Dirty Gold

This excellent first EP from Dirty Gold entitled "Roar" will really be appreciated by fans of Beach House and even Yo La Tengo. The cover of the album really says it all; simple, beautiful music for the beach or relaxing around the house. It can be a bit tough to get past the similarities in vocal stylings at times to Beach House, but elsewhere a quite different, almost islandesque (is that a word) rhythm and feel grows present. Check out the whole EP. Its a very cohesive effort and quick listen.

Woodsman!

This band is definitely a grower. Dense, trible beats from Colorado's answer to Animal Collective, the Woodsman seem to not be a fan of any kind of traditional song structure. Their latest album, Rare Forms, is there most accesible to date. At its best, their songs tend to evoke influences from the aforementioned AC to the soundscapes of Sun Araw. Really interesting, heady stuff. Check out their free session on Daytrotter..... A couple of tracks to start on would be "insects" and "serfer."

Check 'em out - The Blank Tapes

This one kind of passed me by until the last few months. The Blank Tapes are led by the prolific Matt Adams. There recordings remind me of a sundrenched Neil Young or even late period guided by voices. Real rootsy and folk oriented, perfect California driving music. Check out most of their catalog for FREE at bandcamp. Well worth your time........

Not in the desert? Go here-

Take me to Coachella, NOW!

New Fucked Up!

So excited for this one. To be honest, any time a record is described as batshit I'm drawn in. For Fucked Up's latest; "David Comes To Life" this is indeed the case as multiple pulications have bestown the literay honor upon this concept album. The last album to get the batshit moniker I enjoyed was Neal Youngs ode to electic cars, "Fork in the Road." Yes Yes Yes!

Check out Fucked Ups first two tracks from the album at their website, and read the story on the album. Then decide for yourself if batshit scream punk is right for you-

FOALS FOALS FOALS - Live Review

Ah yes, Foals at the Great American.

For me, good music evokes colors and elicits senses other than just what you hear. The Foals are the color blue. Blue for the ocean, blue for the sky, blue for the color shirt I happened to be wearing last night. Well, the foals seem to know this as well. Their latest recording, the excellent "Total Life Forever" sounds like it was recorded underwater. Great soundscapes that build to excellent transe like rhythms. Highs, lows.

Live, its apparent that these driving rhythms are the strength of the band. At the core of any good Foals song is a building mellow intro into an explosion of guitars and drums. Great examples of this were present all throughout their set at the Great American. The Foals really seem to know their strength and don't stray to far from this recipe, and why should they.

Lead singer Yannis Philippakis is an avid frontman, really connecting with the crowd and driving the band. At one point last night he attempted to scale to the second level of the theater from stage. I didn't think this was possible and was proven right when he made it halfway up only to realize he was stranded. He did the only reasonable thing at this point, and feel back straight into the crowd who carried him on their backs to the stage. awesome.

The Foals played late into the night, closing with one of their oldest tracks "Two Steps Twice" after a three song encore. They don't play in the US often, and seemed really quite thrilled to share the evening with us. Best of all the most prominent color in their stage lighting; Blue. Hopefully we all don't have to wait years for the next tour....

Side note - Freelance Whales opened (or co-headlined). I just don't get this band. Their certainly talented, but really, just not much there. I'll take Mumford and Sons. Bleh.

Futurebirds

Quick little heads up on a band you should listen to... Now!!!

The Futurebirds rock! From Athens Georgia, this band seams to channel tons of sounds and influences evoking everything from early MMJ to Drive by Truckers to John Mellencamp... I know weird. These guys really seem to have fun, and you can hear it in their recorded works. The music makes me want to drink whiskey on a hot summer day, just to see what happens. Saw these guys at a very scarcely attended show at the Rickshaw stop about a year ago. I was a bit worried that when they saw only ten or so of us in attendance they would be a bit disappointed.

Not to be. Soon ten of us turned to 20, and by the end a good little crowd of 50 or so were white man dancing through the night.

Check out their first self titled E/P. Couple of my favorite tunes of theirs including Dirty D and Megachills kick it off. Their first full length is titled Hampton's Lullaby and pushes the sound a bit more country.

Raddest thing of all, I think every member of the band sings lead at some point throughout..... good stuff!

Animal Collective at Great American

Well, to be honest I was going to write a nice long review for this show - however my head still aches from to much fun and Pitchfork wrote a great review already. Check it out-

while your at Pitchfork, check out the new Antlers track from their upcoming "Burst Apart" album. I'm really starting to get excited about this one. They seem to have lost some of the gloom that was so prominent in their prior album "Hospice." Fans of brooding, atmospheric music will really dig 'em.

If your digging the track go listen to their set at SXSW from last month at NPR. They previewed the entire album.

I chose Levon!

So, I have debated lately about listening to the new Robbie Robertson record. As a lover of "the Band" and all things related, I am curious about how his first album in Ten years sounds. Has he returned to form, or is he still using his name to push esoteric tunes on former fans. I want to think its a return, I want to root for him. Problem is, we are divorced...

You see, after doing a bit of research on "the Band," and reading (mostly second hand) accounts of their breakup, I think any self respecting music fan needs to take a side. Me, I'll chose Levon Helm. As the Drummer and requisite style king of the band, I really think Levon is what makes the band so timeless. A true american singing about our struggles and triumphs, all while playing wicked drums. Wait, Levon is a Canadian! even cooler. I think he is my favorite Canadian actually, but thats another argument (sorry arcade fire, but your actually led by a Texan anyway).

Well, it seems old Levon and the remaining members of the Band were not quite ready to breakup, and if you listen to Levon sounds like they didn't even receive residuals from the filming of "the Last Waltz," the excellent movie chronicling their last show at winterland.

After the breakup, Levon recorded some of my favorite material and created some great records with assorted all star bands. All the while, Robbie Robertson, per a recent rolling stone article, admits to sharing a house with Martin Scorsese with the blinds drawn, doing tons of drugs, and basically being a skinny introvert.

Most recently, Levon has made two of my favorite albums of the last ten years. Firstthe excellent "Dirt Farmer," which won a grammy, and most recently "Electric Dirt," which features among others a kick ass version of the Deads Tennessee Jed. As far as superstar friends whocollaborate, they both got 'em. For his most recent release, Robertson got none other than Eric Clapton to guest on a number of tracks (unfortunately this is the uncool post drugs tears in heaven clapton though). Helm meanwhile has an excellent touring band consisting of the always cool Larry Campbell on lead guitar and the occasional Phil Leash sighting to boot. Advantage Helm.

Couple quick Helm stories finish it off for me- While at the Independent for Levons ramble last year, I was lucky enough to get to see first Lesh jump in for a few songs, and then Jim James of My Morning Jacket guest to close the show for about five songs. While getting a beer I bumped into James at the bar. Not one to star-fuck, I told James I was a fan and thanks for the music. He proceeded to tell me about his love of Helm and how he keeps the spirit of music alive for many.

My favorite Levon story comes from my friend Nathan though, who took his Wife to the ramble at Levons place in Woodstock NY. Well, turns out Nathan is in a great band called Walkin In Sunlight (more about them later). Upon mentioning this to Levon an immediate invitation to record at his place in Woodstock was offered. Now of course Levons trying to make money, but man, thats so cool. A few greenlike cigarettes were passed (though no one inhaled), and the story gets better and better though its not mine to tell.

So, in closing - one of my favorite bands forced me to make a difficult choice. Robbie, take your new album and shove it, I've chosen Levon.

Speaking of denim..........

Purling Hiss -



one of my favorite Daytrotter sessions yet. Gold old fashioned Rock 'N Roll. Saw him open for Kurt Vile and the Violaters a number of months back at the Rickshaw stop. Lots of feedback and denim. awesome.

Required reading on SF music scene-

This is a really great article from my PERSONAL friends at pitchfork.com on the SF music scene. When pitchfork comes a calling, you know it must be good..... In all seriousness, we have some great bands in the city right now that should be required listening for any indie/garage fan.

Kurt Vile + Deerhunter

Ooohhhhh I love these guys. Anyone who hasn't heard the newest Kurt Vile Record "Smoke Ring for My Halo" sucks. Bluesy and psycdelich, totally original. I've heard people complain about the weird lyrics and singing off key. Those people suck. Sort of has the appeal of Beck's Mellow Gold in terms of lyrical structure, but musically much more brooding and downtroddin. The sounds coming out of Philadelphia are really great now. Between Vile, War on Drugs, and Purling Hiss they could almost give SF a run for its money.

Check out Kurt Viles set from SXSW streaming at NPR
he does a springsteen cover towards the end that is great.

Great week for new releases.....

Hey All,

First off, RECORD STORE DAY is this saturday. Go to your local record store and spend some of that hard earned cash. Who needs rent when you got music! I'll be spending a bit of the morning at Amoeba SF and maybe a secret store which has less people..... (really not that secret)

What a week for

releases. My favorite one that seems to have slipped a bit under the radar is Paul Simons -So Beautiful or So What.Listening to this record reminds me of how much some of my favorite artists owe to this man. Without Paul Simon there is no Vampire Weekend or any of the current crop of artists who specialize in afro pop. This album is great to. Subtle but powerful. Oh BTW he's coming to town soon. I'll be attending his show at the Fillmore later this month.

TV on the Radio's newest -Nine Types of Light is a grower. I'm sick of the articles about this being a more peaceful album celebrating love, etc. Its just the evolution of a bunch of guys getting older. Beautiful as it is boring. I don't think it will have the staying power of Dear Science or Cookie Mountain, but nonetheless is a great listen. See them at the Independent at the end of this month as well.

(if you were one of the lucky ones to get tickets which sold out in about 2 minutes)

Panda Bear's newest -Tomboy is tough to put a finger on. More structured than person pitch, it seems to be his most accesible listen to date. However, its sort of drones on... Hard to tell if this was his intention. Still, an average Panda Bear album is better than a great record by most.

I'm back!

wow- been a long time. Looks like last time I was here TV on the Radio was touring Dear Science. Well, just yesterday they released their new epic Nine Types of Light. Either they are extremely prolific or I am extremely lazy. I think the latter.

Anyway, I am going to make a sincere attempt to keep this blog running. Their will be a bit of a different focus though this time around. I will make quick observations on what I am listening to and interested in at that time. These may be quick, coherent thoughts, or maybe drawn out blotter. May be a few posts a day, or maybe one a week.

My posts will probably rehash the opinions of the other blogs and articles I read - not claiming anything original here. But - if you don't have the energy to keep up with all of the new posts from the huge number of sites out there, this could be the place for you.

TV on the Radio 11/9/2008 The Warfield

There is nothing worse than a self indulgent art school band. The last few years has seen an abundance of groups form in art schools. The vast majority of these bands are self indulgent experssionist, who, with the help of pitchfork, have somehow made sounding loud and illegible cool (I see you Deerhoof). Thank god for TV on the Radio.

Though they formed in some kind of art school to the best of my knowledge, they shape musical landscapes like no other. Layers upon layers of textures, sounds, and two of the best sounding frontmen around. I last saw them two years ago at the Fillmore theater. They were great, though I couldn't help but think that they really seemed surprise at selling the venue out for two days. The music was flawless, but something seemed missing.

In the last two years they figured it all out. Taking the stage at the warfield, it was odvious how far they'd come. No longer content to simply play to the room, they wanted to destroy it. I've heard of Phil Spectors wall of sound (i've also heard he shot a b-movie actress), but what i heard last night was like the great wall of sound. It was so lound, beers resting on the banisters made that famous jurassic park scene look like childs play. The amazing thing, though, is how well this sound all came together. Every part fit together like a puzzle, one layer adding to the next. When the show finally came to a close, although only slightly over an hour, no one was left wanting.

I can't help but think this band is what Radiohead would sound like if they decided to have fun for the night. Art schools may be ok, just keep Deerhoof out of my airwaves.

http://www.tvontheradio.com/

Quick Music Tip

Its hard to call the Clash underrated, but after listening to this live set, i can't help but think so. This 1982 set at Shea Stadium, opening for the who, is one of the best recorded live sets out there. Joe Strummer completely takes over the 75000 fans, and the clash do what the clash do best; bring punk rock to the masses. Great versions of Tommy Gun, Police on my Back, and the magnificent 7 highlight a set that will suprise you with its relavance in the present today. Anyone who ever wondered if Joe Strummer really had a gift need not go any further than this recording. He connects with the audience while flawlessy leading the band through one of their last performances. The Who never stood a chance. Long live Joe Strummer!

http://www.amazon.com/Live-at-Shea-Stadium-Deluxe/dp/B001E7OO2S

Buy More Vinyl!!

Heartless Bastards - The Independent San Francisco 11/9/2008

The independent can really produce a great concert experience, or a nightmare dependent on the crowd and band. There is nothing worse than a crappy band going through the motions in the worst ventalated club in San Francisco. However, when a band shows up and really gets going, the club has an energy that can't be beat. Last night was one of those good nights.





The Heartless Bastards are three piece band out of Ohio. Lablemates with the Black Keys, and currently sharing producers with Spoon, they have a sound all there own. Part Delta Blues, part classic rock, even a little punk. Erica Wasserman, the lead singer has a voice that really needs to be heard to appreciated. As strong and forceful a front lady as they come.





I last saw this band in 2006 at twelve galaxies in support of their then new release, "into the open." It was a good set, but nothing that would stand enough to be remembered weeks later. Last night, though, was a much different case. Since I last saw the band, the Base Player and Drummer have been replaced by to new musicians. The new version of the band rocked from the start, and it was apparent Erica had an energy and passion that seemed to be missing the prior show. The drummer really rocked, hitting his kit so hard he knocked the mikes over 3X. The new bass player as well, though dressed for a hunting trip, really layed down some great grooves and really played powerfly.





The band had the crowd going from the start, and really utilized the small space fully. The closing song of the first set, as new song from the upcoming February release, was as good a live performance I've ever seen. It turned from a slow seathing blues number to classic booming zepplin like chorus and back for 10 minutes. The band returned from a short break to play a great three song encore, and left the stage leaving everyone satisfied. Don't miss this band.





Fans of Black Keys, Spoon, White Stripes, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Alison Kraus, Led Zeppelin.

http://www.myspace.com/heartlessbastards

Buy More Vinyl!

First Post!

If anyone actually reads these things - a quick word about this blog......

Last night at a family dinner, my sisters and brothers in law suggest i write a blog about the many concerts i see. Well, in doing some thinking, i thought this might be a good idea for a number of reasons, most notably i attend a ton of concerts on my own. Now, if while this may seems pathetic, i just can't stand the idea of missing a band i like coming to town and skipping it due to not being able to find anyone to attend it with. So, for all you losers who are to lazy to spend an open Monday night in a sweaty club waiting through a shitty opening band to see a your band come at 11:30 when you work the next morning, well now at least you'll know what you missed.

Additonally, for those who don't know me so well, music is a prime part of my life. I listen to a wide variety of bands, and am always searching for something new. So, occasionally i'll make a suggestion on something that may be of interest to you. Reviews suck, who wants to read someones snotty too cool for school thoughts on Deerhoof anyway. I'll cut straight to the point in a completely uneduated way, and if you like what i have to say about a band, check it out. If not, just read and laugh at my lack of prose.

This does lead me to a quick thought. One more intention of this blog is to bring music back to the people. No american apparel hear, i want levi's. Smoking cigarettes outside, hah. I want my Coors Lite at the bar. The new sigur rios record..... give me Born in the USA. Summer vacation in Soho, i'll take a night in Vegas. And finally, pitchfork, fuck that. I'll take a chance on liking the new Coldplay (in secret).

So..... If your still here, Buy More Vinyl!!