W♥M (Archive)

Free Viet Khang Update (03/06/12)

W♥M #124 Excerpt Read More Việt Khang In Vietnam, Việt Khang wrote and recorded two protest songs, “Việt Nam Tôi Đâu?” (Where is My Vietnam?) and “Anh Là Ai?” (Who Are You?). After posting the songs online, Vietnamese police arrested Việt Khang.

With the huge interest in the story of Viet Khang, I'm making a rare occasion to update you on the Free Viet Khang progress. Although you may see this article as "non-music related", we must not forget that Viet Khang was put in jail for writing two songs: "Việt Nam Tôi Đâu?" and "Anh Là Ai?" They are patriotic songs that inspire a better Vietnam and paints the Communist government in a poor light.

Most of the update is from the excellent coverage from vanganh.info, which I'll summarize for those who can't read Vietnamese: About 700 people (mostly Vietnamese, some Hmong, some Americans) gathered in Washington DC on Saturday 3/4/2012 to prep their meeting with the White House for Tuesday, today, March 6th.

As expected, a lot of Washingtonians was at the scene, but I was surprised to hear people from all over (Chicagoans, Californians, Minnesotans, Philadelphians) traveling out to attend and support the Free Viet Khang moment.

The event is headed by Truc Ho, from SBTN (Saigon Broadcasting Television Network), and based on the pictures and reports, everything looks well organized.

The campaign is hoping to bring light to Vietnam's terrible human rights policy (or lack thereof), and asks President Barack Obama to stop trades with countries who disrespect those rights.

Currently the number of petition signatures is more than 130,000. Everyone is happy about the coverage and support.

Emeli Sandé at Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis (03/05/12)

Set List at Dakota Jazz Club (03/05/12) Tour Dates 03/07 Toronto, ON The Drake 07/23 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre* 07/24 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre * 07/26 Montreal, QC Bell Centre* 07/27 Montreal, QC Bell Centre* 07/29 Boston, MA TD Garden* 07/30 Boston, MA TD Garden* 08/01 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills* 08/03 E. Rutherford, NJ Izod Center* 08/04 E. Rutherford, NJ Izod Center* 08/07 Chicago, IL United Center* 08/08 Chicago, IL United Center* 08/10 St. Paul, MN Xcel Center* 08/11 St. Paul, MN Xcel Center* * opening for Coldplay

What a treat! Emeli Sandé came by Minneapolis, last night, to preview her upcoming album. The intimate setting of the Dakota Jazz Club was a perfect listening room for Sandé. As the announcer puts it, this will be the only time that you get to see her at such a small venue, because the next time she's coming back, she's playing the Xcel Energy Center with Coldplay. Just to give you perspective, the capacity for Xcel is over 18,000 seats, while the Dakota is just under 300 seats.

Aby Wolf

Aby Wolf closed out the show, which may be one of the rare occasions where the support band actually played last. Her music was electronica/chilltronica in the vein of Julee Cruise.

As for Emeli Sandé, everyone at the show last night would agree that her set was way too short, with the encore of "Maybe" ending at 8:15pm! I suppose it shouldn't surprise us, considering that Sandé only has one album with a maximum of maybe 13 or so songs under her belt.

As you can see from the setlist, she did almost all the songs from her debut album, Our Version of Events, starting off to a strong start with her first single, "Heaven" and her current single, "Next to Me". Her voice is bold and wonderful, and you can easily see why she recently won the 2012 Brit Awards for Critic's Choice (previous winners includes Adele and Florence+Machine).

Sandé's album, Our Version of Events, is the second fastest-selling album of 2012, behind Lana Del Rey's Born to Die, when it was released in the UK a few weeks ago (February 19th); already the record went platinum! Unfortunately, the album is not available in the USA just yet. You can only get the single "Heaven" at the moment, but EMI/Capitol Records will finally release the album in the US on June 5th. By that time, expect to see her on the usual television appearance.

Emeli Sandé at Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis (03/05/12)

vu () ♥ emelisande.com ♥ myspace.com/abywolf

JAZZ NOTE 19 – HAVE A FAMILY REUNION

After

What makes New Orleans not only a musician’s town but also a place that produces musical families?  Take the Marsalis family.  There’s Wynton, one of jazz’s more tireless promoters.  Then you have Branford, Delfeayo and Jason.  Plus, don’t forget the man who started it all, Ellis.

What is surprising about this multi-gifted family is how they never grew up playing together à la the Von Trapps, the Osmonds or Hanson.  Ellis was aware of the gimmicky nature of children dressed in uniformed costumes trying to please a taskmaster of a father.  He had no intention of pushing his kids to follow his tradition.  If Ellis’ sons wanted to learn jazz, he would show them how, but they would have to discover what it meant to them on their own.

That’s what Ellis did most of his life, first teaching music in high school before moving on to New Orleans University.  In fact, The Marsalis Family: A Jazz Celebration is a concert that only came to fruition because Ellis was retiring from the University’s jazz department.  Only at the end of a distinguished career would his sons come to play together for the very first time.

At this point the Marsalis boys had all found their path in the music industry:  Wynton on trumpet as well as director of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; Branford on saxophone playing with Sting and as the bandleader for the Tonight Show; Delfeayo on trombone working as a musical producer; and Jason on drums and vibraphone and co-founder of one hopping group, Los Hombres Calientes. 

The only non-Marsalis on the stage that night was one of Ellis’ students, Roland Guerin on bass.  And with Ellis on piano, the group played a little of everything:  You have the standard, Oscar and Hammerstein’s “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top”; the traditional, “St. James’ Infirmary”; the sibling rivalry, Wynton and Branford going toe-to-toe in “Cain and Abel”; and the crowd pleaser, Louis Armstrong’s, “Struttin with Some Barbecue.” 

Then you have three songs from the man of the hour.   My favorite is “After.”  I’ve listened to it so many times it now evokes a certain mood.  Part calm, part wistful, part longing, if this album is about family, then this song is about a man, who after a long, hard day, has a few moments alone to reflect, to be thankful and to be relieved that Cain and Abel finally put down their instruments and went off to bed. 

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ fornaught.net

Going for Gold 12

This is the 12th edition of Going for Gold.

SUB FOCUS
subfocus.com

Sub Focus, aka Nick Douwma, returns this Spring with a new single, "Out The Blue", featuring Alice Gold on vocals. The single will be out April 30th, but you can preview the song on Soundcloud. The song was uploaded a week ago, but it's already had about 10k listens and a billion comments. Note: commenting on soundcloud looks awful, who thought this was a good idea?

Look for Sub Focus' sophomore album will be out sometime in Autumn 2012 via Ram/Mercury Records.

Having sold out his London show at O₂ Academy Brixton, it sounds like the UK have really embraced the D&B thing, considering that Chase & Status was recently nominated for a Brit Award.

ASHLEY GOLD ashleygoldmusic.com You may have heard of Ashley Gold from Minneapolis' Doomtree and as backup singer to Desdamona. Her debut EP, Late Bloomer came out last year. Ashley Gold will be playing at the Dakota Jazz Club this March 6th, 2012. Cover charge is only $5, but "cover for the show waived with $20 food purchase per person", according to the restaurant's website.

TARNISH&GOLD www.tarnishandgold.org Tarnish&Gold is an art gallery in Minneapolis, opened on Friday and Saturday, or by appointment. I know we mostly just cover music here, but I thought I'd mention this because these opening receptions usually come with "tips" wine and food and a live DJ (considering that their motto is "Gallery | Sound | Space"). Opening reception for "Rough Draft", sketches by Matt Wells and Chuck U is on Friday, March 9, 2012 from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Gallery show runs until March 31st.

 

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

Twilight Sad at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (03/03/12)

Set List at 7th Street Entry (03/03/12) Tour Dates 03/05/12 San Diego CA – Casbah 03/06/12 Los Angeles CA – The Echo 03/07/12 San Jose CA – The Blank Club 03/08/12 San Francisco CA – Independent 03/10/12 Seattle WA – Tractor Tavern 03/1/12 Portland OR – Doug Fir Lounge 03/14/12 Austin TX – SXSW 03/15/12 Austin TX – SXSW 03/16/12 Austin TX – SXSW 03/17/12 Austin TX – SXSW 03/18/12 Austin TX – SXSW Read More Twilight Sad Scotland's Twilight Sad was recently in the news because they had to cancel a few shows due to Visa complications.

The Twilight Sad stopped by 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis last night. It was freezing, but the band didn't seem to mind it, in fact, they were more than happy to play for us.

Danger, Will Robinson

Warming up the show was Danger, Will Robinson, a local band, still in high school. They are a math-rock, jam band - all instrumentals, no lyrics. I got the feeling that this was one of their first gigs, they seem fairly nervous.

They did songs from their Danger EP, including "Pillars of Creation".

Micah P Hinson

Next was Micah P Hinson, from Texas, but currently enjoying fame and appreciation in the UK. He had as much stories as songs. He seem like a bitter fellow, but at least he had a sense of humor.

His entire set was just him, an acoustic guitar, and an old timey microphone. Highlight of the show may be either his intro song, "Take Off that Dress for Me", or his failed attempt at a fan's request to play "Drift to Sleep". He confessed he actually doesn't practice or rehearse all of his songs, instead he substituted "Drift to Sleep" with "Dyin' Alone". Ended his set with "God is Good".

As for Twilight Sad: "Scotland's rubbish!", singer James Graham said on stage. As I previously mentioned, they were more than happy to be playing to an audience in America, Graham later added that he would've been happy to play to twenty or thirty people, but he was really pleased at the turn out - the venue was filled with adoring fans (truth be told, I was also surprised at the great turnout).

As you can see from the setlist, they mostly did songs from their latest album, No One Can Ever Know, including "Kill It in the Morning", "Alphabet", "Sick", "Dead City" and "Nil". However, I thought the highlight of their set was an "old" song from their debut album, "Cold Days From the Birdhouse" (which I don't actually see on the setlist).

Twilight Sad is currently on tour in America, on the road to SXSW. Their third album, No One Can Ever Know, is out now via Fat Cat Records.

Twilight Sad at 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis (03/03/12)

vu () ♥ www.thetwilightsad.com ♥ micahphinson.com ♥ dangerwillrobinson.bandcamp

W♥M124: What'll It Take

W♥M124 (24 mins) Download: W♥M124

This is part two of Sally's appearance on W♥M Radio. The show was recorded February 10th, 2012.

Sally saw Hall & Oates and Icehouse. We learn the sleazy origin of "Electric Boobs".

Since this recording, Graham Coxon already put together his video for "What'll It Take". See video madness below. It took 85 fans from 22 different countries and was pieced together by director Ninian Doff. Look for the new Graham Coxon album, A+E, which I think is out now.

Second part of the show is about Asteroid Galaxy Tour in Minneapolis. Most of the audience at the sold-out show was underage.

Finally the show ends with a comment about Viet Khang, this was recorded before my article. As far as I know, Viet Khang is still in jail for his song "Anh Là Ai?"

BONUS: Ting Tings are on tour. You can see the full tour listing here.



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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

Minneapolis at SXSW

Yep, it's that time of the year. South by Southwest. Please also read SXSW 2012 Preview.

Read More Minneapolis You remember That Dog's song, "Minneapolis"? I love it.

ROCK THE CAUSE
irockthecause.org

Rock the Cause is the Twin Cities' non-profit that builds communities through the power of music. They are one of the sponsors (including McNally Smith College of Music, 89.3 The Current, MPLS.TV, and MFR) of the daylong blow-out at SXSW on March 17th. McNally Smith College of Music is bringing 10 of their students to the blow-out.

I don't know about you, but I reckon these students have never experienced SXSW before. What I can tell you is that it is the best music experience I've ever had. For about a week, it's all about the music. You can't go anywhere without a band playing. It's pretty sweet.

I suppose it's not all partying, music business faculty Scott LeGere had this to say, "…they'll be plenty busy attending panels, interviewing key decision makers and promoting the college's first ever day party." Oh, that's right, there are daytime conferences, which, to this day, I have never woke up early enough to attend (with concerts ending at 2am, it's hard to wake up before noon).

Anyway, if you're down in SXSW this year, be sure to check out Liberty Bar in East Austin on March 17, from noon to 8pm. Bands on the bill: Astronautalis, Night Moves, Peter Wolf Crier, Me And My Arrow, Zoo Animal, Fort Wilson Riot, The Honeydogs, Pink Mink, Toki Wright, and McNally Smith College of Music students Danami, Kara Laudon, and David Sutton.

Did I also mention free booze? Complimentary Lone Star Beer, Summit Mirco-Brews, and food from East Side King will be available while it lasts. RSVP to this concert event now.

PINK MINK
pinkminkband.com

Today (March 2nd) is Minneapolis' Pink Mink big send-off party show at First Avenue.

03.02.12 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue (SXSW Send-off Party)
03.09.12 - Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon (w/Electric 6)
03.12.12 - Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium (w/Electric 6)
03.17.12 - Austin, TX @ SXSW / McNally Smith Party

No doubt that they will be playing songs from their self-titled album, which was released last July.

Also on Vita.mn's "Are You Local?" SXSW send-off are basically the same people at Rock the Cause: Astronautalis, Peter Wolf Crier, The Blind Shake, Pink Mink, and Fort Wilson Riot. Over at 7th Street are: Xavier Marquis, Prissy Clerks (who played last night are a superteam of Red Pens and Total Babe), and The Japhies.

POLIÇA
thisispolica.com

Poliça is basically Minneapolis' big buzz band at the moment. They were on the cover of City Pages, which kind of turned me off because the writer was absolutely in love with singer Channy Leanagh. I'm sure it's well-deserved, but I want you to know she hasn't cast her bewitching spell on me.

I'm the only one apparently, because everyone, including National Public Radio is in love with the band. Poliça will be in the NPR Music SXSW 2012 Event this year, alongside such national acts like Fiona Apple, Andrew Bird, The Magnetic Fields, Sharon Van Etten and more.

Full SXSW Schedule

03/13/2012 – Tuesday Bat Bar - CAMPFIRE Showcase 1:00 AM
03/14/2012 – Wednesday Red Eyed Fly - IODA Day Party 2:15 PM
03/15/2012 – Thursday The Parish - NPR Music Free Day Party
03/15/2012 – Thursday IFC / VICE - Paradigm Showcase
03/16/2012 – Friday Beauty Bar - ETNIES Showcase 4:00pm
03/17/2012 – Saturday Clive Bar - FILTER Party 4:00 PM

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

Scandinavian Pop

I am hoping to make this a regular feature – because I love music from the region. I know what you're thinking: what about Greenland? The truth is, I don't get a lot of mail regarding Greenlandic bands. Maybe somebody out there can remedy this?

FINLAND: BURNING HEARTS
burningheartsmusic.com

Burning Hearts is a Finnish duo (Jessika and Henry) with their sophomore album, Extinctions, out last week (February 21st) on Shelflife Records. You can preview "Into the Wilderness" on Soundcloud.

16.3 2012 - tba
23.3 2012 - Doris / Tampere
24.3 2012 - 45 Special / Oulu
31.3 2012 - Dynamo, Turku
30.4 2012 - Klubi, Turku
5.5 2012 - Hit the North / Zentrale (ex-Nachtasyl) im Thalia Theater / Hamburg

SWEDEN: THE MARY ONETTES
themaryonettes.net

Randy wrote about these guys five years ago. The band is still around, with a new EP, Love Forever out February 28th via our favorite Swedish label Labrador Records.

The EP marks their first time working with an outside producer, Dan Lissvik from Studio. He sounded difficult to work with, but according to singer Philip Ekström, it's all worth it: "the results justifies it."

NORWAY: MUSIQUE LE POP
mintyfresh.com

Is it possible that this Norwegian electronic/indie band, Musique le Pop, does not have a website? Perhaps they should work on the non-unique name. In the meantime, I'm listing Minty Fresh Records instead.

The trio consists of Christoffer, Jon, and Betty, and their debut single is called "Time Changes". The song came from Betty singing the title over and over again when she was getting ready for a party (possibly a scene lifted from the makeup cover artwork!). Within that hour, Christoffer and Betty had the song written. Jon put on the final touches, and thus, was the secret origin of Musique le Pop.

Check out the song on Soundcloud.

DENMARK: HANUMAN 5
safetyfirstrecords.co.uk

Hanuman 5 is described as "weirdfolk". Even weirder, Hanuman 5 took their name from the Hindu ape-god and features ex-rapper Kristian Haarløv from Sort Stue.

They are a very large band it seems, with Haarløv, bassist Morten Schrøder, drummers Tommy Flood & Mads Forsby, guitarists Rolf Drewsen & Valdemar Have, and horn section Jacob Zeuthen & Laurids Frydensberg. Officially and unofficially on their roster: strings Maria Dickmann & Cæcilie Trier and trombone/baritone saxophone Ulrik Hvidkær & Søren Skov. It's a small army.

Their album, Ethereo comes out March 1st (today!) via Safety First Records. You can stream the entire album via safetyfirstrecords.co.uk.

ICELAND: ÓLAFUR ARNALDS
olafurarnalds.com

This week, Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds talks to Paste Magazine about his first ever work for a US film, "Another Happy Day". You can read the interview and album stream on pastemagazine.com.

He's also recently released his so-called Living Room Songs EP, a collection of songs he wrote and perform during the course of a whole week. The EP, available via Erased Tape, comes in a variety of bundles, including limited vinyl and DVD and deluxe cardboard CD sleeve.

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