Pasta Primavera Is Moving

Hello internet world! We here at Pasta Primavera are proud to announce that this little blog has packed its bags and is heading on to a new home. Please update all you bookmark thingys to this address:
http://pastaprima.net
http://pastaprima.net
http://pastaprima.net
http://pastaprima.net

We hope you enjoy our new site. Hopefully it will allow us to bring this wonderful music to your eyes and ears in a more visually pleasing way. Please let us know what you think, but first go visit the new site. This will be the last post on the blogger address. Thanks a bunch for the support so far.

mp3: Shout Out Louds - Tonight I Have To Leave It (The Russian Futurist Remix)
mp3: Simon & Garfunkel - Homeward Bound
mp3: Peter & The Wolf - Safe Travels
mp3: Out Hud - One Life To Leave
mp3: Mos Def - Travelin' Man (Remix - DJ Honda)
mp3: LCD Soundsystem - Movement
mp3: Kanye West featuring Common - My Way Home
mp3: J-Live - Traveling Music
mp3: Franz Ferdinand - Come On Home
mp3: Engineers - Home
mp3: Daedelus - Move On
mp3: Candence Weapon - We Move Away
mp3: Bloc Party - Where Is Home?
mp3: Air - Universal Traveler

The Run Down - Monday May 5, 2008

So after a boomng weekend of shows...there's not many today...in fact there's one and it's sold out. Have a good time to all the people going to see Flight Of The Concords playing at the Tower Theater in Pennsylvania.

mp3: Flight Of The Conchords - Ladies Of The World --> website --> buy

Random Randomness For A Random World

FREAK OUT WITH LIGHTS OUT! ROCK THE HOUSE 'TIL THE MONEY RUNS OUT!!

video via blu

Pattern Is Movement Moves Me

A band with little fear, similar to the mentality of Deerhoof (greatest band ever) minus the punk aspect, but filling in that void with complex orchestral arrangements. The reason why I enjoy Philly's Pattern Is Movement so much is the spontaneity of every beat and note. Rhythms change constantly, instruments drop in and out, yet it all coagulates into a rich landscape of music. How's it done? Talent? Smarts? The "knack"? Andrew Thiboldeaux and Chris Ward probably have all of that. They also have a full length release, All Together (fitting), out on Home Tapes on May 6th. Check them out on May 16th at Metro Gallery in Baltimore with Wye Oak (holy crap that's a good show). Their myspace has more dates.

mp3: Pattern Is Movement - Bird --> website --> buy
mp3: Pattern Is Movement - Right Away

Islands Oasis

Islands seem to have a knack for creating feature length cinematic albums. While their debut might have had a bit more art noir feel to it, their upcoming release (due out May 20th on Anti-) The Arm has crystal clear production that heightens the diverse array of genres and tempos that Islands throws at you on every song. This album definitely signifies that Islands is a creative force...not a bad track on The Arm.

mp3: Islands - Creeper --> website --> buy
mp3: Islands - Abominable Snow

The Run Down - Saturday May 3, 2008

Another weekend is here bringing in a wave of great shows. Abby Mott plays her second day of shows at the Nerve Center in Baltimore with The Bright Lights, A Cat Called Cricket and In Every Room. In DC the Black Cat has Jukenox the Ghost, Travis Morrison Hellfighters, and the XYZ Affair while the Rock and Roll Hotel has South, Silver State, and KI: Theory. Finally in Philly, Johnny Brenda's has the Kills and Telepathe while the M Room has The Major Leagues.

mp3: Jukebox The Ghost - Good Day
mp3: South - Here On In
mp3: The Major Leagues - Fire
mp3: Abby Mott - Wild Desire

What Happened Coldplay?

So many of you have now heard the first single off of Coldplay's new record Viva Lavida. The did a great thing by having you submit your email then sending you a free download link. Unfortunately for me no link ever came to any of my three email addresses (configured to accept this mystery email). My take is that Coldplay just doesn't like pasta...or maybe technology doesn't like pasta (that's more like it). So thanks to Audio Therapy I was able to obtain the track, though thoroughly let down by the CP website. That being said, the new track, Violet Hill, is pretty good and pleasantly different than most Coldplay tracks. It's got the standard sound, but with a Phil Collins sheen on it (don't knock Phil Collins). They really changed up their standard rhythms on this and went for a new direction with much success in my opinion. Check it for yourself.

mp3: Coldplay - Violet Hill

The Run Down - Friday May 2, 2008 - UPDATED

Edit: The Velocipede Bike Project show just got a lot cooler. Abby Mott and Baby Teeth are now on the bill, after the unfortunate Metro Gallery cancellation. Woo.

This is a super packed day for events. Here in Baltimore be sure to check out a great art opening down at Velocipede Bike Project that features the work of Alyssa Dennis, Charlotte Benedetto, David Cunningham, Kathy Fahey, Laurent Hrybyk, and Orlando Johnson. There will also be a performance by Yeveto. After that you can head right next store to Metro Gallery and catch the one and only Protomen or across from that you can swing by the Charles for the Maryland Film Festival.

Maybe you might want to travel a bit more downtown to the Talking Head for Abby Mott and Baby Teeth EDIT: (The Talking Head has had to cancel this show).... or trek over to Charm City Art Space for Caleb Stine, Among Wolves, Beans, Lost Thoughts, and Heavy Hangs The Head. In DC the Black Cat has The Kills and Telepathe while the Velvet Lounge has Hammer No More The Fingers, New Rock Church Of Fire, Caverns, and Black and White Jacksons. In Philly the Millcreek Tavern has Gildon Works, Cheers Elephant and a new favorite, Meowskers while the Khyber has The Acorn.

mp3: The Kills - No Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix)
mp3: The Acorn - Blankets
mp3: Hammer No More The Fingers - Fall Down, Play Dead
mp3: Gildon Works - Fourth But First
mp3: Meowskers - Colors That Lie!
mp3: Among Wolves - Hard To Die
mp3: Baby Teeth - Snake Eyes
mp3: Abby Mott - Aphrodite

Posting on Post War Years

So it's not often I post something about a band without really listening to more than two tracks, but thats all I have to go on from Leamington Spa, UK's Post War Years. And let me tell you...this is some pretty fantastic music that blends analog electronics with an almost jazz fusion beat, then coming together in a modern indie sort of way (complete with hand claps). I don't know much about them besides the fact they're a new four piece from the UK. Here's their own description of themselves:

Post War Years live together in an abandoned russian social club/ hairdressers. Here, they can usually be found creating big beats in the kitchen or just sleeping somewhere. Any noises you hear are triggered by a Live Finger or foot. They grew up together.

The also have a blog which is pretty fantastic. Check it out...go leave a comment of encouragement. They have a 7" of Black Morning due out on May 12th on Rough Trade. Pre order it here, but for now ... listen.

mp3: Post War Years - Black Morning --> website --> buy
mp3: Post War Years - You and Me Both
mp3: Foals - Electric Broom (Post War Years Gatefold Banjo Remix)

Here's their video for Black Morning:

Friday (I'm A Remix)

So that's where hell is. I always thought it was in a hand basket. Sometimes it's in my computer screen...or just computers in general. Here's to a weekend away from screens and in front of music.

mp3: The Teenagers - Love, No (Delorean Remix)
mp3: Jose Gonzalez - Killing For Love (Beatfanatic Remix)
mp3: Tokyo Police Club - Tessellate (Field Music Remix)
mp3: Spoon - Don't You Evah (Ted Leo's I Like It Hot Remix)

image via wooster collective

School of Language - Learned

In April 2007, Sunderland UK's Field Music decided to kind of stop making music to persue side projects. One of these tangents is David Brewis' School of Language. In February, School of Language released Sea From Shore on Thrill Jockey. When listening to this, I guess I could throw around terms like "post rock" or "friggin' great", but that wouldn't really pin point what Brewis accomplishes on Sea From Shore. The core of the album is held together by the epic four part Rockist that fleeces my ears with it's oohs-and-ahhs-a-capella backbone over and over. The other tracks drop in between Rockist parts with power and solidarity. I guess it's not too often you hear the words monumental and indie in the same sentence, but that is exactly the style of rock that School of Language emanates... and I can't seem to turn it off. Right now there playing all over Europe. Check their myspace for the dates.

mp3: School Of Language - This Is No Fun --> website --> buy
mp3: School Of Language - Rockist Part 4

The Run Down - Thursday May 1, 2008

MAY DAY! Celebrate it at Baltimore's Charm City Art Space with Denton, Texas' own Fishboy, The Up Set, Thee Lexington Arrows, and Markitect. Or perhaps you would like to go to DC for RJD2 and Happy Chichester at the 9:30 Club. Another option is Langhorne Slim performing at Iota. Finally you could head north to see Steve Goldberg and the Archenemies perform at The Fire in Philly with Sarah White and Sleeper Car.

mp3: RJD2 - Beyond --> website --> buy
mp3: Langhorne Slim - Restless --> website --> buy
mp3: Steve Goldberg - Artichokes --> website --> buy
mp3: Fishboy - Race Car --> website --> buy

Toofer Toosday - 13Ghosts & Neva Dinova

I dreamt last night I was a member of the Eagles and somehow Don Henley and company were short on luck, losing everything in Vegas. So there we were, riding in an old beat up boxcar, traveling where ever the train took us. What instrument did I play, you ask? Why a drum sequencer and sampler, of course. When I woke up the next morning, I realized I had fallen asleep listening to 13Ghosts new LP, The Strangest Colored Lights. This Birmingham, Alabama 6 member band plays country infused classic folk rock with a large dose of distorted reality painted all over it. Very intriguing indeed.

mp3: 13Ghosts - Beyond The Door --> website --> buy
mp3: 13Ghosts - Whip Poor Will

Imagine. You're down south. It's hot. You stroll into a dank bar and the smoke swallows you whole. The ceiling fan is spinning slow as the wallpaper begins to peel off the wall (as if you're in a Coen brothers movie). Sounds gradually drift your way. A moody southern slow rock with a twist of the unkown. You then mosey on over to a empty bar stool and replenish your tired mind with booze and the salty tunes of Omaha's Neva Dinova. If you like that kind of cinematic song writing, then Jake Bellows' Nevo Dinova, who just released You May Already Be Dreaming on Saddle Creek, might be a good play for you. Check them out on May 11th at DC9.

mp3: Neva Dinova - Squirrels --> website --> buy
mp3: Neva Dinova - Supercomputer

The Run Down - Tuesday April 29, 2008

Well if you missed any of the superb shows in Philly last night, you have a chance to check them out in DC tonight, butmaybe you want to stick to Baltimore. The Recher Theatre has a great one with Josh Ritter and Langhorne Slim. In DC the Black Cat has Tokyo Police Club, Meligrove Band and Smoosh, while the 9:30 Club has Atmosphere.

mp3: Tokyo Police Club - Centennial --> website --> buy
mp3: Atmosphere - That Night --> website --> buy
mp3: Josh Ritter - Mind's Eye --> website --> buy
mp3: Langhorne Slim - She's Gone --> website --> buy

Random Randomness For A Random World

I might be wrong, long as I can see the light... going , going , gone ...it's that time again. Right?

image via nick

The Run Down - Monday April 28, 2008

There are some fantastic shows tonight for a Monday...all in Philly...close, but not that close. The First Unitarian Church has Tokyo Police Club, Meligrove Band. The Troc has Atmosphere and North Star Bar has The Secret Machines, Bellmar Dolls, and The Sunshine Recorder.

mp3: Tokyo Police Club - Your English Is Good --> website --> buy
mp3: Meligrove Band - I'm Easy --> website --> buy
mp3: Atmosphere - Get Fly --> website --> buy
mp3: The Secret Machines - Nowhere Again --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Sunday April 27, 2008

I hope you all are having a nice relaxing Sunday. Here' some shows that you might fancy going to tonight. In Baltimore, if you have the chance, Myspace is putting on a secret show at the Talking Head for TOKYO POLICE CLUB!!! Holy crap! If you can't get into that one then be sure to head to Sonar because they're serving up The Spinto Band, The Sw!ms, Explorers Clb, The Mishaps, and The Payola Reserve. In Philly, you might not want to miss Feist take over The Academy Of Music. Enjoy!

mp3: Tokyo Police Club - Your English Is Good --> website --> buy
mp3: The Spinto Band - They All Laughed --> website --> buy
mp3: Feist - My Moon My Man (Boys Noize Remix) --> website --> buy

Sunday Buffet

Another Sunday....another buffet. What more could you ask for?

Aderbat is the brainchild of Matt Taylor from Doylestown, PA. They play silky smooth indie pop rock that pleases me every time I take it for a spin. Pick up there Man Overboard EP that's out now or check them at John & Peter's on May 14th in New hope, PA or at Pete's Candy Store in NYC on May 21st.

mp3: Aderbat - I Need Someone --> website --> buy

Destroy Cowboy is five member band from Birmingham, UK that plays sensory healing electronic-ish music. You may have seen them supporting Stars, Apostle Of Hustle, or Tokyo Police Club. If not, here's your chance.

mp3: Destroy Cowboy - 1000 Candles --> website --> buy

The Winter Sounds are a fine band from Athens, Georgia. They have a kind of emo-crazed Shins sound going on which is quite intoxicating. Catch them playing shows all over the south and Georgia (check their myspace for 'em).

mp3: The Winter Sounds - Oblivion --> website --> buy

Future Tips are a five piece from Philly. They describe themselves as "Archers of Loaf getting drunk with The Who." Nuff said.

mp3: Future Tips - Chins Up --> website

The Run Down - Saturday April 26, 2008

Welcome to a great Saturday of shows. Here in Baltimore, don't miss Among Wolves at Frazier's on the Avenue in Hampden. Or head north to Towson, MD to see The Roots tear down the Recher Theatre. In DC, Jimmy Eat World take on Bender Arena, while the B-52s take out the 9:30 club with Eagle Seagull, and Five Four take over the Rock and Roll Hotel with Hello Tokyo and The Frustrations. In Philly, the Fillmore has Drink Up Buttercup, Poi Dog, and Abra Moore, while Johnny Brenda's has the A-Sides, The Explorers Club, and The Sw!ms.

mp3: Jimmy Eat World - Blister --> website --> buy
mp3: Drink Up Buttercup - Young Ladies --> website --> buy
mp3: The Roots - Black's Reconstruction --> website --> buy
mp3: Among Wolves - The Lesson --> website --> buy

Royal Bangs Cut It Up

What's there not to like about Knoxville, Tennessee? I mean come on. Superdrag... AWESOME. The Sun Sphere .... AWESOME. The Wig Sphere.... AWESOME. Now.... Royal Bangs... yup... AWESOME. This five member group blazes out of the 'ville brandishing a unique electro rock sound that sounds too old school to be new wave and too new school to be...um... old school. They've pretty much played everywhere down south including a stint at some festival called Bonnaroo. Now they have an album coming out on May 13th called We Breed Champions on Audio Eagle. I was pretty taken when I first listened to it. The Knoxville Voice compared them to "Radiohead vs. fifteen bottles of Southern Comfort." First of all anybody with 15 bottles of So-Co is not going to sound good, but I see where they're going with that. Second of all, I would say they sounded more like the Rolling Stones gettin' all crazy-like with keyboards when Van Morrison kicks down the wall and goes crazy (like Aerosmith vs. Run-DMC 'Walk This Way' style). This is Royal Bangs. Intelligent, yet rough around the edges, electro rock that knows no boundaries.

mp3: Royal Bangs - Broke Calculator --> website --> buy
mp3: Royal Bangs - Cat Swallow

New Wolf Parade Tour Dates

To coincide with the release of their new LP, Wolf Parade has announced the following tour dates :

July 7: Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

July 8: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

July 9: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

July 12: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

July 13: Seattle, WA @ Marymoor Park

July 15: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

July 17: San Francisco, Ca @ Fillmore

July 18: Hollywood, CA @ Henry Fonda

July 19: Hollywood, CA @ Henry Fonda

July 20: San Diego, CA @ Cane's

July 21: Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

July 24: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom

July 25: Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa

July 26: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon

July 28: Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

July 29: Raleigh, NC @ Disco Rodeo

July 30: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

July 31: New York, NY @ Terminal 5

Aug 2: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

Aug 3: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

Aug 9: Toronto, ON @ Koolhaus

To buy tickets: CLICK HERE

DC? Baltimore? Next time I guess.

mp3: Wolf Parade - Call It A Ritual --> website --> buy

VIDEO - LIVE - Radiohead (Conan) & Vampire Weekend (Jimmy Kimmel)

Just in case you missed these performances on late night t.v. this week. Which is your favorite?



mp3: Radiohead - House Of Cards (Live On Conan 080423)
thanks to Culture Bully & ryanpoorman



mp3: Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
thanks to musickimmel

Friday (I'm A Remix)

The news has angered me this week. Damn you FRONTLINE and your revealing insights! I recently watched their expose on the environmental policies that were pretty much pushed aside by every president since 1988 (what's up with that Clinton/Gore). Many politicians didn't even believe global warming existed (some still don't) while others knew it was there, but felt mandatory CO2 caps would affect the economy, so they decided they would make them optional. Then the new Bush came in promising the mandatory caps, but basically backed out of that as soon as he was elected. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....pop! So here's my question to the new candidates. You say you're for change and happiness and greatness? What will you do? Sorry for the rant... here's some earth friendly remixes.

mp3: Sohodolls - Trash The Rental (Crystal Castles Remix)
mp3: The Rolling Stones - I'm Free (Hot Chip Remix)
mp3: Tapes n Tapes - Cowbell (The Black Eyes Remix)
mp3: Mystery Jets - Hideaway (Switch Remix)

image by Satoboy via Wooster Collective

The Run Down - Friday April 25, 2008

It's FRI-day! You should head on down to the 8x10 in Baltimore to check out the Herd Of Main Street with June Star, Til Sunrise, and In The Fur. If you're in DC, the Black Cat has Destroyer and Andre Ethier, while the Rock and Roll Hotel has Telograph, Len Bias, The Red Romance, and The A-Sides. If you're in Philly, you should check Johnny Brenda's to see Drink Up Buttercup, Buried Beds, and American Music Club, while the B-52s and Eagle Seagull are at the Electric Factory. Finally if you manage to get out to Wilkes Barre, PA, Cafe M has The Sw!ms, The Spinto Band, The Explorers Club, and The Moneynotes.

mp3: Destroyer - Your Blood --> website --> buy
mp3: Drink Up Buttercup - Mr. Pie Eyes --> website --> buy
mp3: Buried Beds - Insomnia --> website --> buy
mp3: Eagle Seagull - Beauty --> website --> buy
mp3: The A- Sides - A Florida Grove --> website --> buy
mp3: The Sw!ms - We Need Lava --> website --> buy
mp3: The Spinto Band - Summer Grof --> website --> buy
mp3: The Explorers Club - I Lost My Head --> website --> buy
mp3: Herd Of Main Street - Stumble and Fall --> website --> buy

I love my job - Arden and Georgie James at UMBC

Sometimes I really love going to work. Saturday's in April when its 80 degrees and awesome bands will play live music all day are certainly included in that category. Last Saturday was "Quadmania" at UMBC; Our big spring festival. Its usually at least entertaining, but this year included a bunch of really amazing campus and local acts, including Arden and Georgie James.

I'd seen Arden once before, but for only about five minutes, so this was my first valid impression of them, and the impression is FUN. Arden will likely be compared to fellow B-more band Karmellas Game, what with the female singer who play some keys, but this is not a copycat band. Arden has the full package. Great drums, tight bass, exceptional guitars, and of course, intriguing vocals. They are energetic and captivating. Catch them at Fletcher's this Friday, April 25th or the Brass Monkey on May 3rd.

Mp3: Arden - Kiss & Make Up --> Website --> Buy


Closing the night was D.C.'s Georgie James. Our admiration for GJ has already been stated HERE, but this was my first chance to catch them live. And it was glorious. Playing an acoustic set actually showcased how talented GJ are. Often when you strip a band down to its core, it can be disappointing, but GJ were well within their element. They were loose and were clearly amused by all the weird noises coming from the surrounding carnival rides. Laura Burhenn's vocals really matched the feel of the night. It was warm and blustery, and her voice sounds like a warm spring breeze, refreshing and liberating. A great performance indeed.

For those lucky people at Western Kenturcky University, GJ are playing w/Army of Me and Martin Royle & Pash on April 29th. Enjoy Washington D.C.'s finest in your back yard.

Long Week


mp3: Georgie James - More Lights --> website --> buy
mp3: Georgie James - Hard Feelings

Lots more pix from both shows are HERE

TOKYO POLICE CLUB TO PERFORM AT MYSPACE SECRET SHOW IN BALTIMORE, APRIL 27

Just Announced!!!

Tokyo Police Club (http://www.myspace.com/tokyopoliceclub) celebrate the release of their debut album Elephant Shell in Baltimore Sunday, April 27 at a free MySpace Secret Show at The Talking Head. The Canadian band, signed to indie Saddle Creek, is a critics darling with Rolling Stone opining, “If only all young guitar bands were smart enough to rock out this fast, banging out seven first-rate mod-punk party starters in barely more than sixteen minutes.”

Elephant Shell was released on April 22, and the band is currently on tour to support the release, with the secret show being by far the smallest most intimate venue Tokyo Police Club will play. The band was recently featured on MTV’s Discover and Download program and their new single, “Tessellate,” is being played on such influential radio stations as Indie 103 in Los Angeles.

Did I mention it's FREE. Don't Miss it!

mp3: Tokyo Police Club - Tessellate --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Thursday April 24, 2008

DC and Philly are where it's at tonight. The Black Cat has Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Via Audio. The Rock and Roll Hotel has the French Kicks and Ravens and Chimes. The North Star has Destroyer and Andre Ethier. The Khyber has National Eye, Cheers Elephant, East Hundred, Street Girls, and Cary Ann Hurst & The Gun. Finally the First Unitarian Church has I'm From Barcelona and Pepi Ginsberg.

mp3: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - I Am Warm and Powerful --> website --> buy
mp3: Via Audio - Modern Day Saint --> website --> buy
mp3: National Eye - The Switch --> website --> buy
mp3: Cheers Elephant - Wide Eyed --> website --> buy
mp3: Ravens And Chimes - For M --> website --> buy
mp3: I'm From Barcelona - Oversleeping --> website --> buy
mp3: Destroyer - Rubies --> website --> buy

Tokyo Police Club Expanded

When I first heard A Lesson In Crime, Ontario's Tokyo Police Clubs debut EP, I was immediatley taken by the energy that was thrown at me, but really didn't have enough time to enjoy it since it only ran around 16 minutes. Luckily for me, the EP garnered them some success and they signed to Saddle Creek to release their debut LP, Elephant Shell, which came out on April 22nd. On this one they have seemed to limit their hyperness... and it's poptastic. It could even be considered more 'main stream'. All of these things seem to be negatives, yet this album hasn't left my rotation all week. The lyrics are captivating enough and catchy enough to hold my attention long enough that I'm singing along by the end. This is sure to be a favorite of many...so go ahead and dive in.

mp3: Tokyo Police Club - In A Cave --> website --> buy
mp3: Tokyo Police Club - Listen To The Math

VIDEO - Mystery Jets & Mates Of State

Mystery Jets have brand new video out for the song Two Doors Down. Check it out:



mp3: Mystery Jets - Two Doors Down

Also just released is Mates Of States video for Get Better off of their upcoming LP. Thanks to The Yellow Stereo for this.



mp3: Mates Of State - Get Better

Rolling Stone Gets In On It

I'm not an avid reader of Rolling Stone, but when they have their little lists they like to put together I usually take a gander so I can be one of those people that argues with a speechless magazine. This months edition chronicles 2008's best so far. My Morning Jacket, Radiohead, Vampire Weekend, etc. Low and behold guess who the Best Scene belongs to....BALTIMORE. Yes, apparently thanks to the success of Dan Deacon and Wham City combined with the growing number of indie acts, good ole Charm City has gained some props from the 'big media'. I can't really disagree, partly because we're based in Baltimore, but mainly because there's some great music coming out of here. Tons of variety....indie, folk, hardcore, club, electronic, experimental...screamo. Dan Deacon, Celebration, Animal Collective, The Death Set, Wye Oak, Double Dagger, and Among Wolves (one of our faves) just to name a few. Sure Baltimore isn't perfect (with all the crime and all), but hey, at least we've got a scene. Here's the article.

mp3: Among Wolves - Baltimore
mp3: Dan Deacon - Wham City
mp3: The Death Set - Selective Memories
mp3: Celebration - Lost Souls
mp3: Animal Collective - Did You See The Words?
mp3: Wye Oak - Orchard Fair

Riddle Of Steel For Rock

Sometimes music needs to stop messing around. What's up with all these samples? What's up with all this disco? Where's the rock...umm...I...mean...where's the R O C K? Apparently it's in St. Louis...what, you didn't know that? There's a rumor that a three piece band lives in Missouri that produces the kind of rock that makes me nod my head back and forth when thinking about it. Well actually it's no rumor, it's a fact. Riddle Of Steel. Three guys, Andrew Elstner, Jimmy Vavak, and Rob Smith, crank out rock that sounds like Queens of the Stone Age dreaming of Jawbox or maybe Van Halen partying with Shudder To Think. Whatever. That doesn't matter. What matters is now is the time to test that little stereo of yours. How loud can it go (does it go to 11)? Riddle Of Steel will solve that...riddle. Their debut album, 1985, is out now.

mp3: Riddle Of Steel - It's Called A Turbo --> website --> buy
mp3: Riddle Of Steel - Who's The Fella Owns This Shithole?

The Run Down - Wednesday April 23, 2008

There are five quality events tonight in the surrounding areas. In DC, the 9:30 club has Tapes N Tapes with White Denim, while the Rock and Roll Hotel has Foals and Tereu Tereu. In Philly, Johnny Brenda's has Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin with Via Audio and Aderbat, while the Electric Factory has Animal Collective and Kria Brekken. Finally don't miss DC's Le Loup at Messiah College.

mp3: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - House Fire --> website --> buy
mp3: Via Audio - We Can Be Good --> website --> buy
mp3: Aderbat - I Need Someone --> website --> buy
mp3: Tapes N Tapes - Manitoba --> website --> buy
mp3: Animal Collective - The Purple Bottle --> website --> buy
mp3: Foals - Electric Bloom --> website --> buy
mp3: Tereu Tereu - Don't Be Sore, Farmer John --> website --> buy
mp3: Le Loup - Planes Like Vultures --> website --> buy

I thought I'd lost the Static Of The Gods

Sometimes I lose CD's. Even ones I like. I listened to Peluche, the new EP from Boston's own Static Of The Gods weeks ago. I thought it was great. It reminded me of fellow Boston rockers, The Sheila Divine mixed with B-more's Avec. I actually left the three song EP in my CD player for three days. And then I'm pretty sure my car ate it. I can't blame my car, as it is a delicious EP, but yesterday I managed to dig it out from between my drivers seat and E-brake.

Static of the Gods have a great sound: Poppy enough to grab you right away, but deep enough to keep you coming back. For those who can't be in Boston, catch them at The Fire in Philly on May 16th.

This EP is the follow up to their 2006 LP release Cycles Follow Signs, which also rocks.

Mp3: Static Of The Gods - Jaguar Song
Mp3: Static Of The Gods - 2.33 (from Cycles Follow Signs) ---- Website ---- Buy

Toofer Toosday - Magnetic Morning & Man Plus

Magnetic Morning (formerly the Setting Suns) are made up of Swervedriver's singer/guitarist Adam Franklin and Interpol's drummer Sam Fogarino. They met and formed in New York in 2006. Last year they released their first self titled EP on Itunes in Novemeber while the physical copy came out on April 19th of this year. Adam Franklins bassy drawl defines their sound while stacks of whistles, strings, and organs flow beneath him covering the deep bass and drums like a winter jacket. Bundle all that up in a nice neat package then drop into a bath of reverb and you will have the majestic orchestral indie rock of Magnetic Morning.

mp3: Magnetic Morning - Cold War Kids --> website --> buy
mp3: Magnetic Morning - Don't Go To Dream State

Man Plus get their name form a science fiction novel by Frederick Kohl where a man slowly becomes a cyborg so he can live on Mars. Well the band isn't from Mars, but from Seattle, and they're not cyborgs (though I could be wrong). Instead their a five piece band that sounds like electronics shaing hands with drums that pat male/female(Jared and Ellen) duo vocals on the back. Jared's voice wavers between po and aggressive often complementing the rhythm of each song while Ellen's calm vocals sway with the musical patterns that underly them. Man Plus plays BEASTLY/light indie rock...or bi polar indie rock...or something else that I haven't thought of yet...hmmm...it's good. And they've got a new album out called The Hungarian Suicide Songbook...go get it!

mp3: Man Plus - Kids Gone Bad --> website --> buy
mp3: Man Plus - A Ghost Is A Ghost Is A Ghost Is A Ghost

The Run Down - Tuesday April 22, 2008

There are great shows all over the place tonight. Here in Baltimore the Ottobar has Ra Ra Riot, The Little One, and Kadman. In DC the Red and the Black has Mahjongg, Mystery Palace, and Outputmessage. In Philly, Johnny Brenda's has Foals and Ghosts, while the First Unitarian Church has Tapes N Tapes and White Denim. Finally in Virginia, Iota has Shortstack and The Wilders.

mp3: Foals - Balloons --> website --> buy
mp3: Mahjongg - Aluminum --> website --> buy
mp3: Mystery Palace - Nascar Survivor --> website --> buy
mp3: Ra Ra Riot - A Manner To Act --> website --> buy
mp3: The Little Ones - High On A Hill --> website --> buy
mp3: Kadman - Sorry --> website --> buy
mp3: Shortstack - Wiseblood --> website --> buy
mp3: Tapes N Tapes - Omaha --> website --> buy

The Run Down - Monday April 21, 2008

There are two small time indie shows that shouldn't be missed tonight. At the Lo-Fi Social Club has Mystery Palace and Digitata while the Red and The Black in DC has Band Marino from down south. Enjoy!

mp3: Band Marino - Chasing Rainbows --> website --> buy
mp3: Mystery Palace - Nascar Survivor --> website --> buy
mp3: Digitata - Spring Fever --> website --> buy

Random Randomness For A Random World

Cool kids keep going outside. Hide and seek when you sleep.

image by Dudu Geva via Wooster Collective