Happy (Bullets) New Year

Live in Dallas and still don't have New Year's Eve plans?


The Happy Bullets

Then go see The Happy Bullets and the Tah Dahs at the Cavern tonight...only 3 bucks!

The Happy Bullets The Vice and Virtue Ministry mp3

OR


Sorta

Go see Sorta @ The Barley House

Sorta 85 Feet mp3

We haven't decided for sure which show we'll be attending, but you can't miss either way. Whatever you decide to do tonight: have fun, and take a cab!

bored?

new songs. cleeeeeeeeck

I've had a very busy day today at work of shopping online all day. So far, I've bought two copies of The Light Footwork's LP, I pre-ordered Love is All's album, and I bought Mancino's debut EP from CD Baby.

I also ordered the vinyl-only Devendra Banhart/Jana Hunter split from Parasol...not only does it have Devendra's R. Kelly cover, it also has Jana Hunter's "A Bright Ass Light". I've posted on this song before, but I don't think my original write-up did it justice. Let's just say this song, which sounds like it was recorded in some backwoods cabin in the 1920's, makes me wish every song had hand-claps:

Jana Hunter A Bright Ass Light mp3

Ms. John Soda

I had never even heard of Ms. John Soda before I heard their upcoming LP, Notes and the Like (due out Spring '06 on Morr Music). Here's what I gathered in about 5 minutes of research: the band is essentially the 'pop-project' of Micha Archer (The Notwist and 13 & God) and Stefanie Bohm; Pitchfork named their last LP one of the best of 2003, and Tiny Mix Tapes called their last record "one of pop music’s most surprising masterpieces...the best collaboration of any pop record that I have ever heard".

And you guys think I overhype stuff. Ha. But after a few listens, Bohm's warm, ridiculously beautiful voice over Archer's familiar downtempo beats and layered sounds have definitely made me a fan. This is a really gorgeous record, and I can't wait to get it on vinyl. Hear for yourself:

ms. john soda a million times mp3

Also:



If you live in Texas (hell, even if you don't), go check out the new and improved TexasGigs.com. Cindy does more than anyone to help promote the thriving North Texas music scene, so it's great to see the site looking so awesome. While you're there, listen to TexasGigs' interview with up and coming hip-hop artist, Pikahsso. The dude is seriously a trip.

Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers

Until I read Yeti's post on Wednesday, I had only heard one song from Irving: their catchy-as-hell contribution to the Dimension Mix, "Army Ants in Your Pants" (mp3), which my girlfriend played incessantly for a while when it first came out.

But it's this song that has me hooked. Recalling elements from The Beatles, Belle & Sebastian, The Zombies, and Elephant 6, all on the same song, this track has me very excited for Irving's upcoming full-length, Death In The Garden, Blood On The Flowers (due out April 4, 2006 on eenie meenie) And even more excited to see them live at SXSW.

Irving The Curious Thing About Leather mp3

Be Irving's friend

Read about the kick-ass Ship Collective, made up of Earlimart, Irving, The Silversun Pickups, and more

Also:

Speaking of SXSW...

March 15 @ Stubb's (Austin): Belle & Sebastian, Cat Power, and Mogwai

See you there!

Silent Shout

The Knife, one of my very favorite musical discoveries of 2005, have announced that their new album, Silent Shout, will be released in March 2006. Can't wait to hear this one. Here's a track from their 2004 LP, Deep Cuts...such a great song:

The Knife You Take My Breath Away mp3

Beck: Pink Moon

Thanks to the anonymous person who ripped this to mp3 format and emailed it to me...

Beck Pink Moon (Nick Drake cover) mp3

Also:

Don't forget to check out the definitive year-end list, Jesus Christ's Top 11 Albums of 2005 (he loves Sufjan, naturally). While you're there, also check out the son of God's Top 5 Musical Disappointments of the year.

Mojo at Mojo's...Tonight

Bill Baird

Fare thee warned, lucky Austinites, SOUND team's Bill Baird will make a solo appearance tonight at Mojo's Daily Grind at around 8:30 or so. Voxtrot's Jared Van Fleet, along with SOUND team's Sam Sanford and Jordan Johns, will assume backup duties.

Some of the solo material I've been fortunate enough to hear recalls
Panda Bear's cathartic, ambient soundscapes. Songs like "New York Love" and "Dear Friend Failing" evoke the chill of autumn with a sad and wanton innocence...prolonged distance weighs heavily on the lovesick. Another excursion, "Bourbon," takes the listener through uncharted analog backcountry with a tech-loving, neo-futurist drunkard serving as the wayward tour guide. Blissful stuff with a level of intrigue rarely achieved.

Not to be missed if you're anywhere within the Central Texas vicinity.

Unrelated:

Check out DoCopenhagen's excellent Top 50 Videos of 2005, featuring links to great videos from The Knife, Jose Gonzalez, Devendra Banhart, the Arcade Fire, and many more.

Mancino

"...a band that will capture the hearts and imagination of folks who think that Ben Folds is maybe a bit too mainstream"
--Smother



I'm loving this song by Mancino, and judging by the two-minute song snippets at CD Baby, the rest of their EP is worth checking out too. Recommended for fans of The Beach Boys, Pavement, and '60's psych-pop.

Mancino Hiccup Lines mp3

buy Mancino's Dear International here

NYC people, please go to this and tell me how it was:

Mancino + Tapes 'n Tapes, Jan. 7th 2006 9PM @ The Delancey

Also:


clicky

If you haven't checked out gorilla vs. bear radio yet, please do. thanks.

Send Someone Away

I got this mp3 from some foreign website, and as I've mentioned in the past, I don't speak foreign (jesus, that joke is getting old). So, this is either a new José González song, or more likely, his solo version of a song he did with some guy named Embee, but I'm not sure. Either way, it's pretty good:

José González Send Someone Away (live) mp3

Bonus:



José González Heartbeats (live) mp3

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to ask...how was everyone's Christmas? Mine was great, even though I didn't get one of these.

Band of Horses

I have to thank A Boy and His Blog (which is quickly becoming one of my favorites) for this one:



I had already heard the demo version of this Band of Horses song, from their upcoming SubPop debut, Everything All the Time, but the album version is absolutely stunning. Compare/contrast:

Band of Horses The Funeral mp3
Band of Horses Funeral (demo) mp3

buy the album (due out March 21) from Sub Pop
(highly recommended for fans of Iron & Wine and The Shins)

You Could Surely Try to Be More Alive

Forgive me if this song is already all over the place, but I've somewhat neglected the internets over the weekend:



I'm not a huge Mates of State fan...I've always felt that they're a little too cute for their own good at times (see above album cover). With that said, I loved their "Goods" EP, and I'm enjoying this track quite a bit, so I'm actually really looking forward to their Barsuk debut, Bring it Back, due out March 21.

Mates of State Fraud in the '80's mp3

Gnarls Barkley

I've been pushing this song on everyone lately, and everyone seems to really love it. And why not; Gnarls Barkley is made up of everyone's favorite DJ/producer, Danger Mouse, and the "Soul Machine" himself, Cee-Lo Green. If this isn't one of the most interesting and enjoyable albums of 2006, I'll be equally surprised and disappointed.

Gnarls Barkley Crazy mp3

Merry Christmas

somebody learned how to climb the tree

She's only broken 3 ornaments so far...not bad. Have a Merry Christmas, and I hope you get all the toys you want. This song makes me nostalgic for when I was a kid...

Paul McCartney Wonderful Christmas Time mp3

I won't be posting over the next couple days, so if you're bored, go check out gorilla vs. bear radio...a nice eclectic mix of jams I think you'll like. Just click "launch radio".

Dallas Album of the Year

Christmas Eve Eve = slow day at work = yet another post:



The Dallas Observer's Sam Machkovech has named Bosque Brown's Bosque Brown Plays Lara Lee Miller the local Album of the Year. In a year that saw quite a few great albums released by North Texans, I have to say, you can't really argue with this choice.

Since I posted about Bosque Brown back in September, I don't know that I've heard a more starkly beautiful song than this, and I'm both embarrassed and ashamed that I forgot to include this on my songs of the year list:

Bosque Brown Still Afraid mp3

buy Bosque Brown Plays Lara Lee Miller here

Bosque Brown's one-sided LP, Cerro Verde (which, roughly translated, means "green cerro"), will be released by Burnt Toast Vinyl in March or April of '06. The other side will have an etching by the artist herself.

Magic Glasses

"Magic glasses...They bring energy."
--actual quote by Ben Wallace

It's been a while since I did a post on my Detroit Pistons, but they are off to the best start in franchise history (20-3), and that picture was just begging to be posted.

Okay, on with the Detroit Christmas music:

Pas/Cal Last Christmas mp3 (Wham cover)

On a Plain

Everyone head over to Indie Interviews and congratulate my boy Garrison for his recent mention in Spin Magazine. Garrison is a local (Plano represent) and an all around cool guy, so I thought this was really great. And while you're there, I recommend listening to his past interviews; specifically those with LCD Soundsystem, Rogue Wave, The Polyphonic Spree, and Vashti Bunyan.

Garrison also hooked me up with Rogue Wave's cover of Nirvana's "On a Plain", which Zach played solo at their recent show in Denton. This simple, pretty version was recorded live at KTSW:

Rogue Wave On a Plain mp3

Bonus:

I found this in my inbox, courtesy of someone who knows how much I like Animal Collective. Still not sure how I feel about this version, though:

Animal Collective On a Plain mp3

Indie Heroes Gather for Free-form Spectacle at Big Orange

I thought today was just another day at the office until I received a most unexpected e-mail from SOUND team's Bill Baird. Apparently the many purveyors of Austin's burgeoning indie cooperative gathered at SOUND team's Big Orange studio on Tuesday for what sounds like a raucous little hootenanny. Red Hunter mentioned this session to me when he was in Dallas last week, but I had no idea what would actually transpire. And, since I can in no way capture what went down, I'll just pass on what Bill had to say about it:



"Chickens could be heard rustling about. The neighboring horse stall had shut down for the evening, the moon was about half-full, I reckon, and Red and I decided to have a big group recording session at Big Orange with all the most sympathetic folk-er, super-enthused, and in-love-with-life kind of people we could find.

So there I was making musics, Red doing his thing, and Jared (from Voxtrot) playing under the moniker 'Sparrow House.' Dave from 'The Black,' who also plays keyboards for Trail of Dead, handled washboard duties with ambitious purpose. Sparks were a flyin' from 'em spoons across the room and damn near lit the whole place on fire. There was also a group there called Wax Museum Pandemonium, as well as a member of 'Tacks, the boy disaster,' which includes a member of the Polyphonic Spree. Then, of course, there was the drummer from this amazing free jazz group, e.c.f.a., and the drummer for the Weird Weeds, who were most recently the opening act for Deerhoof. So many musicians and peoples and, well, 'twas just lovely.

Among the instruments we utilized: junk metal gathered from the scrap
heap down the street, the singing saw, accordion, wash tub bass,
electric piano, drums, claps, flip flops banged on the floor, loud
wailing voices, etc.

Two songs were recorded. These will hopefully see release soon on both
our labels, Big Orange Records and Whiskey and Apples Records. But they may also see release into the trash bin, it's just hard to have perspective right now. Whatever the case, it was amazing indeed. I'm toying with the idea of filming the next sessions and turning them into a public access television show.

So, yeah, we got a little scene hap'nin here. 2006 will be a big year for all of us and some amazing music will be coming out of Austin. Amen!"

You've Got Me All Wrong

I've been listening to quite a bit of Miguel Mendez lately, and in doing so, I discovered that one of my favorite dios(malos) songs, "You've Got Me All Wrong" (featured on the O.C.) is actually a cover of a Miguel Mendez song. I think I like Miguel's version better. Plus, he went to high school w/ Snoop Dogg in the LBC.

Miguel Mendez You've Got Me All Wrong mp3

Bonus:

Miguel Mendez Drinking Beers mp3

Buy Miguel Mendez' new album, My Girlfriend is Melting, here

Also:

A Christmas gift from Sweden/Dallas' own Sarah Culler...a new song:

Sarah Culler At Least Like Melissa mp3

Finally, go check out Guava's Top 10 list, complete with original haikus for each entry. While you're there, I recommend you check Mu's "Paris Hilton" video...so classic.

Gotye

"Throw Air, DJ Shadow, Lamb, Massive Attack and The Avalanches in a blender and what you’ll get is Gotye..."
--Buzz Magazine



I was introduced to Australia's Gotye by The Test Pilot, and these two tracks from his upcoming album (due out Jan. '06) are really cool. This guy was definitely influenced by DJ Shadow, but I would describe these tracks as "Cut Chemist/DJ Shadow-light"...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, because these songs are very enjoyable:

Gotye A Distinctive Sound mp3
Gotye Learnalilgivinanlovin mp3

Also:

Go check out SF's BAGel Radio, and download the BAGel Radio Compilations, featuring gorilla vs. bear favorites Birdmonster, Tapes 'n Tapes, Miguel Mendez, and more....Also be sure to check out the BAGel Radio Indie Rock Noise Pop Podcast Blog.

gorillavsbear radio

image by megan whitmarsh

Bored tonight? Then go listen to gorilla vs. bear radio while you do what you do. It's good. (just click "launch radio". do it.)

The Rosebuds Unwind

The Rosebuds' have quickly become one of my favorite bands thanks to their new album, Birds Make Good Neighbors, so I feel like an idiot that I never bothered to check out their EP (released this summer) until Ryan told me about it.

The Rosebuds Unwind is every bit as good as the LP, just shorter and much more upbeat. Check out a couple of tracks from the EP, and if you like them, buy the EP/LP bundle from Merge for only twenty bucks:

The Rosebuds Unwind mp3
The Rosebuds I'd Feel Better mp3

Bonus:

Possibly my favorite Rosebuds song, from their debut LP, The Rosebuds Make Out:

The Rosebuds Back to Boston mp3

Also:

Check out contest week over at MOKB. Dodge is hooking you guys up w/ tons of crazy shit, go over there now and enter...

And finally, I think I've received an email or comment from every single person in attendance at that Blood Arm show at Club Deville during SXSW (all 20 of them), and they feel I ranked it waaaay too low on my top shows list. Everyone agrees, it should have been number one. Thinking back, it was pretty insane, you guys are right.

Joanna Newsom: New Songs and Jimi Hendrix Cover

"...this new one, I approached it from the beginning - um, I hope this doesn't sound too pretentious, but sort of with an "album-ic" approach, you know, like thinking about how each of the song's connected to the others, and thinking of there being an overarching story from the first song to the last one where there were also these self-contained stories within each one."
--Joanna Newsom, discussing her next album



As I was making my '05 "Best of" lists, I was looking back at my favorites from 2004. As it turns out, Joanna Newsom's Milk-Eyed Mender was one of my 3 favorite records of the year, and I still love it dearly. I think she is just amazing. Just to give you some perspective, if Mender was released this year, it very well could have vied for my number 1 spot.

Coincidentally, I just recently discovered the excellent Joanna Newsom fan site, Milky Moon, where I found some gorgeous little gems, including this new song that Newsom's been playing live:

Joanna Newsom Emily (live) mp3

...and a couple of cover songs:

Joanna Newsom Angel (Jimi Hendrix cover) mp3
Joanna Newsom Man's Road mp3 (America cover)

Go here to download more new Joanna Newsom

Also:

go check out gorilla vs. bear MyHeavy radio...sort of like a myspace ripoff, but with your own radio station. Just click on "Launch Radio" to listen. Some highlights of my station include Rogue Wave, Diplo, Cat Power, A Tribe Called Quest, Brendan Benson, Mu's "Paris Hilton" and more...

Wonder Showzen on DVD

Happy Holidays from Wonder Showzen

The genius creators of Wonder Showzen have announced a release date of March 28, 2006, for the Wonder Showzen: Season 1 DVD.

This is one of the most uncomfortably hilarious shows ever, so I highly recommend you pre-order the DVD here. Highlights include Tyler, Funny/Not Funny, and other various skits involving kids doing shit that will likely scar them for life.

Get your Wonder Showzen t-shirts here

Bonus:

Chewties Theme Song mp3

More Swedish Goodness

"Amandine roam across a vast and chilly plain, tumbling guitars and graceful bearing aligning them with the windswept Americana of Sun Kil Moon, Songs:Ohia, or pre-Z My Morning Jacket...Yet singer Olof Gidlöf's trembling whisper and easy sense of pop melody evoke a comfortable, hypothetical Sam Beam-Ben Gibbard collab"
--Pitchfork



This song is gorgeous, and it's perfect for this cold, dreary evening.

Amandine Blood & Marrow mp3

gorilla vs. bear's Favorite Live Shows of '05

I honestly didn't think that my Favorite Shows of 2005 list would be this difficult, but I labored over this damn thing for so long. I left out some shows I had huge expectations for that I didn't feel really made a lasting impression on me (CYHSY and Brian Jonestown Massacre, please sit down). But when it comes down to it, I saw more shows this year than I have in any other year, thanks in large part to this blog. And each one of these shows was special in its own way, which made ranking them an unbelievably difficult task for me. I hope you guys enjoy the list as much as I enjoyed making it:

25. Th' Corn Gangg/Matisyahu, Carribean Lights (SXSW)
This show was slightly wheels off, but it was hilarious and very surreal. I don't know why, you just had to be there.

24. Jaime Lidell/Four Tet, Hailey's (Denton, TX)



23. M.I.A., La Zona Rosa (Austin, TX)



22. Modest Mouse/Cass McCombs, Nokia Live (Grand Prairie, TX)
Nokia Live, while decent for a larger venue, is not one of my favorite places to see a show. That said, Modest Mouse was great, and Cass McCombs made quite an impression.

21. Feist, The Fader Tent (SXSW)
This show at the Fader Tent was memorable for so many reasons. Free Red Stripe all day, Elijah Wood, and the flash thunderstorm that almost killed Feist. The girl is a trooper.

20. Metric, Gypsy Tearoom (Dallas, TX)



19. The Secret Machines/Autolux/The Moving Units, Trees (Dallas, TX)

18. SOUND team/Mazarin, Trees (Dallas, TX)



17. Rilo Kiley, Trees (Dallas, TX)



16. The Go! Team/The Grates, Trees (Dallas, TX)



The Go! Team was cool, but the highlight of the show was The Grates and frontwoman Patience. I could have watched them play all night.

15. Common/De La Soul/Rahzel, Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas, TX)
I remember this show as being one big party, which is how a good hip hop show should be. Highlights: when Dres came out with De La Soul to perform hip hop classic "The Choice is Yours"; Common's entire set; Rahzel shooting down my request to do a Bjork song.

14. Bloc Party/The Cribs/Apostle of Hustle, Urban Outfitters, Women's Swimwear Section (SXSW):



13. The Rosebuds, Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas, TX)



12. Rogue Wave/The Happy Bullets, Hailey's (Denton, TX)



11. The Faint/Bright Eyes, Stubb's, (Austin, TX)

10. Jurassic 5/Diplo, Stubb's (Austin, TX)



9. St. Vincent (Annie Clark)/Red Hunter, The Doublewide (Dallas, TX)
This show would have been top 5 if it had been longer. Red Hunter's set was like 15 minutes long, and St. Vincent's was like 30, tops. But both made a lasting impression, and both lead me to believe these artists are going to make some serious noise in '06. Highlights: Hunter's cover of "Imagination"; Annie's showstopping closer, "Now, Now".

8. Digable Planets, Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas, TX)



It is SO good to see these guys back together. They haven't skipped a beat. One highlight was local favorite E. Badu joining the group for a few songs.

7. Broken Social Scene, Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas, TX)



This show would've been higher if Kevin Drew hadn't attempted to sabotage it, but it was an amazing set nonetheless.

6. The Blood Arm, Club DeVille (SXSW):



Frontman Nathaniel Fregoso is by far the most energetic, engaging, and possibly insane person I've ever seen. Dude was climbing walls, making out with unsuspecting audience members, and running all over the small venue. Plus, free beer helps any show stand out.

5. Devendra Banhart, The Cavern (Dallas, TX)



Definitely the most bizarre show I've ever seen, and one of the best. I had seen Architecture in Helsinki and CYHSY earlier in the same night, but Devendra was the spectacle of the year.

4. Lollapalooza, Grant Park (Chicago, IL), July 23-24



So many highlights I wouldn't know where to begin. The lineup was amazing, Chicago is amazing, and I got to hang out with Dodge and MJ all weekend.

3. Iron & Wine/Calexico, Ridglea Theater (Ft. Worth, TX)



This show exceeded all my expectations going in. I wasn't sure how Sam Beam's hushed vocals would translate live, but this show was perfect.

2. The Black Keys, Zilker Park (ACL), September 24, 2005
Kevin, Dodge, and I (and our significant others) were pretty exhausted from the heat and dirt when these two took the stage...and wow. They tore it up. One of the most scorching sets I've ever seen.

1. The Polyphonic Spree, Nokia Live/The Granada/Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens
I couldn't seperate the three times I saw the Spree, because they were all spectacular. I've said it before, but if you haven't seen them live yet, please do. You might be surprised.

Related posts:

Top 5 Arcade Fire Shows I Saw This Year

The Glass Family

This morning's post features Austin, TX's The Glass Family. I was introduced to these guys by a reader (thanks Aaron), and they have been compared to such artists as Wilco, Gram Parsons, and My Bloody Valentine. Austinist says "The Glass Family has achieved something uniquely their own in the space of ethereal alt-country and indie rock".

The Glass Family plays a free show at Emo's on January 7 with What Made Milwaukee Famous, I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness, and Zykos

The Glass Family There's a Red Light Waiting For You mp3

coming up later this morning:

gorilla vs. bear's Favorite Shows of 2005...and I'll warn you, this post is getting out of hand.

Shades are Drawn

Finian McKean

I wasn't familiar with Finian McKean's former band, Push Kings, but I am really enjoying the tracks I've heard from his recently-released solo LP, Shades Are Drawn.

Blackbook Magazine says McKean's solo work is "emotional and eerie, but still accessible...His music, for now, is what keeps him from running into the woods, and will provide you, too, with some satisfying four-minute escapes."

This particular "four-minute escape" has been helping me get through the day at work today:

Finian McKean Shades are Drawn mp3

buy Shades Are Drawn here

Also:



Pitchfork has revealed their Top 50 Singles of 2005. We both had Kelly Clarkson in our top 5.

Harmonium has begun counting down their top releases of 2005 as well...today they're at number 19, Woman King.

gorilla vs. bear's Favorite EPs of '05

The Grates

8. The Ouch The Touch, The Grates
Key Track: Sukkafish mp3

We saw these Australians when they opened for the Go! Team, and they stole the show, thanks to frontwoman Patience's energy and charisma. The EP is short and sweet, like a cuter, cuddlier version of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
buy

7. Black Sheep Boy Appendix, Okkervil River
Key Track: No Key No Plan mp3

Every bit as emotional and powerful as the LP.
buy

6. Birdmonster EP, Birdmonster
Key Track: All the Holes in the Walls mp3

This EP could have been even higher, but it's tough to judge a band on 3 songs. But if they can match the intensity of this EP on their upcoming full-length, expect the LP to be near the top of my list in '06.
buy

5. Wolf Parade, Wolf Parade
Key track: Disco Sheets mp3

This is worth buying for "Disco Sheets" alone.
buy

4. Ultimatum, The Long Winters
Key Track: Ultimatum mp3

I've never been a huge fan of these guys, but man, Ultimatum is awesome. Probably one of the most underrated releases of the year.
buy

3. Work, SOUND team
Key Track: Don't Turn Away mp3

It was a big year for SOUND team...signed to a major, played with the Arcade Fire, etc. But it all culminated in the release of this EP, which actually comes close to capturing the power of their live show.
buy

2. Pikul, Silversun Pickups
Key Track: Kissing Families mp3

"Kissing Families" was one of the most emotional, soaring songs I heard this year, and Pikul is the perfect length, just enough to leave me wanting more from this LA band.
buy

1. Raised By Wolves, Voxtrot
Key Track: Raised by Wolves mp3

I almost cheated and put this on my albums of the year list, because it was truly one of my favorite releases of this year of any length.
buy

The Fragile Army

I'll give you a hint about my top shows of the year list, coming up sometime this week...The Polyphonic Spree's 6th Annual Holiday Extravaganza will be near the top of the list. This show is great every year, but this was possibly the best set I've ever seen the band play. Some highlights:

The Cousins, Dallas' local 7-piece art-rock collective headed by young Stella and Oscar DeLaughter, opened the show with their set on the Good Records stage in the lobby. I sensed some serious dissension between band members during the set, but if these guys can hold it together, they could be huge in 2015.




The Fort Worth Zoo animals are always a favorite of the kids. Plus, penguins are so hot right now:



The band always plays a short set of holiday songs, complete with red robes and dancing snowmen and reindeer:






Demetri Martin (the Daily Show, Conan O'Brien) emceed the event, and entertained with an absolutely hilarious 30-minute standup set:



I always have trouble putting the way I feel about The Polyphonic Spree into words. A lot of people don't like the Spree, and I can understand how some people would be turned off, but those people haven't seen them live. Tim DeLaughter has been my favorite frontman since I used to go see Tripping Daisy as a teenager, and the band's energy is infectious. And musically, the band continues to get better...the audience was treated to the band's cover of "Lithium" (recorded w/ Jon Brion, I believe) before the set, and it was one of the best things I've heard in a long time. And damn, this band is photogenic:

Top 5 Arcade Fire Shows I Saw This Year

Well, it seems that you people never tire of year-end lists, and luckily, I don't either. So to close out the year, I'll be throwing up some spare lists that may or may not interest you, including my EP's of the year, live shows of the year, etc. I promise these will be shorter than my previous lists (some may call them "long-winded", i prefer to think of them as "epic").



I decided to relegate this post to Saturday, because it's kind of lame. However, before I post my top live shows of the year (probably sometime next week), I thought I should definitely get the Arcade Fire shows out of the way, because they could easily occupy the top 5 slots. So here it goes, the "Top 5 Arcade Fire Shows I Saw This Year":

5. Zilker Park, Austin, TX. September 25, 2005 (ACL)

All you people that thought the Lollapalooza show was opressively hot, welcome to Texas. It was literally around 105 degrees when the band took the stage. The heat, coupled with the dust and dirt made the conditions absolutely miserable, but the band came through big time.

4. Trees, Dallas, TX, January 22, 2005



This was the show that almost didn't happen. The band's van broke down at some fried catfish joint in Waco on the way up from Austin, but luckily their friends SOUND team came to the rescue and saved the day. Trees was more packed than I think I've ever seen it, and we were treated to an amazing show. One funny note: some audience members stormed the stage at one point, and the band proceeded to "fight" them to the ground. It was so obviously staged, but the local press apparently wasn't aware that the band is notorious for their theatrical shenanigans, and reported that poor venue security tainted an otherwise great show.

3. Grant Park, Chicago, IL, July 24, 2005 (Lollapalooza)



This one was special because it was in front of an enormous audience, by far the largest crowd the band had played to until that point. And because I was jammed near the front of the stage with Dodge, with the spectacular Chicago skyline as our backdrop. Such a memorable show, the highlight being Will Butler. The previous two times I'd seen the band, he was absent, and his prescence definitely made the band's chemistry that much more special.

2. Emo's, Austin, TX, January 21, 2005



The first time I saw the band, and possibly the most memorable. Emo's was packed, and the band did not disappoint. I was absolutely blown away, and this cemented them as one of my favorite bands ever. This show was also my introduction to the band's theatrics, when Win stabbed Regine with his guitar and knocked her off the stage into the bewildered crowd.

1. Stubb's, Austin, TX, September 23, 2005



Absolutely epic show for so many reasons. There were rumors that it would be cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina, but the weather ended up being absolutely perfect at Stubb's that night. I went to the show with a bunch of my favorite people in the world, we got to eat with the band (okay, it was at the table right next to them), The Black Keys opened, and the Arcade Fire absolutely killed it. Possibly the best show I've ever been to.

Also:

I've had tons of request to re-post this mashup of The Knife's and Jose Gonzalez's version of "Heartbeats"...it's not that great (what's with the seagulls and the giggling kids at the end?), so hopefully you guys aren't too disappointed, but here you go:

The Knife + Jose Gonzalez Heartbeats (mashup) mp3

They Shoot Horses Don't They?

"This band is better than every other band on earth, even if you combined all the other bands on earth into one gigantic band -- this band would still be better than that band."
--Pop Matters on They Shoot Horses Don't They?



I was introduced to They Shoot Horses Don't They? by Bethany, who told me, "I love them. Like real bad." How could I not check them out after that glowing endorsement? Apparently Kill Rock Stars loves them too, because they will be releasing their album in Feb. '06. This song is all over the place, and it is awesome. Check it out.

They Shoot Horses Don't They? Empty Head mp3

New Christmas Track + The Holiday Extravaganza

Taken from Eef Barzelay's (singer/songwriter of Clem Snide) highly anticipated upcoming solo LP, Bitter Honey, comes "possibly the most heartbreaking version of 'Joy to the World' ever done"...a spectacularly lo-fi take on the Christmas classic.

Joy to the World mp3

Bitter Honey comes out Valentine's Day, 2006, on SpinART records. Download more mp3s from SpinART artists here.

Also:

Tonight in Dallas:



From QuickDFW:

Polyphonic Spree frontman Tim DeLaughter has one thing to say about the group's Christmas show:

"It's going to be a humdinger. It's the sixth year and it seems to get better every year. ... The crowds keep getting larger and larger, so who knows what this will turn into?"

I've been to the last 4 of these things, and it gets better every year (although I do wish it was still at the Lakewood Theater instead of Nokia Live, but what can you do), so of course we'll be there front and center tonight.

I highly recommend showing up early for Pilotdrift, the Ft. Worth Zoo animals, and the hilarious Demetri Martin.

Tonight in Dallas

Annie Clark

Dallas people:

Come out to the Doublewide tonight to see the inimitable Annie Clark and Austin's Red Hunter. I've been digging Red Hunter's "moonshine music" lately, and I can't recommend Annie Clark enough, her new music is absolutely breathtaking. (hopefully I'll have some tracks to share soon)


Red Hunter

Red Hunter Silver Sand mp3

download more Red Hunter at whiskey & apples

Also:

Thanks to willie for this info:

The first wave of SxSW bands have been announced, and some of the highlights include Annie, Belle & Sebastian, Jose Gonzalez, The Go! Team...aww hell, just go here to get the full (incomplete) list.

Can't Take It In

Imogen Heap

I try to accomodate reader requests whenever possible, even when it takes the help of a friend to track down a song. So here's Imogen Heap's newest, written for the The Chronicles of Narnia original soundtrack (buy). A very pretty song, if a little, umm, soundtrack-y, if that makes any sense.

Imogen Heap Can't Take It In mp3

Related soundtrack news:



A reader (thanks Patrick!) sent me a tip on the soundtrack for this film, which consists of original music by none other than Sufjan Stevens...how did I not hear about this? Anyone have an mp3??

A Bright Ass Light

"Jana's frail, reedy voice and delicate finger picking make her sound like a young man lost in a peat bog and plucking toads from toadstools to see whether they'll spill their secrets." --Boston Phoenix



Texan Jana Hunter is often referred to as a "female Devendra Banhart". For some reason, this song (lyrically maybe?) reminds me more of Joanna Newsom. Maybe it's just the way it tugs at the heartstrings.

Jana Hunter A Bright Ass Light mp3

buy it here

completely unrelated:



I finally watched R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" saga last night, and it was the most hilariously bizarre thing I've ever seen. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you check it out. I can't decide if R. Kelly is retarded or genius, but I'm leaning towards retarded. What do you guys think?

Update: I found an mp3 of chapters 1-5...not the same as actually watching it, but you can get the idea.

R Kelly Trapped in the Closet Ch. 1-5 mp3

Jose Gonzalez SxSW Tour Dates?

Make your plans now:

Fri 03/17 - AUSTIN, TX - PITCHFORK PARTY Emo's Annex
Sat 03/19 - AUSTIN, TX - FADER MAGAZINE TENT

If this is true, count me in for both shows.

We are the Sleepyheads

I wasn't that into the new Belle & Sebastian album, The Life Pursuit (due out Feb. 7), the first few times I listened. But it has been growing on me, due in large part to this track (despite the guitar solo at 1:36):

Belle & Sebastian We are the Sleepyheads mp3

also:

This made me very happy/proud of Jared and the boys from Voxtrot.

Blankets!

Continuing today's theme of bands you might not have heard of:


The Acorn

I love when readers send me tips on good bands. Sara told me about Ottawa's The Acorn, who recently released their 4-song Blankets! EP, and I'm really enjoying them. Now Toronto says the "endearing sound and childlike curiosity" of Blankets! "leaves listeners longing for a full album", and I couldn't agree more. This is perfect winter music, all warm and cozy, and I mean that as a huge compliment.

The Acorn Plates and Saucers mp3
The Acorn Blankets mp3

check the band's website for more downloads and info.


Ohbijou

While perusing The Acorn's website, I came across another intriguing band, Ohbijou. Ohbijou has shared the stage with the likes of Final Fantasy and Andrew Bird, which was enough to get me interested, and it never hurts when the majority of the band is made up of cute girls.

Ohbijou Misty Eyes mp3

also:

Go check out Mike Wexler at MOKB...excellent stuff.

Nic Garcia

Nic Garcia

I had never heard of Nic Garcia before reading Aquarium Drunkard's interview with Morgan King, founder of Yer Bird Records. Yer Bird will be releasing Garcia's new album, The Desperate Ones, later this month, and King had this to say about Garcia's sound:

"...both warm and intimate and harrowingly bleak and desolate, like a indie fever-dream reaction to Springsteen's Nebraska, or Sufjan Stevens in a drunken knife-fight with Songs: Ohia's Impala"

Needless to say, I went directly to Garcia's website and downloaded the tracks he was offering...here are a couple from his 2004 release, Sheep and Wolf, to get you interested in the new album:

Nic Garcia Dirty mp3
Nic Garcia Long, Long Time mp3

Also:

Some Velvet Blog has the Devendra Banhart track from the John Fahey Tribute.

If you were a child of the sixties, then you’d be in your late fifties.

Aphex Twin + Lightning Bolt + Go! Team + LCD = Dracula Zombie USA


My first thought after receiving an email from Dracula Zombie USA was "what a horrible band name". But then, I started listening to these songs. Then I thought, "Wait a minute, I love Dracula, Zombies, and the USA. This is the best band name ever." That might have been the music talking, but these songs are the jam. Plus, check out that girl on the right (danielle)...she's totally cute.

Dracula Zombie USA Bear Island mp3
Dracula Zombie USA The Summer Jam mp3
Dracula Zombie USA Be What (unfinished track) mp3

buy their debut album here

Dracula Zombie USA has a blog

and oh yeah, one more pic of Danielle DZU:



Also:

Garrison posted his recent interview w/ Rogue Wave over at Indie Interviews. Check it out.

Worst mashup of all time (mp3)? (via BTaE)

Thanks to everyone for your opinions on which computer to go with. Looks like this was the overwhelming (and of course, the more expensive) choice.

New Sufjan Song!

Thanks to the reader who emailed this new Sufjan Stevens track, from I Am The Resurrection: A Tribute To John Fahey. I know I go on about Sufjan quite a bit, but this is such a beautiful song.

Sufjan Stevens Variation on 'Commemorative Transfiguration & Communion at Magruder Park' mp3

The album, due out on Feb. 14, also features other gorilla vs. bear favorites Devendra Banhart, Grandaddy, and the Fruitbats.

Songs of 2005

Update: Okay! Apparently ezarchive is back, and I added the few tracks that were missing. Enjoy.

For me, these are the songs of 2005. The ones that ended up on every playlist and mix I made. These aren't necessarily singles, I don't really keep up with that. Hell, I don't even think these were all necessarily released this year. I started compiling my list about a month ago, and it grew so big that I almost scrapped the idea altogether. I didn't think there was any way I could whittle it down to a manageable number. But despite how much it pained me to do so, I cut it off at 33. These are the songs that I will remember this year by:


the rosebuds

(my file host is apparently full, so I'm missing a couple mp3s...hopefully I'll be able to get them up when they fix the issue)

33. Feist Mushaboom
I saw Feist bravely perform this song at SXSW as she was nearly killed by a collapsing Fader tent...and I haven't stopped humming it since.
(buy)

32. Phil Left Coast
Phil's debut record narrowly missed by best albums list, but there's no way I was going to overlook this beautifully bittersweet folk-country ballad. (buy)

31. Oranger Crones
(buy)

30. Bodies of Water Here Comes my Hand
(website)

29. Akron/Family Running, Returning
(buy)

28. Husky Rescue Summertime Cowboy
(buy)

27. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin House Fire
(buy)

26. Brendan Benson Cold Hands, Warm Heart
(buy)

25. Okkervil River Black
(buy)

24. Gnarls Barkley Crazy

23. TV On The Radio Dry Drunk Emperor
The best protest song of the year (in a year that desperately needed protest music).

22. Wolf Parade Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts
There's not a weak song on this entire album, but "God doesn't always have the best goddamn plans, does he?" is possibly the best line of the year. (buy)

21. Stars Your Ex-Lover is Dead
One of the saddest songs of this year, or any other. I don't understand why Stars aren't one of the biggest bands in the world. (buy)

20. Arcade Fire Cold Wind
This song is on this list for one moment. Hey hey hey. (buy)

19. Love is All Make Out, Fall Out, Make up
I purposely haven't yet tracked down any other songs from this band. This was the first song from Love Is All I've heard, and I want to believe that all their songs are as good as this.

18. The Happy Bullets The Vice and Virtue Ministry
(buy)

17. Voxtrot Raised by Wolves
(buy)

16. The Spinto Band Oh Mandy
(buy)

15. Final Fantasy This is the Dream of Win and Regine
I saw Owen Pallett perform this song at two Texas dates back in January, and I was awestruck. It's been one of my favorite songs ever since. (buy)

14. Silversun Pickups Kissing Families
(buy)

13. Tapes 'n Tapes 10 Gallon Ascots
I love a lot of songs on The Loon, but this one made the list for what happens at around the 2:00 and 4:00 minute marks. (buy)

12. The Polyphonic Spree Move Away and Shine
A great song on it's own merit, and even better in the context of the Thumbsucker film soundtrack. Tim Delaughter has hinted that this points in the direction the Spree is headed, which is fine by me. (buy)

11. The Animal Collective Did You See the Words
The most blissful, accesible, catchy song the band has ever written. I remember seeing this song described as sounding like a more psychedelic Polyphonic Spree. Yeah, pretty much. (buy)

10. The Light Footwork The Art of Everday Communication, Part I
"I was all, woo woo woo". I don't know why I love that part. I just do. (buy)

9. Imogen Heap Hide and Seek
I remember hearing this song the first time I ever watched an episode of The O.C., and being blown away. Both at how amazing this song was, and how crappy the show was. (buy)

8. Broken Social Scene Ibi Dreams of Pavement
This song didn't really blow me away until I saw it performed live, which gave me an entirely new perspective on how powerful it really is. (buy)

7. Rogue Wave Publish My Love
In my opinion, Zach Rogue is one of the best pop songwriters we've got. This is his best work. (buy)

6. Birdmonster All the Holes in the Walls
Forget how ridiculous it is that I christened these guys one of my favorite bands after hearing only their debut 3-song EP. All it really took was this one. (buy)

5. Kelly Clarkson Since U Been Gone
There is no denying the greatness of this song, whether it was performed by Clarkson, Ted Leo, or those godda** Kidz Bop kids. (buy)

4. The Knife Heartbeats
I don't know what year this actually came out, but I only found this song after first falling in love with fellow Swede Jose Gonzalez's cover version. As much as I didn't want to admit it, the original is better.(buy)

3. The Rosebuds Hold Hands and Fight
This is a nearly perfect song, and there's just something about the fact that it's a married couple singing to each other that makes it even more special. (buy)

2. Jose Gonzalez Crosses
Probably the simplest song on the list, and possibly the most beautiful. (buy)

1. Sufjan Stevens Chicago
My favorite song on my favorite album of the year. (buy)

God Only Knows

Giant Drag does The Beach Boys

"God Only Knows" is one of my favorite songs from Pet Sounds, so I was intrigued to hear Giant Drag's cover of this classic. Happily (for me), the band stays pretty true to the original, but Annie's vocals lend an almost child-like quality to the song, not unlike The Langley Schools Music Project version (which I highly recommend).

Courtesy of Rodeo Town (via MOKB):

Giant Drag God Only Knows (Beach Boys cover) mp3

Download more Giant Drag rarities at Rodeo Town

Some People Think They're Always Right

I don't really get the hipster backlash that has long surrounded The Strokes. Is This It is a classic in my eyes, I thought Room on Fire was great, and I've even enjoyed them every time I've seen them live. But with the release of the first single from First Impressions of Earth, "Juicebox", I was afraid the hipsters might've been right. The track was so boring, it almost made me completely disinterested in the new album. Almost. Luckily this track, the album opener, came along to save the day:

The Strokes You Only Live Once mp3

Rogue Wave + The Happy Bullets: Live in Denton

Zach Rogue

Here are some photos from Friday night's Rogue Wave and Happy Bullets show in Denton:

The Happy Bullets:






Rogue Wave:

Richard Pryor dead at 65

One of the funniest human beings of all time, Richard Pryor, died of a heart attack today at the age of 65. I remember having some of his tapes as a kid (including the one pictured above), and being shocked at the frankness with which he addressed issues of race and drugs. He was absolutely hilarious, and one of the most influential comics of all time.

Music:



I saw Spank Rock when he opened for M.I.A. in Austin, and while the live show was a little rough in spots, the guy has charisma. Coincidentally, I was reading over Spank Rock's press materials, which describe him as sounding something like "...if Richard Pryor was twenty and decided to be a rapper", as I heard of Pryor's death on TV.

Spank Rock Put That Pu**y on Me mp3

buy Spank Rock's Backyard Betty EP from Big Dada

Usually

Chicago's Walter Meego is on a bit of a roll lately, having recently been tapped to open for the likes of Caribou and Tom Vek, and now the band is prepared to release it's first DJ mix. I can tell from the eclectic tracklisting (Lyrics Born, Cut Copy, The Avalanches, The Sleepy Jackson) that it's going to be a good one, so be sure to keep your eyes open for it.

In the meantime, I recommend picking up the band's Usually single (click the amazing artwork above).

Walter Meego Usually mp3

Bonus: check the band's media page for more mp3s, including a live dj set

be Walter Meego's friend

Speaking of live dj sets...



Do you guys think this thing is totally worthless or what? Now, before all you purists delete my blog from your links, I realize this wouldn't constitute "real" dj'ing, but it may be fun to play with, since I've already got the iPods. Plus this site says it'll totally make me a "portable party meister". I'd love to hear opinions from some actual djs (I'm looking at you, Jaxxy).

Rogue Wave w/ Mazarin + The Happy Bullets: Tonight!

Rogue Wave

Hey Dallas. Yeah, I know it's cold. But this show will be hot. Figuratively speaking. This is one of the best bills of the year, and if you need convincing, download these tracks, 3 of the very best singles of the year (I need to make a 'best songs of 2005 list', and trust me, all three of these will be on it):

The Happy Bullets The Vice and Virtue Ministry mp3
Mazarin Another One Goes By mp3
Rogue Wave Publish My Love mp3

also, head over to MOKB to download Rogue Wave's show this past Tuesday at The Earl

Very special bonus:



Download John Vanderslice's show at the Independent in San Francisco from his website...in amazing quality mp3 format. I've been listening to this set all morning, and I highly recommend you grab the whole thing. Here's a preview:

John Vanderslice Time Travel is Lonely (live) mp3
John Vanderslice Angela (live) mp3

Whiskey & Apples

Someone from one of my very favorite bands told me about Whiskey & Apples, which is essentially a group of friends in Austin who also happen to be insanely talented musicians. Click the owl (the little baby one) to download the 16-track Whiskey & Apples Compilation CD, featuring 15 of the best lo-fi folk-pop-country bands you've never heard (and one that you have heard). And while you're there, you might as well browse around the Whiskey & Apples artist page to download even more tracks (I recommend the Red Hunter tracks).

Birdmonster

I've made it clear in the past how I feel about Birdmonster, so it was cool to see this article in the SF Weekly detailing the band's recent kick-ass show in a flooded Café Du Nord. Here's an excerpt that discusses the band's possible future plans:

"This talent for crafting fiery bricolage has not gone unnoticed. It's why, with only that three-song EP, Birdmonster has met with A&R reps from various major labels (which the group's members would prefer not to disclose); why influential music blogs around the country have gushed over these three songs; why the quartet is recording its much-anticipated debut with producer Brad Cook, of Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age fame"

I've also got some exciting news concerning Birdmonster (and two other amazing bands) that I'll hopefully be able to let you guys know about in the next couple weeks...although since you are all very clever, if you browse around their website you can probably figure it out yourself.

For now, a song:

Birdmonster Resurrection Song mp3

Electric President

Snow Day! No work for me today, due to a huge blizzard here in Dallas over the night. Okay, there was a little sleet and freezing rain, but apparently that's enough to shut this city down. Now I've got time to catch up on this stack of cd's that's piling up, and to teach my cat new tricks, like using the litter box.



I've been listening to a lot of Electric President since Moka told me about them, and I'm really looking forward to the release of their self-titled debut on Jan. 24, 2006. If you're a fan of The Postal Service or Headphones I think you'll like their brand of dreamy electro-pop:

Electric President Good Morning, Hypocrite mp3
Electric President Ten Thousand Lines mp3

Bonus:

Headphones Pink and Brown mp3

Ariel Pink is Weird

Ariel Pink

We've all heard of the so called "New Weird America" freak-folk movement by now; you know, Devendra, the Animal Collective, Joanna Newsom, etc. I think now they prefer to be called "the Family". Well if this was an actual movement, Ariel Pink would be the president or CEO or something. And if it was an actual family, he'd be the crazy uncle. I'm really digging his stuff lately, and it's perfect for this dark cold night. Here are two of my favorite tracks:

Ariel Pink Helen mp3
Ariel Pink For Kate I Wait mp3

More Christmas Music

Well, we're experiencing a little "wintry mix", including some snow, here in Dallas today (it was 90 degrees on Saturday), so it couldn't be a more perfect time for these:

Sounds Are Active hooks us up with Krismus Karuls, some of the best Christmas music you'll hear all year:

Half-Handed Cloud The * that Moved Around the Night mp3
Half-Handed Cloud Asian Meteorologists Predicted the Heavens to Snow-down a Child a Child to Us (Plant a little Fir Tree) mp3

Go to the Sounds Are Active website to download more Christmas songs with great titles like "It's Jesus' Birthday so He Should Get the Toys"...
read about the tracks here

and a few more pics of Stella (sorry, I couldn't resist):

Oh No! Oh My!

I know I posted on these guys just the other day after discovering them on Music for Robots, but I received my Oh No! Oh My! (formerly the Jolly Rogers) hand-written, demo cd-r in the mail yesterday, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention it one more time.

I can honestly assure you guys that this is the best CD I have EVER purchased for $1.50. And if I'd waited to post my best of 2005 like an intelligent person, it might've snuck onto the list. Their song "Walk in the Park" is one of those rare songs that after hearing once, you feel like you've known forever. I can't recommend this CD enough, so round up some change from your couch cushions, and go buy it!

Oh No! Oh My! Walk in the Park mp3
Oh No! Oh My! Jane is Fat mp3

and...

Say hello to the newest (and likely the coolest) member of the gorilla vs. bear family, Stella:

Notes and Scratches

This afternoon's post features two artists on Tense Forms, a "tiny art collective, small press, record label thingy in Chicago". I highly recommend both the Notes and Scratches and Radiant Darling, and also check out the other Tense Forms artists at their website.

Some of the most vibrant, heartfelt, and downright exciting music these days is coming from these little art collectives (see Austin's Whiskey & Apples), so I'm more than happy to feature these artists here on gorilla vs. bear.



"The Notes and Scratches' raspy, writerly country pop sounds like early Tom Waits channelling Ben Gibbard"
--3hive

the Notes and Scratches The Hours mp3
the Notes and Scratches The Clockmaker's Daughter mp3


Radiant Darling's Ami Saraiya

a "delicious mix of rag time, 80s pop, lullabies and Indian folk music is married with Saraiya's easy associations with Bjork, Johnny Cash and Jeff Buckley"
--Epropaganda

Radiant Darling Familiar mp3
Radiant Darling Versadh mp3

if you enjoyed these songs, support these artists by buying these releases directly from Tense Forms

Rogue Wave + So Much Silence

This brief post is dedicated to the greatness of Rogue Wave and everyone's new favorite blog, So Much Silence. My boy Kevin from SMS has been diligently ripping away for the last week or so, which has produced some amazing live mp3s from the likes of Iron & Wine, Calexico, the Arcade Fire, and today, Rogue Wave. So this is a call to go download these, and if you live in North Texas, go see Rogue Wave this Friday night at Hailey's.

Also:


Elefant

Download a new track from the new Elefant album, The Black Magic Show (due out April '06). I really liked Elefant's first album, plus their singer totally hooked up with Lindsay Lohan:

Elefant Clown mp3

The Next Great Band of 2006

Another band that is already being touted as the next big thing for 2006 is Two Gallants. The 7" of their single, Las Cruces Jail, was released today on Saddle Creek, and while the vocals are initially a little off-putting, it has definitely begun to grow on me. Two Gallants' abrasive, bluesy vocals and bare bones instrumentation have earned the band comparisons to other like-minded duos The Black Keys and The White Stripes, and those comparisons are validated by this track:

Two Gallants Las Cruces Jail mp3

buy the Las Cruces Jail 7" here

Also:


SOUND team

I can't get enough of SOUND team's Work EP lately, so I want to thank the Austin, TX reader who sent in this little tidbit:

"A bit before Phosphorescent and the Castanets hit the stage at Emo's
Saturday night, SOUND team's Bill Baird sat in with the local 20-piece indie hillbilly collective, Peter & the Wolf, to contribute an unusual percussive foundation. Donning an orange corduory jumpsuit and a ten
gallon hat, Baird sat on his knees and beat a tin trash can politely,
but prodigiously for 45 minutes before the hometown faithful. In lieu
of any rank excess, however, the SOUND team bassist dropped the "bass
can" from time to time and sprinkled Wolf's excursions with distinctly
inaudible polyrhythms using a can of black-eyed peas and a flacid
melon root."

Peter & the Wolf Strange Eyes mp3
SOUND team Don't Turn Away mp3

Finally, Said the Gramophone has posted their "2005's Best Music" list, complete with mp3s. A great read for your Tuesday morning.

Smile

Stone Jack Jones

Song of the evening:

I know nothing about Stone Jack Jones, except that he has a myspace page, this song is amazing, and that he has "worked as a circus performer and carnie, shared a girlfriend with Michael Stipe, and owned a strip club." Whatever, just listen to this song:

Stone Jack Jones Smile mp3

Stone Jack Jones' album, Bluefolk, comes out Feb. 21, 2006.

The First Great Band of 2006

We should have known they'd come from Sweden: Jesse gave me the heads up on Love is All, whom Pitchfork has already proclaimed "the first great band of 2006". And while that proclamation may be a bit premature, I have to admit, I absolutely LOVE this song.

Love is All Make Out Fall Out Make Up mp3

Elsewhere:

I can't get enough of these: A few more interesting "Best Of 2005" lists for you to argue about: Indie Interviews, Rock Insider, Indoor Fireworks, and Aquarium Drunkard all post their lists, while Muzzle of Bees counts down an album a day.

Also, we're thinking about getting a new computer fairly soon, and I have no idea what's good. Should I go PC or Mac? Let me know if this one is a good deal.

Hold Hands and Fight

The Rosebuds

So, my boy Kevin at So Much Silence knows about my obsession with The Rosebuds, and he has these magic powers where he can convert live radio shows and other live streams into mp3s (see his awesome Arcade Fire live set). Anyway, these come to you courtesy of him:

The Rosebuds Hold Hands and Fight (live on the Current) mp3
The Rosebuds Boxcar (live on the Current) mp3
The Rosebuds Bluebird (live on the Current) mp3

Also:

I love it when my readers send me stuff. I especially love it when it's a picture of Emily Haines (from Metric's show in St. Louis...thanks Nishita):


(click for larger image)

Teardrop

Someone has finally tracked down Jose Gonzalez's cover of "Teardrop", and while it's not as amazing as I'd hoped, it's still pretty cool. Go download it at Audio For Drinking.

And for those unfamiliar with the original song, here's Massive Attack's gorgeous version:

Massive Attack Teardrop mp3

Arcade Fire + U2: Love Will Tear Us Apart mp3

image from Brooklyn Vegan

Just what we needed, another cover of this song. But hey, it is the Arcade Fire.

thanks to Scatter 'O Light (via Prefix):

Arcade Fire + U2 Love Will Tear Us Apart mp3

also:

Dallas people, don't forget about Voxtrot, The Castanets, and Phosphorescent tonight at the Cavern!

Artists Pick their Top 10 Albums of 2005

Check out Filter's Top 10 Albums of 2005 feature, in which the artists pick their favorite records of the year. I find this kind of thing pretty interesting, so check it out.

Up first: Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Shirley Manson (Garbage), and Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs). Still to come: Beck, Death Cab, Spoon, and many more.

Of particular interest was Jason Lytle's list (I'm a big Grandaddy fan), and he had some interesting choices, including Hinterlander's Minikin at #2. I wasn't familiar with Hinterlander, but this track is pretty cool:



Hinterlander The Feeding mp3

also:

Check out this feature on Birdmonster in Performer Mag. I love these guys, and I can't wait to see them live.

Marathonpacks lists his Top 50 of 2005, and it's a very entertaining read.

If you've got an iPod Nano, you should look into getting one of these

José González Covers/Remixes

Okay, this is my last post on this guy for a while (unless, of course, someone hooks me up with his cover of "Teardrop"):



Why is it that every song this man covers is as good as, or in some cases, better than the original? We've heard his covers of The Knife's "Heartbeats", Kylie's "Hand on Your Heart", Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart", and Springsteen's "Ghost of Tom Joad", and every one is stunning. Here's his cover of Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A., and a remix of "Heartbeats" available only on the Australian Tour EP.

José González Born in the U.S.A. (live) mp3
José González Heartbeats (Rocket Boy remix) mp3

Bonus:

José González Crosses (Jori Hulkkonen remix) mp3

Also:

After a somewhat inauspicious debut, Muzzle of Bees' "Get to Know Your Blogger" series has hit its stride with features on Matt from You Ain't No Picasso and Dodge from My Old Kentucky Blog.

Get over to So Much Silence, where Kevin has ripped Iron & Wine's Washington, D.C. show for us. Thanks Kevin.

Oh, and Check the new gvb ads.

New track from Beck's Guerolito

Here's a track that Air remixed for Beck's upcoming Guerolito remix album:

Beck Heaven Hammer (Missing) Air remix mp3

The Leaf Label

Hanne Hukkelberg

I have been on The Leaf Label's website most of the day today, neglecting my work and instead listening to and downloading tracks from the likes of Efterklang, Caribou, Hanne Hukkelberg, Psapp, and other experimental artists that I've never really given a proper chance until now. Well let me tell you guys, this site is an ideal starting point.


Psapp

Some of these tracks are difficult listening for someone like me, who loves a hummable melody, but trust me, they're worth the effort. These are a few of my favorite finds, but do yourself a favor and browse around the other available tracks too:

Efterklang Redrop mp3
Hanne Hukkelberg Ease mp3
Caribou Hello Hammerheads mp3
Psapp Calm Down mp3
Colleen The Golden Morning Breaks mp3

If you enjoy these tracks, check out the artists websites for more mp3s and info:
Efterklang
Hanne Hukkelberg
Caribou
Colleen

Death Vessel

Special thanks to Birdwire for the heads up on Death Vessel. I don't know much about them, except that Birdwire told me they are incredible live and they will be opening for Iron & Wine on the upcoming East Coast leg of their tour (Dec. 2-8). A couple immediate observations about these amazing songs: they genuinely sound like they're from a completely different era, and believe it or not, the singer is a guy. Dusted Magazine had this to say:

"He sings in a high register with a clear tone that’s beautifully sustained, but with an underlying inquisitiveness that’s distinctly childlike. Too pure and focused to run afoul of the Newsom/Banhart haters, it’s nevertheless an extraordinarily odd male voice"

Death Vessel Deep in the Horchata mp3
Death Vessel Mandan Dink mp3

buy Death Vessel's Stay Close here

Show of the Week

Voxtrot

This Friday night brings one of the best lineups of the year to Dallas' The Cavern: Phosphorescent, The Castanets, and Voxtrot. I can't recommend this show enough, and if you're able to attend I promise you won't be sorry.

Some aural incentive:

Voxtrot The Start of Something mp3
Phosphorescent Joe Tex, These Taming Blues mp3
The Castanets All That I Know mp3

Also:

Jose Gonzalez is the new Sufjan:

I know my posting frequency on this guy is getting out of hand lately, but it's not my fault my Australian readers are so cool, and it's not my fault they keep sending me videos of his Sydney performance. What am I supposed to do, not post them? Again, the video quality isn't great, but they're still cool:

Videos: (Live in Sydney)

Jose Gonzalez Love Will Tear Us Apart .mov
Jose Gonzalez Crosses .avi