W♥M

Cage the Elephant at U.S. Bank Theater, Minneapolis (10 Jun 2016)

Setlist Cry Baby In One Ear Spiderhead Take It Or Leave It Aberdeen Too Late to Say Goodbye Cold Cold Cold Trouble Ain't No Rest for the Wicked Mess Around Punchin' Bag Telescope Back Against the Wall It's Just Forever Come a Little Closer -- Encore -- Cigarette Daydreams Shake Me Down Teeth Tour Dates 06/11/16 In The Venue Salt Lake City, UT 06/14/16 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA 06/15/16 Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR 06/17/16 Slim's San Francisco, CA 06/18/16 Troubadour West Hollywood, CA 06/21/16 House of Blues San Diego, CA 06/24/16 House of Blues Dallas, TX 06/25/16 House of Blues Houston , TX 06/28/16 12th & Porter Nashville, TN 07/16/16 Elitch Gardens Denver, CO Read More Cage the Elephant Cage the Elephant – Come a Little Closer Apparently there’s no rest for the wicked, as the KY band is back on tour. They’ll be stopping by the U.S. Bank Theater at Target Center on June 10th, in support of their fourth studio album Tell Me I’m Pretty. … Portugal. The Man Portugal. The Man's frontman John Gourley recall working on his seventh album, Evil Friends , as a collaboration with Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). According to Gourley, "I walked into his [Danger Mouse] place … Twin Peaks This is the Chicago Twin Peaks band... I wonder if they will get sued once Showtime start their David Lynch and Mark Frost's Twin Peaks production in 2016? ...

Grammy-nominated rock band Cage the Elephant just headlined the U.S. Bank Theater (inside the Target Center) in Minneapolis on Friday night, June 10th.

Twin Peaks

Opening the show was Chicago’s Twin Peaks. The band joked, “We used to play across the street all the time [referring to their various 7th Street Entry appearances], so we’re not used to this small place.”

Since we last saw the band at the 7th Street Entry, they had a lot more songs, especially because they now have three albums under their collective belts: Sunken (Autumn Tone), Wild Onion (Grand Jury), and their latest Down In Heaven (Grand Jury).

Majority of their 30-min set consists of Down In Heaven songs, including their latest single, ‘Butterfly’. Also, once again, lead vocals were traded by the three guitarists: Cadien, Clay, and Jack.

Portugal the Man

Portugal. The Man was next on the bill, playing a full hour long set. It’s been a rather long time since we saw the Alaskan band in 2013 (when they were touring for their last album Evil Friends on Atlantic Records)... but based on seeing a hype man on stage (which we later learned that he is Chris Black), I can only speculate that their forthcoming Gloomin + Doomin will be more hip-hop based. This is confirmed because rapper Mac Miller and Mike D (from The Beastie Boys) were involved in making the new record.

There weren’t any ‘hip hop’ styled songs on this set, so we’re not sure if they previewed some new songs... many of their songs were of the dance-variety from Evil Friends, such as ‘Hip Hop Kids’ and closer ‘Purple Yellow Red and Blue’.

Cage the Elephant

Since we saw Cage the Elephant last year, we described singer Matthew Shultz as something of “a younger Mick Jagger or Scott Weiland”. As with their last appearance, Shultz never stopped moving or dancing or jumping up and down. His energy was so impossibly high that it’s hard to believe he’s human! This is especially impressive, because Shultz maintained an amazing vocal output.

New songs from their fourth studio album Tell Me I’m Pretty were sprinkled in with fan favorite tracks like ‘Take It or Leave It’ (done early in the set) and personally I feel was their biggest hit song ‘Ain't No Rest for the Wicked’ (done midset).

New songs like ‘Too Late to Say Goodbye’ and ‘Cold Cold Cold’ were surprisingly well-received from the fans, as you can clearly see them singing along to the catchy lyrics.

By the time their latest hit song ‘Mess Around’ was played, the mostly younger audience started taking their chance with body surfing for the remaining show.

Cage the Elephant proved that they are one of the best live bands touring today, thanks to Matthew Shultz’ impressive high-energy performance and their many catchy hit songs (all those #1 singles on the Billboard charts can’t be a coincidence).

Tell Me I’m Pretty is out now on RCA Records.

Cage the Elephant at US Bank Theater, Minneapolis (10 Jun 2016)

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

Minneapolis: June 8 to June 10, 2016

Here are some shows taking place in the Minneapolis/St Paul area from June 8 to June 10, 2016.

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

Read More JMSN Los Angeles' Christian Berishaj, or otherwise known as his stage name JMSN ('Jameson') released his JMSN (Blue Album) last December 9, 2014, via White Room Records. …

JMSN
at 7th Street Entry
Wednesday, 06/08/16, 8pm ($12/$14)
first-avenue.com

Detroit-born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/producer JMSN (aka Christian Berishaj) is touring in support of his latest album It is (White Room Records).

We have already previously mentioned his self-titled album (affectionately known as ‘the Blue Album’) and that 2015 tour in January 2015, but this time, he’ll be touring in the Summer instead of the harsh Winter.

Tiffany Gouché will open.

North American Tour Dates:

05/31/16 Montreal, QC Theatre Fairmount
06/01/16 Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern
06/03/16 Detroit, MI Populux Music Hall
06/04/16 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
06/05/16 Pittsburgh, PA Club Cafe
06/06/16 Indianapolis, IN The Hi Fi
06/08/16 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
06/09/16 Chicago, IL Double Door
06/10/16 St. Louis, MO The Demo
06/11/16 Springfield, MO The Outland
06/12/16 Oklahoma City, OK 89th Street
06/14/16 Denver, CO Lost Lake Lounge
06/15/16 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theatre
06/16/16 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
06/17/16 Boise, ID Reef
06/18/16 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
06/19/16 Seattle, WA The Crocodile
06/20/16 Vancouver, BC Alexander Gastown
06/22/16 San Francisco, CA The Independent
06/24/16 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst

Read More Royal Canoe There is a complexity to their music, such as in the album’s title track or the single, ‘Bathtubs’ that still comes off as easy and palatable to the ear, despite the “everything including …

PLANTS AND ANIMALS
at 7th Street Entry
Thursday, 06/09/16, 8pm ($12)
first-avenue.com

Plants and Animals’ first album in four years Waltzed In From The Rumbling (Secret City Records) came out earlier this year. All the critics have agreed that the new record is “something beautiful”, “wildly and wonderfully”, and “beautiful clarity”.

The Montreal band will tour in support of the new album in the USA this June.

Winnipeg’s six-piece ensemble Royal Canoe to open. We previously caught the Canadian band in June 2014 and wrote, “There is a complexity to their music, such as in the album’s title track or the single, ‘Bathtubs’ that still comes off as easy and palatable to the ear, despite the “everything including the kitchen sink” sound of it all, that is more than a little outside most simplistic pop on mainstream radio. Successfully received at last fall’s Iceland Airwaves, these experimental sound benders are worthy of further attention.”

Royal Canoe will release Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit on September 16, via Nevado Music (home to Deap Vally, The Dead Ships, Gringo Star and more). Expect a preview of those new songs on this upcoming tour.

US Tour Dates:

June 8 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
June 9 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
June 13 - Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room
June 14 - Calgary, AB @ Marquee Beer Market and Stage
June 15 - Nelson, BC @ Spiritbar at the Hume Hotel
June 16 - Vancouver, BC @ The Imperial
June 17 - Victoria, BC @ Sugar Nightclub
June 18 - Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
June 21 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
June 23 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill
June 24 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bootleg
* All shows with Royal Canoe

Read More Cage the Elephant Cage the Elephant – Come a Little Closer The rising Kentucky band in support of third album Melophobia (RCA Records), has embarked on an extensive North American Spring tour… Portugal. The Man Portugal. The Man's frontman John Gourley recall working on his seventh album, Evil Friends , as a collaboration with Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). According to Gourley, "I walked into his [Danger Mouse] place … Twin Peaks This is the Chicago Twin Peaks band... I wonder if they will get sued once Showtime start their David Lynch and Mark Frost's Twin Peaks production in 2016? ...

CAGE THE ELEPHANT
at U.S. Bank Theater (Target Center)
Friday, 06/10/16, 6pm ($29.50 - $45)
targetcenter.com

What can I say? Grammy-nominated rock band Cage the Elephant has made it to the big times years ago... but I’ll been praising the band since 2009 when I was blown away at how great their debut self-titled album was... citing ‘Ain't No Rest For The Wicked’ as one of my favorite song of 2009.

Apparently there’s no rest for the wicked, as the KY band is back on tour. They’ll be stopping by the U.S. Bank Theater at Target Center on June 10th, in support of their fourth studio album Tell Me I’m Pretty. The lead single ‘Mess Around’ landed the band #1 on the Alternative chart (their sixth #1). Other bands that achieved more than five #1 includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Green Day, R.E.M.... so they are in really great company.

Cage The Elephant consists of singer Matt Shultz, guitarist Brad Shultz, bassist Daniel Tichenor, and drummer Jared Champion.

Portugal. The Man is a great choice as opener. We previously saw the band in 2013 and wrote, “If you like dancing, check out Portugal. The Man on tour.”

Chicago’s Twin Peaks is also on the bill. Their latest record Down In Heaven is out now.

Cage the Elephant tour dates:

6/3 Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center^
6/4 Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica^
6/5 Columbus, OH @ EXPRESS LIVE!^
6/7 Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavilion%
6/8 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave%
6/10 Minneapolis, MN @ U.S. Bank Theater ^
6/11 Madison, WI @ Coliseum^
6/14 Calgary, AB @ Calgary Stampede Corral^
6/15 Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Centre^
6/17 Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum^
6/18 Portland, OR @ McMenamins Edgefield^
6/19 Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theater^
6/21 Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Auditorium%
6/22 San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center%
6/23 San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic%
6/25 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint ^
6/26 Phoenix, AZ @ Gila River Arena^

*with Portugal. The Man + Broncho
^with Portugal. The Man + Twin Peaks
%with Portugal. The Man

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

Cage the Elephant and Foals w/ J. Roddy Walston and The Business at Myth in Maplewood, MN (15 May 2014) concert review

Cage the Elephant/Foals Spring 2014 Poster Cage the Elephant Setlist Spiderhead In One Ear Aberdeen Take It Or Leave It Cigarette Daydream Ain't No Rest For the Wicked Halo Telescope Back Against the Wall Black Widow It's Just Forever Teeth Come a Little Closer -- Encore -- Shake Me Down Sabertooth Tiger Foals Setlist Prelude Total Life Forever Olympic Airways My Number Blue Blood Providence Spanish Sahara Red Socks Pugie Late Night Inhaler Tour Dates May 17 | Denver, Colorado | Ogden Theatre May 18 | Salt Lake City, Utah | The Complex May 20 | Oakland, California | Fox Theater * * indicates Foals is headlining Read More Cage the Elephant Cage the Elephant – Come a Little Closer The rising Kentucky band in support of third album Melophobia (RCA Records), has embarked on an extensive North American Spring tour… Foals "Are you ready? Because you don't sound f****ing ready!," yelled Foals' singer Yannis Philippakis as he worked the crowd. Foals rocked hard at First Avenue in Minneapolis last night to a group of young British rock music fans. … J Roddy Walston J. Roddy Walston played piano for his entire set, his band The Business did a great job in playing and singing backup. They sang rock and roll music like "Full Growing Man", "Don't Break The Needle", and "Sweatshop" …

What do Cleveland, Tennessee; Oxford, England; and Bowling Green, Kentucky have in common?

Seemingly nothing, but bands from those three cities and their different, yet well-matched-together sounds, combined forces for a crunchy, charged evening to a packed crowd at The Myth in suburban Maplewood, MN.

J Roddy Walston and The Business

The show started with an all-too-brief set from Tennessee rockers, J Roddy Walston and The Business, in promotion of their breakthrough, Essential Tremors (ATO Records). The band, who has been around in some form for 12 years, has been receiving increasing buzz and considers Minneapolis one of its strongest markets; playing to previously sold out headlining gigs, a State Fair residency last year, and had even volunteered to play a radio gig the next morning in the early AM, which alone shows true commitment.

Bathed in mostly red lighting, Roddy’s energetic piano stomping and crowd inciting, were particularly lively on songs like opener ‘Sweat Shock’, ‘Heavy Bells’, and radio hit, ‘Take it As It Comes’. Be hopeful for another local headlining gig, so the band can properly stretch its musical wings in a longer set, again soon.

Foals

Oxford’s Foals then took the stage as co-headliners with the instrumental, ‘Prelude’, begun solo by guitarist Jimmy Smith, then joined by the rest of the five-piece, for the song’s roaring crescendo. Their third and latest album, Holy Fire (Warner Bros/Transgressive) could also be used to describe the incendiary hour-long performance that convinced anyone in the audience that may not have been familiar with the band’s catalog. Singer/guitarist Yannis Philippakis literally walked on the edge, as he hopped mid-song from the stage, onto the narrow side railing to balance his way from one end of the venue then back, as awe-stricken audience members watched.

Yannis Philippakis

“We’re Foals from the UK, and we’re glad in be here in Minnesota, or St. Paul, or wherever we’re at”, Philippakis began, before the band launched into the title track of its previous release, ‘Total Life Forever’ as the full crowd clapped along. Amidst the backdrop of striking cobra snakes coming forth from a buddha and the flashing strobe lights, things really kicked in with second single from the new record, ‘My Number’ and its bouncy synth beat.

The band’s sound is hard driving, percussive and beat driven, yet is also danceable with a shiny pop fringe. Sonically, the venue accentuated this perfectly, as the sound system at Myth remains one of the most impeccable in the metro area, with each channel heard clearly and well-suited to its room size. ‘Spanish Sahara’ slowed things briefly until the song could properly build, but the mostly younger crowd clapped along in unison, as the song reached momentum.

Dedicating it to “all the mothers out there”, ‘Late Night’ simmered like a rolling fog with its pleading “stay with me” refrain, and the band closed its hour with the lead single from Holy Fire, ‘Inhaler’. “We’re a long way from home, so it’s nice to get a welcome like this”, Philippakis said before the song’s distinctive guitar riff kicked off with a righteous groove and high-pitched vocals that accelerated into something very Soundgarden-esque, to end a very well-received set.

Matthew Shultz: Shirtless

With its own hour-long set, Kentucky’s Cage the Elephant took little time to err, uncage itself in a furious, headlong ride through 15 songs in only sixty minutes. Lead singer Matthew Shultz and band took to the stage more like they were walking in a park than playing to a mass of ready fans, but it was all a clever ruse as the southern band put on its rock game face after the quiet intro of opener, ‘Spiderhead’. Shultz moved like a mix of a younger Mick Jagger or Scott Weiland and rarely kept not moving, having dived into the crowd by the second song and returning shirt off for the remainder, by the third.

The band’s third and newest release, Melophobia (RCA Records) has pushed them into an even larger spotlight and the night seemed especially celebratory, as a result of being brother and guitarist Brad Shultz’ birthday. CTE’s sound is one of deceptively simple southern rock n’ roll – Kings of Leon on Red Bull, the Black Crowes sped up and smoking less, or even a less sludgy Molly Hatchet, but is distinctive enough to be individual as well as is completely memorable in concert, with Matt Schultz’ constant gyrating and interacting with the stagediving, overstuffed crowd.

“Let’s make it a special one, all right?” Schultz mentioned, referring to his brother’s birthday before starting the grungy ‘Aberdeen’ from previous album, Thank You, Happy Birthday. The mid-tempo and rhythmic ‘Take It or Leave It’ with its jangly, melodic guitar intro, would not have been out of place in Foals’ set, while early hit ‘Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked’ was a sing and clap-a-long for a main floor crowd that barely had room to move the crowd surfers above them, much less clap above their heads.

In response to the bevy of cellphones going up, Schultz implored, “I would like to spend a lot of time with you guys out there, but if you guys are trying to take pictures for Instagram… it doesn’t work. Instagram will be there tomorrow, we’ll have an experience tonight”, a feeling many bands in this age of modern immediate technology would no doubt, echo. Guitarist and birthday boy Brad Shultz mostly kept his head down, except to dive into the crowd himself and sidemen Daniel Tichenor, Jared Champion, and newest addition, guitarist Nick Bockrath all played with admirable passion, hair flying everywhere with body parts jerking to each beat.

The rockabilly tinged ‘It’s Just Forever’ morphed into ‘Teeth’, a song described by Schultz as about “feeling the energy of music changing”, which includes his own band planting a bigger footprint on things. Rock radio hit ‘Come a Little Closer’ finished the main set; the new album’s more-than-successful lead single has crossed over multiple radio formats and was inspired by the beauty of a Brazilian morning as seen from a São Paulo hotel window.

Packed crowd at The Myth

‘Shake Me Down’ with its very relatable and ultimately positive refrain of “Even on cloudy day, I’ll keep my eyes fixed on the sun” was a perfect encore opener and the revving, almost punk-like ‘Sabertooth Tiger’ took all the remaining energy of the already rabid crowd, for one last burst of unbridled release.

So what happens when Tennessee, England, and Kentucky mix? Spontaneous combustion obviously… and the audience couldn’t be more pleased to join along.

Cage the Elephant at Myth, Maplewood (15 May 2014)

john () ♥ weheartmusic.com

Minneapolis Music Guide: May 11 - May 17, 2014

Here is a guide of some Minneapolis (and Saint Paul) live shows and events taking place next week: May 11 - May 17.

The Ash & Clay ANTI Records Read More The Milk Carton Kids The Milk Carton Kids started off their set with a Joey Ryan (JR) song, "Permanent", followed by Kenneth Pattengale's "Girls, Gather 'Round". I thought Pattengale's singing style has a very Dylanesque quality…

SUNDAY, MAY 11
DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB
The Milk Carton Kids w/ Brian Wright

Moms, you must have the best children, if they bring you to this Milk Carton Kids show at the Dakota Jazz Club for Mother's Day on Sunday.

For the 'kids', they will enjoy the music, for the mothers, they get to enjoy some great food at the swanky restaurant.

On a serious note, I have spent $75+ on dinner at the Dakota and it was well spent. Delicious.

Tour dates:

05/08/14 Chicago, IL Old Town School Of Folk Music
05/09/14 Chicago, IL Old Town School Of Folk Music
05/10/14 Stoughton, WI Stoughton Opera House
05/11/14 Minneapolis, MN Dakota Jazz Club
05/12/14 Winnipeg, MB West End Cultural Centre
05/14/14 Calgary, AB Festival Hall
05/15/14 Edmonton, AB Mcdougall United Church
05/28/14 Austin, TX Paramount Theatre
05/29/14 Houston, TX McGonigel's Mucky Duck
05/30/14 Austin, TX Paramount Theatre
05/31/14 Dallas, TX Poor David's Pub
06/01/14 Oklahoma City, OK The Blue Door
06/03/14 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
06/05/14 Salt Lake City, UT The State Room
06/06/14 Boise, ID Neurolux
06/11/14 Seattle, WA The Neptune
06/12/14 Vancouver, BC St. James Hall
06/13/14 Vancouver, BC St. James Hall
06/14/14 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
06/15/14 Chico, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
06/16/14 Napa, CA City Winery Napa
06/17/14 Santa Cruz, CA Kuumbwa Jazz Center
06/18/14 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
06/19/14 Santa Barbara, CA Lobero Theatre
06/21/14 Los Angeles, CA Aratani Japan America Theatre
06/22/14 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
06/23/14 Phoenix, AZ MIM Music Theater
06/24/14 Phoenix, AZ MIM Music Theater
07/17/14 Durham, NC Carolina Theatre
07/19/14 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater
07/20/14 Rocky Mount, VA Harvester Performance Center
07/21/14 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre
07/22/14 Columbus, OH Lincoln Theatre
07/23/14 Pittsburgh, PA Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
07/24/14 Portland, ME Port City Music Hall
07/26/14 Newport, RI Fort Adams State Park
09/19/14 Lyons, CO Planet Bluegrass Ranch

Emblems Anniversary Tour Read More Matt Pond We've written about Matt Pond before, I suppose he's dropped the "PA" part of his name for some reason? His press release explained the reasoning behind the removal of the "PA" section: With the new album, The Lives Inside the.…

MONDAY, MAY 12
TURF CLUB
Matt Pond w/ The Lighthouse And The Whaler

Matt Pond: A decade of Emblems

Matt Pond (PA), the NY-based collective formed by the Philadelphia native, hits the road again with Ohio folk-pop openers The Lighthouse and The Whaler, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of his seminal fifth album, Emblems (Altitude Records) and what Paste Magazine described as “a lush, haunting collection of superbly crafted chamber pop” and what CMJ said was "an ideal record for the mature indie-rock fan with a weakness for string sections."

Thought by many as their favorite of Pond’s 8 LPs and 8 EPs, the tour is a rare chance to see that work performed in its entirety, along with selected new music including cuts from last year’s The Lives Inside the Lives In Your Hands (BMG) and other favorites.

Pond has been busy of late, releasing Skeletons and Friends via Noisetrade and working on another new full-length, via a Pledge Music campaign. Expect a laid back look into the past, as well as one that looks ahead, from this seasoned indie veteran.

Tour dates:

May 08 the Mod Club Toronto, Canada
May 09 Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL
May 10 Duck Room St Louis, MO
May 12 Turf Club St Paul, MN
May 13 Record Bar Kansas City, MO
May 14 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE
May 16 Marquis Theatre Denver, CO
May 17 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT
May 19 Mississippi Studios Portland, OR
May 20 The Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA

X'ed Out Sargent House Read More The Dillinger Escape Plan The Dillinger Escape Plan and Deftones on the same bill made a whole lot of sense, because both bands' sound is hardcore/borderline metal. Dillinger was incredibly hard to shoot because of they were mostly…

TUESDAY, MAY 13
7TH STREET ENTRY
Tera Melos w/ Holographic Sands and Hardcore Crayons

Tera Melos are currently touring in support of X'ed Out, which came out April 16th, 2013, via Sargent House.

Tera Melos are currently a three-piece band (Nick Reinhart, Nathan Latona, John Clardy), playing rock, jazz, and "unconventional song structure."

The Sacramento-based band will headline some dates after supporting The Dillinger Escape Plan in early May.

Tour dates:

05/09 Amityville, NY @ Revolution Bar *
05/10 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre *
05/11 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Mr. Roboto Project
05/12 Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
05/13 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
05/17 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
05/23 Sacramento, CA @ Witch Room
05/24 Fresno, CA @ Golden Parking Lot
06/13 Osaka, Japan @ Shangri-La #
06/14 Nagoya, Japan @ Tokuzo #
06/20 Tokyo, Japan @ Liquidroom #

* w/ The Dillinger Escape Plan
# w/ LITE

Little Bands

Read More Little Comets The stage at Minneapolis’ 7th Street Entry (the 250-capacity room attached to First Avenue) is quite small. In the past, bands that are used to playing larger stages elsewhere have had to.…

LITTLE COMETS
littlecomets.com

Little Comets was just in Minneapolis earlier this year in support of Life Is Elsewhere (Dualtone Records), but the UK band just announced a run of dates in October - starting the 16th in Charlotte, North Carolina and ending on Halloween in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band is touring with Atlas Genius and Family of the Year.

Hear "Violence Out Tonight" via Soundcloud.



Catch them on tour if you live in the cities below and find out why Details Magazine is calling them the "Next Big Thing":

10/16 Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore*
10/17 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage*
10/18 Orlando, FL @ House of Blues*
10/22 Houston, TX @ House of Blues*
10/23 Austin, TX @ Stubbs*
10/24 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues*
10/28 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant*
10/30 Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue*
10/31 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues*

*with Atlas Genius and Family of the Year

Read More Little Comets As I previously mentioned, I love these guys. They released Thank You Happy Birthday and already they're at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart!.…

CAGE THE ELEPHANT
cagetheelephant.com

In late August, Cage the Elephant's single, "Come a Little Closer" was the #1 most added track on Alternative Radio in the United States. Critics were calling it "the outfit's grooviest effort yet", "good old fashioned indie rocking", and "sweeping sing-along pop".

I believe the song is taken from their forthcoming third studio album, Melophobia, which is coming out October 8th on RCA Records. Fans who pre-order Melophobia on iTunes will receive a free download of "Come A Little Closer".



Cage The Elephant Live Dates

9/11 Washington, DC - Verizon Center*
9/14 Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless
9/17 Denver, CO - Pepsi Center*
9/19 Salt Lake City, UT - EnergySolutions Arena*
9/21 Oceanside, CA - FM 94/9 Independence Jam
9/27 Kansas City, MO - 96.5 The Buzz Beach Ball

* with Muse

Read More Little Boots Then there's BBC's Sound Of 2009 postergirl Little Boots, who gets my vote for best Glasto outfit. The hairdo ain't bad either. What? The music?! Erm... you decide..…

LITTLE BOOTS
littlebootsmusic.co.uk

Little Boots (aka Victoria Hesketh) is back with "The Satellite", which is taken from the 2013 album Nocturnes (out now on On Repeat Records/Kobalt Label Services).

Christopher reported that Little Boots was "BBC's Sound of 2009" and her music is compared to Lady Gaga, Ladyhawke, Florence and the Machine and Elly Jackson (La Roux), so if you like dance music…

Also, in case you were wondering about the name "Little Boots", apparently it's a nickname her friends gave her because of her unusually small feet. Please let me know if this is true, go see her on this small small US promotional tour (dates listed below). She is not touching the mid-west so I can't report this to be true or not.

09/22: Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
09/23: Los Angeles, CA @ Troubador
09/24: San Francisco, CA @ Independent
09/26: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
09/27: Seattle, WA @ Decibel Fest
09/28: Vancouver, BC @ Fortune Sound Club
11/08: Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest

BRIEFLY:

HOWE GELB howegelb.com Little Sand Box, a box-set by Giant Sand frontman Howe Gelb, is out now on Fire Records. All six albums will feature bonus tracks and alternative takes, plus an additional Sno Angel Winging It live CD and a selection of piano pieces entitled Some Piano. Check out "Blue Marble Girl" on Soundcloud:

JOHN BRODEUR johnbrodeur.com We previously mentioned John Brodeur before. Last month, Brodeur released Little Hopes via Mr. Duck/Sojourn Records, with distribution by Nail/Allegro. About the new album, Brodeur commented on its title, "Customarily, to say one has 'little hope' is to say they are in a dire situation. By pluralizing the phrase, I wanted to focus on the ideas and dreams we cling to when we are at our lowest points—the little hopes that help to pull us out of those dark places."

HEIDECKER & WOOD heideckerandwood.com Little Record Company is releasing Heidecker & Wood's sophomore album Some Things Never Stay the Same on November 12th. The duo is basically comedian and actor Tim Heidecker with his longtime musical collaborator composer/multi-instrumentalist Davin Wood. Some Things Never Stay the Same is the follow-up to 2011's Starting From Nowhere, but this time they are paying homage to 70s songwriters such as Randy Newman, Warren Zevon, Harry Nilsson, and, "even Boz Scaggs".

THE WORRIERS facebook.com Brisbane's The Worriers has a debut single called "Little Lucy", which you can hear now on Soundcloud (free download via Triple J). The single came out this week (September 9th) and is taken from their forthcoming EP The Worriers Ruin Everything, pending release in late November. Random trivia: for some reason, I think "Worriers, come out to plaaaaay", when I saw this band's name.

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

F tha Police

Read More Poliça Poliça at SXSW. Good crowd, held their attention, which is a good sign. love the dual drummers. I know Channy [Leaneagh] is the star, but the idea of a lead and rhythm drummer is cool…

POLIÇA
thisispolica.com

Undoubtedly one of the hottest Minneapolis band is Poliça, even though their rise to fame seems to have happened practically overnight. The band recently announced that they've signed to Mom+Pop Music, the same label responsible for other hot properties like Sleigh Bells, Jezabels, Sleeper Agent, Andrew Bird, and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.

Their debut album, Give You The Ghost will be re-released next week, August 14th, 2012. So, if you haven't bought the album, now is your second chance. If you've already own the album, check out their new remix EP, My Dark Star, also coming out on the same release date.

The remix EP features the radio edit of "Dark Star", remixes by Hype Jones and Marco Hawk. Other songs like "Lay Your Cards Out," "Amongster," and "The Maker," are also remixed for the EP. Hear the latter song on Soundcloud.

Having just performed at Lollapalooza, the band is coming back to their hometown this Saturday to do a show at the Cabooze. Based on previously Cabooze shows and the popularity of Poliça on our radio station, The Current, I suspect their show will sell-out. Incidentally, these outdoor shows are 'early' shows to maintain a noise ordinance… so show up early.

08/11 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN 08/16 The Biltmore Vancouver, BC 08/17 Nuemos Seattle, WA 08/18 The Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR 08/20 The Independent San Francisco, CA 08/21 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA 08/23 The Pool @ Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, NV 08/25 The Blue Bird Theater Denver, CO 09/25 Voices of the Warehouse Dubuque, IA 09/26 Maintenance Shop Ames, IA 09/27 Mojo's Columbia, OH 09/28 High Watt Nashville, TN

09/29 Counterpoint Music Festival Atlanta, GA
10/01 Cat's Cradle Raleigh, NC
10/02 Black Cat Washington, DC
10/03 Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA
10/04 Iron Horse Music Hall Northhampton, MA
10/05 Paradise Boston, MA
10/06 Webster Hall New York, NY
10/08 The Basement Columbus, OH
10/09 20th Century Theatre Cincinatti, OH
10/11 Stickyz Little Rock, AK
10/14 ACL Austin, TX

* with The Temper Trap

POLICE TEETH
policeteeth.blogspot.com

Police Teeth is "Seattle's little-known and largely unheralded" band, according to East Bay Express. The band is described as a punk/power pop band.

Their album, Bellingham Media Blackout, will be out October 16th, 2012, via Latest Flame. Prior to the release, the band will be going out on tour:

09.21.12 - Bellingham, WA @ Joey's House
09.22.12 - Seattle, WA @ Black Lodge
10.19.12 - Minneapolis, MN @ Hexagon Bar
10.24.12 - Indianapolis, IN @ Melody Inn
10.26.12 - Chicago, IL @ Quencher's
10.27.12 - Milwaukee, WI @ Quarters
11.19.12 - Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern

BAD COP
facebook.com

The Turbo Fruits/Bad Cop Split 7" came out on Jeffery Drag Records last week, July 31st. The vinyl will be limited to 300 clear vinyl, as well as a super limited 100 copies on clear/lavender vinyl. The latter you can only get on Jeffery Drag website and Grimey's in Nashville.

Briefly on each band, Turbo Fruits is a garage rock band from Nashville founded by guitarist Jonas Stein (from Be Your Own Pet). I saw this band in 2010 and noted that they played "loud rock music."

Bad Cop is a band lead by Adam Anyone since he was 15. Last year, the band came under the attention of Cage the Elephant and they asked Bad Cop to open up for them on their 2012 tour. You can download Bad Cop's song, "Wet Lips," on Spinner. Direct link.

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

W♥M108: Coachella 2011

W♥M108 (30min: archive/podomatic/mypodcast)

Covering Coachella Music Festival 2011, in the comfort of his swimming pool, Brody gives us a play-by-play of what's going on.

It seems Coachella is streaming their shows live on youtube. Bands on the discussion block:

Best Coast: they've blown up. Loads of buzz behind this band.

Warpaint: Vu likes them

Robyn: hopefully will make it on a future DVD/Bluray release

Foster the People: Amazed why they're so popular, they're selling out all their upcoming shows and with only two EPs!

The Strokes: Still massive, apparently. Headliner and back together, better than ever according to Brody

Cage the Elephant: We like them. They're amazing live.

Suede: Please drop that London-thing

Chapel Club: $2 show

Kanye West: The "top secret" guest appearance at Coachella.

Song of the Podcast is The Jezabels' "Hurt Me"

Bonus: Brody's rant on The National live.

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

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When Animals Attack IV

This was meant to go up on Groundhog Day (February 2^nd). Punxsutawney Phil did not see his own shadow, which means an early spring.

TIGER RIOT
www.tigerriot.com

This Long Island rock band released their full-length Look Up! via Brookvale Records. The album can be heard streaming in its entirety at aol.com (which I could not, for the life of me, get it to work) and tunelab.com.

The album will be released in three different packages: standalone album, album + T-Shirt and a deluxe package containing CD, T-Shirt, Sticker, Autographed Poster & 3 additional remixed tracks. All the details are listed here.

The band described themselves as:
"We play music we love to hear and we want to play music that others love to hear. Cliché or not, we believe music is communal. We want to give back what our favorite bands and musicians have given to us. Listening to music is the one thing in this entire world that every single person does or has done. There is something to be said about how special that is."

Tour information:

3/10/2011 - Reno, NV - Lincoln Lounge 3/11/2011 - Las Vegas, NV - Beauty Bar 3/12/2011 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress 3/13/2011 - Phoenix, AZ - The Duce 3/14/2011 - Santa Fe, NM - Warehouse 21 3/15/2011 - Austin, TX- SXSW 3/16/2011 - Austin, TX- SXSW 3/17/2011 - Austin, TX- SXSW 3/18/2011 - Austin, TX- SXSW 3/19/2011 - Austin, TX- SXSW 3/21/2011 - Kansas City, MO - Record Bar 3/22/2011 - Omaha, NE - Waiting Room 3/23/2011 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural 3/24/2011 - Fargo, ND - Aquarium 3/25/2011 - Winnipeg, MB - West End 3/26/2011 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigo’s 3/28/2011 - Calgary, AB - Republik 3/29/2011 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite 3/31/2011 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw 4/01/2011 - Victoria, BC - Sugar 4/02/2011 - Bellingham, WA - Wild Buffalo 4/04/2011 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's 4/05/2011 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir 4/07/2011 - San Francisco, CA - Filmore		4/08/2011 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theater 4/09/2011 - San Diego, CA - Casbah 4/27/2011 - Donostia, Spain - Gazteszena 4/28/2011 - Vigo, Spain - University 4/29/2011 - Madrid, Spain - El Sol 4/30/2011 - Barcelona, Spain - Plaça de la Odissea 5/02/2011 - Grenoble, France - Le Ciel 5/03/2011 - Milan, Italy - Salumeria Della Musica 5/04/2011 - Rome, Italy - Circolo Degli Artisti 5/05/2011 - Ravenna, Italy - Bronson 5/06/2011 - Aarau, Switzerland - Kiff 5/07/2011 - Munich, Germany - 59-1 5/09/2011 - Berlin, Germany - Magnet 5/10/2011 - Hamburg, Germany - Prinzenbar 5/11/2011 - Cologne, Germany - Blue Shell 5/12/2011 - Nijmegen, Holland - Doornroosje 5/13/2011 - Amsterdam, Holland - Melkweg 5/14/2011 - Brussels, Belgium - Botanique Festival 5/16/2011 - Vendome, France - La Chapelle 5/17/2011 - Strasbourg, France - La Laiterie 5/18/2011 - Paris, France - Divan du Monde 5/19/2011 - London, UK - Scala 5/20/2011 - Manchester, UK - Deaf Institute 5/21/2011 - Glasgow, UK – Arches

PAPER CROWS
myspace.com/papercrows

I'm not given too much on Paper Crows, so I can't really write too much. But it seems they're based out of London, consisting of Emma Panas and Duncan McDougall. Their song "Fingertips" is to be released as a double A-Side with "Follow the Leader" on March 14^th. You can preview the tracks on soundcloud.com.

They seem fairly new, they met at music college and their "Follow the Leader" song is described as "brilliantly, dark and unsettling", while "Fingertips" as "simply stunning".

They also seem to have a thing for dramatic live shows, so it should be interesting to see them live - unfortunately you might have to wait around March to see what they're up to, as far as touring goes.

The pair are currently in the studio recording their debut album.

CAGE THE ELEPHANT
cagetheelephant.com

As I previously mentioned, I love these guys. They released Thank You Happy Birthday and already they're at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart!

I don't have Fuel TV, but if you do, according to my notes, check out The Daily Habit where they just performed "Shake Me Down" (their latest hit) today , and will appear again on February 4^th for "2024".

They are currently on tour:

February 19 Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan * February 21 Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater # February 23 Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club # February 24 St Louis, MO @ The Pageant # February 25 Indianapolis, IN @ Vogue # February 27 Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre March 2 Chicago IL, at Vic Theater March 31 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s ^ April 1 Louisville, KY @ Headliners ^ April 2 Chattanooga, TN @ Rhythm & Brews ^ April 4 Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel		April 5 Knoxville, TN @ Valarium ^ April 6 Little Rock, AR @ Rev Room ^ April 8 Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic^ April 9 Columbia, MO @ Blue Note ^ April 14 Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Amphitheatre* April 16 Indio, CA @ Coachella *supporting The Black Keys # Sleeper Agent opens ^ Biffy Clyro and Sleeper Agent open

vu () ♥ weheartmusic.com

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When Animals Attack II

Gratitillium - In Black Crows Name Gratitillium    Read More When Animals Attack! http://weheartmus... Simple Machinery was released in early September of this year, and I did have several writers tak...

Like last year's "When Animals Attack!" article, this year's article is another mix of strange albums with animals or themes of animals. I also received an album that's perfect for this article called Gratitillium (myspace) from my favorite silk-screening-DIY record label Tender Loving Empire. The whole theme of the self-titled album is about animals (all the song titles and artwork and recording are with animals). Even the name "gratitillium" means "gratitude for animals".

Since the album isn't available to order until sometime in June (with a touring promotion in August/September), I've decided to put this on hold until then. Think of this song as a teaser to my review.

What I will add is that whoever is designing these artwork by Nik Ayres has a great eye for design. Also note: these silk-screening albums are very limited - and they are very reasonably priced. For instance, Friends and Friends of Friends Compilation Volume 2 costs only $8 (with free digital downloads) comes with two discs with forty-three songs! It's a great sampler if you just want to check out some Portland (and not-so-Portland) bands.

Just got your tax refund ? Consider their $49 special of everything TLE of 6 albums, 1 comic and 1 t-shirt.

Cage the Elephant - Ain't No Rest For The Wicked Cage the Elephant CAGE THE ELEPHANT cagetheelephant.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter For a band with its lead singer Matt Shultz sounding "really British", the band is actually from Bowling Green, Kentucky. This confused me a bit, since this is a relatively new band for me, I don't really know much about the band (apart from that Matt & Brad Shultz are real life brothers). Reading all the hype about the band: everyone in the UK loves them. And it's easy to see why: this is a really good album. Really good. I played the album from start to finish, then again, and again... It occurred to me that I haven't really listened to a good British album in a long time, and although the band is US-based, their sound is more like later-Britpop. Lots of youth energy and fun, but the song-writing is first-rate. Matt's vocals comes in clear on the self-titled debut album, the music is raw - which I think they are holding in a lot of back in the studio. I feel like this band need to explode on stage. By all accounts, people are saying this is a fantastic live band. I haven't seen them, they are currently doing UK dates throughout the Summer, but I'm sure they'll be back in the States before long. And I'm definitely going to try and catch them when they come through town. From their defiant "In One Ear", telling us how it is: "They say I'm just a stupid kid, another crazy radical. Rock and roll is dead, I probably should have stayed in school. Another Generation X, who somehow slipped up through the cracks, Oh they'd love to see me fall. But I'm already on my back". I feel it's more directed towards "critics" who dismissed them. Their most popular song, as of this writing, is "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked", a song about the time Matt got mugged by a drug dealer, and another time when he picked up a young female hitch-hiker, only to find out that she's a prostitute. The common denominator in all these cases in the song is that "money don't grow on trees" Cage The Elephant's self-titled debut album is available via Relentless Records. You should definitely want to check out their cover of the classic The Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog", this is a free download.		Exit Villager Death Sentence: Panda! (デス・センテンス・パンダ) DEATH SENTENCE: PANDA! myspace.com/deathsentencepanda ♥ blogspot.com Death Sentence: Panda! are a freaking strange group from San Francisco, California and... AND I THINK I'M IN LOVE LOVE THEM! Think of an Asian girl screaming and really insane psychedelic noise-rock, and you get Death Sentence: Panda! This lively trio consists of Kim West, Paul Costuros, and Chris Dixon. I thought it's interesting to note that their music theory is based on trying to incorporate traditional Chinese and Korean folk music with marching band, hardcore punk, and even pop music. So mixing the genres up and you pretty much get what Death Sentence is all about. Initially, I thought they reminded a bit of Aids Wolf, which I heart because of their sheer energy - but only less head trauma. Their latest album is called Insects Awaken, our earlier in January on Upset the Rhythm. Although the band described the album as epic, it's possibly only epic in their head - the whole album is about 30 minutes (with 10 minutes of silence as to hide the hidden track "Insects Awaken"). Let's talk about the song "Insects Awaken", which the album is named after, this sounds like it was sung in Chinese (?) It's their most epic song, from the lyrics at the beginning to the constant drumming in the mid-section to its warpy/strange/space-like sound at the end. This song has everything! And speaking of lyrics, they seem barely coherent, sung usually to the rhythm of their music... a collection of flutes, bells, xylophone, and hollow percussions. Songs worth checking out "New China Blazer", "Exit Villager", and "No Enemies". If you like DIY, noise, art-rock, riot grrrl, I definitely recommend checking out Death Sentence: Panda! I think the hardest part is just getting past the band's name, but once you've gone through the door, I think you'll really appreciate this. You can pick up Insects Awaken, as well as their previous releases on Upset the Rhythm
Cool Devices - Come Get Me Cool Devices COOL DEVICES myspace.com/wethemeans ♥ powerrecordings.com I honestly don't know much about this band, Cool Devices - save for the fact that the group used to be called The Means (as evident by "we the means" myspace url). It's kind of fuzzy, but I think The Means (or at least some other band that he formed) might have reformed without the consent of brainchild Jason Frederick, who got understandably a little upset about the whole thing. To "retaliate", Frederick grabbed a hold of old friend Jim Duffy (who drummed with Frederick's previous band Love Story in Blood Red) and formed Cool Devices. So, originally they had only scheduled one day for recording at the Electrical Audio in Chicago (this is Steve "I made millions off Nirvana" Albini's famous studio). They soon realized that one day wasn't enough time to finish their project, and since studio time is rare and costly, they moved their second date to Semaphore Recording studio. The result is a rockingly loud recording of spontaneous studio sessions. It was put together very quickly and down to the odd choice of cover artwork of an albino deer. I suppose they are conveying the message that they are a rare and strange breed? Most of their records are available as free downloads, so if you're at all interested, you should definitely check it out. Currently, you can get Cool Device's EP via their associated online distributor, Rock Proper at rockproper.com. You'll see that they are about 16 albums for download for free. All the music are with legal consent and they encourage people to share it - so spread the word! So, the 7-track debut Cool Devices EP is mostly garagey rock n' roll. It is surprisingly easy to listen to and seems to end too quickly! I remember my favorite song is "Come Get Me" because it takes a good 50 seconds before Frederick starts singing. Once he starts singing, you can hear how passionately vengeful he gets as he sings, "Why don't you waste away? I can spend my lifetime forgetting every word that you said". They are playing at Beat Kitchen in Chicago on May 28th, go ahead and download their whole EP from either their record label, Power Recordings or Rock Proper.		Beast - Mr Hurricane Beast BEAST beastsound.net ♥ myspace.com Beast are a Canadian (by the way of Montreal) electronic duo, lyricists/singer Betty Bonifassi and music composer Jean-Phi Goncalves. What's kind of interesting to note is that both people are from France, but settled in French-speaking Quebec in the music community for over twenty years now. They first met in 2006 when they teamed up to write music for a video game for Ubisoft. I reckon that's the origin of Beast, where they were called that or not at the time. So, I wanted to check out the band when I was at SXSW09, but they proved too popular. You see, if I have to stand in line to see a band, I'm just not going to do, especially when there are 3,000 other bands at SXSW! The reason why I wanted to see them was to see what the hype was all about, as listening to their album in early March, that they sound to me like a bit of Portishead, like trip-hop, only with this gorgeous, sassy diva vocals from Bonifassi with this down-tempo electronica and beats. So, if you're into trip hop, Beast should definitely be on your radar. Again, as I have mentioned in the past, I like it when bands try and create that album atmosphere, and we have that with the self-titled album. I don't understand why anyone would pay $0.99 for a 12 seconds "Interlude" song, as this only makes sense when it's purchased as a whole album. And I do appreciate those breaks (the interludes) in the album. If I were to choose a theme song for Beast, it would have to be "Mr. Hurricane" - where the song keeps referring back to "don't mess with the Beast, Mr Hurricane". The term 'the Beast', for the non-religious is a reference to Satan (as heard on their closer track of the same name.) Most of the songs on the album is closer to rap/spoken word (which fits well with the electronic beats), but whenever Bonifassi sings, it feels very old-world Jazz clashing with modern electronica. I also really enjoy whenever singer/rapper Simon Wilcox seemingly randomly shows up ("Ashtray", "Dark Eyes"). Beast's self-titled is available from Verve Records

 05/02/2009 12:45:06 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com