall, a very eclectic mix of bands. If the Afro-punk tour is coming through your area, check them out. The least you can do is download FREE Afro-punk compilation at downloads.afropunk.com.

Below are photographs from Erik Hess, our latest addition to the W♥M family.

Dearling Physique at The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/25/09) ♥ Photoset from Erik Hess

No Bird Sing at The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/25/09) ♥ Photoset from Erik Hess

American Fangs at The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/25/09) ♥ Photoset from Erik Hess

Saul Williams at The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/25/09) ♥ Photoset from Erik Hess

 10/26/2009 23:06:54 ♥ vu () ♥ afropunk.com ♥ myspace.com/afropunk

Jarvis, Don't Let Him Waste Your Time

Jarvis - Dont Let Him Waste Your Time

If you know me in person, you've probably heard me drunkenly describe the first time I laid eyes on this man. In fact, you'd be lucky to have not heard my story at least thrice. 1995? 2am? Two teenage girls watching Rage on a Saturday night (surprisingly, we weren't trying to get into some pub somewhere, considering the city we grew up in - only I'm allowed to bash Newcastle because I'm from there), only to be presented with a film clip for what is still one of my favourite songs, Babies. 

Jarvis Cocker: this pasty, lanky man from Sheffield, what is it about him?... it's not a traditional attractiveness; it's a combination of about seven things (give or take a few). That awkwardness, those frantic dance moves, and of course... those flailing limbs.
You have to hand it to him, others would have given up long ago, but Jarvis stuck it out. I probably don't need to say it, but Mr Cocker started his career as the frontman for the amazing English band, Pulp. If you are familiar with them, i reckon like me, you probably first heard them around 1995/1996? But NO! Pulp's first gig was at a Rotherham Arts Centre in July 1980 (the month I was born - yeah scary). So really, they'd been at it 16 years until they released Different Class, causing a vast number of people to jump on the (literal) bandwagon.

My theory for why these songs are instantly likable is not just because of the catchy tunes, but because Jarvis has  an amazing knack to lyric writing. He has an acute talent for writing songs with lyrics that are clearly from experience as opposed to the usual "I'm pining for lost love" or "I've got a girlfriend, she's super lovely, she's not yours, you lose" drivel. These are all songs that the average person can identify with in some way or another. Another thing that I'm sure I mention a lot, is that I love the fact that if you happen to be listen to any Jarvis-written songs on earphones... you have to be quite careful who you sing out loud (and how loud) in front of.... "so she bought a toy that can reach the places he never goes".

I can't help but think that if Pulp kept on going at it, it wouldn't have ended gracefully in any way (although I'll probably get physically beaten for saying that Pulp aren't together anymore by a certain crazed Pulp fan i know). Anyway, i could talk about Pulp all day.... the purpose of this here article today, is to talk about Jarvis and his solo albums. 

Jarvis

Just when we'd all thought we'd never hear from him again 2007 saw the release of Jarvis's debut solo album... imaginatively named "Jarvis". It's brilliant because of the fact that the tracks are not too different to Pulp, both musically and lyrically, but it's also great because it's just Jarvis, no frills. That's right... you still have to think twice before singing some of the lyrics out loud in public places around pensioners, but there's also excessive potential for some of that old school loungeroom underpants dancing we all love (well... I love).

The songs themselves are less poppy than Pulp, a bit more laid back and slightly depressive. Without a doubt, there are a few gems that need to be mentioned. 

Dont Let Him Waste Your Time, is one that catches my attention. As a "lady" who is getting on a bit and being occasionally hassled by a certain nanna who is constantly wondering "am i going to ever see you get married?", the lyrics of this song grab me, and more than anything, make me laugh. I think nanna and Jarvis could have a good conversation about the topic though.

Black Magic is another that stands out. This song has probably the best chorus on the album. It's one that slightly sneaks up on you. The versus are quiet and minimalist, but the chorus then hits you, loudly.... nice. Gosh, I'm listening to the album as i write this and although i loved the album before, I'm listening and picking up on things I'd never noticed before.

The song that only made is as the "secret song" at the end of the album is probably one of my favourites. Even though it contains the only word i will not say out loud, Cunts Are Still Running The World, is both catchy and speaks the truth lyrically. It's true, when are nice people going to get a look in?

"Sometimes a well chosen swear word is the only thing that will do" Well put, Mr Cocker.

Jarvis Cocker - Angela

Jarvis Cocker

The newer album, Future Complications, is his second helping. I realise that it's not overly new anymore, but with Jarvis imminent arrival on our fair shores someone needs to mention it (although, I'm sure I'm not the first). Further Complications is much the same as the previous album. With all those years of musical experience, there's not a whole lot of growing musically that Jarvis can do. He's got the whole "writing catchy songs" thing down pat. I would like to say that Further Complications has a different feel to Jarvis, it's slightly more dramatic sounding. More of those sad sounding minor chords, slower and more quiet.

The first single, Angela, hated by some, loved by others, could easily be a Pulp song. In my opinion, it's quite danceable, but the element that makes it Pulp-esque is the subject matter. "Making four-fifty an hour, Complimentary shower" Is it what I think it's about? (I'm always the first person to miss the point)

I must admit though, reluctantly, that there are a few songs on Further Complications that almost bore me (this is a product of my lack of attention span rather than the songs actually being boring). Slush is long and slow. It's not a bad song by any means, it's just a bit too mellow for it's own good. You're In My Eyes.... what's going on there? My dislike of this song could have something to do with the disco-ness of it all. Admittedly, it is quite danceable, so it claws back a few points in that respect.

Listening to both of these albums, I feel as though I'm slightly seeing into the private life of Jarvis. I wonder "Did fat children really take his life?". But what about the beard, Jarvis? That's the real question.

Tour dates?.. oh yeah, he's coming to Australia...

9 Nov - Village Underground, London

10 Nov - Village Underground, London

11 Nov - Village Underground, London

2 Dec - Town Hall (Wellington), Wellington

4 Dec - Powerstation, Auckland

5 Dec - Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane

7 Dec - Metro (Sydney), Sydney

8 Dec - Metro Freo, Perth

10 Dec - HQ, Adelaide

11 Dec - Forum (Melbourne), Melbourne

12 Dec - Meredith Festival, Meredith

More info?

http://www.jarviscocker.net/

That's all?

[email protected]

W♥M056: Welsh Britpop Bands

Super Furry Animals - Ohio Heat ♥ Flyer (11/07/09)

W♥M056 (49 min)

BRITPOPCAST #3: WELSH BRITPOP BANDS
This show was recorded on Saturday morning at 12.30am with Sally. I was half tired and half unprepared... but lots of fun on this episode about Welsh Britpop bands.

Welsh bands we focused on: Super Furry Animals, Manic Street Preachers, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Catatonia, Stereophonics, and 60ft Dolls.

The second part, which is more like a post script is that Sally will be DJing Jarvis Cocker/Pulp music for an hour on December 5^th in anticipation and celebration of Cocker touring in Australia around that date. Come stalk her in Sydney, more details on britpop.com.au.

Below is the interview Sal did with singer Gruff Rhys from SFA, originally published in Kill the Cod fanzine.

KILL THE COD INTERVIEWS GRUFF RHYS

Whilst attending a smashing concert at Newcastle Uni (25th.Feb), i managed, as well as being able to watch three of my favourite bands (Lavish, Super Furry Animals and Custard), i was able to have a chat to a Mr Gruff Rhys, the lead singer of the Super Furries. So here is the story of that night....................................................................................*sally*

What's the deal with all the Welsh bands that have been touring Australia lately?
It's really funny, you know, we used to share the same amps as Catatonia and we shared drummers, we've known members of Catatonia since I was...you know...

So you lived near them?
ah...Catatonia are from North Wales and we're from South Wales...your in bands for years playing along and it's...so surreal, you know...we'll be playing in Melbourne the same night as Catatonia and we'll probably meet up with them after...and I saw them in a pub in Cardiff before coming over...

So it's just coincidence that you, Catatonia and the Manic Street Preachers have all decided to tour Australia at the same time?
Yeah...cos Wales is a small place...you bump into everyone and you meet everyone...the music is quite different...you know? Everyone does their own thing, so no one is in competition with each other...it's great you know...to meet up in exotic locations

How do you like playing with Lavish and, tonight, Custard?
well...I haven't heard Custard and I hadn't heard Lavish until last week

How do you feel about not being the headlining band tonight (Newcastle Uni)?
That's fine...yeah...I mean we've never played in Australia before and no one's heard of us practically...you know..we sort of have just started out in Australia, so it's great to be number 1 and number 2...it's good to have an audience...I don't care about headlining...you know, I think that's secondary to the music true true...

So how did the Super Furry Animals form?
ahh...we started recording in Dafydd's house about five years ago (points to Dafydd)...this doesn't translate on tape..um..that short guy with the brown shirt..um..we had a home studio..we spent a few years writing songs and before that me and Dafydd were in a band called Ffa Coffi Pawb, Guto and Bunf were in a band, and Cian had his own band and Cian is Dafydd's brother so he used to hang out with us...and by this time me Cian and Dafydd had moved down from North Wales to Cardiff and we knew Bunt and Guto from the days in Ffa Coffi Pawb, we were all in Welsh punk rock bands you know..then we spent two years in the house writing songs and playing around and um...then we decided to start playing live...we did a few gigs and then we got together to release a single on a label called Ankst and so it's one of those freaky things...we'd played about two gigs and we sent a copy to the NME or something and we got a slot in a pub in London and about 10 journalists came to see us and wrote rave reviews...we went to London again the week after and played in another pub and there was about 40 record companies and they all wanted a piece and...it was really strange and easy and then we did an album for Creation...we've been in bands for 10 years making music and suddenly you get offered this chance to record the albums of your dreams you know..and come to places like Australia to play

Are you enjoying Australia?
Yeah...I didn't know what to expect at all and it's a good place and um...i'm looking forward to coming back...yeah I want to come back

I don't know if you've ever been asked this but...i've got a game called Actua Soccer at home..
..oh yeah...

and I notice a SFA team with you running around the field...so how did you get into that?
well...we were making a video and we didn't have many pictures and we wanted to walk into the screen and change into football players and so we got in contact with these people and they did it free for us and...but they fucked up cos..we selected a team of all our heros..um...we had..i think Che Guevara was in goal, Nelson Mandella on the wing..i think Lou Reed was in the team and...Fidel Castro and...Frank Zappa on the wing, etcetera, etcetera and the five of us...apparently they've put like..Stalin and Ghengis Khan on the team and it's horrible cos they lost the piece of paper we sent them so they put all these wankers in, you know...it's really bad...so we're all embarrassed it's still an alright game though I prefer Fifa 98

yeah...me too... What football teams do you support?
Bangor City...their in the league of Wales............ah a bug (on the ground).........yeah..i support Bangor City in the league of Wales and I support Cardiff City who are in the third division of the English league even though it's a Welsh team...um...I support Barcelona and Bilbao in the Spanish league...who do you support?

I support Arsenal and it's not just because they won the FA cup and that, I had been supporting them for years, so don't get any ideas
o.k....i know some Arsenal fans

What is your favourite telly show ever?
well...Calimero...it's like a Czech cartoon. Calimero is a little black chicken with half a shell on its head and um...I did have a photo of him (searches his pocket and wallet)...he's like the only black chicken in a family of yellow chickens and it gets translated into Welsh so we used to watch it in Welsh on Welsh TV and i've met Japanese people...it's been translated into Japanese and Italian and in Scotland it's in English with an Italian accent so Calimero's catch phrase is "It's an injustice" (in an Italian accent) and um..in Welsh it's (Welsh words-sorry ) which is "there's no flavour to life"..it's this depressed chicken..it's a cartoon for kids but, you know...Calimero...god guy..one of the greats

How do you Kill the Cod?
Are you an active fisher?

it's actually out of the Goodies
Ah yeah...i saw a band a few weeks ago and they've got Graeme Garden's son on keyboards...he's got the same smile...that's quite amazing..i don't'know if I endorse killing cod..so maybe we should let it swim..you know.

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Archive of this show at archive.org. More information on podomatic.com

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

Lucero at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/23/09)

Lucero - The Devil And Maggie Chascarillo Lucero Lucero ♥ The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/23/09) Tour Dates 10/24/09 Bottom Lounge Chicago, IL 10/26/09 Aggie Theatre Ft. Collins, CO 10/27/09 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO 10/29/09 Crocodile Seattle, Washington 10/30/09 Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR 11/01/09 Mezzanine San Francisco, CA 11/04/09 Casbah San Diego, CA 11/05/09 Clubhouse Tempe, AZ 11/07/09 Longhorn Saloon Ft. Worth, TX 11/08/09 Fun Fun Fun Fest Austin, TX 11/09/09 Meridian Houston, TX 11/10/09 Alabama Music Box Mobile, AL 11/12/09 Club Downunder Talla, FL 11/13/09 Czar Tampa, FL 11/14/09 Lizzie McCormick� Orlando, FL 11/15/09 Café Eleven St. Augustine, FL 11/17/09 Visulite Theatre Charlotte, NC 11/18/09 40 Watt Athens, GA 11/19/09 Valarium Knoxville, TN 11/20/09 Orange peel Asheville, NC 11/21/09 Headliners Louisville, KY

I think the fact that we don't claim a genre is very important to what Lucero is, there are too many rules in punk rock. Too many rules in country music. We’re hard headed and… god damn if we don’t do things the way we want to do them.

- Ben Nichols

Fans waiting at the door for Lucero ♥ The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/23/09)

I've said this again and again, but of all the venues in Minneapolis that I've been to, The Varsity Theater is still the best venue in Minneapolis. It's Friday night and everyone was very excited and eager to see Lucero play. You have to keep in mind that these fans waiting outside the theater have seen Lucero before, if not multiple time.

At the last minute, I was informed that singer/songwriter Amy LaVere (official / myspace) had canceled her appearance. So the set time was pushed back to 9:45pm at the earliest, but it seems forever waiting nearly two hours for the first band.

The "two man wrecking crew" Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm (myspace) came on with an introduction by Lucero bassis John Stubblefield, who would later join the duo for their finale song. I wasn't expecting Cedric & Malcolm to sound so swamp bluesy, most of their songs went well with the audience. The highlight for me was when they brought Lucero's saxophonist McKnight on stage near the end of their set.

Lucero ♥ The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (10/23/09)

When Lucero took the stage, the crowd quadrupled, as they pushed forward to the front. There were a lot of very excited fans in the audience. They all knew their songs, singing along at the top of their lungs. With nine albums, the latest is 1372 Overton Park, they had a large pool of songs to choose from to play live.

I was a little taken back when I did hear singer Ben Nichols speak in this very Tennessean gruff accent. As if he's spent years drinking whiskey.

They kicked things off with a track off their new album, "Sounds of the City", after Nichols mutters something about wanting to start with the theme song to Simon & Simon.

Their songs comes off as sounding Americana, alt-country heartland music. There are also some hints of punk, if not evident by their years of tattoos then by the heavier songs.

While I can't claim to understand Lucero and their very obsessive fans, I'm sure this has to do with their extensive touring schedule and building up a massive fanbase all over the country. At one point in the show, a fan threw on stage one of his shoe. Everyone, including Nichols, was wondering why he did that. Nichols joked that he was going to just keep the one shoe.

As far as I'm concern, Lucero is a band that needs to be seen live. Their high energy and their fans interactions are infectious. 1372 Overton Park from major label, Universal Republic, is out now at all major music sellers, including amazon ($10).

PS, There may be additional information and pictures later.

�

10/24/2009 14:19:58♥ vu () ♥ luceromusic.com ♥ myspace.com/lucero ♥ twitter.com/luceromusic

News: The Big and Small Screen

Tina Turner - We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)

Tina Turner

This week's news theme is movies & television. As usual, please check with news.weheartmusic.com for all the latest press announcements.

MAD MAXINE
eonline.com

E Online is reporting that Charlize Theron is ready to go beyond Thunderdome.

I was in a bit shock to read that, simply because the last thing I heard about Mad Max 4 was that the movie would take place with Mad Max's son (Mel Gibson to play the aging father). If the Theron rumor is true, does that also mean that Mad Max 4: Fury Road have been re-written? Tom Hardy (who incidentally shares the same name as my favorite depressing writer, Thomas Hardy) is to play the villain.

Well, one thing is certain is that the movie will be written and directed by the original creator, George Miller. Perhaps a great release date would be December 2012, you know the year the world ends?

BILL COSBY RELEASES ALBUM
billcosby.com

I saw this announcement and was very intrigued by it. Bill Cosby has a music album? What? Does he rap? The answer is: "Cosby does not rap or sing on the album".

Still, I'll be looking further into it. In the meantime, I have downloaded his title track, "State of Emergency" for free off his website, billcosby.com.

Looking at the merchandise, I see that the best deal seems to be CD with digital tracks and book for $24.99. The extra deluxe edition seems kind of expensive for all of the above plus a "16 page artwork booklet" and 12 x 16 giclee album artwork poster. Still, it may be worth it if you consider that Bill Cosby autographed the poster. All physical items will be shipping November 24, 2009 - just in time for Christmas.

You can watch Bill Cosby on ustream.tv/billcosby and twitter fans can add @BillCosby.

GLEE
fox.com/glee

Columbia Records announced that they are releasing the soundtrack for Fox's Glee for November 3^rd. I will have to admit that as much hype surrounding this show, I have not really gotten into it - based on my viewing of its pilot episode.

Still, as a cover lover, I am interested in some of their covers (particularly "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Bust a Move". Full tracklisting:

1. “Don’t Stop Believin’”
2. “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
3. “Gold Digger”
4. “Take a Bow”
5. “Bust Your Windows”
6. “Taking Chances”
7. “Alone”
8. “Maybe This Time”
9. “Somebody to Love”
10. “Hate On Me”
11. “No Air”
12. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
13. “Keep Holding On”
14. “Bust a Move”
15. “Sweet Caroline”
16. “Dancing with Myself”
17. “Defying Gravity”

If you are based in the US and want to check out the show, see it on Hulu. Foreigners, you guys might want to check into proxy servers.

BATMAN: THE MUSICAL!
newline.com

Starting today October 23^rd, Cartoon Network will be airing Batman: The Brave & The Bold's “Mayhem of the Music Meister!” which features the voice and singing talent of Neil Patrick Harris as the Music Meister.

In conjunction with the aired episode, the soundtrack, Batman: The Brave & The Bold: Mayhem of the Music Meister! will also be made available digitally on amazon and iTunes.

 10/23/2009 11:22:20 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com

Shonen Knife at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (10/21/09)

Shonen Knife - Super Group Shonen Knife    Shonen Knife ♥ 7th Street Entry,    Minneapolis (10/21/09)                 2 comment Tour Dates 10/23/09 Missoula, MT -  Badlander 10/24/09 Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern 10/25/09 Vancouver, Can - Biltmore 10/26/09 Bellingham, WA -Nightlight 10/27/09 Portland, OR - Doug Fir 10/29/09 SF, CA - Rickshaw Stop * 10/30/09 San Jose - Blank Club * 10/31/09 Visalia, CA - Cellar Door * 11/01/09 Oakland, CA - Uptown * 11/02/09 Los Angeles, CA - Echo * 11/03/09 San Diego, CA - Casbah * 11/04/09 Tucson, AZ - Plush 11/06/09 San An, TX - Sam's Burger 11/07/09 Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fest 11/08/09 Houston, TX - Numbers 11/10/09 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish^ 11/11/09 Memphis, TN - Hi Tone ^ 11/12/09 Atlanta, GA - E.A.R.L. ^ 11/13/09 Richmond, VA - Plaza  ^ 11/14/09 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwells ^ 11/15/09 Allston, MA - Great Scotts ^ 11/16/09 Phila, PA - First Unitarian ^ 11/17/09 Brookyn, NY -  Bowl ^% 11/18/09 Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Pl ^ * with Ty Segall ^ with JEFF the brotherhood % with Golden Triangle Read More Shonen Knife http://weheartmus... This is a really good cover by Shonen Knife. If you don't know the song, it's by the Monkees (wh...

Let's get one thing straight: Shonen Knife is still adorable, they still try and sound like the Japanese Ramones band, and, yes, they still love singing and eating food. Shonen Knife is all that at the 7th Street Entry last night, October 21^st.

Opening up for them was Red Pens (myspace), who I previously saw (and loved) with Those Darlins. Laura Bennett is in shorts with ringed tube socks (it's funny but I don't think they make socks with those rings anymore), Howard Hamilton is still a rock god in his blue button shirt. Their setlist was about the same from the last time I saw them, except they did "Cave Something" early on, like the second song.

Shonen Knife Setlist ♥ 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (10/09/09). Scan from Mats Sexton

Shonen Knife came on stage shortly after 11pm, dressed in their "Power Rangers"-type costumes, looking very uniformed. They were holding up their Shonen Knife/Osaka hand towels in the air, as if we had no idea who's on stage. It wasn't until midway did I realized that they were actually sort of advertising that they had "Shonen Knife/Osaka" merchandise for sale. It seemed to go hand-in-hand with their official sweat wristbands.

Shonen Knife - Riding On The Rocket

From my memory, they did only a handful of songs from their new album, Super Group, including the title track, "Super Group". The other songs I recognized from the new album were, "Pyramid Power" (this was done near the end) and "BBQ Party" (which sounded fantastic live).

After three new songs, singer Naoko Yamano, said eagerly that "Now for some classic Shonen Knife!!", launching into such classics like "Banana Chips", "Ramones Forever", and, of course, the best song, "Riding the Rocket".

Ritsuko Taneda singing "Johnny, Johnny, Johnny" ♥ 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (10/09/09)                                       1 comment

Interestingly enough, there was one song, "Johnny, Johnny, Johnny", that Ritsuko Taneda took over singing for the band. The song is actually quite old, from their 1994 album, Rock Animals.

Shonen Knife - Daydream Believer

For encores, they did "Sushi Bar Song" and "Top of the World" (their popular Carpenters cover). Sadly, I was hoping for "Tomato Head", "Daydream Believer" (Monkees) or even "Brown Mushrooms"... but hey, I'm perfectly happy with the Rocket song.

After the show, they did a meet & greet, signing autographs. I got my old 712 album and bought a few singles for them to sign. One of the Shonen Knife single was a Christmas song, with lyrics by Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), which I'm looking forward to putting on my iPod.

If they're coming through your town, go see and meet them! Their new album is called Super Group, out on Good Charmamel Records.

UPDATE 10/27/09 10:26am: Added Setlist

 10/22/2009 02:51:24 ♥ vu () ♥ shonenknife.net ♥ myspace.com/shonenknife ♥ twitter.com