W♥M (Archive)

Going Batty

Read more When Animals Attack.

Read More Bat for Lashes Bat for Lashes is currently back in the U.S. to tour with Depeche Mode, but in between those dates, the band booked a few headlining side shows. Not surprising since they did a similar deal when they played Coachella.…

BAT FOR LASHES
batforlashes.com

The beautiful Natasha Khan (aka Bat For Lashes) will be releasing her new album The Bride via Parlophone/Warner Bros. Records on July 1, 2016. The album’s lead single “I Do” premiered last month to rapturous response while suggesting a bridal theme. The album’s second preview, “In God’s House,” continues with the mysterious narrative ....

The story of the Bride is about a woman whose fiancé has been killed in a crash on the way to the church for their wedding. The Bride flees the scene to take the honeymoon trip alone, resulting in a dark meditation on love, loss, grief, and celebration.

Bat For Lashes will be playing select, special shows for The Bride in between festival appearances at Coachella and Governor's Ball. Fans will get a chance to hear The Bride performed for the first time at these special small shows - which will include appearances at churches (to fit in the ‘bride’ theme) throughout North America and England.

The Bride invites all attendees of these special church shows to wear wedding/formal attire for the occasion... for guys a three-piece suit, for ladies, probably white dresses, etc. A portion of proceeds from these shows will benefit the David Lynch Foundation, whose mission is to bring Transcendental Meditation to at-risk populations around the world.

Upcoming Shows:

06/01/16 Brooklyn, NY St. Ann's Church
06/05/16 Governors Ball Music Festival
09/02/16 End Of The Road Festival

Read More Fruit Bats If you are looking for a laid back collection of summer tracks then I suggest you look no further than The Ruminant Band by the Fruit Bats. …

FRUIT BATS
fruitbatsmusic.com

Absolute Loser is Fruit Bats’ follow up to 2011's Tripper and it represents a triumphant return to name, form, and self. The record is out now on Easy Sound and was recorded by Thom Monahan who has a long relationship with band leader Eric D. Johnson.

We previously caught Fruit Bats in 2015 and wrote, “The set featured lots of cuts from the last two Fruit Bats records 2009’s The Ruminant Band (“Primitive Man,” “Feather Bed”) and 2011’s Tripper (“So Long,” “You’re Too Weird”) as well as some brand-spankin’ new songs from the next record, to be released sometime next year. Johnson’s honeyed voice was perfect, rivaled only by the dreamy strum of Barker’s guitar and gentle whirr of Klippert’s keyboards.”

Upcoming Shows:

May 22 - Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar +
May 24 - Austin, TX - The Parish +
May 25 - Dallas, TX - Three Links +
May 27 - MeadowGrass Music Festival 2016
May 28 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
May 29 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
May 31 - Des Moines, IA - Wooly's ~
June 1 - Indianapolis, IN - The Hi-Fi ~
June 2 - Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen ~
June 3-4 - Nelsonville, OH - Nelsonville Music Festival
June 5 - Chicago, IL - Do Division
Jun 10-11 - Sonoma, CA - Huichica
July 22 - Newport, RI - Newport Folk Festival
August 5-7 - Happy Valley, OR - Pickathon Music Festival

+= w/ Kyle Craft
~= w/ Andy C. Jenkins

Read More Hooded Fang Toronto's Hooded Fang is currently in America doing some dates for the month of June in support of their album, Gravez, which was released in late May on Full Time Hobby Records. …

HOODED FANG
hoodedfang.com

Toronto’s Hooded Fang is back with their new album Venus On Edge, which recently came out May 13 via the band’s own Daps Records.

Catch the band (singer/songwriter Daniel Lee, guitarist Lane Halley, bassist April Aliermo, and drummer D.Alex Meeks) this summer on their Canadian national tour.

Tour Dates:

May 31 Montreal, QC - La Plante
June 01 Kingston, ON - The Mansion
June 02 Hamilton, ON - This Ain't Hollywood
June 03 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
June 04 Guelph, ON - Kazoo! Fest
June 04 London, ON - Call the Office
July 29 Halifax, NS - Seahorse
July 30 Sackville, NB - Sappy Fest
August 01 Charlottetown, PEI - Baba's Lounge
August 04 Fredricton, NB - Reneu
August 12 Sudbury, ON - Up Fest
August 19 Ottawa, ON - Arboretum Festival

BAT HOUSE
bathouse.net

Boston’s indie-psych-math rock quartet Bat House will be stopping by Lee’s Liquor Lounge in Minneapolis this week (May 26th), in support of their forthcoming self-titled LP (to be released this Summer 2016).

They recently previewed their new single “Patterns” via soundcloud.com.

Upcoming Shows:

5/25 - Des Moines, IA - The Basement
5/26 - Minneapolis, MN - Lee's Liquor Lounge
5/27 - Duluth, MN - Red Herring Lounge
6/2 - Rock Island, IL - Rozz-Tox
6/3 - Evansville, IN - PG Cafe
6/4 - Bloomington, IN - The Blockhouse
6/7 - Bowling Green, KY - FFOYA House
6/8 - Louisville, KY - The Cure Lounge
6/9 - Nashville, TN - Nostromo House
6/10 - Chatanooga, TN - JJ's Bohemia
6/11 - Atlanta, GA - TBD
6/12 - Tallahassee, FL - The Terror Fish House
6/14 - Birmingham, AL - Desert Island Company
6/15 - Athens, GA -Flicker Bar
6/16 - TBA
6/17 - Athens, OH - Hardcore House of RBG
6/18 - Erie, PA - Kings Rook Club
6/19 - Boston, MA - Middle East
6/23 - Brooklyn, NY - The Rock Shop

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Bat for Lashes at the Grandstand, Minnesota State Fair (08/27/13)

Set List Lilies Glass What's A Girl To Do? Travelling Woman Sleep Alone A Wall Laura All Your Gold The Haunted Man Daniel Tour Dates 08/28/13 Indianapolis, IN Deluxe 08/30/13 New York, NY Webster Hall 08/31/13 Buffalo, NY The Town Ballroom 09/01/13 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amph* 09/03/13 Montreal, QC Bell Centre* 09/06/13 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center* 09/07/13 "Boston Calling" 09/08/13 Wantagh, NY Nikon* 09/10/13 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live * 09/12/13 Atlanta, GA Aaron's Amph* 09/14/13 Tampa, FL MidFlorida Credit Union Amp* 09/15/13 Sunrise, FL BB&T Center* * Appearing with Depeche Mode Read More Bat for Lashes Bat for Lashes is currently back in the U.S. to tour with Depeche Mode, but in between those dates, the band booked a few headlining side shows. Not surprising since they did a similar deal when they played Coachella.…

Bat For Lashes is currently touring in America with Depeche Mode (more on their show later), and the band stopped by the Minnesota State Fair as part of their tour.

We've been following and documenting Bat For Lashes since 2007, and we've seen singer/songwriter Natasha Khan (the woman behind the band) continually grow as an artist. I believe we covered her first appearance in Minneapolis at the 7th Street Entry in 2007 and then again at the Varsity Theater in 2009.

With the release of her third album The Haunted Man last year, we waited patiently for a major tour announcement. Well, it finally happened: Khan is currently on tour in support of The Haunted Man! As expected, we got to hear some of those new songs played live at last night's show.

Natasha Khan

The band came on stage dressed in all black, while Natasha was clearly the star in her gorgeous red dress.

The set was about half new songs, with the rest mixing the old hit song, "What's A Girl To Do?" (thanks to that Donnie Darko-inspired video) and some hits from Two Suns (including my favorite "Sleep Alone").

Of the new songs ("Lilies", "Glass", "A Wall", "Laura", "All Your Gold", "The Haunted Man"), I found the latter two tracks worked best, simply because of the catchy dance rhythms. The two songs were so good, that some lone fan at the show got up to dance to "The Haunted Man" that inspired Natasha to encourage everyone to stand up for her finale "Daniel".

Bat For Lashes is currently on tour with Depeche Mode in support of The Haunted Man. If you find it hard to afford a ticket to see Depeche Mode, Bat For Lashes are playing a number of smaller side shows, so check your local listings.

Bat for Lashes at the Grandstand, Minnesota State Fair (08/27/13)

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ podcast.weheartmusic.com ♥ batforlashes.com

Minnesota State Fair 2013

Read More MN State Fair The Minnesota State Fair one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. The attendance to last night's Wilson Phillips' show at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell was packed .… Train Remember Train? The San Francisco band blew up with hit singles like "Meet Virginia" and "Hey, Soul Sister"? Well the band was on tour for most of 2012 with Mat Kearney for their sixth studio album California 37.… Bat for Lashes Bat for Lashes is currently back in the U.S. to tour with Depeche Mode, but in between those dates, the band booked a few headlining side shows. Not surprising since they did a similar deal when they played Coachella.… Trampled by Turtles Trampled By Turtles (aka TBT) had a very special two-day CD release shows for Friday and Saturday at First Ave, in Minneapolis. .…

It's that time of the year again: the Minnesota State Fair! We went last year to see Wilson Phillips at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell inside the State Fair. As we mentioned, the MN State Fair is the largest state fair in the U.S.! It's no wonder why they call it "The Great Minnesota Get-Together". The Fair ends on Labor Day, so you've only got one week left.

With exception of the paid Grandstand stadium, the MN State Fair's various stages are free (with the paid entrance admission). I am only listing the evening music shows - if you are interested in the full schedule, go here.

LEINIE LODGE BANDSHELL

Aug. 26 & 27: Hanson
Aug. 28 & 29: Sheila E.
Aug. 30 & 31: Robert Randolph & Family Band
Sept. 1 & 2: Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Brothers

BAZAAR

Aug. 26 & 27: Lost Highway
Aug. 28 & 29: Salsa del Soul
Aug. 30 & 31: New Primitives
Sept. 1 & 2: GB Leighton

HERITAGE SQUARE

Aug. 26 & 27: Sarah Gayle Meech
Aug. 28 & 29: Billy McLaughlin
Aug. 30 & 31: Pieta Brown & Sawdust Collective
Sept. 1 & 2: Chastity Brown

GRANDSTAND LINEUP

08/27/13 Depeche Mode/Bat For Lashes
08/28/13 2013 Internet Cat Video Festival
08/29/13 Train/Michael Franti/Spearhead
08/30/13 MN Music On-A-Stick
08/31/13 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
09/01/13 MN State Fair Amateur Talent Contest
09/02/13 Tim McGraw/Brantley Gilbert

Note that the Music On-A-Stick features Trample by Turtles as well as other acts. Please see their website for more details.

I'm very excited to see Bat for Lashes tomorrow, they are opening up for Depeche Mode at the Grandstand. If I wasn't already seeing BFL, I wouldn't mind checking out the brothers Hanson just to see them do "MMMBop".

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

Girls Girls Girls: Cherie Currie, Julie Ruin, Bat for Lashes, SISU, Alison Moyet, and Jessica Hernandez

Read more Girls Girls Girls.

Read More The Runaways We spent a lot of time talking about the Runaways. Well maybe it was mostly Cristina talking about the movie, since I haven't seen it. But it was good, the whole thing reminds me of The Fabulous Stains. …

CHERIE CURRIE
cheriecurrie.com

Admittedly I have still yet haven't seen "The Runaways" movie, starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie. I think what that movie brought to the general public is how insanely popular the band got in the late 70s, particularly in Japan.

As we all know, members of the Runaways was even more prolific when the band broke up: Joan Jett getting lots of love with her cover of the Arrows' song "I Love Rock 'N' Roll", as well as other hits like "Bad Reputation" and "I Hate Myself For Loving You". Micki Steele joined another all-girls group The Bangles and had even more massive hits with "Manic Monday", "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Eternal Flame". Lita Ford, of course also had success with "Kiss Me Deadly" and "Close My Eyes Forever" (duet Ozzy Osbourne).

As for Runaways singer Cherie Currie, after releasing two solo albums (Beauty's Only Skin Deep and Messin' With the Boys), she remain relatively quiet on the music industry side. Last year, there was a rumor going around that Lita Ford and Currie had reunited to record new songs and that a possible tour may happen.

Maybe that will still happen, but in the meantime I'm told that she's working on new material with Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver and Guns n Roses. Other guests on the upcoming album includes Slash, Billy Corgan (who wrote "Blvds of Splendor" for the album), Julliette Lewis, Duff McKagan, and more. I'll post more details when I receive them.

I am also very excited to announce that Cherie Currie is heading out on tour in August:

Aug. 7 Cleveland – The Foundry
Aug. 8 Ferndale, MI – Magic Bag
Aug. 10 Chicago – Northalsted Market Days Fair
Aug. 11 Minneapolis – The Belmore/New Skyway Lounge
Aug. 15 Loomis/Sacramento, CA – Blue Goose Event Center
Aug. 16 Fresno –Strummers
Aug. 17 SF – Red Devil Lounge
Aug. 18 San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Brew

Trivia: Cherie Currie recently appeared as herself in Syfy's "Warehouse 13", Season 4, Episode 16, entitled "Runaway".

Read More Kathleen Hanna Vu and Emily cover early Riot Grrrl bands. This is by no means some definitive guide to Riot Grrrls, but we covered the basics: Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, and some later Sleater-Kinney and Pussy Riot action…

JULIE RUIN
thejulieruinband.com

Longtime readers will know that I'm actually a pretty big riot grrrl fan, so I'm happy to report that Kathleen Hanna is back with her Julie Ruin project. The new Julie Ruin album, entitled Run Fast, will be out September 3rd via TJR Records (distributed by Dischord).

Also, guess what? Julie Ruin's FIRST EVER tour is taking place this September, with support from our favorite La Sera on some dates.

09/03: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
09/05: Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
09/07: Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
09/12: Portland, OR @ TBA Festival
09/15: Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s #
09/17: San Francisco, CA @ Slims #
09/19: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo #
09/22: San Diego, CA @ Irenic #
11/8-10: Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest

* = w/ Swearin’ as support
# = w/ La Sera as support

Read More Bat for Lashes I've always thought Bat For Lashes' singer, Natasha Khan, was a fox, but wowser, check out the cover artwork for her upcoming new album, The Haunted Man. …

BAT FOR LASHES
batforlashes.com

Bat for Lashes is currently back in the U.S. to tour with Depeche Mode, but in between those dates, the band booked a few headlining side shows. Not surprising since they did a similar deal when they played Coachella and decided to do a mini-California tour.

Bat for Lashes, otherwise known as Natasha Khan, will be playing songs form her third studio album The Haunted Man, tour details below:

08/22/13 Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy #
08/23/13 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music
08/24/13 Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank #
08/26/13 Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
08/27/13 St. Paul, MN @ Minnesota State Fair
08/28/13 Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe
08/30/13 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
08/31/13 Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
09/01/13 Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amph #
09/03/13 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre #
09/06/13 Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center #
09/07/13 Boston, MA @ Boston Calling Festival
09/08/13 Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach #
09/10/13 Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live #
09/12/13 Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amph #
09/14/13 Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA #
09/15/13 Fort Lauderdale, FL @ BB&T Center #

# with Depeche Mode

Read More Dum Dum Girls Dum Dum Girls - too cute and popular for this earth ... and CMJ (yet they played some shows). …

SISU
sisuband.com

Los Angeles' SISU will be releasing their debut full-length record, Blood Tears, this September 17th, via New York's Mono Prism Records. The band feature principle songwriter Sandra Vu, from Dum Dum Girls.

Talking about the non-genre upcoming album, Vu had this to say, "Blood Tears is about the anxiety of starting over, the hangover of failure, breaking up, insecurities, self doubt, finding a voice, finding that you have a voice, speaking up and singing louder…. I didn't want to sound like any one thing — a shoegaze band, an electronic band, a rock band — but I did want to make pop songs with un-pop sounds. Whether a song starts out as noise or with an abrasive synth, I always find my way back to melody and structure."

The band is also heading out on tour this year with Montreal's Dirty Beaches, see tour dates below:

07/26: San Diego, CA @ The Void
07/27: Los Angeles, CA @ Permanent Records
08/30: Los Angeles, CA @ La Cita
09/04: Montreal, QC @ SAT #
09/05: Boston, MA @ Church #
09/06: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom #
09/08: Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel #
09/09: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's #
09/11: Toronto, ON @ Garrison #
09/12: Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle #
09/13: St Louis, MO @ The Firebird #
09/14: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In #
09/15: Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree #
09/17: Austin, TX @ Mohawk Inside #
09/19: Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room #
09/20: Los Angeles, CA @ Echo #
09/21: San Diego, CA @ The Void #
09/22: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill #
09/24: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios #
09/25: Seattle, WA @ Barboza #
09/26: Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore #

# w/Dirty Beaches

Read More Alison Moyet He was one of the founding members of Depeche Mode, and he recently teamed up with Martin Gore as VCMG, and the album Ssss is set to released next month. He also reunited with Alison Moyet as the duo Yazoo for a recent tour. …

ALISON MOYET
alisonmoyet.com

Alison Moyet's Live at Bush Hall digital download EP is available next week, July 29th. The five-track EP feature live rendition of her songs, "When I Was Your Girl", "Filigree", "Nobody's Diary" (Yazoo), and "Don't Go" (Yazoo). The selection is taken from her one-off gig at London's intimate Bush Hall, to premiere tracks from her latest album the minutes.

If you like what you heard, she's heading out on tour this year in support of the minutes:

09/16/13 Berlin – Heimathafen Neukölln
09/17/13 Stuttgart – Theatrehaus
09/18/13 Hannover – Theater am Aegi
09/21/13 Germany – Capitol Offenbach
09/23/13 Amsterdam – Paradiso Grote Zaal
09/24/13 Hamburg - Grosse Freiheit 36
09/25/13 Cologne - Gloria Theatre
09/27/13 Paris, France - Divan du Monde
09/30/13 Ireland Cork Opera House
10/01/13 Northern Ireland Belfast Waterfront
10/02/13 Ireland Dublin Olympia Theatre
10/04/13 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
10/05/13 Edinburgh Usher Hall
10/06/13 Gateshead The Sage
10/08/13 Sheffield City Hall
10/09/13 Rhyl Pavilion Theatre
10/10/13 Warwick Arts Centre
10/12/13 Northampton Derngate Theatre
10/13/13 Ipswich Regents Theatre
10/15/13 London Royal Festival Hall
10/16/13 Cambridge Corn Exchange
10/17/13 Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall
10/19/13 Bristol Colston Hall
10/20/13 Cardiff St. David's Hall
10/21/13 Brighton The Dome
10/23/13 York Barbican Theatre
10/24/13 Salford The Lowry
10/25/13 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
10/27/13 Nottingham Royal Centre
10/28/13 Birmingham Symphony Hall
10/29/13 Southend Cliffs Pavilion
10/31/13 Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
04/03/14 Royal Albert Hall

Read More Gogol Bordello Start wearing purple, wearing purple! Gogol Bordello is back with Pura Vida Conspiracy, coming out July 23, 2013, on ATO/Casa Gogol Records …

JESSICA HERNANDEZ & THE DELTAS
jessicahernandez.net

Jessica Hernandez is a first-generation American, living in Detroit, Michigan. She lists her influences are Gogol Bordello and Tom Waits, both bands that we like on W♥M.

Jessica Hernandez and her band called the Deltas will be heading out on tour this year in support of their live EP Live At the Magic Bag:

07/27 - Detroit, MI / Oakaloosa Music Festival
08/17 - Davenport, IA / River Roots Live
08/18 - Chicago, IL / Schuba's
08/28 - Indianapolis, IN / Do317 Lounge
08/29 - Cincinnati, OH / MOTR Pub
08/30 - Columbia, MO / Ninth Street Summerfest
09/01 - Lincoln, NE / Rye Room @ Bourbon Theatre
09/03 - Denver, CO / Hi-Dive
09/04 - Salt Lake City, UT / Kilby Court
09/06 - Portland, OR / Doug Fir (MusicFest NW)
09/07 - San Francisco, CA / Hotel Utah
09/08 - Santa Ana, CA / Constellation Room
09/09 - Hollywood, CA / Bardot
09/10 - Las Vegas, NV / Backstage Bar & Billiards
09/12 - Scottsdale, AZ / Pub Rock Live
09/14 - Austin, TX / Lambert's
09/15 - Dallas, TX / The Foundry
09/17 - St. Louis, MO / The Firebird
09/28 - Philadelphia, PA / Milkboy

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Haunted by you

"With all the things that I've said, I'm still haunted by you.
In every town, in every place, you're waiting"
- Gene

Read More Bat for Lashes A friend of mine asked me to check out this errie music video for "What's a Girl To Do" by Bat for Lashes. My first thought was of how reminiscent it is of the film Donnie Darko…

BAT FOR LASHES
batforlashes.com

I've always thought Bat For Lashes' singer, Natasha Khan, was a fox, but wowser, check out the cover artwork for her upcoming new album, The Haunted Man. The photograph was taken by Ryan McGinley, known for his naturalistic imagery. I love the photo!

Anyway, hearing about her new album would only mean one thing: a new tour. I think I have seen Bat For Lashes every time they were in Minneapolis, and hopefully, Charlotte Hatherley will also be in the band.

Look for The Haunted Man on October 23rd, via Capitol Records. In the meantime, check out the video for "Laura," taken from the upcoming album.

Below are her confirmed UK dates:

09/02/12 Stradbally, Ireland "Electric Picnic
09/09/12 Isle Of Wight, UK Bestival
10/18/12 Inverness, UK Ironworks
10/19/12 Edinburgh, UK HMV Picture House
10/21/12 Glasgow, UK ABC1
10/22/12 Manchester, UK Manchester Cathedral
10/25/12 Leeds, UK Metropolitan University
10/26/12 Norwich, UK Univ. Of East Anglia LCR-Union
10/28/12 Leicester, UK O2 Academy
10/29/12 London, UK HMV Forum
11/01/12 Birmingham, UK The Institute
11/02/12 Bristol, UK Anson Room
11/03/12 Portsmouth, UK Pyramid Centre
11/04/12 Brighton, UK Brighton Dome
11/27/12 Amsterdam, Netherlands Paradiso

ARIEL PINK'S HAUNTED GRAFFITI
facebook.com

Ariel Pink has been producing original music since 2000, and a few years ago, he's really started coming on my radar. Before I knew it, he went under a new band called Haunted Graffiti. For some reason, he changed the band's name to Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. I think it's a dumb name, but there's probably a good reason for this. I can only speculate that he wants to continue to brand the name "Ariel Pink" or that "Haunted Graffiti" was already another band's name.

Anyway, their new album, Mature Themes, is coming out August 21st via 4AD. The song, "Only In My Dreams," was given to KCRW's Morning Becomes Electric and a free MP3 can now be downloaded from 4AD.com.

He will be out on tour:

09-07 Austin, TX - Mohawk *$ 09-08 Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre *$ 09-10 Atlanta, GA - Goat Farm *$ 09-11 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle*$ 09-13 Washington DC - 9:30 Club *$ 09-14 New York, NY - Webster Hall *! 09-15 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer *% 09-16 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club *% 09-18 Montreal, Quebec - Cabaret Du Mile *% 09-19 Toronto, Ontario - Lee's Palace *% 09-20 Oberlin, OH - Oberlin College * 09-21 Chicago, IL - Metro *# 09-22 Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line Music Cafe *# 09-24 Denver, CO - The Summit Music Hall *# 09-25 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge *# 09-27 Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre * 09-29 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom * 10-01 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's 365 Club *# 10-05 Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda Theatre * 11-07 LIVERPOOL, Kazimier

11-08 GLASGOW, Stereo 11-09 LONDON, York Hall (Illuminations Festival) 11-12 ANTWERP, Trix 11-13 AMSTERDAM, Melkweg 11-14 PARIS, La Gaite Lyrique 11-16 COLOGNE, Gebaude 9 11-17 HAMBURG, Prinzenbar 11-19 COPENHAGEN, Vega Big Room 11-20 STOCKHOLM, Debaser Midis 11-22 HELSINKI, Tavastia 11-24 WARSAW, Hydrozagadka 11-25 BERLIN, Festaal Kreuzberg 11-27 MUNICH, Ampere 12-06 ISTANBUL, Babylon * = w/ Bodyguard $ = w/ Moon Diagrams ! = w/ TEEN % = w/ Phedre # = w/ Dâm-Funk

LITTLE HURRICANE
littlehurricanemusic.com

Little Hurricane is a duo consisting of CC and Tone. They met on Craigslist and since then, the band's music has been described as "dirty blues."

Tone would protest that they're "more rock 'n' roll than the record." He's referring to their live shows, which includes homemade speakers and DIY attitude.

The band's single, "Haunted Heart," can be seen on their music video. If you like it, the song can be yours for free if you sign up for their mailing list on their website.

The little band is going on a big tour with Heartless Bastards (#) and Electric 6 (*). See below:

07.31 Manny's Billings, MT# 08.01 Hop Hat Missoula, MT# 08.02 A Club Spokane, WA# 08.04 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR 08.07 Pink Garter Theatre Jackson, WY# 08.08 Hi Dive Denver, CO 08.10 The Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT# 08.11 Cargo in CommRow Reno, NV# 08.13 Harlow's Sacramento, CA# 08.14 Rio Theatre Santa Cruz, CA# 08.15 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA 08.16 The Hotel Cafe Los Angeles, CA 08.17 The Observatory Santa Ana, CA# 08.18 Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown, CA# 08.30 Belly Up Solana Beach, CA

09.06 Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV 09.14 Telluride Blues & Brews - Telluride, CO 10.19 Grog Shop Cleveland, OH* 10.21 20th Century Theater Cincinnati, OH* 10.22 Brillbox Pittsburgh, PA* 10.24 Iron Horse Music Hall Northampton, MA* 10.28 Milk Boy Philadelphia, PA* 10.31 Black Cat Washington, DC* 11.01 Cats Cradle Carrboro, NC* 11.02 New Brookland Tavern Columbia, SC* 11.03 529 Atlanta, GA* 11.04 Headliner's Music Hall - Louisville, KY* 11.06 Firebird St Louis, MO* 11.07 The Highdive Champaign, IL *

SHADOWBOX
shadowbox4u.net

Bonnie Baxter's stagename is ShadowBox, and her EP, "Haunted By Colors" EP can be heard streaming at The FADER. The EP came out today (July 24th) on Pictures Music.

Baxter, herself, explained that the title was "inspired by the vivid dreams I was having at the time where no dialogue was present, just these reoccurring images that would naggingly imprint themselves into my head. Also, the anxieties and fears of waking life."

Check out her song, "AM":

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

Bat for Lashes at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (8/7/09)

Bat For Lashes - Sleep Alone Bat For Lashes Tour Dates 08/09/09 Lollapalooza Chicago 08/12/09 Webster Hall New York, NY 08/13/09 Paradise Rock Club Boston 08/15/09 9:30 Club Washington DC 08/17/09  Loft  Atlanta, GA 08/19/09 The Parish Austin, TX 08/20/09 The Loft Dallas, TX 08/22/09 Bluebird Theatre Denver, CO 08/25/09 Venue  Vancouver, BC 08/26/09 Neumo’s Seattle 08/27/09 Wonder B Portland, OR 08/29/09 Outside Lands Festival SF, CA 08/31/09 Music Box Theatre LA, CA 09/05/09 Electric Picnic Stradbally 09/11/09 Bestival Isle Of Wight 10/01/09 Bournemouth Opera House 10/02/09 Brighton Dome Brighton 10/04/09 Corn Exchange Cambridge 10/05/09 Roundhouse London 10/06/09 Roundhouse London 10/09/09 Colston Hall Bristol 10/10/09 O2 Academy Liverpool 10/12/09 Rock City Nottingham 10/13/09 O2 Academy Leeds 10/14/09 Academy Manchester 10/16/09 Great Hall, Cardiff 10/17/09 Octagon Sheffield 10/19/09 O2 Academy Glasgow 10/20/09 Picture House Edinburgh 10/28/09 Postbahnhof Berlin 10/29/09 Uebel & Gefahrlich Hamburg 10/30/09 Melkweg Oude Zaal Amsterdam 11/02/09 Den Atelier Luxembourg 11/04/09 Olympia Paris Discography [2007] Fur and Gold [2009] Two Suns Video Bat For Lashes - Whats a Girl To Do Read More Bat For Lashes http://weheartmus... A friend of mine asked me to check out this errie music video for "What's a Girl To Do" by Bat fo...

Natasha Khan, aka Bat for Lashes, with her band made their very first American show last night at the ever elegant Varsity Theater in Minneapolis.

Once again, Dearling Physique (official / myspace / twitter), opened up for Bat. Compared to their previous appearance, I would have to say that this show sounded so much better (I talked briefly with the band and they admitted it was because they actually had a chance to do sound check prior to playing). Mister Dominique Davis came on stage in somewhat of a superhero outfit, complete with table cloth cape and all. It should be interesting to keep an eye on this band, they're starting their national tour in a few weeks.

Bat for Lashes ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (8/7/09) Setlist ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (8/7/09)

Back to Bat for Lashes, I was lucky enough to catch them very early in their career in America, at the very tiny 7th Street Entry in 2007. They only did eight songs, based on their setlist. And not even that Springsteen "I'm on Fire" cover song (Natasha told me that they just didn't have the proper equipment to play it).

With only just two years later, the band's audience had quadrupled with the Varsity Theater filling up quickly. Gone was the Indian/Native American theme, such as the Shaman's sceptre - but it's understandable as the setlist is mostly from their Two Suns album. And the theme to Two Suns, if anything, is about duality and opposites. Like the mountain the sky, the sun and the moon, love and hate, which the stage was clearly demonstrating.  For example, there were all these plastic Jesus statues and candles, but their songs are about nature (with the background of the mountains and the sky).

The highlight for me was them taking care of my favorite "lonely lonely lonely" song, "Sleep Alone", very early on their set.

The audience obviously loved "What's a Girl to Do?" and "Daniel". I should add that "Pearl's Dream" sounded fantastic live, as they end their set before coming back for the inevitable encore.

A fun note, as I have previously mentioned, Charlotte Hatherley is in Khan's band as the bassist/backup vocalist. I wanted to say hi after the show, as I've met her a while back when she was touring with Ash and that I have always liked her solo work as well. Unfortunately, the Varsity staff was kicking everyone out and I ended up just going home.

If you get a chance, check out Bat for Lashes on tour. Their latest album is Two Suns, however, a quick check shows an exclusive iTunes EP that was just released: Bat for Lashes - iTunes Live: London Festival '09 EP

 08/08/2009 01:27:24 ♥ vu () ♥ batforlashes.com ♥ myspace.com/batforlashes ♥ twitter.com 

News: Charlotte Hatherley is Back, plus Those Darlins

Charlotte Hatherley - White Charlotte Hatherley Read More Ash http://weheartmus... Ash confirmed that Twilight of the Innocents (to be released July 2007) will be their last album....

As you may have noticed with my absents, I do have a day job that's actually gotten really, really busy this past few months (and will likely carry over to May). In fact, it's Saturday morning and I have to get in the office and work. Hey, in this economy, I suppose I should be thankful, right?

So, anyway, there are very few albums that I have requested for review. There are some that came in that I'm very excited about and won't mind not sleeping in the next few days to write about them - so keep your eyes glued here.

Here's an album that I won't be reviewing (because I don't think the UK record label likes us): Cinnabar City by Charlotte Hatherley (official/myspace). Her previous albums (Grey Will Fade and The Deep Blue) was never officially released in the US, so her fans, actually paid good money for imports. Her third album, Cinnabar City, will be released in the US via Minty Fresh, which a reader have reported to me that they mostly sell MP3s only... so CD fans might still have to shell out big bucks for an import.

Charlotte Hatherley - Kim Wilde

Oh, in case you were wondering who Hatherley is, I first heard of her as the "girl guitarist" in the band Ash - a band that I have been a fan of since the early 90s when I was getting into all these Britpop-type bands. She naturally started doing her own solo material and left the band a few years ago. The last I heard of her was she was in the band new waver Client with Kate Holmes (not to be confused with the wife of Tom Cruise) and Sarah Blackwood.

Bat for Lashes - What's a Girl to Do

Currently, according to the press release I received, Hatherley will now be part of Bat For Lashes (for touring?). Who knows how long that will last?

Look for Cinnabar City sometime in the Summer. The cover artwork will be done by Lewes Herriot, so expect a thick pen with solid colors artwork. In the meantime, her preview song is "White", which I will have to confess didn't really talk to me on the first three or four listens. I suppose it sounds too internety-serious for me, not as fun as her 2004 stuff like "Bastardo" or the head-bopping as "Kim Wilde".

Those darlins

Those Darlins - Wild One Those Darlins Tour Dates 04/15/09 The Parlour at Southgate House Cincinnati/Newport, Ohio 04/16/09 The Vogue w/ The Avett Brothers Indianapolis, Indiana 04/17/09 High Dive Champaign, IL 04/18/09 The Hi-Tone Memphis, TN 04/24/09 White Water Tavern LRock, AR 04/25/09 Smoke & Barrel Fayetteville, AR 05/09/09 1000 Faces Festival Rhappahanock, Virginia 05/11/09 Milestone w/ The Features, The Dexateens Charlotte, North Carolina 05/12/09 Rock & Roll Hotel w/ The Features, The Dexateens DC, Washington DC 05/13/09 iS Venue w/ The Features, The Dexateens Charlottesville, Virginia 05/19/09 Grog Shop w/ The Features, The Dexateens Cleveland, Ohio 05/20/09 Schubas w/ The Features, The Dexateens Chicago, Illinois 05/21/09 The PArlour at Southgate w/ The Features, The Dexateens Newport, Kentucky 05/22/09 The Dame w/The Features & The Dexateens Lexington, Kentucky 05/23/09 Barley’s w/ The Features, The Dexateens Knoxville, Tennessee 06/19/09 Border Bash: Downtown Bristol, in the middle of State Street. Bristol, Tennessee

I got this email about Those Darlins (official/myspace), and there was this disclaimer for the 'foxy' picture attached:

"Disclaimer: Don't blame me. The Darlins' manager JT is crazy. He's the one who wanted to use this picture and the phrase "Drop More Dates..." He's currently boot-scootin' around our office and snickering, as I write these very words. We run a super, super-duper tight ship over here at Oh Wow Dang/Thirty Tigers."

I actually thought the picture is really cute that I made this quick sketch, obviously, looking at it side-by-side, it doesn't look that great compared to how I envisioned it.  I think I made the head too big anyway :/

Their self-titled debut album will be out July 7^th on OH WOW DANG Records, but in the meantime they have this single out called "Wild One", which sounds a bit country, don't you agree?

 04/04/2009 10:42:50 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com 

Concert: Bat for Lashes at 7th Street in Minneapolis

Bat for Lashes - What's a Girl to Do Bat For Lashes Bat For Lashes http://weheartmus... A friend of mine asked me to check out this errie music video for "What's a Girl To Do" by Bat fo...

When I saw Beatrix*JAR walk past me, I was shock to find out that they were the opening band for Bat for Lashes. I've seen them before at the Bryant-Lake Bowl and I know they sound nothing like Bat, but more similiar to such DJ acts like Benthley Rhythm Ace [W♥M].

It was cool though, I think the audience wasn't expecting two DJs doing some live mixes on stage. I recorded a 50 second clip to show you what they sound like: stage6.divx.com

The crowd for Bat for Lashes was really healthy, more people showed up than I had expected. It was evident that a lot of these fans loved the video for "What's a Girl to Do" because the crowd instantly started cheering when the first few notes of the song was played.

Tour 2007

Jul 30 Cafe Du Nord, SF, CA
Jul 31 Spaceland, LA, CA
Aug 11 Field Day 2007, London
Aug 26 Rock en Seine, Paris
Sep 01 Connect Fest, Inveraray Sep 02 Electric icnic,Stradbally
Sep 09 Bestival, Isle of Wight

I think the best part about the show was the unconventional musical instruments that was brought on stage, including the infamous Shaman's sceptre (the ceremonial head of the staff was removed, so it just looked like an ordinary wooden stick).

I'm including the rest of their tour - so check them out if they're coming to your town.

PHOTOGRAPHS ♥ Setlist ♥ Natasha with Shaman's sceptre ♥ Natasha ♥ Bat for Lashes ♥ Beatrix*JAR ♥ Video: Beatrix*JAR

* Big thank you to Dick

 July 29, 2007 3:38 AM  vu my♥posts [email protected] batforlashes.co.uk www.beatrixjar

 

Bat For Lashes

Bat For Lashes - Whats a Girl To Do

A friend of mine asked me to check out this errie music video for "What's a Girl To Do" by Bat for Lashes.  My first thought was of how remiscent it is of the film Donnie Darko (especially with the fellow in the bunny mask).  Although I wasn't very impressed with this video, I did enjoy many of her other songs from her debut album Fur and Gold (2006).  Whereas the music video for "What's a Girl To Do" presents a nightmarish landscape, most of the group's other songs offer dreamy fairytales weaved together with tropical lyrics.

 

Prescilla

The girl behind the band is Natasha Khan, a British singer/songwriter who spent the majority of her youth in Pakistan.  She is joined by Gabi Lee, Abi Fry, Lizzy Carey and a plethora of instruments.  One such instrument is what she refers to as a shaman's sceptre that is played by banging it against the floor to make a loud thunderclap.  In an interview with musicOMH.com, Natasha also explained that the band dresses up for shows to add to the themes of the songs and the overall experience for the audience. 

She also loves to sing the song "I'm on Fire" by Bruce Springsteen at her lives shows.  I must say, I do like her version better.

 

 

The Wizard (live)

Bat for Lashes

If you want to catch them in the flesh, check 'em out at:

June 23rd: Glastonbury Festival 6pm, John Peel Stage
July 12th: Manchester International Festival, Academy 3.
July 14th: Latititude Festival, 4:30pm
July 23rd: Maxwell's - Hoboken NJ Buy Tickets
July 25th: Knitting Factory - New York NY Buy Tickets
July 27th: Schuba's - Chicago IL Buy Tickets
July 28th: 7th St Entry - Minneapolis MN Buy Tickets
July 30th: Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco CA Buy Tickets
July 31st: Spaceland - Los Angeles CA Buy Tickets
August 11th: Field Day 2007, Victoria Park London Buy Tickets
August 26th: Rock en Seine, Paris
September 1st: Connect Festival, Inveraray
September 2nd: Electric Picnic, Stradbally
September 9th: Bestival, Isle of Wight 2:30pm

 

- The Valley Girl