Girls Sold Out

Pink Mink

2011-01-02T12:06:00.001Z

Two days into 2011 and I've already discovered a new band I love - Pink Mink, from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. Their female-fronted snarling, but sometimes sweet vocals are reminiscent of both Hole and Bikini Kill.

Check out their video for "Black Door"

Their full-length album will be in early 2011, but for now you can download some of the tunes (including "Black Door") for free from their website.

Favourites of the Year

2010-12-31T16:46:00.005Z

As 2010 is ending within hours, here is a run-down just a few of my favourite tracks of the year:

Nicki Minaj - Your Love - Started out as a guilty pleasure and became a staple on my Creative player (yes, I prefer Creative over iPod or anything else!). It's one of the best pop songs this year.

Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith - Not In Love The album version of "Not in Love" is nothing spectacular, but throw in vocals by The Cure's Robert Smith and it becomes an epic masterpiece. Hands-down, my favourite track of all of 2010.

Manic Street Preachers feat. Ian McCulloch - Some Kind of Nothingness Probably my favourite off of the Manics' latest album Postcards of a Young Man. It's cheesy, but that's partly what makes it great. I put up this "alternative" Patrick Jones directed video instead of the official one, as it's way more amusing. ;)

Kylie Minogue - Get Outta My Way This will forever remind me of studying in the library with my gay BFF, as our study breaks would turn into parties for 2 when this track came on. It is one of Ms. Minogue's best.

Sky Parade - I Keep Coming Up So catchy, powerful and never fails to put me in a better mood. 2011 should be a great year for this band.

Happy 2011! xoxo

Happy Christmas!!!

2010-12-25T11:18:00.000Z

Hope that those who celebrate Christmas are having a fun, relaxing day.....enjoy these Christmas-themed videos and eat more sugar cookies and mince pies..

The Holidays with....Little Annie

2010-12-24T16:58:00.004Z

During her recent UK tour with Marc Almond, Little Annie answers the Christmas questionarie!

Which holiday do you participate in, Christmas, Chanukah, other?
Celebrate bith along with 3 kings, Kwanza, Russian Orthadox etc...its all one God.

What are your plans for the holidays?
Decorating, making pears in ammaretto and working,doing a bit a visiting, cuddling up with Sparky(thats when the animals talk, I keep telling him that) but mainly a great time for working. Painting ideally, have had so little quality painting time, Its quiet.

I live a block from where all the decorations ect are in NYC so that's my favorite holiday type thing, Im a sucker for the lights. I try to make it to midnight mass, but rarely do, so light a candle for the spirits..or hit my Godson's Irish bar and have a few spirits.

What was the best holiday present you ever received?
Goodness,thats hard to say. A paper mache nativity scene from Mexico and anything with the word Chanel in it....As corney as it sound hearing from loved ones is a gift not to be taken for granted, and the gift of being allowed to serve. Its such a tough time for alot of people. Serviice takes one out of that cell of self.

The best Christmas song is:
Favorite Christmas Songs are Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and This Christmas by Donny Hathaway...and last but not least is What are you doing New Years Eve, gorgeous song. This is maybe the 3rd year in the last God knows how many that I'm not doing a Christmas show, last few times we did a run for the whole month of December. Love those.....

What is on top of your wishlist?
Wishlist....hmmmmmmmm, for people to be safe and happy, healthy, peaceful..from there you could go anywhere.

Share a fond holiday memory from your childhood:
I have a memory of my sister Miriam and I, shes passed on now, lying under the tree as kids, looking up into the lights and decorations my moms used to make. It smelled so wonderful and looked truly magical and endless. Used to love driving around with my family as a kid looking at the lights. Love them lights..

At midnight on 1 January 2011, I will be...
New Years Eve will be working. Its the worst night of the year to be out, think I had two good times out on a New Years Eve in my life. Ideally, fingers crossed, God willing, I like to have the decks cleared of all the last years paper work ect, and make a fresh list of goals and projects for the coming year. Reflect on the tough stuff, be grateful for the good things..I know its just and arbitrary date but
again, while all the liteweights are getting hangovers (it really is ameture night drunk wise New Years Eve is) its a nice quiet time to be working. God I sound boring dont I....Anyway as I live in the Ground Zero of Christmas insainity (near Carnegie Hall, it took me 45 minutes to get from my building entrance to the drugstore two doors down...not cute!

Little Annie's myspace

The Holidays with....Eulogy Inn

2010-12-16T20:22:00.003Z

David, the man behind psych project Eulogy Inn answers the Holiday questionnaire..

Which holiday do you participate in, Christmas, Chanukah, other?
Christmas on Mars is choice.

What are your plans for the holidays?
Hanging with Friends and family

What was the best holiday present you ever received?
Remco sound efx machine
http://youtu.be/SKMtMe-fyhY

The best Christmas song is:
Spectrum (Sonic Boom) - Santa Claus
It captures how I feel perfectly about this time of year.
http://youtu.be/k1etdqgngAM

What is on top of your wishlist?
Good health for all my friends and family.

Share a fond holiday memory from your childhood:
Sneaking out of bed early to see if I could spy a peek at Santa, but I just missed him, Toys everywhere, Mass Hysteria!

The perfect holiday party consists of:
A good wine, good music surrounded by good people.

At midnight on 1 January 2011, I will be...
Floating in space.

Sweet Jane: "Silent Night"

2010-12-13T07:20:00.001Z

I am in love.

Sweet Jane - Silent Night.mp3

A few questions with: The Way Down

2010-12-11T11:12:00.000Z

A Q&A with Ari, the bassist/vocalist from the brilliant Icelandic band The Way Down.

How did The Way Down come about?
That's kind of a long story, we formed the band after our last one quit in 2005. We had been getting increasingly frustrated by not being able to publish our music due to various fuck ups, so the original goal of the band was to finish a record at all costs. We managed that in 2007, put out a record called 'See You In Hell', which was published by Nonni on his Dead Records label. It gave us a starting point and we've kind of been progressing slowly from there.

Where did you get your band name from?
The name comes from line in a song with our old band, which was called California Cheeseburger, the song is called On The Beach. It struck me one day that there was a clever double meaning in the phrase. Most people think our name means something depressing, but it actually means 'the really cool', if you think about it.

Where's your favourite place in Reykjavik?
The downtown area, I grew up in the suburbs and I won't even go there to visit anymore. There's also a really nice museum next to the big church downtown that not many people know about that I sometimes take people to. Other than that, our flat and our rehearsal space are where we spend most of our time and have the most fun.

Where do your rehearse?
We rehearse down by the harbour, we got lucky and teamed up with a guy named Danny Pollock, notorious punk rock fella in Iceland. He's been building himself a studio these last few years and we get to rehearse there, it's rather luxurious, as rehearsal spaces go. We also made our new record there, so now we're officially not a one record band, another goal we made for ourselves.

What was your best gig so far? why?
We've had some good gigs, the one you saw was pretty good by our standards. I guess my favourite gig so far was at a local dive called Monte Carlo, a very seedy bar frequented by people with real alcohol issues and full of slot machines. Nothing nice ever happens there, but we showed up and played for the regulars and had fun shaking up the place. We got a lot of appreciation from people who you wouldn't usually see a rock gigs and it kind of felt like we did something nice that night.

We made a video from that gig (watch it here).

And the worst gig? why?
There's been a couple of those, I guess the worst one for me personally was when I lost my vocal pitch in front of a full house. It went on for the entire night, you could tell people just felt uncomfortable listening to it. Shit happens, I guess. We try to make sure we don't have bad gigs, but sometimes it's out of our hands.

When you guys hang out, what music are you probably listening to?
All kinds of stuff, really. Orri, our drummer, listens to a lot of new bands and is generally on top of what's going on, while we tend to obsess over older stuff. We like a lot of different kinds of music and we enjoy finding new bands or things we've never heard before. Guitar based rock, if I had to choose a genre, The Velvet Underground, if I had to choose a band. Or maybe The Cramps or The Who, we like lots of bands. Old country stuff too, jive, you name it.

What was the first album you ever bought?
'The Kids Are Alright' by The Who, when I was twelve. I still have it. It made me want to be in a band, I still love that record and the movie is great as well.

Any weird phobias and/or band superstitions?
Not band related, no. Riina hates the open water and I'm wary of stuff falling on top of me, personally, but that's neither here nor there. We're pretty easy going, as a band, we try to make the best of any situation we find ourselves in.

What's your band's fashion sense/style? Any favourite clothing shops?
I liked the clothes Nonni was bringing in through his Dead store, April 77, for example. Not a big labels person though and I hardly ever buy clothes. I guess buying clothes is a phobia for me, come to think of it. Riina gets her clothes from second hand shops, mostly. There's a newish shop here called Wildcat, which is pretty good, old school rock'n'roll clothes, she got cool boots from there the other day.

Describe your fanbase in 3 words:
Probably not sober.

What's the best thing about the Icelandic music scene?
I'm not a big fan of it. We're kind of on the outside looking in, we generally play when we feel like it and aren't really looking to make a mainstream impact. I find a lot of the stuff you have to do to get airplay and attention here distasteful and there's so little money in it that we might as well not bother. Maybe that sounds arrogant, but we really are just looking to please ourselves and have a good time playing music we like.

What's better - downloading, still buying CDs, or collecting vinyl?
Vinyl for the sound, no question. Streaming and downloading is useful and that's what we do the most these days, like most people. CDs I don't like so much, especially the standard plastic covered ones, they were a step backwards for music, I think.

Best band you've seen live?
There's so many good bands. The Jesus Lizard in 1991 were pretty great, The Hives in 2004, The Stooges in 2007, those were all great concerts. Lots of obscure bands in between, too many to list. Of newer Icelandic bands, The Caterpillarmen are pretty good, so are Hljómsveitin Ég.

Is there anything (previously unknown) about your band that you'd like to share with the world?
Not really, we feel very uninteresting now.

And what are your plans for the rest of the year?
We just recruited a second guitar player and are starting to think of our third record. The second one Icelandic Democracy is out now on the internet and will be published in the real world by Bad Taste early next year, so we're feeling good this winter.

Download:
The Way Down - Heart Over Soul.mp3
The Way Down - Maybe Tomorrow.mp3

Thanks Ari! x

The Holidays with...Hawkeye

2010-12-10T22:41:00.005Z

It's that time of year again...the first up for this year's Christmas questionarie is Nora from the up-and-coming Portland psych band, Hawkeye.

Which holiday do you participate in, Christmas, Chanukah, other?
Well, despite my mixed heritage of Irish Catholic and Russian Jew, my family celebrated Christmas, probably because there were more specials for it on TV. It was and continues to be an excuse to get shit.

What are your plans for the holidays?
Well, there are a few good holiday parties and shows coming up here in Portland. Hawkeye is playing the Fuzzy Ball at the Wonder ballroom with a bunch of amazing bands (Pete International Airport, Go Fever, The Upsidedown, Happy Prescriptions, The Prids, Rick Bain and the Genius Position) Dec 17th. Come December 20th I celebrate my 21st birthday, which is a little known fact. Another show at Langano Lounge on December 23rd and a very special show on December 28th at Bunk Bar with good friends, Go Fever, to welcome our dear friend, Mara Deslauriers, who will be moving from Minneapolis. That's when the real holiday fun begins and we reignite our musical collaboration.

What was the best holiday present you ever received?
Well, as I said my birthday is right around Christmas so I often got one big gift to cover the two. I never minded, especially when I got my Gibson Les Paul Gothic.

The best Christmas song is:
Oh I don't know. One of the Raveonettes ones. I really like modern day Christmas music. The old stuff is good too. "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" might be in play as a cover in a future Hawkeye set.

What is on top of your wishlist?
Health insurance and a job with tips, if the two are reconcilable.

Share a fond holiday memory from your childhood:
I'd rather not.

The perfect holiday party consists of:
People you know and care about, good music, and alcohol in that order. Weed is a given.

At midnight on 1 January 2011, I will be...
Probably playing a show at our bar, Langano Lounge.

Dead Skeleton's LJÓSBERINN

2010-12-02T23:31:00.005Z

Another amazingly wicked track from the Icelandic band Dead Skeletons

And while you're at it, keep watching Nonni Dead and Anton Fjordon's online channel, Dead TV live from Reykjavik and Berlin. x

London Loves Again

2010-11-28T11:17:00.004Z

Before the snow hit the UK in full-force (inside this flat I feel like I'm trapped in a snowglobe)...I have been spending time in London, showing my little cousin around (her first time to London) and also going for work-related events.

a few people have asked me where this shop is - answer: on Carnaby Street in Soho :)

Video: Belles Will Ring "Come North With Me Baby, Wow"

2010-11-23T08:23:00.000Z

The Aussie psych band, Belles Will Ring, have just released their brand new video for "Come North With Me Baby, Wow"

Fronted by couple Liam Judson and Lauren Crew, this is undeniably sweet. And if you're in Australia, check out Belles Will Ring at the following dates:

Nov 25 - Wollongong, New South, AUSTRALIA
Nov 26 - Gaelic Theatre, Sydney, Australia, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Nov 27 - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, New South, AUSTRALIA
Dec 3 - East Brunswick Club, Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
Dec 4 - Jive Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, AUSTRALIA
Dec 9 - Transit Bar, Canberrra, Australia, AUSTRALIA
Dec 10 - Baroque bar, Katoomba, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Dec 11 - Clubhouse Brisbane, QLD, AUSTRALIA

Factory Kids' "Weird Scenes" out now!

2010-11-21T20:23:00.004Z

Factory Kids' 2nd remix album, Weird Scenes is out now on Corporate Records. It features remixes of tracks from the 2nd FK album, Love Destroys Everything by artists such as Medication Club, Astral Social Club, AUFA!FUKRI! + many more!

It's pay-what-you-wish which you can purchase here.

For a free sampler, here is the first track:
Love Destroys Everything (Jonathan Shadel Remix).mp3

enjoy!

Video: Beady Eye "Bring The Light"

2010-11-16T12:23:00.003Z

Check out the debut video from Beady Eye, the new band consisting of former Oasis members Liam Gallagher, Andy Bell and Gem Archer.

I loved Oasis, but really don't know what to make of this...I hope it's a grower. Anyway, you can download the track for free on the Official site.

A Few Questions with: The Velcro Leaves

2010-11-01T19:54:00.007Z

Here is my recent interview with Jonathan D. Shadel, the creative mastermind behind The Velcro Leaves.....make sure to check out the free download of their album Origami, below!

How did The Velcro Leaves come about?
We started without a name when I was 8 or 9 years old. My brother [Andrew Shadel] had started playing piano and I was already doing concerts on the violin and was receiving good note from the New York Times, so I said, "Kid, we're starting a rock and roll band." We've been pissing off our parents ever since. So that might be a little stretch. But in all honesty, me and Andrew have been playing music together for as long as I can remember. It was either music or fight, and we're pacifists, so we chose the artsy thing. We played in a couple of garage bands--actually a band in a pastor kid's church basement... pop punk, good times. Then I think about two years ago, we started as a duo, then just under a year ago we heard Jane playing flute and bass and said, "Come, follow us." And she left all she had and followed.

Where did you get your band name?
This is kind of a funny story. My extended family are basically a bunch of land-locked sailors. They curse and smoke and chew tobacco, you know sinner stuff, right [laughing]! But I always watched them spit tobacco in their soda bottles and got grossed out, but always wondered what it tasted like. So my mom had these huge, sticky, leafy plants in our flower bed that the dog would chew on. I thought, for some reason, that it was tobacco. So I stuffed my kid-mouth full of the stuff and just about puked. Haven't touched chew, and I always had this love-hate thing with that memory of those darn velcro leaves. When it came time for a new band name, well--it stuck (pun intended).

What's the best thing about your hometown?
Not much, really. It is close to DC, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore... otherwise it lacks much of an audience for the music we make. However, there are some very, very talented musicians working in this area that I am proud to associate with. That's the good thing.

Where do your rehearse?
That's a good question! Actually, it is always changing. For awhile it was church basements, then my basement. Lately, Jane and some friends have a condo by a lake, we've been jamming their lately.

What was your best gig so far? why?
The best gig is the one we didn't get to play, sadly. In September, we were booked by Six Flags America in Washington DC, but some personal issues made the gig fall through. Would have been a pretty big deal for us. Otherwise, there is this local festival--a real hippie, happy sort of thing called Common Ground on Martin's Mountain. I love playing it--look forward to it every year because of the beautiful people and its gorgeous location... it sets on the very top of a mountain. You can see for a long ways, and you feel like a part of something bigger. It's really great.

And the worst gig? why?
By far, the worst show we ever played was at The Wind-Up Artspace in Baltimore. It was supposed to be this big thing for us, but Jane had a few things come up and we had to decide between playing without her or skipping the show. We hate skipping shows, so Andrew and I played. But without her, we just played a really off gig. Believe me, it is hard reworking material when everyone in the band works really closely together on stage. It wasn't fun!

When you guys hang out, what music are you probably listening to?
That's a tough question because we listen to anything and everything. Each one of us would have a different answer! For new music this year, Panda Bear's two singles he's released this year have been a big hit on my iPod. Also, I am in love with the new Broken Bells and Beach House records. But I love vinyl, so I've been listening to a lot of Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Donavan, George Harrison, and Beach Boys records with a iced chai tea, yes.

What was the first album you ever bought?
You know, I can't remember. I grew up in a house that listened to a lot of music. Gospel, celtic, folk, and soft rock. But the moment when I realized I wanted to make my own music was in the laundry room at 7 or 8 years old. I was listening to the oldies station--it was either The Byrd's "Turn! Turn! Turn!" or the Beach Boy's 'Surfer Girl!" I was sold on music.

Any weird phobias and/or band superstitions?
As a band, we're convinced that Jane is David Bowie's long lost daughter. Look at her cute, skinny cheek bones. Match.

What's your band's fashion sense/style? Any favourite clothing shops?
We like weird, colorful, exciting things. Lately, we have been wearing matching pith helmets on stage. But we are super-huge into thrift stores for trends of tomorrow. I also have this thing with Urban Outfitters. Yea, hipster. But look at this sweater. How could anyone say no?

Describe your fanbase in 3 words:
Weird assed rejects.

What's better - downloading, still buying CDs, or collecting vinyl?
We do all three. I think everyone prefers CDs--they're still physical and we like getting physical. I have this love thing with vinyl. I am not a huge collector. I have maybe 60 LPs and some singles that are my "go-to"s on rainy days. But digital is the future. That's why our latest record is digital and has yet to hit CD.

Best band you've seen live?
For me, it is a tie between mewithoutYou and Panda Bear. Both do an incredible live show.

Is there anything (previously unknown) about your band that you'd like to share with the world?
Jane is a man, happily engaged. Andrew and I are lesbian and single.

And what are your plans for the rest of the year?
We've been incredibly busy and have been having trouble matching up our individual schedules. However, since our record just came out online and hasn't even seen the physical world yet, our hopes are to get "Origami" to as many people as possible. I put a couple hundred hours in producing it and I am proud of it. I want it heard!! But I am back at the writing block and have some more twists up my sleeves. For TVL, things are going to take some exciting turns. Maybe hip-hop. Am I joking? Wait and see.

Download their album Origami for free at their Official site. "Colours, Technically" is my personal favourite, but the entire album is very creative, elusive and fantastic....listen for yourself. x

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T17:10:00.003+01:00

The best time of year......here are some of my favourite Halloween tracks..enjoy! x

& have a Happy Halloween! xoxox

Crystal Castles + Robert Smith = something wonderful

2010-10-26T21:51:00.004+01:00

Below is the new collaboration from Crystal Castles and Cure frontman Robert Smith. The result is a icy yet heartwarming mash of something wonderful......just listen for yourself:

The single, which includes acoustic demo versions of "Celestica" and "Suffocation", will be released 6th December.

Naomi Hates Humans

2010-10-25T20:30:00.003+01:00

An artist that I had been hearing about for months now is the acoustic folk sounds of Naomi Hates Humans. Currently the band consists of a duo, Naomi, the singer/songwriter and her bass player Lewis. The sounds emerging from their melodic tracks are reminiscent of the 1960's New York folk scene. Their fans include those working at DrunkenWerewolf Magazine, as they have been praising Naomi Hates Humans for awhile now.

Listen and download their music off of their website and look out for more in the future.

Video: Sky Parade "I Should Be Coming Up (But I Keep Coming Down)"

2010-10-19T10:42:00.000+01:00

Check out the new video by Sky Parade for their single, "I Should Be Coming Up (But I Keep Coming Down)"

The track is produced by Courtney Taylor(-Taylor) of The Dandy Warhols and is off their album Intoxicated on Custom Made Music. You can download the album in iTunes or purchase the album and check out their UK, French and US tour dates on their website.

Fever Fever at the 13th Note

2010-10-18T08:54:00.002+01:00

Saturday night we went to Glasgow's 13th Note to see the brilliant Fever Fever. They are a new girl-fronted post-punk band from Norwich, England. Their songs are energetic, fun and reminded me of the first time I saw Vivian Girls, although Fever Fever are much, much better.

Now, check out their blog and buy their swag! I think you will definitely be hearing more from them very soon...

DrunkenWerewolf Night...

2010-10-14T16:20:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow is DrunkenWerewolf Night at timbuk2 in Bristol. Drunkenwerewolf Night is created by DrunkenWerewolf Magazine founder, Tiffany Daniels and is sure to be a steller show, featuring acts such as London folk band Paul Hawkins & Thee Awkward Silences, the alt-acoustic sounds of Adam Donen and post-punk outfit The Hysterical Injury. Admission is only £2 and supports a great thriving underground music scene.

Also, the newest issue of DrunkenWerewolf magazine is out now!! Go to the DrunkenWerewolf music blog for more info, or get a free issue at London's Rough Trade East or various outlets in Bristol.

Videos: Pete International Airport "21 Days" and "Starlight"

2010-10-13T12:09:00.007+01:00

Below are the new videos for "21 Days" and "Starlight", from Pete International Aiport, the side-project of of Peter Holmstrom from the Dandy Warhols.

Pete International Airport's debut album is out now on Custom Made Music.

1984

2010-10-09T10:13:00.002+01:00

I ♥ 80's Madonna........

Factory Kids "Love Destroys Everything" album, out now!

2010-10-08T23:31:00.003+01:00

My band Factory Kids, have released our 2nd album via Tara Records.

The album is much more electro-pop than the self-titled debut. Influences for this album include a wide range of artists, from Spacemen 3 to the Pet Shop Boys. Have a listen yourself, by downloading it on iTunes.

and here is a free download of one of the tracks:

Factory Kids - She & He.mp3

Happy weekend! xo

Happy 70th Birthday, John Lennon

2010-10-08T12:36:00.003+01:00

This week marks what would have been John Lennon's 70th Birthday and it seems to be everywhere on the internet today - even Google is dressed up for the event:

To celebrate, Yoko Ono has encouraged artists to submit their Lennon tribute videos. One in particular is from L.A. duo Magic Wands. Their video is well, magical?

As Yoko says, "Think peace. Act peace. Spread peace and imagine peace".

xox

The Tamborines on Tour + new video for "Black and Blue"

2010-10-06T11:25:00.004+01:00

Credit: Bob Stuart

London rock outfit, The Tamborines, founded by Henrique Laurindo and Lulu Grave, are heading out to Europe this fall....tour dates are as follows:

7 Oct 2010 20:00
Club The Mammoth @ The Old Queens Head London, LON, UNITED KINGDOM

6 Nov 2010 15:30
Easy Pop Weekend Andorra, TE, SPAIN

25 Nov 2010 8:30
TITTY TWISTER VILLADOSSOLA, VB, ITALY

26 Nov 2010 20:00
George Best Club Cesena, FC, ITALY

27 Nov 2010 20:00
Mono Pescara, PE, ITALY

28 Nov 2010 20:00
Mattatoio Culture Club Carpi, MO, ITALY

4 Dec 2010 20:30
Gleis 22 Munster, Westf, GERMANY

6 Dec 2010 9:30
Mondial Halle (Cafe Keese)
w/ Rosie and The Outs and The Crocodiles
Hamburg, GERMANY

+ check out their brand new video for the track, "Black and Blue"

Download:
The Tamborines - Looking Glass House.mp3

Tamborines' Official Site

Video: The Dandy Warhols "This Is The Tide"

2010-10-06T11:11:00.000+01:00

The new Dandy Warhols video, "This is The Tide", which features main vocals by Brett DeBoer and a lavish dinner party featuring many folks from the Portland scene.

Video: Factory Kids' "Scrapey Boots"

2010-10-05T13:10:00.003+01:00

Off of our new album, Love Destroys Everything, here is the video for "Scrapey Boots", shot in Glasgow and Birmingham, UK.

The track is off of our 2nd album, Love Destroys Everything

and here's our our myspace.

Mini Review: Manic Street Preachers' at Glasgow's O2 Academy, 29th Sept 2010

2010-10-04T08:43:00.001+01:00

The Manics gig was probably the most wild gig I've gone to for awhile. Of course, it was partly my fault for having to be right in the front, but the opener, "Sleepflower", turned the crowd into chaos (which was oddly fun, I admit).

For being the first gig on a long list of UK tour dates, I thought they were in top form. I can honestly say it was one of the best gigs I have ever been to!

Best bits include Nicky Wire introducing "Motown Junk" before "Hazelton Avenue" (he later apologized, blaming being sober for fucking everything up, ha), dedicating "You Love Us" to Richey Edwards, the crowd singing along to "You Stole the Sun from My Heart" and James complimenting us on our vocals(!) and James' debuting the acoustic version of "Stay Beautiful", which you can watch below:

Check the Manics' official site for tour dates and much more. x

Mini Review: Grinderman at Glasgow's Barrowland, 28th Sept 2010

2010-10-03T16:36:00.005+01:00

One word that sums up the Grinderman gig the other night: AMAZING.

The only negative thing I have to say is when I went home and listened to the Grinderman 2 album the following day, it didn't sound nearly as good as it used to, as the gig just took everything to a higher level. I have always thought that if you can sound better live than you do on record, it is a sign of a truly talented artist. Obviously, Nick Cave and co. are no exception.

My personal favourites were their new single "Heathen Child", "Evil!", "No Pussy Blues" and the last one of the evening, "Grinderman", which sounded incredible live.

If Grinderman comes to your town, I doubt you'll need much persausion to go, but I still highly recommend it. Tour dates and more available on their website.

Oslo

2010-09-28T17:45:00.006+01:00

A few photos from my recent trip to Oslo, Norway....

When in Oslo, check out Tiger Records and Big Dipper Records. They both had a variety of albums by local acts and international artists. I ended up buying a couple Einar Stenseng albums which are brilliant.

Factory Kids "Get Gone" EP

2010-09-22T19:39:00.002+01:00

Today marks another release from Tim's and my project, Factory Kids. This time, it is our "Get Gone" EP, released as a free download by NOECHO records. It is definitely the most experimental stuff we have come up with so far...

Click here for your free download of "Get Gone"......

and enjoy!

x

the Manics take over Rock Radio

2010-09-20T07:58:00.001+01:00

Tune into Scotland's Rock Radio on Tuesday, 21 September, from 10pm as James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers will be playing their favourite classic rock tracks. You can listen at 96.3 FM in Scotland or online from anywhere.

Also, the Manics album Postcards From a Young Man is out today in the UK! Then next week the Manics kick off their UK tour in Glasgow.

A Dead Skeletons Post

2010-09-19T17:12:00.000+01:00

This year I have been really into the Dead Skeletons, which consist of Henrik from Singapore Sling, Nonni Dead and sometimes Anton Newcombe, among others. Their first track "Dead Mantra" has finally been pressed onto vinyl and made available at Cargo Records.

Then last week they released a video for a new track, "Kingdom of God". I really want to find out what old Disney cartoon this is, because it looks absolutely amazing!

Lastly, Anton Newcombe along with his friends have a brand new TV/radio station, We Are the Radio, which broadcasts live from Reykjavik and Berlin. Every time I tune in, there is always something interesting to listen and/or see...watch here.

Video: Robyn's "Hang With Me"

2010-09-18T22:06:00.005+01:00

Swedish popstar Robyn currently holds both the #1 and #2 positions on the Swedish album chart with her albums, Body Talk part 2 and Body Talk part 1 respectively. The first single from part 2 is the lovely "Hang With Me".

Body Talk part 2 is out now everywhere on Robyn's own label, Konichiwa Records.

Video: Manic Street Preachers' "It's Not War, Just the End of Love"

2010-08-27T22:58:00.002+01:00

The video for the Manic Street Preachers' new single, "It's Not War, Just the End of Love" is now up on YouTube (embedding is disabled). The video features the lovely Anna Friel and some hot Welsh vs. Russian chess action.

The single is off of the Manics' upcoming album, Postcards from a Young Man, which will be released on 20 September.

* on a side note - life has been extremely busy at the moment, so I apologize for the lack of posts. If you have emailed me about featuring/reviewing your band, I am not ignoring you. I will get to them soon.

x

Velcro Leaves Widget

2010-08-06T19:52:00.005+01:00

tPreview the upcoming album by Velcro Leaves!

Video: The Tamborines' "31st Floor"

2010-07-23T21:04:00.002+01:00

Here is the new video from London band The Tamborines, entitled "31st Floor".

The single is from the bands' upcoming album Camera & Tremor, out the 2nd August on Beat-Mo Records.

Video: The Charlatans' "Love is Ending"

2010-07-20T12:20:00.006+01:00

The brand new video from The Charlatans. It's for their upcoming single "Love is Ending". Love Tim Burgess' new style.

"Love is Ending" will be released on 2nd August and is from the upcoming Charlatans' album, Who We Touch, out 6th August.

The Charlatans' Official Site

Video: Soundpool's "Kite of Love"

2010-07-08T15:06:00.000+01:00

Coming out of the currently hot and humid streets of New York, Soundpool's new single "Kite of Love" gives off a refreshing cool, aloof shoegaze-meets-disco track that is perfect for any summer day.

"Kite of Love" is taken off Soundpool's latest album, Mirrors in Your Eyes which you can purchase here!

Videos: Ceremony's "Someday" and "Sihouette"

2010-07-07T20:06:00.004+01:00

The shoegaze band Ceremony have released videos for their brilliant tracks, "Someday" and "Silhouette".

Download:
Ceremony - Someday.mp3

Both tracks are from their new album, Rocket Fire. You can purchase Rocket Fire and a 7" of "Someday" at Killer Pimp Records.

Kylie's "Aphrodite"

2010-07-06T18:06:00.003+01:00

Today I bought the new Kylie album, "Aphrodite" and admittingly, it's all I've been listening to all day. It's some of her best work to date. I've always been a Kylie fan, so I may be biased. However, I think any pop fans should give this album a listen..

The first single, "All the Lovers"

Buy the album for £5 at 7 Digital

Listen/Download the album's bonus tracks for free here.

Beautiful Distortion

2010-07-01T22:03:00.003+01:00

The new Factory Kids' remix album, Beautiful Distortion, is out now via Tara Records.

The album features remixes by Screen Vinyl Image (see below for a free download), Jimmy Lee from Trailer Trash Tracys, Jo Barlett from it's jo and danny! & many more.

The full tracklisting is as follows:
1. You Gotta Rain (Screen Vinyl Image Remix) - download
2. Sugar Landslide (Kirk Unit Remix)
3. Look After Everyone (Jo Bartlett Remix)
4. Sugar Landslide (Lemonade Kangaroo Remix)
5. Shadows Play (Richard Formby Remix)
6. Don't Meet No One (Jimmy-Lee & Ben McDaddy Remix)
7. You Gotta Rain (Matty Skylab Remix)
8. Piano Interlude (Nick Duffy Remix)
9. Sugar Landslide (Eulogy Inn Remix)

You can purchase the album at iTunes

Happy Birthday, Debbie Harry!

2010-07-01T21:52:00.002+01:00

Happy 65th Birthday to the wonderful, gorgeous and talented Debbie Harry. ♥

Download:
Blondie - Rapture.mp3

Back home.

2010-06-30T19:58:00.002+01:00

After over a month of traveling, I'm finally back in the UK. The above photo was taken on Highway 61 in Minnesota, near the birthplace of Bob Dylan.

Expect more music posts coming soon....promise! x

New Whirl EP, "Distressor"

2010-06-26T20:22:00.006+01:00

Northern California band, Whirl have just released a new EP entitled "Distressor". Considering how new this band is, "Distressor" predicts that Whirl will be a name that most people in the shoegaze scene will know by the time the year is through.

The opening track, "Preface" has Kate Radley-esque talking vocals over Bloody Valentine-inspired riffs. The following track, "Leave", sounds like Chapterhouse if they formed in 2009 and vocals remind me a bit of Aberdeen with added reverb. The 3rd track,"Blue", has an opening riff sounding like something from the Smashing Pumpkins' b-side collection Pisces Iscariot, while the rest of it provides a dreamy, shoegaze landscape full of promise for this new band.

"Ghost" is a hauntingly beautiful track which goes into the more upbeat "Meaningless". "Meaningless" hints of the Pains of Being Pure at Heart and The Telescopes at their best, while "Child" sounds like classic My Bloody Valentine. The last track of the EP, "Sandy", has an acoustic edge, mixed with atmospheric fuzz which fills up the track and provides a beautiful ending.

To buy this EP for $0.10 or more, visit whirl.bandcamp.com

Video: Crystal Castles "Celestica"

2010-06-24T03:56:00.004+01:00

The brilliant new video from Crystal Castles for their single "Celestica".

The album, Crystal Castles II, is out now.

Iceland

2010-06-12T22:25:00.004+01:00

The 3rd and last travel post (for now) is from Iceland, which could be my favourite country yet. The landscape is beautiful, the people are cool and the music scene is excellent. If you're in Reykjavik I recommend going to 12 Tonar, which is one of the best record shops ever. I could've easily bought a lot more than I did.

A few Iceland photos:

Amsterdam

2010-06-08T00:11:00.000+01:00

After Geneva, we went to Amsterdam where I caught up with an old friend and had one of the best holidays of my life. While there, we went to an anti-racism gig where Dutch rocker Elle Bandita was performing.

She reminded me of Juliette Lewis, Karen O. and Joan Jett all at once. Brilliant performer. Check out her tunes on her myspace.

Some other photos from Amsterdam:

the record shop Sugar & Spice. Highly recommended.

Geneva

2010-06-07T02:46:00.004+01:00

Hello...I'm back from traveling a bit around Europe. My first stop was Geneva, Switzerland. Even though it was the most expensive place I've ever been, it was beautiful.

more travel posts (and music as well!) coming soon. x

Video: First Communion Afterparty's "Field of Flowers"

2010-05-31T11:18:00.002+01:00

Check out the video for "Field of Flowers" by Minneapolis psychedelic band, First Communion Afterparty.

First Communion Afterparty's influences include the Black Angels, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Velvet Underground and the more obscure psychedelic bands of the 60s. I've hung out with them at their studio during my visits to Minneapolis and they're a great bunch of people. I honestly think they are one of, if not the best, band in Minnesota at the moment.

First Communion Afterparty on myspace

Einar Stenseng

2010-05-27T20:37:00.000+01:00

Lately I've been digging the music of Norwegian musician Einar Stenseng. Drawing influences from Nikki Sudden to Tom Waits to Nick Cave, Einar's music is just absolutely lovely.

His new album, Stenseng II is out now on as well as for download or CD purchase at amazon.

Einar Stenseng's Official site

Crystal Castles in Dazed

2010-05-24T12:18:00.000+01:00

I was never a huge Crystal Castles fan before, but the feature about them in the new issue of Dazed & Confused is brilliant. It doesn't perceive them as some stereotypical hipster group, but rather a duo of nomadic misfits who don't own phones and still live on the wrong side of the tracks.

Also, since reading the article, I have become a bit more obsessed with their hauntingly beautiful new single, "Celestica". Have a listen, if you haven't already....

Their 2nd album, Crystal Castles II, is out now.

Crystal Castles' Official site

Dead Skeletons

2010-05-21T05:42:00.006+01:00

This summer I'm going to Iceland, so I've been a bit busy checking out bands based there. There is one band that I am quite keen on at the moment, called Dead Skeletons.

They formed in Reykjavik, Iceland and the it's basically Anton Newcombe with Nonni Dead and Henrik from Singapore Sling. Also, Sunsplit are involved with recording of the track "Dead Mantra". This debuted last year, so I'm late to discover it..But their music is brilliant and if you're a fan of Brian Jonestown Massacre, Singapore Sling and/or any bands with a similar sound....have a listen because you'll probably love it:

Dead Skeletons on myspace
and
Alan McGee's article on the Dead Skeletons

Video: Zola Jesus "Night"

2010-05-20T15:15:00.002+01:00

Over the past couple days I've really been loving this - hope you do as well...

I can definitely hear a bit of a Siouxsie Sioux influence, whether it's intentional or not, and maybe a bit of Fever Ray (who she is supporting in the UK and France this September). No matter, it looks like Zola Jesus (aka, 21-year old Nika Rosa Danilova) is definitely an artist to watch.

Her EP, Stridulum, is out now via Sacred Bones.

Zola Jesus on myspace

Brian Jonestown Massacre at the Glasgow ABC

2010-05-19T21:49:00.008+01:00

Last night we went to see Brian Jonestown Massacare at the ABC in Glasgow. The audience left something to be desired (some bloke spilled beer all over my dress, lovely). However, the music was brilliant! The played old favourites such as "Anemone", "Hide and Seek", "Jennifer", as well as more recent tunes "Here it Comes" and "When Jokers Attack" (both from 2003's And This is Our Music).

I love that Matt Hollywood has re-joined the band, as they played some of his songs, including "Oh Lord" and "Not If You Were the Last Dandy On Earth" (I particularly enjoyed the latter). Joel Gion was the centre of attention as well, once again compelling the audience with a swish the of the tambourine.

Overall it was an amazing set. I realized it was the 9th time I've seen Brian Jonestown Massacre, and every time I've walked away loving their music more than ever. It's no surprise that I've been listening to their albums for most of the day today.

A few photos:

Download:
Brian Jonestown Massacre - Anemone.mp3

London

2010-05-16T13:13:00.006+01:00

Here are a few photos from this past week in London. Went to Abbey Road, the old Black Panther HQ, visited the vampire bar and browsed through Sister Ray Records in Soho and had a great time...

Screen Vinyl Image Remix Album

2010-05-07T18:00:00.002+01:00

This week Electro/psychedelic band Screen Vinyl Image released their new remix album via Custom Made Music. The album features remixes by their friends, including Remarkably Spy! (Christo from The Vandelles), San Francisco psychedelic outfit I.H.M.C. and others...

Download one of the tracks free below:
Screen Vinyl Image - Chaser (Hypefactor's Blood On Your Hands Remix).mp3

and preview the entire album here.

If you're a fan of SVI's album Interceptors, this album is a must-have as the albums wonderfully compliment each other.

Screen Vinyl Image on myspace.

The Dirty Cuts' new summer single

2010-05-06T17:52:00.006+01:00

My labelmates, The Dirty Cuts, (also signed to Edinburgh label 17 Seconds Records) will be releasing a new single entitled "Yummy Mummy" in July.

You can download the fab Dino Bardot remix of the upcoming single, here:
The Dirty Cuts - Yummy Mummy (Dino Bardot remix).mp3

Their current single, "2 Page Spread" (which I own in 7" format, love and therefore recommend) is now available at Glasgow record shops such as Avalanche Records, Monorail Music and Mixed-up Records as well as Rough Trade east in London, Piccadilly Records in Manchester and Avalanche and Fopp in Edinburgh.

The Dirty Cuts on myspace

Video: The Divine Comedy's "At the Indie Disco"

2010-05-03T10:10:00.001+01:00

Sorry that the recent entries all seem to be videos...but that's just the way things are at the moment! I can't help but not post this one....It's the new one by The Divine Comedy, and it is lovely....

The single will be released as a download on 23rd May...and you can pre-order their new album at their official site.

Video: M.I.A.'s "Born Free"

2010-05-02T23:47:00.002+01:00

After reading about all the controversy, I finally came across M.I.A.'s new video for "Born Free" last night. And I love it.

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

I think the video is very powerful. Even though the video is fictional, this is currently happening with certain ethic groups in different areas of the world. My only advice is do not watch it right before you fall asleep. I did that last night and ended up having a nightmare about armed soldiers chasing me down.

M.I.A. on myspace

Video: The Courteeners' "Take Over the World"

2010-04-24T11:11:00.001+01:00

The brand new video for The Courtneers' brilliant, latest single "Take Over the World"...

The Courteeners' Official Site

(the alternative video for) Marina and the Diamonds "I am not a robot"

2010-04-23T19:12:00.008+01:00

Marina & The Diamonds track "I Am Not a Robot" has been recieving overwhelming amount of UK radio play. The video also seems to be everywhere at the moment.

However, while I think the above video is creative....this lesser-known version of the video, made in Los Angeles by Marina herself, is soooo much better.

Marina will be on XFM Wednesday, April 28th for "An Evening with Marina and the Diamonds" during the Steve Harris show.

Hannah Peel

2010-04-22T23:49:00.004+01:00

English singer/songwriter Hannah Peel somehow creates the most beautiful melodies. Her song "Sugar Hiccup" sounds like a soundtrack to a modern-day fairy tale, while "The Almond Tree" could be an old European folk song. Also check out her cover of "Tainted Love" (watch below)which twists the original into a magical soundscape.

Her next gig is at the Electric Elephant festival launch party in Manchester on 2 May, followed by more UK dates listed on her myspace.

Current loves.

2010-04-21T22:13:00.003+01:00

Sorry for the lack of updates - I'm in the middle of finals and it's taking over my life! So bear with me. In the meantime, here are a few of my current favourite tunes. Hope you enjoy them half as much as I do. ♥

Courtney Jaye - Box Wine.mp3

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Mama Taught Me Better.mp3

The December Sound - No Heaven Like Hell.mp3

Hole - Best Sunday Dress.mp3

x

Camera Obscura meets Richard Hawley

2010-04-16T00:02:00.003+01:00

Scottish indie darlings Camera Obscura have announced their release of a collaborative single with Richard Hawley. Camera Obscura cover Hawley's "The Nights Are Cold" and Hawley returns the favour by covering Camera Obscura's "The Sweetest Thing".

Honestly, I haven't heard Hawley's cover of "The Sweetest Thing". However, I heard Camera Obscura's "The Nights Are Cold" tonight on X-posure with John Kennedy, and it is absolutely beautiful.

Here are the originals of the tracks:

The single will be released on 17 May on 4AD Records. You can pre-order the single on hmv.com

The Meek

2010-04-14T22:58:00.005+01:00

photo: Carlos Colon

One of my favourite bands are The Meek. Hailing from Los Angeles, their music is dirty, droning rock'n'roll with an evil edge, combining the perfect elements of the Velvet Underground, The Jesus & Mary Chain and their friends Singapore Sling.

My favourite tracks of theirs include "I Wanna Live Again" (video for it below) and "Kill The Lights", an energetic tune that you can imagine would be best performed live at a Warhol Factory party in the 60s.

The Meek are playing Austin Psych Fest on April 24th.

New Factory Kids' EP, "One"

2010-04-12T09:55:00.002+01:00

The new Factory Kids EP, entitled "One", is out today on Edinburgh label 17 Seconds. The EP has already gotten praise from popmatters.com, with their writer Maria Schurr describing it better than I ever could. For those who don't click, a couple things she says include the title track "One" being a clattery ode with '60s undertones and that Factory Kids create music perfect for headphones, not earbuds.

Here is a free download of one of the tracks:
Factory Kids - Holiday Crease.mp3

The EP is the 2nd of our two EPs released this year. The first one was "They Used To Call Me Baby".

You can purchase both EPs on iTunes

Courtney Jaye

2010-04-09T22:01:00.003+01:00

I was first introduced to the lovely Courtney Jaye from her collaboration with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, providing vocals for "The Toll" off of their recent album Beat the Devil's Tattoo. Courtney's own music is classified as "Tropical country", and her music graces the best of this unique genre. Today I got her album, The Exotic Sounds of Courtney Jaye and it's brilliant. Below is a free download of one of my favourite tracks, enjoy!

Download:
Courtney Jaye - Maru Maru.mp3

Watch: Courtney Jaye - Don't Tell a Girl (music video)
Courtney Jaye on myspace

2010-04-08T17:48:00.007+01:00

It's been a sad time around here as my grandmother passed away yesterday. She helped raise me, so we were quite close. She had a long, productive and content life, which is more than most people can ask for. Below is her and my grandfather's "song". It was always playing in their house. Hopefully they're now together again.

Usual posts will start up again shortly...

Video: A Place to Bury Stranger's "Ego Death"

2010-04-05T17:03:00.005+01:00

The new video from the loudest band in New York:

Taken from the album Exploding Head, out now.

A Place to Bury Strangers on myspace

Split Release by Rainbow Bridge Recordings

2010-04-02T11:14:00.001+01:00

Experimental label, Rainbow Bridge Recordings, has just released a split release by some of their best acts. They include the white noise antics of Sensible Nectar, the haunting industrial Inappropriate King Live well as the droning murmur of Luminous.

Full tracklisting:

Luminous
1. Opera Lunch (5:07)
2. Bus (2:34)
3. Gotta Lite (1:17)
4. Wooden Metal (3:34)
5. U Need Form (2:48)

The Human Exucse
6. Friend (2:14)
7. You'll Meet Some Real Whackjobs On Youtube [Live @ Stay Young House in Pittsburgh, PA 7/23/09] (2:45)
8. Piano (2:46)

Sensible Nectar
9. I Am No Man's Slave (15:15)

Inappropriate King Live
10. Moon Practice (4:07)
11. Large Balloons (2:46)
12. Small Balloons (3:10)
13. Woodrow Wilson Was A Raging Racist (3:26)

Redroot
14. Rabbit Hole (2:07)
15. Untitled (2:02)
16. Shanendoah (4:53)
17. Lady And Water (5:12)
18. Shadow Eyes (3:13)
19. Distraught Prescot (3:07)

Not for everyone's taste, but if you are into industrial experimental music, this album is a real treat. Limited to 35 copies. Buy your copy here.

Rainbow Bridge Recordings on myspace

The Constellations' "Setback"

2010-04-01T22:06:00.006+01:00

I've been digging the track, "Setback", by Atlanta band, The Constellations. It's pretty catchy, has some great synth hooks and is just a great tune so I thought I'd share it with you all...listen to the track on The Constellations' myspace

Interview with Series Two Records

2010-03-30T20:25:00.006+01:00

Here is my interview with Christopher, the founder of the great indie label Series Two Records and the Nebraska Pop Festival

Why did you start Series Two Records?
Series Two had its humble beginnings as a blog. The blog is where I interviewed nearly a dozen various independent artists, some with notoriety, some not so much. Also within the blog I issued recommendations of albums which I had enjoyed. As a result of the recommendations and interviews, I gained credibility amongst music lovers, some of the people in underground bands from some of the most unlikely of places around the world. It was a clear realization that some of the CDs coming in my mail box were excellent sounding, but weren't getting touched or even considered by other labels due to the status quo.

Some of these releases received in my mail box, were simply too good to let dust gather on them, so I thought, why not start a label, to issue some of my favorite underground music, to give the artist more dignity, and a chance to build at least a small audience outside of their friends, family and the few caring others. Sometimes the appreciation factor, the knowledge that real people listen to their work and enjoy it, can mean the life of some of these smaller artists, and sometimes hearing positive comments from listeners of their music via e-mail message, letter post or at a live music show, is enough to motivate musicians to continue making their music and sharing it with the world, sometimes for many more years than they would without proper support. Also releasing in physical matter of any kind assures that the music will always be out there in the hands of someone, and that it won't be foolishly lost by sequestered hands.

With the Series Two collective, there is no profit motivation (despite the existence of many fake DIY pop underground operate them specifically for profit), though make an upmost effort to break even, as in these terrible economic times, anyone foolish enough to lose their own money, isn't likely to have money to put food on their table, and also in danger of keeping their projects active.

Are there any particular aspects to a band you look for with signing them? Or does it vary quite a bit?
There are a lot of factors that go into the aspect of bands of which you choose to release with. Very important factors are the quality within the music. For me I have to be able to relate to it and enjoy it before I would consider releasing it. But also at the same time, the artist has to be directly interested in releasing their work with Series Two and have to be passionate about it also. Bands which send CDs to numbers of labels, and other games like that are clearly situations I do not like or even consider, and very rarely do others. If there is an artist that I enjoy and relate to, but they aren't interested in Series Two, I don't dwell on it. My plate is relatively full, but if I do come across an excellent band I can relate to, one of which is passionate about releasing with Series Two, usually I'll follow through and release them.

You founded and organize the Nebraska Pop Festival. How did that come about?
To design a pop festival, keeping the money factor out of it and putting a primary focus on keeping the fun and fairness alive is something absolutely necessary and fulfilling. I talked with my friend Matt Beat whom was the music director for University of Nebraska at Omaha's student organized college radio named “MAV Radio”. I talked with Matt about organizing a Pop Festival which would benefit MAV Radio. I verbalized to Matt that through my experiences at Series Two, I had established many friendships with others across the world and also mentioned that through my ambitions and labor of love, that I could gather together interested bands to come and play a pop festival in Nebraska organized by myself and that it could benefit MAV Radio, and he agreed with the idea. So in January 2009, we began plans for the first Nebraska Pop Festival, which later occurred in August of 2009. The festival was designed to have any and all proceeds go to benefit the station, and we had good local support from the Nebraska pop scene in addition to artists coming through from Midwest, East + West Coast and a few international artists, some of which arrived through support of their area arts councils. Many of the artists came here to have a fun time, meet new friends, go on vacation, hear some fun new music and also some artists/bands built a tour around it.

On January 1st of 2010, I began work on the 2nd Nebraska Pop Festival, which is due to occur during 5 consecutive days of September 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 of 2010. Also this year will be one additional night, prior to the festival on August 14th, which we call a “pop rally” and is in place to hopefully build up more support for the festival when it comes around in September. Booking is still underway, and already have booked artists from (11) different states of the USA including artists from Nebraska, Midwest, East + West Coast and also international artists coming from Denmark, France, Switzerland and Australia.

What was the first album you ever bought?
This can be debated… I believe back in '97 or '98 (when I was ten years old), I gathered some hard earned money and bought Chumbuwamba's then new release on tape. Don't have that tape or even a tape player anymore, times and tastes have certainly changed.

How many artists signed to Series Two have you been able to meet in person?
Proudly I've met over a dozen different bands that I've worked with. And more coming soon, thankfully I've been able to meet all of them inside Nebraska while they came through on tour or while they came to visit me on their vacations, etc., hoping to meet many more of them this year and in coming years, certainly with the way things are it'll be hard to meet them all, but I would love to, and will certainly try to meet all of those that want to be met. I have to remind those reading this, I am no rich man, never been on a plane in my life, but have been on some long car rides that surely aren't much fun : ( , hopefully in later years, I'll get to experience plane rides to make some of these visits possible. It's a bit sad and extremely funny to say to others the farthest east I've ever been is Council Bluffs Iowa. Definitely have some traveling days ahead of me…

In 2009, Series Two released 26 full-length releases, which is quite ambitious. Do you plan to exceed that number in 2010?
I highly doubt that I or anyone else in the indie world will ever be able to exceed that perfect number ever again. That wasn't done on purpose, it was achieved naturally and through a work load = unimaginable to me now. I had released a modest compilation series of (23) which included (522) different artists, and found many artists from the compilations that I enjoyed, many of which were willing to release their music on Series Two, and that's how that release total came about. This year I hope to keep things just like any other year, where I work very hard to help others. That's what I'm here for, even if it's not with Series Two, I help people through various other projects including the Nebraska Pop Festival, DIY labels collective, and Even in the Future blog among various other projects. Always keeping myself very busy and also keeping those I work with very busy too, including giving them information about opportunities available to them, which they can pursue with their music, whether it be DIY compilation opportunities provided by others, doing shows with artists passing through their city or perhaps helping some artists organize mini-tours, and sometimes collaborations with others in songs, among various other interesting things.

This year at Series Two I'll release a retrospective compilation Series, which is 5 discs, all of which are full of music. Aside from the new compilation Series, I'll do some new full length releases that will soon following the release of the compilations. One can never really know how much releases will happen this year on Series Two, as I'm very patient, and work with the artist's schedules and not any other schedules. Sometimes things happen in big spurts where sometimes there is a lot of stuff ready to be released, and sometimes very few things. Since I don't have any stockholders to please, I'll usually release things in batches, and rarely do the artists have to wait extended periods before I release their work.

If you could be any other person for a day, who would you be?
I would like to be Tony Clifton!

What's better - downloading, still buying CDs, or collecting vinyl?
A. Downloading is the worst thing to ever happen, legal or illegal. Buying CD-R's actually is where it's at, and sometimes CDs. Collecting vinyl isn't one of my interests, it seems like a big “fad”. Many people back into vinyl these days were the same people that made fun of it before its resurgence, and many of the people back at it are guilty for putting some vinyl in rubbish before also. With the way patterns are going, there might not be anything physical, and we'll have to deal with downloads. Some labels are very greedy with their vinyl records, there was a label over in Miami selling them at 10 dollars for a record of just 2 songs, and just recently moved their prices down, with various other labels charging similar amounts. I think the value is there with CDs and CDRs, most particularly full lengths, where you can generally get more songs for each dollar spent. Nobody wants to buy a 2 song CD for 10 dollars, so why should they buy a vinyl with 2 songs on it for 10 dollars… The concept of vinyl just seems too foolish to me. Some of the pro's of vinyl I'll recognize such as superior sound quality, and of course the physical artwork is much better, as you would expect with an item of larger diameter. Though who knows, many people fads over time, maybe 10 years from now, CDs could be the minority format and tapes and vinyl take over.

Best band you've seen live?
Best band I've seen live was Poland when they played at Nebraska Pop Festival in 2009. Everything about them was amazing. I don't think I'll see anything like that anytime soon.

Recently though a performance nearly as good, Cleemann live on main stage in Lincoln (late March 2010) as part of the Songwriter Power Ranger series. Everything about the performance was great, and was interesting hearing Cleemann perform on electric versus his trademark vintage guitars. And also was nice hearing him backed by drummer Gary Foster and an overly energetic Dereck Higgins on the bass.

What would you like to the world to know about Series Two Records?
I'd like the world to know that you can be hard working and honest, and as a result, can have a lifetime of great friendships and memories. You can do anything you want to in this life, even in the most unlikely of places, for example my hometown which is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by rural farming communities. You don't have to be in NYC, or London to do everything these days, you can do what you want to anywhere, just put your mind to it.

Tell us something interesting about your hometown:
We are known for many things, many not so flattering, which I'm ok to tell you people about. Columbus, Nebraska actively has the highest rate of unsolved crimes, in all of the USA, which includes every city from each of the 50 states; we take the cake on that one. Also back in the 80's we had the highest rate of bars per capita, but no longer have the throne on that one, but we still have over 20 bars to a population of just 20,000. The founder of scientology is originally from the area. Also the founder of Twitter graduated from the public high school here. Chuck Hagel, the famous politician whom was slated to be Obama's right hand man (but for some reason didn't happen) had graduated from the private high school in this city. Also we have lots of problems with low wages here, New York Times came here a few months back to do a story about that, and while here they didn't fail to mention our crumbling downtown. Our wages here are so low, that the average available wage is lower than unemployment benefits, so there is actually people weighing the pro's and con's of those benefits versus having a job. Most jobs here pay minimum wage, which is extremely low here. We don't have much live music here, aside from the occasional cover band, but recently have been given special consideration to help book artists to perform live at a local art gallery, which is certainly promising. Also in the city when most people graduate high school, many of them leave this city permanently, largely because of the jobs situation. Despite all of the evidence, our city still claims to be the city of “power and progress”. Other fun facts, our super Wal Mart is the biggest in the world, and also our McDonalds was the site of the very first “drive thru” in the history of the world. Former heavy weight champ Leon Spinks is an active citizen of the community (he gave Muhammad Ali a TKO in late 70's). Also there is Series Two : - )

And what are your plans for 2010?
I have a lot of plans, spending a lot of time with my University work, Nebraska Pop Festival 2010, and of course the new compilation series by Series Two, among very many worthwhile things. These days, just enjoying my time all the more and finding more ways to appreciate things.

Thanks Christopher! x

Nikki Sudden (1956-2006)

2010-03-26T11:11:00.002Z

Today marks the 4th anniversary of the day we lost Nikki Sudden. On 26th March, 2006 Sudden passed away after a gig at the Knitting Factory in New York. From 1977-1980 Sudden was in post-punk group The Swell Maps with his brother Epic Soundtracks. Then in the 1980s he formed The Jacobites with the great Dave Kusworth before releasing solo albums under his name.

In tribute, here are a few of my favourite videos spanning Nikki's career:

Nikki Sudden's Official Site

BRMC at SXSW

2010-03-25T22:47:00.003Z

Every year it seems like SXSW in Austin, TX gets better! Here is one of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's many performances from this year's festival. A few of my friends at SXSW were lucky enough to see them, and I've heard nothing but glowing reviews.

BRMC continues their US tour in Milwaukee tomorrow night (the 26th), before heading to the UK in April...all dates here.

Their album Beat the Devil's Tattoo is out now.

Soundpool's "Mirrors in Your Eyes"

2010-03-24T21:55:00.004Z

The band that Ulrich Schnauss claims is "The best f**king band in the world!", New York's Soundpool are set to release their 3rd album, Mirrors in your Eyes on 27th April. From the tracks I've heard, it is the band's best work yet. A mixture of new wave, pop and shoegaze which works surprisingly well. You know it's a good sign when you can hear elements of Blondie and My Bloody Valentine at the same time.

Check out the new video for the opening title track:

And download another album track, the catchy and brilliant "But It's So":
Soundpool - But It's So.mp3

Also, there is a 12" remix version of the album planned featuring a remix from Lawrence Chandler from Bowery Electric.

Soundpool's myspace

Screen Vinyl Image vs. Factory Kids

2010-03-20T15:49:00.011Z

Back in May 2009, Factory Kids released their debut self-titled album featuring the track "You Gotta Rain" (you can hear the original on our myspace). Now in 2010, electro darlings Screen Vinyl Image have remixed the track, giving it an atmospheric electronic touch that only they can do. It is one of the few remixes I've heard that actually gets better as it goes along...

Download it here for free:
Factory Kids - You Gotta Rain (Screen Vinyl Image Remix).mp3

The track is just a preview of the upcoming Factory Kids remix album, Beautiful Distortion, which features remixes by Jimmy Lee (Trailer Trash Tracys), Nick Duffy (Lilac Time), Richard Formby (producer, Spacemen 3/The Telescopes), Jo Barlett (it's Jo and Danny), David R. (Eulogy Inn) + many more. The album is being released independently by Tim and myself and will be out soon on iTunes.

Noel Gallagher for Adidas

2010-03-19T16:11:00.005Z

Noel Gallagher makes a cameo in this brand new Adidas advert. It is one of the first public appearances he's made since the Oasis split last year. Other stars that appear in the advert are Agyness Deyn, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and a wealth of others....

Noel is set to play the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs in London on March 25th and 26th where he'll be joined by Mani (Stone Roses/Primal Scream) as well as the Crouch End Festival Chorus and Wired Strings. Support will be provided by The Courteeners on the 25th and Plan B on the 26th. Limited tickets still available.

Also, Noel's brother Liam has already been in the studio with his new band. It's reported that the band will be releasing a single before the end of the year. I'm personally looking forward to hearing Liam's new material, while being aware that it won't be Oasis, or a replacement for them. I guess we'll find out...

Oasis' Official Site

Silver Phial

2010-03-18T22:52:00.006Z

If you are looking for a new group whose tunes can make (almost) anyone feel instantly better, look no further than Silver Phial. This psychedelic folk band not only sounds like they are from the 60s, but some of their photos look like album covers from my mother's old record collection. Listening to them makes me want to wear wildflowers in my hair and wish for summer.

Their track "Aeronautique" (released on their EP from last year) sounds like a long-lost track from The Mamas & The Papas, while "Into The Light" sounds more like a female-fronted version of The Yardbirds.

Look out for their sweet pop track, "Better Side of Life", on an upcoming Emitt Rhodes tribute album.

Listen to them yourself over at their myspace.

A few minutes with...Daughters of the Sun

2010-03-16T16:06:00.005Z

Meet the Minneapolis psychedelic band, Daughters of the Sun. A band that writes songs about demonic possession, doesn't own computers, and loves their hometown.

How did Daughters of the Sun come about?

We've gone through several incarnations of people and realms throughout the years- started with 5 dudes, became 3, then 2, then 4, then 3 dudes again. So it's tough to say when shit really started getting raw- we've always been diggin' up new jams and stews.

Where do you rehearse?

We rehearse in a mega dingy warehouse in Minneapolis. The roof leaks all the time, especially this time of year. but we love it! It totally sets the vibe.

What was your best gig so far? why?

This is such a drag cause we have tons of best gigs- especially house shows, it's hard to fuck up a house show. But I think the one that stands out the most is the Million Tongues Fest in chicago. Getting to play with Ya Ho Wa 13 and our friends Ga'an on the same bill was totally nuts. Just hanging with the original source bros was a total honor, and they can still get down and party.

Worst gig?

Norman, Oklahoma. The spot is eternally busted! A couple real killer hangers, but for the most part just bad vibes.

I love your song, "Light As A Feather", how did you come up with that title?

The song's about demonic possession and skateboarding.

When your band is just hanging out, what music are you probably listening to?

We're all collecting freaks- true diggers. So when we hang out all we do is jam out new shit we've scrounged from record bins recently, which is rad cause it's always changing. But collectively what we've really been getting down with lately is early synth moves like Heldon or Robert Rental, early delta blues like Son House, friends and newer shit like Visions of Christ, Peaking Lights, Velvet Davenport, Baronic Wall, Jeff Witscher's projects, old Crass Records 7"s, fucked folk like Steeleye Span. I mean, the list goes on and on and on.

What was the first album you ever bought?

We're just all gonna say SWV- Sisters with Voices.

Any weird phobias and/or band superstitions?

I dunno, we all hate cops so we kinda freak out about gnarly cops.

What's your band's fashion sense/style? Any favourite clothing shops?

We don't really think about that stuff ever so it's hard to answer. We just really wear whatever we can get a hold of. If we had to grip rags we'd just wear rags.

Describe your fanbase in 3 words:

Our thrasher friends.

If you could be any other person for a day, who would you be?

Probably each other- we'd switch bodies but still have our minds. That'd be pretty weird.

What's better - downloading, still buying CDs, or collecting vinyl?

Vinyl- we don't really have computers (we're borrowing a roommates laptop). Therefore downloading and cds for that matter are out of the question. but we buy lots of records and tapes!

Best band you've seen live?

This is also a hard one, but lately the best band we've seen is Larry Wish, a local young freak that gets black-out trashed and makes amazing pop music. Great every time.

Is there anything (previously unknown) about your band that you'd like to share with the world?

No, not really. Everything we want to be vocal about us is already out in the open.

Tell us something interesting about your hometown:

Minneapolis is the best- It seems like it's locked in the middle of nowhere but truthfully is flourishing with rad bands, art and people in general. There's also an underground sewage system that's open to freaks!

And what are your plans for 2010?

We're going to be on tour with friends Vampire Hands in support of our split 12" with those dudes in April and May throughout the US, so make sure to keep yr lobes to the ground. Other than that- we're always hanging out!

Thanks guys! x

Daughters of the Sun's myspace

New Thrushes album out now

2010-03-15T12:32:00.005Z

Photo: Jamie Onderdonk

Balitmore's Thrushes have released their new album, Night Falls. The album is full of hauntingly melodic tracks which both embrace their shoegaze and indie pop influences. You can hear hints of Mazzy Star, the Jesus & Mary Chain, Belly and The Raveonettes throughout the tracks which makes for a lovely mix of reverb, fuzz and rock'n'roll.

Night Falls is out on CD and iTunes now.

Listen/preview their music, including an incredible cover of Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You", on their myspace.

Weekend Remixes

2010-03-12T09:54:00.001Z

It's the weekend!! To celebrate, enjoy the following remixes. Honestly, I'm not always the biggest fan of the remix, but these I feel are at least as good (and in some cases, better) than the original track. Happy downloading. x

Robots in Disguise - DJ's Got A Gun (IAMX's Shut Up You Dance Remix).mp3

The Dandy Warhols - Everyday Should Be A Holiday (Tony Lash Remix).mp3

Goldfrapp - Ooh La La (When Andy Bell Met the Manhattan Clique Remix).mp3

Tiga - You're Gonna Want Me (12" Dance Mix).mp3

Primal Scream - Swastika Eyes (Jagz Kooner Remix).mp3

Video: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's "Beat the Devil's Tattoo"

2010-03-11T00:13:00.001Z

The brilliant new video from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Beat the Devil's Tattoo"...

The album of the same name is out now!

I've also been listening to their live CD + DVD set quite a bit. If live albums are your thing, I recommend it.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Official Site

Drunken Werewolf #11!

2010-03-10T01:14:00.005Z

The newest issue of one of the UK's best underground zine's, Drunken Werewolf, is out now. Issue #11 contains features the up and coming folk act, This Is The Kit (free mp3 at the link), as well as London's Naomi Hates Humans, plus many more...

Drunken Werewolf is available (for free!), at Rough Trade Records at Brick Lane in London, Avalanche Records in Edinburgh, Probe in Liverpool, Moles Cafe in Bath and at Spiller's Records in Cardiff.

Or you can buy Drunken Werewolf for £2 (£3 internationally) here! All orders come with a free compilation by Dreamboat Records.

Drunken Werewolf music blog
Drunken Werewolf's myspace
Drunken Werewolf's Facebook
Drunken Werewolf's twitter

A few minutes with...Northern Valentine

2010-03-08T09:22:00.000Z

Robert from the psychedelic/dream-pop band Northern Valentine talks about the band making their own film, visiting waterfalls in Iceland and an interesting first record...

How did Northern Valentine come about?
I used to work in radio and was hearing a lot of great music every day. It made me want to make my own music, so I started getting gear and finding things that could make the sounds that I was hearing in my head. Before I knew it, there was a core group of people in Northern Valentine, depending on who is around at any time.

I love your band name. Where does it come from?
This is a terrible story...but it started by me saying I loved the word Valentine and that I wanted to use it somewhere in the band name. The Northern part actually came from a random word generator! We liked the sound of the two word together and it just stuck. Not very interesting I know...

Where do your rehearse?
We have a room in our house where we play, rehearse and record.

What was your best gig so far? why?
I think my favorite show so far was when we played at Viðeyjarkirkja, which is a very small church on the island of Viðey, just off of the coast of Reykjavik, Iceland. We were some of the first notes of music heard in the church since 1774. People took a ferry over to the island to see us, and it was a magical afternoon.

And the worst gig? why?
We drove 8 hours to a show in Virginia, only to find out that nothing had been promoted, the headlining band had dropped out of the show, and the other supporting band didn't feel like playing. We wouldn't have minded so much, if it hadn't have been an 8 hour drive and then another 6 hours back home!

Your song "Gullfoss" has such a dreamy, wonderful sound to it. What was the inspiration behind the song?
The inspiration for that song came to us after our first trip to Iceland. Gullfoss is a huge, beautiful waterfall in Iceland and it takes your breath away when you see it from a distance and then get right up into the water.

When your band is just hanging out, what music are you probably listening to?
We have a lot of different musical tastes between all of us. Some of the band favorites that we all listen to include Sigur Ros, Pink Floyd, Mew, Godspeed you Black Emperor!, and some of the music we've recorded that we haven't put out yet.

What was the first album you ever bought?
This drags out some skeletons from the closet...my first album was "Make It Big" by Wham! I was 8 or 9 years old and I had heard them on the radio the day before. All the kids at school were singing it, so I caved to the pressure.

Any weird phobias and/or band superstitions?
I guess my only real phobia or superstition would be trying to make sure we show up way too early for shows because I like to leave room for the unexpected to happen.

What's your band's fashion sense/style? Any favourite clothing shops?
We're pretty much a thrift shop, jeans and t shirt kind of band. I love rolling into a new town and finding the Salvation Army and looking for local t shirts.

Describe your fanbase in 3 words:
Relaxed, Intelligent, Respectful.

If you could be any other person for a day, who would you be?
Someone who gets paid to sleep all day, so I could catch up on some sleep and still make some cash. Not kidding, that would be great!

What's better - downloading, still buying CDs, or collecting vinyl?
We're going to be releasing more digitally in the future, which I appreciate because it takes up less space in my physical world. However, I still love putting the needle on a record from my collection of vinyl. I guess I'm old fashioned in liking to have a physical release with great artwork and the experience of having that in my hands.

Best band you've seen live?
Sigur Ros still manage to get me every time I see them. There is so much emotion built into their music, and it is often not overly complex. Simple is beautiful to me.

Is there anything (previously unknown) about your band that you'd like to share with the world?
In September 2009, we released our first film, "Leopard's Mouth", as part of our live soundtrack project for our 2005 album of the same name. That film almost ended up costing us over $25,000 to make, because some of our film crew were on the verge of being arrested for trespassing during a location shoot.

Tell us something interesting about your hometown.
It is very small...with two traffic lights and 5-6 pizza shops (for some reason), General George Washington stayed there for a bit on his way to Valley Forge and we've had the pleasure of playing our music there a few times.

And what are your plans for 2010?
We have another festival performance and a special show in New Jersey coming up in May. After that we're in the studio working on putting the finishing touches on a follow up to our 2008 album, The Distance Brings Us Closer, on Silber Records.

Thanks Robert! x

Northern Valentines' Official Site
Northern Valentines' myspace
Northern Valentine on last.fm

Video: Goldfrapp's "Rocket"

2010-03-07T21:55:00.006Z

Allison Goldfrapp, looking flawless as always, driving a 18-wheeler carrying a very phallic pink rocket while a man wrapped in silver tape goes along for the ride......need I say any more?

Goldfrapp's new single, "Rocket" is out tomorrow, 8 March! Buy it here.

Then their album Head First should be available everywhere from the 22nd....

Goldfrapp's very glamourous Official Site

YouTube Friday

2010-03-05T10:45:00.003Z

Because sometimes you don't need a reason....my current YouTube favourites:

Great video of Brasilian brotherly duo, The Soundscapes, performing "Here's When" in NYC.

A track from Nikki Sudden's beautiful set at the Cake Shop in NYC. The chilling "Death is Hanging Over Me", filmed roughly 40 hours before he passed away after a Knitting Factory gig. :( R.I.P. Nikki. ♥

Glasgow band and my labelmates, The Dirty Cuts, from their Nice'n'Sleazy's performance in January. Some of the shadowly figures may be one of my friends and I dancing around. Haha.

This song is quite pretty!

I originally saw this on the Oasis Dig Out Your Soul DVD and so glad it's on YouTube. Noel Gallagher never fails to make me laugh here...

Unkle meets The Black Angels

2010-03-04T12:01:00.002Z

While listening to BBC 6 Music (please join the campaign save it) I heard a phenomenal new track. While playing the waiting game 'til the end to hear who it was, I never thought it would have been a pairing of one of my favourite electronic acts, UNKLE, and one of my favourite psychedelic bands, The Black Angels. Some might say an interesting collaboration, but a brilliant one...

Listen to/download it here:
UNKLE & The Black Angels, Natural Selection.mp3 via RCRD LBL

The track will be on UNKLE's upcoming album, due out on 11th May.

UNKLE's myspace
The Black Angel's myspace

Paper Planes

2010-03-03T11:11:00.002Z

I wanted to attend Paper Planes' launch party for their new single "Disconnected, I Know" at Mono the other night, but couldn't make it....I'm sure it was great. Here is the lovely animated video for the track, directed by the artist Chop Pop!

If that isn't enough, watch this video for their previous single, "Doris Day". You can see why they are one of the most promising bands to come out of Glasgow:

You can obtain their singles from Mono, and "Doris Day" is available online at luckynumbernine.co.uk

Paper Planes' next gigs are at Glasgow's 13th note on 8th March and Captain's Rest on 18th March

Paper Planes' myspace

Factory Kids' "One"

2010-03-02T09:18:00.003Z

Just another day: Factory Kids hanging out at Brum's Tempest Records...

My band, Factory Kids, will be releasing our 2nd EP with Edinburgh label 17 Seconds Records on 5th April! Even though it's "EP2" it will be called "One" after it's title track. It's a very catchy track and reminds me of a 1950s (or early 1960s) pop track. At the risk of sounding self-important, it really is a great tune....

You can listen to "One" here at the Factory Kids' myspace.

And here's a free download of one of the EP tracks, a sweet song called "Holiday Crease":
Factory Kids - Holiday Crease.mp3

You can purchase the 1st EP, entitled "They Used to Call Me Baby", released last month, here on iTunes. It's also available at emusic.com.

Cheers! x

The Brothers Movement

2010-03-01T09:08:00.000Z

On Thursday I saw Dublin band The Brothers Movement at the Captain's Rest in Glasgow. Last time I saw them live was a few years ago at the Luna Lounge (R.I.P.) in New York. Back then, the Brothers Movement was still under their former name, Mainline. I loved their live set then, but enjoyed it even more on Thursday. Their set was absolutely brilliant, banging out one amazing tune after the other. If I had to pick a favourite from the set, I think their live version of "Blind" really stands out.

I highly recommend their debut album, which the NME gave an 8/10. From personal experience, I know it is difficult to find their album in the shops, but you can get it online from Rocket Girl or amazon.co.uk.

Also, if you like the Brothers Movement, also check out their guitarist Danda's side project, Sweet Jane, who I am a huge fan of.

The Brothers Movement's myspace
Video: The Brothers Movement - Standing Still
Video: The Brothers Movement - Blind

Finally, A decent Haiti charity single.

2010-02-26T21:56:00.004Z

Above is the new Haiti charity single performed by the likes of Shawn MacGowen, Nick Cave, Bobby Gillespie, Paloma Faith, Chrissie Hynde, Mick Jones, Johnny Depp, Eliza Doolittle and more.....It is a cover of the 1956 classic, "I Put A Spell On You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins which was famously later sung by Nina Simone.

The single will be released on 8th March. You can pre-order/purchase the track here at 7digital. It's a rare chance to support a worthy cause and download a decent song at the same time! ;)

New Logan Lynn single

2010-02-23T10:02:00.000Z

Logan Lynn's new single, a pop/electronic cover of the Dandy Warhols' 2003 track "The Last High" is out now. You can purchase the single for the very affordable price of $2.99 at loganlynnmusic.com

Check out the video for "The Last High" here:

and the single's b-side, the Y-Tron remix:

and lastly, a free Logan Lynn download:

An Taobh Tuathail Vol III - UK release!

2010-02-22T14:23:00.008Z

An Taobh Tuahnail Vol. III, a compilation from the popular RTE radio show hosted by Cian O'Ciobhain, is now released in the UK! The album has gotten some great reviews since its Irish release in November 2009, and features popular indie bands such as Animal Collective and Peter And The Wolf. My band Factory Kids is also featured on it, with a Luminous remix of our track "Look After Everyone".

The tracklisting is as follows:
1. Loner Deluxe – Frozen Grass
2. Roshi feat Pars Radio – Night Swimming
3. Essie Jain – Haze
4. R.S.A.G. – Dwelling On The Past
5.Factory Kids - Look After Everyone (Luminous Remix)
6. B-Movie Lightning – Triple Trouble
7. Rollers/Sparkers – The Evening Station
8. Miwon – Shinkansen
9. Circlesquare – Music For Satellites
10. Jacaszek – Walc
11. Them Use Them – Able
12. Mount Kimbie – Maybes
13. The Caretaker – False Memory Syndrome
14. Animal Collective – Loch Raven
15. Peter And The Wolf – The Highway

Buy it now at Cargo Records! It is also available from amazon in both download and physical CD format.

An Taobh Tuathail on myspace

An Taobh Tuathail's website

New BJM album out today

2010-02-22T09:05:00.002Z

Today marks the release of the latest album to come from the mind of Anton ~~Newcombe~~ Fjordson, Who Killed Sgt. Pepper? by the Brian Jonestown Massacre. You can buy it from iTunes, amazon or your local independent record shop (where I'm buying mine and hope most of you do the same, if possible).

In typical BJM style, Anton uploaded videos to accompany the songs on YouTube. Here are some of my favourites:

And if you're in the UK or Ireland, you can see BJM live at the follow dates:

London, Shepherds Bush Empire – May 14
Birmingham, Academy 2 – May 16
Manchester, Academy 2&3 –May 17
Glasgow, ABC – May 18
Belfast, Spring & Airbrake – May 19
Dublin, Academy - May 20

Anton's myspace
Brian Jonestown Massacre's Official Site

A few minutes with...Whirl

2010-02-20T14:50:00.007Z

Whirl and their entourage.

Here is my recent email interview with Nick from Whirl, a new shoegaze band out of Northern California. Also, make sure to download the free mp3s below!

How did Whirl come about?
Eddie, Loren, Joey, Sergio and I have all been close friends for about two years now and there had been talk of starting a shoegaze band for a while. I ended up writing rough versions of the songs on the demo through a midi creating program called Tab It and we decided to do it. We knew we needed a girl singer to pull off the sound we were going for, so we asked Byanca. She was super down for it and that's pretty much it.

Where do your rehearse?
We rehearse at Lorens house, in the Orange Room. A room that we decorated with paintings of oranges and bordered the walls with Christmas lights.

What was your best gig so far? why?
We actually haven't played any shows yet, there isn't really much of a music scene for what we play here so until we find somewhere to play or someone to play with we'll just be practicing and getting our set down as solid as possible.

Your demo is available to buy on cassette. Do you think that the cassette format is gaining in popularity again in certain music scenes? And/or was it just an easy format to showcase your music?
Yeah, I do think in certain scenes people are more into the collecting aspect of music, more so toward Vinyl and cassettes.
As for releasing it on cassette, we just felt like we can put up the demo for free digital download for anyone who wants it but for people who really enjoy it and/or want a hard copy or want to support us they can purchase a cassette.

When your band is just hanging out, what music are you probably listening to?
9/10 times it's The Smiths/Morrissey.

What was the first album you ever bought?
Ha ha, I actually got two in the same day, "Wrestlemania: The Album" and "George Thorogood's Greatest Hits".

Any weird phobias and/or band superstitions?
I don't think so, although Loren and I are terrified of spiders.

What's your band's fashion sense/style? Any favourite clothing shops?
Haha, I don't think we have any sort of style. As for myself, wherever sells cheap tank tops and jeans works for me.

Describe your fanbase in 3 words:
Not big enough.

If you could be any other person for a day, who would you be?
That's a tie between Jude Law and John Mayer.

What's better - downloading, still buying CDs, or collecting vinyl?
Sound quality vinyl takes the cake, although downloading is by far the quickest/easiest.

Best band you've seen live?
Rage Against The Machine, Rock the bells 2007

Is there anything (previously unknown) about your band that you'd like to share with the world?
I've known Byanca since kindergarten but I don't believe we said two words to each other since the sixth grade up until this whole band thing, ha ha.

Tell us something interesting about your hometown:
George Lucas is from here and the film "American Graffiti" is based on our town.

And what are your plans for 2010?
Release an EP, play a bunch of shows and hopefully get a decent fan base.

Thanks Nick! x

Download:
Whirl - Meaningless.mp3
Whirl - Leave.mp3

Whirl's myspace

MGMT and Sonic Boom

2010-02-19T21:01:00.003Z

MGMT have announced that their sophomore effort, Congratulations, will be out on April 13th. First they stated that their will be no singles taken from the album, then yesterday they released the album's cover art by artist Anthony Ausgang, which looks like a merge between an old skool Paula Abdul video and the opening credits to Saved By the Bell. But the cover art shouldn't matter in the end, right? At the end of the day, it's all about the music, and considering the album is produced by Sonic Boom, I am looking forward to what it will sound like...

For now, here is MGMT and Sonic Boom performing together a year ago, in Feb. 2009. Very cool.

MGMT's Official site
Sonic Boom's Official site

Zombie Zombie at Mono

2010-02-18T14:37:00.005Z

If you're in Glasgow, stop by Mono tonight as psychedelic experimental artists Zombie Zombie will be playing a tribute to horror filmmaker John Carpenter as part of Glasgow's Film and Music festival. A full A/V show will accompany the set.

It goes from 8-11pm and tickets for the event are available through Mono's box office, 0141 332 6535.

The Yellow Moon Band

2010-02-16T18:42:00.003Z

The Yellow Moon Band consists of Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan from It's Jo and Danny as well as Matthew Priest from Dodgy and Rudy Carroll.

Their track "Entangled" sounds like one of those classic 60s tunes that you feel like you already know, while "Polaris" is a psychedelic folk tune with Eastern influences, kind of like the early tunes by Sydney, Australia's The Dolly Rocker Movement.

Check out their tunes at their myspace

Bloody Valentines

2010-02-13T13:35:00.005Z

Art: Dee Comte

Here's a valentine's mix for you all...cheers. xo

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