Father John Misty - Mercury Lounge, New York City

Father John Misty - Mercury Lounge NYC - May 18, 2012

Photos taken by Greg Jacquin.

Blitzen Trapper - American Goldwing available September 13, 2011 on Sub Pop.

Here's a review of Blitzen Trapper's "American Goldwing" written by Dylan Hume. Band photo by Tyler Kohlhoff.

I want to put it all on the table. I really like Blitzen Trapper. I really like their albums, and I really like their live performances. So it shouldn't be surprising when I tell you that I really like their newest album, "American Goldwing." But I'm also supposed to be thinking critically about music, right? I mean, right. This is a review. So let me be clear: "American Goldwing" is not Blitzen Trapper's best album. Not even close. It may not even be top three.

Does that mean I don't like it? No. Certainly not. But for a band that has put out four records in five years on a big indie label, their musical evolution seems to be, and I want to be careful about how I use this word here, stagnating.

The album starts strong, and is spotty throughout. Some of the uptempo rockers give you that tingling feeling, like the one you got when you heard "Destroyer of the Void" for the first time. Some of the slower, folkier tunes are pleasantly reminiscent of "Furr." In fact, there wasn't really a moment on the record when I wasn't reminded of one of their old records, which, given how good their older records are, isn't really a condemnation of the band. But it does speak to some nebulous flaw, some missing creative enzyme. I wanted something a little bit (just a little bit) new.

Blitzen Trapper's seemingly effortless blend of several distinct tropes from country, rock and folk music suggest that the band is comprised of individuals who are careful listeners and dedicated fans of those artists who first recognized the potential that lay within blurring the lines of genre. I hate to say "You know who I'm talking about," but if you don't know who I'm talking about, you probably shouldn't be listening to Blitzen Trapper in the first place. It is great music if you like other, older great music.

Luckily for me, I love great music, and Blitzen Trapper makes great music. The album is full of great songwriting, period. Lyrically, it's as good as it's ever been, maybe even better than "Furr," which I regard as a high point of lyricism for the entirety of 2008, and not just for Blitzen Trapper.

The album is also full of great musicianship and production. Everything sounds crisp, the band sounds tight. The cuts sound live, more or less, with the exception of a few moments of studio indulgence by the band. These guys are purists. They wouldn't be making these kinds of records if they weren't, and I respect them for it.

But I can't forgive the album for its inconsistencies. These guys are really comfortable making this kind of music. And they've made a lot of it in recent years, and I can't ever see myself telling them to stop. I just happen to think artists should be more comfortable with doing something different. I know I'm probably in the minority here.  I'm going to go listen to the album again, all the while hoping that I'm wrong. - DH

American Goldwing Tracks:

Might Find It Cheap Fletcher Love the Way You Walk Away Your Crying Eyes My Home Town Girl In a Coat American Goldwing Astronaut Taking It Easy Too Long Street Fighting Sun Stranger In a Strange Land

Tour:

Friday, September 9, 2011  Crystal Ballroom, Portland OR Music Fest North West

Monday, September 12, 2011  Music Millennium, Portland OR in-store @ 8PM!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011  Easy Street (Queen Anne), Seattle WA in-store 7PM!!

Friday, October 7, 2011  Mystic Theater, Petaluma CA w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Saturday, October 8, 2011  Soho Restaurant & Music Club, Santa Barbara CA w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Sunday, October 9, 2011  Belly Up, Solana Beach CA w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Monday, October 10, 2011  Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix AZ w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Tuesday, October 11, 2011  Sol Santa Fe, Santa Fe NM w/Smoke Fairies & Dawes

Thursday, October 13, 2011  Club Dada, Dallas TX w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Friday, October 14, 2011  UTOPIAfest, Utopia TX

Saturday, October 15, 2011  Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge LA w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Sunday, October 16, 2011  Bottle Tree, Birmingham AL w/ Smoke Fairies

Tuesday, October 18, 2011  Variety Playhouse, Atlanta GA w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Wednesday, October 19, 2011  Mercy Lounge, Nashville TN w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Thursday, October 20, 2011  Headliner's Music Hall, Louisville KY w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Friday, October 21, 2011  Orange Peel, Asheville NC w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Saturday, October 22, 2011  Cats Cradle, Carrboro NC w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Monday, October 24, 2011  Black Cat, Washington DC w/ Smoke Fairies & Dawes

Wednesday, October 26, 2011  Webster Hall, New York City NY w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Thursday, October 27, 2011  Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia PA w/ Dawes & Smoke Fairies

Friday, October 28, 2011  Royale (MA), Boston MA w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Saturday, October 29, 2011  Mohawk Place, Buffalo NY w/ The Belle Brigade All Ages!

Sunday, October 30, 2011  Opera House (ON), Toronto Ontario w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Tuesday, November 1, 2011  Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Wednesday, November 2, 2011  Calvin College Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids MI w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Thursday, November 3, 2011  Metro, Chicago IL w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Thursday, November 3, 2011  Reckless Records (Broadway), Chicago IL In-Store! @ 6PM

Friday, November 4, 2011  First Avenue, Minneapolis MN w/ Dawes

Saturday, November 5, 2011  Turner Hall, Milwaukee WI w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Monday, November 7, 2011  Fox Theater (CO), Boulder CO w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Thursday, November 10, 2011  Rickshaw Theater (BC), Vancouver Canada w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Friday, November 11, 2011  Neptune Theatre, Seattle WA w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Sunday, November 13, 2011  McDonald Theatre, Eugene OR w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

Tuesday, November 15, 2011  Fillmore, The (SF), San Francisco CA w/ Dawes & Belle Brigade

www.blitzentrapper.net www.facebook.com/blitzentrapper http://twitter.com/blitzentrapper

Endless Now by Male Bonding out today, Aug 29

Endless Now by Male Bonding out today, Aug 29

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Additional North American Shows Announced

Male Bonding are a noise-pop trio from London. The band’s debut record, Nothing Hurts, was described by Pitchfork as, “…the sound of a fast, fuzzy rock band racing from hook to hook, plowing happily through breakdowns and guitar blasts, springing through scrappy melodies with style. It’s one of the happiest surprises of the year so far.” Today, August 29th, their second effort, Endless Now, is officially available for your purchasing pleasure. Click here to stream the bands new record in its entirety. If you purchase Endless Now, via Subpop.com you will receive a limited edition Male Bonding designed patch. Head over to Subpop.com, and purchase this ripper.


Due to Hurricane Irene, Male Bonding had to cancel their Philadelphia show on Sunday August 28 and moved/reschedule their Brooklyn gig for tomorrow, Tuesday Aug 30, which is now at the Cameo Gallery (previously at Glasslands.) Those of you who reside on the West Coast will be happy to know that the band has announced additional shows on your side of this great nation. See below for a full list of dates. For more information on Male Bonding please visit: www.subpop.com/artists/male_bonding


MP3- Bones

MP3- Tame the Sun

Video-Tame the Sun


Video- Bones


Video-Before It’s Gone


Video- What’s That Scene?


Video- Can’t Dream




Male Bonding Tour Dates: 


Aug 29 Mercury Lounge, New York NY 


Aug 30 Cameo Gallery, Brooklyn NY

Aug 31 Brighton Music Hall, Boston MA 


Sep 01 lI Motore, Montreal, QE 


Sep 02 Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON 


Sep 03 Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit, MI 


Sep 08 Subtereanean, Chicago, IL 


Sep10 Red Palace, Washington, DC


Oct 21 Media Club, Vancouver, Canada 


Oct 22 Chop Suey, Seattle, WA 


Oct 23 Bunk Bar, Portland, OR


Oct 25 Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco, CA 


Oct 29 Satellite (CA), Los Angeles, CA 


The Head and the Heart Steal New York's Heart!!!

How we all didn't end up on-stage dancing and shaking tambourines with The Head and the Heart has zero to do with the band and audience, and everything to do with the height of the stage at Terminal 5. While their very first New York City show might have been better suited to Bell House or Mercury Lounge, they filled their opening slot for Dr. Dog at the cavernous T5 with bounce and grin-inducing harmonies.

To fill in the obligatory "for fans of" statement, easy comparisons are Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons, Guster, and Fleetwood Mac. The Head and the Heart are happily riding the recent comeback of vocal-driven pop/Americana, and they sound and look like they are enjoying it. This six-piece band, visually centered around the lovable Charity Rose Thielen (vocals, violin, percussion) and lead by frontmen Josiah Johnson and Jon Russell (vocals, guitars, percussion) brought a refreshing mix of poignant, story-telling lyrics and driven melodies to the giant room. The movement and joy on-stage was nonstop, sincere and infectious. Many of their songs center around the idea of movement: like "Ghosts," a nostalgic ride along the chorus "All my friends are talkin' about leavin', about leavin', but all my friends are sittin' in their graves" and "Cats and Dogs," their beautiful opener that declares "my roots are grown but I don’t know where they are." Strung throughout the set were songs about moving forward, being on your way, leaving, going and being gone. From what I saw and heard Friday night, I'd say the are indeed moving, on their way and going - go see The Head and the Heart live. I dare you not to give in to their sunny day preachings and grin while you dance. -tm

pics by GJ

February 2nd The Album Leaf’s A Chorus of Storytellers

From subpop.com Hey there fellow interneter! Continuing our early 2010 blitz of really very high-quality record releases, on February 2nd we’re offering The Album Leaf’s A Chorus of Storytellers, on CD and gatefold double-LP (complete with a digital download code and TAL’s ubiquitous Leaf etched into side 4!). As we like to do, we’re giving away a very special bonus item to pre-orderers in the form of TAL’s 2007 tour EP/video, The Enchanted Hill. That’s six more songs and one video just for purchasing A Chorus of Storytellers before street date! What a deal! One caveat: we’ve only got 200 of these to give away, so act quick! These are available while they last, etc. Oh! You also get a link to stream the full record the instant you click the credit card submission button so you don’t have to wait to listen. And that’s nice.

Pick up A Chorus of Storytellers here:
http://www.subpop.com/releases/the_album_leaf/full_lengths/a_chorus_of_storytellers

Download a free track here:
http://www.subpop.com/artists/the_album_leaf

Still curious? Please continue:
A Chorus of Storytellers was recorded by Ryan Hadlock in the frosty month of February 2009 at Bear Creek Studio just outside of Seattle. It was mixed in the decidedly warmer month of June in Reykjavik, Iceland by Birgir Jon Birgisson. Those paying attention will notice that this is nearly the same way their last album Into the Blue Again was recorded. There is, however, one fundamental difference between this and every other album The Album Leaf has ever recorded. For the first time in five albums, The Album Leaf recorded as a whole band. In the past, almost every instrument was performed by principal songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy LaValle. This time the whole band was invited to participate and the result is their best record yet.

Check out TAL on the road:

Feb 03 Harlow's, Sacramento, CA

Feb 05 Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR

Feb 06 Neumos, Seattle, WA

Feb 07 Rickshaw Theater (BC), Vancouver, Canada

Feb 08 Nightlight Lounge, Bellingham, WA

Feb 09 Wow Hall, Eugene, OR

Feb 11 Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA

Feb 12 Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA

Feb 13 El Rey Theater (LA), Los Angeles, CA

Feb 25 Lisbon Santiago Alquimista, Lisbon, Portugal

Feb 26 Moby Dick, Madrid, Spain

Feb 27 12 & Medio, Murcia, Spain

Feb 28 Apollo 2, Barcelona, Spain

Mar 03 Circolo Magnolia, Milan, n/a

Mar 04 Sudpol Club, Lucerne, Switzerland

Mar 05 Bad Bonn, Düdingen, Switzerland

Mar 06 Theater Palace, St. Gallen, n/a

Mar 07 Feierwerk, Munich, Germany

Mar 09 Szene, Vienna, Austria

Mar 10 Beatpol, Dresden, Germany

Mar 11 Lido, Berlin, Germany

Mar 12 Knust, Hamburg, Germany

Mar 13 Rotown, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Mar 14 Gebaude 9, Koln, Germany

Mar 16 Club Trix, Antwerpen (Borgerhout), Belgium

Mar 17 Kraken, Colmar, France

Mar 18 Karlstorbahnhof, Heidelberg, Germany

Mar 19 Maroquinerie, Paris, France

Mar 20 L'Aéronef, Lille, France

Mar 21 Thekla Social, Bristol, United Kingdom

Mar 22 Deaf Institute, Manchester, United Kingdom

Mar 23 Bush Hall, London, United Kingdom

Apr 02 Shibuya-Ax, Tokyo, Japan

Apr 03 Club Quattro Nagoya, Nagoya, Japan

Apr 05 Club Quattro Osaka, Osaka, Japan

Apr 07 Grappa's Cellar, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Apr 09 The Wall Live House, Taipei, Taiwan

AFCGT 2xLP out January 26th!

AFCGT is a rather convenient vernacular for A Frames and Climax Golden Twins. But if you’re hopeful that the usual sources are stocked with facts and figures about this outfit, think again. There’s not much information available on AFCGT. Conjoined a little over two years ago, the group has already been dishing out vinyl; recording a 10-inch EP, a full-length LP, and appearing on a 7-inch compilation not to mention a few super-limited CDRs thrown in for kicks. With 3 electric guitars, a bass guitar, and a drum kit they manage to emulate the decaying soundtrack of an international airport with all the trimmings; accidental runway collisions, air traffic control extremism, unauthorized handling of cargo, and bitching passengers at checkpoint screenings.

AFCGT, their self-titled new album on Sub Pop Records, will be available as both a vinyl LP (with bonus 7-inch single!) and as a digital album (without bonus 7-inch single!), though not as a compact disc. If you pre-order the LP version of AFCGT by January 26th, you’ll not only receive the bonus 7” single, but you’ll also get two bucks off and a link to stream the record immediately. Did I mention this is limited and that both the LP and the bonus 7-inch are on white vinyl? It is/they are/I just did.

Pre-order AFCGT here:
http://www.subpop.com/releases/afcgt/full_lengths/afcgt_sub_pop_lp

Download a free MP3 from AFCGT:
http://www.subpop.com/artists/afcgt