119 Recent Items
Exclusive: Lindstrom to Produce New 120 Days Jams
Boredoms, !!! members to remix Lindstrom on forthcoming EP
It's a Norwegian affair: spaced-out disco maestro Hans-Peter Lindstrøm has joined forces with spaced-out friends, labelmates, and countrymen 120 Days, producing tracks set to appear on the quartet's upcoming sophomore LP. Fans of one another's work-- and both signed to Smalltown Supersound-- Lindstrøm and 120 Days have rendezvoused in the studio with designs on fashioning three new cosmic jams. Look for those songs on a special 12" later this year, and on the follow-up to 120 Days' 2006 self-titled debut sometime after that.
In other news, Lindstrøm will soon release a 12" with vocalist and collaborator Isabelle Sandoo. He also has a remix EP on the way via Smalltown. Titled The Contemporary Fix, this one's a topsy-turvy affair: Eye from Boredoms, Justin Van Der Volgen from !!!, and labelmates Bjorn Torske all give esteemed remixer Lindstrøm a taste of his own medicine.
120 Days are out there right now, cris-crossing the world. They'll hit up North American, as previously reported, with Ratatat in March. Lindstrøm, meanwhile, works crowds in Japan with frequent partner Prins Thomas. Click "MORE" for another lovely, exclusive portrait of Hans-Peter and the 120 Days boys in the studio. [MORE...]
Dios (Malos) Hit the Road, Share Exclusive New MP3
In a bid for better days ahead, the men of Hawthorne, Califoria's Dios (Malos) embark on a U.S. tour next week with pals the Changes (Chicago reprazent!!) and the Spinto Band (Delaware u at??).While litigation may have turned the band's neutral Dios into grim Dios (Malos), they aren't the least bit down about it. Instead the upbeat troupe is hard at work on the follow-up to 2005's Dios (Malos), tentatively titled Life Between the Tides.
As a special post-Valentine's Day love-hangover treat, Dios (Malos) have graciously shared an unmastered version of new jam "In Control of the OJ" with you, the loyal reader! Rejoice! "In Control" boasts some sunny surface melodies, but its the chaos brewing beneath that intrigues us most and befits that parenthetical aside haunting their name. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Elliott Smith Rarities Due on Kill Rock Stars
Happy Valentine's Day, Elliott Smith fans! Kill Rock Stars has delivered a priceless gift, better than chocolate, flowers, and diamonds combined. On May 8, the label that helped launch Smith's career will release New Moon, a two-disc collection of songs recorded in 1994-1997, the period concurrent with the making of Smith's classic KRS albums Elliott Smith and Either/Or.
KRS will also release New Moon on vinyl, while Domino-- which treated audiences outside North America to Elliott Smith and Either/Or-- will serve up New Moon there on May 7.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of New Moon will go to Outside In, a Portland, Oregon social service agency helping homeless youth.
New Moon was mixed by Smith's longtime friend and collaborator, producer/engineer Larry Crane, who also serves as the archivist for Smith's estate.
In a press release, Kill Rock Stars noted that the Los Angeles Police Department's investigation into Smith's death on October 21, 2003 remains open. The mystery and legend of Elliott Smith continues to grow. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Arcade Fire Unveil North American Tour
And on the eighth day, God created the Arcade Fire. At least, that's what the Neon Bible says. Now, those lovable scamps from Montreal will take the emoting and the shouting and the clapping of hands and the lobby busking and the "Guns of Brixton" covering on a massive North American tour proper.After kicking off their five-night marathon run at NYC's Judson Memorial Church tomorrow night and jetsetting all over Europe with Patrick Wolf and Electrelane, the Aracde Fire return to the continent that spawned them in late April. Chicago, Toronto, New York, and Montreal receive multiple-night stands, while various East and West Coast cities catch Fire for one night apiece. Hope your Ticketmaster.com reloading fingers are extra itchy, people. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Peter Bjorn & John North American Tour
With their breakthrough album Writer's Block just out on our shores last week, indie pop crushes Peter Bjorn & John have revealed the next step in their mission to claim our hearts: a full-scale North American tour.
The trek, which kicks off at Coachella and lasts through the first two weeks of May, follows a tantalizingly brief series of shows a few weeks ago in New York and L.A.
PB&J plan to release "Objects of My Affection", the next single from Writer's Block, soon. It will be available on 7" and CD and will be backed by Girl Talk's remix of "Let's Call It Off". [MORE...]
Exclusive: LCD Soundsystem Announce Tour
Prepare, North American scum: LCD Soundsystem is coming our way. James Murphy and his disco machine have announced a post-Coachella trek across the continent (with a couple of hometown NYC warm-up shows beforehand). Peppered in between full-band gigs will be DJ sets by Murphy and bandmate Pat Mahoney in various cities. (All of the venues for those DJ sets are yet to be announced, however.)
"North American Scum", the first video from LCD Soundsystem's new album Sound of Silver is on display over in Forkcast right now.
And Murphy's quest to send the album to number one on the Billboard 200? Well, the number one album this week (Norah Jones' Not Too Late) sold 400,000 copies according to Billboard.com. Better get to work winning over soccer moms, James. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Arcade Fire to Rock NPR
Good news for everybody shut out of the Arcade Fire's five-night New York City residency next week (and for that matter, those shut out of the London and Montreal residencies as well): NPR's "All Songs Considered" will broadcast the band's February 17 show at Judson Memorial Church.
So next Saturday night, grab a computer, some speakers, a bunch of friends, and a bicycle helmet. Break into a local church, and boom: instant Arcade Fire show.
Exclusive: Aesop Rock Writes Nike Workout Soundtrack
Fast cars, danger, fire & knives: all in a day's jog
Because nothing screams "let's go for a run!" like a guy who raps about the seedy underbelly of the human spirit, Aesop Rock is the latest artist to contribute to Nike's "Nike + Original Run" series. (You might recall that the last person to do this was some dude who calls himself LCD Soundsystem.)
The Def Jukie's piece, entitled All Day, is "a 45-minute continuous mix [that] was created specifically with runners in mind and reflects Aesop Rock's distinct and unique style." The snippet that we've heard has a retro space-funk feel, laidback with Aesop's typically gravelly voice flowing on top. Not exactly pump-you-up kind of stuff, but maybe this is just the warmup? Or the cool-down?
In a press release, the man known to his mother as Ian Bavitz had this to say: "I wanted to create something that evolved enough that the sound was constantly fresh and attractive, as if the runner were moving through a set of differing cities or landscapes."
All Day: Nike + Original Run will be available only at the iTunes store starting February 13. It will set you back $9.99.
We guess this is what Aesop Rock was talking about back in December, when he posted on his MySpace page about a mysterious project that's "not really an album but it kind of is." [MORE...]
Exclusive: Ed Banger Delivers Second Comp, Tour
Plus stickers!
Though the first volume of Ed Banger's Ed Rec series of compilations was just released digitally, the French label is already moving forward with plans for a physical release of Ed Rec Vol. 2.Unlike Vol. 1, which was retrospective, Vol. 2 will feature 14 new and exclusive tracks, except for Justice's "Phantom" and Mr. Flash's "Disco Dynamite". Ed Banger will release Vol. 2 with Because Music in Europe on March 12 in both CD and double LP formats. Vice will release it digitally on March 6 and physically on April 10 in the U.S., with a currently untitled bonus track by label boss Busy P tacked on. The package also comes with a page of original stickers from the label.
Ed Banger artists Justice, DJ Mehdi, Sebastian, and Busy P will tour North America together in March, after which Justice have a couple dates of their own. Parties in Chicago, Brussels, and Paris will precede the tour.
The compilation isn't the only upcoming Ed Banger release. The label also plans to release 12"s from Mr. Oizo ("Patrick 122"), Busy P ("Rainbow Man", February 26), DJ Mehdi ("Lucky Boy" EP, March 19), and Justice ("D.A.N.C.E", also on CD single April 16). A Justice album is in the works for June. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Voxtrot's Ramesh Srivastava Talks Debut LP
Album set for release via Playlouder on May 22
Pitchfork's been crushing on Austin, Texas indie pop quintet Voxtrot for well over a year now, so it's hard to believe they've yet to actually release a full-length record. Oh, they've got EPs alright-- three thus far, including last fall's Your Biggest Fan. And they've got a pretty sweet record deal. So what's going on with that inaugural full-length foray?
Well, it won't be long now. With the band in New York City mixing their debut, Pitchfork caught up with Voxtrot frontman Ramesh Srivastava, who generously disclosed some of the album's dark secrets, shared his thoughts on the record-making process, considered the blogosphere, and revealed just what took so long with that record.
First, the essentials: Beggars Group imprint Playlouder will deliver the Voxtrot full-length worldwide on (or around, as the case may be) May 22. It was produced and mixed by Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Mojave 3) and recorded in December and January at Premier and Cacophony studios in Austin. To tide over fans in the UK, Beggars/Playlouder will release "Trouble" backed by "Your Biggest Fan" as a limited edition 7" and download single on February 26.
The album doesn't have a name yet, but Ramesh is leaning toward either a self-titled affair ("I guess it's the first time we're presenting ourselves to a lot of people, so maybe we'll just name it after us") or (said in jest) Remember Us From the Blogs? At least we think he's joking.
As an added treat to Voxtrot's biggest fans who've held their breath for nearly two years now anticipating the full-length, the record will contain "12 or 13" entirely new Voxtrot songs (i.e., nothing from the three EPs or the seven inches) drawn from a pool of 16 new jams. Among them, Ramesh's present favorites: "Kids Gloves", "Blood Red Blood", and "Firecracker".
In particular, Ramesh loves "Firecracker" because it sounds the least like his band's previous material. "It's kind of like an odd marriage of styles," he said. "Beats that we haven't used before. I just like the bigness of it, sonically."
The tune, as it turns out, is autobiographical. "In a way it's sort of about the intense experience we've had making a record for the first time with a record label, and what that's been like, and how it affects your self-confidence."
Srivastava and confidence, it seems, have an
on-again/off-again thing going on-- and when the band released the Your Biggest
Fan EP late last year, Ramesh and self-confidence were on the outs. "I like
[the EP], and I like the songs on it, but I wasn't overjoyed with the way that
it sounded, because it all had to be done in this very rushed environment. I
think when that came out I was overly terrified of critical response, because I
thought that we'd gone against ourselves-- because we didn't have time to do it
right."
Fortunately, they made up: "In the end, it ended up not being that big of a
deal. Now I like it, and I realize it's just songs. I like the songs, and it
really doesn't matter that much, the sound of every instrument and every note." [MORE...]
Exclusive: Frog Eyes Shed Tears, Tour to Feel Better
Hey, even the academically successful get a little choked up
sometimes! Hence, Canadian agit-pop tremblers Frog Eyes have Tears of the
Valedictorian, the quartet's previously mentioned fourth full-length, set for
May 1 release via Absolutely Kosher. Frog Eyes' fellow Canadians can scoop it up the same day
via Scratch.
Tears of the Valedictorian collects nine new tracks from Carey Mercer (also of Swan Lake) and company, featuring typically zany titles and copious punctuation. The LP follows up last July's Acuarela EP The Future Is Inter-Disciplinary or Not at All, and guess what? Frog Eyes hit the road this spring to support their latest creation, yapping and yelping down to SXSW for a one-off showcase spot, then circumnavigating the continent in May. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Dean & Britta Announce Tour, Share MP3
After cooping up all winter awaiting the release of their
second LP, Back Numbers (out February 27 via Zoë/Rounder), Dean &
Britta are ready for a little Avventura on the open road.
The couple-- Dean, surname Wareham, best known for his work
in Luna and Galaxie 500, and Britta, surname Phillips, known for playing in
Luna and the Belltower, providing cartoon voice-overs, and whipping up a mean water filter-- take to
the the tour trail this March, beginning in Philadelphia. Along the way they'll
hit up most major cosmopolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada, closing things out
with a NYC homecoming gig. Joining these lovebirds onstage: drummer Matt
Johnson and keyboardist/melodica player Lara Meyerratken.
To get the kids stoked for the forthcoming jaunt and record release, Dean &
Britta have kindly shared an exclusive mp3 of Back Numbers opener "Singer
Sing". As Dean told Pitchfork last fall, said tune "was the last thing we
finished...it was something we were creeping around with at home." Appropriately,
it has that gauzy, homespun feel, and will likely make you wish you were back
at your place cuddling up with a loved one, instead of staring at this cold,
dispassionate computer screen. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Jarvis Announces North American Dates
Jarvis Cocker is coming...to North America. The debonair Pulp frontman will support the Stateside release of his debut solo album, Jarvis, with a string of performances surrounding his appearance at Coachella on April 27.
Only four dates are scheduled so far-- one in New York City and three on the West Coast-- but there's a nice, convenient four-day stretch in between the NYC show and Coachella, so, what say you to a little Midwest stopover, eh, Jarv?
As previously reported, Jarvis is out in America April 3 on Rough Trade/World's Fair. Before heading to our shores, Cocker will play a few UK shows in February. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Cornelius' Sensuous Comes to the States
Cornelius has found a U.S. home in Everloving Records, which will release his latest album, Sensuous,
on April 24. The U.S. release of the album will have the same tracklist
as the Japanese release, though it will also include bonus features (such
as the video for "Fit Song" and the "360-degree view" thingy that can currently be seen at his website).Cornelius has plenty of tour dates scheduled in his native Japan before the U.S. release of Sensuous, and he'll follow those with a full-blown tour of the U.S. Those dates have yet to be announced, except for his April 28 appearance at Coachella. [MORE...]
Exclusive: The Pipettes to Charm North America
Girl group to play NYC, Toronto, SXSW
No longer will their kisses be wasted on Europe, as the fabulous ladies of the Pipettes have revealed their first-ever North American tour dates.
On March 10, Becki, Rose, Gwenno, and their backing boys will hit Toronto's Rivoli as part of Canadian Music Week, and on March 13 they'll play New York City's Bowery Ballroom. (Unfortunately, Amy Winehouse is also on the latter bill.)
Then it's off to Texas for the polka-dotted crew, where they'll charm the ironic t-shirts right off of the music industry bigwigs gathered at SXSW. The exact shows they'll be playing at SXSW haven't been announced yet, but we're sure they'll be very, very special.
Right now, the Pipettes only have one other performance scheduled, and that's on February 24 at the MX Beat 2007 festival in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Still no word on a North American release for the group's fabulous debut album We Are the Pipettes. But to tide you over, head to the Memphis Industries MySpace page to hear a remix of the Pipettes' "Judy" by labelmates Blue States.
Exclusive: Bonde do Role Sign to Domino
Bonde do Role, Brazilian genre mashers, Pitchfork Music Festival survivors, and friends of Diplo (and who isn't these days?), have taken their party-starting to the next level by signing to Domino Records. Their first release for the label will be the "Solta o Frango" single, scheduled to come out April 10, and they will follow that with a currently untitled album in May.
(We hope that a remix for their now-labelmates Animal Collective is in the works.)
Before they fully become Domino artists, the trio will release the Gasolina EP on January 22 via Diplo's Mad Decent label. The EP features an extended mix of the album version of "Gasolina" as well as remixes of the song by Radio Clit, Buraka Som Sistema, and Scotty B and King Tut.
Bonde also have a full tour in the works, but for now they have four dates planned for March. The last date is an appearance at the Mad Decent South by Southwest showcase, which also includes sets by Diplo, Sinden, Amanda Blank, Flosstradamus, and DJ Blaqstarr. The latter happens to be the newest signing to the Mad Decent roster, and his Supastarr EP is scheduled for a spring release on the label.
The showcase's announcement appears on the Mad Decent blog with a cryptic reference to the addition of "a very special guest ???." Dudes, we can spot an M.I.A. appearance a mile away. (Unless, of course, the breakup rumors are true.) [MORE...]
Exclusive: Decemberists Announce Spring U.S. Tour
My Brightest Diamond to open
First the good news: The Decemberists are making a killing in their charity auction to benefit the Portland youth organization p:ear. That guitar Chris Funk played on "The Colbert Report"? It went for a cool $2,225. Colin Meloy's jacket? $183.50. And the "bus mall" sign from the Picaresque liner notes? A whopping $455. (Why a cardboard sign is worth more money than a piece of clothing drenched in Colin Meloy's sweat is beyond me. Mmm...Colin Meloy's sweat...)
And there's still a few minutes left to give them your money, with auctions on a few tour posters still in progress.
Now the better news: the Decemberists have scheduled their second American tour in support of their latest album, the fabulous The Crane Wife. It takes them from scenic Jersey City, New Jersey all the way to Bellingham, Washington in March and April.
My Brightest Diamond will open all of the shows except for Knoxville, Nashville, and Atlanta. Sorry, Vols and Hotlantans.
As previously reported, the band heads to the UK and Europe in February. Also, the Decemberists DVD The Decemberists: A Practical Handbook will be released on Kill Rock Stars on March 20. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Richard Buckner Tours With Six Parts Seven
Photo by Jen RayBreak out the flannels, the faded blue jeans, the Malboros, and the unkempt facial hair: it's time for a Richard Buckner/Six Parts Seven tour! The prolific Merge Records bard and the stately Suicide Squeeze outfit join forces for a winterlong tour of these United States, part ways for a spell, and then reunite just in time for spring to rattle your hormones.
Not to be confused with Richards Swift, Hell, and Simmons, Richard Buckner plays in support of last year's quite-alright Merge Records release Meadow. 6p7, as the cool kids call 'em, open all dates. They'll then join headliner Buckner to serve as his backing band-- at which point the collective entity will not be known as the Seven Parts Seven, praise the lord.
Six Parts Seven also play some scattered dates sans Buckner. As previously reported, the sextet promotes informal violence with new LP Casually Smashed to Pieces, out January 23 on Suicide Squeeze. If you're feeling all wound up right now, Casually Smashed jam "Night Behind the Stars" (mp3 linked below) should lull you to a state of chilled-out contentedness, perhaps even to chilled-out sleep. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Gustav Ejstes Talks New Dungen Album
"I say people should eat and drink music as much as they want."
International success can make for some pretty basic misunderstandings. So when the vintage psychedelia of Dungen's third album-- 2004's Ta Det Lugnt-- caught on outside of singer, songwriter, and bandleader Gustav Ejstes' native Sweden, he was suddenly forced to answer questions about why he sang in Swedish, as if it was the result of an aesthetic choice and not simply his native tongue. ("Hey Sufjan, why don't you sing in Portugese?")We were able to avoid the question when we talked to Ejstes recently, though we did ask if he ever writes nonsense lyrics just because he could probably get away with it (he doesn't). He also told us about the recording process, his interest in production, and his love for hip hop (especially Madvillain). Oh, and there was the matter of Dungen's currently untitled upcoming record (tracklist below), which Kemado will release May 1 in the U.S. A Swedish release on Subliminal Sounds is scheduled for around the same time, and Dungen plan to tour "later this spring."
Pitchfork: How is this new album different from Ta Det Lugnt?
Gustav Ejstes: Each song stands out more. [There are] shorter songs than on Ta Det Lugnt, [which] had that collage vibe [where] one song slips into another one, changing and fading into each other.
Pitchfork: Are there fewer of the jazz-influenced instrumental passages?
GE: There are instrumental parts, and the jazz influences are still there. [But] I think the songs are more like traditional songs. The album is not Ta Det Lugnt 2. I think it would be bad if it were just a "volume two." [MORE...]
Exclusive: Page France Reveal LP, MP3, Headlights Tour
Baltimore is supposedly one of the most depressing cities in America, full of drugs, crime, and failing schools. Well, that's what "The Wire" tells us anyway.
But somehow, that (allegedly) festering shithole has produced Page France, who are responsible for "Hat and Rabbit", one of the happiest, bounciest, and all-around peppiest songs of 2007 so far. The glockenspiel (or xylophone? I can't tell the difference) alone provides enough mirth to light a seedy back alleyway for a month.
"Hat and Rabbit" is available as an exclusive download by clicking on the link below. Or wait to hear it in context when it appears on Page France's forthcoming album ...and the Family Telephone, due out May 8 on Suicide Squeeze.
Or hop along with the tune in a live setting, as Page France hit the road with Polyvinyl band Headlights for a cross-country tour in March and April. Page France have a string of dates with the now label-less Margot & the Nuclear So and So's before that tour starts, and Headlights head to Europe with the Album Leaf in February.
Headlights are also prepping a limited edition tour EP featuring live sets recorded at XM Radio, WOXY, Daytrotter, and Indie 103.1 in the fall of 2006. The songs will be culled from the band's debut album Kill Them With Kindness as well as a brand new tune called "This One". [MORE...]
Marnie Stern Melts Your Face With KRS LP, Tour, MP3
For a solo artist, Marnie Stern seriously stirs up a lot of noise. Layering frenetic, in-your-face guitar over half-sung/half-spoken vocals and spastic drumming, the New York-based guitar virtuoso-- who amazed audiences last fall at CMJ-- makes it immediately apparent why she's described by her label as "The DIY Lady Shredder."
Until recently, Stern was an unsigned, make-demos-in-her-bedroom kind of solo act (another epithet-- this one designated by her booking agency-- is "The Upper East Side Recluse"). Then Kill Rock Stars discovered her via one of those demos and signed her to its 5RC imprint almost immediately.
5RC folded following Slim Moon's departure from Kill Rock Stars, which means Marnie's much-anticipated, slightly-delayed debut full length, In Advance of the Broken Arm, will arrive February 20 on KRS. Collecting songs Marnie's written over the past two years, and produced by Hella's Zach Hill (who also drums on the album), the LP comes armed with 13 blistering tracks. We're priveleged to share one of them with you.
Get your click on with our exclusive download of "Every Single Line Means Something", a slash-and-burn attack of Stern's shredding and Hill's epic pounding. This shit is bananas.
Not to be missed, Stern brings her sonic assault to the road in February with 5RC graduate BARR, hits up SXSW, and will later join Hill for a TBA summertime rampage/romp. [MORE...]
Exclusive MP3: Grizzly Bear: "Knife (Girl Talk Remix)"
Girl Talk sallies forth on tour blitz
That boy Gillis is at it again. Following up a fairly lackluster Peter Bjorn and John remix and a bangin' New Year's set, Girl Talk returns to repackage another Pitchfork favorite for the dancefloor, and this time around he actually employs the mash-up skills that made him a hit in the first place. Whether or not it works is for you to decide.
Gillis slices and dices Grizzly Bear's "Knife" (from the much-loved Yellow House LP), buttering it up with what sounds like the opening to Tears for Fears' "Shout", mashing in a liberal portion of Clipse's "Wamp Wamp"-- including Slim Thug's entire chorus and Pusha's verse-- and stabbing in a dash of this and that to color Ed Droste's cryptic queries.
Girl Talk is out there right now, in fact, making the kids move their bodies in indecent fashion across the U.S. Parents: do you know where your hip, young children are right now?
Grizzly Bear, likewise, hit the road soon (as you know), doing for our minds and senses of beauty what Gillis does for our hips and rumps.
And speaking of rump-shakers, CSS recently revealed to NME.com that they're going to have their way with Grizzly Bear's "Knife" as well, covering the song for their own licentious purposes. After talking to the feisty Brazilians and giving the thumbs up, the Grizz also accepted an invitation to return the favor and cover a CSS jam. The Internet: bringing people together who probably don't belong together, because it's funny. [MORE...]
Exclusive: MP3: Busdriver: "Less Yes's, More No's"
MC hits the road with Deerhoof, RJD2 in support of new album
Like Native Americans with the buffalo, Los Angeles' Busdriver-- born Regan Farquhar-- uses every piece of the animals he hits while on the road. Hence RoadKillOvercoat, his fifth solo album and first for new label Anti-. DJ Nobody and Boom Bip provided the production on the MC's follow-up to Fear of a Black Tangent, and Busdriver also coaxed a guest vocal spot out of CocoRosie's Bianca Casady.
Anti- will release RoadKillOvercoat on January 30, but
Busdriver has provided us with a teaser in the form of second track
"Less Yes's, More No's". He raps with a breathless,
poetry-jam-for-robots flow over the track's dense electro beat, giving
it a paranoid feel that eclipses the specifics of the lyrical
conspiracy theories. One thing Busdriver seems sure of: we're all
doomed.
The MC will take his gloomy act on the road with Deerhoof and Harlem
Shakes beginning in his hometown on January 24. Then in March, he will
join RJD2 and Happy Chichester on their tour of the South and the East
Coast. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Mando Diao Share U.S. Release Details, MP3
Swedish garage rockers Mando Diao want to take us back to a time when Swedish garage rock was all the rage (oh, say, 2002). To that end, they're bringing their album Ode to Ochrasy, which first hit shelves last year via Majesty/EMI Music Sweden, to North America on April 24 via Mute Records.
The disc was recorded in the spring of 2006 and produced by the band with help from Björn Olsson (ex-Soundtrack of Our Lives). "Long Before Rock'n'roll", the album's rompin', stompin' first single, is available as an exclusive free download for 24 hours only by clicking on the link below. After those 24 hours are over, it will be available as a stream.
Mando Diao have scattered performances scheduled from now through early March, most of which take place in their native Sweden. The boys will, however, make their way to the U.S. this spring for a series of dates, including several at SXSW. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Blonde Redhead Reveal 23, Announce Tour
When we last chatted with Blonde Redhead's Simone Pace, the band was recording the follow-up to 2004's Misery Is a Butterfly, but still wholly undecided about all those silly logistical things we Pitchfork newsies love to report: an album name, song titles, a release date, and the like. Perhaps they resolved to make up their minds when the ball dropped, or perhaps they're just damned savvy marketers, but the art-rock trio has at last revealed all.On April 10, 4AD will release Blonde Redhead's seventh album, 23, which we sure hope has nothing to do with that forthcoming Joel Schumacher-directed, Jim Carrey-starring numerology thriller. But hmm, wait a minute...23 times four (as in 4AD) times seven (seventh album) plus 23 minus one (um, just because) equals...666!!!!
Holy smokes, we've got ourselves a conspiracy. And we haven't even considered the numeric significance of folks like 23's co-mixers Rich Costey and Alan Moulder, nor that of Mr. Chris Coady, who recorded the Blonde Redhead-produced affair at New York's Magic Shop.
And it wouldn't be a Blonde Redhead marketing blitz/occult conspiracy without the North American tour, which kicks off in mid-March at SXSW. But wait: if Kazu and the Pace brothers rock precisely four SXSW showcases/parties (a reasonable number for a band of their stature), that means they'll play exactly 23 shows on this tour!!! Hot Jesus, somebody call Dan Brown already. [MORE...]
Exclusive: MP3: !!!: "Heart of Hearts"
Plus tour dates!!! Including Coachella!!!
Aww, we missed you guys. !!! are back in action with a characteristic dancefloor odyssey ready for maximum maxi-single play. The six-minute "Heart of Hearts" is from the previously reported Myth Takes album, due out March 6 on Warp. And it's available as an exclusive download by clicking on the link below.
The punk-funk crew have also just announced a massive tour that will take them around the world from February through August. They'll hit the UK, Japan, Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, and your bedroom, with a stop at Coachella marking the end of the trek's first leg. Let's hope customs doesn't mistake all those percussion instruments for drug paraphernalia. [MORE...]
Justin K. Broadrick Talks New Jesu Album, Tour
Plus exclusive MP3
For someone who's known as one of the godfathers of experimental extreme metal, Justin K. Broadrick is a pretty happy guy. Or at least he sure seemed that way when he spoke to Pitchfork recently about his current band, Jesu, which also includes bassist Diarmuid Dalton and drummer Ted Parsons. The former Napalm Death/Head of David/Godflesh/Techno Animal member was chatty as a schoolgirl when discussing Jesu's upcoming album and North American tour with Isis, not to mention his slew of other projects.
The second Jesu album, Conqueror, comes out on Hydra Head on February 20 in the United States, February 19 in the UK and Europe, February 2 in Japan, and February 27 in the rest of the world. (Whew.) The Japanese version will be amended with a bonus disc containing the songs "Sun Down" and "Sun Rise", originally released on a limited edition vinyl EP on Aurora Borealis. The vinyl version of Conqueror comes out February 27 on Conspiracy Records.
The appropriately epic title track can be heard by downloading the exclusive mp3 below. [MORE...]
Exclusive MP3: Chromeo: "Tenderoni"
Recipe for "Tenderoni", from Chromeo's currently untitled forthcoming album on Vice:6 cups repetitive keyboard space bass
2 cups "Staying Alive" disco guitar
3 tbsp Zapp & Roger vocoder
1 tsp cowbell
2 small bags of keyboard handclaps
1 fake fadeout
Bring space bass to a boil. Stir in disco guitar, handclaps, and vocoder until an even mixture is achieved. Sprinkle cowbell into broth. Let cool. Pour into bowl, and carefully place fadeout on top. Serves two creeps.
Exclusive MP3: Scritti Politti: "The Last Time I Looked"
This mellow White Bread Black Beer outtake features Green Gartside in the same plaintive mood he struck on songs like that album's "The Boom Boom Bap", but not without references to things like "the tree of cocaine" and "a river of beer."
The layered vocals, pretty harmonies, and carefully placed slide guitar give the song an almost "new grass" feel, and the occasional xylophone adds a holiday touch. If only the French female voice in the middle were counting down from a dozen instead of seven, we'd have a new "12 Days of Christmas".
Exclusive MP3: Parenthetical Girls: "Festive Friends (Forever)"
Who better to bring good Yuletidings to you and your friends than Zac Pennington's Parenthetical Girls, whose bells- and chimes-frosted songs-- such as those collected on 2006's Safe as Houses (Slender Means Society)-- pretty much sound like twisted carols anyhow?The P-Girls (in various incarnations) have made a habit out of stuffing stockings with limited edition holiday EPs on the even-numbered years, including 2002's Christmas With Swastika Girls and 2004's Christmas With Parenthetical Girls-- and this being 2006, and six being an even number and all (fact-check it if you don't believe us), it's time for another one.
Santa Pennington and his merry elves will make A Parenthetical Girls Family Christmas (previously sold on tour in limited quantities) available for free download on the band's website very soon-- but the good boys and girls of the Pitchfork readership may download a chestnut of the joy this five-song EP will bring to the world right now.
"Festive Friends (Forever)" glides along at idle sleighride pace, glimmering in garlands of twinkling bell and xylophone percussion, Pennington and backing vocalists' declarations billowing like Yule log smoke from a snow-touched chimney. That's a rather hokey description, but I can't help it-- Christmas songs just make me so damn sentimental. [MORE...]
Exclusive Videos: Cat Power and the Raconteurs on "Austin City Limits"
Public television rules! In September, Cat Power and the Memphis Rhythm Band performed at a taping for PBS' "Austin City Limits" show. The episode, which also features the Raconteurs, is scheduled to air on December 30, as previously reported.
But we can't wait that long. Thankfully, the good people behind the program have made a clip from each band's performance available early, exclusively through Pitchfork. Both videos can be streamed by clicking on the links below.
In the first clip, Cat Power and her band take on The Greatest's "Could We", highlighting the track's Southern, bluesy vibe (which blends right in with the fake skyline backdrop).
Next up, the Raconteurs take a stab at the Broken Boy Soldiers cut "Level", and for some reason, Jack White seems overcome with onstage jitters up until his first solo. (Aww, celebrities get nervous too!) But once he loosens up and drops the shaky vocals, "Level" is spacey fun.
And by the way, White had better get that stage anxiety thing in check, because he might end up making a speech at the Grammys in February. The Raconteurs have been nominated for two awards: Best Rock Album (Broken Boy Soldiers) and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group ("Steady, As She Goes").
Exclusive: Grizzly Bear Rebound With Extensive Tour
Share exclusive BBC Radio 1 Session mp3
The mighty salmon is often invoked as a symbol of dogged perseverance in the face of adversity, leaping three paces forward for every two the raging river forces it back. This time, however, our model of determination is the mighty Grizzly Bear that will tear that mighty salmon to shreds.Bouncing back after losing their gear and clothes to nefarious thieves in Brussels, the Grizz have announced their plans tour the shizz out of North America beginning February 1 in Philadelphia. Joining them for a stretch are the consistently exciting Dirty Projectors of New York and, later, San Francisco's Papercuts.
"Thanks to all the everyone who sent their love and support for Dan's Dad [who has cancer] and the theft," wrote Grizzly Bear in a recent e-mail to Pitchfork. "We appreciate the support immensely."
The band dropped by WNYC's "Soundcheck" recently for an interview and performed a pair of Yellow House tunes: "Plans" and "Knife". Hear them chat up the theft setback, tragic tales of ancestors, recording in a yellow house, and loving the choral music of Randall Thompson here.
Our Grizzlies also hit up BBC Radio 1 a short while back. Download an exclusive mp3 of "Colorado" from those sessions by clicking the link below.
Grizzly Bear's Ed Droste, meanwhile, proved himself a soft-rock loving teddy bear in a particularly candid recent interview with Final Fantasy's Owen Pallett, published in Out magazine. Among many, many other revealing tidbits, we learn it's Droste's "deepest, darkest desire" to be Daft Punk. No kidding, ours too man. Ours too.
As previously mentioned, production on Grizzly Bear's "Knife" video is now well underway, with screenshots available to intrigue you here. And finally, speaking of "Knife", Warp Records buddies Born Ruffians (signed to XL in the UK) cover the tune on the mp3 linked below, courtesy of KEXP. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Camera Obscura Tour Away Winter Woes
Joined by Essex Green, Portastatic
Consider: Camera Obscura's Tracyanne Campbell can't see farther than her nose at this moment, and given the winter chill, you pretty much can't feel your nose at this moment. Clearly, the stars are telling you to go see Camera Obscura this frigid season, and as luck would have it the wistful Glasgow sextet has just announced its intent to get out of the country for real with an extensive North American tour.The band behind this year's quite charming Let's Get Out of This Country-- with whom you are now intimately acquainted-- hits the road beginning January 17, with Merge labelmates the Essex Green (touring behind this year's Cannibal Sea) providing support for a bunch of dates on the Eastern half of this continent. Portastatic-- who, like, totally copied their fellow Merge-rs by also dropping a full-length in 2006 (Be Still Please)-- join our Glaswegians for a final stretch down the West Coast. [MORE...]
Julie Doiron Preps LP, Shares Paul Simon Cover
Some artists doesn't push the envelope-- instead they draft warm, simple, thoughtful letters, slip them in that envelope, seal it with a kiss, and send it to you on a rainy day. That's pretty much what Julie Doiron's been doing for years now on records that sound instantly comforting and familiar, like your favorite pair of mittens every time you bust them out for the first winter snow.
But enough with the precious metaphors! On to the hard-hitting news: on January 23, Ms. Doiron and Jagjaguwar Records sign, seal, and deliver Doiron's seventh and latest unpretentious full-length opus, Woke Myself Up.
Produced by Rick White-- who played with Doiron in Sub Pop-signed early-90s college rock favorites Eric's Trip-- the ten tracks on Doiron's Woke Myself Up buzz, hum, and murmur with the same timeless topical matter as those of many singers before her, no doubt-- love and regret and such-- but we can expect JD to tread these oft-trodden paths with a refreshingly warmth and clarity that have always been hallmarks of her work.
Bonus! Jagjaguwar have kindly shared an exclusive Doiron track with Pitchfork that won't appear on the new disc. Here she covers Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard", foregoing the snap and zest of the original and slowing it down for a quiet, contemplative evening around the fire.
Doiron also has a quaint, charming, low-budget video for Woke Myself Up's closing track, "Me and My Friend", linked below.
This Saturday, December 9, Doiron will play with Jason Molina and Ghost Bees at St. Matthews United Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. That same day, she'll also play at Halifax's Stage 9 with her band Shotgun and Jaybird. Shotgun and Jaybird will also perform on January 19 at the Stereophonic Festival in Sackville, New Brunswick. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Decemberists Issue DVD Handbook
Stephen Colbert claims he invented DVDs, challenges band to Sudoku match to the death
While the Decemberists are busy using their major label money to get themselves into skirmishes with fake newscasters, the label from whence they came, Kill Rock Stars, has announced the release of the band's first DVD.
The Decemberists: A Practical Handbook includes the band's November 4, 2005 concert at Portland's Roseland Theater in its entirety, as well as a documentary about the band called "Paris Before the War" and the videos for "The Tain", "The Bachelor and the Bride", "16 Military Wives", "The Soldiering Life", and "Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect".
Kill Rock Stars will release the DVD on March 20. The band's set list for the November 4 concert is listed below the jump.
In other Decemberists news, there is a tantalizingly short "Making of The Crane Wife" clip up on YouTube now. We can only imagine the in-depth interviews and pitch-perfect explanations of the recording process to come. But for now, content yourself with "Part 1", i.e. a bunch of random "aw shucks" shots of the band in the studio.
Exclusive: Clinic Announce 2007 Dates
In anticipation of the U.S. release of their fourth album, Visitations, via Domino on January 23, Clinic have announced North American tour dates.
They have a sold-out show in London on December 14 and one in Glasgow in February, and they will hit American shores on March 2. According to a press release, "these shows will be their only appearances in these markets in 2007," so fanboys-and-girls have three months to decide which color surgical mask to wear.
On February 5, Domino will release the single for "If You Could Change Your Mind" from Visitations. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Lifetime Reveal New Album Tracklisting
Tailing the release of Lifetime's Two Songs 7" is a pool of long-awaited information surrounding their upcoming LP, the band's first full length since its 1997 release, Jersey's Best Dancers.
The self-titled reunion album is due February 27 on Decaydance (Fall Out Boy's label)/Fueled by Ramen. It was produced by Steve Evetts, who you'll notice holds the same credit all across Lifetime's back catalog.
Visit the group's PureVolume page to stream "All Night Long" and "Haircuts and T-Shirts", both of which were featured on the aforementioned 7" and are slated for inclusion on Lifetime.
Lifetime have a single show on the agenda. It's scheduled for December 27 at New Jersey's Starland Ballroom alongside Thursday and From Autumn to Ashes, but fans can expect additional tour dates in 2007. [MORE...]
Exclusive MP3: Editors: "All Sparks (Phones Remix)"
When he's not busy producing ace UK acts like Bloc Party and Maxïmo Park, or, um, rapping, Paul Epworth goes on a remixing rampage under the alias Phones. Here he grooves up and spreads out Editors' "All Sparks", from the joyless division's debut LP, The Back Room. Dialed in? Not so much, lucky for you.The Phones number was set to appear on an Editors remix EP, but didn't make the final cut. So happy belated Thanksgiving, have an exclusive mp3 on us.
The aforementioned EP hit iTunes a couple weeks back, and features Editors re-edits from Ghislain Poirier, Ed Banger's Sebastian, NYC DJ Prince Language, and Certified Bananas mash-up man P Nice.
Six Parts Seven Unveil Album, Share Exclusive MP3
Hear "Night Behind the Stars" here
It's as if Six Parts Seven withdrew completely from the music scene for a couple of years just so we could make a "lost notes from forgotten bands" joke upon their return. Success!
The Kent, Ohio collective recently hammered out its latest LP, Casually Smashed to Pieces, which is slated for a January 23 release via Suicide Squeeze on both CD and limited edition 12" formats. The album was recorded at Seattle's Studio Litho and Akron's Ice House, and produced by Six Parts Seven and Matt Bayles.
The label has honored the new with the old in the form of a free download-only EP, Six Parts Seven MP3EP. We recommend you click it, as those sneaky Squeezers squeezed in two Pieces songs in between the collection's otherwise previously released tracklist. And nothing's more satisfying than hearing something first and then bragging about it right off the bat, amirite?
You don't have to stop spinning new songs there. Six Parts Seven were kind enough to share another fresh number, "Night Behind the Stars", with us. The glistening instrumental, available exclusively below, lasts for a mere minute and fifteen seconds, and its title certainly captures its lullaby-esque nature. [MORE...]
Explosions in the Sky Miss Everyone, Share Stream
Four Tet, Jesu, Paper Chase, Eluvium, Adem, Mountains, your mom remix new disc
What's that up above? Bird? Plane? Superman? Ever better: It's po-ro torchbearers Explosions in the Sky, setting the heavens aflame with their scintillating, pedal-punched, drama-drenched instrumentals. The Austin four-piece return early next year with their first proper LP in nearly four years, the Temporary Residence-stamped All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone, which crash-lands February 20. If that isn't pretty much the most emo album title ever, I'll eat my own broken heart.
I Miss Everyone showcases six soaring post-rock anthems, including 13+ minute epic "It's Natural to Be Afraid", all recorded by the pAper chAse's John Congleton at Pachyderm Studio in the boonies of Minnesota. Click the link below for an exclusive stream of the record's second track, the inspired "Welcome, Ghosts".
And if that weren't enough to write home about, how's this: limited edition, deluxe versions of I Miss Everyone come packaged with a second, album-length bonus disc collecting six remixes-- one of each track-- by several of thee kewlest peeps in the game: Four Tet, Jesu, Eluvium, Adem, Mountains, and even Congleton's own Paper Chase.
Explosions celebrate the birth of their latest opus with two special New York gigs in February and a few scattered dates thereafter, with more tour destinations to follow. If you'd rather experience the band's magic from the comfort of your easy chair, however, tune in to "Friday Night Lights", the NBC football drama series inspired by the Explosions-scored film, which sets gridiron grind against some choice EitS slow-burners. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Cat Power, Lips, Antony Retool Yoko Ono
So do Spiritualized, Polyphonic Spree, Peaches, Le Tigre
Taking aim at stereotypes while simultaneously playing straight to them, Yoko Ono has titled her forthcoming album Yes, I'm a Witch. (It's also the name of one of her songs.) And the legendary artist/musician has conjured quite a list of guests to appear on the record. In fact, the record consists of almost nothing but guests. The idea behind Witch goes like this: Ono chose the artists with whom she wanted to work, gave them access to her back catalog, asked them to chose a song to rework, and then "provided [them] with the vocals and whatever other instrumental elements attracted them from that cut. Almost all the artists chose just the vocals," according to a press release. The result: a remixes/duets/covers record consisting of "entirely new musical tracks."
The Flaming Lips, Cat Power, Antony, Le Tigre, Spiritualized's Jason Pierce, Peaches, and the Polyphonic Spree are among those who contributed to Yes, I'm a Witch, which Astralwerks will release in February. The label will follow it in March with a compilation of dance remixes of Ono songs. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Beirut's Condon Hospitalized, Cancels Tour
Last time Pitchfork reported on Beirut's Zach Condon (when he signed to 4AD), we lovingly joked about him having "nothing but good luck this year." Um, looks like we totally jinxed the poor guy (sorry dude!). We've just received word that Beirut have been forced to cancel the remaining shows on their current tour-- and that Condon has suffered a bought of "extreme exhaustion," for which he was hospitalized for a short time this past Saturday in Paris, France. The band was forced to cancel their show in Paris, as well as an appearance on French website La Blogotheque's "Take-Away Concerts" series.
"This was an extremely difficult decision to make," wrote a representative for the band's U.S. label, Ba Da Bing!, about the tour cancellation, "and was only decided on after doing everything we possibly could to make it work out.
"This is Beirut's first-ever tour, and while the band played some of the greatest shows of their lives, the attendant stress of organizing and traveling with a full-blown, 12-person orkestar took its toll. Having put all of his energy into each and every performance, Zach was briefly hospitalized for extreme exhaustion." [MORE...]
Exclusive Video: The Divine Comedy's Muse Revealed
Latest album gets Stateside release
Victory
for the Comic Muse, indeed! Or
Parlophone, anyway, for giving the Divine Comedy's album by that name a proper Stateside release. Hear chief Comedian Neil Hannon chat up his new record in this exclusive video interview, courtesy of the good folks at his label. As an added bonus, click the track titles listed below to watch Neil discuss the inspiration behind each song on his latest opus.In the interviews, Hannon reveals the story behind the album's eclectic feel, how he finds inspiration in movies and Johnny Cash, his wife's insistance that the raunchy original lyrics to "To Die a Virgin" be changed, and his desire for Dolly Parton to sing "Mother Dear".
Victory, originally released last June (also on Parlophone), will make its U.S. landing this coming Tuesday, November 14-- at which point Hannon and band will have just wrapped up a tour of Ireland/Northern Ireland, with no immediate plans for a visit to North America.
But we can't be too irked by Neil's snub of our continent, as he recently joined in on the Cake Sale, "a band featuring a loose and expansive collective of musician and writers" (according to the Divine Comedy's website) who, on November 3, released a self-titled LP on Oxfam Records in Ireland. All profits from sales of the disc support the Oxfam organization's Make Trade Fair campaign (you know, the one Chris Martin loves).
Others musicians who contributed to The Cake Sale include the Cardigans' Nina Persson, Damien Rice, Josh Ritter, Gemma Hayes, the Thrills' Padraic McMahon, and many more.
Meanwhile, the Divine Comedy's third single from Victory, "A Lady of a Certain Age", was released on November 6 in both limited edition seven-inch (available exclusively through the band's online shop) and digital download formats. One of Neil's finest songs to date, "A Lady" received a 4.5-star rating on this very website earlier this year. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Merge Signs Oakley Hall
Raucous indie roots band Oakley Hall have been snapped up by Merge Records, Pitchfork can exclusively announce. After releasing two albums this year--Second Guessing on Amish and Gypsum Strings on Brah (the vinyl version of the latter is out December 5, by the way)--the sextet plans to have their next full-length ready for the world by next August.
Vocalist/guitarist Patrick Sullivan told Pitchfork that Oakley Hall chose Merge for several reasons. "They're incredibly nice, approachable people, which is always a plus when you have business," he said. "We did a tour with M. Ward this September, and he was a major cheerleader for them; he couldn't recommend them enough. We hit it off with him and really respected his opinion.
"They're also the kind of label that's getting rarer these days, [in that] you can trust the Merge brand. We look at everybody else on that label, and I'm a fan of every one of those bands. We wanted to be a part of that tradition, and we're very excited about it." [MORE...]
Exclusive: Rainer Maria Break Up
The end of 2006 will also bring the end of Rainer Maria, as the long-running band announced today that they will call it quits after two final shows, taking place December 15 and December 16 at Philadelphia's First Unitarian Church and New York City's Bowery Ballroom. Singer/bassist Caithlin De Marrais, guitarist Kyle Fischer, and drummer William Kuehn released the following statement:
"We are grateful to our new listeners and especially our longtime fans for their endless support and attention. We feel incredibly fortunate to have come up during a unique time in rock music, in a community that grew with us from the Midwest to Brooklyn and beyond. Making records has always been a revelation, and walking onto stage together we found a vision we could share.
"For us, this transition can be nothing short of heartbreaking. But for reasons both musical and personal, the three of us have chosen this time to move on." [MORE...]
+/- Hit the Road, Share Exclusive Dining Tips
Having been at the rock game for years, the punctuation-mongers of sensitive electro-acoustic outfit +/- {Plus Minus} know a thing or two about the fine art of dining on the road. To celebrate their latest jaunt-- which kicks off tonight in support of their third LP, the recently-released, Absolutely Kosher-stamped Let's Build a Fire-- the trio have graciously drafted a very special list for the Pitchfork readership: a list of their favorite places to eat on tour. Roadfood be damned! Dates and dining tips after the jump. We get the impression these gentlemen are in it for the grub. [MORE...]
Exclusive Stream: The Good The Bad and the Queen: "History Song"
What do you get when you put Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), Paul Simonon (The Clash), Simon Tong (The Verve), and Tony Allen (Fela Kuti) together in a room, and then throw producer Danger Mouse in for good measure?
Well, judging from "History Song", it kinda sounds like Gorillaz minus the hip-hop influence. On the lead-off track from supergroup The Good, the Bad and the Queen's forthcoming self-titled album (due out early January), lo-fi acoustic guitar bumps up against eerie piano and scratchy sound effects, creating a mysterious mood perfect for soundtracking scenes of cartoon intrigue.
Tonight in London, the Good The Bad and the Queen will perform (or perhaps are performing as we speak!) their debut album in its entirety as part of the Electric Proms festival. You can stream the concert here.
Late B.P. Helium Launches Tour, Shares Exclusive MP3
Friends of B.P. turn out in earnest
Don't let his slightly unkempt appearance fool ya-- Athens, Georgia resident the Late B.P. Helium (also known as the living Bryan Poole) shaves and showers at least twice a week. Okay-- actually we have no clue about the man's personal grooming habits, but we do know that however cleanly he is now, he's about to get significantly less so, because it's time for him to sleep on floors, subsist on two-week old tuna sandwiches, and spend 90% of his waking hours trapped in a moving vehicle. Yep, it's tour time!Of Montreal guitarist and Elephant 6 dabbler the Late B.P. kicks off his own jaunt tonight at his hometown's 40 Watt Club. Along the way he'll cross paths with Magnolia Electric Co. and Bishop Allen for a couple one-off shows. As an introduction to the Late B.P.'s world, why not check out the exclusive mp3 below? A high-energy cover of 60s Brit pop-rockers the Move's "Lightning Never Strikes Twice", it features Helium along with Great Lakes' Ben Crum on guitar, Jucifer's Ed Livengood on drums, and Casper Fandango of Casper and the Cookies on bass. Dig it. [MORE...]
Micah P. Hinson Launches Tour, Shares Exclusive MP3
Friends of P. turn out in earnest
Don't let those boyish good looks fool ya-- Abilene, Texas resident Micah P. Hinson writes and sings as though he's weathered far more years than he actually has, being only in his early twenties. Jade Tree hit us with Micah P. Hinson and the Opera Circuit earlier this month, and now not-so-little Micah takes to the tour circuit in support of the fine disc.Along the way he'll cross paths with Oakley Hall for a string of dates, and play one-offs with Figurines, Matt Pond PA, and Steve Shelley's Two Dollar Guitar. As an introduction to Micah's world, why not check out the exclusive mp3 below? A quick, celebratory jam flecked with banjo plucks, Opera Circuit standout "Letter to Huntsville" delivers. [MORE...]
Exclusive MP3: Earlimart: "Everybody Knows Everybody"
Now we're cooking! The third and final exclusive mp3 from Earlimart's forthcoming fifth LP is a lively, slightly paranoid, piano-dolloped rocker in the spirit of "Burning the Cow" and the band's best. "Everybody Knows Everybody" sees Aaron Espinoza musing on the fine art of discretion over build-up-and-release guitars-- and a few ethereal coos thrown in for good measure. Not one of its 154 seconds is wasted.Click below to download the new jam. As previously reported, Espinoza hopes to share Earlimart's latest with the world early next year. The disc also features "Nevermind the Phonecalls" and "Don't Think About Me", which you may score here and here.
Catch Espinoza as he plays a solo set at California's Silverlake Lounge tonight, or see the whole band as they hit up CMJ for at least two gigs: October 30 at New York's Mercury Lounge, and November 2 at Brooklyn's Northsix.
Exclusive: Sebadoh, Ted Leo to Play Noise Pop
Also John Vanderslice, Jolie Holland
Since its inception in 1993, San Francisco's Noise Pop festival has grown into one of the most respected indie rock extravaganzas in the country. In 2007, the festival will celebrate its 15th anniversary from February 27-March 4, and it has invited some stellar guests to the party.
So far, the reunited original lineup of Sebadoh, Teo Leo/Pharmacists, John Vanderslice, and Jolie Holland have all RSVPed to the event, and many others are on the way.
In addition to the tunes, Noise Pop will put on its first-ever Noise Pop Expo, a two-day event (March 3-4) featuring panels, a designer fair, art installations, a poster show, and more. It will also hold its annual film festival.
Exclusive: Video: Catfish Haven: "Tell Me"
Airbrushed t-shirt of the Chicago skyline? Check. Catatonic hipsters snapping? Check. Directors Mark Bachara and Michael P. McGrath's uncomfortable shots down the token hot blonde's nightgown? Check-- with a side of tighty whitey dude junk.
I didn't think it was possible, but Andrew WK got even gnarlier when he became the lead singer for Catfish Haven.
Exclusive MP3: Love Is All: "Kiss Kiss Kiss"
Remember when we told you that the re-release of Love Is All's Nine Times That Same Song, due in stores tomorrow via What's Your Rupture? Records, didn't contain any new tracks? Well, we lied.
The CD will come with a bonus disc featuring four extra tracks: "Lost Thrills" (originally released on a 7" on Dolores Recordings), "Felt Tip (Demo)", "Motorboat" (both B-sides to "Busy Doing Nothing"), and a cover of Yoko Ono's "Kiss Kiss Kiss".
The Yoko Ono cover is available below as an exclusive download. It's one of Love Is All's most post-punkish efforts, balancing skronky saxophone splatter with a jittery approximation of a disco beat. In other words, it sounds like a lost X-Ray Spex B-side.
As previously reported, Love Is All are headed to our shores for a North American tour starting next week. But first, they'll perform at the Iceland Airwaves Festival this week. [MORE...]
Exclusive MP3: Earlimart: "Don't Think About Me"
Last week we chatted with Earlimart's Aaron Espinoza about the L.A. act's as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2004's Treble & Tremble, and he kindly promised to share three new tunes. The first, which you may download here, rode in on a moody bassline and showed Earlimart's poppier face, while this week's, "Don't Think About Me", takes balladic piano for a lushly orchestrated autumnal stroll, emphasizing Espinoza's knack for thoughtful production.Stay tuned next week for the third and final installment, then get those new jam requests ready in time for Earlimart's CMJ descent-- they play NYC's Mercury Lounge on October 30 and Brooklyn's Northsix on November 2, with a third show in the works.
Exclusive MP3: Tom Waits: "Road to Peace"
As previously reported, Tom Waits sets his Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards loose on America November 21 and Europe the day before, via Anti. Two already escaped prematurely-- "Bottom of the World" and "You Can Never Hold Back Spring"-- and Pitchfork just scooped up another one.Its name is "Road to Peace", and careful, 'cause it's one of the brawlers.
It's also quite the political scamp, going on for a good seven minutes about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and questioning the ethics of the sitting U.S. president. At times it sounds like Waits is reading straight off the CNN ticker, but we forgive him, because these are vital topics that ought to be on folks' minds.
Tokyo Police Club Sign to Memphis Industries
Exclusive MP3!
Tokyo Police Club, who just released their debut EP-- A Lesson in Crime-- in North America on Paper Bag Records, have signed to Memphis Industries in the UK and Europe.
The band's first single for the label will be "Nature of the Experiment". It comes out in the UK on November 20 with B-side "Box", which is available as an exclusive download below. The "Cheer It On" single, the B-side of which is currently unspecified, will arrive in the UK on February 5. On February 12, A Lesson in Crime will finally arrive in both the UK and Europe along with bonus track "Cut Cut Paste".
Tokyo Police Club will play a few dates with Art Brut and the Spinto Band on October 16 at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA before going on to play CMJ and a ton of dates in both the U.S. and Canada in November. A video for "Nature of the Experiment" is currently in post-production.
Memphis Industries has also signed two other bands: New Zealand's the Ruby Suns (formerly Ryan McPhun and the Ruby Suns) and Scotland's Bricolage. The Ruby Suns' self-titled debut comes out in the UK on December 4 and in Europe in January, and a second album is already "in the works," according to a press release. Bricolage are currently looking for the producer of their debut and hope to begin recording it in November. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Earlimart Talk New Album, Elliott Smith
Share exclusive MP3s
Some bands come raging out the gates with some landmark debut album, then break up or fizzle off into mediocrity. Some toil for years and years before hitting their stride. And a few just plug along the old fashioned way, learning from their mistakes, growing steadily as songwriters, and improving by degrees with each release. Like Los Angeles rockers Earlimart. The Aaron Espinoza-fronted combo has four albums under its belt, each building upon the merits of the last. "I think [with] every album I'm getting better [as a producer], and the albums sound better and the songwriting gets better," Espinoza recently told Pitchfork. By that logic, the self-produced, as-yet-untitled latest offering from Earlimart should be the band's best yet. While he's "still tinkering" with the new disc, which has no label or set release date yet, Espinoza was happy to talk about its genesis. [MORE...]
Exclusive: MP3: Swan Lake: "The Freedom"
Hey, it's a new Destroyer song! Just kidding...but it sure sounds like one. On this track from Swan Lake's forthcoming debut album, Beast Moans, Destroyer/New Porno Dan Bejar takes the lead over fellow Lakers Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown) and Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes), turning their work into something straight out of his own back catalog.
"The city of daughters can't be found where it ought to be found," Bejar self-referentially sings in his trademark whine, accompanied by an acoustic guitar, squirrelly organ, and feminine-sounding backing vocals that may or may not be Mercer's.
There are also mentions of "an attack that's forever forewarned" and "a hex on the telephone wire"-- could this "freedom" be the kind that a certain President claims we're always fighting for?
Exclusive: El-P Talks New LP, Featuring Cat Power
Reznor, Mars Volta, TVOTR, Aesop Rock, James McNew, Cage, Mr. Lif also guest
Four years after the release of his first solo record, Fantastic Damage, Def Jux label head El-P is finally finishing its follow-up, the previously reported I'll Sleep When You're Dead. The always busy producer-rapper said, "It just feels good to be on the mic again," when he spoke to Pitchfork Monday about the album, which he hopes to release March 6 on Def Jux.
His collaborators on I'll Sleep When You're Dead include Trent Reznor, the Mars Volta, Aesop Rock, Cage, Mr. Lif (whose track "might end up becoming a bonus cut" due to scheduling), Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio), Matt Sweeney (Chavez/Bonnie "Prince" Billy/Zwan), James McNew (Yo La Tengo), Rob Sonic, Mr. Dibbs, and Cat Power (more on that later).
El-P qualified their involvement by saying, "I don't really like records that are all about hardcore collaboration. It's really just about friends, and when I'm making shit people drop by, you know? So they'll pop up on little things, background vocals, but most of these people won't be listed, except in the credits."
El-P met Trent Reznor and the Mars Volta in separate instances of mutual fandom, which led to him remixing their songs. He called his remix of the Mars Volta's "The Widow" "probably the best remix I've ever done." When it came to the collaboration on the new record, he said, "I had them come in at the end of a song and kind of built something up around Cedric [Bixler-Zavala] singing and Omar [Rodriguez-Lopez] playing guitar."
As for Reznor, who contributes to a song called "Flyentology", "he basically does the choruses and breakdowns, and he also plays guitar and bass in a section of it. I've had the comment thrown at me for years: 'You're the Trent Reznor of hip hop!' I like his shit, so I was perfectly happy to take that, and it started to make sense to me: 'Hey, that would be a pretty crazy collaboration.'"
An even crazier collaboration is the one with Chan Marshall, who El-P said he knows from "bumping into each other here and there." Working with Marshall on "Poisonville Kids No Wins", the last song on the album, "made a lot of sense," because El-P originally wrote the song while "looping up 'Love & Communication' [from Cat Power's The Greatest]. I kind of forgot that I had done that, and then I went in and I sampled some heartbreaking James Brown shit that I threw in at the end. But I was like, "Well a) I can't pay for this ever, and something's wrong here. Then I bumped into Chan and asked her to do it, and it wasn't until after she said yes that I realized that I had actually written the song to her music. I didn't want to weird her out, but I told her afterwards."
El-P plans to remix "Love & Communication", as "kind of our trade, you know?" [MORE...]
Kill Rock Stars' Slim Moon Leaves KRS for Nonesuch
Moon's Wife Portia Sabin to Run Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars and Nonesuch might not seem like they have much in common. One label is known for launching pioneering riot grrrl bands (Bikini Kill, Bratmobile), experimental outfits (Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu), and indie rock titans (Sleater-Kinney, the Decemberists).
The other, a Warner Bros. subsidiary, specializes in "world" music (the Nonesuch Explorer Series, Youssou N'Dour, Caetano Veloso), NPR fare (Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin), and Wilco (Wilco).
But the pair just got a lot tighter with the announcement that the founder/head honcho of Kill Rock Stars, Slim Moon, will leave his position at KRS sometime this fall to work in A&R for Nonesuch. Moon's wife, Portia Sabin, will take over both Kill Rock Stars and its 5RC imprint.
Pitchfork got the story straight from Moon and Nonesuch Senior Vice President David Bither. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Juana Molina Video
Non-exclusive: Tour with Adem, Vashti Bunyan, Vetiver
Argentinean singer/songwriter/one-woman-band Juana Molina has seduced listeners all over the world with her gentle coo and delicate acoustic guitar playing. Now, we can all witness the process behind the creation of her dreamy folk-tronic sound, thanks to this video from Domino Records.
Between hypnotic pieces of performance footage, Molina chats about her inspirations and methods, including how she makes all that music all by herself.
In other Juana news, she just announced a January 2007 UK tour with fellow folkies Adem, Vetiver, and her sonic godmother, Vashti Bunyan. She kicks off a North American tour with Adem on Saturday.
Exclusive: Video: Danielson: "Did I Step on Your Trumpet?"
It's a Famile affair in the first video from Danielson's triumphant latest Secretly Canadian album, Ships. Featuring singer/songwriter Daniel Smith surrounded by friends, relations, and more wood cutouts than a fifth grade play, the "Did I Step on Your Trumpet?" clip (directed by keyboardist Chris Palladino) is crowded, kooky, and joyful-- just like the song.
Europeans can experience the glory of Danielson this winter, when Smith leads a touring crusade through their fair land. [MORE...]
Stream: The Hold Steady: Boys and Girls in America
Sorry Brandon (and Bruce), THIS is the best Springsteen album of 2006
Yeah, we like this band. We like them a lot. Got a problem with that? Too bad. Franz Nicolay's moustache is cooler than every band you've ever written about on your blog. Combined.
Now, finally, you can understand what we're talking about. Vagrant Records has been kind enough to share a stream of the Hold Steady's new album Boys and Girls in America in its entirety, just a few days before the album's release this coming Tuesday, October 3. It's all there, from "Stuck Between Stations" through "Southtown Girls". Enjoy. You can thank us later.
The Hold Steady's month-long North American tour (with openers Sean Na Na) starts tomorrow night at a fuckin' Masonic Temple in fuckin' Hamden, Connecticut. Keepin' it real. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Mountain Goats Added to "Daily Show" Party
John Darnielle is a funny guy. Seriously! Read this if you don't believe me. Or go see the Mountain Goats play at "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart"'s "TEN F#@KING YEARS (THE CONCERT)", to which they were recently added.
As previously reported, Superchunk, Clem Snide, the Upper Crust, several "Daily Show" staffers, and Stewart himself (via video) will all celebrate the fake news show's 10th anniversary with an evening of songs and hijinks at NYC's Irving Plaza on November 16.
It's a benefit for 826NYC, and all concertgoers will receive a limited edition program featuring work by all of "The Daily Show"'s writers, as well as a cover by Tony Millionaire.
If you can't make it to that shindig, the Mountain Goats are on tour now. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Sondre Lerche Album Details Revealed
Having gotten his lounge-singer jollies out of his system with the jazzy early 2006 album Duper Sessions, Sondre Lerche is getting ready to rock in 2007. On February 6, Astralwerks will release Phantom Punch, the Norwegian cutie's fourth album with his band.
Anyway, Phantom Punch was produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Belle and Sebastian, Air) and features Lerche and his band channeling influences ranging from former touring partner Elvis Costello to "80s pop to Brazilian music".
According to a Rolling Stone article from earlier this year, "sessions for the record were initially conducted on the East Coast with Raphael Saadiq." Raphael Saadiq?! And Sondre Lerche?! Please, god, let something from that collaboration leak.
The album's first single, "Phantom Punch", is available on iTunes now, and can be heard on Lerche's MySpace page. It's a new wave-influenced alt-rocker. I can pretty much guarantee that whatever Raphael Saadiq would have done with the song would have been much, much more interesting. [MORE...]
Exclusive: RJD2 Signs to XL, Ditches Hip-Hop
"I'm a folk musician at the end of the day."
"I've gone rap free in 2006," claimed RJD2. The Columbus-by-way-of-Philadelphia producer spoke to Pitchfork earlier this week about his currently-untitled third album, which will be released on the indie- and electronic-centric label XL, rather than RJ's longtime home of Def Jux. And instead of the sampledelic hip-hop/electronica of previous albums Deadringer and Since We Last Spoke, the new album was recorded with live instrumentation played entirely by RJ himself.
"Rhythmically, I feel like there's a continuous thread that would run throughout everying that I've done, and I'd like to think the new stuff still has that kind of emphasis on the rhythm section and groove," RJ said. "[But] there are a lot more songs in major keys. There are a lot more vocal harmonizations. I think it's a lot prettier than anything I've ever done. And it's all live. There's, like, one or two samples on there.
He said that, since he began, he wanted "to make pop music. The same shit everybody listens to: the Beatles, your Led Zeppelins, your Tears for Fears. And there are new groups: Elliott Smith or Dungen or Queens of the Stone Age. These are all groups that I feel make-- at the end of the day-- pop music. They do it with their own flavor and their own thing." [MORE...]
Exclusive: Output Recordings Calls It Quits
It's never easy for the underdog. But with his impressive creative output-- album art, installations, performance, production, DJ projects (Playgroup), remix projects (under the alias Underdog), and record releases, Trevor Jackson always seemed to manage to make it look pretty easy. Nevertheless, the founder and owner of the fiercely independent UK label Output (which has released singles and albums by MU, Four Tet, Colder, Dead Combo, LCD Soundsystem, the Rapture, and more) has announced that his label is officially shutting down, effective immediately. Indeed, visit the Output website, and all you'll see is a black screen with the dates 1996-2006: year of birth and death.
Jackson issued an official statement to Pitchfork about Output's untimely demise, citing manifold reasons (financial issues, "friends turning into monsters," and the general nightmarish-ness of running a label).
"I never wanted to have all my passion and enthusiasm knocked out of me," he said, "But somehow it's happened. I simply wanted to showcase exciting, experimental, and forward-thinking music with individuality and personality."
Acknowledging the dedication of fans throughout Output's successful ten-year run, Jackson said: "I would like to express my gratitude to all the music lovers, buyers, record stores, radio & club DJs, journalists, labels, artists, promoters, and remixers worldwide who supported the label (many of you from day one!). I will miss all the positive feedback and kind words, which I constantly found uplifting, and which gave me the energy to carry on even in the most difficult of circumstances."
Starting October 1, the final Output releases (comprising the label's 100th release) will be available as free mp3 downloads from Output's website for one month only. After that, there are no immediate plans to continue manufacturing any of the label's back catalogue, and its titles will likely disappear into collector-dom. So grab what you can, quick!
Jackson's full statement-- part explanation, part eulogy-- appears after the jump. [MORE...]
Menomena Unveil Tracklist, Exclusive MP3
Below: Danny Seim promises to be more aware of venue ceiling fire sprinkler run-ins this time
Menomena are barely a month into their big Barsuk signing and they've already worked out a tracklist and release date for their upcoming record, Friend and Foe. The 12-song workout will storm the nation on January 23 of next year. The album's first single, "Wet and Rusting", is available as an exclusive download by clicking on the link below.
Menomena's upcoming tour with labelmates the Long Winters and What Made Milwaukee Famous launches next Monday. It will be followed by a December West Coast stint with fellow Portlanders 31Knots. [MORE...]
Exclusive: MP3: Teddybears ft. Annie: "Yours to Keep (remix)"
"Yours to Keep", by the Swedish electronic trio Teddybears, has lived three lives. The original version, featuring vocals by Teddybear Klas Åhlund's wife Paola, appeared on the group's 2001 album Rock 'n' Roll Highschool. A re-recorded take, with vocals by Neneh Cherry and Annie, will be on Teddybears' American debut, Soft Machine, set for digital release next Tuesday, September 19, and in independent stores on September 26. (The song is also currently the iTunes store's free single of the week.)
And now, Pitchfork has an exclusive download of a brand new remix of the track, tweaked by Teddybears themselves, and featuring only Annie on vocals. It turns the breezy, summery tune into a dirty dance-punk banger with hard guitars and a pounding four-on-the-floor beat.
Exclusive: Michael Mayer Readies Immer 2 Mix
Says "fuck that passive waiting shit"; changes world by his own damn self
So lately your iTunes shuffle keeps calling up those Clap Your Hands tracks you got off Soulseek last year, and they're cool and all, but you're just not feeling them right now. Frankly, you're not really feeling the so-called "indie rock" at all these days. Perhaps it's high time you, as Pitchfork's Dominique Leone once put it, "come down...to the minimal world." And what better occasion than this: on October 30 in Europe and October 4 in America, Germany's minimal techno mecca Kompakt will release Immer 2, the intensely-anticipated follow up to 2002's seminal Immer mix. As with its predecessor, Kompakt co-founder and beloved techno artist Michael Mayer mixed this set, liable to blow up headphones and slick European dancefloors in equal measure with de rigeur tunes from Lindstrøm, Justus Köhncke, SCSI-9, and more.
Whistle not quite whetted yet? Try this: in addition to twelve Mayer-mixed minimal house and techno anthems, copies of Immer 2 will also include a golden ticket to seven additional mp3s hand-selected by Mayer himself. Buttress your playlists with these subtle bangers and your indie rock won't sound quite the same again.
If you're not quite ready yet, try dipping your toes in Mayer's world by catching the man in action at Detroit's Shelter on October 7, or at NYC's T New York on October 6. The latter show is part of the New Yorker Festival and is listed as "A New Yorker Dance Party Hosted by Sasha Frere-Jones". HAHAHAHAHAHA. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Of Montreal Announce New Album Tracklist
Kevin Barnes Sings You a Love You Song
Kevin Barnes must write a lot of music in the tour van. Or backstage. Or whilst changing into whatever whimsical costume (spandex leotard/McDonald's uniform/tailored suit and ascot) he decides to wear for whatever show his band is playing. Otherwise, how would the insanely productive, ever-touring Of Montreal frontman have time to record another album? And yet, voila: the forthcoming CD and double vinyl, titled Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?, will arrive January 23, 2007 via Polyvinyl. Featuring artwork by Of Montreal's favorite artist/bro David Barnes, the new album contains 12 tracks written, performed, and recorded by Kevin Barnes, with "some thoroughly rad help" (according to Barnes' publicist) from friends and family: James Huggins, the Late B.P. Helium, Nina Twin, Heather McIntosh, Georgie Fruit, and Alabee Blonde. [MORE...]
So we've been sitting on lots of delicious video footage from the Pitchfork Music Festival for a while now, and we thought today finally seemed like a good day to start sharing it. In this video interview and live performance from Os Mutantes, frontman Sérgio Dias talks to Pitchfork about his music's legacy, crowd vibes, and the wonders of Devendra Banhart, who joins the Tropicália legends onstage for a rendition of "Bat Macumba". Special thanks to the folks at Liar Films for putting it together.
Exclusive: Voxtrot Unveil Your Biggest Fan EP
Calling all Voxtrot superfans! We're talking serious, "I stole Ramesh's sweaty towel"/"I relocated to Austin to be closer to the band" people here.
Prepare to be #1 in Voxtrot's eyes with the release (and your subsequent purchase, of course) of their forthcoming EP, Your Biggest Fan, due via Playlouderecordings/the Beggars Group on November 7. This follows the quintet's non-U.S. reissue of its Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives EP (Playlouder), which is now available via Voxtrot's website.
Unfortunately, there is still no information surrounding the collective's early 2007-slated debut full-length, but patience is a virtue, little ones.
As previously reported, Voxtrot have a handful of fall tour dates lined up in some seriously populated U.S. cities. [MORE...]
Exclusive: MP3: Charlotte Gainsbourg: "AF607105"
The world got a whole lot sexier yesterday, as 5:55, the new album from French chanteuse (and Serge Gainsbourg spawn) Charlotte Gainsbourg was released in the UK on Because Music. As previously reported, 5:55 features music by Air's Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel as well as lyrics by Gainsbourg with Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon. Beck's father, David Campbell, arranged the strings, and Fela Kuti collaborator Tony Allen contributed his percussion skills.
Sample this international conglomeration of hotness with our exclusive mp3 of the song "AF607105", a collaboration with Air (music) and Cocker (lyrics). It's feathery, breathy, and seductive-- exactly what you expect, and exactly what you want. [MORE...]
Exclusive Video: Clinic: "Harvest (Within You)"
Clinic frolic with Death in the English countryside, defy gravity, and generally trip us out in this Storm Thorgerson-esque, exclusive new video for single "Harvest (Within You)", directed by Jason Evans.
As previously reported, the tune will appear on the band's forthcoming Domino longplayer Visitations, set to arrive October 17 digitally in both the U.S. and Europe. UK and European denizens hoping to score a physical copy can do so on October 16, while U.S. folks must wait until January 29 of next year.
To get the kids amped, Domino will issue the "Harvest" single in enhanced-CD and 7" formats in the UK on October 2, followed by an enhanced-CD American version on November 14. Each format features exclusive tunes "You Can't Hurt You Anymore" and "Lee Shan".
Clinic plan to announce a full tour shortly, so make sure you're, like, in good health for that.
Exclusive: Hold Steady Launch Social Networking Site!
Makeoutclub.com now even more irrelevant
Watch your back, MySpace; y'all must've spited the Hold
Steady somehow-- whether it was all the scantily clad photos of preteens or the irritating
bulletin surveys or the friend requests from the shittiest of local bands that
turned Craig Finn & Co. away, we'll never know. In fact, these anti-MySpace
sentiments were likely fabricated by me for the purpose of developing a stellar intro
paragraph. Regardless of their motivation, the Hold Steady are giving the 'Space a run for its money with their first-ever
social networking website, appropriately domain'd
www.BoysandGirlsinAmerica.com.
The page includes a video testimonial feature where viewers can talk about the band, likes and dislikes, life experiences, and more. In addition, there's a message board where the lads and lasses of America and elsewhere can discuss today's most important issues. Jeez we love these guys.
The website will see its official launch next week. And if around this time a thread pops up in the BaGiA forums reading,
"Posted: Thu Sep 7, 2006 4:20 pm
Post subject: Holy Hold Steady we love this album!
It totally rocks \m/"
don't be surprised. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Hem Ride Funnel Cloud Across U.S.
Sadly, not playing any shows with Twista
Furthering their countrypolitan sound and following the February release of rarities collection No Word From Tom, Hem will release Funnel Cloud, their third proper full-length, September 5 on Waveland Records. Members Dan Messe and Gary Maurer produced the album, which includes contributions from the 21-piece Gowanus Radio Orchestra, Ollabelle vocalist Amy Helm, and ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist and man-about-town James Iha, who sings on "Not California" and "The Pills Stopped Working".Hem will tour in support of Funnel Cloud, and for a taste of what that will be like, you can download the exclusive MP3 the band have shared with Pitchfork, a live version of new tune "Reservoir". [MORE...]
Exclusive: Langhorne Slim Signs to V2, Readies EP
Tours with Violent Femmes, Two Gallants
Don yer porkpie hat and break out yer corncob pipe: hootin', hollerin' blues-folkie Langhorne Slim has signed to V2 Records and will release a new four-song EP on September 19. Produced and mixed by Brian Deck at Chicago's Engine Studios, the Engine EP (how appropriate) features the following contributors: Langhorne (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Paul DeFiglia (bass, background vocals); Malachi DeLorenzo (drums, background vocals); Sam Kassirer (Hammond, piano); and Jim Becker (violin). [MORE...]
MP3 Premiere: The Decemberists: “Summersong”
Continuing in the vein of 2004's The Tain EP, the Decemberists have crafted their fourth full-length, The Crane Wife, to be an enormous folk-prog monsterpiece. It's a beautiful thing, really, and between it and the Hold Steady album, October 3 cannot come fast enough.Fortunately, you don't have to wait until then for a taste of the Crane Wife pie, as Capitol/EMI have been kind enough to give Pitchfork an exclusive MP3 to share. Ladies and gentleman, we are proud to give you..."Summersong".
This song has none of the multi-part progginess of others on the record. It's a simple, accordion-tinged ode to the end of summer. "Summer arrives/ With a length of lights/ Summer blows away/ And quietly it gets swallowed by a wave," Colin Meloy sings. This couldn't have come at a better time. Enjoy!!
Exclusive: DFA Announces Fall DJ Tour
DFA Records will release its second volume of remixes on October 3, and to celebrate, the DJs at the label are going on tour. The fun begins September 20 in San Francisco with DJ sets from label co-head James Murphy (aka LCD Soundsystem) and Juan Maclean (aka the Juan Maclean). Tim Sweeney (aka Beats in Space) and Marcus Lambkin (aka Shit Robot) will be mixing and matching with Murphy and Maclean after that. The four's disc-jockeying powers combine for one ridiculous night in New York.
Beats in Space and Juan Maclean also have some of their own dates in
addition to the DFA tour. The Juan Maclean dates are all DJ sets except
where otherwise noted.
[MORE...]
Xiu Xiu Talk Myriad Projects, Share Exclusive Video
Run marathon, write novel, cure cancer, start investment firm...
So last week we scooped you on the latest news from camp Xiu, including new albums, new videos, new tour dates, and about 62 side projects and collaborations. For a fun and enumerated list, consult said scoop here.
All caught up? Good, 'cause your Xiu-lovin' pals at Pitchfork have just talked to Jamie Stewart, who was kind enough to share a little more information about the forthcoming Xiu Xiu remixes/covers disc, new band member Ches Smith, the lasting effects of horror movies, and more.
But first! Check out the video for "Bishop, CA", one of four vids from Xiu Xiu's forthcoming The Air Force (due September 12 via 5RC). Directed by XX tour manager David Horvitz, the clip features, according to Jamie, "Super 8 [film footage] that [Horvitz] shot when he was in Israel recently, and Super 8 footage of his family that he found in a box in the closet." The results are appropriately eerie; view it by clicking on our exclusive download here. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Stills to Take on North America
What does a bird have in common with Montreal's favorite un-feathered quintet? Both are fans of migration! This fall, the Stills will take off across North America in support of May's Vice release, Without Feathers. The group will play alongside Kings of Leon and Land of Talk,
while still making room for a handful of scattered headlining
performances. The trek kicks off early next month with a stint at the
Stills' hometown Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Lily Allen's American Takeover
Unveiling the next phase in her crafty scheme to win America's hearts and scale her charts, Lily Allen has finally announced a U.S. release date for her rollicking, Pitchfork-recommended debut, Alright, Still. And what better time for a Lily to grace the U.S. than the beginning of frigid February?
February 6, to be precise, will see the arrival of Alright, bearing the same tracklist that made the UK version a top ten smash. As previously reported, suddenly indie-savvy Capitol Records will do the dropping.
If this U.S. release is phase two, and Lily's previously announced U.S. tour (dates recapped below) is phase one, not-so-silly Lily even has a phase 0.5 of sorts to garnish her internet-cooked hype cake with some more buzz icing. She'll drop the Smile EP digitally on September 26, featuring the titular number one UK single, as well as two non-album tracks and a remix with which Pitchfork readers should already be familiar. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Domino to Release Josef K Anthology
Gregor Samsa anthology coming in 25 years
While "justice" for Kafka's Josef K. was prolonged, crude, and nothing of the sort, justice for American fans of early-1980s Scottish dark indie-poppers Josef K was just ridiculously prolonged. Twenty-odd years prolonged to be exact. That all ends November 7 when the magnanimous folks at Domino Records issue the very first official U.S. Josef K release, a 22-track compilation titled Entomology.
Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Paul Haig, guitarist Malcolm Ross, bassist David Weddell, and drummer Ronnie Torrance, Josef K sounded a wee bit like Joy Division with jangle, and were part of that whole Postcard Records scene that people cooler than you are always talking about. Fellow Postcarders Orange Juice and the Fire Engines were both subjects of Domino releases last year. Can Aztec Camera be far behind...?
Entomology collects a number of JK singles, B-sides, album cuts, requisite Peel Sessions, and even six tunes from the unreleased Sorry for Laughing album, rejected by Postcard way back in the day ("Heads Watch", "Drone", "Sense of Guilt", "Citizens", "Variations of Scene", and "Endless Soul"). Some 25 years on, the taut rhythmic intensity, eerie atmospherics, and looming paranoia of these recordings still resonate-- which is to say, they're pretty effing awesome. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Grizzly Bear to Tour With TV on the Radio
Time to tear yourself away from sending Sgt. Grumbles to everyone on your buddylist (it's hard, we know) and check out our second-favorite four-legged friend-- NYC's Grizzly Bear.
The Brooklyn quartet has just announced that they will spend the fall touring North America, mostly in the company of TV on the Radio. The trek is in support of the Grizz's Warp Records debut, Yellow House, due September 5 (September 4 in Europe).
A video for track three, "Knife", is currently in the works, and Grizzly Bear have put their own spin on Of Montreal's "I Was a Landscape in Your Dream" for the latter band's upcoming remix album, Satanic Twins, due tomorrow via Polyvinyl.
And just for fun, make sure to check out Grizzly
Bear's tour blog to scope out pictures of Chris Taylor giving Rose of the
Pipettes a haircut! We are so jealous right now.
Andrew WK, Thurston Moore on To Live and Shave LP
Exclusive mp3 megamix!
Avant-noize collective To Live and Shave in LA is eager to give fans a hint of their new album, Noon and Eternity (due out on October 31 on Menlo Park Recordings), but have been delayed in their attempts by a force apparently as strict as the Dept. of Homeland Security: MySpace.
Said collective founder Tom Smith (after attempting to post another track on MySpace "for [fans'] already blown drums 'n' lobes"):
"We're tired of not being able to leak more of the forthcoming studio opus, but as Noon and Eternity is comprised primarily of medicated lip balm and vanilla chai tea, we couldn't get a full take past MS's security checkpoints."
But never fear: the band has granted Pitchfork full access to an exclusive Noon teaser mp3, featuring the entire album smooshed into one four-minute stretch! Plus all the tea and lip balm we wanted.
Noon and Eternity, the follow-up to 2001's The Wigmaker, is the product of core TLASILA members Smith, Rat Bastard (bass), and Ben Wolcott (oscillator), along with a veritable army of guitarists-- Thurston Moore, Don Fleming, Chris Grier, and Mark Morgan, rounded out by one Andrew WK on drums. The album, dubbed a "futuristic vision of psych" in a press release (whereas Wigmaker was supposedly "a futuristic approach to punk"), was recorded over a year ago at Sonic Youth's Echo Canyon studios, then mixed and mastered last year.
Before the arrival of Noon and Eternity, the collective will release a chronological TLASILA remix album, called Horoscopo: Sanatorio de Molière, on August 25 on Blossoming Noise. Created over the course of four years and containing eight tracks culled from TLASILA's entire career (1991-present), the album is, y'know, the usual remix fare-- "designed to evoke the typically warped narratives of the Spanish-Italian giallo/spy film co-productions of the mid-1960s." [MORE...]
Walkmen Talk Pussy Cats; Exclusive Stream
The Walkmen's idea to record a song-for-song recreation of Harry Nilsson's 1974 album Pussy Cats started out as a joke. That lighthearted vibe lasted throughout the recording process for "PUSSY CATS" Starring the Walkmen, due out October 24 on Record Collection.
"There was no real plan. It just sounded like a really fun idea," said Walkman Walt Martin. "We decided what we wanted is do it pretty fast so it would stay fun the whole time, and we got lucky somehow and were able to do it fast. It never got to where it was a real drag. It was fun the whole time, somehow."
That sense of playfulness is evident in the outcome, which can be sampled in the exclusive stream of "All My Life", available by clicking below. [MORE...]
MP3: Exclusive: The Longcut: "Last Act (live)"
New single, online EP due
Chalk it up to restlessness: Not content to release their album and leave it be, up-and-coming Mancunians the Longcut are constantly releasing singles and recording new versions of their own songs. They even get their famous friends involved, having tracks remixed by Four Tet and now the Go! Team.
According to a press release, the Go! Team genre-crossers "add clattering drums, melodica, backing vocals and plenty of vintage-sounding fuzz" to their remix of the Longcut's new single "A Tried and Tested Method". The remix will serve as the B-side to the 12" version of the single. The CD version will feature two new, currently undetermined B-sides from the band themselves. "A Tried and Tested Method" is the fourth single from the Longcut's debut, A Call and Response, and it will be released September 25 on Deltasonic in the U.S.
Really though, this is old news from the Pitchfork camp. The real update is that the band are releasing a download-only EP via Deltasonic on August 21. The EP features title track "Idiot Check" in addition to album cuts "Vitamin C", "Lonesome No More!", and "The Kiss Off", all re-recorded live at Airtight Studios with Giles Hatton of the Earlies at the boards. It will be available on iTunes, Napster, and HMV in addition to a few smaller UK digital distributors.
Longcut fans can hear another song from their Airtight session by downloading the exclusive mp3 below. It is a live-in-the-studio version of "A Last Act of Desperate Men", shortened simply to "Last Act".
Kompakt Preps Total 7; Exclusive mp3
Once again, minimal authority Kompakt delivers their annual dose of what's cool with the Total 7 compilation, due out August 22. The not-so-compact 2-CD/3-LP collection of the legendary German label's top singles of the year (as well as plenty of exclusives) features contributions from the likes of Justus Köhncke, Superpitcher, Michael Mayer, Reinhard Voigt, Thomas Fehlmann, and more.
Sonically, it covers ample ground, from space disco to microhouse to what is amusingly described (in the press release) as a "twisted land of bass drum dreams." Which is my favorite kind of dream.
Thanks to the folks at Kompakt, we've got an exclusive mp3 of the Tobias Thomas/Michael Mayer collaboration "Sweet Harmony" for your downloading pleasure. [MORE...]
Field Music Prep New Album; Exclusive mp3
With the obligatory eponymous debut out of the way, Field Music have moved on to the next step. The Sunderland boys have finished recording their second full-length, titled Tones of Town, at their hometown Eight Music studio. ("Tones of Home" was unfortunately taken. By Blind Melon.)
Memphis Industries will release the album in the UK on January 22, and in the U.S. around the same time.
Tones' release will be preceded by the "In Context" single on October 9. It will be backed by the B-side "Off and On", which is available for exclusive download by clicking below. [MORE...]
What a bad time for Canadian indie rock bands with names starting with "D". Like their fellow Torontonians Death From Above 1979, blues-punks the Deadly Snakes have called it quits.
Last week, Pitchfork spoke to multi-instrumentalist Maxwell McCabe-Lokos aka Age of Danger, about the end of the band, various side projects, and his foray into the world of acting. Before everyone gets caught up in their new ventures, however, the Deadly Snakes have a final show scheduled at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on August 25.
"The main reason is that it's been like 10 years and...it's not fun like it used to be and it's not enough of a career to justify the lack of fun that we're having," McCabe-Lokos said. "It's not excruciating by any stretch, but I think that we're all getting a little tired of going on tour and playing in Ozona, Texas for two or three people. Some people can do that until their eyes fall out.
"I think we went about as far as we could with this band...and we're all still friends and the main thing is that we were friends before, and we wanted to remain friends after, so we decided to call it a day. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Cass McCombs Signs to Domino
In the game of black dots on white tiles, Cass McCombs is on top. The singer/songwriter responsible for last year's PREfection (on 4AD) has signed a worldwide deal with Domino Records.
McCombs has written and recorded his Domino debut, scheduled to hit record stores in early 2007, but has not yet titled it.
As previously reported, McCombs will support Andrew Bird on his upcoming fall trek. [MORE...]
The Knife Schedule U.S. Shows
Can you tell I'm excited?
At last, enigmatic Swedish sibling duo the Knife have announced their first-ever American shows. There's only three of them: one in New York, one in San Francisco, and one in L.A. But the New York date is during CMJ, so that helps a little bit, right?
As if the prospect of seeing Olof Dreijer and Karin Dreijer Andersson playing "Heartbeats" or "Still Light" live wasn't tantalizing enough, the Knife's performances happen to be multi-media collaborations with artist Andreas Nilsson. As Olof recently told our own Mark Pytlik, "For the live show, [Nilsson]'s been working with it for many, many months, and he involved some other artists to build dolls and do very advanced drawings-- he's just spacing out...The show is 50% his show and 50% our music."
This is going to RULE. [MORE...]
MP3: Exclusive: Snow Patrol: "Chasing Cars (The Hey Team Remix)"
The original version of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" (the latest single from their new album, Eyes Open), is plenty beautiful, but there isn't really anything to distinguish it from heaps of other pretty, soaring love songs.
This remix, courtesy of a mysterious entity called the Hey Team, turns the track into something else. It's even more beautiful, but it's also kinda fucked up. It begins with fluttery beats and a wisp of ambient background noise, swells on a pulsing undercurrent, and then, around the three-minute mark, starts to break down. Little jagged shards cut in and out, attacking the song with computer-game-rebooting noises and stop-start stutters. It all gets more and more confusing until it just stops, falling away to reveal a curtain of strings.
Expertly crafted and extremely satisfying, this is up there with Röyksopp's take on Coldplay's "Clocks" in the sad-sack remix Hall of Fame. I don't know who the Hey Team are (related to the Go! Team?), but I'm looking forward to hearing more from them. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Cold War Kids Sign to Downtown
Cold War Kids are making their way downtown. No, not Chicago, New York, or Seattle-- that's old news for the tour-crazy four-piece. This October, the buzzed-about band will release their debut album on Downtown Records, home to Gnarls Barkley, Art Brut, and Eagles of Death Metal.
Robbers & Cowards will feature 12 tracks, all which have been played on the road within the past year. Cold War Kids are on tour now, hitting up Lollapalooza this weekend and festivals in Norway and Iceland in the coming months. [MORE...]
MP3: Exclusive: Luomo: "Really Don't Mind"
Make your reservations now, because we're going on vacation to Vocal City. On October 24, Vladislav Delay will release Paper Tigers, the third album under his Luomo moniker. It will come out on Huume, the producer's own label.
According to a press release, the music on Paper Tigers ranges from "experimental ambient house" to experimental permutations of "chart-hitting hyper-pop." Basically, expect some experimenting. Long-time Luomo collaborator and Finnish jazz singer Johanna Iivanainen sings all the vocals on the album, except for a single track sung by AGF (a.k.a. Antye Greie).
The album's first single, "Really Don't Mind", will be released as a 12" on Huume on September 26. The album version will be backed by "an exclusive vinyl-only club mix." The song is a floor-friendly track featuring Iivanainen playing diva, but, as is always the case with Delay's music, there's a lot going on beneath the surface.
Huume has given Pitchfork exclusive access to the radio edit of "Really Don't Mind", which can be heard by clicking below. [MORE...]
Video: Exclusive: Asobi Seksu: "Thursday"
The new video for Asobi Seksu's "Thursday" looks exactly how the song sounds: blurry, dreamy, pastel, and confusing, with a vague hint of romantic intrigue. The clip also involves cell phones, which have nothing to do with the song. Or maybe they do. The words are pretty hard to understand.
We'll have the opportunity to ask Yuki in person exactly what she's singing about when the band heads out on tour this fall for their biggest trek yet. Fans can anticipate songs from the entire Asobi Seksu discography (all two albums!) as well as new tunes to make the setlist. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Flaming Lips, DFA on Goldfrapp Remix LP
Goldfrapp love to be played with, manipulated, tweaked, and generally poked and prodded. Over the years, Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory have let plenty of musicians put their dirty hands all over their body of work, and soon, they'll reveal the fruits of some of those lascivious unions.
On October 17, in America only, Mute will release We Are Glitter, a collection of Goldfrapp remixes from the likes of the Flaming Lips, the DFA, Alan Braxe & Fred Falke, Múm, and more. All of the originals come from Goldfrapp's latest album, Supernature, except for a re-worked version of "Strict Machine" from 2003's Black Cherry. Goldfrapp themselves have remixed that track, and it will also appear on the Miami Vice soundtrack (as will Mogwai).
Tracklist:
01 Satin Chic (Bombay Mix by the Shortwave Set)02 Lovely 2 C U (T.Raumschmiere Remix)
03 Ooh La La (Benny Benassi Remix Extended)
04 You Never Know (Múm Remix)
05 Satin Chic (Through the Mystic Mix, Dimension 11 by the Flaming Lips)
06 Number 1 (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Main Remix)
07 Fly Me Away (C2 Rmx 4)
08 Ride a White Horse (Ewan Pearson Disco Odyssey Part 1)
09 Number 1 (Múm Remix)
10 Ride a White Horse (FK-EK Vocal Version)
11 Slide In (DFA Remix)
BONUS TRACK:
12 Strict Machine (We Are Glitter Mix)
Emily Haines Reveals New Song, Dates
Written over four years, in various cities, before and after the death of a parent and during a hectic touring schedule, Knives Don't Have Your Back, the forthcoming solo debut by Metric's Emily Haines, is nothing if not a long time coming.
Though the full-length isn't due out until September 26 on Last Gang Records, fans can temporarily satisfy their appetites with an exclusive stream of the airy, piano-backed "Our Hell" by clicking on the link below.
Before the release of Knives, Haines will play shows in a few select cities, accompanied by a rotating group of musicians dubbed the Soft Skeleton. In Toronto, the Soft Skeleton band will consist of the Tokai String Quartet and a horn section of Jimmy Shaw (Broken Social Scene, Metric), Evan Cranley (Stars, Broken Social Scene), and Chris Seligman (Stars). Elsewhere, Haines will be backed by Sparklehorse drummer Scott Minor and bassist Paul Dillon. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Minus the Bear Remix Album
Minus the Bear's Menos el Oso is set to get remezclado. According to Babelfish, that's "remixed" in Spanish. Can't be sure if that's correct, but it sure sounds neat.
Dälek, Tyondai Braxton, Weird Science (aka Steve Aoki of Dim Mak Records), P.O.S., Fog, Pretty Girls Make Graves' Jay Clark, Dark Baby, IQU, and the slew of yet-to-be confirmed artists will remix Minus the Bear's 2005 album in its entirety. The remix disc, currently untitled, is due February 20, 2007 on Suicide Squeeze.
P.O.S. and Minus the Bear will join forces on the road as well. The two, plus Russian Circles and the Velvet Teen, have scheduled a lengthy fall U.S. tour. Don't Minus the Bear ever get homesick for those cold, damp, hibernation-worthy caves? [MORE...]
Exclusive: New Les Savy Fav Album!
Oh heck yes! Sorry I can't be more eloquent at the moment, but for obvious reasons, a string of curse words (each followed by "YES!" of course) sprang to mind when Les Savy Fav bassist Syd Butler revealed exclusively to Pitchfork that LSF are not dead and are in fact READYING A NEW ALBUM!!!!1 Feels good, don't it?
After 2005's semi-hiatus, talk of Rabbit Trancing, and a slew of mini-releases (the digital EP, limited edition 7"s, etc.), Les Savy Fav are ready to slip into their goddamn-this-band-is-awesome uniforms and get back in the game.
Pitchfork spoke with bassist Syd Butler today about the past, the present, and what's yet to come.
First of all, Rabbit Trancing, a long rumored-about compilation of quiet material and studio experiments, has been called off. Butler explained, "We just got so excited from going to Australia and the Pitchfork festival last year and playing rock songs again that it felt more comfortable to just go back and write new stuff rather than just releasing just noise and practice tapes."
The record Les Savy Fav are working on now does not feature any of the tracks originally intended for Rabbit Trancing, nor any 7" tunes. It's 100% new, and will reflect where the band's at now, which, judging by Butler's enthusiasm, is a place so cool it makes Discovery Zone look like a firepit in comparison.
"We've started practicing, and we have time booked in a studio in three weeks. We'll be recording it with Chris Zane at Gigantic Studios, and then hopefully it'll come out in the spring by SXSW time," Butler said. "We have practice tonight, and it's our third or fourth practice now. We're still trying to decide what it's going to sound like. Is it gonna be a balls-out rock record or is it gonna have some of the more quiet stuff?"
LSF's charismatic frontman Tim Harrington has already prepared lyrics for the as-of-yet untitled effort. According to Butler, this process is a little abnormal ("Usually the lyrics come after, where we're just in the studio banging stuff out and then Tim's rushing to come up with lyrics"), but the point of the hiatus in the first place was to break routine, so all is well in the Les Savy lair.
The record's sound is clearly still in the works, though Butler commented on the weirdness of performing quiet music live. In addition, he mentioned the LP might take a dub route: "I've been listening to so much dub lately, so some of my basslines might be super sparse and dubbed out."
The record, ideally slated for a March or April release, may feature guitar and drum guest contributions from friends of the group.
Finally, and most importantly, "This is definitely gonna happen. We don't want people to think we're aloof or pulling someone's leg. We've booked the time. We know that we're going in November to record it, and we're freaking out and really excited about it."
So are we, Syd. So are we.
Video: Exclusive: My Brightest Diamond: "Dragonfly"
My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden tests her wings in the new video for "Dragonfly", flitting through the countryside while interpretive dancers in bug costumes leap, twirl, and plié. All of this feels ancient but familiar, just as the gothic dream of dancing dragonflies is interrupted by Shara finding herself, albeit somewhat confusedly, in Central Park.
"Dragonfly" is from Bring Me the Workhorse, My Brightest Diamond's debut album due out on August 22 on Asthmatic Kitty. This isn't the first time Worden's appeared on an Asthmatic Kitty release-- she sang backup on several tracks on Sufjan Stevens' Illinois and toured with him as an Illinoisemaker. My Brightest Diamond will also be the opening act on Sufjan's fall North American tour. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Subtle Sign to EMI
Wolf Parade Collaboration Coming Soon
Doseone (aka Adam Drucker) and his Subtle crew (including Jeffrey "Jel" Logan, also of Anticon fame) have made the move to a major label for their upcoming full-length, for hero : for fool. EMI-- who is also backing Lex Records' long-forthcoming Danger Mouse and MF Doom releases-- will co-release for hero : for fool with Lex on October 3 in the U.S. and October 2 in the UK.
In an email to Pitchfork, Drucker said, "We have taken [EMI's] ears by storm and retained all aspects of our creative control and [our] friendly contract with Lex while doing so."
The album's first single will be "The Mercury Craze", scheduled for an October 17 U.S. release (October 16 in the UK). It will have two B-sides. The first is a remix of "The Mercury Craze" from Pitchfork's own Drew Daniel, aka one half of Matmos and one whole of the Soft Pink Truth. The second is "Middleclass Haunt" a single-track remake of two album tracks, "Middleclass Stomp" and "Middleclass Kill", which Drucker described as "sister songs or...a poem that took two songs to paint."
"Middleclass Haunt" is especially notable for being the collaboration with Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade we previously reported. Drucker "gave Dan the lyrics to them both ["Middleclass Stomp" and "Middleclass Kill"], and he took what rang true to him and sung. Never let him hear the originals though. Made things interesting." In addition to the lyrics, "the music is also an amalgam of the two songs," with Boeckner's "hard rock voice & guitar" featured heavily on the track. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Subtle Sign to EMI
Wolf Parade Collaboration Coming Soon
Doseone (aka Adam Drucker) and his Subtle crew (including Jeffrey "Jel" Logan, also of Anticon fame) have made the move to a major label for their upcoming full-length, for hero : for fool. EMI-- who is also backing Lex Records' long-forthcoming Danger Mouse and MF Doom releases-- will co-release for hero : for fool with Lex on October 3 in the U.S. and October 2 in the UK.
In an email to Pitchfork, Drucker said, "We have taken [EMI's] ears by storm and retained all aspects of our creative control and [our] friendly contract with Lex while doing so."
The album's first single will be "The Mercury Craze", scheduled for an October 17 U.S. release (October 16 in the UK). It will have two B-sides. The first is a remix of "The Mercury Craze" from Pitchfork's own Drew Daniel, aka one half of Matmos and one whole of the Soft Pink Truth. The second is "Middleclass Haunt" a single-track remake of two album tracks, "Middleclass Stomp" and "Middleclass Kill", which Drucker described as "sister songs or...a poem that took two songs to paint."
"Middleclass Haunt" is especially notable for being the collaboration with Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade we previously reported. Drucker "gave Dan the lyrics to them both ["Middleclass Stomp" and "Middleclass Kill"], and he took what rang true to him and sung. Never let him hear the originals though. Made things interesting." In addition to the lyrics, "the music is also an amalgam of the two songs," with Boeckner's "hard rock voice & guitar" featured heavily on the track. [MORE...]
MP3: The Dears: "Bandwagoneers"
or "A Brief History of Blogging"
For Montreal sextet the Dears, every night is the apocalypse, which means every song is an occasion for vocalist Murray Lightburn to sing his heart out. Such is the case with "Bandwagoneers", which culminates in a series of anguished "Heaven knows!"s that are liable to prompt gooseflesh. The tune will appear on the Dears' forthcoming third album, Gang of Losers. Depending on where you live, the disc drops anywhere between August 23 and October 3-- us losers in the U.S. get it on the 3rd on Arts&Crafts.
In the meantime sate your appetite for delicious melodrama with this exclusive mp3.
Exclusive: Decemberists Reveal New Album, Tour
Huzzah! The new Decemberists album has arrived! The Crane Wife (due out October 3 on Capitol) was delivered to the Pitchfork office encased in a satin pillowcase resting in the arms of a fair-haired princess riding a black stallion. And it isn't just any old promo CD, oh no. It's made of pure gold.
Once we sent the maiden and the horse away, we settled down with this here tracklist:
01 The Crane Wife 3
02 The Island:
Come and See
The Landlord's Daughter
You'll Not Feel the Drowning
03 Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)
04 O Valencia!
05 The Perfect Crime #2
06 When the War Came
07 Shankill Butchers
08 Summersong
09 The Crane Wife 1 & 2
10 Sons and Daughters
Singer/songwriter Laura Veirs duets with Colin Meloy on the Civil War ballad "Yankee Bayonet", Sun City Girls associate Eyvind Kang contributed violin parts, and co-producer Chris Walla (of Death Cab for Cutie) "sang a bunch and did some keyboard-y bits throughout," according to Meloy.
Good ship Decemberists will set sail this October for a North American tour in support of the album, and we've got the itinerary all for you right here. [MORE...]
Bright Eyes Rarities Compilation Due
Anxiously awaiting the follow-up to Bright Eyes' I'm Wide Awake It's Morning/Digital Ash in a Digital Urn? Prepare to hit the Noise Floor. On October 24, Saddle Creek will release a collection of Conor Oberst rarities-- singles, one-offs, previously unreleased tracks, collaborations, and covers-- recorded between 1998 and 2005.
Noise Floor will be available on both CD and vinyl formats, with five songs available only on the LP.
Tracklist:
01 Mirrors and Fevers (Don't Be Frightened of Turning The Page EP - 2000)
02 I Will Be Grateful for This Day (Sub Pop Singles
Club 7" - 2001)
03 Trees Get Wheeled Away (Lost & Found, Volume 1 compilation - 2003)
04 Drunk Kid Catholic ("3 Hit Songs From Bright
Eyes" UK single - 2003)
05 Spent on Rainy Days (Home Series on Post Parlo Records - 2002)
06 The Vanishing Act ("Too Much of a Good Thing"
7" - 1999)
07 Soon You Will Be Leaving Your Man ("Motion
Sickness" 7" - 2000)
08 Blue Angels Air Show (DIW Magazine 7" - 2002)
09 Weather Reports (Unreleased 7" with M. Ward)
10 Seashell Tale (Unreleased 7" with M. Ward)
11 Bad Blood (Album Leaf split 7" - 2001)
12 Amy in the White Coat (Vinyl-only B-side on the No Beginning to the Story EP - 2002)
13 Devil Town (The
Late Great Daniel Johnston compilation - 2004)
14 I've Been Eating (For You) ("3 New Hit Songs
From Bright Eyes" - UK single - 2001)
15 Happy Birthday to Me (Feb. 15) ("3 New Hit Songs
From Bright Eyes" - UK single - 2001)
16 Motion Sickness ("Motion Sickness" 7" -
2000)
17 Act of Contrition (Second Thoughts compilation - 2000) *
18 Hungry for a Holiday (Album Leaf split 7" - 2001) *
19 When the Curious Girl Realizes She Is Under
Glass Again (Sub Pop singles club 7" - 2001) *
20 Entry Way Song (Amos
House Vol. 2 compilation 2002) *
21 It's Cool, We Can Still Be Friends (Transmission One: Tea At The Palaz of Hoon
compilation - 2000) *
* vinyl only
Over the past year, Oberst has been working on his new new record, logging hours with producer Mike Mogis at studios across the country. Guest stars on the disc include Sleater-Kinney's Janet Weiss and alt-folkie Gillian Welch. Currently untitled, the effort is slated to drop in Spring 2007.
MP3: World Provider: "Valentine" [ft. Feist]
The World Provider, a catchy Montreal act led by a charismatic frontman who goes by "Yngwie Malstain", are indeed taking care of us all. While they won't quite put a roof overhead or pay for groceries, the World Provider will provide fans with plentiful tunes, six of which make up their new EP Lost Illusions, recently released via Ta-Da Records.
But the people don't just want music-- they want Feist. And hey, there she is on "Valentine", which can conveniently be downloaded below. With a good-timey, uplifting beat and some downright head-bobbing vocals, this one is perfect for summer 2006 mixtapes.
MP3: Thunderbirds Are Now!: "(The Making of) Make History"
Thunderbirds Are Now! made a big statement with last year's Frenchkiss release, Justamustache, and now(!) they're shooting to Make History. This John Schmersal-produced effort, originally slated to drop via Frenchkiss Records in September, has been postponed a bit due to some technical difficulties. It will now land on a record store shelf come October 3.
Despite this setback, TAN! continue to forge ahead, and nothing says "CHARGE!" louder than Make History's title track (meta-title track, anyway-- it's called "(The Making of) Make History"). The fine folks over at Frenchkiss were kind enough to give Pitchfork an exclusive MP3 of this song, so join the Thunderbirds' movement and listen here first! [MORE...]
MP3: Comets on Fire: "Dogwood Rust"
Comets on Fire are back with Avatar, their follow up to 2004's Blue Cathedral. The album will be released August 8 on Sub Pop.
The label's website describes it as "an earthy, more accessible and downright beautiful album... Avatar veers from swinging, bluesy explorations to piano-laced, progressive power balladry to pure tribalism, evoking everyone from the Allmans to Quicksilver to Procol Harum to some insane Fela/Sun Ra/Crazy Horse hybrid, yet remaining wholly Comets on Fire."
If you've got adjective overload like I do right now, you can download "Dogwood Rust"-- the exclusive MP3 we're hosting-- and judge for yourself. You can also preview the new stuff on the band's upcoming late summer tour. [MORE...]
An album borrowing its name from an Orson Welles film? Sounds like the work of a crafty mind...or the Minders. On July 18, the Portland group will drop its fourth LP, Bright Guilty World, courtesy of Future Farmer Recordings. Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo, who was a founding Minder, returned to the fold for this album.
Hear an exclusive track, "Accidental Joy", from the album by clicking on the link below. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Basement Jaxx Reveal New Album
Oh my gosh! A new Basement Jaxx album! September 12 will bring Crazy Itch Radio to the floor, courtesy of XL Recordings. It will be available as a download, on vinyl and "specially packaged CD, featuring a super-swish lenticular cover," according to a press release. ‘Cause if there's anything in this world I want to be super-swish, it's my Basement Jaxx CDs.
The follow-up to 2003's Kish Kash is, like that album, a guest-heavy affair, featuring vocals from Jaxx associate Vula Malinga (who sang "Oh My Gosh") on "Hush Boy", grime MC Lady Marga on "Run 4 Cover", veteran British soul singer Linda Lewis on "Lights Go Down", and Swedish pop tart Robyn (as well as a children's choir) on "Hey You".
Full tracklist after the jump. [MORE...]
MP3: Editors: "You Are Fading"
Having allowed debut record The Back Room to settle in the States for a few months, Birmingham's Editors are ready to take another stab at North American audiences. They'll kick off a two-week jaunt later this month in Atlanta. After hitting both coasts, Canada, and even the Midwest, the band will jump overseas to Japan for the Summer Sonic festival. Then it's on to Europe for V on the Frequency Monsters en Jersey Coke. Or something like that.
To crank up the excitement a notch, we've gotten a hold of the rare Editors track "You Are Fading", which was previously released as a B-side on the limited edition The Back Room bonus disc, Cuttings.
Gang of Four + Menomena = Faux-Hoax
Gang of Four bassist Dave Allen has teamed up with guitarist John Askew (Tracker/FILMguerrero label owner) and drummer Danny Seim (Menomena) to form a new group called Faux-Hoax (pronounced "Folks"). The Portland-based trio's first song is a talky experimental piece with a heavy bass groove-- about friends dating and dying and doing drugs and finding God.
Titled "Your Friends Will Carry You Home", the track features words and vocals by journalist/musician and fellow Portlander Adam Gnade. Click below for an exclusive mp3 of the song, which, according to the band, is still a work in progress. [MORE...]
Malkmus, Thermals, Menomena on Portland Comp
A $7 local music comp is probably the last place you'd expect to hear a new track from Stephen Malkmus, but apparently the ex-Pavement front-man has much love for his adopted hometown of Portland, Oregon. Portland's non-profit PDX Pop Now! organization will release the two-disc PDX Pop Now! 2006 on July 11. It's a 40-track collection of music from area artists, including renowned performers like Malkmus as well as lesser-known acts looking for exposure.
Other locals contributing unreleased material include the Thermals, Menomena, Viva Voce, Vursatyl (of Lifesavas), and Talkdemonic, while Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, the Joggers, Jackie-O Motherfucker, Mirah, the Blow, and others offer previously released songs.
Funds raised from sales of PDX Pop Now! 2006 go towards producing the Third Annual PDX Pop Now! Music Festival on July 28-30 at Loveland in Portland. The lineup for the free, all-ages event is still being nailed down, but there will be a free kickoff-show on July 19 in front of Portland's City Hall, featuring a performance by Quasi.
The tracklist for the compilation is after the jump, and check out the exclusive mp3 of the Thermals track "Product Placement" below. [MORE...]
Exclusive: The Rapture Reveal New Album
It's been three long years since the release of the Rapture's last record, Echoes, which also happened to be Pitchfork's favorite album of 2003. But come September 12 (September 4 in the UK), the wait will finally end, with the release of the NYC dance-punk group's second LP, Pieces of the People We Love. In the UK, it will be preceded by the single "Get Myself Into It", which comes out August 21...but wait! You can hear it on the band's MySpace page starting today.
The album comes out on Vertigo Records in the UK, and Motown/Universal in America. Yes, we now live in a world where the Rapture are on Motown.
Pitchfork spoke to band members Vito Roccoforte and Gabriel Andruzzi about Pieces yesterday. They revealed that in addition to "Get Myself Into It", the album will also feature the title track, the previously leaked song "W.A.Y.U.H." (which stands for "Woo, All Right, Yeah, Uh Huh", in case you were curious), and "The Devil". They haven't finished working out the final tracklist, but they're looking to make the album 50 minutes and 10 tracks long. [MORE...]
MP3: Exclusive: Lee Perry vs. DJ Spooky
Jamaican music legend Lee "Scratch" Perry isn't wiling away his seventies playing Scrabble and reading Tom Clancy novels. Nope. The Grammy-winning dub/reggae mastermind is busy putting out albums. His latest full-length, Panic in Babylon, is due out in America on Narnack on August 22.
Originally released in Switzerland in 2005, Panic will come to our shores amended with a bonus disc of remixes by George Clinton, TV on the Radio, and DJ Spooky. Check out Narnack's MySpace page for a clip, as well as an exclusive mp3 of DJ Spooky's remix of "Purity Rock" below. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Chin Up Chin Up Reveal New LP
Chicago indie faves Chin Up Chin Up have announced the release of their second proper full-length, This Harness Can't Ride Anything, due out October 10 on Suicide Squeeze. The album, which follows 2004's We Should Have Never Lived Like We Were Skyscrapers, marks a couple of milestones for CUCU: a new label (Suicide Squeeze) and a new full-time bass player (Jesse Woghin of the Narrator, replacing Chris Saathoff, who was killed in 2004).
Recorded by Brian Deck (Iron & Wine, Red Red Meat, Modest Mouse) at his Engine Studios, This Harness features lyrics that cover familiar Midwestern terrain: "Minnesota, beavers, and breasts," according to a press release (well, I guess breasts aren't exclusively Midwestern). However, the song titles sound like it's some sort of concept album about Lost. [MORE...]
Exclusive: Hear Of Montreal Remixes
Ingrediants: 1 Satanic Panic in the Attic1 The Sunlandic Twins
1 cup assorted remixers
Directions:
Blend on high, throw in some exclusive artwork from the forever-busy David Barnes, and voila-- Satanic Twins, a limited edition (2000 copies), vinyl- and digital-only double remix album from Of Montreal! It's coming out August 22 on LP and download courtesy of Polyvinyl.
The collection, nearly two years in the making, features tracks from the band's last two albums refashioned by the likes of Grizzly Bear, I Am the World Trade Center, United State of Electronica, Supersystem, and more.
Hear Mixel Pixel's version of "Disconnect The Dots" from Satanic Panic in the Attic and IQU's take on "Forecast Fascist Future" from The Sunlandic Twins HERE. [MORE...]
Do you have a news tip for us? Anything crazy happen at a show you attended recently? Do you have inside info on the bands we cover? Is one of your favorite artists (that's not somebody you know personally) releasing a new record you'd like to see covered? You will remain completely anonymous, unless we are given your express permission to reveal your identity. (Please note that publicists, managers, booking agents, and other artist representatives are generally exempt from this rule, but will also be granted anonymity if requested.)
Fri: 02-16-07: 06:04 PM CST
Actress Jena Malone Records Social Registry 7"
Fri: 02-16-07: 02:51 PM CST
El-P Reveals LP Tracklist, Single With Trent Reznor
Fri: 02-16-07: 12:20 PM CST
Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy Team Up for Tour
Fri: 02-16-07: 11:30 AM CST
Mew to Tour North America This Spring
Fri: 02-16-07: 07:00 AM CST
The Wrens Don't Announce New Album Details
Today's Other Headlines
- Rakes Release Ten New Messages, One New Remix EP
- Spank Rock Headlines Disco D Tribute Show
- Dan Deacon Signs to Carpark, Tours
- Mates of State Tour With "This American Life"
- Photos: Audion [Chicago, IL; 02/15/07]
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Fri: 02-16-07
- Actress Jena Malone Records Social Registry 7"
- Rakes Release Ten New Messages, One New Remix EP
- Spank Rock Headlines Disco D Tribute Show
- Dan Deacon Signs to Carpark, Tours
- Mates of State Tour With "This American Life"
- Photos: Audion [Chicago, IL; 02/15/07]
- Elephant Man Collects Greensleeves Tracks for Comp
- Domino Continues Triffids Mania
- El-P Reveals LP Tracklist, Single With Trent Reznor
- Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy Team Up for Tour
- Mew to Tour North America This Spring
- Brother Ali to Spread Undisputed Truth on the Road
- The Wrens Don't Announce New Album Details
Thu: 02-15-07
- Exclusive: Lindstrom to Produce New 120 Days Jams
- CSS, DFA 1979, Gossip on Wall of Sound Comp
- Sufjan Interviews Labelmate Rafter, Mentions Cali LP
- Malajube Tour the World
- Clientele, Portastatic on Go-Betweens/McLennan Tribute
- Dios (Malos) Hit the Road, Share Exclusive New MP3
- P.O.S. Tours With k-os, Warped Tour
- Clipse, Mos Def, Chuck D Featured in PBS Documentary
- Deerhunter Hit the Mark With New EP, Double-Vinyl
- Pixies Tour Australia, Get Another Tribute Album
- Hot Chip Announce U.S. Dates
- Exclusive: Arcade Fire to Play "Saturday Night Live"
- Wilco Reveal Sky Blue Sky Tracklist
- Luaka Bop Seeks U.S. Distro, Preps Os Mutantes Discs
Wed: 02-14-07
- Pitchfork Seeks News Reporter in Chicago
- Arbouretum Tour the States
- Crystal Castles Embark on 8-Bit Terror Tour
- Wooden Wand Taps Sonic Youth for Ecstatic Peace LP
- Factory Honcho Tony Wilson Battling Cancer
- Throbbing Gristle Prep First Studio LP in Decades
- The Rapture Release iTunes EP, Debut Throne of Blood
- Jarvis, Guillemots, Peter Gabriel in BBC Bird Doc
- The Shins Add UK Dates
- Stooges, Arctics, Animal Collective, CSS, !!! to Rock FIB
- Au Revoir Simone Prep Second LP, Big Tour Adventure
- Photos: Arcade Fire [New York, NY; 02/13/07]
- Exclusive: Elliott Smith Rarities Due on Kill Rock Stars
- Art Brut Tour UK With Maximo Park, + North America
Tue: 02-13-07
- Stripes, Franz, Wilco, Lips Onboard for Bonnaroo 2007
- 9th Wonder Teaches Class With Play (of Kid 'n Play)
- Andrew Bird Announces Environmentally-Friendly Tour
- Blood Brothers Announce North American Tour
- Apples in Stereo, Polyphonic Spree Support Critic-Turned-Politician
- The Blow Tour with Mirah, Electrelane
- Charalambides Kick Off Tour
- Bloc Party Add Tour Dates
- Jesus Lizard/Scratch Acid's David Yow Joins L.A.'s Qui
- The Pipettes Schedule UK/Euro Tour
- New Order, Eno, Durutti on Post-Punk Comp Reissue
- CSS Announce Green Screen Video Contest
- Crippled Black Phoenix [ft. Mogwai, Portishead] Tour
- Robyn Says "Konichiwa" to UK With Expanded Robyn
- Devendra, Sunset Rubdown, Why? Cover/Remix Xiu Xiu
- Pretty Girls Make Graves Schedule Farewell Tour
- Rhymefest Turning New Album into Stage Musical
Mon: 02-12-07
- Exclusive: Arcade Fire Unveil North American Tour
- White Stripes Sign to Warner Bros.
- Flaming Lips Announce Spring Tour
- The Police Announce Reunion Tour
- Exclusive: Peter Bjorn & John North American Tour
- Iron and Wine Sics Shepherd's Dog on Fans This Fall
- Battles Talk Mirrored, Vocals, Side Projects
- Devendra, Lavender Diamond, Giant Drag Do Madonna
- Saddle Creek to Distribute Range Life Records
- Nine Inch Nails Year Zero Tracklist Revealed
- Sigur Ros Protest Deforestation With Reykjavik Gig
- T.V. Eye: February 12-17, 2007
- J Dilla, Band of Horses Clean Up at Plug Awards
- Depeche Mode Reissue Construction, Celebration
- Field Music's Brewis Talks Covers, Hiatus, Futureheads
Fri: 02-09-07
- Sweden's Labrador Preps 100-Track Anniversary Box
- Matt and Kim Tour America
- Lifetime Hit the Road, Prep Vinyl Release
- Gnomonsong Update: Devendra Puts Out Jana Hunter, Papercuts, Rio en Medio, Michael Hurley
- Andy Partridge: XTC "Well and Truly in the Fridge"
- Dungen's New Record, Now With 100% More Title
- Photos: Lindstrom [Chicago, IL; 02/08/07]
- Strokes' Hammond, Jr. Adds Tour Dates
- The Shins Expand Tour
- Haggard, Nelson, Price Are Last of the Breed
- Arcade Fire Pick Patrick Wolf, Electrelane to Open Tour
- Vieux Farka Toure Releases Debut LP, Tours
- Silver Jews Documentary to Premiere at SXSW
- Mastodon Extend Tour
- Rosebuds Tour in Advance of New Album
- Rufus Wainwright Announces New Album Details
- The Stooges Announce Tour Dates
- Brian Wilson to Premiere New Work in London
- Death Cab, Lips, Raconteurs Join Townshend on Comp
Thu: 02-08-07
- Dr. Dre, Hollywood Producer
- Akron/Family Launch U.S., European Tour
- Apples in Stereo Expand, Kick Off Tour
- Electrelane Ready Fourth LP, Tour With the Blow
- Lusine Recruits Tejada, Dear, Apparat for Remix Album
- Spiritualized's Pierce Returns to Earth for UK Tour
- Exclusive: LCD Soundsystem Announce Tour
- Panda Bear Reveals Earth-Shattering Three-Date Tour
- Feist Tracklist Revealed
- Sufjan Reviews My Brightest Diamond Gig
- Bonde do Role Announce Album Details, Tour
- Shins Kick Off Tour, Stay in Top 10
- Ghostface Guests on "30 Rock" (Again), Plays Poker
- SXSW Reveals Preliminary Lineup
- Antony Collaborates With All Sentient Life, Plans New Album
- Will Sheff "Talks" Lost Voice, New Okkervil Album
Wed: 02-07-07
- Calla Bloom Anew With Strength in Numbers, Tour
- Modest Mouse Announce More Shows
- Lady Sovereign Expands World Tour
- CocoRosie Ready for Adventures, Euro Tour
- Exclusive: Arcade Fire to Rock NPR
- Klaxons Invade North America
- Flying Canyon's Cayce Lindner, R.I.P.
- Twilight Sad Unveil Debut, Tour North America, UK
- Exclusive: Flaming Lips, Metric Reveal Playboy T-Shirts
- Indie Rock Movie Half-Cocked Comes to DVD
- Smashing Pumpkins Reveal Album Title, Release Date
- Maximo Park's Smith Talks Pleasures, Displeasures
Tue: 02-06-07
- Feist Announces New Album
- Patrick Wolf Reveals U.S. Release Details
- Joni Mitchell Tribute [ft. Sufjan, Bjork] Set for April 24
- Bright Eyes Reveals Cassadaga Tracklist, Euro Dates
- Soft Circle (ex-Black Dice) in Full Bloom on Debut LP
- Grizzly Bear, Band of Horses, Mogwai Join Fans' ATP
- John Cale Travels With Circus
- Deerhunter Announce North American Tour
- Bjork Release Date Disappears! Album Title Revealed?
- Exclusive: Aesop Rock Writes Nike Workout Soundtrack
- Photos: Camera Obscura/The Essex Green [Chicago, IL; 02/03/07]
Mon: 02-05-07
- Long Blondes Release Single, Tour
- Folk Singer, Dylan Pal Eric von Schmidt Dead at 75
- Motown Pianist Joe Hunter Dies
- Frog Eyes' Mercer Talks Blood, Sweat, Tears, Bowie
- Photos: Yo La Tengo [Atlanta, GA; 02/03/07]
- Nine Inch Nails Set New LP Release Date
- Rabbit Factory Unleashes Soul of Neal Hemphill
- Exclusive: Okkervil River Deluxe-ify Sheep, Enter Studio
- Chin Up Chin Up, Boris Yeltsin to Tour
- Bjork Reveals Release Date?
- Mysterious Arcade Fire Pamphlet Surfaces
- LSF, Wolf Parade, Islands Members Team Up for Benefit
- Photos: Sparklehorse / Jesse Sykes [Austin, TX; 02/02/07]
- Beatles, Apple Inc. Settle Lawsuit
- T.V. Eye: February 5-9, 2007
- Photos: Cat Power [New York, NY; 02/02/07]
- Gnarls Barkley Hold Haiku Contest
- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Announce Spring Tour
- Arctic Monkeys Unveil Second Album Details
Sun: 02-04-07
Fri: 02-02-07
- SXSW: Good Bad & Queen, Mountain Goats, Mastodon
- Rah Bras Call It Quits
- Love Is All Release Single, Tour
- The Juan Maclean Kicks Off DJ Dates
- All Seven Sly and the Family Stone LPs Reissued
- Ratatat, 120 Days Tour Together
- Jesse Sykes Confesses Like, Love, Lust, Kicks Off Tour
- Exclusive: Ed Banger Delivers Second Comp, Tour
- Midlake Embark on Bi-Continental Tour
- Goldfrapp Ride a White Horse on New EP
- Sufjan, My Brightest Diamond to Play Music Now Fest
- Pitchfork Seeks Business Intern in Chicago
- Arcade Fire Involved in London Scuffle?
- Exclusive: Battles Reveal New Album Details
- Elvis Perkins Supports XL Debut on Tour
- Mountain Goats, Annuals Head WKNC Benefit
- Exclusive: Voxtrot's Ramesh Srivastava Talks Debut LP
Thu: 02-01-07
- Broken Social Scene Score Tracey Fragments
- Trentemoller "Moan"s, Seances With Lynch, Pynchon
- Herbert Releases Film Work as Score
- R.E.M., Lips, Ward Cover Radiohead, More on Comp
- Jonathan Richman Tours, Scores Indie Film
- Exclusive: Frog Eyes Shed Tears, Tour to Feel Better
- Grizzly Bear Kick Off North American Tour
- Exclusive: Dean & Britta Announce Tour, Share MP3
- Bjork, Chili Peppers Set to Rock Roskilde
- Exclusive: Magik Markers Record With Ranaldo, Tour
- Sea and Cake Ready Everybody
Wed: 01-31-07
- Jamie Klaxon Talks Success, Violence, Family, Future
- M. Ward Tours With Norah Jones
- Coldplay Prep Singles Box Set, Tour
- Air Plan European Tour
- Ladytron Tour With Nine Inch Nails
- You Say Party! We Say Die! Sign to Paper Bag
- Mr. Lif Kicks Off Tour
- Exclusive: Jarvis Announces North American Dates
- The Cribs Enlist Kapranos, Ranaldo for Warner Debut
- The Shins' Wincing Debuts at #2!
- Photos: Peter Bjorn and John [New York, NY; 01/30/07]
- The Killers Announce North American Tour
Tue: 01-30-07
- Isis Frontman Joins Black Metal Supergroup Twilight
- Little Brother Part Ways With 9th Wonder
- Xiu Xiu and Sunset Rubdown to Tour Together
- The Blow Expand Poor Aim, Tour With Of Montreal
- Danielson Movie Heads to DVD
- Steve Reich, Sonny Rollins Win Polar Music Prize
- New Avalanches Album in the Works, Finally
- The Good, the Bad and the Queen Hit North America
- José González Schedules U.S. Shows
- Jay-Z, M.I.A., Timberlake to Shock With Timbaland
- Vashti, ex-Arab Strap, ex-Delgados on Idlewild Lit Comp
- Nick Drake Preps Music From Beyond, Haunts SXSW
- Shellac to Play Robbins Benefit
Mon: 01-29-07
- Police to Reunite for Arresting Grammys Performance
- Anticon Signs SJ Esau, Thee More Shallows
- Photos: Annuals [Atlanta, GA; 01/26/07]
- Clipse Announce Winter Tour
- Decemberists Get Embroidery Treatment
- Maria Taylor Enlists Siblings, Oberst for New Solo LP
- Rogue Wave's Spurgeon Receives Kidney
- Ponys, Roky, Brightblack, Annuals to Play Noise Pop
- Earl Greyhound OK After Tour Van Accident
- Flaming Lips, Metric, Lil Jon Team Up With Playboy
- Klaxons Send Myths Stateside via Rinse/DGC
- Exclusive: Xiu Xiu, Larsen Team for New XXL Album
- Arcade Fire Launch Most Anticipated Tour of All Time
- Exclusive: Cornelius' Sensuous Comes to the States
- T.V. Eye: January 29-February 3, 2007
- Ted Leo Expands Living With Chumbawumba Cover
- Pitchfork Music Festival SXSW Party Revealed!
- Afghan Whigs Retrospective Revealed
- Pretty Girls Make Graves Split
Fri: 01-26-07
- Chatham Gets Sonic Youth, Godspeed for "Guitar Trio"
- Okkervil River's Will Sheff Tours With Josh Ritter
- Modest Mouse Unveil Dead Tracklist, Release Date
- The Good, the Bad and the Queen Kick Off Tour
- Tapes 'n Tapes Schedule North American Tour
- Animal Collective's Avey Tare Records With ex-Múm Gal
- Brian Eno Producing New Coldplay Album
- Kaiser Chief Wilson Chats Album, Na's, No's, Hit'n'Run
- Mastodon Kick Off Winter Tour
- Pattern Is Movement Tour With David Bazan
- Smashing Pumpkins Announce First Reunion Shows
- Secretly Canadian Artists Cover Each Other for Comp
- Shins, Lily Allen, Cold War Kids Play KCRW Fundraiser
- Danny! = Next Def Jux Artist
- Girl Talk Seeks Dancers for Vegas Gig
- Q-Tip Readies Renaissance, Kamaal LPs
- Badly Drawn Boy Tours Europe, North America
- RJD2 Extends North American Tour
Thu: 01-25-07
- Beck's Information Deluxe Edition Revealed
- Photos: Deerhoof/Hella/Busdriver [Los Angeles, CA; 01/24/06]
- Capitol and Virgin Totally Hook Up
- Photos: Of Montreal [San Antonio, TX; 01/21/07]
- Joanna Newsom Tours Australia, New Zealand, Japan
- Lemonheads Tour America, Down Under
- Tom Waits Settles Another Goddamn Lawsuit
- Yo La Tengo Hit the Road
- Datarock Transmit Grooves on North American Tour
- The Rapture Launch Winter Tour
- Times New Viking Sign to Matador, Prep Second LP
- Scott Walker Documentary Drifts Into Theatres
- Shining Put Their Noses to the Grindstone on New LP
- Neko Case Launches Bi-Continental Tour
- Pollard Preps Self-Released EP, LPs for Merge, Ipecac
Wed: 01-24-07
- Perry Farrell's Satellite Party Gets Ultra Payloaded
- The Decemberists Offer iTunes Live From SoHo EP
- Apostle of Hustle Sing National Anthem of Nowhere
- Phil Elverum Re-Adopts Microphones Name for New 7"
- Stuart Murdoch, Will Oldham, Jarvis Head Kiddie Comp
- Can You Make an Album in 28 Days?
- Faust Founder/Producer Uwe Nettelbeck Passes On
- Dinosaur Jr. Reveal Reunion Album Details
- Jennifer O'Connor Tours, Joins Sykes, Dump for 7" Club
- !!!'s Offer Talks Myth Takes, Out Hud, Politics, Welfare
- The Kooks Return to North America
- The Knife's Silent Shout to Become Three-Disc Set
Tue: 01-23-07
- Producer Disco D Commits Suicide
- Yorke Pimps Liars, Spank Rock, Malkmus on iTunes
- Walkmen, Kaiser Chiefs to Tour Together
- Lady Sovereign to Open for Gwen Stefani
- Junior Boys Extend Tour Stateside, Canadaways
- Toto, Spin Doctors, Marky Mark Sign on for Coachella
- Menomena Announce North American Tour
- Band of Horses Saddle Up for Studio, Enhance Lineup
- The Books Announce Spring Tour
- Jarvis Gets U.S. Release Date, Tours Europe
- Hella Kick Off Tour, Get Ready for Outer Space
- LCD Soundsystem to Fans: Send Silver to #1!
Mon: 01-22-07
- Photos: Mission of Burma [New York, NY; 01/19/07]
- Jesus and Mary Chain to Play Coachella!
- Touch and Go Revisit Festival With Video Awesomeness
- Kristin Hersh Talks New Album
- Silver Jews, Avey Tare, Enon, Black Dice on RBR Comp
- Kanye West Applies for Graduation With Chris Martin
- Maximo Park Reveal Our Earthly Pleasures
- Enon Cancel Dates With Of Montreal
- Corsano + Hair Police + Mouthus + Giffoni = Death Unit
- Funkstorung Release Farewell Remix Album
- Deerhoof Give Friends Art Opportunity
- T.V. Eye: January 22-29, 2007
- Jarvis, Lily, New Pornos, Ghostface Added to Coachella
- Ted Leo/Pharmacists to Tour U.S./Canada
Sun: 01-21-07
Fri: 01-19-07
- Pitchfork Music Festival 2007: July 14-15, Chicago
- Kanye West, RZA, DJ Premier on Beat Kings DVD
- Apples in Stereo Tour in Support of New Album
- Summer Hymns, Winter Tour
- Islands' Nick Thorburn Talks All Kinds of Crazy Stuff
- Rock Plaza Central Sign to Yep Roc
- Dosh Drops EP, Dashes Off on Tour
- Fujiya & Miyagi Schedule U.S. Shows
- Lily Allen Announces American Tour
- Ghost Prepare for Stormy Nights
- Iron & Wine and Calexico Tour Japan
- Exclusive: The Pipettes to Charm North America
- Arcade Fire Announce UK Single
- Radiohead Working on Album Again
- Bjork Taps Antony, Timbaland, Lightning Bolt for LP
- Of Montreal Launch Tour, Release Digital Single
Thu: 01-18-07
- The Constantines Tour Canada
- Exclusive: Bonde do Role Sign to Domino
- Lee Hazlewood Taps Granddaughter for Final Album
- Cage Launches Winter Tour
- Mark Eitzel Embarks on East Coast Tour
- Cat Power, Seu Jorge Become Works of Public Art
- Photos: Andrew Bird [New York, NY; 01/17/06]
- Bright Eyes Sign to Polydor Outside North America
- David Kilgour Cleans Up With The Far Now
- Tweedy Reveals Wilco LP Title, Release Date
- Exclusive: Decemberists Announce Spring U.S. Tour
- Parts & Labor, Jana Hunter Cover Oneida's "Sheets"
- Songs of Green Pheasant Sends Aerial Days Stateside
- Pre-Thermals Material Collected on Urban Legends LP
- Turbulence Promises Album Will Do Good
- Echo & the Bunnymen Expand Songs to Learn and Sing
- Built to Spill Show Europe What They're Made Of
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