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Everything I post on here I post on The Echo. You can go there for the time being. I may start Play, Memory back up again... Cheers!

thecho.vox.com

Low documented in new film

A movie documenting the lives of the members of the slowcore powerhouse Low has been released. The title of the documentary is You May Need A Murderer, taken from the lyrics from their song, "Murderer."

Here's the press release on the documentary:

In almost fifteen years, Low became an institution on the indie and alternative scenes. Famous for their quiet, beautiful slow songs, and fascinating harmonies, as well as their religious background (core members Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker are Mormons). For this documentary, a film crew followed Alan and Mimi on tour, at home in Duluth, MN, in their church community, and as parents. It's more than an on-the-road or behind-the-scenes video. It shows Sparhawk as the ambivalent main character in an intriguing movie about religion, violence, conscience, and madness. It can also be seen as a touching love story.

Cut Copy release video for "Hearts on Fire"

This is the official video for "Hearts on Fire," as opposed to some of the fan-made versions floating around. The video is pretty accurate to the sentiments of the song. Man, it would suck to have your tears/rain perpetually falling on your head.

American Idol rigged; worst 'idol' yet

A phony rocker vs. a power-ballad kid? Yeah it doesn't sound like my thing. But I can appreciate a good voice. That's why it's so obvious that American idol was rigged this year. The kid, David Archuleta, has a frikin amazing voice. David Cook, the self-proclaimed rocker who sounds like the lead singer from Creed and dozens of other bands, has a good voice too, but it's not even close to the quality of Archuleta's. You could hear it in Simon's and Paula's comments. The blogosphere has apparently already been blurbing about it. The producers wanted it(because apparently he's more "current" ??) and they got it: some smug "Collective Soul"rocker who will be forgotten in 5 years. The fix is in this year on American Idol. Poor kids.

Fleet Foxes do Daytrotter session

The Northwest isn't shy of delivering great talent year-in and year-out and Fleet Foxes are testament to that.
Fleet Foxes laid down some tunes for Daytrotter a little while back. I was gone for a little while so I missed some stuff. But Fleet Foxes are one of the year's best new bands and their track, "English House," from the Sun Giant EP is one of my favorite songs of the year so far. The boys from Washington, who may remind you of My Morning Jacket (sorry, Band of Horses doesn't sound like either), recorded four songs for Daytrotter. Two are from Sun Giant, the title track and "Drops in the River." The other two songs will appear on their forthcoming self/titled album, "White Winter Hymnal" and "Sun it Rises."

For the complete session and excellent article on the band, check here.

First video from The Cure's upcoming album: "The Only One"

The Cure's yet-to-be-titled new album drops September 13th. Robert Smith has promised a new song for fans every month, starting this month with "The Only One." And they've made a video for what appears will be their first single.

Grand Archives on Craig Ferguson

I wasn't allowed to stay up late enough to see the best new band of the year perform on the Late Late Show. God Bless Youtube, huh. Matt and co. chose the sublime "Torn Blue Foam Couch" to play for the occasion.

Album of the week

Portishead
Third (Mercury)









hear: Silence, The Rip, We Carry On, Machine Gun, Small, Magic Doors

New video: Portishead's "The Rip"

Not for the most sensitive eyes, but definitely intriguing.

Destroyer @ Bowery Ballroom, 4.23.08

Recommended listening:

My Bloody Valentine return to the American stage; "My Bloody Underground" released

This may be old news but I would be remiss if I didn't mention something about My Bloody Valentine touring North America. Yes, the 2nd best shoegaze band ever(congratulations Slowdive), will play the big cities this Fall: L.A., NYC, SF, Chicago, and uh, Toronto? What has Seattle and Miam- just Seattle- done to you Kevin?! Sale dates and prices aren't available as of yet. Also not available is a detailed explanation as to the reason they chose Roseland in NYC for their grand reunion tour. Roseland?

Dates:

9.22 New York, NY: Roseland
9.23 New York, NY: Roseland
9.25 Toronto, Ontario: Ricoh
9.27 Chicago, IL: Aragon Ballroom
9.30 San Francisco, CA: The Concourse
10.01 Los Angeles, CA: Santa Monica Civic
10.02 Los Angeles, CA: Santa Monica Civic




In not-so-related-news, the winner for best album title so far this year goes to The Brian Jonestown Massacre for their latest release, "My Bloody Undergound." Even funnier is that it already has a wikipedia page of its own. The blatant intentionality of the name is just hilarious. That's Anton Newcombe for you. What I don't get is that if it's supposed to pay homage to The Jesus and Mary Chain as well, where's their spot in the album title? "My Bloody Underground's Mary Chain"? Come on Anton.

Tapes 'n Tapes release "Hang Them All" video

Tapes 'n Tapes' first single off the recently dropped Walk it Off is the power-poppy "Hang Them All." And as these things typically go, they made a video for it.

AlbumS of the week

Cut Copy
In Ghost Colours (Modular)










hear: Feel the Love, Lights and Music, Unforgettable Season, So Haunted, Far Away, Strangers in the Wind, Nobody Lost Nobody Found

















The Kills
Midnight Boom (Domino)












hear: U.R.A. Fever, Cheap and Cheerful, Tape Song, Getting Down, M.E.X.I.C.O.C.U., Sour Cherry, Alphabet Pony

The National releasing Boxer "making of" DVD; EP

Apparently the boys from Ohio(originally) thought Boxer was such a hit that they should release a video of how they actually did it. And apparently, so did La Blogotheque's Vincent Moon, who is the director of the film, titled "A Skin, A

Night." I'm betting Vincent came up with that gem. Included with the video is the less-stealthly titled 12-track Virginia EP, a collection of unreleased songs, demos, live performances, and covers. It may be the lengthiest EP to date. Both are set for a May 21st release date. Below is the tracklist.

Virginia EP tracklisting:

01) YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN, VIRGINIA (previously unreleased)
02) SANTA CLARA (UK b-side)
03) BLANK SLATE (UK b-side)
04) TALL SAINT (demo)
05) WITHOUT PERMISSION (unreleased cover of Caroline Martin song)
06) FOREVER AFTER DAYS (demo)
07) REST OF YEARS (demo)
08) SLOW SHOW (demo)
09) LUCKY YOU (daytrotter session)
10) MANSION ON THE HILL (live)
11) FAKE EMPIRE (live)
12) ABOUT TODAY (live)

Morrissey performs on Craig Ferguson

Morrissey has apparently released a new single in the UK: "All You Need is Me." But it looks as though he still spends plenty of time in L.A., as he introduces the new single for the "Late Late Show." Homeboy still isn't aging too well...

Portishead rock Coachella

They kill this song. Can't wait to hear the entire album.

Album of the week

M83
Saturdays=Youth (Mute)










hear: Kim & Jessie, Skin of the Night, Graveyard Girl, Up!, We Own the Sky, Dark Moves of Love

New Scott Weiland solo album

That's right, dust off your flannel shirt and faded jeans -or buy some leather pants and a Slash wig I guess- because the lead singer of the former bands, Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, is in the studio working on his 2nd solo album. We recommend that Scott dust off the flannel shirt and not the leather pants though. His 1st solo album, 12 Bar Blues, was released back in the late '90's when STP was in full throttle -and other than Tiny Music and Purple, is probably the best album Weiland has ever put out solo or collectively. Although there is a rumored STP reunion, Weiland is looking to release a record down the lines of his old school sound, no doubt with some modern structure that his 1st solo work shined with. Adrian Young, the wild hands behind the peddles of No Doubt, is lending his sticks to the project, and Veteran producer Steve Albini is apparently helping Weiland on the production side.

Rogue Wave @ Fillmore(Irving Plaza), 4.12.08

Zach Rogue is one nice dude. I'm pretty sure he appeased every single bursting request that came from the crowd. I guess this stood out to me because in these parts, bands don't go out of their way to be congenial. Rogue Wave is from Oakland and so it makes perfect sense. Great energy and solid execution from the band. They seemed to really mean it and the crowd responded well. The set list included tracks from all three records but it was heavily bias toward the new album -which I love so it was cool with me. "Harmonium," the final song from their first set tore the house down and was definitely my favorite of the night. The crowd was split, some cheering loudest for Lake Michigan and others for the beautiful ironic "Screw California," which apparently a couple chicks in the front were pretty desperate to hear.


Recommended listening:

New R.E.M. video: "Hollow Man"

Good song but a video that really doesn't go with the song at all. All you need to know is that the video was done by someone named "Crush." Yep, sensory overload. It is worth watching once though.

New Weezer album cover unleashed

I wish so bad it was April 1st

AlbumS of the week

Destroyer
Trouble in Dreams (Merge)


Dan Bejar is one of the most intellectual minds in music. While Trouble in Dreams doesn't match the brilliance of Destroyer's Rubies, it still shows Bejar's knack for rustic, infectious tracks and clever lyrics. It starts off very strong with the first two tracks and reaches it's climax at the album's centerpiece, the amazing "Shooting Rockets(From the Desk of Night's Ape)." But the album also finishes off strong with the solid tracks, "Leopard of Honor" and "Libby's First Sunrise." It's not necessarily a "troubled" album but it does have an overall undertone of frustration, especially relevant to women.
























hear: Blue flower/Blue Flame, Dark Leaves Form a Thread, Foam Hands, Shooting Rockets (From the Desk of Night's Ape), Leopard of Honor, Libby's First Sunrise




R.E.M.
Accelerate (Warner Brothers)










Somebody has been listening to Teenage Fanclub. Much has been made of the new R.E.M. album. We get it -the power is back. And the power is very much welcomed. Still, while Accelerate is a very fun and intriguing album with clever lyrics of its own, track for track, it's not one of R.E.M.'s best. Don't get me wrong, Accelerate has many good tracks and I totally recommend it. It just doesn't have many "great" tracks. But songs such as "Houston" and "Mr. Richards" are compelling, and Accelerate is definitely consistent. If I were to star it, I'd give it 3 and a half.


hear: Man-Sized Wreath, Supernatural Superserious, Hollow Man, Houston, Accelerate, Mr. Richards

New My Brightest Diamond material!

Shara Worden's voice is majestic. Her new album, A Thousand Shark's Teeth is due out in June. The first sample from the new album is the sublime "Inside a Boy." Check it.

Heidi Montag raps on TRL...well, tries

Warning: this video is not for the faint of heart.

R.E.M. does marathon Take Away Show session

La Blogtheque isn't just for itsy-bitsy indie-rock bands but full-blown rock bands like the magnificent R.E.M. After releasing just over half-an-hour of welcomed amped-up rock, R.E.M. and Vincent Moon of La Bogotheque met as R.E.M. performed 5 songs. That's right -not just 2 or 3..this is R.E.M- it's 5. Four songs were from the new album: "Until the Day is Done," "Living Well is the Best Revenge," "Houston," and "Sing for the Submarine." The fifth song was "On the Fly."

R.E.M. - Until the day is done

R.E.M. - Living well is the best revenge

R.E.M. - On the fly

R.E.M. - Houston

R.E.M. - Sing for the Submarine

New M83 video! album released...

Finally, M83 aka Anthony Gonzalez, returns. The album, titled Saturdays=Youth was released Tuesday- and the first single and video have been dropped as well. The song is "Graveyard Girl." The video rules! Oh boy this is exciting...

Album of the week

Sun Kil Moon
April (Caldo Verde)










Sun Kil Moon release their first original material since 2003. April has met the expectations and then some. The album starts out with one of its strongest tracks, "Lost Verses," which lasts nearly 10 minutes and ends with an amped up riff or two, after a subdued first 9 minutes. The ending complements the song well, almost like its wrapping the somber tone up and getting on. And subdued is a good word to describe the whole of April. It resembles Kozelek's Red House Painters(especially "Songs For a Blue Guitar") in that it has a darker undertone than Ghosts of the Great Highway and is surprisingly, extremely personal as Kozelek opens his experienced heart for all to examine. Kozelek sang about love before, but it seemed as though it was through a filter of some kind, never quite letting us completely in as April does.

If the album were to have a single, it would be "Moorsetown," probably the strongest overall track on the album although personally, I prefer the stripped down live version on Little Drummer Boy. It may be polished more but it still shines and is one of Kozelek's strongest songs -in sound and lyrics- yet, as is "Lost Verses" and "Heron Blue." "Heron" Blue" is a minimal powerhouse. It sounds as if it's suspended, where a bomb could drop at any time; the key being the bass drum which sneaks in halfway through the song. The arrangement is perfect and it sounds like new territory in production for Mark. Another standout, "Unlit Hallway" was also released on the live Drummer Boy and is also polished, albeit for the better this time due mainly to the Ukulele and backing vocals from Will Oldham who adds his voice to "Like the River" as well. Ben Gibbard also contributes vocals in "Lost Verses." Other highlights include "Tonight in Bilboa" and "Like the River." In fact, there's really not a bad song on the album. "The Light" and "Tonight the Sky" are somewhat monotonous, but even still, Kozelek's ability to lock you in with his vocals is unleashed. And you will find it hard to kick the melodies from "Lucky Man" and "Harper Road" from your mind.



hear: Lost Verses, Lucky Man, Unlit Hallway, Heron Blue, Moorestown, Like The River, Tonight in Bilbao

Chewbaka- I mean, Devendra Banhart and Natalie Portman an item

Oh look at those matching coats. I like Dev's better. I picture Natalie with a musician. Just not Devendra Banhart. He seems like too much of a philanthropist for the pure Isobel Campbell-like actress. Maybe Zach Condon? Now that would be a cute couple. And is it me or does Devendra look like the cookie monster in this picture? Think about it...Natalie is a delicious cookie...

New video/song from Death Cab: "I Will Possess Your Heart"

The Song is "I Will Possess Your Heart." Apparently it's the first single from their forthcoming Narrow Stairs album, set to drop in a couple weeks. The video is sort of boring but the (long)song sounds exciting, even if the lyrics are a little bland.

Radiohead has its own net. site, Kanye his own travel site...and Ramielle kicked off American Idol?

I'm gone for 2 weeks and this is what I come home to? We all know Ramielle rocked so RIP Ram -not to mention the Australian dude who is way better than half the young ones remaining on that show. At least he's lived in America for like 10 years, unlike the Irish American wannabe who's only been here 2 years. Am i really blogging about American Idol? Yes. Yes, I am. I can't take Kanye seriously ever since he said he was the McDonalds of music. People listen to your music to go to the bathroom?

As for Radiohead, way to keep massaging the hand you've been jawing on for the past decade. A social networking site? You're Radiohead! You're one of the best bands in the world -not a vehicle by which people can get to know each other -or even you- better. You already have forums. Pretending you were the first band to give their music away for free is one thing...but dipping your hand into the economics of social media is just lame. I understand some bands are more than just bands. But even then, their true essence hasn't changed. By doing this, you're transforming yourself from a band into something fundamentally different at the core. There is such thing as too much Radiohead. And although I arrived at that point many times in the past, this is beyond that. This isn't music and it's a departure from which you excel. It really has nothing to do with music. Stop trying to be revolutionary and just play.

Album of the week

Retribution Gospel Choir
Retribution Gospel Choir (Caldo Verde)










Alan Sparhawk, the mastermind behind the eclectic minimalist sounds of Low and also other edgier side projects such as The Black Eyed Snakes, indulges once again in another project whose feel is a high contrast to the great slowcore band. This goes to show even more how talented Sparhawk really is, something that may be masked by Low's less accessible -but still his finest- tunes. Mark Kozelek, who was an original member of RGC, plays the producer role and also is the one behind the band's label, Caldo Verde -even though he doesn't play member to the band anymore. It's sonic heroin for the ears..not that I would know what the one for the brain is.

hear: They Knew You Well, Take Your Time, Breaker, Somebody's Someone, For Her Blood, Kids

Portishead begins its return with a new video for "Machine Gun"

Beth Gibbons and co. have been AWOL for 10 years or so. Well, there has been a lot of buzz since the announcement of a new album, titled Third (it IS their 3rd album). Portishead hasn't announced an official single(as far as I know) but they threw together a video for "Machine Gun" and posted it on their website. Third is due to drop April 28th.

Band of Horses release new single!

Wow, it sure does take indie bands a while to release singles. Band of Horses' solid album from last year has been out 6 months and the first single, "Is There a Ghost," was actually released a month before that. It might have to do with the fact that many indie rock albums have a handful of songs that could pass as singles and more often than not, the more preferred songs aren't chosen. Anyway, the South Carolina good 'ol boys have chosen the excellent, piercing "No One's Gonna Love You" to release as single numero 2. It's no "Islands on the Coast" but it sure is infectious. The single has been released as it should be -via 7'' vinyl. The B-side features a live cover of "I am a Good Man" by Them Two. Judging by the artwork, it seems every new release looks more and more like a John Denver record. Is that a good thing? Of course it is fellas.

Like music videos? Spoon and Modest Mouse can help...

Even a year after both Spoon's and Modest Mouse's universally lauded albums dropped, the bands are still working hard for the fans, putting together new videos. Spoon finally makes a video for my favorite track off Ga(x5), "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb." And Modest Mouse puts "Fly Trapped in a Jar," one of the sleeper hits off last years record, to film.

Spoon - You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb


Modest Mouse - Fly Trapped in a Jar

Album of the week

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks
Real Emotional Trash (Matador)











The California Central Valley prodigy fulfilled returns with a whole new batch of slanted and enchanted songs. Stephen couldn't put out a bad record if he tried but he tends to do better when he's completely solo. His best solo albums are the 2 he's done without the Jicks, compared to the 2 he's done with the Jicks- which seem to be more influenced by classic rock. Having said this, it's hardly fair to compare any album to his last epic masterpiece, Face the Truth. Real Emotional Trash in a success, fullfiling the needs of both Pavement-like melodies ("Dragonfly Pie," "Cold Son") and latter-Malkmus-like jams("Hopscotch Willie," "Real Motional Trash"). And Malkmus is on top of his game lyrically, favoring a more retrospective underlying tone on Trash.

hear: Dragonfly Pie, Hopscotch Willie, Cold Son, Gardenia, We Can't Help You

More Take Away Show goodness with Yeasayer

Yeasayer seems like a band that would thrive under the raw, spontaneous watch of La blogotheque. And they do just that with 2 sets of 2-song pieces. The first is "No Need to Worry"/"Redcave" and second, the excellent "2080" along with "Tightrope."

YEASAYER - No need to worry / Redcave

YEASAYER - 2080 / Tightrope

Grand Archives play 5 shows at SXSW

If you follow my postings to the least extent(all four of you), you know I'm not a huge fan of festivals...especially ones as overwhelming and commercial as SXSW. However, if I were in the Austin area I would make an exception to see the best new band, Grand Archives. So for all of you who read my posts and live near Austin, or who value my opinion too much and feel the overwhelming need to go see them, just know you have five chances today through Sunday to see the amazing Seattle band. Do it. Do it.



SXSW shows:

Mar 13 2008 8:00P	SXSW	AUSTIN, Texas
Mar 14 2008 2:00P	FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM (SXSW)	Austin, Texas
Mar 14 2008 8:00P	SXSW	AUSTIN, Texas
Mar 14 2008 10:00P	BOURBON ROCKS (SXSW)	Austin, Texas
Mar 15 2008 8:00P	SXSW	AUSTIN, Texas

Stephen Malkmus performs new songs, REM covers for La Blogotheque

I haven't seen too many take away shows that aren't in France..but the last video featuring REM covers is filmed at the renowned Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, which is relevant to Malkmus since it's basically his original home territory...and relevant to me because of the same reason and because they perform my favorite REM song, "Don't Go Back to Rockville."

Stephen Malkmus - Hopscotch Willie

Stephen Malkmus - We can't help you

Stephen Malkmus - Wicked Wanda

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - REM covers

I just came across this gem of a shirt

It's true too.

AlbumS of the week

British Sea Power
Do You Like rock Music? (Rough Trade)










When I first heard of British Sea Power I was a bit suspicious of the name "British Sea Power? Seriously?" Then I heard their music and I didn't care. Three albums in, it's easy to understand the name and how it's relevant to the lads of BSP. These aren't the typical English, London rockers -or Liverpool for that matter. Try Brighton. And everything they do is more akin to traditional British custom it seems. No band from London in their right mind would name their album Do You Like Rock Music? Then again, no London band can come up with the distorted, sincere sovereign British sound like they've done once again. Ignore the lazy comparisons to U2 (as if that were a bad thing anyway). And see them live -they're very entertaining.

hear: All in It, No Lucifer, Waving Flags, Trip Out, Great Skua, Open the Door



Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago (Jagjaguwar)










It's one of three or four best albums released so far this year, with 2 of the best tracks of the year so far, "Lump Sum" and "Blindsided." Much has already been made of Justin Vernon and his little experience in a secluded Wisconsin cabin. Although Jagjaguwar released the album earlier this month, it was self-released last year. I remember hearing about it and being intrigued by the entire story of man goes to cabin in Wisconsin woods, lives a JD-Salinger type life for a few months, and comes out with the best music he's ever produced. I didn't get around to it till I was reminded recently. Of course, the album couldn't be anything but a post breakup album, hence the title. The sound is rustic and raw but it's definitely been polished a bit. Vernon's vocals are urgent and impressionable, though at times it reminds of TV on the Radio -but in voice only. It's a beautiful album that's solid from start to finish, without getting redundant as you would think such a remote-style record would become. Musicians need to get lost in the forest more often.

hear: Flume, Lump Sum, The Wolves(Act I and II), Blindsided, For Emma