« May 2007 | Main | July 2007 »
Look what the trio of lovely ladies that are Au Revoir Simone have sent in - and fittingly from France! Sent in April, it has only just now arrived! Have a look:
(click to enlarge)
'Lark' Au Revoir Simone MP3
They'll be touring Japan with Jona in July and will be back touring the US later in the summer - in Portland on August 23rd. You best be seeing them then - maybe they'll play their Rod Stewart cover!
(Yet another capture of Amanda Luna's)
Billy of the Newspapers alerted me to this when we were at a party at the Green House a few weeks ago and I overheard him talking about the house show he played on Clinton with Starfucker.
The Newspapers have just finished holing up in a studio for a few days recording their 5 track debut EP made up of their faster paced songs. Their mellower tunes should surface next year on a full-length after they finish touring in support of the EP.
So here is their cover - a sweet acoustic track recorded in GarageBand. Enjoy!:
'German Love' (Starfucker cover) The Newspapers MP3
The original:
'German Love' Starfucker MP3
You may notice their cover is a bit shorter than the original. Coincidentally, Josh aka Starfucker has done a reedit and the latest version of 'German Love' is of a similar length.
The Newspapers myspace
(me stepping on Weezer)
Happy Birthday to Rivers Cuomo (who WILL marry me if he ever gets divorced), ETHAN EMBRY (same for him), the Olsen Twins, and a guy named Patrick who I used to call Patrick Seastar in homage to Sponge Bob.
I'm pretty sure June 13th is officially my favorite birthday
I totally got a piece of cake today at Whole Foods.
My all time FAVORITE Weezer song!:
'My Name is Jonas' Weezer MP3
Making noise, making noise
Even though they self-proclaim it, CSS obviously don't - they're quite the opposite, but certain members of their audience? That's a different matter entirely. . .
After waiting in the longest un-moving line I have ever seen in the history of Doug Fir's box office, we found out it was for people who were ticketless and waiting to see if people who had tickets wouldn't show so that they could get in. Even after confirming my plus one with Sub Pop that afternoon, when I stepped up to the booth it was only my name.
"This always happens with you," replied the agent who was also present last Saturday when Chris Funk left me off the guest list for Flash Hawk Parlour Ensemble.
Once we both successfully made our way in, Beyonda was just finishing up her set and soon Bus Driver strutted out for his set.
I hadn't seen him since Islands at Loveland as I missed him opening for Coco Rosie in May. Here is some of his "Black Magic(k)" that he treated the audience to:
Then came CSS. I think I was the only one who didn't have fun. Luciana had fun. On behalf of the audience, I was expecting fervent dancing. I wasn't expecting violence.
I got punched in the eye twice and due to constant hitting, I temporarily lost use of my right arm for the two days after. I couldn't hold open doors with it, it was difficult to put on my clothes, etc. At a house show this Saturday - the next night, I was able to hold a medium size milkshake with my right hand which I consider an accomplishment. At work on Sunday, Maria noticed how I was shaking while applying white-out with my right hand.
I enjoy how Doug Fir's security waited to start throwing people out until half-way through, and then it was only when they turned on the security - one girl who had been hitting me on the head socked one of the security guards in the face which resulted in her being removed for the rest of the night.
It was the most aggression fueled, brutal show I have ever been to and I used to go to a lot of punk shows when I was younger. To be honest I don't know if I'll ever see them again because while CSS were AMAZING and full of positivity, I really don't know if I'll ever be able to disassociate the audience and negativity of that night from them.
I have no idea why those drunken people would choose to come to a CSS show seemingly with the intention to hurt other people. I have no idea. I actually had a dream last night that one of the particularly violent audience members issued an apology. I think I'm scarred (only semi-kidding)
I also have psychological issues with the term "Everybody's Birthday Party," which you would know if you knew me when I moved to London in 2004 and promoted a party under the same theme.
For my quick recap of the show less about the hurt, more about the happy, head on over to Pitchfork.
'Alala' (Bonde de Role Remix) CSS MP3
So anyway, I had been beaming with excitement about the aftershow, but once the concert was through all my enthusiasm was gone, but I still felt the need to attend since I was on the list.
The atmosphere at Branx was great - the music, the people, but I was in no mood for it so I stood and watched others having the time of their lives. I conceded I'd dance only if Uffie was played, but I had no desire to request it. Then my fair Andrea put on 'Hot Chick' and instantly the night was much better for me!
The DJing alternated between Linoleum who had begun at 10pm and Beyonda who had opened the CSS show before Bus Driver.
After Uffie ushered me to the dance floor, I stayed on for some Yo Majesty, a Matt & Kim 'Yea Yeah' remix, a Yelle track, and Chicks on Speed, before leaving it on 'Young Folks'.
At the show I bumped into New Bloods' Adee. On first Thursday I had attempted to check out her art show at Valentines, but by the time I arrived at 11, I was told it was closed for the night as Beth Ditto watched on from the indoor balcony looking especially fierce. Luckily by bumping into her at the Doug Fir I found out her art will be on display through the end of June.
At the aftershow during a Crystal Castles track, I was introduced to a Candy Cane Shiv by Justin Kent and the CCS shared a funny, almost humiliating story, that wasn't actually so humiliating - just funny, about bumping into Adee at the mall and her not recognizing him.
Justin and I discussed the amazing-ness that is Ann-Marie the lady behind Cute Alert and who was responsible for the Branx party among many many others such as Purple Crush at Tube, and the last CSS aftershow. She's got two INSANE shows that are in the works. Both involve international duos that do original material and that are also highly regarded for their super sweet remixes. I don't know if I'm at liberty to divulge anything, but one secret show I knew about and the other Justin tipped me off about. Apparently there is a date already booked at Holocene for it. Fingers are crossed!
I didn't stick around for Luiza of CSS' set
(are you laughing at the expression on the guy's face behind her?)
or Nathan's set as I saw him DJ on Tuesday at Tube.
At Tube he played a lot of obscure-ish stuff and remixes. He played a 'Golden Skans' remix that I think was Erol's, which isn't a track most geared to the dance floor, but it seemed to have some additional beats. I got up to dance during New Young Pony Club's 'Icecream' and stood still during an Akon track much like everyone else who populated the floor at that point in time.
I'd also like to add I got carded for water at Tube this past Tuesday. That's right - I said carded for water. It wasn't enough that I was carded at the door like everyone else, but upon asking for water at the bar, it was insisted that I show ID again -- for water. I want that incident to be my legacy :D
I did stick around long enough for Nathan to bust out some pole-dancing of sorts :)
On my way out of Branx, up through Rotture, and down the staircase to meet the street, I bumped into Beth who was followed by Nathan who was carrying his records up. We talked for a moment about the dress I'm making her, but that's not going to happen until they return from touring at the end of summer.
An upset of the night was not running into Simon of the Klaxons. He had emailed me twice wondering if I'd be at the Portland and/or Seattle CSS shows as he's on tour with them for the week. We didn't exchange numbers so I kept my eye out for him, but alas we didn't meet up. I am still chugging away at designing the T-shirt for their fall US tour.
A couple weeks ago I got an email from Chris Funk of the Decemberists mentioning his new music project Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble and noting they had an upcoming show at the Doug Fir. I said I was up for the show and we joked a bit about him having to put me on the guest list - only the reason this is called Not on the Guest List isn't because no one ever offers, it's mostly because of events similar to what happened when I arrived at the Doug Fir.
Scene: I present my ID.
"You're not on the guest list."
"Are you sure? I'm supposed to be."
"You're not on the guest list. Do you hear me?"
The Hot Knives and I joked about mutual not on the guest list experiences while boarding YACHT on a yacht and it pretty much defines my life as it did with Marcos dos Santos when he was hoofing it as a music photographer and would show up at venues and not be on the guest list even though he was supposed to be. And in the song, even though the door woman saw him all the time and knew he was supposed to be on the list, she wouldn't relent and let him in.
In Glasgow it got to the point where Brian, the Barfly's manager wouldn't even check the list when I'd appear in the doorway - he'd just wave me in as he knew I was supposed to be on it, but more often than not someone would space in adding my name.
So anyway, after a run around we got in and I went up and accosted Chris for failing to add my name. He insisted on giving me money for the hassle which was comical. I denied his first offer of ten dollars, but accepted the five when he said I could buy a drink with it. Good idea!
They took the stage after Horsefeathers full of strings and complete with a mini-gong! As it must be mentioned, onstage Decemberists participants included Jenny Conlee (who's in Flash Hawk full time) and Colin Meloy. There is also a Point Juncture WA member. (Side note: According to Cary of PDX Pop Now, who I chatted with this past First Thursday - a Point Juncture WA song was licensed just a little while ago after appearing on a PDX Pop Now compilation.)
What I remember most was the haphazard encore that almost didn't seem as though it'd happen, but then they trooped out onto the green lit stage and the focal point of the ensemble was definitely their gorilla mascot who took his place behind the drum kit. He was guided on and off stage by Chris with the help of other band mates too - it was almost like the blind leading the blind - that's how smooth sailing their entrance and exit were. He could barely stay upright while providing the backing beats.
Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble with their multitude of instruments and musicians are clearly about having fun and making music with friends, which is fun to feel apart of which one does in some sense when watching them live.
Their Radiohead Cover:
'Amnesiac' Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble MP3
Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble myspace
Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble are getting some great press! Check it on:
NME - Live review
Pitchfork - Album release item
Willamette Week - Preview
Last Saturday I saw YACHT's show to celebrate Holocene's four year anniversary-birthday. They were holding a free extravaganza that included support from Hooliganship who remind me SO MUCH of Gay Against You.
Juice Team DJs were out in the foyer as the entertainment between sets and won my heart when they played some Sexual Harassment!!! I booked it to the dancefloor.
YACHT took the stage a little overdue to his scheduled 10:45 start time rocking the same sailing-themed cardigan he wore at his YACHT on a yacht release party. He had a few words to say, words that I especially agreed with. To paraphrase:
"When I first came here, Holocene was so cool that I thought the people running it must be assholes. Then I met them and they were so cool - you know not like the Doug Fir. I don't know if any of you have ever been there, but..."
My sentiments EXACTLY.
In his first few songs he played 'Platinum', 'The Magic Beat' ("Do what you love, love what you do") and an especially thrashing electro tune that sounded a bit like his new track 'The Summer Song' and seemed to reflect his time spent touring with LCD Soundsystem - it was very James Murphy-esque - kinda like DFA production, but also unmistakably his own, complete with lyrics including "save it, waste it, or throw it away."
He again moderated a question and answer period during which he was asked about the Amazon's average rain fall in July and I asked what his favorite type of ice cream was. For the record it's vegan chocolate-chip-cookie-dough.
I stayed for half of his set, then booked it back over to the Doug Fir where I'd just watched Horsefeathers and was now heading back for Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble's set.
'The Summer Song' YACHT MP3
Just a couple days later a press release turned up in my inbox announcing his departure from the Blow, which was then later posted on LocalCut.
My condolences to his step-mother.
In hindsight, this is something I could've picked up on earlier had I read the signals right, much like Jamie leaving Islands and telling me as much before it was announced, but me just thinking he was joking.
Khaela told me she needed new publicity shots at Sasquatch - ones that only featured her, but I just assumed it was to reflect that she tours alone. Then there was his parents on the yacht talking about how it had been Khaela that turned down Grey's Anatomy.
I'm wondering if this will mean more recorded and pressed YACHT output!?! Goody-gum-drops if so. I'm digging his new direction!
In a post on her myspace blog yesterday entitled: insanisty in U.S laws, the Uffster had this to say:
"Right... So I am just enjoying my morning coffee skimming through whats going on in the world and stumble upon this
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/06/teen.sex.case.ap/index.htmlHow incredibly stupid, unfair, and retarded is this! Isn't the goverment supposed to be looking for murderers, terrorists, and people that are actually a threat? Oh and wait for it...apparetnly there is a "Romeo and Juliet" law, saying its kinda ok two teens in love can have sex, but oral the guys can go to prison for 10 years.. even if hes under 18 as well? Does anyone else think this is compltely insane?
Protest time!"
I agree!
1. If it would have been intercourse as opposed to oral sex, he would not have gone to jail as dictated by the law!
2. It was consenual act - between a 15 and 17 year old.
3. The boy was 17 - not legally an adult, yet charged as an adult.
4. TEN YEARS for oral sex! Yet child rapists and murders often get sentences of 7 years or less.
Today the AP covered a case of a woman killing her preacher husband. Her sentence? Only 3 years! And she will only have to serve 67 days of it! For murder!
Tenn. wife sentenced in preacher's death
yet this boy gets TEN YEARS for a consenual act with his girlfriend!
PLEASE send an email to Georgia's top Republican senator Eric Johnson about this as he is the most vocal opponent to Genarlow Wilson having his sentence appealed. Seriously - an email is simple!
eric.johnson@senate.ga.gov
And if you agree with my numbered points, simply copy and paste them and that can be your email. See! - Simple!
'In Charge' Uffie MP3
It's all about the new shit, well at least this podcast is. New, new-y, new-ish for all different reasons.
1. 'Jerk It' - Thunderheist
2. 'Foundations' - Kate Nash Metronomy Remix
3. 'Boyz' - M.I.A.
4. 'Brand New Car' - Uffie
5. 'The Bomb' - New Young Pony Club
6. 'Drugs in My Body' - Thieves Like Us
7.'Rich Girls' - The Virgins Tyler Fedchuk Mix
Download New Shit Podcast (in MP3 format)
'Jerk It' - Thunderheist
Grahm - one half of my favorite Canadian duo Thunderheist, just sent me their latest version of 'Jerk It'. It's a very subtle difference to the cd version circulating - can you hear the difference? Before I had either, I used to spend some major time on their myspace listening to it and 'Red Whine' on repeat.
'Foundations' - Kate Nash Metronomy Remix
As included in my post the other day: When Metronomy met Kate
'Boyz' - M.I.A.
Confirmed as M.I.A.'s first single off of Kala.
It's hard to isolate one-liners from this like I'm used to with she who has the bombs to make you blow.
Lifted from Analog Giant.
'Brand New Car' - Uffie
The Uffster played this when I saw her in NYC in February - it was the only track of her five song set she performed that wasn't on her myspace at the time. Of all the new Uffie tracks surfacing over the internets (ie on Discobelle) this is my fave. I mentioned I loved her spelling out her name in my song description of 'Love Like Semtex' in my Don't Party Podcast.
Back in my Lo-Fi-Fnk post I asked if there was any Ed Banger artist that didn't some how reference Daft Punk. With her Robot Rock name-check in the beginning of this track, Uffie has been added to the growing list. Now all we need is for Mehdi to do something Daft - or does he already?
'The Bomb' - New Young Pony Club
How is this new? haha Well it is their latest single and I need an excuse to post about their remix contest. Go enter! There's very little competition right now.
Also go join my myspazz group for NYPC as noted on their page. They used to post a lot before other people joined. . .
'Drugs in My Body' - Thieves Like Us
First heard this track on the newest Kitsune compilation. Thieves Like Us have some goodness up their sleeves for Not on the Guest List, which will surface soon.
'Rich Girls' - The Virgins Tyler Fedchuk Mix
Tyler's latest great-tastic mix. It's an easy disco edit in his own words.
How excited am I about his latest remix!?!
(She kinda looks like Sleepy Sparrow)
Noticed Kate Nash on Perez Hilton back on December. She's churning out the (deserved) hype of recent - has a new video as directed by Kinga Burza who did the Teenagers' 'Homecoming' and is soon to announce Euro festival dates. She plays King Tut's in Glasgow on the 10th. Her playing there means she'll soon be big, plus she has the talent, so yeah. . . expect to see her everywhere if you aren't already. She's got the realism of Lily Allen going on, but with her own spin.
Got this track this morning. So here is:
'Foundations' Kate Nash Metronomy Remix MP3
exclusively on Not on the Guest List (for now :)
Did you gasp at the sight of Metronomy's tour dates? Question how there could be no west coast dates - not even LA! not to mention San Francisco, Seattle, or god forbid Portland.
Well amid my own eye-brow raising, I went straight to the source - Mr. Mount himself. What did Joseph have to say?
"I'm not sure, hopefully sometime soon, but I guess next year might be more likely than this year...sorry.
but we'll be there one day.
see you then"
So here's to 2008!
In the mean time you can catch him at his just confirmed Reading Festival date or in any of the fine cities listed below lucky enough to be graced with their talent:
Jun 16 - 02 Wireless Festival - London
Jun 17 - 02 Wireless Festival - Leeds
Jun 19 - TBA - Vienna
Jul 4 - Academy 3 (with the Noisettes) - Manchester
Jul 28 - Secret Garden Party - Near Huntingdon, London
Aug 3 - Sweet Janes - Hartford, Connecticut
Aug 4 - RocknRoll Hotel (V-Festival afterparty) Washington DC
Aug 5 - Sonar - Baltimore, Maryland
Aug 6 - Walker art outdoor series - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aug 7 - TBA - Chicago, Illinois
Aug 9 - Andy Warhol Museum - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Aug 10 - Studio B (brooklyn) - New York, New York
Aug 11 - Pure/Making Time - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Aug 18 - Loop Festival Brighton - Brighton
Aug 25 - READING FESTIVAL (a dream come true) - Reading
Aug 26 - LEEDS FESTIVAL (just as good as reading) - Leeds
Kate Nash myspace
www.myspace.com/katenashmusic
Metronomy myspace (he just hit over 100,000 views!)
www.myspace.com/metronomy
Jamila has a Hot Club de Paris Metronomy remix over at Fucking Dance. I find it a bit difficult, but I think that's the intention.
So I may be a bit Josh Hodges obsessed. Just maybe.
I was sitting in the lobby at Best Western after Sasquatch sending over zip files of my photos to Pitchfork when a guy came over and asked if he could use my laptop to check myspace really quick.
"Uhhh. . .yeah - okay," I replied.
He then said he was only kidding. Introductions ensued and when I found out he was from Portland, pretty much the first thing out of my mouth was "Have you heard of Starfucker?"
He hadn't, so I filled him in on the details and mentioned it was Josh Hodges of Sexton Blake's new project.
"I know Josh Hodges/Sexton Blake - they have a covers album coming out."
That was the first I had heard of it.
This Saturday, while waiting in line to buy a ticket for the Sexton Blake show at the Hawthorne Theatre, Nate - from Best Western's lobby - was saying "well, maybe he doesn't want to be big," as I went on about how I couldn't understand why he hadn't broken through nationally yet. My response was "Well, it's not about what he wants, it's about what I want," only half kidding haha :) Josh happened to be standing right next to us adding someone to the guest list, but I don't think he overheard.
When I made it into the venue, my first reaction was "where is the merch!?!" Sexton Blake was the only band unrepresented on the merch table. Even plain cdrs would have been something, let alone the last album. I'm standing there thinking about how their T-shirt sales can be pumped into application fees for CMJ and SXSW, but there were none available - shirts selling out in October is no excuse tsk tsk :)
In the next few minutes they took to the stage, old transistor radios on and growling of static and odd airwaves, as they jumped back and forth between affect pedals, guitar, and drum-kit. They opened with 'Wasting Away'.
There seemed to be uncertainty on part of the audience of when songs ended and when a new song began.
The duo of Josh and Ryan really hit their stride when they moved onto the covers portion of the set. During those three songs the music was much louder and there was obvious confidence abound. Two of the covers they played were 'Bette Davis Eyes' and Rod Stewart's 'Young Turks' - a song which I saw Au Revoir Simone cover live at Holocene in March. Can there PLEASE be a split 7" of that!!???!!! That song so suits each artist and their covers sound completely different and would just perfectly compliment each other's coolness if released together.
Sexton Blake closed much in the same way that they opened which reminded me of Starfucker's set. They left the stage with a loop running and the radios on. Someone had to actually run to jump onstage to turn off the sound when a speaker from Amnesty International got up on stage to say a few words, but couldn't compete with Sexton Blake's continuing musical message.
'Maria' Sexton Blake MP3 (which they didn't play live)
Last night Arya came over to spread some Sexton Blake goodness around. Here is a pic of us fighting over the new album.
Our Amnesty International greeters at the show. They hadn't practiced that pose at all:
Recent Comments