Get Live! Balto-DC-Philly Run Down on Some Friday Shows

First and foremost if anyone wants to see one of the premier hip hop artist really break new ground tonight, go see Cadence Weapon at the First Unitarian Church in Philly with Final Fantasy. If you're not down with that you could also check out White Rabbits at the Rock and Roll Hotel in DC with Tally Hall. Finally in good ole B-more there's a great show at the Talking Head featuring an indie act from Portland, Oregon, Fall Of Snow. Stephany Casey is Fall of Snow featuring herself along with a guitar, lots of effects, and tape loops. The show also has Jason Dove and the Magic Whip, Rails To Russia, and The Heavycoats. Should be a great show. Have a good one!

mp3: Cadence Weapon - Sharks --> website --> buy
mp3: White Rabbits - Kid On My Shoulders --> website --> buy
mp3: Tally Hall - The Whole World And You --> website --> buy
mp3: Fall of Snow - It's Not Right --> website --> buy

Day Fri (Mixed up mix)

It's been a long week to say the least. Yesterday while driving home the little 'Check Engine' light came on. GRRRRR... I guess that about says it all. Luckily today is Friday and it's basically the weekend(sorry again to you weekend workers). Time to kick back and listen to some great music, paint, socialize, do jumping jacks, enter a hot dog eating contest, learn how to fly, and do my laundry. Time to mix it up a bit.

mp3: Rick Ross vs Simian Mobile Disco - Hustlin' Hustler (Cadence Weapon Hi-Speed Edit)
mp3: The American Analog Set - The Postman (Styrofoams Just Like The Nineties Never Happened Mix)
mp3: Persephone's Bees - Nice Day (Broken Spindles Remix)

New Music - White Williams & The Octopus Project

This past Tuesday was a day I was looking forward to for a long time. New music day! White Williams put out his full length debut Smoke on the Tigerbeat6 Label. His New Violence EP definitely had me excited about this release. There are always doubts. Is it going to have the same creative energy? Will I like a full album of this music? Both were answered yes. White Williams seems to put together a barrage of electronic, analog, sampled, and live instrument sounds that at some points come across as chaotic. Luckily he seems to have mastered writing pop songs to these orchestrations because the songs really take hold when the vocals come in. They just make sense, beautiful, wild sense. If you want something new, get this. If you want something inspiring, get this.

mp3: White Williams - Danger
--> website --> buy



Another album I acquired Tuesday was The Octopus Project's Hello, Avalanche out on Peek-A-Boo Records. What turned me on to these guys was their mix of Black Moth Super Rainbows' Drippy Eye. That was fantastic giving me high expectations for this album. If this is the way modern music is going then I will be a happy man in the future. Carefully blending indie guitar pop with sample based electronica, The Octopus Project has put together a deep collection of tunes that is worthy of many listens.

mp3: The Octopus Project - Bees Bein' Strugglin'
--> website --> buy

Support Good Music - Siberian

It's not often that you're emailed good music. The other day Finn Parnell of Siberian sent me a few tracks off there brand spankin' new album, With Me. The tracks kinda blew me away. How are these guys not being talked about? Well they deserve to be. Hailing from Seattle, Siberian plays atmospheric indie rock in the same vein as Interpol. They're not a cheap imitation of Interpol, though, like many bands out there strive to be. These guys play well thought out music that is usually only coming out of well seasoned bands. I digress. Listen and love and demand for an east coast tour!

mp3: Siberian - Belgian Beer And Catholic Girls
mp3: Siberian - Islands Forever
--> website --> buy

Division Day Rides Again

So a while back I heard the Song 'Tap Tap Click Click' by Division Day and it proceeded to get extensive play in the old 'pod. Then other music enveloped me at the time and Division Day was but a distant memory. Their album, Beartrap Island, came out this year with good reviews, but somehow it managed to escape my grasp. That is until now. DD reminds me of Voxtrot mixed with Bloc Party mixed with...Division Day. They're fairly unique blending off kilter driving beats with catchy melodies and lyrics. The best part of the album is DD's ability to vary the types of songs while maintaining an identity as a whole. Sometimes they pump up the sound with fast hardcore beats laden with great hook lyrics. Sometimes they slow it down for an almost dub-esque sound. All great songs. See for yourself then go get it.

Division Day - Ricky.mp3
Division Day - Hand To The Sound.mp3
Division Day - Enjoy The Silence.mp3 (Depeche Mode Cover)
--> website --> buy

Tuesday Night Live

A great show that I wish I was going to tonight in DC is Menomena and Illinois at the Black Cat. If you make please let me know how it was. Also Action Action and the Pink Spiders play the Rock and Roll Hotel.

Menomena - Rotten Hell.mp3 --> website --> buy

Illinois - Alone Again.mp3 --> website --> buy

Action Action - What Temperature Does Ait Freeze.mp3 --> website --> buy

Toofer Toosday - All Ages

Tiny Master Of Today are a punk/indie rock band from New York consisting of siblings Ivan, a 13 year old, and Ada, an 11 year old. I was suprised when I first heard these guys. I would have never known their youth if I wasn't told in the article. Maybe their youth is the spark of energy that envelops their music. TMOT is defenitely worth some listens and more.

Tiny Masters Of Today - Hologram World.mp3 --> website --> buy
Tiny Masters Of Today - Pictures.mp3

I couldn't really drum up any info on the 4 year old rapper Nico. What can you really say, but the song is on the Peanut Butter Wolf's BBall Zombie War disc and features DJ Babu. I had to post this song because my ipod seems to want me to hear it repeatedly. The shuffle has played it at least 5 times within the last week and it always puts a smile on my face. Now you know.

Peanut Butter Wolf - Now You Know - Nico and DJ Babu.mp3 --> website --> buy

Sea Wolf @ the 8x10

I had been looking forward to this show for a long time, and I wasn't disappointed at all. Listening to their CD and EP I knew I was going to hear some fantastic music, but I didn't know it would ROCK THAT MUCH! Hell yeah it did! Coming onto the stage, Alex Brown Church(the lead singer/songwriter of Sea Wolf) looked the part of good natured traveler and musician. The first notes of Winter Windows got the crowd pretty pumped letting me know that they had a pretty sizable following in attendance at the small sized 8x10. The Cold, The Dark, & The Silence and Middle Distance Runner followed and were spectacular. The arrangement of the songs live was put together really well. Everybody seemed to have a tamborine near by for some timely percussion. Then came the time where, in my opinion, Sea Wolf went to 11(ala Spinal Tap). They flat out rocked Made A Resolution. There was no stopping it after that with Sea Monuments and Song For The Dead following. Mr. Church then made me a happy man by slowing it down a tad to play a mezmerizing rendition of The Garden That You Planted. This was basically the set up song for the final one two punch of You're A Wolf and Black Dirt. They played these songs with the highest amount of emotion and energy giving them more power and meaning than they had before. When they left the stage they had me wanting more. Where was the encore? Oh yeah they were the opening act for Nada Surf(who took the show to a higher level...more on that later). With this show Sea Wolf has put them in the 'must see live' category for me. If you have a chance do yourself a favor and see them. They still have a couple more dates on this leg and hopefully will launch another one sometime next year. If you can't make it, pick up a copy of their EP or full length. Stay tuned for more on the Nada Surf half of the show.

Sea Wolf - The Garden That You Planted.mp3 --> website --> buy
Sea Wolf - Black Dirt.mp3

Thanks to Ted Licinski(Sea Wolf bassist) for giving some great feedback about the tour, life, crappy jobs, good jobs, and poster design. Keep on rockin that Devo suit.

FRIDAY(PASTA MIX)

Today's the final work day of the week(for some...sorry weekend warriors). Time to crank up these remixes, turn to your boss, and give him the 'ol jolly roger. Booyah! Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible for you getting fired, but cheers to you!

Neutral Milk Hotel - Naomi (Joe Beats Remix).mp3
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Gold Lion (Diplo's Optimo Remix).mp3
Del The Funky Homosapien - If You Must (Dan The Automator Remix).mp3

Word!

Lukestar

I admit it. I'm not really hip to the Norway music scene. That is until I heard the single White Shade from the band Lukestar. Straight outta Oslo, these guys play hard driving indie space rock with a flair of emo in there(better lyrics though). They have an full length album coming out in January 2008 and hopefully will plan some US tour dates. I know Halloween is over, but this is my treat for you guys.

Lukestar - White Shade.mp3

more Lukestar --> website --> buy

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There are two good shows tonight in the BaltoDC corridor. Zap Mama plays the 8x10 with Courtney Cowe and Lavender Diamond plays the Black Cat with David Bazan(Pedro the Lion). If you've recovered from your Halloween sugar high(or hangover) you should check them out.

Zap Mama - Call Waiting.mp3
Lavender Diamond - Like An Arrow.mp3

Quick Hits - The Forms

I was surprised by these guys. It's been since 2004 since their last release, Icarus. Icarus received good reviews from Pitchfork, and pretty good reviews from myself. It didn't wow me though. I'm more of a pop-rock than post-rock or math rock kinda guy. Their new self titled album recently released has definitely taken the band to another level. Produced by Steve Albini(Nirvana, The Pixies) and recorded for 50 pain filled days in Illinois, The Forms seem to really hit their stride on this one. The music is focused and well written. They've added some pop sensibilities that break through the pianos and 7/8 timings every now and again. The production is top notch. Anyone who ever wants to make their music rock more should head on over to Mr. Albini's place and he'll make it happen. So the verdict. The Forms = Good Music. Wednesdays = Not So Good. Happy Halloween.

The Forms - Knowledge In Hand.mp3
The Forms - Bones.mp3

more The Forms --> website --> buy

Sucker

Every once in a while somebody says to me, "Laurent, you're a sucker for good indie pop." And I say, "Sucker? SUCKER? WHO ARE YOU CALLIN' A SUCKER?!!" (big cloud of dust)
Today I realized I really am a sucker for good indie pop. Robbers On High Street found their way onto the computerized shuffle in my car ride home from work. I was all smiles and steering-wheel-a-pounding. That's what I like. Music that makes me look like a fool...and a sucker.

Robbers On High Street - Crown Victoria.mp3

more Robbers On High Street --> website --> buy

Toofer Toosday - Voodoo Style

After hearing evilhomer's escapades at Voodoo for the last few days, I decided to dedicate this "toofer" to two bands that I wish I was there to see myself. Spoon and Wilco. These guys pretty much sum up what happens when music goes right(not wrong).
Britt Daniel of Spoon writes songs that breathe from the heart. This allows him to really push and pull with different arrangements of drums, vocals, guitars, and keyboards. Sometimes it's just guitar and drums. Sometimes it's a full band with horns. Either way it never seems too much or too little.
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco puts his soul into every note, every lyric, and every croon of his voice. What more can you ask for from a musician. Enjoy!

Spoon - Back To The Life.mp3
Spoon - The Beast and dragon, Adored.mp3
Wilco - Theologians.mp3
Wilco - Jesus, Etc.(live).mp3

more Spoon --> website --> buy
more Wilco --> website --> buy

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Also tonight be sure to check out The Go! Team at the 9:30 club

The Go! Team - Huddle Formation ( RJD2 mix).mp3

more The Go! Team --> website --> buy

Monday Mystery Tour #5

Here's the solution from last week's contest. Sorry JB.

KRS-One - Come To Da Party.mp3
Pixies - Where Is My Mind.mp3
Bishop Allen - Busted Heart.mp3
Cake - Cool Blue Reason.mp3
Modest Mouse - Black Cadillacs.mp3

And now for this weeks chance to win IMMORTAL LIFE(on the sidebar of this blog)!!! And a MASTERPIECE OF YOU AND ALL YOUR GLORY(a comic drawn by me showing your triumph over the Mystery Tour)!!!
So give it a shot. You've got 7 days.
Monday Mix Down 5.mp3

Shows...on a Monday?

Believe it or not, it's Monday. There are things that can make us forget about the long work week ahead for a couple of hours at least. Tonight at Johnny Brenda's in Philly Dappled Cities opens up for a fave of mine, Figurines. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Dappled Cities plays intelligent experimental indie pop. Good songs with a touch of something else usually thrown into the mix. Take a listen or go see them tonight.

Dappled Cities - Fire Fire Fire.mp3
more Dappled Cities --> website --> buy

Figurines - Drunkard's Dream.mp3
more Figurines --> website --> buy

Bellman Barker Blazes Brilliantly

It's nice when you discover a decent band right in your own neck of the woods. Well DC is close enough. Bellman Barker play honest indie pop. It gets your toe a tappin and your hands a clappin. In May they released Anise & Anisette, and are starting to make a name for themselves. While they're not blazing any trails with this album, they are burning up my li'l pod. Be sure to check them out tonight at the Velvet Lounge in DC. If you can't make it, they're also playing the Ottobar in Baltimore on November 16th.

Bellman Barker - Molly Maroon.mp3
Bellman Barker - Charles Kil.mp3

more Bellman Barker --> website --> buy

FRIDAY (I'm A Remix)

It's the last day of the work week(for some). A time to ponder, digest, and reuse what was learned over the last five days. Or maybe we just want to forget the whole darn thang. Doctor's orders: Take two of these:

The Knife - We Share Our Mothers Health(Ratatat Remix).mp3

Architecture In Helsinki - Do The Whirlwind(Haima's Remix).mp3

more The Knife --> website --> buy
more Architecture In Helsinki --> website --> buy

Live and Direct Around Baltimore

The fall season is overflowing with good shows. While evilhomer is at Voodoo today, there are some happenings around the Baltimore-DC area.
On Saturday, New Pornographers roll into the 9:30 club sporting a new album. They're playing with Emma Pollock and Benjy Ferree. If you haven't bought tickets than it's too late. They're sold out. But Pasta has some relief for you right here:

New Pornographers - My Rights Versus Yours.mp3
more New Pornographers --> website --> buy

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On Sunday at the Rock & Roll Hotel in DC, Annuals come in with their amazing live sound. If you haven't had a chance to see them, now is the time. They're playing with the Manchester Orchestra.

Annuals - Mama.mp3
more Annuals --> website --> buy

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On Sunday at the 9:30 club the Shout Out Louds drop in for support of their new album, Our Ill Wills. The opening acts are Johnossi and Nico Vega. The 9:30 is an awesome venue so all these bands should simply sound wonderful if you're lucky enough to get down there for the shows.

Shout Out Louds - Normandie.mp3
more Shout Out Louds --> website --> buy

Quick Hits - Eulogies

Everyone knows I'm a fan of Sea Wolf. Well their Dangerbird label mates, Eulogies, is starting to make an impression on me also. Their self titled debut came out this September and its rockin' the 'ol pod right now. Eulogies plays straight forward indie rock taking me back to the likes of Wilco, Sebadoh, and Built To Spill. That's pretty high company, I know, but there's nothing more appealing than a band that just PLAYS ROCK MUSIC. They don't fuss around.

Eulogies - Life Boat
Eulogies - Running In The Rain

more Eulogies --> website --> buy

J-Live? Trust me. He's good.

Before I even talk about him, listen.

J-Live - Feel Like Spittin' (produced by Da Beatminerz) from Reveal the Secret EP
J-Live - Wax Paper (produced by Prince Paul) from The Best Part
J-Live - Braggin Rights Revisted (produced by Premier) from The Best Part

Now you know. Why isn't J-Live blowing up charts? I dunno. That's the state of hip hop I guess. Everything J-Live is on, is friggin great. The majority of his albums are just plain ridiculously good. Go get one and find out for yourself. He's worked with Premier, Prince Paul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Spinna. Braggin' Rights Revisted is a classic for the mixtape and it looks like his new EP Reveal the Secret(came out yesterday via BBE Music) will be chocked full of classics too. A lot of MCs these days look to gimmicks and guest stars to make their albums more 'interesting' or 'appealing'. J-Live just raps like his life depends on it. Trust me. He's Good.

more J-Live --> website --> buy