W♥M (Archive)

CMJ 2011 Spotlight (Part 3)

CMJ The College Music Journal’s annual showcase of rising talent in both music and film is a veritable wet dream for musicians and pop culture nerds alike.

Here are some more CMJ parties and shows:

CMJ officially starts Thursday, but there are a few pre-CMJ shows, including the Under the Radar CMJ Party, happening tomorrow! That's right, Wednesday, October 19th, at Public Assembly in Williamsburg. It starts at 12:30pm and, best of all, it is completely FREE (you must be over 21 yeas old).

There will also be door prizes (PRS Guitars, Sweet 16 amps, and Keds shoes).

Under the Radar CMJ Party
Wednesday, October 19
12:30pm – 6:00pm

Public Assembly
70 North 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Set Times
12:45: Chad Valley
01:35: Casiokids
02:25: Porcelain Raft
03:15: Eleanor Friedberger
04:10: Still Corners
05:00: The Stepkids

The other party I am told is Terrorbird show at Cake Shop (with "free Nike T-Shirts For early birds"):

Terrorbird CMJ Day Party
Wednesday October 19th, 2011 @ Cake Shop
152 Ludlow St. NY, NY
12:30-6:30, FREE, 18+

ft. live performances from (in order of appearance):
The Immaculates (Death Class) - 1:00pm
Eternal Summers (Kanine) - 1:45pm
Gospel Music (Kill Rock Stars) - 2:30pm
Cloud Nothings (Carpark) - 3:15pm
Widowspeak (Captured Tracks) - 4:00pm
Cubic Zirconia (Fools Gold) - 4:45pm
Mux Mool (Ghostly International) - 5:30pm
Teen Daze (Waaga) - 6:05pm

*Early Arrival Strong Suggested*

The Muse Box sends me these tips:

October 19th 2011: The NYC Rising Showcase at Webster Hall's Marlin Room 7 PM / Julien Funk 7:45 PM / Little Devil 8:30 PM / MaG 9:15 PM / Headless Horseman 10 PM / Tayisha Busay

October 20, 2011: Clothes, Music, and Japery! at Any Old Iron 8 PM Julien Funk 8:30PM Anna Rose 9 PM Simon Spire

October 21, 2011: Stuff Hipsters Hate and BangON! NYC Party at The Living Theater 9 PM: Kitten Berry Crunch 10 PM: Not Blood Paint 11 PM: The Golden Pony 12 PM: Tayisha Busay 1 PM: Max Burgundy 2 AM: Narcisse

Ariel is putting together their annual CMJ Wrap-Up Party this upcoming Sunday, October 23rd from noon to 6 PM.

Full details at apra-amcos.com.au:

SOUNDS AUSTRALIA and CYBER PR ® are thrilled to invite you to our annual

CMJ WRAP PARTY 2011
PRESENTED BY MOBILE BACKSTAGE

Say farewell to the Australians in style!

Now in its third year, The Wrap Party will feature acoustic showcase performances by:

Canon Logic (USA) • Goodbyemotel (AUS) • Jones Street Boys (USA) Lythion (USA) • Seekae (AUS) • The Morning After Girls (AUS)

Date: Sunday 23 October
When: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Cyber PR ® Headquarters, 389 12th Street, Brooklyn NY 11215
How: Take the F Train and disembark at 7 Avenue - Park Slope (Exit near intersection of 9TH ST and 7TH AVE)

Food to be provided. BYO drinks.

Indigenous sends in these two shows: Lost Angeles Partaayyy and Tropical Popsicle. I thought I read that this is their first CMJ show. Posters below:

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

News: Today in Death

Sorry for the bleak title, but today's theme is about death.

SONIC DEATH:

Thanks to Cristina who passed this along, but the big shocker comes from Huff Po reporting that Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon have separated after being married for twenty-seven years.

The news is a bit of a shock to me, I first came to Sonic Youth with Goo and Dirty and continued to follow the band (even though they were a wee bit too experimental and weird sometime for my music taste).

Just out of pure speculation, I am assuming this also spells the death of Sonic Youth, because, at least to me, Sonic Youth would not be the same without both Gordon and Moore.

NEEDLE OF DEATH:

Speaking of death, influential folk music, Bert Jansch, passed away earlier this week (October 5th). He was 67. It is not made clear what he had died of, but since he had both heart and lung surgeries (2005 and 2009 respectively), I would hazard a guess that he was in poor health.

Johnny Marr, of the legendary The Smiths, is quoted as saying how Jansch was "one of the most influential and intriguing musicians to have come out of the British music scene".

Jansch influenced a ton of musicians, including Paul Simon, Donovan, Neil Young, Bernard Butler (Suede), Graham Coxon (Blur), and recently Fleet Foxes and Marco Mahler.

RE-ISSUE, RE-PACKAGE, RE-PACKAGE:

Speaking of Johnny Marr, one of the best Smiths song is called "Paint a Vulgar Picture", which is about a death of a singer and the "sycophantic slags" executives are celebrating and scheming to release a best-of, most-of release.

The good news is that I just read that Marr remastered the entire Smiths catalog called Smiths Complete at a reasonable price ($55), that's less than if you bought each Smiths album individually. However, for the true collectors, you may want to splash out for the vinyl release (which is about $190).

Even though I already own all the albums (in both 12" and CD), I will actually buy this new release, just because I want to hear the new remastered sound. I've always thought that their first album's audio production was completely terrible, so I'm hoping to fall in love with it on the new re-release.

Read the two-page article:

DEAD LEAF ECHO:

As with previous articles this week, we're spotlighting a CMJ band. And this one fits the bill: Dead Leaf Echo.

The band just finished their debut album, scheduled for early 2012. Look for their lead-single "Kingmaker" on 7" vinyl this fall on Custom Made Music.

More details on www.deadleafechonyc.com. Here is their CMJ shows, plus other dates:

CMJ- Saturday Oct. 22nd Vaudeville Park 7PM
Perfect Prescription- Shea Stadium/Brooklyn Thursday Oct. 27th w/The Morning After Girls
Washington DC. Gold Leaf Studios- Saturday Nov. 5th

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

Evan and Evelyn

EVELYN EVELYN
amandapalmer.net ♥ www.neilgaiman.com

Honestly, seeing Amanda Palmer last year was the best show I've ever seen. There was a bit of everything: theatrics, dance, very catchy songs, and a "surprise" guest: Neil Gaiman, himself. I've told this story before, but I didn't know they were together at the time I saw them, so I was a bit shocked because I knew he was married (and not to Palmer, at the time).

Well, everything is all good and well, the newlywed Amanda and Neil is touring around the countryside with their "An Evening with Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer" show, including spoken word, music, stories, and intimate talk with the audience. Tour details below:

10/28: San Diego, CA @ Birch North Park Theatre
10/29: Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre, A Halloween Spectacular
10/31: Los Angeles, CA @ Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 7pm *
11/4: San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts, 7pm *
11/6: Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre, 7pm *
11/8: Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theatre, 7pm *
11/9: Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre w/ Jason Webley, 7pm *

* = An Evening With Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer

As for Palmer's alter ego, joined-twin-sister Evelyn, with the other Evelyn, Jason Webley, they have a Dark Horse comic book and music video (directed by Hoku Uchiyama):



EVAN EVAN
evanvoytas.com ♥ thelemonheads.net

Evan Voytas: All week, we're spotlighting bands playing at CMJ, and today is Evan Voytas, his full CMJ schedule below:

10/18 Oh My Rockness Party @ Cameo Gallery
10/18 Newtown Radio @ Shea Stadium
10/21 Heart Music Group Party @ Pianos
10/22 Dovecote Records Party @ Glasslands Gallery

He recently covered Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" (a song that Sinead O'Connor made famous). Too bad the song will not appear on his 5-track 2012 EP for Dovecote Records.

Speaking of Dovecote, their CMJ FREE party at Glasslands in Brooklyn takes place on Saturday, 10/22 (artists includes: Ssion, Main Attrakionz, Wise Blood, Hard Mix, Evan Voytas, Supreme Cuts, Jonquil and Ski Lodge). Plus, I am told there will be drinks courtesy of Reyka Vodka. You can hear some of their artists at Soundcloud sampler.

Evan Dando: The Lemonheads are back, and better than ever! Having already seen Evan Dando (with Juliana Hatfield) at NXNE, I was pretty satiated that he did old Lemonheads songs. I recently found out that Dando will be doing the hit Lemonheads album, It's a Shame About Ray, undoubtedly their finest hour.

When Alternative Nation and 120 Minutes were going strong, It's a Shame About Ray was one of the first album that I bought. I haven't listened to the album in years, but I know all the songs. The best part is that I already know what the encore will be: their cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs Robinson" (this is the hidden song on the CD).

Of course, this begs the question: what other songs are they going to play? I mean It's a Shame About Ray was a pretty short album, at best thirty minutes! I guess you have to come and see:

Oct 14, 2011 - Pawtucket RI - The Met Oct 15, 2011 - Northampton MA - Downstairs at Pearl St Oct 17, 2011 - Toronto ON - Lee's Palace Oct 18, 2011 - Detroit MI - Magic Stick Oct 19, 2011 - Akron OH - Musica Oct 21, 2011 - Chicago IL - Double Door Oct 22, 2011 - Minneapolis MN - 7th Street Entry Oct 24, 2011 - Denver CO - Marquis Theatre Oct 25, 2011 - Salt Lake City UT - Urban Lounge Oct 27, 2011 - Los Angeles CA - El Rey Theatre Oct 28, 2011 - San Juan Capistrano CA - Coach House Oct 29, 2011 - San Diego CA - Soda Bar Oct 30, 2011 - San Francisco CA - The Independent Oct 31, 2011 - Santa Clara CA - The Avalon Nov 3, 2011 - Portland OR - Mississippi Studios		Nov 4, 2011 - Vancouver BC - Biltmore Cabaret Nov 5, 2011 - Seattle WA - The Triple Door Nov 6, 2011 - Bellingham WA - Wild Buffalo House Nov 30, 2011 - Portsmouth UK - Wedgewood Rooms Dec 1, 2011 - Nottingham UK - Rescue Rooms Dec 2, 2011 - Leeds UK - Cockpit Dec 4, 2011 - Newcastle upon Tyne UK - The Cluny Dec 5, 2011 - Glasgow UK - Oran Mor Auditorium Dec 6, 2011 - Manchester UK - Ritz Dec 7, 2011 - Liverpool UK - Academy 2 Dec 8, 2011 - Sheffield UK - Plug Dec 10, 2011 - Birmingham YK - Academy 2 Dec 11, 2011 - Cambridge UK - The Junction Dec 12, 2011 - London UK - Shepherd's Bush Empire Dec 13, 2011 - Brighton UK - Concorde 2

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

Jamie N Commons – The Baron EP

Jamie N Commons (why no punctuation, brother?) is a curiosity. To try and match his 22-year-old face with his cigs-and-bourbon voice is like working on a jigsaw puzzle that’s missing a few pieces—the image is there, but it doesn’t quite match the photo on the box. How, you might wonder, does a boy from Britain manage to evoke the spirit of a mysterious American outlaw? Or, better yet: how does he pull it off?

The Baron, Commons’ debut EP, paints a vivid picture of someone who prefers living on the fringe of society. A loner—or maybe an “avoider”—by nature, but a dark romantic at heart, he’d probably frequent dodgy alleyways and sad open spaces to emote without being bothered. He is a Cohen brothers’ character. He is the Man with No Name. He is the one your mother warned you about. Like his icon, the original “man in black,” Commons seems to identify more with the antihero than with the sweet, perpetuallylovesick protagonist. Inevitably, the ladies will swoon.After all, what is more intriguing than a musician who adopts a highly stylized persona without losing credibility?* (And for the record, his cred looks good.)

Commons makes ample use of Johnny Cash-esque filters but there are also shades of Tom Waits, whose “fire and brimstone stomp” is cited as creative impetus. Waits’ influence is especially prominent in the young singer’s distinct tone: references to Christianity as a sort of brutal allegory (“The Preacher”); genre bending (the bluesy rock ballad “Now Is Not the Time”); and haunting musical rifts (all of the above). They even share a love of odd chapeaus. Check out the music video for “The Preacher”:



Jamie N Commons will celebrate the release of The Baron with an official launch at The Old Queens Head (London) on October 17. The EP is available digitally via iTunes and limited edition signed copies can be pre-ordered at Rough Trades (UK) and Recordstore.co.uk. For more information, visit his website: www.jamiencommons.com.

*Sorry Garth Brooks.

lara () ♥ jamiencommons.com

CMJ 2011 Spotlight (Part 2)

Read More CMJ The College Music Journal’s (CMJ) annual showcase of rising talent in both music and film is a veritable wet dream for musicians and pop culture nerds alike.

Oh my - CMJ is in just a week! We are covering it, so stay tuned for more coverage. Please see CMJ 2011 Spotlight (Part 1).

Can't make it out? And/or too lazy to actually attend? Then you can listen in - LIVE:

TOYOTA
www.toyota.com

Toyota is sponsoring its fifth year at CMJ with Toyota's Free Yr Radio! They will be broadcasting interviews and live performances from such bands as Atlas Sound, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Portugal, The Man, Zola Jesus, Givers, Dum Dum Girls, The Lonely Forest, EMA and more. I'm most keen on the hottie EMA.

You can attend in person at the CMJ 2011 Music Marathon & Film Festival live from the lobby of the Ace Hotel New York at 20 West 29th Street on October 19, 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Did I mention the best bit? It is absolutely FREE.

Be sure to stay after 5pm for the special DJ sets, going on until midnight!

Wednesday, October 19 10:30 a.m. Zola Jesus 12:30 p.m. We Are Augustines 2:30 p.m. Portugal, the Man 4:30 p.m. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah		Thursday, October 20 10:30 a.m. Widowspeak 12:30 p.m. Givers 2:30 p.m. Dum Dum Girls 4:30 p.m. The Lonely Forest		Friday, October 21 10:30 a.m. WATERS 12:30 p.m. EMA 2:30 p.m. Caveman 4:30 p.m. Atlas Sound		After Hours DJ Sets (5pm – 12am): October 19: Beggars Group: Matador, 4AD & Rough Trade October 20: Acephale vs RVNG Intl. October 21: Group Tightener and Domino Records

PRESS HERE
pressherepublicity.com

Press Here has a few showcase for CMJ.... too numerous to list, but here are some bands that I've heard of, including:

Baaba Maal

October 21 @ PACE: Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts – 7:30PM

Canadian Blast Showcase & Mixer

October 19 @ Arlene’s Grocery
8:00 PM- Bikini
9:00 PM- PAPERMAPS
10:00 PM- The Reason
11:00 PM- Data Romance
12:00 AM- Dinosaur Bones

Data Romance

Oct 19 @ Arlene’s Grocery (Canadian Blast Showcase) – 11:00 PM
Oct 19 @ Tammany Hall Dub (Frequency Showcase) - TBC
Oct 20 @ Le Poisson Rouge (Windish Agency CMJ Showcase) -8:00 PM
Oct 21 @ Santos Party House (Neon Gold Showcase) -9:00 PM

Gotye

October 20 @ Thompson Hotel LES (Cantora Records/Labs Event- CMJ’s Official Tech Lounge) – 4:00 PM
October 21 @ Santo’s Party House (Neon Gold Showcase)- 12:00 AM
October 22 @ Brooklyn Bowl (Windish Showcase)- 12:00 AM

Mr.Dream

October 18 @ Glasslands (Stereogum) - 10:30 PM
October 20 @ Cake Shop (NYTaper Showcase) - 5:30 PM
October 20 @ Pianos (DeliMag) - 7:45 PM
October 21 @ Canal Room (Huffington Post) - 9:00 PM
October 22 @ Southpaw (Consequence of Sound) - 7:30 PM

WIM

October 18 @ Kenny’s Castaways – 9:00 PM
October 19 @ Pianos (Windish CMJ Showcase) – 1:00 AM
October 20 @ Rosenthal Pavillion, NYU (College Day Showcase) – 1:30PM
October 22 @ The Delancey (The Aussie BBQ) – 2:00 PM

Sarah Jaffe

Wednesday October 19th - 10PM – Team Clermont CMJ Showcase @ Bowery Poetry Club
Friday October 21st - 2PM –The Launch Pad: Presented by Baeblemusic @ Spike Hill

GIRLE ACTION
girlie.com

Getting some girlie action at CMJ:

Details of The Girlie Action Moderated Panel below:

Tuesday, Oct 18
Room: KC905-907
Green Room: KC906 Kimmel Center at NYU, 60 Washington Square S, New York, NY
Start Time: 2:00 PM
End Time: 3:15 PM

Moderators will include: Kevin Wortis, the Director of Label Services for Girlie Action Media, and the panelists are: Mike Martinovich, Rich Schaefer, Brian Winton, Mat Whitington, Jason Foster, and Steven Saporta.

Here are just some of their bands playing at CMJ this year:

Art vs. Science

October 19th @ Tammany Hall – Spotify/DubFrequency showcase
October 20th @ Le Poisson Rouge – Windish Agency showcase
October 22nd @ Cameo Gallery – PopGun Booking showcase

Christopher Paul Stelling

October 19th @ Rockwood Music Hall – Rockwood showcase, 8pm (w/ The Lumineers, The Wildbirds & more)
October 20th @ Spikehill – Mecca Lecca showcase, 3:30pm
October 21st @ Joe’s Pub – The Loom record release party, 8pm
October 22nd @ Fontana’s – Mecca Lecca label showcase, 9pm (w/ Spanish Prisoners, Unicycle Loves You, Adrienne Drake, Holas, Ghastly City Sleep & more)

Fionn Regan

October 17th @ The Rock Shop – headlining set
October 18th @ Mercury Lounge – headlining set, w/ Doris Cellar of Freelance Whales)
October 20th @ Fat Baby – Music From Ireland showcase, 8pm

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

October 20th @ DROM – GBH showcase (w/ Publicist, Alex English & more)
October 21st @ Santos Party House – Neon Gold party
October 22nd @ Cameo Gallery - PopGun Booking showcase (w/ Art vs. Science, Is Tropical & more)

Afropunk

October 18th @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, featuring Death, Cerebral Ballzy, Ninjasonik, Jersey Klan, Stack-Aly

ANR

October 18th @ Dominion NY – All Things Go Showcase, 11pm (w/ Penguin Prison, Brite Futures, Body Language)
October 20th @ Le Poisson Rouge – Windish Agency Showcase, 7pm (w/Art vs Science, Penguin Prison)
October 21st @ Fontana’s – Neon Gold Party, 9:30pm

That's it for now - there may or may not be another CMJ preview article.

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

ACRNYMS

STRFKR
facebook.com/Starf***er

STRFKR is the press friendlier name for Starf***er. I honestly thought it was "striker" when I first saw the acronyms, just like how I thought it was "mister kraft" for MSTRKRFT (it is Masterkraft, FYI).

Anyroad, this Portland is known for "accessible dance hooks", so you can just picture synth and disco beats.

Tomorrow (October 11th), the band will be releasing a split 7" with Seattle's Champagne Champagne - you can hear "Dragon Queens" on soundcloud.com.

In more STRFKR news, Polyvinyl Records will be releasing Jupiter to Europe on November 8th. The EP features a cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", as well as new cover artwok and three extra songs. The reason for the UK release is because the little fkrs are heading there to tour:

Nov 18, 2011 - Club Control, Bucharest, Romania Nov 19, 2011 - Postbahnhof, Berlin, Germany Nov 20, 2011 - Michelberger Hotel, Berlin, Germany Nov 23, 2011 - B72, Vienna, Austria Nov 24, 2011 - Kino Siska, Ljubljana, Slovakia Nov 25, 2011 - Royal, Baden, Switzerland Nov 26, 2011 - Amalgame Club, Switzerland Nov 29, 2011 - White Heat @ Madame Jojo's, London Dec 1, 2011 - Schlachthof, Wiesbaden, Germany Dec 3, 2011 - Hundertmeister, Duisburg, Germany Dec 4, 2011 - Gebaeude 9, Cologne, Germany Dec 7, 2011 - Debaser, Stockholm, Sweden Dec 8, 2011 - Debaser Malmo, Malmo, Sweden Dec 10, 2011 - Parkteatret, Oslo, Norway		Jan 5, 2012 - Catalyst Atrium, Santa Cruz, CA Jan 6, 2012 - Great American Music, S Francisco, CA Jan 7, 2012 - The Independent, San Francisco, CA Jan 8, 2012 - The Glass House, Pomona, CA Jan 9, 2012 - The Casbah, San Diego, CA Jan 10, 2012 - The Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix, AZ Jan 11, 2012 - VFW, Santa Fe, NM Jan 13, 2012 - The Prophet Bar, Dallas, TX Jan 14, 2012 - The Mohawk, Austin, TX Jan 15, 2012 - Fitzgerald's, Houston, TX Jan 17, 2012 - One Eyed Jacks, New Orleans, LA Jan 18, 2012 - The Engine Room, Tallahassee, FL Jan 19, 2012 - Backbooth, Orlando, FL Jan 20, 2012 - Bardot, Miami, FL

LCTRISC
facebook.com/lctrisc

Swedish duo Oskar Linnaeus and Adam Jonsson are LCTRISC (which is pronounced "elektrisk") has a new single, "Reach The Children (Book of Doom)".

The music video for "Reach The Children (Book of Doom)" can be seen on youtube. The video uses footage from a bicycle safety film from 1963, titled, One Got Fat: Bicycle Safety.

LCTRISC commented on the video: "Picture a rabid chimpanzee banging the drums on a minefield with a baby unicorns head. This song is dedicated to that baby."

POD
payableondeath.com

POD, which stands for "Payable on Death", is a rather old band from the early 90s. They're pretty massive, and I've just receive words that they've joined Razor & Tie's roster.

A new, yet-to-be titled album will be out Spring of 2012 and will be produced by Howard Benson (who also produced the band's hit album, Satellite as well as hits for 3 Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, Theory Of A Deadman, Daughtry, All American Rejects, and My Chemical Romance, etc.)

Singer Sonny Sandoval seems happy with the new transition: "We are really excited to be starting a new chapter of our career with Razor & Tie. We just can't wait to put out the new album and show everyone what we've worked so hard on."

In the meantime, they're playing a few dates:

10/15 - Chula Vista, CA - USA Olympic Training Center ­- Chula Vista Centennial Celebration
10/22 - Houston, TX - The Woodlands Pavilion - KTBZ BuzzFest

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

"Weird Al" Yankovic Live!: The Alpocalypse Tour

Details Title: "Weird Al" Yankovic Live! - The Alpocalypse Tour Director: Wayne Isham Producers: Brian Volk-Weiss, Dana Marshall, Jay Chapman, Jay Levey, Jim Sharon Format: Color, Widescreen, NTSC Studio: Comedy Central Blu-ray Release Date: October 4, 2011 Run Time: 86 minutes Setlist: Polka Face, TMZ, Smells Like Nirvana, Skipper Dan, Party in the CIA, CNA, Let Me Be Your Hog, Canadian Idiot, Wanna B Ur Lovr, Medley (a bunch of songs), Amish Paradise, Craigslist, Perform This Way, White & Nerdy, Fat, The Saga Begins, Yoda Retail Price: $22.98 (Bluray)/$19.98 (DVD) Read More Weird Al Yankovic I've been listening to Weird Al since Dare to Be Stupid and I can tell you that Weird Al writes two kind of songs: the parody and tribute songs. I like his tribute stuff, which is almost all original music and idea. For instance, "The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota" is kind of a rip off of Harry Chapin's 30,000 Pounds of Bananas.

I was pretty excited to receive "Weird Al" Yankovic Live!: The Alpocalypse Tour DVD for review this week. The DVD/Bluray was released last Tuesday.

To be perfectly honest, I already knew that Weird Al put on a pretty amazing live show, having bought his Weird Al Yankovic: Live from 1998.

Comparing this new Alpocalypse to this old Live DVD, his show performance had vastly improved! The band is tighter than ever and Weird Al perfected his stage presence with relevant costume changes throughout his set. I believe the DVD presentation might have edited out all the unnecessary and awkward silence between all the costume changes (because they look almost instant when viewing the show).

And speaking of editing, the program director did a great job cutting and choosing between the five or six camera angles, delivering a pretty good experience. Sure, most of the closeups and shots are of Weird Al, because let's face it, he is the star here.

The title, The Alpocalypse Tour, is misleading because that would suggest that most of the songs done live are from his latest album, Alpocalypse. As you know, I wasn't a fan of the new album because most of the songs he parodied on the new album are unknown to me (simply because I don't listen to popular radio so the songs and the jokes are lost on me.) However, this live show did an excellent job mixing in some "newer" songs and a whole lot of classic Weird Al hits like, "Amish Paradise", "White & Nerdy", "Fat", "The Saga Begins", and "Yoda"!

Highlight from his performance is "Smells Like Nirvana", obviously a parody of "Smells Like Teen Spirit", mostly thanks to the two anarchist cheerleaders and the awesome live gurgling! The fat suit in "Fat" was pretty amazing too.

As for the extras, from past experiences, I was expecting this to be a pretty bare-bones release, but there are three extra live songs "Frank's 2000-inch TV", "You Don't Love Me Anymore" and "You Make Me". No idea why they were left off the program, it was probably because it needed to fit under 90 minutes for a Comedy Central special. There is also two bonus videos for "Polka Face" and "Perform This Way" (the big hit video featuring Al's face on a woman's body).

If you're an old or new Weird Al fan, this should be on your buy list. The tight closeups and intimate shots will make you think like you're there. I attend a lot of live shows and simply put, Weird Al put on some of the best show I've ever seen. This DVD capture Weird Al on the top of his game.

"Weird Al" Yankovic Live!: The Alpocalypse Tour was released last Tuesday via Comedy Central. I recommend taking advantage of the Bluray version since I believe the show was shot originally in HD. If you don't have a bluray player - they're cheap now!

Weird Al in his fat suit for "Fat"

The Live DVD sounds awesome? See him in person!

Oct 8, 2011: Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium Oct 9, 2011: Durham, NC - Durham PAC Oct 11, 2011: Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre Oct 13, 2011: Allentown, PA - Allentown Symphony Hall Oct 14, 2011: New Bedford, MA - Zeiterion Arts Center Oct 15, 2011: Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre Oct 16, 2011: Concord, NH - Capitol Center for the Arts Oct 18, 2011: Albany, NY - Palace Theatre Oct 19, 2011: Washington, DC - Warner Theatre Oct 21, 2011: Morristown, NJ - Mayo Performing Center		Oct 22, 2011: Huntington, NY - Paramount Theatre Oct 23, 2011: New York, NY - Beacon Theatre Nov 2, 2011: San Luis Obispo, CA - Christopher Cohan Nov 4, 2011: Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz Civic Nov 5, 2011: Reno, NV - Grand Theatre Nov 6, 2011: Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre Oakland Nov 7, 2011: Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center Nov 9, 2011:Modesto, CA - Gallo Center for the Arts Nov 11, 2011: Anaheim, CA - City National Grove Nov 12, 2011: Los Angeles, CA - Pantages Theatre

vu () ♥ www.weirdal.com

Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

Going for Gold 7

Bands: Please put your band name or important item in your subject header, it is how I search my inbox. For instance, put "CMJ" in your subject instead of a generic: "Check this out" or "Hi". I'm putting together another CMJ spotlight, so send in your emails!

Anyway, once again, in its 7th installment, I present to you GOING FOR GOLD.

SUCH GOLD
suchgold.com

It's been a busy week for this Rochester band, Such Gold. They just announced that they've signed a deal with Razor & Tie Records, which will be coming out Spring 2012. We're so far from the release date that I don't actually have a cover artwork for the album. The picture you see is just the band.

Such Gold just wrapped their UK tour, and starting in October, they'll be on tour with Polar Bear Club, Fireworks, and Balance And Composure.

10/04/11 - Dekalb, IL - The House Café 10/05/11 – Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen 10/06/11 – Detroit, MI - Magic Stick 10/07/11 – Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop 10/08/11 – Toronto, ON - Annex Wreckroom 10/09/11 – Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar 10/11/11 – Asbury, NJ - Asbury Lanes 10/12/11 – Brooklyn, NY - The Knitting Factory 10/13/11 – Cambridge, MA - Middle East Club		10/14/11 – Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon 10/15/11 – Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place 10/24/11 - Wilkes–Barre, PA - Redwood Art Space 10/25/11 – Harrisburg, PA - The Underground 10/26/11 – Norfolk, VA - Jewish Mother Backstage 10/27/11 – Lexington, SC – Oak Grove Civic Club 10/29/11 - Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic 12/16/11 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance Theatre 12/19/11 – Danbury, CT – Tuxedo Junction

THE GOLDEN AWESOME
facebook.com/The-Golden-Awesome

Not much is known about this band, The Golden Awesome. They are from Wellington, New Zealand, probably just a skip and a hop from Sally in Sydney.

Anyway, the band's debut (self-titled?) album is out now (as of September 27th) via M'Lady Records. However, if you're outside of New Zealand, you'll have to wait until November 15th.

The first 200 LPs is available on colored vinyl. I am assuming the color is 'gold' or bright yellow. Physical record is not your deal? No problem, it's available digitally as well.

THE HEAVY DREAM
theheavydream.com

Under the Golden Sun is the latest release from The Heavy Dream. The only thing I really know is that the album was done in a "barn studio" called Barn Window and the band name might be just a stage name for one Dave King.

King said that his album, "... is the product of over a years worth of recording and I was extremely fortunate to have some of my favourite musicians, who just happen to be some of my favourite people play on the record! Included in this cast are Pat Sansone (Wilco, The Autumn Defense), Paul Linklater and James Strachan."

The album comes out October 11th, but you can preview and download the free title track at bandcamp.com

INCA GOLD
facebook.com/incagoldmusic

Inca Gold formed last year and already have two EPs, Inca Gold I and Inca Gold II. Closing out their trilogy of EPs will be called (what else?) Inca Gold III, out in November of this year.

Their biography lists that they sound like a "psychedelic mix of Morricone-esque cinematics, pop sensibilities and creative song writing", but that they've been compared to MGMT and Radiohead (OK Computer-era).

You can get "League" free at:

Inca Gold: League

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

April Smith & The Great Picture Show – 400 Bar, Minneapolis 10.2.11

Tour Dates 10/05/11 - Bozeman, MT - Filling Station 10/06/11 - Sandpoint, ID - Panida Theater 10/07/11 - Spokane, WA - Bing Crosby Theater 10/08/11 - Private Show 10/11/11 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway 10/12/11 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Cafe Read More April Smith April is coming to Minneapolis in October... that's April Smith.

Watching April Smith perform live is an entirely different experience than listening to her albums. This little lady is a born performer and her band, The Great Picture Show, completes the illusion of being party to a kind of “old-timey” variety hour. Sunday’s show at the 400 Bar was rife with nostalgic references, from the dashing lads in suspenders and newsboy caps to the accordion and upright bass straight from a ragtime “talkie.” It’s no surprise the band calls Brooklyn ‘home.’

What keeps Smith on the comfortable side of schmaltz are her powerful pipes. For someone so small, she has no problem belting a big one, even, as she claimed, while under the weather. Songs like “Drop Dead Gorgeous” (from 2010’s release Songs for a Sinking Ship) highlight her vocal prowess, while “Terrible Things” proves she’s also adept at writing a damn fine pop song*. In fact, most of Smith’s repertoire is filled with catchy pop tunes—easily accessible upbeat numbers that would not seem out of place in both mainstream and “indie” contexts. This is difficult to do. I’d wager that Smith’s secret is her charming attitude and undeniable stage presence. As I mentioned before, the stage is where she shines.

Smith joked about being sick, describing her present condition as somewhere between Carol Channing and Tom Waits. This got some laughs. However, hoarse throat notwithstanding, I’d be more inclined to compare her to a naughty June Carter in an alternate universe that closely resembles a saloon. If this was actually Prohibition Era America, as The Great Picture Show might mimic, no doubt Smith would have a hearty flask squeezed between her knees.

The band played selections from Songs for a Sinking Ship, including the aforementioned “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Terrible Things.” The sassy “Dixie Boy” was also a crowd hit, especially for eye-scratch sentiments like “ladies, I’m a lady, but please understand when it comes to my boy I will fight like a man.” Towards the end of her set, Smith performed both a cover of Trey Songz’s “Bottoms Up” and a track from her first album, loveletterbombs (2005). These were the only two moments I sensed her potential Achilles’ Heel—gimmicks (the former) and gag-inducing cuteness (the latter). Blessed with an adorable face, it’s Smith’s sharp tongue and fab voice that thwarts the urge to classify her as “twee.” She’ll need to maintain that delicate balance, especially if she insists on employing a small man to play the ukulele whilst single-handedly monopolizing the petticoat industry.

April Smith & The Great Picture Show are on tour through mid-October. For a full list of dates, visit the official website.

*This track was used for an AMC promo, which you can watch HERE.

lara () ♥ aprilsmithmusic.com