Ottobar Tonight

For those of you that will be in or around Baltimore tonight, there is a show worth checking out at Ottobar. The flyer pretty much says it all. There will be 5 regional bands playing, drink specials and they will be giving away 20 passes to every show in 2007. If you go, prepare to hear some great music from some of the region's finest.

The Payola Reserve - Lay In Wait
The Seldon Plan - Making Circles
These Unites States - So High So Low So Wide So Long
Private Eleanor - Richmond
Vandaveer - However Many Takes It Takes

Faster Faster Harder Harder's New Year's Resolutions

Editor's Note: Most of you should remember Baltimore's Faster Faster Harder Harder. For our newer readers, they were our first Midweek Mutiny back in early October. They asked me if they could share their New Year's Resolutions and a live show. This is what they came up with. Enjoy!


FFHH’S New Year’s Resolutions
Brian (guitar/vocals), Matt (bass/vocals), Mike (guitar), and Sam (drums)

Below are our band’s New Year’s resolutions for 2007. Also, please check out the live tracks from our recent show at Talking Head. Come see us at 98 Rock’s Noise In the Basement show at Fletcher’s in Baltimore on January 22, 2007 with Two If By Sea, The Perfects, and Polyester. Happy New Year!

Any New Year’s Resolutions for 2007?

Matt: Not to drink too much alcohol and either
A) Break down and cry into the arms of a friend
B) Punch a person I once went to high school with that I hadn't seen in 6 years
C) Get all my stuff stolen out of my trunk outside of Sonar
D) Not really remember what happened
E) Some combination of A through D.

Brian: So many, but here’s the shortlist: Find a new apartment in the summer, get into grad school, play shows outside of Baltimore, and record an album!

Mike: I want to graduate and get a sweet job. I want to get that new FFHH album done and possibly take it on the road, as long as we can all make time for touring.

Sam: Most of my friends know that I make resolutions all the time irrespective of the calendar. As it stands, I don't have any new ones on the docket. On second thought, I would like to make more time for practicing on my own since I spend so much time in school and group rehearsals.

What are the chances you’ll succeed?

Matt: Probably pretty much a given as I quit drinking.

Brian: Looking pretty good on all fronts, though grad school is up in the air right now.

Mike: We can do it if we put our minds to it. =)

Sam: Que sera sera, but I really enjoy playing so the odds are stacked in my favor.

Did you make any resolutions last year (or year’s past)? If so, what were they? Did you keep them?

Matt: I don't really do resolutions. Just like I don't really do favorites. Right now I kind of don't really do much of anything outside of blank stares and the occasional drip of drool. One year, I think that I made a resolution to slaughter a family of five. I don't think I succeeded.

Brian: Always trying to quit some bad habit (unsuccessfully).

Mike: Ummm. I don't really make super-serious resolutions. Last year I believe that my resolution was to work out some more and buy lots of new clothes. I worked out more, but then I kinda stopped cuz I got busy. And I didn't buy enough cool clothes, which is probably like the most important thing in the world.

What do you think of the New Year’s Resolution idea in general?

Matt: I just think its funny to see drunk people get all dramatic. Well not funny, but it enables me to ride my high horse and all.

Brian: I think it’s way unrealistic, but hey you gotta have a dream.

Mike: It doesn't hurt to set positive goals. But try not to forget what they were, cuz that would be dumb.

Sam: In general it is a very positive experience whenever people can reflect on the current direction of their lives and enumerate the changes they want to make to improve themselves.

Any resolutions you would make related to the band?

Matt: This year I resolve to magically have people attend our shows other than our friends.

Brian: Play many shows outside of our Baltimore comfort zone, record our first proper album, and get some decent pictures taken!

Mike: Yes as previously stated, make our debut record and tour with it. Also come up with some sick guitar solos.

Sam: Write some great new songs. Record an album. Tour the region. Meet some other great local bands, musicians, and music fans.

What are your plans for the new year (musically and in general)?

Matt: Ummm. Get married, move to Puerto Rico, have 3 children by years end, and open up a taco stand. I will also change my name to Rodriguez Consicolo Felipe Grande. My children’s names will be Robbie Consicolo Felipe Grande, Bobbie Consicolo Felipe Grande, and Chip Consicolo Felipe Grande. I will then lead a socialist revolution from my taco stand in Puerto Rico on a rowboat. From there we will land in the impoverished streets of Baltimore, MD via the Patapsco River and organize the population into an armed uprising. Of course we will have to overcome the obsession with material wealth, individualistic greed, and the concept of shooting someone over $5 that exists within mainstream hip-hop culture. We will ride dirt bikes to victory.

Brian: I think I’ve pretty much summed it all up, but most importantly, hitting the road and playing lots of fun shows. Also, securing a place for us to practice once I move to a new apartment. Otherwise, I’m looking forward to new albums from Bloc Party, Arcade Fire, and Radiohead (hopefully!).

Mike: I really want to record a solo acoustic EP by February. In general, I just want to have more time to enjoy life and the company of good friends. Don't we all?

Sam: My plans for the year include publishing a few papers in my research field, being very busy with my school work and musical endeavors, and turning one year older.


Novermber 18, 2006 @ The Talking Head in Baltimore, MD

Calm Down
Way It Ought To Be
Quick Like Bombs
The Body
Count Down
From The Shadows

Throwback Thursday: The Replacements

For this week's Throwback, I decided to go with one of those 80's bands that pretty much everbody has heard of, but few people are actually familiar with. The Replacements were a band from Minneapolis, MN that fromed in 1979 and saw their demise in 1991. They were mainstays on 80's college radio and many of their songs and lyrics have been fixtures in pop culture ever since. If you are familar with them, enjoy this trip down memory lane. If you aren't, this is your chance to become acquainted.

Hootenanny (1983)
Within Your Reach

Let It Be (1984)
I Will Dare
Unsatisfied

Tim (1985)
Kiss Me On The Bus
Bastards of Young

Pleased To Meet Me (1987)
Alex Chilton
Can't Hardly Wait

Don't Tell A Soul (1989)
I'll Be You



Past Throwbacks:
12/14/07: Talking Heads
12/07/06: Peter Gabriel
11/30/06: The Pixies
11/16/06: Prince
11/09/06: Ben Folds Five
11/02/06: Beastie Boys
10/26/06: Joy Division
10/19/06: They Might Be Giants
10/12/06: The Psychedelic Furs
10/05/06: The Clash
09/28/06: The Smiths
09/21/06: A Tribe Called Quest
09/14/06: R.E.M.
09/07/06: The Cure
08/31/06: Morphine
08/24/06: The Lemonheads
08/17/06: Depeche Mode
08/10/06: New Order

She's Spanish, I'm American

Josh Rouse has a new side project. She's Spanish, I'm American is his duet project with Paz Suay. Their self titled debut EP (buy) just saw it's digital release yesterday. The physical release will be January 30. I am a fan of most of Josh's solo work, so I definitely wanted to check this out. After a couple of spins, I'm not completely sold. I do feel that "Answers" is the track that probably works the best. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

Answers

Not So New Release Tuesday: 20 All Time Greatest Hits!

Due to his death yesterday, I decided to use James Brown for this week's Not So New Release Tuesday. There really isn't anything that I can say about the Godfather of Soul, that has not been said before. The man made some great music and his influence will last long after his passing. Enjoy some of his best tracks and remember the man for his wonderful music.

I Got You (I Feel Good)
Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, Pt. 1
Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Pt. 1

Happy Holidays

I wanted to share the holiday mix that I will be listening to with my family. I was raised by old-fashioned Italians, so my holiday music taste very much reflects that.

Happy Holidays from Chris and myself. We hope that you have a few wonderful days with your families.

Gene Autry - Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer
Johnny Mathis - Sleigh Ride
Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby
Dean Martin - Baby, It's Cold Outside
Frank Sinatra - Jingle Bells
Bing Crosby - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Burl Ives - A Holly Jolly Christmas
Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
Andy Williams - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Alvin & The Chipmunks - The Christmas Song
Bing Crosby - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Perry Como - Winter Wonderland
Dean Martin - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Bing Crosby - I'll Be Home For Christmas
Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time is Here (vocal)
Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Andy Williams - Silent Nite

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Twelve - Soft Complex

Chris might write for this site, but he also plays guitar for a really good band. Soft Complex is a five-piece from Washington, DC. If you like 80's Brit pop, melodramatic vocals, chimy guitars, new wave synth, cello... this is the band for you. They recently released their debut and they have big things planned for 2007, so this is the time to become acquainted with them.

Band:
Soft Complex
Location:
Washington DC
Formed:
Current lineup solidified in February of 2005
Members:
Shane German – Vocals
Chris Connelly – Guitar, Keys
Rich Dejong – Drums
Mike Harbin – Bass, Keys
Alexia Kauffman – Cello, Keys
Label:
Silverthree Sound Recordings
Recordings:
Barcelona+ – 2006
Upcoming Live Dates:
January 6 @ Gullifty's in Harrisburg, PA
January 12 @ Starr Hill in Charlottesville, VA
January 19 @ V-Club in Huntington, WV
January 20 @ The Empty Glass in Charleston, WV
January 26 @ Alley Katz in Richmond, VA
January 27 @ Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington DC

How did the band form?
Shane formed the original band in 2002, down in Richmond. After some lineup changes, Shane moved up to Washington DC to reform the group with Mike Harbin. Mike and Shane had worked together in Richmond at Tower, and had always joked about starting a band together – but Harbin was always out touring with other bands. Shane basically brought him out of retirement; Harbin had intended to leave music behind after Burning Airlines split. Shane and Alexia were friends, and he knew about her experiences playing cello with Engine Down and some other Richmond bands, so he invited her to join. Rich was looking for a new group after leaving Phaser, and answered an ad Shane had placed in the Washington City Paper. Greg Svitil from the Antiques joined the band on guitar and helped them get started in writing material, but Greg wanted to leave to focus on Antiques material. I had moved to DC in 2004 and had been playing in a different group, but was looking for something new. I joined the band in February 2005, after leaving my first band in DC and answering Shane’s ad for a new guitar player.

How was '06 for you?
2006 was great; our first record came out, we were able to play some fantastic shows with some truly great bands, and we developed some great friends in the Washington DC music scene.

Highlight of the year?
The release of our first EP in October; it is great to finally have material out formally. It was a long time in the works, and we’re enormously proud to finally have it out there.

Oh, and for me personally (Chris), it was horribly cool to have James Iha in attendance at our show at Pianos in New York...I’m a diehard Smashing Pumpkins fan, and I could hardly contain myself.

What do you have in store for '07?
We plan to get back into the studio early in the year and record a full-length album to come out sometime later on in 2007. We’ll keep doing weekend shows, but we’re going to be focusing heavily on writing new material and recording.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
To keep writing the best songs that we can, and to keep having fun while we do it.

Barcelona+ (2006)
Barcelona
Beat the Chill (ACE Remix Featuring Raw Poetic)


CHRIS:
3 favorite songs of '06?
Crazy by Gnarls Barkley
That’s a Lie by Middle Distance Runner
Blood by Editors (but this was technically released in the UK in 2005…so I’m picking a fourth)
Cheap Champagne by Georgie James

Favorite album of the year?
Plane in Flames – Middle Distance Runner

Best live show you saw this year?
Justin Timberlake at the 9:30 Club. Seriously.

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Christmas Time is Here (vocal) by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

Best present you ever received?
My first electric guitar was a Christmas present.

Worst present you ever received?
My family and friends have always been great to me.


SHANE:
Favorite songs of '06?
1) Minimal by Pet Shop Boys
PSB are back in top form with this melancholic but insanely catchy dance cut from the Fundamental album. Spelling out a song title hasn't been this clever since O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A.
2) Crazy by Gnarls Barkley
The most soulful thing I've enjoyed since Al Green or Marvin Gaye.
3) Count Souvenirs by Junior Boys
A vocalist more melodramatic than me. Misery loves company. It's a great thing.
4) Zombie by The Trucks
Keep dancing, but watch your back.

Favorite album of the year?
I'm still not finished with my favorites from 2005, so I'm a little behind.

Best live shows you saw this year?
Morrissey w/ Goldfrapp
Sinead O'Connor w/ Sly and Robbie

Essential holiday songs?
December will be Magic Again by Kate Bush
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
2000 Miles by The Pretenders
River by Joni Mitchell

Best present you ever received?
Something Nice.

Worst present you ever received?
Something Naughty.


ALEXIA
3 favorite songs of '06?
We share our mother’s health by The Knife
Reena by Sonic Youth
Dead Meat by Sean Lennon

Favorite album of the year?
Silent Shout – The Knife

Best live show you saw this year?
Morrissey/Goldfrapp @ SXSW
Runner up: Kraftwerk @ 930 club

Favorite holiday song and artist?
As far as holiday songs go, I like traditional- Hark the Herald Angel Sing.
I also love Chrismas Time Is Here (instrumental) by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, from Charlie Brown’s Christmas.

Best present you ever received?
Um…I don’t have the best memory.

Worst present you ever received?
No answer.


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

The Friday Funk

This is for all of the people who have to travel (see Chris), go holiday shopping (see me) or work today. It's a nightmare out there, so I had to come up with something to help keep the sanity. Sit back and listen to these funk grooves. It just might make the day slightly more bearable. If you like what you hear, you can find all of these songs and much more here. Smile, it will be over soon.

The Poets of Rhythm - More Mess On My Thing
The Mighty Imperials - Joseph's Popcorn (featuring Joseph Henry)
Sugarman Three - Take It As It Come (featuring Charles Bradley)
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - Pick It Up, Lay It In the Cut

Sing me a song, Sologne

I wrote earlier about the opportunities still available at Tower while in its last days. While stocks thinned as the week wore on, prices declined to the point where one, if so willing, could just buy anything that looked interesting. Willing, I was. For less than $2 per CD, it was a chance to find something I would have never otherwise heard.

Hence, how I found Loney, dear - my favorite band of the moment. In fact, it definitely deserves a spot on my best of 2006 list. I found it abandoned in the L section of Tower Tyson's Corner around 3:00 on its last day of business, somewhere among the remaining stock and with an IMPORT sticker on the sleeve. Marked $23.00, I paid somewhere around $1.80 for it - which seems nothing short of criminal at this point. I don't know why I picked it up, but the cover art looked promising and the name (which I misread as "Lonely, dear") and title were intriguing.

Loney, dear is really a one man band - the concept of Swede Emil Svanangen and done on a sparse do-it-yourself budget. I don't know that I've ever heard something as remarkable as his debut, Sologne. Just...wow.

At times, the songs pulse and move with danceable beats adorned with full horn arrangements. Harps spring up in stereo, with synths interlaced effortlessly to create pads to flesh out Svanangen's higher end tone. Svanangen weaves his pieces together flawlessly, turning his bedroom guitar tunes into fully realized, near-symphonic arrangements. As a balladeer on "A Band," he pleads as he croons, leading like an actor on parade. That voice sits at the helm; his raw, emotive delivery ensure the success of songs like "The City, The Airport." Like few others I've ever heard, it is not only a masterful DIY recording but also a truly phenomenal piece of songwriting. Simultaneously sad and hopeful, but delivered with such an intensity that you can't help but to nod your head along, you're left wondering whether to smile or to cry. Proving his versatility, "Take it Back" is a charmingly forward thinking take on a simple love song, uplifting with its bold melodies and vocal style.

I am totally blown away by this record.

If what I've read about it is true, and Svanangen did this by himself with largely limited studio resources, then this is one of the best things I've ever heard. Imagine what might happen if you crossed the Bee Gees with the Arcade Fire...and added in some Radiohead-esque melancholy and the Decemberists' sense for theatricality. If that makes any sense. BUT HE MADE THIS IN HIS STUDENT APARTMENT! BY HIMSELF! I just can't even fathom...

A headphones album if there ever was one, Sologne is a true achievement. It will be dropped in the States on Sub Pop. We should be so lucky.

Now forgive me for leaving, but I have to go and listen to it again. And again. And again.

Addendum: I just came to learn that the album that will be released by Sub Pop will drop in February of 2007. From what I can tell, it is a new album titled Loney, Noir, and features a more full realized studio effort. "I Am John" is the single they're pushing off of that...and well...this is going to be the huge indie band of 2007. No question about it. Justifiably so. Unbelievable. Hopefully Sologne will see a release date in the States as well.


Sologne
The City, The Airport
A Band
Take it Back

Loney, Noir
I Am John

Throwback Thursday - An Old School Christmas

Okay, so it is Christmas week and everybody else has been doing Christmas mixes. And as cute as the new indie stuff may be, I still think that nothing holds a candle to the old classics. I dare somebody to tell me that Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are less cool than the Knife. Anybody? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Here we present to you some things that will make your grandparents happy as you flood your stereos this Christmas. Enjoy, and happy holidays everybody.


Andy Williams - O Holy Night

Andy Williams - White Christmas

Bing Crosby - I'll Be Home For Christmas

Bing Crosby - Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Bing Crosby - White Christmas

Dean Martin - Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Dean Martin - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Ella Fitzgerald - What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Frank Sinatra - White Christmas

Louis Armstrong - Zat You Santa Claus?

Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song

Sammy Davis, Jr - Jingle Bells



Check out the 12 Bands of Christmas


Past Throwbacks:
12/14/07: Talking Heads
12/07/06: Peter Gabriel
11/30/06: The Pixies
11/16/06: Prince
11/09/06: Ben Folds Five
11/02/06: Beastie Boys
10/26/06: Joy Division
10/19/06: They Might Be Giants
10/12/06: The Psychedelic Furs
10/05/06: The Clash
09/28/06: The Smiths
09/21/06: A Tribe Called Quest
09/14/06: R.E.M.
09/07/06: The Cure
08/31/06: Morphine
08/24/06: The Lemonheads
08/17/06: Depeche Mode
08/10/06: New Order

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Eleven - Two If By Sea

Two if by Sea is a band from Baltimore, MD. They have been regulars on IA, but with good reason. Safety was one of the best cds released this year. They took all of the elements from their debut, stripped them down and added strings. It really worked. They are also known for tearing it up with their high energy live sets. This was a good year for the band. They took some time to reflect upon it and share some insight on how they will top it in 2007.

Band:
Two if by Sea
Location:
Bodymore, Murderland
Formed:
2002
Members:
Cris Cowan / ahhhh & treble
John Jorde / low-end rumble
Charles Cole / Boom Boom
David Hardy / whoosh & echo
Label:
SilverThree Sound Recordings
Recordings:
Translations (2004) Speedbump
Safety (2006) Silverthree
Upcoming Live Dates:
12/22/06 sonar, baltimore
12/30/06 rock and roll hotel, dc
1/22/07 fletchers, baltimore
2/3/07 black cat mainstage, dc

How did the band form?
surrepitious late night sessions at UMBC's on-campus television studio

How was '06 for you?
grrrreat. tiring too, because of the schedule we've managed to impose on ourselves

Highlight of the year?
three: our april residency at DC9, finishing the record in june, month-long US-Tour in october

What do you have in store for '07?
find a new rehearsal space, more touring in the spring, win some major $$$ from scratch-offs, continue writing for the next release !

Goal for '07 and beyond?
to maintain the current velocity while continuing to juggle jobs, careers, relationships & sanity

Safety (2006)
White Zin on-Ice
All The Reasons to Leave

Unreleased
The Affair, Act II


Favorites

DAVID
3 favorite songs of '06?
So many good ones… but here are a few from my current playlist:
ticket to immortality – the dears
tv - Headlights
cold world – electric soft parade

Favorite album of the year?
I love you but i've chosen darkness - fear is on our side

Best live show you saw this year?
Editors - at Sonar's Club Stage

Favorite holiday song and artist?
The waitresses - christmas wrapping

Best present you ever received?
I've received a few great design books… “the pantone guide to communicating with color” – by Latrice Eiseman was a very useful one

Worst present you ever received?
every year i receive white tube socks. i never wear white socks...ever.


JOHN
3 favorite songs of '06?
Computer World-Kraftwerk
Sugar and Whitebread-G/L/A/S/S/C/A/N/D/Y
You Reached For The Stars-Twink

Favorite album of the year?
anything by bright eyes… I adore him

Best live show you saw this year?
Joe Jack Talcum (of the dead milkmen)- at the Talking Head

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Chestnuts Roasting-Bing Crosby

Best present you ever received?
Joy Division Box Set

Worst present you ever received?
Beanbag frogs only to be topped by Rock’m Sock’m Robots-My parents were broke that year.


CHAZ
3 favorite songs of '06?
When You Were Young- the Killers
Oxygen- Willy Mason
Bullets- Editors

Favorite album of the year?
The Back Room- Editors

Best live show you saw this year?
The Mishaps, 7‰ release (I haven't gone to many shows this year)

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Father Christmas - the Kinks

Best present you ever received?
A hand knit Harry Potter scarf.

Worst present you ever received?
A package of drinking straws.


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

The Jaguar Club

I wanted to take a minute to mention a band that I recently stumbled upon. The Jaguar Club is a trio out of Brooklyn, NY that formed in May. They just released their self-titled debut EP in the past few weeks. I guess the best way to describe their sound, is a mix of 80's college radio. Their best is yet to come, but this is definitely a promising start.

The Sirens

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Ten - Cedars

Cedars are a Washington, DC band known for their atmospheric music. They have been entertaining local fans for the past few years with their amazing live shows and have opened for bands like Editors, Lake Trout, Jeremy Enigk, Stellastarr* and The French Kicks. They are slowly building a following outside of the region. Early next year, they will return to the WOXY studios to record their second lounge act and hit places like New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. If you aren't familiar with this band, now is the time to acquaint yourself.

Band:
Cedars
Location:
Washington, DC
Formed:
January 2004
Members:
Ed Barnabas - Drums
Francisco Lazzaro - Bass
Brian Leatherman - Guitar, Vocals, Programming
Luke Mangels - Keys, Guitar
Label:
None
Recordings:
Safety in Numbers (2004)
Another Season (2006)
Upcoming Live Dates:
1/18/07 - Lava Lounge, Pittsburgh, PA
1/19/07 - WOXY Lounge Act
1/19/07 - Nite Owl, Columbus, OH
1/20/07 - Northside Tavern, Cincinnati, OH
1/26/07 - Alley Katz, Richmond, VA
1/27/07 - TBD, Norfolk, VA
2/03/07 - Black Cat, Washington DC
2/09/07 - Khyber, Philadelphia, PA
2/10/07 - TBD, NYC

Another Season (2006)
This Century
Great Escape

WOXY Lounge Act
May 20, 2005


How did the band form?
Through ads on Craigslist and the City Paper, and through a common love of atmospheric music.

How was '06 for you?
Excellent. Recorded Another Season with the folks at Silver Sonya, got on some great bills and progressed well as musicians though it was a bad year for our livers.

Highlight of the year?
Playing with Editors/Lake Trout at 930 Club.

What do you have in store for '07?
Touring here and there in early '07, possible recording, multiple remixes and new songs.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
Make quality music and see where it takes us.


Favorites

FICO
3 favorite songs of '06?
The Knife - Heartbeats
Elbow – Puncture Repair
Gonzalez – Para que no me olvides

Favorite album of the year?
Elbow – Leaders of the Free World

Best live show you saw this year?
Youth Group @ 9:30club

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Esta Navidad – Johnny Ventura

Best present you ever received?
Waking up tomorrow morning

Worst present you ever received?
A burger for my birthday.


ED
3 favorite songs of '06?
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness – According to Plan
Booka Shade – Night Falls
French Kicks – So Far We Are

Favorite album of the year?
Junior Boys – So This is Goodbye

Best live show you saw this year?
Massive Attack @ 9:30

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Christmas Time is Here (Charlie Brown Christmas) - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Best present you ever received?
Just happy to get anything.

Worst present you ever received?
April Wine's Greatest Hits.


BRIAN
3 favorite songs of '06?
Trentemoller - Take Me Into Your Skin
Band of Horses - The First Song
Film School - Like You Know

Favorite album of the year?
Trentemoller - The Last Resort

Best live show you saw this year?
Doves/Longwave @ Sonar

Favorite holiday song and artist?
R2D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas - C3PO

Best present you ever received?
The gift of life.

Worst present you ever received?
A soap dish.


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

The Roosevelt

DC has some serious music going on. There are so many good bands, that it is hard to keep everyone straight. On Thursday night, two of them are getting together for what should be a fantastic show at Rock 'N Roll Hotel. Since we just did a feature on These United States, I wanted to talk about the other DC band on the bill.

The Roosevelt is a pretty straight forward band. The easiest way to put it, is that you have four guys playing solid rock songs that have memorable hooks. Their music will be stuck in your head for days and that is exactly how they want it. Check out the tracks below and even more on their site.

Codeine Cure
Elliott

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Nine - These United States

These United States are a lo-fi Americana group from Washington, DC. While it is impossible to determine who is going to be in the group from one day to the next, you always know that Jesse Elliott will be providing his haunting vocals. Since forming in 2005, the band has been building quite the reputation for their thrilling live shows. 2007 will see the release of their debut full length and the buzz is starting to become deafening. Jesse was nice enough to let us share a track, so go ahead and get acquainted while they are still just a regional secret.

Band:
These United States
Location:
Washington, DC
Formed:
August 2005
Members:
Jesse Elliott - Writing/Vox/Guitar
Tom Hnatow - Guitar/Lap Steel/Banjo/Keys/Etc
David Strackany - Production/Occasional Percussion
Many Many Others - Constant Instrumentating For Live Performance And Recording
Label:
Unsigned
Recordings:
The Holla Baloo EP (Demo EP - 2006)
The Forest and the Garden (LP - 2007)
Upcoming Live Dates:
December 21 @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel, DC
December 28 @ Mo Pitkin's NYC
December 29 @ Ottobar, Baltimore, MD
December 30 @ IOTA, Arlington, VA
December 31 @ IOTA, Arlington, VA
January 26 @ Black Cat, DC
February 2 @ Laila Lounge, Brooklyn, NY
February 3 @ Shippensburg University, PA
February 15 @ Millenium Music COnference, Harrisburg, PA

How did the band form?
From the Ashes of a Thousand Dead Oceans.

How was '06 for you?
Very Fine Indeed. Lots of Road and Studio Behind Us, More Around the Bend.

Highlight of the year?
Finishing Mixing of Upcoming Album at Silver Sonya Studios in Arlington.

What do you have in store for '07?
Finding a Label, Album Release, Continued Constant Touring, European Sojourn.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
Bask In The Beauty That Is The District's Booming Music Scene.


The Forest and the Garden (2007)
So High So Low So Wide So Long

Demo
The Business

Live Recordings
Kings and Aces


Jesse Elliott
3 favorite songs of '06?
Silence (Won't Work On Me No More) By Kitty Hawk
I Fill up the Time By Rose
This is the Life By Paleo

Favorite album of the year?
Adam Arcuragi By Adam Arcuragi

Best live show you saw this year?
Beauty Pill At The Black Cat

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Run Run Rudolph By Dr. Teeth And The Electric Mayhem

Best present you ever received?
Time

Worst present you ever received?
A Clock


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

Not So New Release Tuesday: Dummy

When I was working on the Jette-Ives feature, I had an urge to pull out my old Portishead cd. Dummy is one of those albums that sounds just as fresh today, as it did the day that I bought it. It is also a very versatile disc. It works whether you are driving, going to bed or trying to wake up. It is also the perfect soundtrack for a late night rendezvous.

Sour Times
It Could Be Sweet
Glory Box

If you like Portishead, definitely check out our feature on Jette-Ives.

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Eight - Jette-Ives

When we were trying to figure out which bands to use for this feature, Chris threw out a few names that I no familiarity with. One of those groups was DC's Jette-Ives. After he mentioned them, I looked them up. It took about thirty seconds for me to say "yes, contact them." Their music is sultry female vocals over laid back beats. Their debut CD is hitting the shelves early next year and they will be hitting the road shortly after that. We caught up with Jette and got some insight on how they got here and where they are going. She was even kind enough to give us a preview of the new album.

Band:
Jette-Ives
Location:
Washington, DC
Formed:
January 2005
Members:
Jette Kelly - Lyrics & Vocals
Holmes Ives - Keys & Synths
Matt Lewis - Upright Bass
Scott Fogelgren - Piano & Violin
Rex Riddem - Congas
Danny Tait - Drums
Kim Rappaport - Manager, Maracas, Wriggles prettily next to Rex & the congas
Label:
OVA Records
Recordings:
In the Deep (February 2007)
Upcoming Live Dates:
January 27th, 2007 @ Rock & Roll Hotel, Washington, DC *Album Release*

How did the band form?
Jette: Ives & I met at a party. Our buddy Derrick Miller pointed me out to Ives, said 'Every time she sings, I cry.' Which confused Ives, who managed to smile indulgently at Derrick while edging away. Regardless--I emailed Ives several weeks later, and he didn't remember who I was. The recall trigger: 'I'm the singer who brings Derrick to tears.' Matt came on board next--I waited until he was relatively & jovially drunk before I asked him to join J-I. Matt found Danny, but--alas--he was lost at sea on a cruise ship for six months. Rex... It took me a year to finally get up the nerve to call Rex and bravely beg: 'Please, darling... I know that, at the moment [last January], I've no money or shows or anything vaguely sparkly to offer you--aside from music, the occasional band breakfast (which Ives must cook because I don't do kitchens), and an endless supply of liquor--but: Would you please be in the band?' Then there's Scott, and he's involved in a myriad projects. Every time he shows up for rehearsal (and he's not yet missed one), we all briefly stare at him and wonder how the hell he found the time. Regarding Kim: She signed on to manage J-I because she thought we were endearingly eccentric, and we obviously needed her. We sweetened the deal by giving her maracas.

How was '06 for you?
Jette: Much busier than '05.

Highlight of the year?
Ives: Finishing the album.
Matt: Finishing the album.
Danny: Finishing the album.
Rex: Finishing the album.
Scott: Finishing the album.
Kim: They finished the album.
Jette: Watching Pancake Mountain while eating muffins and doing this interview. (The sheep puppet rocks, and Juliette Lewis just kissed him)

What do you have in store for '07?
Jette: I'll just give you the February - April plans: Our first album, 'In the Deep', releases in February '07. At which point we begin touring. What else... Our second single, 'Vexed'--accompanied by a music video--is due out in March, and I'm slated to write a tango with Dustin Budish of the New World Symphony.
Ives: I'm going to take one day off.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
Jette: To successfully tour the United States while taste-testing every city's locally famous chocolates.


In The Deep (2007)
Darker Than You
E~

Bonus Track
In the Presence Of... (Deepfreak Remix)


Favorites

3 favorite songs of '06?
Kim: Crazy by Gnarls Barkley
Jette: One More Night by Stars.
Scott: du og meg by Of Montreal

Favorite album of the year?
Scott: 3D by Satoshitomiie
Rex: Thunderball - Cinescope, Volume 1

Best live show you saw this year?
Ives: Cirque du Soleil's 'Corteo'
Kim: We Are Scientists at the Black Cat
Jette: Sharam Nazeri (Iran's Pavarotti) at the Lincoln Theatre
Rex: Mustafa Akbar & the Chosen at the Black Cat

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Jette: I'll Be Home for Christmas by Bing Crosby
Ives: I thought you'd say Santa Baby...
Scott: Linus & Lucy by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Best present you ever received?
Scott: Two new nephews.
Rex: An electronic grinder.
Jette: What does it grind?
Rex: No.
Jette: This is not a 'yes' or 'no' question.
Rex: No.

Worst present you ever received?
Jette: If I haven't anything nice to say...


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

More Gold from the JT SNL

Language is not safe for work. So turn it down, you slackers.

Justin Timberlake on SNL

So if anybody is curious as to why seeing Justin Timberlake at the 9:30 Club in August was hands down the best show that I saw this year, and possibly the best show I've ever seen in DC, then view this. This is Timberlake on SNL this past weekend, doing "What Goes Around Comes Around." If you want an idea of what this was like at the club, just imagine dancing half drunk in a hot room filled with screaming, beautiful women while a performance like this raged on for about an hour and a half.

Just awesome.

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Seven - Exit Clov

Exit Clov is a five piece band from Washington DC that is fronted by twin sisters, Emily and Susan Hsu. Yes - twin sisters. Brilliant business model, if you ask me - not only will we have two beautiful women front an indie pop band, but we'll have two that have nearly identical voices that can harmonize with each other throughout most of their songs. Why haven't more bands thought of this?

I kid, I kid. But Exit Clov is a great band with a fantastic live show. Over the past two years, they have developed one of the most dedicated fan bases in Washington DC, while also traveling across the country in support of a series of EPs that they have put out themselves. This summer, they completed their first tour of the Western United States, and signed a deal with Livewire Recordings, who released their newest disc Respond Respond. While their music will be stuck in your head for days, there is something deeper at play, as their lyrics are quite timely and hit on a lot of today's social commentary. We caught up with them while they were in the middle of a promotions tour. They filled us in on the year that was and gave us some insight into their future.


Band:
Exit Clov

Location:
Washington DC

Formed:
Summer 2003

Members:
Emily Hsu
Susan Hsu
Aaron Leeder
Brett Niederman
John Thayer

Label:
Independent

Recordings:
Respond Respond EP (2006, released on Livewire Recordings)
Jolly Roget Sessions EP (2005)
Saskwatch EP (2005)
Starfish EP (2004)

Upcoming Live Dates:
December 21 @ Recher Theatre, Towson, MD
December 30 @ The Fire, Philadelphia, PA
December 31 @ Rock Cellar, West Orange, NJ
January 11 @ Mercury Lounge, NYC
January 12 @ Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA
January 13 @ Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, PA
January 20 @ Black Cat, DC

How did the band form?
Susan and Emily met John and Brett at a house party. They kidnapped Aaron from a local adoption agency and the rest is history.

How was '06 for you?
2006 treated us well. We survived our first cross-country tour and released our first nationally distributed record.

What do you have in store for '07?
More touring and perhaps tracking our debut album.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
To happen upon a large burlap sack filled with gold and magic beans.


Respond Respond EP (2006)
Violent Berries
Moving Gaza

*more mp3s are available here*

Exit Clov - Violent Berries


3 favorite songs of '06?
Brett:
Hold It In - Jukebox the Ghost
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Hump de Bump - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Emily:
St. Augustine - Band of Horses
When Planes Collide - Viva Voce
The Greatest - Cat Power
Susan:
Chinaberry Tree - Mew
Stop/Start - Pretty & Nice
Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids
John:
My Love - Justin Timberlake
We're #1 - Renzo Sclamanna
Hold It In - Jukebox the Ghost

Favorite album of the year?
Brett: Rabbit Fur Coat - Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Emily: a tie between Rabbit Fur Coat (Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins) and Bring it Back (Mates of State)
Susan: Bring it Back (Mates of State), Get Yer Blood Sucked Out (Viva Voce)
Aaron: Ballad of the Broken Seas (Isobelle Campbell and Marc Lanegan)
John: Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Broken Boy Soldiers (The Raconteurs)

Best live show you saw this year?
Brett: Jenny Lewis and the Watsons at the 9:30 club
Emily: The Go! Team @ Black Cat (March 2006)
Susan: Of Montreal @ State Theatre (March 2006) and Cold War Kids (October 2006)
Aaron: The Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Wachovia Center (October 2006)
John: The Red Hot Chili Peppers @Continental Airlines Arena, NJ (Oct 06)

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Brett: Happy Xmas (war is over) by john lennon
John: Happy Xmas (War is Over) Lennon

Best present you ever received?
Brett: tie between electronic chess and the complete rocky vhs
Emily: A Spaniard Cabbage Patch Kid.
Aaron: A Jeurass - small stringed greek instrument from my parents.
John: A Shawn Kemp Sonics Jersey

Worst present you ever received?
Brett: My mom bought me a part leather part fur bomber jacket...top gun style...this was last year, too...it was on sale at marshals.
Emily: A used M&M candy tube that my friend refilled with M&Ms before she gave it to me.
Aaron: One time a friend gave me her pocket mulch in hopes that I would start my own.
John: Ant Farm


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day Six - Georgie James

Georgie James is a duo from Washington, DC. They have a mutual love for sounds of years past and it shows in their music. While they may be a relatively new group, they spent this past summer touring the United States with Camera Obscura. With a single dropping in January and a new album shortly after that, 2007 is shaping up to be a breakout year for the group, featuring solo artist Laura Burhenn and former Q & Not U drummer, John Davis. We decided to check in with them to revisit the year that was and see what they had in store for the new year.

Band:
Georgie James
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Formed:
Spring 2005
Members:
Laura Burhenn (pianos/voice)
John Davis (guitars/bass/drums/voice)
Label:
None
Recordings:
Need Your Needs single coming out January '07
Upcoming Live Dates:
January 11, 2007 @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
January 12, 2004 @ Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA
January 13, 2004 @ Mercury Lounge, NYC
January 14, 2004 @ Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge, MA
January 19, 2004 @ James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

How did the band form?
Laura and I met through her then-boyfriend (now husband) in 2004. We didn't really see each other much, but a few months later I moved to within a few blocks of where she lived and we all met up. At dinner, we talked about getting together to play music at some point. We finally did in May of '05 and went over some of the songs we had in the works and got to seeing if we could write together. It really worked pretty quickly and we thought that this could wind up being pretty good. We spent the rest of '05 writing songs and recording demos.

How was '06 for you?
It was a good year. We really grew a lot, even though we didn't even have a proper release. But we played our first shows and finished our first record. This year has been a challenge, but it's one we'll look back on, I think, and be glad that we went through some of the uncertainties that we had, 'cause it set the foundation for what we'll hopefully go on to do.

Highlight of the year?
Hard to say. In some ways, it was the tour we did back in July with Camera Obscura. It was the first time GJ had gotten out and toured at length, which was really good for me. After seven years of touring with Q And Not U, it was nice to have a whole different experience. However, working on our album in the studio was also a highlight. Yes, we spent a lot of time on it. Almost three times as long as I'd ever worked on a record before. But, unlike before, it was almost constantly enjoyable. I couldn't wait to get back to the studio to get to work, which was a foreign feeling for me. So, the recording and the touring were really both great.

What do you have in store for '07?
The album should be coming out, though we're not sure when and on what label. But we hope to know that soon. We're releasing a single in January on Laura's label, Laboratory. It'll be two songs from the record and a non-album cover. We'll definitely tour a good bit next year. I'm really looking forward to playing all over the world again.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
Get the music to people and be able to play music for as long as we want to. Get to work on more new music and get that out there, too.

Demo Version
Need Your Needs


Favorites

John
3 favorite songs of '06?
Aloha - Mountain
Camera Obscura - If Looks Could Kill
Supersystem - Joys

Favorite album of the year?
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country

Best live show you saw this year?
Aloha at the Black Cat in DC back in August. I've seen them play probably 40 or 50 times at this point and that was BY FAR the best set I've seen them perform.

Favorite holiday song and artist?
Wonderful Christmastime by my man, Macca. Those inappropriate analog synths at the beginning, the slapdash nature of the production, the inanity of the lyrics? It's all vintage "McCartney II" McCartney.

Best present you ever received?
The best present I ever received was my first guitar when I was 12, but that was a birthday present. If you're asking about a Christmas present, I may go with the Burt Bacharach boxset The Look of Love which I received in 1998. I realized around the time that I liked so many of the songs I knew he was involved with, so I thought I'd ask for the box set. It was a life changer.

Worst present you ever received?
Not sure about this one. There are a lot of bad sweaters and forgotten toys that have justly been removed from my memory. I also tend to feel bad when I get a present I don't like. I appreciate the thought of the giver, so I don't know if my mind would hold on to such a designation.


The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex