Instrumental Analysis

Moving Day

2009-11-08T09:42:00.001-05:00

We have moved, please join us at instrumentalanalysis.net.

Looking Ahead In The Baltimore/Washington Region

2009-09-20T00:22:00.000-04:00

This is a list of some concerts of note that will be happening in the future. We will try to update this at least once a week. If we missed anything or you hear of
something after this was posted, send us an e-mail. Are you going to any of these? Feel free to comment.

September
9/20/09: A Hawk and A Hacksaw/Damon & Naomi @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
9/20/09: Ghost Light/Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie @ Black Cat
9/20/09: The Sounds @ Rams Head Live
9/20/09: Appomattox/Low Red Land/Magic Missle/Eat People @ Sonar
9/20/09: MGMT @ KIA Soul Collective *Free*
9/21/09: The Cave Singers/Lightning Dust/Birdlips @ Black Cat
9/21/09: Soulsavers/Jonneine Zapata/ @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
9/21/09: The Sounds/Foxy Shazam @ 9:30 Club
9/22/09: She Wants Revenge/Kill Hannah/Paper Route @ Black Cat
9/22/09: The Walkmen/Here We Go Magic @ 9:30 Club
9/23/09: KMFDM @ 9:30 Club
9/23/09: Chain and The Gang/Soft Power @ Black Cat
9/23/09: Still Flyin'/Excalibrah @ DC9
9/23/09: Revival/John Bustine @ Asylum
9/24/09: Mutemath/As Tall As Lions @ Sonar
9/24/09: Decibully/Early Day Miners @ IOTA
9/24/09: Vandaveer @ Millenium Stage
9/24/09: Ben Folds @ Kennedy Center
9/25/09: Maximo Park/Cougar @ Black Cat
9/25/09: Ponytail @ Ottobar
9/25/09: Yeah Yeah Yeahs/Services @ 9:30 Club
9/25/09: The Minus 5/The Baseball Project/Steve Wynn @ IOTA
9/25/09: Rattler (CD Release)/New Rock Church of Fire @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
9/25/09: Deleted Scenes/Drink Up Buttercup/Soft Cat/Person Parcel @ Sonar
9/26/09: Mono/Maserati @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
9/26/09: School of Seven Bells/Magic Wands @ Ottobar
9/26/09: J-Roddy Walston and The Business/E.Joseph and The Phantom Heart @ The Red and The Black
9/26/09: Health/Double Dagger @ Sonar
9/27/09: School of Seven Bells/Phantogram/Dub Pixel @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
9/27/09: Faust/Health @ Black Cat
9/27/09: Phoenix/Chairlift @ 9:30 Club
9/27/09: Suckers/Exactly @ DC9
9/27/09: Brian Bonz @ IOTA
9/28/09: Dear And The Headlights/Kinch @ Ottobar
9/29/09: U2/Muse @ FedEx Field
9/29/09: Kinky @ 9:30 Club
9/29/09: These Arms Are Snakes/DD/MM/YYYY/Imperial China @ DC9
9/29/09: Dare Dukes/Stripmall Ballads @ The Red and The Black
9/30/09: Sunny Day Real Estate @ 9:30 Club
9/30/09: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart/The Depreciation Guild/Cymbals Eat Guitars @ Black Cat
9/30/09: Regina Spektor/Little Joy @ DAR Constitution Hall
9/30/09: The Antlers/Holly Miranda/Shapiro @ DC9
9/30/09: Wavves/Ganglians/Popo @ Ottobar
9/30/09: American Aquarium/Marianne Dissard @ The Red and The Black
9/30/09: Andrew W.K. @ Sixth & I

October
10/01/09: Ra Ra Riot/Maps & Atlases/Princeton @ 9:30 Club
10/01/09: Amazing Baby/The Entrance Band @ DC9
10/01/09: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart/The Depreciation Guild/Cymbals Eat Guitars @ Ottobar
10/01/09: Great Lake Swimmers/The Wooden Birds/Sharon Van Etten @ Black Cat
10/01/09: Tina Dico @ IOTA
10/01/09: Elizabeth and The Catapult @ NightCat
10/01/09: Langhorne Slim @ Record and Tape Traders Towson *Free*
10/01/09: Wavves/Ganglians/Tennis System @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/02/09: FFHH (CD Release)/The Jaguar Club/E.Joseph @ Golden West
10/03/09: Charlatans UK/Hatcham Social @ Black Cat
10/03/09: The Wiitala Brothers/Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie @ Comet Ping Pong
10/03/09: Middle Distance Runner (CD Release)/Farewell Flight @ IOTA
10/03/09: Jay Reatard @ Ottobar
10/03/09: Elizabeth and The Catapult @ The Red and The Black
10/03/09: Lights/Stars of Track and Field/The Dialogue @ Sonar
10/04/09: Placebo @ Sonar
10/04/09: Noon:30/The Press @ Black Cat
10/04/09: Mayer Hawthorne @ DC9
10/04/09: The Rural Alberta Advantage/The Lovely Feathers @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/05/09: Twilight Sad/Brakesbrakesbrakes/We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Black Cat
10/05/09: A Place To Bury Strangers/Darker My Love/All The Saints @ DC9
10/05/09: Federal Reserve Presents @ IOTA
10/06/09: The Psychedelic Furs/Happy Mondays/Islands @ 9:30 Club
10/06/09: Bear In Heaven/Ineveryroom @ Sonar
10/06/09: Title Tracks/Fulton Lights/The Andalusians @ Black Cat
10/07/09: Brandi Carlile/Katie Herzig @ 9:30 Club
10/07/09: Pierced Arrows/Love City/Hollywood @ DC9
10/07/09: The Gossip/Apache Beat/MEN @ 9:30 Club
10/07/09: Yourself and The Air/The Republic Tigers/Triangle Shirt Factory @ Black Cat
10/08/09: Wax Tailor @ DC9
10/08/09: Brandi Carlile @ Rams Head Live
10/08/09: Bell X1/Wild Light @ Rams Head Tavern
10/08/09: Dinosaur Jr. @ 9:30 Club
10/08/09: Apollo Run/Darla Farmer @ The Red and The Black
10/09/09: The Dodos/Ruby Suns @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/09/09: Gordon Gano (of Violent Femmes) @ Black Cat
10/09/09: Le Loup (CD Release)/Nurses/Eureka Birds/We Read Minds @ Ottobar
10/10/09: The Dodos/Ruby Suns @ Sonar
10/10/09: Bob Mould/Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson @ 9:30 Club
10/10/09: Blitzen Trapper/Wye Oak @ Ottobar
10/10/09: Former Ghosts @ Comet Ping Pong
10/11/09: The Bravery/Living Things/The Dustys @ 9:30 Club
10/11/09: Yourself and The Air/The Republic Tigers @ Metro Gallery
10/11/09: Titus Andronicus/The So So Glows @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/12/09: The Airborne Toxic Event/The Henry Clay People/Red Cortez @ 9:30 Club
10/12/09: Titus Andronicus/The So So Glows @ Sonar
10/12/09: Thee Oh Sees/Golden Triangle @ Black Cat
10/12/09: Drummer/Royal Bangs @ DC9
10/13/09: Drummer/Royal Bangs @ Ottobar
10/13/09: Monotonix/Turbo Fruits @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/13/09: Phosphorescent/Alberta Cross @ Black Cat
10/13/09: Drummer/Royal Bangs/The Deaf Scene @ Ottobar
10/13/09: Daniel Johnston/The Capitol Years @ 9:30 Club
10/13/09: Tigercity/Bear In Heaven @ DC9
10/13/09: David Wax Museum/Sydney Wayser @ The Red and The Black
10/14/09: Richard Lloyd (of Television) @ Black Cat
10/14/09: Phosphorescent/Alberta Cross @ Ottobar
10/14/09: Hope Sandoval and The Warm Inventions/Dirt Blue Gene @ Sixth & I
10/14/09: Harlem @ Sonar
10/14/09: Fffever/The Interiors/Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie @ Velvet Lounge
10/15/09: The Raveonettes/The Black Angels/The Flying Eyes @ Ottobar
10/15/09: Ray Lamontagne @ Strathmore
10/15/09: OM/Six Organs of Admittance/Lichens @ DC9
10/15/09: The Avett Brothers/Jessica Lea Mayfield @ Rams Head Live
10/15/09: Forro In The Dark @ IOTA
10/15/09: Or, The Whale/Short Stack @ Comet Ping Pong
10/16/09: Ray Lamontagne @ Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
10/16/09: Jenny Owen Youngs/Check Ragan/Jim Ward/Tim Barry/Dave Hause @ Sonar
10/16/09: The Raveonettes/The Black Angels @ 9:30 Club
10/16/09: David Bazan/Say Hi @ Black Cat
10/16/09: Down Dexter/Justin Jones @ IOTA
10/16/09: Little Tybee/Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie/The Happy Hollows @ The Red and The Black
10/17/09: Broadcast/Atlas Sound/The Selmanaires @ Black Cat
10/17/09: Built To Spill/Disco Doom/Violent Soho @ 9:30 Club
10/17/09: White Rabbits/Glass Ghost @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/17/09: Dead Man's Bones @ Sixth & I
10/17/09: Sunset Rubdown @ Sonar
10/18/09: Sea Wolf/Port O'Brien/Sara Lov @ Sonar
10/18/09: Art Brut @ Black Cat
10/18/09: Bellman Barker/Me You Us Them/Paul Michel @ DC9
10/19/09: Sea Wolf/Port OBrien/Sara Lov @ DC9
10/19/09: Japandroids @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/19/09: Little Richard @ Birchmere
10/19/09: True Womanhood/Virgin Passages @ Black Cat
10/19/09: Youth Group/Swarm The North/Once Okay Twice @ Ottobar
10/20/09: Deer Tick/Christopher Denny/Dolorean/Holy Sons @ Black Cat
10/20/09: The High Strung/Floating Cloud/Giant Cloud @ DC9
10/20/09: Dirty Projectors @ Ottobar
10/20/09: Little Richard @ Rams Head Tavern
10/21/09: Electric Six/The Gay Blades/Millions of Brazlians @ Black Cat
10/21/09: Deer Tick/Dolorean/Holy Sons/Christopher Denny @ Sonar
10/22/09: The Gaslight Anthem/Murder By Death/The Loved Ones/The Measure @ 9:30 Club
10/22/09: Dr. Dog/Jeffrey Lewis @ Ottobar
10/22/09: Electric Six/The Gay Blades/Millions of Brazlians @ Sonar
10/22/09: Dirty Projectors/Givers @ Black Cat
10/22/09: Lost In The Trees @ DC9
10/23/09: Mum/Sin Fang Bous @ Black Cat
10/23/09: Two Man Gentlemen Band @ NightCat
10/24/09: Birds of Avalon/Loose Lips @ Comet Ping Pong
10/24/09: Far/Solar Powered Sun Destroyer @ DC9
10/24/09: Wooden Shjips/Flying Eyes/Ringo Death Starr/Sri Aurobindo @ Golden West
10/24/09: Squaaks @ Metro Gallery
10/24/09: The Spinto Band/Pepi Ginsberg/Generationals @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/25/09: Rain Machine (Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio) @ Black Cat
10/25/09: Headlights/The Shaky Hands @ DC9
10/25/09: The Dear Hunter/Annuals/Storm The Beaches @ Jammin' Java
10/25/09: Wooden Shjips/Black Whales @ The Red and The Black
10/25/09: Califone/The Ugly Suit @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/26/09: Ringo Deathstarr/Last Tide/State Department @ Black Cat
10/26/09: Wallpaper/The Lovemakers @ DC9
10/27/09: Used Up/Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie @ Asylum
10/27/09: Keb' Mo' @ Birchmere
10/27/09: An Albatross/Dark Meat @ Black Cat
10/27/09: Harlem @ DC9
10/27/09: The Dear Hunter/Annuals/Storm The Beaches @ Ottobar
10/28/09: Andrew Bird/St. Vincent @ 9:30 Club
10/28/09: Pinback/Obits @ Black Cat
10/28/09: Keb' Mo' @ Birchmere
10/28/09: The Subjects @ DC9
10/28/09: So Percussion/Microkingdom @ Metro Gallery
10/29/09: Mike Doughty @ Birchmere
10/29/09: Vic Chesnutt/Clare and The Reasons @ Ottobar
10/29/09: The Black Heart Procession/Bellini/The Mumlers @ Black Cat
10/30/09: Vic Chesnutt/Clare and The Reasons @ Black Cat
10/30/09: Caverns/Imperial China @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
10/30/09: Junior Boys/Woodhands @ Sonar
10/31/09: Cypress Hill @ 9:30 Club
10/31/09: A Fine Frenzy/Among The Oak & Ash/Landon Pigg @ Birchmere

November
11/02/09: Islands/Jemina Pearl @ GSpot
11/02/09: The Very Best @ DC9
11/02/09: Bruce Springsteen @ Verizon Center
11/02/09: Federal Reserve Presents @ IOTA
11/03/09: The Get Up Kids/Kevin Devine/The Life and Times @ 9:30 Club
11/03/09: Spelling For Bees @ Asylum
11/03/09: Girls @ Black Cat
11/03/09: Herman Dune/Julie Doiron @ DC9
11/03/09: Liam Finn & Eliza Jane/Miracle Fortress @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/04/09: Ingrid Michaelson @ Recher Theatre
11/04/09: Wolfmother/Heartless Bastards/thenewno2 @ 9:30 Club
11/04/09: Fuck Buttons @ DC9
11/05/09: Kurt Vile and The Violators/The New Flesh @ Black Cat
11/06/09: Thao w/ The Get Down Stay Down/The Portland Cello Project/David Shultz @ Black Cat
11/06/09: Dragonette @ DC9
11/06/09: Thrushes/Sick Sick Birds/The Art of Shooting @ Metro Gallery
11/06/09: Nicole Atkins/Scott Liss @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/07/09: Le Loup/Nurses/Pree @ Black Cat
11/07/09: The Old Ceremony/Modern Skirts/Wakey!Wakey! @ IOTA
11/07/09: Peter Bjorn and John/El Perro del Mar @ 9:30 Club *2 Shows*
11/07/09: Hidden Cameras @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/08/09: Mae/Jenny Owen Youngs/Hotspur @ Black Cat
11/08/09: Amy Millan (of Stars)/Bahamas @ DC9
11/09/09: The Swell Season/Doveman @ 9:30 Club
11/09/09: Lenka @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/10/09: Alela Diane/Marissa Nadler @ DC9
11/11/09: Mutemath @ Sixth & I
11/11/09: Blind Pilot/The Low Anthem @ Black Cat
11/11/09: Olivia Mancini and The Mates (CD Release)/Stripmall Ballads @ Black Cat
11/11/09: Mutemath/As Tall As Lions @ Sixth & I
11/12/09: Max Tundra/Daestro @ DC9
11/13/09: Dan Auerbach/Justin Townes Earle/Jessica Lea Mayfield @ Sonar
11/13/09: Max Tundra/Deastro @ Metro Gallery
11/13/09: Shortstack @ IOTA
11/13/09: Bellman Barker @ Joe Squared
11/13/09: Cold Cave/Silk Flowers/Lode Runner @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/14/09: Art Brut @ Ottobar
11/14/09: White Denim/Brazos @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/14/09: Times New Viking/The Axemen @ Sonar
11/15/09: Los Lobos @ Birchmere
11/15/09: The XX @ DC9
11/15/09: Devo @ 9:30 Club
11/16/09: Los Lobos @ Rams Head Tavern
11/16/09: Devo @ 9:30 Club
11/16/09: Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes/Local Natives/Fool's Gold @ Black Cat
11/16/09: Evangelicals @ The Red and The Black
11/17/09: The Watson Twins/Joshua Radin @ Sixth & I
11/17/09: Los Lobos @ Rams Head Tavern
11/17/09: Echo and The Bunnymen/Hatcham Social @ Black Cat
11/17/09: Langhorne Slim/Dawes @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
11/19/09: The Jesus Lizard @ 9:30 Club
11/19/09: Bishop Allen @ Black Cat
11/19/09: William Elliot Whitmore/Hoots & Hellmouth @ DC9
11/20/09: Bruce Springsteen @ 1st Mariner Arena
11/20/09: The Jesus Lizard @ Sonar
11/20/09: Grant Lee Phillips/Winterpills @ Jammin' Java
11/21/09: Hoots & Hellmouth/William Elliot Whitmore @ 8x10 Club
11/22/09: Heavy Trash/Elliott Brood @ DC9
11/22/09: Grant Lee Phillips/Winterpills @ Rams Head Tavern
11/23/09: Cub Country @ Black Cat
11/25/09: Free Energy @ DC9
11/25/09: Mike Doughty @ Recher Theatre
11/27/09: The Mountain Goats/Final Fantasy @ 9:30 Club
11/28/09: They Might Be Giants @ 9:30 Club *2 Shows*
11/28/09: Bowerbirds @ Ottobar
11/30/09: Pixies @ DAR Constitution Hall

December
12/01/09: Spelling For Bees @ Asylum
12/02/09: Brooke Waggoner @ Jammin' Java
12/02/09: Elvis Perkins in Dearland/Bowerbirds @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel
12/03/09: Ted Leo and The Pharmacists @ Black Cat
12/03/09: Russian Circles/Young Widows @ DC9
12/05/09: The Big Pink/Crystal Antlers @ Black Cat
12/05/09: The Sky Drops @ Metro Gallery
12/08/09: Over The Rhine/Vienna Teng @ Sixth & I
12/10/09: The Whigs/The Features @ Black Cat
12/11/09: A Sunny Day in Glasgow @ Metro Gallery
12/17/09: Julian Velard @ DC9

Looking Ahead In The Philadelphia/South Central PA Region

2009-09-20T00:01:00.007-04:00

This is a list of some concerts of note that will be happening in the future. We will try to update this at least once a week. If we missed anything or you hear of something after this was posted, send us an e-mail. Are you going to any of these? Feel free to comment.

September
9/20/09: Fanfarlo/The Extraordinaires @ Kung Fu Necktie
9/20/09: The Weakerthans/Rock Plaza Central @ World Cafe Live
9/20/09: Moby/Kelli Scarr @ TLA
9/20/09: Bad Veins/Division Day @ North Star
9/21/09: Reading Rainbow (CD Release)/Hot Guts/Beach Fossils @ Kung Fu Necktie
9/21/09: Bell X1/Wild Light @ World Cafe Live
9/21/09: Mike Tamburo/Sagas/500mg/Niagara Falls @ The Black Lodge
9/21/09: Rock Plaza Central @ The Abbey @ ABC *Free*
9/22/09: The Rifles @ Kung Fu Necktie
9/22/09: Chain & The Gang/Drink Up Buttercup @ Space 1026
9/23/09: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band @ Kung Fu Necktie
9/23/09: Br'er/Power Animal/Zebras/Barrett Lindgren @ Danger Danger Gallery
9/23/09: The Walkmen/Here We Go Magic/The War on Drugs @ TLA
9/23/09: Spires That In The Sunset Rise/Samara Lubelski/Joshue Burkett/Ghost Ship @ 941 Theater
9/24/09: Regina Spektor @ Electric Factory
9/24/09: KMFDM @ TLA
9/24/09: Dark Party/Mux Mool @ Terrace F. Club
9/24/09: She Wants Revenge/Kill Hannah @ The Troc
9/24/09: Cheers Elephant/My Name is John Michael/ArpLine @ North Star
9/25/09: The Shackeltons @ The Abbey @ ABC *Free*
9/25/09: The Spring Standards/Jason Web @ Kennett Flash
9/25/09: Sisters 3 @ North Star
9/25/09: School of Seven Bells @ Johnny Brenda's
9/25/09: Amanda Blank/Popo @ Kia Soul Collective *Free*
9/25/09: Mutemath/As Tall As Lions @ TLA
9/25/09: Sean Bones/The Goodnight Lights @ The Khyber
9/25/09: Restorations/A City Safe From Sea @ Space 1026
9/25/09: Health/PicturePlane/Tickley Feather @ First Unitarian Church
9/25/09: Brown Recluse Sings/Screaming Females/Free Energy/Bad Temple @ Pilam
9/25/09: Starfucker/Deelay Ceelay @ Lunt Basement
9/26/09: Yeah Yeah Yeahs/Services @ Borgota
9/26/09: The Books/Lymbyc System @ Terrace F. Club
9/26/09: Francis and The Lights/The Drums @ Kia Soul Collective *Free*
9/26/09: The Sky Drops/House of Fire/Three 4 Tens @ The Octoraro
9/26/09: Hoots & Hellmouth @ Carlisle, PA Farm Concert and Potluck
9/27/09: MGMT @ Kia Soul Collective *Free*
9/27/09: Person L/The G @ Kung Fu Necktie
9/27/09: The Armchairs/Toy Soldiers @ The Note
9/27/09: Aushua/Civil Twilight/Looner @ M Room
9/27/09: Mono/Maserati @ First Unitarian Church
9/28/09: Phoenix/Chairlift @ Electric Factory
9/28/09: Flashy Python/Blood Feathers @ Johnny Brenda's
9/28/09: These Arms Are Snakes/DD?MM?YYYY @ Kung Fu Necktie
9/29/09: Great Lake Swimmers/The Wooden Birds/Sharon Van Etten @ Johnny Brenda's
9/29/09: Wavves/Ganglians/Reading Rainbow @ First Unitarian Church
9/30/09: Arctic Monkeys/The Like @ Electric Factory
9/30/09: Tina Dico @ World Cafe Live
9/30/09: The Shackeltons/The Wiitala Brothers/Geology @ M Room

October
10/01/09: Soft Pack @ Johnny Brenda's
10/01/09: The Gills @ The Khyber
10/01/09: Sunny Day Real Estate @ The Troc
10/01/09: Girl In A Coma/Black Gold/Marianne Dissard/Post Post @ M Room
10/02/09: Tim Exile @ Terrace F. Club
10/02/09: Amazing Baby/Entrance Band @ Johnny Brenda's
10/02/09: Elizabeth & The Catapult @ Tin Angel
10/02/09: Hoots & Hellmouth @ Phoenixville, PA Farm Concert and Potluck
10/02/09: Ra Ra Riot/Maps & Atlases/Princeton @ The Troc
10/02/09: Lights/Stars of Track & Field @ North Star
10/02/09: Why?/Au/Dark Dark Dark @ First Unitarian Church
10/02/09: Free Energy/The G @ Lunt Basement
10/02/09: Langhorne Slim @ World Cafe Live *XPN Free at Noon*
10/02/09: Two Man Gentlemen Band @ The Abbey @ ABC *Free*
10/03/09: Hoots & Hellmouth @ Green Living Festival
10/03/09: Kurt Vile (CD Release)/Birds of Maya/Coconuts @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/03/09: Twilight Sad/Brakesbrakesbrakes/We Were Promised Jetpacks @ North Star
10/03/09: BLK JKS/Remote Islands @ M Room
10/04/09: A Place To Bury Strangers/Darker My Love/All The Saints @ Johnny Brenda's
10/04/09: Mr. Gnome/My Cousin, The Emperor @ North Star
10/04/09: Ben Folds @ Luhrs Center
10/05/09: Ben Folds @ The Grand
10/05/09: Future Islands/Church of the Snake/Lonnie Walker @ Danger Danger Gallery
10/05/09: MoMo/Rachael Cantu/Post Post @ North Star
10/05/09: Pains of Being Pure At Heart/Cymbals Eat Guitars/Depreciation Guild @ First Unitarian Church
10/06/09: Brandi Carlile @ Keswick Theatre
10/06/09: Wax Tailor @ Johnny Brenda's
10/06/09: Kaiser Cartel @ M Room
10/06/09: Japandroids/The Coathangers @ The Barbary
10/07/09: Grand Archives/The Most Serene Republic/Caves of Mercury @ Johnny Brenda's
10/07/09: Wovenhand @ Messiah College *Free*
10/07/09: Grizzly Bear/Beach House @ Electric Factory
10/07/09: Psychedelic Furs/Happy Mondays/Islands @ The Troc
10/08/09: Le Loup/Princeton @ Terrace F. Club
10/08/09: Wovenhand/White Hills/Kohoutek @ Johnny Brenda's
10/08/09: Gossip/Apache Beat @ TLA
10/08/09: Pierced Arrows @ The Khyber
10/08/09: Gordon Dano (of Violent Femmes) @ World Cafe Live
10/08/09: Long Walk Home/Dirty Pearls @ The Note
10/08/09: Owen/The One AM Radio @ First Unitarian Church
10/09/09: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit/J-Roddy Walston and The Business @ The Abbey at ABC
10/09/09: Drummer/Royal Bangs/Faux Slang @ Johnny Brenda's
10/09/09: Dinosaur Jr./Bob Mould @ TLA
10/09/09: John Wesley Harding @ Tin Angel
10/09/09: Emily Long @ The Black Lodge
10/10/09: Punch Brothers @ Capitol Theatre
10/10/09: The Mars Volta @ Electric Factory
10/10/09: Grandchildren/Oh! Pears @ Terrace F. Club
10/10/09: Le Loup/Nurses @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/10/09: The Bravery/Living Things @ TLA
10/10/09: The Airborne Toxic Event/Henry Clay People/Red Cortez @ The Troc
10/10/09: Yourself & The Air/Republic Tigers @ North Star
10/10/09: Pete and J @ M Room
10/10/09: Grooms/Sisters/TV Ghost/FNU Ronnies/Wizard Sleeve @ Pilam
10/11/09: Thee Oh Sees/Golden Traingle/Love City/Reading Rainbow/Weatherbox @ Danger Danger Gallery
10/11/09: Punch Brothers @ Sellersville Theater
10/11/09: Mirah/Norfolk & Western @ World Cafe Live
10/12/09: Grandchildren (CD Release)/Grimace Federation @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/12/09: The Dodos/Ruby Suns @ First Unitarian Church
10/12/09: Former Ghost @ First Unitarian Church
10/13/09: Bruce Springsteen @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/13/09: The Amberblacks/The Lovemakers @ The Khyber
10/13/09: Titus Andronicus/The So So Glows @ The Barbary
10/13/09: Birdie Busch/Sisters 3/Many More @ World Cafe Live
10/13/09: Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions/Dirt Blue Gene @ First Unitarian Church
10/14/09: Bruce Springsteen @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/14/09: OM/Six Organs of Admittance/Lichens @ Johnny Brenda's
10/14/09: Pink Skull/Bear in Heaven @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/14/09: Or, The Whale/The Josh Pete Band/Kelly and The Ruths @ Millcreek Tavern *Free*
10/14/09: Youth Group/The Major Leagues @ Silk City
10/14/09: Forro In The Dark @ World Cafe Live
10/14/09: Digable Planets @ 941 Theater
10/15/09: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson/Brownout @ Terrace F. Club
10/15/09: Harlem/Busses/Lo Power Plane @ Johnny Brenda's
10/15/09: Scotland Yard Gospel Choir @ North Star
10/15/09: Phosphorescent @ First Unitarian Church
10/16/09: The Avett Brothers @ Electric Factory
10/16/09: White Hinterland/The Sweetheart Parade @ The Black Lodge
10/16/09: Adam & Dave's Bloodline/Gasoline Heart @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/16/09: Bardo Pond/Arc in Round/Ape School @ Johnny Brenda's
10/16/09: Built To Spill/Disco Doom/Violent Soho @ The Troc
10/16/09: Dead Man's Bones @ First Unitarian Church
10/16/09: Cotton Jones/Blood Feathers/Roadside Graves/Parson Red Heads @ M Room
10/16/09: Blues Control/Puerto Rico Flowers/Watery Love/Her Dead Twin @ Pilam
10/17/09: Middle Distance Runner/Farewell Flight @ Spy Club
10/17/09: Social Distortion @ House of Blues AC
10/17/09: The Hood Internet/Ninjasonik @ Terrace F. Club
10/17/09: Asobi Seksu/Loney, Dear/Anna Ternheim @ Johnny Brenda's
10/17/09: Little Fish @ The Khyber
10/17/09: David Bazan/Say Hi @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/17/09: The Raveonettes/Black Angels/Naked Hearts @ TLA
10/17/09: Sea Wolf/Port O'Brien/Sara Lov @ North Star
10/17/09: They Might Be Giants @ Schaeffer Auditorium *2 Shows*
10/17/09: Melody Gardot @ Kimmel Center
10/18/09: Little Teeth/Hermit Thrushes/Sno Caps @ Danger Danger Gallery
10/18/09: Drink Up Buttercup/Deleted Scenes/The Armchairs @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/18/09: White Rabbits @ Johnny Brenda's
10/18/09: The Gaslight Anthem/Murder By Death/The Loved Ones @ The Troc
10/18/09: Hot Panda @ North Star
10/18/09: Farewell Flight/Middle Distance Runner/East Hundred @ M Room
10/18/09: Broadcast/Atlas Sound/The Selmanaires @ First Unitarian Church
10/19/09: Hupiter One/Me & My Arrow @ North Star
10/19/09: Bruce Springsteen @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/19/09: The Gaslight Anthem/Murder By Death/The Loved Ones @ The Troc
10/20/09: Bruce Springsteen @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/20/09: The Postmarks/Brookville @ North Star
10/20/09: Electric Six/The Gay Blades/Millions of Brazilians @ Johnny Brenda's
10/20/09: Jenny Owen Youngs/Many More @ The Troc
10/20/09: Neon Indian/Post Post @ The Barbary
10/21/09: Spinto Band/Generations/Pepi Ginsberg @ Johnny Brenda's
10/21/09: Popo/Lovvers/The Chimeras @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/21/09: Laura Marling/Lewis & Clarke @ World Cafe Live
10/21/09: Dirty Projectors/Givers @ The Troc
10/21/09: UUVVWWZ @ 941 Theater
10/22/09: Leonard Cohen @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/22/09: Portugal. The Man/Drug Rug/Hockey @ Johnny Brenda's
10/22/09: Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/22/09: Andrew Lipke/Birdie Busch/Many More @ World Cafe Live
10/22/09: National Eye/Floating Action/High Strung/Giant Cloud @ North Star
10/22/09: Mum/Sin Fang Bous @ First Unitarian Church
10/22/09: Death Set/Double Dagger/Future Islands @ Pilam
10/23/09: Rain Machine (Kyp Malone from TV on the Radio)/Sharon Van Etten @ Johnny Brenda's
10/23/09: Dr. Dog @ TLA
10/24/09: Headlights/Pomegranates/The Shaky Hands @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/24/09: Dr. Dog @ TLA
10/24/09: Califone @ World Cafe Live
10/24/09: The Extraordinaires/The Raquellos/The Netherfriends @ Pilam
10/24/09: Mount Eerie/Tara Jane O'Neil/No Kids @ Lunt Basement
10/24/09: Lucky Dragons/Eric Copeland/Kria Brekkan @ Olde Club
10/25/09: Railcars/Banned Books @ Danger Danger Gallery
10/25/09: Andrew Bird/St. Vincent @ Electric Factory
10/25/09: Sissy Wish/John Houx @ M Room
10/25/09: Mount Eerie/Tara Jane O'Neil/No Kids @ First Unitarian Church
10/26/09: An Albatross/Dark Meat/Bobo @ Danger Danger Gallery
10/26/09: Wooden Shjips/Birds of Maya @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/27/09: Pearl Jam/Social Distortion @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/27/09: David Gray/Lisa Hannigan @ Tower Theater
10/28/09: Pearl Jam/Social Distortion @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/28/09: The Temper Trap @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/28/09: Zach Vinson @ Messiah College *Free*
10/28/09: Vic Chesnutt/Clare & The Reasons @ First Unitarian Church
10/28/09: Papertrees/Caught in Motion/Chris Kasper @ North Star
10/28/09: The High Dials/The Receiver/Three 4 Tens @ Silk City
10/29/09: Cheers Elephant/The Subjects/Bad Veins @ Kung Fu Necktie
10/29/09: Pinback/Obits @ TLA
10/29/09: The Once Was (CD Release) @ World Cafe Live
10/29/09: The Dear Hunter/Annuals @ First Unitarian Church
10/30/09: Mike Doughty @ Sellersville Theater
10/30/09: The Black Heart Procession/Bellini/The Mumlers @ Johnny Brenda's
10/30/09: Pearl Jam/Bad Religion @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/30/09: A Fine Fenzy/Among The Oak and Ash @ World Cafe Live
10/30/09: Realicide/Split Horizon @ Pilam
10/30/09: Lake/Karl Blau/Polite Sleeper @ Lunt Basement
10/30/09: Mount Eerie/Tara Jane O'Neil/No Kids @ Olde Club
10/31/09: Pearl Jam/Bad Religion @ Wachovia Spectrum
10/31/09: Stevie Wonder @ Borgota
10/31/09: Dead Milkmen @ The Troc

November
11/01/09: Boys Noize @ The Barbary
11/02/09: Keb' Mo' @ McCarter Theatre
11/02/09: The Heavy/Illinois @ World Cafe Live
11/03/09: Fuck Buttons/Growing @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/03/09: Mae/Jenny Owen Youngs @ North Star
11/03/09: Islands/Jemina Pearl/Toro Y Moi @ First Unitarian Church
11/04/09: Holler Wild Rose @ Messiah College *Free*
11/04/09: Glenn Tilbrook (of Squeeze) @ Tin Angel
11/04/09: Mae/Jenny Owen Youngs @ North Star
11/04/09: Girls @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/05/09: The Hidden Cameras/Gentleman Reg/The Bee Team @ Johnny Brenda's
11/05/09: Celebration @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/05/09: The Get Up Kids/Kevin Devine/The Life and Times @ The Troc
11/05/09: Thao w/ The Get Down Stay Down/The Portland Cello Project/David Schultz @ First Unitarian Church
11/06/09: The Great Vibration/Cheers Elephant/Conversation With Enemies/The Goodnight Lights @ Danger Danger Gallery
11/06/09: Wolfmother/Heartless Bastards/thenewno2 @ Electric Factory
11/06/09: The Get Up Kids/Kevin Devine/The Life and Times @ TLA
11/06/09: Tin Bird Choir (CD Release) @ Tin Angel
11/06/09: The Swimmers (CD Release/Capitol Years @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/06/09: Blank Dogs/Little Girls/Handglops @ Olde Club
11/07/09: Keb' Mo' @ Keswick Theatre
11/07/09: Amy Millan (of Stars)/Bahamas @ Johnny Brenda's
11/07/09: Joe Pernice (of Pernice Brothers) @ Tin Angel
11/07/09: Ray Lamontagne @ Tower Theater
11/07/09: Psychedelic Horseshit/Frat Dad @ Lunt Basement
11/08/09: Keb' Mo' @ The Grand
11/08/09: The Extraordinaires/Kill You In The Face/Lux Perpetua @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/08/09: Peter Bjorn & John/El Perro Del Mar @ TLA
11/09/09: Monsters of Folk @ Academy of Music
11/11/09: Hoots & Hellmouth @ Messiah College *Free*
11/11/09: Lenka @ M Room
11/12/09: Dan Auerbach/Justin Townes/Jessica Lea Mayfield @ TLA
11/12/09: The April Skies/Riverside @ World Cafe Live
11/12/09: Pants Yell!/Brown Recluse/Post Post @ Pilam
11/12/09: Mischief Brew/Theo @ Lunt Basement
11/12/09: Art Brut @ First Unitarian Church
11/13/09: White Denim @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/13/09: XO/Oddisee/yU @ Olde Club
11/14/09: Max Tundra/Deastro @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/14/09: Minus The Bear/Twin Tigers @ The Note
11/15/09: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs @ Sellersville Theater
11/15/09: Times New Viking/The Axemen @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/15/09: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes/Local Natives/Fools Gold @ First Unitarian Church
11/16/09: Shonen Knife @ Johnny Brenda's
11/17/09: J. Tillman (of Fleet Foxes)/Pearly Gates Music @ First Unitarian Church
11/18/09: Blind Pilot/Laura Veirs @ World Cafe Live
11/18/09: The Jesus Lizard @ Starlight Ballroom
11/18/09: Bishop Allen @ Johnny Brenda's
11/19/09: Langhorne Slim/Dawes @ Johnny Brenda's
11/19/09: Steely Dan @ Tower Theater
11/20/09: Langhorne Slim/Dawes @ Chameleon Club
11/20/09: Steely Dan @ Tower Theater
11/20/09: Hoots & Hellmouth/William Elliot Whitmore @ Johnny Brenda's
11/20/09: Echo & The Bunnymen/Hatchum Social @ Keswick Theatre
11/20/09: Chuck Prophet @ World Cafe Live
11/20/09: Kurt Vile @ Olde Club
11/21/09: Stephen Lynch @ The Grand
11/21/09: Hezekiah Jones (CD Release)/Sisters3/Perkasie @ Johnny Brenda's
11/21/09: Tim Hecker/Aidan Baker @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/21/09: The Sky Drops/Revolution, I Love You @ The Spot
11/21/09: They Might Be Giants @ TLA
11/21/09: Grant Lee Phillips/Winterpills @ World Cafe Live
11/21/09: Dangerous Ponies/Twin Sister/Gang @ Lunt Basement
11/22/09: Pygmy Shrews/Leather/Hot Guts @ Pilam
11/23/09: Heavy Trash @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/24/09: Mike Doughty @ Midtown Arts Center
11/24/09: Cub Country @ Kung Fu Necktie
11/25/09: Pawnshop Roses @ World Cafe Live
11/25/09: Andrew Lipke @ Tin Angel
11/27/09: The Brakes @ Johnny Brenda's
11/27/09: Julian Plenti (Paul from Interpol) @ First Unitarian Church
11/28/09: The Mountain Goats/Final Fantasy @ TLA
11/30/09: Do Make Say Think/The Happiness Project @ First Unitarian Church

December
12/02/09: Perkasie @ Messiah College *Free*
12/02/09: Ted Leo and The Pharmacists @ First Unitarian Church
12/03/09: Brooke Waggoner @ World Cafe Live
12/03/09: Elvis Perkins in Dearland/Bowerbirds @ First Unitarian Church
12/04/09: Ghostland Observatory @ The Troc
12/05/09: Gary War @ Olde Club
12/06/09: The Big Pink/Cystal Antlers/Pink Skull @ Johnny Brenda's
12/09/09: Vienna Teng @ Sellersville Theater
12/11/09: Vivian Girls/Post Post @ Lunt Basement
12/12/09: The Mumbles @ World Cafe Live
12/12/09: The Whigs/The Features @ North Star

This Week's Mix

2009-06-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

What? Oh why yes, I still do, in fact, do these. Lets get to it then shall we.

Starfucker - Medicine
Phoenix - Lisztomania
Akron/Family - The River
John Vanderslice - Sunken Union Boat
Deer Tick - Easy
The Thermals - Now We Can See
Apostle of Hustle - Soul Unwind
El Ten Eleven - Jumping Frenchmen of Maine
Miike Snow - Burial (DJ Mehdi Remix)
The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa (from Abeano.com)

Note: All tracks above, unless otherwise noted, were obtained legally and with artist's permission via KEXP. Please see here for more information.

The Local Weekend: Kicking June Off Right Part II

2009-06-06T08:08:00.001-04:00

Caught your breath yet from Friday night? Saturday and Sunday are no let down. Let's get to it.

Two one-day festivals Saturday dominate the scene. The Metro Gallery in Baltimore is the place to be for Rufustival. Local acts galore fill this line-up along with a few out-of-towners. Set to play: A Place to Bury Strangers, Dirty Projectors, Chairlift, Thrushes, Eureka Birds, The Sky Drops, Pianowire, Baby Aspirin, The Water, Ecstatic Sunshine and Wye Oak. This show is highly recommended. Get there early and stay late.

mp3: A Place to Bury Strangers - My Weakness (from band)
mp3: Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move (rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Chairlift - Evident Utensil (MGMT Remix)
mp3: Thrushes - Heartbeats (from band)
mp3: The Sky Drops - Now Would Be (band website)
mp3: Ecstatic Sunshine - Anagram (rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Wye Oak - Family Glue (from band)
mp3: Eureka Birds - The Still Life (from band)

The Roots are hosting a picnic on Festival Pier in Philly for a hometown throw down with huge names on the bill. Stop by to see Santigold, The Black Keys, TV on the Radio and the one and only Public Enemy.

mp3: Santigold - Your Voice
mp3: The Black Keys - I Got Mine (live)
mp3: TV On the Radio - Dancing Choose (Prefuse 73 Remix)
(all songs linked from rcrdlbl.com)

Outside the massive amounts of bands and people, The Tower Theater is hosting Stephen Colbert's musical arch-nemeses The Decemberists. Performing with them is Brit-pop royality Robyn Hitchcock. Elsewhere in Philly Saturday, Art Brut takes on Satan in their new album and will entertain the crowd at Johnny Brenda's with Cymbals Eat Guitars. Definately a fun show. And the Tin Angel is hosting Chapel Hill's The Old Ceremony.

mp3: The Decemberists - Hazards of Love 1
mp3: Art Brut - Weird Science
mp3: Cymbals Eat Guitars - And The Hazy Sea
mp3: The Old Ceremony - Til My Voice if Gone
(all songs linked from rcrdlbl.com)

Jersey band The Black Hollies are taking their show to two venues this weekend. Saturday they hit up the Rock & Roll Hotel, while Sunday you can find them at Johnny Brenda's.

mp3: The Black Hollies - Paisley Pattern Ground (Ernest Jennings Records)

Sunday

A little less action for the end of the weekend. The Hold Steady hold court at the 9:30 Club. DC9 has Disappears and Dangerosa. Up In Philly, Kung Fu Necktie has Dark Meat with Popo and Nymph.

mp3: The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy (Vagrant Records)
mp3: Dark Meat - Freedom Ritual (Vice Records)

Lastly, spoken word at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington will never be so much fun as when Henry Rollins brings it to Delaware. I should see if tickets are still available.

Hope you enjoy. And don't forget about the bands still lingering from Friday.

The Local Weekend: Kicking June Off Right Part I

2009-06-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

Another month has passed us by. Summer is starting. Time for great music to come through the area in massive quantities. This weekend is no exception. Friday is loaded with big names and your local favorites. Here is what's hapening:

So many huge acts are hitting the IA area this weekend. For those of you that cut your musical teeth around my time (late '80s/early '90s), a couple of shows may peak your interest. Jane's Addiction and Nine Inch Nails are on tour together. Maybe if was in my early 20's, I would hit this one up. I'm getting old. Catch them at Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden. Doing a double dip in the area is PJ Harvey. She is joined by John Parish for a show Friday at the Warner Theater in DC and Sunday in Philly at The Troc.

mp3: Jane's Addiction - Three Days (sparkart.net)
mp3: Nine Inch Nails - Lights In The Sky (band website)

A little bit of the eclectic Friday and Saturday when Talking Heads frontman David Byrne brings his new world sound to the area. Set to open is DeVotchka. Nothing beats a band with a Sousaphone as a primary instrument. They are slated for The Mann and Wolf Trap.

mp3: DeVotchka - You Love Me (Anti Records)

If you haven't heard, Doves are coming to town. We are running a little contest for the 9:30 Club show Saturday. Can't make that show? The Troc hosts Friday. Set to open is Wild Light.

mp3: Doves - Kingdom of Rust (rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Wild Light - California On My Mind (rcrdlbl.com)

Back before we started IA, Denali came out of Richmond and made a splash on the scene. Then they disappeared. Five years or so seems to have been long enough as they are back and playing two shows in the area. Friday catch them with Autocue and Robes at the First Unitarian Church in Philly. The Black Cat is the place Saturday, this time with KI:Theory and Pygmy Lush.

mp3: Denali - Hold Your Breath (band website)
mp3: Robes - The Breaks
mp3: KI:Theory - My Thoughts (band website)

Still haven't made up your mind? Here is more to choose from:

DC9 is hosting Natalie Portman's Shaved Head. The Rock & Roll Hotel has the loudest band pretty much anywhere A Place To Bury Strangers along with Caverns and True Womanhood. Over at the Black Cat, Dean & Britta perform with Cheval Sombre. Ohioans Like Bells join up with Baltimore's Kadman for a show at the Velvet Lounge. Cross the river to IOTA for Viva Voce and Cut Off Your Hands. Small venue for a great up-close experience.

mp3: A Place To Bury Strangers - My Weakness (from band)
mp3: True Womanhood - Cosmic Ray (last.fm)
mp3: Like Bells - Atlas (Exit Stencil)
mp3: Kadman - Sorry (band website)
mp3: Viva Voce - Octavio (Barsuk Records)
mp3: Cut Off Your Hands - Oh Girl (rcrdlbl.com)

As for Philly, one more show of note. White Rabbits are in Fishtown at Johnny Brenda's with The Subjects and Busses.

mp3: White Rabbits - Percussion Gun (pitchfork)
mp3: The Subjects - Numbers (rcrdlbl.com)

That's Friday, plus a little more. Check back for the rest of the weekend. A couple of festivals to tell you about. Enjoy the music.

Contest: Doves in DC

2009-06-01T21:54:00.006-04:00

Alright, this is a good one, so I will just get to the point. Doves are playing a show in DC on Saturday night at 9:30 Club with Wild Light. The show is sold out and everyone is trying to score some tickets. What most people do not know, is that Doves have teamed up with Gibson Guitar for a special pre-show party. What is that exactly? Well, here are the details:

What: Gibson Guitar Presents: Doves Take Flight - A Pre-Show End of Tour Celebration
When: Saturday 6/6 from 3PM to 5PM.
Where: Gibson Showroom at 709 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Additional Info:
Invite/Guest List Only.
Free Food and Free Booze.
Free Doves and Gibson swag.
Photo ops and an opportunity to get your Doves swag signed by Andy and Jez.

Astralwerks and Gibson have provided us with all sorts of great things to give away, including tickets to the show and the party. We will have 3 winners and the prizes are as follows:

Grand Prize: 2 tickets for show at 9:30 club and 2 invites for the Gibson Pre-Party .
First Runner Up: 2 invites for the Gibson Pre-Party.
Second Runner Up: Doves entire catalog on CD.

All you have to do to enter is send us an e-mail (instanalysis@aol.com) with your name. Winners will be randomly chosen and notified by Friday. Good luck!

Contest Sponsored By:

The Holiday Weekend: Sunday and Monday

2009-05-24T13:27:00.007-04:00

Holy Fuck By James Mejia

As the weekend winds to a close, the BBQ scene heats up and the shows start to wind down. However, there are still a few things to see before we have to return to work on Tuesday.

Between Sunday and Monday, The National play three shows at 9:30 Club in DC. You know you love them and you know the shows are beyond sold out.

mp3: The National - Fake Empire (via Beggars Group)

Holy Fuck and Crocodiles do the I-95 dance. They hit Ottobar in Baltimore on Sunday and Kung Fu Necktie in Philly on Monday.

mp3: Holy Fuck - Jungles (via Beggars Group)
mp3: Crocodiles - I Wanna Kill (via Fat Possum)

Coldplay bring their never ending tour to Hersheypark Stadium on Sunday night with Pete Yorn and Howling Bells.

mp3: Howling Bells - Into The Chaos (via Independiente)
mp3: Coldplay - Free Live Album (link)

Finally, the long weekend closes with a few intimate shows on Monday. Ponytail return to Baltimore for a show at Ottobar. Austin's Loxsly hit Galaxy Hut in Arlington with local super group Finer Designer, featuring members of Greenland and Len Bias. The Beanstalk Library make their long awaited return at IOTA and are joined by In Technicolor and Typefighter.

mp3: Ponytail - Celebrate the Body Electric (It Came From An Angel) (via Big Hassle)
mp3: Loxsly - Battalions (via Team Clermont)
mp3: The Beanstalk Library - This Line Is Not For Me (via band)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a great Memorial Day.

The Holiday Weekend: Saturday

2009-05-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

Friday is in the books. Saturday is a repeat of the day before. Phily's line-up declines greatly. Baltimore and DC carry the majority of the shows. Here's what to check out:

I'll be down in DC at the Rock & Roll Hotel for a line-up of pure power-pop. One of our favorites, Jukebox the Ghost are coming back to the area after a year's worth of touring. See them before they go hermit-like and hide away for the next few months or so. Also on tap is Jenny Owen Youngs, set to drop her new album Transmitter Failure next week. And to top it all off, The Winter Sounds, who just released a new album last week, are also slated to perform. This is a must-see show.

mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Victoria
mp3: Jenny Owen Youngs - Led to the Sea (via Nettwerk Music)
mp3: The Winter Sounds - Trophy Wife (via Deus Ex Machina)

Over at DC9, Austin's Loxsly is hitting the East Coast in front of their new release Tomorrow's Fossils set to drop Tuesday. As a fan of the Austin scene, I highly recommend seeing them. Also on the bill are locals Ra Ra Rasputin and The Spiritual Machine.

mp3: Loxsly - As The Constellation's Arm Uncurled (via band)

The Troc in Philly is hosting a sold-out CD release for locals that made it big Mewithoutyou. Also performing is Jersey native Danielson and the blues-funk-hip-hop of the Urban Sophisticates.

mp3: Danielson - Animal In Every Corner (band website)

Harrisburg's Arts Fest is happening this weekend. If you want to check out some local music during the afternoon, this is the place to be. Our friends The April Skies will be on stage around 4. Be sure to stop by and take a look.

mp3: The April Skies - Here Comes the Rush

DC has a couple of other shows for your consideration. Butterfly Boucher will wow the crowd at Jammin' Java. The Juan Maclean joins with The Field for a show worth dancing to at Black Cat. The Red & The Black is hosting Food Will Win The War along with Frau Eva and Freelance Whales.

mp3: The Juan Maclean - Find a Way (rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: The Field - Over the Ice (rcrdlbl.com)

Bellman Barker is making a trip up to Baltimore's Metro Gallery for a show with The Howling Mad and Chelsea Graveyard and the Screams at Midnight. And if you want a little electronic, Future Islands is with Nuclear Power Pants at Zodiac.

mp3: Bellman Barker - Charles Kil
mp3: Future Islands - Old Friend (band website)

Philly has one other show worth note. Johnny Brenda's has Minnesotans Run at the Dog. Highly infectious songs. Also set to perform is Oh Pears, An American Chinese and The Mean.

mp3: Run at The Dog - Noon Moon (band website)

Weekend is only halfway done. More to come. Enjoy the music.

Casper Bangs

2009-05-21T07:59:00.003-04:00

Photo By Shervin Lainez
When I started this site 3 years ago, there was a DC band that caught my attention. Armed with wit and killer hooks, The Hard Tomorrows, were poised for good things. Then, in the summer of 2007, they vanished. Fast forward two years and the voice of that band, Rob Pierangeli, has finally resurfaced under the alter ego, Casper Bangs. Taking the hooks that his previous band was known for and turning the energy way up, Rob is ready to take on the world again. If you don't believe me, he has a free digital EP available here and his live band makes their debut tonight at Black Cat with Deleted Scenes and The XYZ Affair. Check them out and look for the debut CD this fall.

mp3: The Other Half

Midweek Shows

2009-05-19T09:11:00.001-04:00

Tereu Tereu by Shervin Lainez

Now that the summer is more or less here, the area is starting to get some great shows during the week. A few bands are stopping through the area with a couple of dates, so whether you are in Philly, Baltimore or DC, you should get a chance to see them. Here is a run down of the highlights through Thursday.

Tuesday
DC has the pick of the litter with three great shows to satisfy you no matter what your musical tastes are. Local favorites Tereu Tereu are headlining their CD release party at DC9 and with them are Roman Candle, Motel Motel and The Deep Vibration. Another big show is The Helio Sequence opening for Keane at Constitution Hall and The Helio Sequence always put on a great live show. The final show is an up close and personal show with Elvis Perkins in Dearland headlining at IOTA and opening for them are The Woes.

In Philly the only big show is Ben Lee with LA's Low Vs Diamond and Dawes opening. I love LVD and seeing them live would be a real treat so I highly recommend it. The show is being played at World Cafe Live.

Tereu Tereu - Perpetual Motion (via band)
Motel Motel - Coffee (via Big Hassle)
The Deep Vibration - Coal Mine (via The Syndicate)
Elvis Perkins in Dearland - Shampoo (via Beggars Group USA)

Wednesday
The reversal of show popularity happens as there are no shows of note in the district and only one in Baltimore, while Philly has 3 great ones. Dawes drops from the lineup in Baltimore while Ben Lee and Low Vs Diamond soldier on to bring their music to The Quarter.

Get off your keisters and on to the dance floor as local darlings The Dance Party are playing North Star. After recently seeing them at Virginia Tech when they opened for Girl Talk, I can confidently say that their shows only get better every time you see them. Along with this show, Keane and The Helio Sequence move north to delight masses at the Tower Theater. The final show in Philly sees Easy Star All-Stars bring their new reggae cover of The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band on the road with a show at World Cafe Live. If you loved their reggae covers of Dark Side Of The Moon and OK Computer, I'm sure this will be a don't miss show.

The Dance Party - Sasha Don't Sleep (via band)

Thursday
While Thursday is short on shows, it probably has the must see show of the week. Deleted Scenes, The XYZ Affair and Casper Bangs all join forces for a show at the Black Cat.

Not to be outdone by DC, Philly's First Unitarian Church is hosting St. Vincent with openers Pattern Is Movement. I have yet to see either band live yet, but from what I hear it should be a pretty good show.

Deleted Scenes - Fake IDs (via band)
The XYZ Affair - Sock You In The Face With Love (via Tell All Your Friends)
Casper Bangs - Always On (via band)
St. Vincent - The Strangers (via 4AD)
Pattern Is Movement - Right Away (via Home Tapes)

You can also check out our DC/Baltimore and Philly region calendars for more great shows this week and beyond.

These United States Take On Video Games

2009-05-18T08:00:00.003-04:00

I tend to cover a lots of ground on the internet and as I was browsing around on some of the more geekier ends, I stumbled upon this video game trailer for Call of Juarez: Bound In Blood:

As you watch it, you may find that it features "West Won" by DC's These United States. Congrats to those guys for making the jump to other forms of media to get their wonderful sound out to the masses.

mp3: West Won

Return of The Beanstalk Library

2009-05-18T06:41:00.000-04:00

DC's The Beanstalk Library have been MIA for awhile. However, we have recently learned that after some tweaking of the lineup, the band is getting ready to return with new songs and a new live band. The new version of the band will debut on Memorial Day at IOTA with support from In Technicolor and Typefighter. The music? Well, that will debut a lot sooner.

During the down time, songwriters Ryan Walker and Brian Kent finished five new recordings. In advance of the show, and to celebrate this new phase for the band, they have decided to debut all 5 tracks today on various DC related music sites. Here is the track listing and where you can locate all of them:

Track 1: Feeling My Way in the Dark (at District of Sound)
Track 2: It Has Made All the Difference (at Baby, You Got A Stew Goin’!)
Track 3: The Only Things I'll Take With Me (at DCist)
Track 4: This Line Is Not For Me
Track 5: Cry Harder (at Brightest Young Things)

Our track, "This Is Not For Me," was written by Brian Kent and features Brett Niederman of Exit Clov on organ and Gus Mancuso on trumpet. It's a definite progression for the band and features a guitar solo unlike any that you may have heard on their debut.

Enjoy and be sure to visit the other sites to check out the rest of the tracks.

mp3: This Line Is Not For Me

The Regional Weekend: Gonna Be A Hot One, Part I

2009-04-24T06:25:00.001-04:00

Looks like a preview of summer is heading our way, with highs getting close to 90 in some places. The unexpected heat is not going to keep the weekend show line-up from happening. It's another full weekend, so I'm going to have to split it up into two posts. This one will cover Friday and those that also hit other places after Friday.

Kings of Leon
from band's myspace

Quite a few big name acts start things Friday and end up finishing the weekend elsewhere in the region. What would you rather have: Sons of a Preacher Man or a '90s flashback? If I could, I would see them both, but the scheduling makes that a little hard. Confused? This should clear it up.

The Followill boys of Kings of Leon are coming through the area with their arena tour. In support are another band that could headline their own tour, The Walkmen. The Patriot Center is host Friday, then Saturday you can catch one of the last remaining events at the storied Spectrum in Philly.

Three stops in the area for The Presidents of the United States of America. No, not some tour of Obama, the Bushes and Clinton rambling on about today's economic crisis. The band that brought you "Lump" and "Peaches" is back and prepared to send you reeling back to the mid-90s. Adding to the surreal is Oppenheimer, a synth heavy ultra-catchy pop band from Belfast. Caught these guys before, well worth getting there early/sticking around, depending on line-up. Friday they start at The Troc in Philly, then head to Lancaster, PA for a show at The Chameleon, then finish off Sunday in DC at 9:30 Club.

mp3: PUSA - Lump (via Daytrotter.com)
mp3: Oppenheimer - Saturday Looks Bad To Me (via Daytrotter.com)

Not really hitting both areas of the IA region, but playing two shows none-the-less is the hilarious Stephen Lynch. It is a great weekend to head to the shore, and he just happens to be at the Borgata in Atlantic City Friday and Saturday. Get some sun, play some tables and laugh your ass off.

mp3: Stephen Lynch - 3 Balloons (via whatarerecords.com)

If the big names aren't enough for your Friday, there are plenty of one nighters to suit you.

If you are heading for the Stephen Lynch show, you may want to bump it to Saturday. The king of piano pop Ben Folds is slated for a Friday show at the House of Blues in AC. Just do what I mentioned above two days in a row. You can sleep it off Sunday.

Johnny Brenda's is hosting three guys from Suburban Home Records, each with their own set. Tim Barry, usually with Avail, is out supporting his folk album Rivanna Junction. Lots of story telling in these songs. Also on the bill are other troubadours, Austin Lucas and Josh Small. Solid show for those who enjoy the folk-country side of indie.

mp3: Tim Barry - Idle Idylist (via Suburban Home Records)
mp3: Austin Lucas - Somebody Loves You (via Suburban Home Records)
mp3: Josh Small - Move Your Hips (via Suburban Home Records)

Usually Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World and during the summer it smells to high heaven. Maybe they are trying to clean up their image. Now they have their own music venue, The Kennett Flash. They are hosting Delaware's The Spinto Band for a sold out XPN event.

mp3: The Spinto Band - Summer Grof (via band)

DC has a line-up worth seeing at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Florida's Copeland is joined by This Providence, Paper Route (new album out next week) and Brooke Waggoner. If locals are what you're looking for, hit the Black Cat for Bellflur, Cobra Collective, Bottles/Cans and Seamonsters.

mp3: Paper Route - Carousel (via Sneak Attack Media)
mp3: Bellflur - First to the Moon (via band)
mp3: Cobra Collective - Joe Goda (via band)
mp3: Bottles/Cans - Tabitha Calhoun (via band)

Baltimore is also getting in on the local flavor, mostly in support of out-of-towners. Action Painters is in the middle of an IA area swing for their new EP Lay That Cable, hitting Metro Gallery with locals The Courtesy Line and FFHH. Definitely worth a listen. Spectrum is bringing trance-rock to the masses after the fall of Spaceman 3. You can find them at Sonar with local favorite Pontiak, who are supporting a new album, Maker.

mp3: Action Painters - SuperMarket (via band)
mp3: FFHH - From the Shadows (via band)
mp3: Pontiak - Honey (via Thrill Jockey Records)

Philly also has the locals coming out to play. The Fire is hosting four bands worth checking out. Tres Bien is getting some great reviews about their live show. Joining them on stage are Philly's own Toy Soldiers, Hezekiah Jones and Sweetheart Parade. And over at my old stomping ground of the Millcreek Tavern check out Great Vibration with Vultures. And get to know the owner, Jack. Great guy.

mp3: Tres Bien - Liquid Love (via band website)
mp3: Hezekiah Jones - Nothings Bound (via band website)

More to come on Saturday and Sunday later.

The Local Thursday: Prepping for the Weekend

2009-04-23T14:33:00.005-04:00

After a few days off due to holidays, day trips and other things that have popped up, I am finally back on track and will give you some ideas for what to spend your time and money on Thursday and the coming weekend for auditory and visual entertainment. By the looks of the DC/Baltimore and Pennsylvania calendars, it is going to be another busy one.

Travis
(photo from bands myspace)

A couple of bands are hitting the area Thursday, then spreading the wealth to another city over the weekend. Scottish band Travis had been off the radar for a few years after they exploded on the scene in the late '90s. Now with a couple of releases in the past two years under their belts, it is time to reconquer the US one city at a time. Joining them on tour is KC's The Republic Tigers, an American band that pulls off the Brit-pop sound perfectly. Catch them in DC at the 9:30 Club Thursday. Those in Philly, head to the TLA for a Friday night show.

mp3: The Republic Tigers - Buildings & Mountains (via rcrdlbl.com)

Also doing the double-dip is Los Angeles artist Jeremy Jay. Taking the early '80s New Wave, a la Joy Division, and adding a few modern twists, he creates minimalist pop that will send you back in time (for those of us old enough to remember). The first show is Thursday at the Talking Head in Baltimore. As for openers, the frenetic, short but sweet songs of The Art Department and the garageish sound of Snowmen, both Baltimore bands. After a few nights in New York, Jeremy is back, this time at the Velvet Lounge with Exactly.

mp3: Jeremy Jay - We Were There (via rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: The Art Department - Julia I Can't Run Anymore (via mobileloungerecords.com)

Everybody else hitting the area tonight is doing one off shows. Here are some highlights:

Two Southern bands join up with a New Yorker for a must-see show (IMO). Athens' Modern Skirts is joined by Chapel Hill's The Old Ceremony. Add into the mix NYC's Wakey! Wakey! and you got one stellar line-up. Sorry Philly, you gotta travel for this one. They are at the Black Cat in DC.

mp3: Modern Skirts - Soft Pedals (via teamclermont.com)
mp3: Wakey! Wakey! - Get Away (via band website)

More local flavor for your musical palate, Baltimore's Ponytail is heading down the Beltway to hit up DC9. They are supported by locals Imperial China and The Gagged.

mp3: Ponytail - Celebrate the Body Electric (via Pitchfork)
mp3: Imperial China - There Is No Translation (via band)

The Fire in Philly has a great line-up to check out. Speck Mountain out of Chicago takes the stage with Shayfer James and Jersey's Dinner & a Suit.

mp3: Speck Mountain - I Feel Eternal (via Green Light Go Publicity)

Elsewhere, DC's The Red & The Black hosts The Everyday Visuals, now with a fresh Daytrotter session and the Junior League is at Fletchers in Baltimore.

mp3: The Everyday Visuals - Boom Boom Boom (via Daytrotter)
mp3: Junior League - The Station (via band)

And be sure to hit up the calendars for more info about who is playing where and when.

Release The CDs!

2009-04-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

A couple of local favorites that we cover regularly are dropping new discs Friday night, unfortunately not in the same place.

Harrisburg, PA's Abbey at ABC is the scene for one of the best local line-ups south central PA has seen in a very long time. Pure classic wall of sound style '80s pop is what Hershey's The April Skies are all about. Together since something like 1988, this is their 3rd full-length album since 2005 and their first since late 2006. Don't expect all new stuff though. They always break out the favorites and the occasional cover. (Their version of "A Forest" is stellar).

A CD release party by the Skies is great, but adding in the other two bands on the bill makes this an all out raucous throw down. Middle Distance Runner has been getting some national play in a Harley ad and thanks to a loyal reader, they let us know they have been using "Out of Here" in a commercial on KTLA for their evening news. Yeah, its voiced over and just instrumental, but DC is getting play in LA. They just released a new 7" back in March and a new album is on the way. And yeah, they kick ass live.

Also known to give it all they got on stage are Chambersburg's The Shackletons. Can't make it Friday night? Saturday, drop the Skies and add Philly's Drink Up Buttercup for another not to be missed local line-up at The Fire in Philly.

mp3: The April Skies - Punch Drunk Messiah (via band)
mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Brother John (via band)
mp3: The Shackeltons - Your Movement (via band)
mp3: Drink Up Buttercup - Lovers Play Dead (via daytrotter.com)

Middle Distance Runner "The Unbeliever" from maxwell sorensen on Vimeo.

Down in Fredericksburg, VA, The Library is hosting the CD release party for Tereu Tereu and their new disc All That Keeps Us Together. Check out some of their new tracks here. And get there early for fellow Virginians Carlos I'm Pregnant and The Like Whatevers. This show is all ages!

mp3: Tereu Tereu - Don't Be Sore Farmer John (via band)

The Local Weekend: Another Stacked One

2009-04-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

After last week's trifecta of musical information, this weekend is a welcome respite. Not as heavy, but still plenty to check out. Got big plans this weekend, so I am keeping it somewhat brief. Check out our exhaustive calendars (DC, Philly) for other shows.

Black Kids
(photo via band myspace)

Speaking of my plans, join me Friday at the Troc in Philly's Chinatown for a great line-up. Florida's Black Kids are back in town. If you haven't heard, they received many best-ofs for 2008. Also on the bill is husband and wife duo Mates of State. Keyboard and drum kit pop at its best. Set to open is Jacksonville's Sunbears. Can't make it to the Philly show? No problem. Saturday, same people, this time the 9:30 Club hosts.

mp3: Mates of State - My Only Offer (via Barsuk Records)

Of course, the weekend alway kicks off at the XPN Free at Noon. This week it features The Felice Brothers and musical legend Marianne Faithful. Her career has spanned four decades and is still going strong. This woman is a legend, see her if you can.

mp3: The Felice Brothers - Run Chicken Run (via team-love.com)

Looking for a '90s alternative flashback? Friday at the 9:30 and Saturday at Johnny Brendas (early shows, 6:00 and 6:30 are posted times), former buzz bin band Superdrag is back. They also just dropped a new album. As Tall As Lions, who meld various genres from a multitude of eras, are set to open.

mp3: Superdrag - Sucked Out (via r5productions.com)
mp3: As Tall As Lions - I Lost My Mind (via rcrdlbl.com)

SubPop artist Obits is hitting the area twice, Friday in Baltimore at Ottobar then Sunday in the District at Black Cat. Each show has a different set of supporting acts. In Baltimore you can catch locals Sick Weapons and Sal Bando, the DC show has The Points.

mp3: Obits - Pine On (via Subpop)

If you dig the French pop scene, then you are in luck. Sebastian Tellier is playing two shows in the area this weekend. Playing the late show at the 9:30 on Friday with Lemonade, then he heads up to Philly's Starlight Ballroom for a Saturday show.

mp3: Sebastian Tellier - Sexual Sportswear (Donovan Remix) (via rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Lemonade - Sunchips (via rcrdlbl.com)

Freak folk, lo-fi noise pop, avant-garde. Those are just a few of the descriptions for Ariel Pinks Haunted Graffiti. And joining them for the two shows in the region is Vivian Girls. Friday, they are playing Johnny Brenda's with Tickley Feather. Then they hit Baltimore and Ottobar up on Saturday with The Flying Eyes, Deep Sleep and Head Home.

mp3: Ariel Pinks Haunted Graffiti - Helen (via Paw-Tracks.com)
mp3: Vivian Girls - Tell The World (via rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Tickley Feather - Tonight is the Night (via rcrdlbl.com)

Friday

For Friday, two huge musicians, one local and one former punker play separate venues in the Philly area. Local artist Amos Lee has gained quite a following and has toured with acts such as Dylan, Elvis Costello and Merle Haggard. You can catch him at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. Bob Mould is best know for his days in Husker Du and Sugar, but he has also made a name for himself with his solo work. Head to the North Star to see a legend in action. Also on the bill is local artist Andrew Lipke.

Deer Tick has been all over the area for the past few weeks. This time he is at the Olde Club at Swarthmore College Friday. And by the looks at his schedule, he will be back in the near future.

mp3: Deer Tick - Long Time (via Partisan Records)

Wham City artist Dan Deacon is playing a sold out show at the First Unitarian Church in Philly. Along for the ride are fellow Baltimore bands Teeth Mountain and Future Islands. This is sure to be a raucous show.

mp3: Dan Deacon - Big Big Big Big Big (via band website)
mp3: Future Islands - Old Friend (via band website)

Saturday

The master of funk/blues/soul/hip-hop fusion, G. Love is in Atlantic City playing the Borgata. So make a day of it Saturday. Great weather, the beach and a little Special Sauce.

Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Ray Lamontagne is in town Saturday for a show at the Tower Theater.

A couple of CD releases of note happening this Saturday and both are in Baltimore. The Metro Gallery is hosting the party for Pianowire, while the G Spot has the second release party for Impossible Hair. Also on that bill is Title Tracks, featuring former Georgie James member John Davis.

And on a down note, the Matt & Kim show for Saturday at The Barbary in Philly has been canceled.

So much more I did not cover, be sure to check out the calendars for the rest.

The Area Weekend: Welcome Back! Part Three

2009-03-29T15:09:00.005-04:00

I thought I would never say this, but the weekend is finally coming to an end. Fortunately (for me), Sunday is much lighter in action than the past two nights. Don't forget to check out Friday and Saturday for bands that are playing multiple dates.

Canadian Invasion
(via bands myspace)

The M-Room is hosting a great line-up featuring indie-popsters Golden Bloom and Philly's own Canadian Invasion. Rounding out the show is Jersey City's Sudden Ensemble, who have gotten the attention of famed radio personality John Peel. That's pretty high praise. I highly recommend this show.

Pree just had a CD release party for their new disc A Chopping Block, now they are back for another show, this time at The Loft in Fredericksburg with locals Hot Lava, Kana Zink and His Royal Shyness. This is part of the all ages series, so all of you can experience the best of local music.

To finish off the weekend, check out one of these two shows. Indie-rock masters We Are Scientists are set to concoct something musical at the Hard Rock in DC, while beat heavy Futurecop! shakes up DC9.

mp3: Canadian Invasion - One Hand Claps the Other (via greenlightgo.com)
mp3: Golden Bloom - Doomsday Devices (via greenlightgo.com)
mp3: Pree - In The Parlor (via The Kora Records)

The Area Weekend: Welcome Back! Part Two

2009-03-28T16:11:00.005-04:00

Hope you all had fun last night. Tonight and Sunday are just as loaded, so without further delay, here's what to check out:

Eulogies
(photo by brantley gutierrez, via bands myspace)

Some bands are starting their multiple city stops on Saturday. The one I recommend is Eulogies joining up with our friends Middle Distance Runner, set to drop a new album very soon, and The Payola Reserve, who already had a show on Friday. Catch them at IOTA in Arlington tonight for a nice up-close and personal show. Those in Baltimore can get them Sunday at Metro Gallery.

mp3: Eulogies - Two Can Play (via rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Brother John (via band)
mp3: The Payola Reserve - Music Is Not Music (via band)

The dirty, bluesy Southern Rock of J-Roddy Walston & The Business is at Baltimore's Ottobar Saturday before opening for The Hold Steady Sunday at the Recher. And that is a free show.

mp3: J Roddy Walston & The Business - Used to Did (via daytrotter.com)
mp3: The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy (via vagrant records)

TK Webb & The Visions are joined by Appomattox for a double city stop. Saturday's DC9 show also features Gods & Queens, while the Sunday Talking Head show in Baltimore has David Heumann of Arbouretum fame set to open.

mp3: TK Webb & The Visions - Teen is Still Shaking (via kemado records)

Baltimore's own Ponytail is also hitting two cities this weekend. First stop is at American University in DC with Mittenfields. The next stop is a slot on the Los Campesinos! show at the TLA in Philly Sunday night.

mp3: Ponytail - Celebrate the Body Electric (via nowwearefree.com)

Time for those that are playing just one venue this weekend. Still quite a bit to go.

Saturday

Big show at the Warner Theater as comedian-musician Stephen Lynch takes the stage. This is going to be very entertaining.

Another huge show is at The Troc, featuring Jersey's The Gaslight Anthem and Ohioans Heartless Bastards. Also on the bill is local group Good Old War. This show is already sold out! Enjoy if you have tix. If not, find a way to get in.

Philly's M-Room is featuring an electronic show with Arms and Sleepers, The Circadian Rhythms and Anni Rossi. Baltimore and DC have some to chose from as locals Squaaks (you may know Elena from Ace of Cakes...Yummy!) and ...So I Had To are joined by The Minneapolis Henrys at Metro Gallery. Black Cat has a great line up with The Drones from Australia sharing the stage with Deleted Scenes and Pretty & Nice.

mp3: Stephen Lynch - 3 Balloons (via whatarerecords.com)
mp3: Heartless Bastards - The Mountain (via Sneak Attack Media)
mp3: Arms and Sleepers - A Mission To Prague (via Expectcandy.com)
mp3: Anni Rossi - Wheelpusher (via beggarsgroupusa.com)
mp3: Squaaks - Be Dry My Bleeding Heart(via band)
mp3: Deleted Scenes - Turn To Sand (via band website)
mp3: Pretty & Nice - Tora Tora Tora (via Hardly Art Records)

Ok, so this massive weekend ended up becoming three parts. Sunday will posted soon!

The Area Weekend: Welcome Back! Part One

2009-03-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

When I saw the calendar for the weekend, I initially thought that Joe was out of his skull and put down shows for the wrong dates. Then after some quick fact checking, I found the truth. Every band and their mothers, uncles and 3rd cousins once removed are either coming back home from Austin or making the IA area the next stop on their East Coast swing. With so much to tell you about, it is best to break it up into two (or more) posts). Part One (this post) will focus on those performing on Friday as a single show or making a double (or triple) stop sometime from now til Sunday. Part two comes later (obviously).

Gomez (via band myspace)

So many acts are pulling double duty this weekend. Where do I even begin? The obvious choice is the band kicking off the weekend at XPNs Free at Noon. Gomez is set to drop a new album, A New Tide. This show is already sold out, but you can catch them 3 more times in the IA area. After the lunch show, they head west to Lancaster and The Chameleon Club. Killer soul/funk band from Austin Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears are set to open. Saturday they head back to Philly and the TLA for a show with Blind Pilot. They then head to the 9:30 Club Sunday and rejoin Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears to close out the weekend. All still have tickets available, but they may go fast. And to make this a little more confusing, before heading to Philly, Blind Pilot has a solo show at IOTA Friday night.

mp3: Gomez - Mix (via RCRDLBL.com)

Another triple city set of shows is in the works for Asobi Seksu, with their mix of sugary late '80s pop and early '90s shoegaze and support from the lo-fi band from Michigan, Tyvek. Start in Baltimore Friday at the Ottobar, featuring local favorites Thrushes, then follow them to DC and the Rock & Roll Hotel and finish Sunday in Philly at Johnny Brenda's. Worth the road trip.

mp3: Asobi Seksu - Familiar Light (via r5productions.com)
mp3: Thrushes - Loyalty

Yet another band is hitting three cities in three days. DD/MM/YYYY are starting their journey at The Red & The Black in DC with Chambersburg's The Shackeltons. Also on the bill for this show is locals Surprise! Arizona and Brooklyn's Cinema Cinema. I would make every attempt to go to this show. They then head to Baltimore for one more show with The Shackeltons, this time joined by Magic Missile. Finally, Philly get the finishing act at Kung Fu Necktie with Reading Rainbow.

mp3: DD/MM/YYYY - Infinity Skull Cube (via killbeatmusic.com)
mp3: The Shackeltons - Your Movement (via band)
mp3: Cinema Cinema - I Don't Wanna Be Yr Boyfriend (via band's website)
mp3: Reading Rainbow - Be Who I See (via band's myspace)

A little more reserved are Phosphorescent and Deer Tick as they hit only two cities this weekend. The G-Spot is the venue for Friday, while Johnny Brenda's hosts Saturday's show. As an added treat, local troubadour Peasant is also set to perform for the Philly show.

mp3: Phosphorescent - A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise (via scjag.com/Dead Ocean)
mp3: Deer Tick - Long Time (via partisanrecords.com)
mp3: Peasant - We're Good (via Paper Garden records)

Brooklyn's The Jaguar Club is also performing in two cities this weekend. First stop is the Metro Gallery in Baltimore with an all-local supporting cast. E. Joseph and the Phantom Heart are set to perform as they channel the Bunnymen and The Church, as are FFHH and The Jennifers. TJC then head to The Red & The Black Saturday. Joining them are Loose Lips, Paperhaus and Mary Bragg.

mp3: The Jaguar Club - World Gone By (via band)
mp3: E. Joseph & The Phantom Heart - Pulling Me Under (via band)
mp3: FFHH - From the Shadows (via band)
mp3: Loose Lips - Heels Under Head (via band's website)

Not quite done yet. Still some bands playing only Friday night. Here's what else to consider.

As previously mentioned in an earlier post, Death By Sexy is dropping a new disc and they are having a party at the Black Cat to prove it. Join them with locals Cobra Collective and Blackjacks for what is going to be a hell of a show.

mp3: Death By Sexy - I Ain't Gonna Chase You Down (via band)
mp3: Cobra Collective - Hannibal at the Gates (via band)

At the Zodiac in Baltimore, locals Arbouretum perform some new tracks off their latest release Song of the Pearl, as well as your favorites. Get their early for The Existencils and Happy Salmon.

Johnny Brendas is hosting a great show for all of you in Philly. Say Hi is joined by local favorites East Hundred and Seattle's and Merge artist Telekinesis. I may have to make my way to Fish Town for this one.

mp3: Say Hi - Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh (via band's website)
mp3: East Hundred - Slow Burning Crimes (via band's website)

The Danes are coming to the First Unitarian Church in Philly in the form of 10 member strong Efterklang. Fellow countryman and sometimes band member Peter Broderick is also set to perform.

mp3: Efterklang - Step Aside (via r5productions.com)

Glasvegas has a huge following. West Chester, PA is a small college town. The Note is a small venue in said town. This Friday night should be interesting. For those interested, the show is obviously sold out.

mp3: Glasvegas - Geraldine (via RCRDLBL.com)

The North Star gets sultry and soulful as Eli "Paperboy" Reed hits the stage. Set to open is Baltimore's The Payola Reserve. And for those up in the Harrisburg area, head to Messiah College for two great singer-songwriters, Josh Ritter and John Francis

Part 2 coming soon.

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

2009-03-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

There's only one way I can truly describe Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - they take it to church... As in catching the holy ghost, shout it out loud, hands in the air soulful funk the likes of which Sam and Dave, James Brown and Booker T. would be proud to call their own.

Fronted by the-way-more-soulful-sounding-than-anyone-his-age-should Joe Lewis, and backed by the tightest rhythm and horn section this side of the Soul Generals, the Austin, TX band is taking its party nationwide, stopping in the region this weekend for a couple of dates with Gomez.

Just listen to that nasty funk organ groove bubbling underneath "Sugarfoot," the first single off their debut release Tell Em' What Your Name Is! Can you really keep that booty from shaking just a little? I think not.

3/27/09: Chameleon CLub, Lancaster, PA
3/29/09: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC

mp3: Sugarfoot (stream)

Honey Claws

2009-03-26T09:49:00.000-04:00

Let's take a trip in the way back machine (Sherman and Peabody? Rocky and Bullwinkle? Anyone?... Bueller? God, I'm old). Anyway, we've arrived in 1986 and for some strange reason, Peter Gabriel, Adam Yauch and Mike Diamond are hanging out at some crappy post-modernist art exhibit in SoHo. Imagine, if you will, that instead of releasing So and Licensed to Ill, they bail on that scene, jump in that crazy old time machine, pick up Pharrell Williams somewhere along the way and land in Austin, Texas in 2009. Assuming you're still with me, I have just attempted to describe the electro-funk oddity that is Honey Claws.

Although they occasionally veer into art school b-boy overkill, Honey Claws' big boom bap and willingness to f-around with the mixing board, to ear-pleasing effect, cannot be denied. Have a listen to "Pemporer" off of their new EP, Healer.

mp3: Pemporer (Provided By Sneak Attack)

Live Fast... Die Sexy

2009-03-26T07:35:00.001-04:00

Death by Sexy. Let that honeyed phrase roll off your tongue a few times. Yes, it's the punchline to a really bad joke that you've probably heard a million times, as well as the title of an Eagles of Death Metal album, but forget all that. What you really need to know about Death by Sexy (or DXS to groupies and bloggers), is that it's the given name of the DC-based purveyors of some of the nastiest, smokin'est guitar noise around.

Having just given a few spins to their debut full-length, Curse the Curse, I can best describe this as a mix of the Ramones, Bleach-era Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, the Burning Brides, and Chuck Berry. If that doesn't melt your brain a little bit, then kudos. But if more brain melting is required, be sure to swing by the DXS CD release party at Black Cat this Friday, March 27th.

For a preview, take a listen to "I Ain't Gonna Chase You Down," the album's grinding opener.

mp3: I Ain't Gonna Chase You Down

Alligators

2009-03-25T11:20:00.001-04:00

Photo From band's Myspace
A little crunchy, a little, salty and a little sweet, like Crunch n' Munch for your ears. That's Alligators in one pop-culture referencing, brand-name approved nutshell. "Where Does it Hide?," the first single off of their debut Piggy and Cups, is such a mind-bendingly catchy tune that it almost toes the line of guilty pleasure throwaway pop a la the Fountains of Wayne and Cheap Trick (with harmonies that would make Brian Wilson himself cry). At the same time, fans of The Bends era Radiohead and the Shins will get their dose of shimmery, wailing guitar and sweet melancholy.

This track has been stuck in heavy rotation on my iPod for weeks now, so I'm looking forward to the full-length CD dropping on April 7. Stay tuned for Alligators tour information. They are bound to come east soon.

mp3: Where Does it Hide? (Provided By Fanatic Promotion)

No, It Ain't No Surprise

2009-03-25T09:09:00.002-04:00

Photo By Ron Krisel
You know what too much self-proclaimed "rock music" is missing these days? Swagger. Sure, some acts out there can talk the talk, and some can walk the walk, but few, if any, seem to be able to accomplish both at the same time anymore. Now, hey, I have problems rubbing my tummy and patting my head consecutively, so I get that doing multiple things at once is not easy. However, that excuse simply doesn't cut it when I'm looking for some good, old fashioned rock 'n roll.

San Francisco's Leopold and His Fiction must have received my memo, because they bring the full package on their sophomore release, Ain't No Surprise. The band does not so much create new ground as they do revere what is holy and good about your '60s-era rock 'n roll. I'm not talking about psych-pop, or acid rock or heavy metal--I'm talking what the Rolling Stones were pumping out back when they were worth a damn. That's what Leopold is putting down and, quite frankly, you should pick it up, my friends.

mp3: Ain't No Surprise (Provided By Green Light Go)

New Rock Burger of Fire?

2009-03-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

DC's own New Rock Church of Fire is having a little party at DC9 Wednesday night celebrating their induction into the menu. I'm talking about The New Rock Church of Fire Burger. Having entertained numerous fans all of the District and beyond for the past three years, some would say it's about time they got their due. And the burger looks like it will please them yet again. It is topped with things that should remind one of the band: beer, whiskey, smoke and mushrooms (thats beer-battered onion rings, John Powers Whiskey BBQ Sauce, smoked Gouda and of course, mushrooms). Sounds pretty darn good to me. And the music that will go with it makes it an evening that will have you grabbing for plenty of napkins. Make sure to get their early to grab a burger of your own and catch the openers Daimera, Man Without Wax and Meow vs. Meow.

mp3: New Rock Church of Fire - Europa (via band)

note: like the artwork for the poster? check out Barf Comics

Livening Up Your Tuesday

2009-03-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday is usually a bland day. Not quite hump day and just beyond Monday. Luckily, the IA area has quite the line-up to choose from to make this Tuesday a little bit better.

The Courteeners
(via bands myspace)

If you happened to see Morrissey Sunday night at the Academy of Music in Philly and got there early enough, you caught the next big thing out of Manchester. If you didn't, you get another shot to catch them. The North Star Bar and Philly Girl About Town bring The Courteeners back to the City of Brotherly Love for an encore performance. They have won the Guardian's debut album of the year for 2008 and are on the most recent cover of NME. I highly recommend getting out to see this band in this kind of setting. You may be only able to see them at larger venues from now on. Opening are locals Toy Soldiers and Kettle Pot Black.

Elsewhere in Philly, The Fire in Northern Liberties has Boston's The Motion Sick. You may have caught the dance remix of "30 Lives" on the latest Dance Dance Revolution. Garnering Spin's Band of the Month for their first release Her Brilliant Fifteen, they have since released their second offering The Truth Will Catch You, Just Wait... Their music is tinged with social commentary, but the band keeps it simple and never too serious.

mp3: The Motion Sick - 30 Lives (via greenlightgopublicity.com)

Canada and locals meet at the First Unitarian Church after a night in the District, as one of our favorites Cotton Jones (former Page France) share the stage with The Magic, best described as a weird lo-fi band and a collaboration of two beloved Canadian troubadors, Jim Guthrie (of Royal City) and Nick Thorburn (of Unicorns and Islands), known as Human Highway. Great setting for a great show.

mp3: Cotton Jones - Had Not A Body (via band)
mp3: Human Highway - The Sound (via r5productions.com)

The Lone show in DC is at the Black Cat, but it features a lineup that should not be missed. Big in the UK really doesn't mean much across the Atlantic, but in the case of White Lies and Friendly Fires, it should. Throw in SoCal's blog buzz band and new Kemado Record artist The Soft Pack (formerly The Muslims) and you are in for one hell of a night. Don't worry Philly crowd, no need to make a trip down I-95 (unless you want to), all hit the First Unitarian Wednesday.

mp3: White Lies - To Lose My Life (via r5productions.com) Filthy Dukes Remix (imeem stream)
mp3: Friendly Fires - Jump in The Pool (via r5productions.com)
mp3: The Soft Pack - Extinction (via r5productions.com)

The Local Weekend: Moz, Bloc Party and Much More

2009-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Ting Tings (via band's myspace)

Guess it doesn't matter that half of the regional artists are in Texas or slowly making their way back home, because there are some absolutely stellar shows this weekend to check out. Loads of huge names, plus quite a few locals that you don't see much of.

Friday

The Ting Tings are at 9:30 Club for a sold out show (seems to be a lot of them recently). Along for the ride is Hottub.

Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco has a little side project called Pronto. They are in town for two shows, first and the North Star in Philly Friday. Get there early to catch some great local acts. Opening are New Motels, The Knobs and Levee Drivers. Saturday its an early show at IOTA (5pm!) with the District's own Shortstack. And be sure to check out Pronto's latest release on Contraphonic, All is Golden.

mp3: Pronto - When I'm On The Rocks (via contraphonic.com)
mp3: New Motels - Drama of the Hollywood Scene (via band's Sonicbids)
mp3: Shortstack - Pretty Saro (via band's website)

Echo & The Bunnymen and The Church are reincarnated in the form of Baltimore's E Joseph and the Phantom Heart, playing music that takes me back to my formative days. These guys are good and they are heading to DC for a show at The Red and The Black.

Not so bad for a Friday, but Saturday and Sunday get even better.

Saturday/Sunday

What can I really say about Bloc Party that hasn't already been said. I have been hooked since I saw them at ACL in '05 and picked up Silent Alarm the same day. The live show is incredible and to make it even better, Longwave is the opener for the two shows in the area. Philly's Electric Factory has them Saturday, while DC's 9:30 Club gets the honors Sunday.

mp3: Longwave - Sideways Sideways Rain (via tra.kz, direct link)

Storytelling musicians can be found at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Saturday when The Mountain Goats and John Vanderslice come to town. This should be a great show, up close and personal.

mp3: The Mountain Goats - Sax Rohmer No. 1 (via band's website)
mp3: John Vanderslice - White Dove (via artist's website)

Now most of you won't known the name Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers, but I can tell you, the music is very Squeeze-esque. Maybe because Glenn is a founding member. Head to the State Theater Saturday and be sure to catch The Spring Standards opening.

mp3: The Spring Standards - Your Lie (via band)

And speaking of older Brit popsters, I will be at The Academy of Music in Philly Sunday enjoying the musical stylings of on Steven Patrick Morrissey. Oh there will be new songs and there will be old songs and Boz will play the hell out of the guitar and you better believe some old Smiths gems will be unleashed. Set to open is the next big thing out of the Manchester scene The Courteeners, hand-picked by Moz himself

On the local scene, favorites Telograph is at the Rock & Roll Hotel with The Picture out of Brooklyn and Mittenfields Saturday. You can also catch Mittenfields Sunday with Portland's Oh Captain My Captain at Galaxy Hut.

mp3: Telograph - The Fever (via band)

Baltimore's Future Islands teams up with Double Dagger and Child Bite at the Zodiac Saturday. You may hear some of DD's new stuff off of the forthcoming album More, which is set to be released on Thrill Jockey in May.

mp3: Future Islands - Old Friend (via band's website)
mp3: Double Dagger - The Psychic (via band)
mp3: Child Bite - I Like Friends (via joyfulnoiserecordings.com)

In the mood for something a little more electro, get to The Red & The Black for Blip Blip Bleep. Also on the bill is Achtung Panda and JMC.

The Philly area has a couple of local shows for Saturday evening. Johnny Brenda's is hosting Frog Holler for a CD release party. Hezekiah Jones is slated to kick off the festivities. Down Wilmington way, a couple of my local favorites The Sky Drops and East Hundred entertain at Mojo 13.

mp3: Frog Holler - To Turn Back Now (via band's website)
mp3: Hezekiah Jones - Nothing's Bounds(via band's website)
mp3: The Sky Drops - You Don't Crawl (via band's website)
mp3: East Hundred - Slow Burning Crimes (via band's website)

Pree CD Release

2009-03-19T18:52:00.006-04:00

DC's May Tabol, formerly of Le Loup, is now fronting Pree. Very reminiscent of Modest Mouse and also likened to Regina Spektor and Joanna Newsom, they are having a little throw down at Black Cat tonight for the upcoming release of their new EP, A Chopping Block, which is set for official release on The Kora Records March 24.

Many musicians from some of your favorite area bands also made a contribution to the record, such as John Thayer and Susan Hsu of Exit Clov, Tom Hnatow of These United States, Vanessa Degrassi of Ash Lovely, and Randy Scope of Donny Hue and the Colors/The Sleeping Secrets. Along with Tabol on keys, guitar and vocal duties, the core band is Chris Dewitt on drums, Vanessa Degrassi on mandolin and flute, and David Barker on electric guitar.

Get there early to catch opener and fellow labelmate Meredith Bragg, as well as Birdlips.

mp3: Pree - In The Parlor (via The Kora Records)
mp3: Birdlips - Some Kind of Death (via the band's website)

DC Does Texas

2009-03-17T17:00:00.000-04:00

These United States

What happens when the bands from the District and surrounding area head down to Austin for SXSW? You get something like this: Billed as DC Does Texas, you get some of the best acts from the region playing in one place. So if you are some of the lucky ones who are making the trip, head to the Friends Bar on 6th (in the center of it all). It starts early Wednesday, so you may want to turn that St. Patty's Day bender into a 48 hour affair.

The line up includes:

12:30 - Carol Bui
1:15 - Laura Burhenn
2:00 - Deleted Scenes
2:50 - Middle Distance Runner
3:40 - US Royalty
4:30 - These United States

In my opinion, it doesn't matter who is playing elsewhere, I would grab some lunch at Chuy's or Freebirds, then park myself at this location for the duration of the afternoon, but I'm biased.

mp3: Carol Bui - This Is How I Recover
mp3: Deleted Scenes - Turn To Sand
mp3: Middle Distance Runner - Brother John
mp3: US Royalty - Every Summer
mp3: These United States - West Won
(all songs via artist)

Show Us Your Green!

2009-03-17T08:15:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patty's Day! For those of you sober enough to read, keep drinking! If you want some music for your Irish self (if only for a day), plenty of good stuff going on. And will someone kindly pick me up a shamrock shake.

9:30 Club is hosting a night with the original Irish punks, The Pogues. If you missed Monday's show or just wanted to wait for the holiday, too bad. Sold out! There is a third show Wednesday and tickets are available.

If you are left out in the cold at 930, don't fret, Bellman Barker and Greenland add a local flavor to the festivities at Asylum. Or head out to DC9 for another great local line-up featuring Rose, Revival, John Bustine and Brandon Butler.

mp3: Bellman Barker - Two Bees
mp3: Greenland - Solace
mp3: Rose - Someone's Kind
mp3: Revival - Favorite One
mp3: John Bustine - Jesus, Jesus Not Again
mp3: Brandon Butler - Sparks
(all songs provided by artist)

Other than pure drunken debauchery, those in the Philly area can check out AC Newman of The New Pornographers with The Broken West at Johnny Brenda's.

mp3: AC Newman - Submarines of Stockholm (via Matador Records)

This Week's Mix

2009-03-13T17:13:00.003-04:00

As everyone gets their liver ready for the most celebrated non-official holiday, here is some music to get you by. No coherent theme this week, just some great music to enjoy.

Local Natives - Stranger Things (via the band)
The Traditionist - I Know My Ocean (via Better Looking Records)
LoveLikeFire - Signs (via the band)
Tiny Animals - All The Way Down (via North Street Records)
Honey Claws - Pemporer (via the band)
Awesome New Republic - Birthday (via Honor Roll Music)
Alligators - Where Does It Hide? (via Fanatic Promotion)
Larytta - Wonder Vendor (via Terrorbird)
BEARBOT - Me and You (via the band)
Tokyo Police Club - The Baskervilles (Amplive Remix) (via 1776)

The Local Weekend: Where's Everyone Going?

2009-03-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

Yeah, it is about that time for bands to migrate southward towards Austin and the music festival know as SXSW. Philly and Baltimore are very sparse, DC has a bit more. Guess we will see a surge in the coming weeks as bands come home or continue their tours. Still, some great shows to see this weekend. Here is what's happening:

Bell X1 (via bands myspace)

With their new album Blue Lights on the Runway just released last week, Bell X1 is pulling off the World Cafe double. First making your lunch hour more enjoyable with the XPN Free at Noon session, then playing the Cafe in the evening with Harlem Shakes, who's Technicolor Health is to be released at the end of this month. Unfortunately, Duke Special couldn't gain entry to the country, so they will not be performing.

If you don't have your tickets for this weekends Modest Mouse shows, you are going to have to belly up to the bar and take what's coming to ya. The Friday show at 9:30 and Saturday's at the Electric Factory are both sold out.

Most of you, our faithful readers, were barely out of grade school when The Feelies played their last full-on proper gig. But these guys are one of the original leaders of the post-punk era. The Johnny Brenda's show Friday is sold out, but tickets still remain for Saturday's show at 9:30.

mp3: The Feelies - Loveless Love (via r5productions.com)

Morrissey is back on tour for his latest release. He is in DC this Saturday at the Warner Theather. Philly, we get him next week. I got my tix for next Sunday, do you?

Another pulling a two city stop is N.A.S.A. Catch them at The Barbary on Friday and the Rock & Roll Hotel Saturday.

mp3: N.A.S.A. - Spacious Thoughts (via Anti- Records)

The last few weekends, new CDs have been released by numerous locals. Continuing the trend is Philly indie mainstays Canadian Invasion. Head to the World Cafe Saturday for the release show for Three Cheers for the Invisible Hand that is already getting rave reviews.

mp3: Canadian Invasion - One Hand Claps The Other (via Green Light Go)

Friday

As I said Philly is sparse. Other than those mentioned above, Harrisburg's Midtown Arts Center has the lone PA show for the start of the weekend featuring Brooklyn electronic outfit Project Jenny, Project Jan.

Baltimore also has a light load, but it's a good one. Ottobar is featuring The Death Set with Team Robespierre and Ninjasonik.

DC is where everything is happening for Friday the 13th with almost every kind of style. Sugar sweet indie-pop can be found at the Black Cat as Bishop Allen comes back to town. Be sure to get there early for Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band and Sing Sing & Mar Mar.

Want a more soulful experience? The Rock & Roll Hotel is hosting Eli "Paperboy" Reed. If you didn't know he was a white boy from Massachusetts, you'd think you were listening to a Motown/Philly soul compilation.

If you are feeling a bit folky, DC9 has William Elliott Whitmore with Samantha Crain and local Justin Jones performing solo acoustic.

More on the Americana side of folk, Junior League Band is performing with 6 Day Bender as NoVA gets into the act with a great local showcase at IOTA.

mp3: The Death Set - Negative Thinking (via bands website)
mp3: Ninjasonik - Tight Pants (via ChiefRecords.com)
mp3: Bishop Allen - Dimmer (via bishopallen.com)
mp3: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Anchors Dropped (via scjag.com)
mp3: William Elliott Whitmore - One Mans Shame (via Southern Records)
mp3: Samantha Crain - Get The Fever Out (via RamseurRecords.net)
mp3: Justin Jones - The One That Got Away (via Justin-Jones.com)
mp3: Junior League Band - I Will (via JuniorLeagueBand.com)

Saturday/Sunday

Female singer-songwriters are always good in my book. One of my favorites, Rachael Yamagata is teaming up with a huge name of the Philly folk scene Birdie Busch in Annapolis at the Rams Head Tavern Saturday.

Get your local fix with two great shows Saturday. At the Black Cat is Travis Morrison Hellfighters and Poor But Sexy, while Baltimore's Talking Head has Thrushes with London's Let's Wrestle and fellow Baltimore band Baby Aspirin.

Philly has a a good show lined up at the M Room, featuring The Rosewood Thieves and local favorites The Swimmers. Opening is Swivel Chairs.

The North Star is hosting locals Bells Bells Bells with Brooklyn based The Art of Shooting and Cinema Cinema.

Sunday at the Black Cat is a must see. Aaron Estes of Bellman Barker performs with Ryan Little of Tereu Tereu along with Wakey! Wakey!. This is a great show to end the weekend.

Channeling Joy Division and Bauhaus is Crystal Stilts. Catch them at DC9 Sunday with Women and locals True Womanhood.

Philly, head to the Khyber for the last gas of the weekend for Nancy, all the way from Brazil.

mp3: Travis Morrison Hellfighters - All Y'All (full album stream)
mp3: Thrushes - Loyalty (via band)
mp3: The Swimmers - In The Park (via Daytrotter.com)
mp3: Bells Bells Bells - The Doctor (via band)
mp3: Cinema Cinema - I Dont Wanna Be Yr Boyfriend (via bands website)
mp3: Bellman Barker - Two Bees (via band)
mp3: Tereu Tereu - Lion Bear (via band)
mp3: Wakey! Wakey! - Get Away (Here We Go Again) (via bands website)
mp3: Women - Black Rice (via Flemisheye.com)
mp3: True Womanhood - A Diviner (via band's Last FM site)

This Week's Releases

2009-03-11T12:06:00.006-04:00

Another week with a long list of releases. This week features more experimental music than normal, which is great for those of us who are fans of bands pushing genre boundaries. There are too many albums that I enjoyed listening to for me to point out one or two, so make your way through the list as there is something for everyone.

Sleepy Eyes Of Death

Dark Signals EP - "Pierce The Air" (via iodalliance.com)

Dead Heart Bloom

In Chains EP - "Flash in a Bottle" (via teamclermont.com)

Handsome Furs

Face Control - "I'm Confused" (via subpop.com)

Elvis Perkins in Dearland

Elvis Perkins in Dearland - "Shampoo" (via beggarsgroupusa.com)

Arboretum

Song Of The Pearl - "False Spring" (via thrilljockey.com)

Chin Chin

The Flashing, The Fancing - "GG and the Boys" (via dailyrindblog.com)

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs

La Luz Del Ritmo - "Padre Nuestro" (via iodalliance.com)

Balmorhea

All is Wild, All is Silent - "Harm & Boon" (via westernvinal.com)

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone

Advance Base Battery Life - "Old Panda Days" (via teamclermont.com)

BLK JKS

Mystery EP - "Lakeside" (via KEXP.org)

Bishop Allen

Grr... - "Dimmer" (via band website)

tUnE yArDs

BiRd-BrAiNs - "Sunlight" (via forcefieldpr.com)

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - "Anchors Dropped" (via scjag.com) & Full Album Stream

Chris Joss

Sticks - Full Album Stream

Tim Hecker

An Imaginary Country - "Sea of Pulses" (via KEXP.org)

Pronto

All Is Golden - "When I'm On The Rocks" (via contraphonic.com)

Mirah

(a)spera - "Gone Are The Days" (via teamclermont.com)

Anni Rossi

Rockwell - "Wheelpusher" (via beggersgroupusa.com)

All The Saints

Fire on Corridor X - "Fire on Corridor X" (via touchandgorecords.com)

Extra Golden

Thank You Very Quickly - "Anyango" (via thrilljockey.com)

The Weight

Are Men - "Closer than a Friend" (via teepeerecords.com)

Madeline

White Flag - "Sorry" (via fileden.com)

Julie Doiron

I Wonder What You Did With Your Day - "Consolation Prize" (via scjag.com)

Knot Feeder

Light Flares - "You Are My First Choice (To Throw Out A Window)" (via file-13.com)

Romi Mayes

Achin' In Yer Bones - "Achin' In Yer Bones" (via killbeatmusic.com)

Rocco Deluca & Burden

Mercy - Full Album Stream

Cursive

Mama, I'm Swollen - "From the Hips" (via amazonaws.com)

The Local Weekend: A Little Warm Up

2009-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

OK Go
(via bands myspace)

After that blast of snow Monday and the frigid temps the rest of the week, the weekend is shaping up to be a good one, so no excuses. Get out and see a show or few.

A few bigger name acts are pulling double duty this weekend, hitting two cities in the IA area.

Always a crow pleaser, OK Go is rolling through the Mid-Atlantic, hitting the TLA Friday and then down to Towson and the Recher Theater Saturday. And be sure to get there early. Opening is Longwave and Oppenheimer. I saw Oppenheimer open for TMBG, well worth the early admission.

stream: OK Go - Invincible (via band website)
mp3: Longwave - Secrets Are Sinister (via RCRDLBL.com)

There is something about most female Irish singers that send me swooning. The slightest hint of brogue in the enunciation of the lyrics, the lilting quality of their voices. Simply beautiful. Not getting what I'm saying? Get yourself to the World Cafe Friday or 9:30 Club Sunday and get caught up in the melodic stylings of Dublin's Lisa Hannigan and hear what I mean. Opening is Providence's Americana-folk group The Low Anthem. Rich and harmonic, this band could be the next CSN&Y. Get there early.

mp3: The Low Anthem - Live Show (World Cafe 12/5/08)

The anti-folk movement is strong and the de facto leader Kimya Dawson is out and about once more. Best known for her work with The Moldy Peaches and the Juno Soundtrack, get to the 2640 Space in Baltimore Friday and the Black Cat Saturday to experience more of her music. Don't worry Philly fans, she's in the area early next week.

mp3: Kimya Dawson - I Like Giants (via artist website)

Finishing off the multi-city stops is the electronica-indie of Heart of Darknesses and Lemonade. They are pulling off the area trifecta. Danger Danger Gallery in Philly hosts on Friday, Floristree in Baltimore Saturday and the best place for food and ping-pong in DC, Comet Ping Pong has the honors Sunday.

mp3: Hearts of Darknesses - One Twenty (via RCRDLBL.com)
mp3: Lemonade - Blissout (via RCRDLBL.com)

Friday

Ladies and gentlemen, the next chapter in the continuing saga of The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe is now available. Illinois' epic journey is still moving along and the 5th installment is set for release. Catch the Buck County natives at The Fire in Philly with another local favorite Cheers Elephant.

Musicians from Austin have a special place in my heart. Austin-based Seth Walker is making his way to Puck Live in Doylestown for an intimate show of Americana-blues in support of his extremely new album (released this week) Leap of Faith.

Couple of widely known acts pull through as well. Johnny Brenda's is hosting Georgians Black Lips with Gentleman Jesse & His Men and The PoPo, while the Ottobar has Michigan's mega-group Anathallo with locals We Read Minds opening.

mp3: Illinois - She's So Funny (via band email)
mp3: Cheer Elephant - Wide Eyed
mp3: Seth Walker - Rewind (via Hyena Records)
mp3: Black Lips - O Katrina! (via SXSW.com)
mp3: Anathallo - The River (via SXSW.com)

Saturday

CD release alert! Philly's jangly country/rock/soul band The Mean is dropping a new disc upon the populace. Also on the bill is West Philly's The Great Unknown and a collaboration between Hezekiah Davis and Tone Whitfield known as Johnny Popcorn.

Elsewhere in Philly, the North Star is hosting Pete & J along with the ever increasingly popular local band Drink Up Buttercup and Carmen Costa. Over at the Tritone, catch The Volunteers. They have been likened to two Philly joke-rock bands Ween and The Dead Milkmen.

DC is definitely a hot bed of activity, with great shows to choose from. New Orleans comes to DC as songstress Theresa Andersson entertains at Jammin' Java. Big show at the Rock & Roll Hotel as Lydia and Black Gold share the stage. All the Day Holiday open. Here We Go Magic teams up with fellow Western Vinyl artist Callers at The Red & The Black. Typefighter opens. And Velvet lounge has a great local show with the (mostly) all-girl band Five Four, indie-metal act Caverns and Mother.

mp3: Drink Up Buttercup - Young Ladies
mp3: The Volunteers - Rock and Roll (Will Kill You)(via themusebox.net email)
mp3: Black Gold - Plans and Reveries (The Teenagers Remix)(via RCRDLBL.com)
mp3: Here We Go Magic - Only Pieces (excerpt, via Western Vinyl)
mp3: Callers - More Than Right (excerpt, via Western Vinyl)
mp3: Five Four - Creepy Cool Ways (via band website)

Sunday

Johnny Brendas does is again, this time hosting DC and Philly (and our) favorite Jukebox the Ghost before they get very well known as they open for Ben Folds in the near future. The show retains the local flavor with The Armchairs and Hop Along Queen Ansleis.

The Caribbean is out and about and is joined by Catbird Records artist Fulton Lights at Galaxy Hut.

The Chameleon has Madi Diaz, now of Nashville, but originally from Western PA, joined by other PA bands Perkasie and Slimfit.

mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Hold It In (via band)
mp3: Hop Along, Queen Ansleis - For the Bonsai Tree U Bought 4 Me (via band)
mp3: The Caribbean - The Go From Tactical (via band website)
mp3: Fulton Lights - I Love Your Point of View and Full Album ZIP(via Catbird Records)
mp3: Madi Diaz - Nothing At All (via SXSW.com)

Extra Golden

2009-03-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Photo via band's website

Bailouts, economic catastrophes, war, global warming... and that's just in the first ten minutes of the Daily Show.

Thus, in the immortal words of Shaggy, I suggest we all "shut up and dance"... to Extra Golden. With a new CD, Thank You Very Quickly, set to drop on March 10th, and stops all over the IA region in April, it's a great time to get your afro-funk-rock on.

So forget pretentious "World Music" a la Starbucks corporate approved CD issuances. Don't worry if you can't understand all of the lyrics. Just know that this love-child of Robert Randolph and Fela Kuti, by way of the Allman's and the Family Stone, will be inducing a booty quake of epic proportions.

Armed with a new singer, Bilongo, and an ever tight rhythm section, the DC by-way-of Nairobi, Kenya band should be a can't miss party at all of their tour stops, and in regular rotation on your playlist.

4/09/09: Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA
4/10/09: Floristree, Baltimore, MD
4/14/09: Comet Ping Pong, Washington, DC
4/15/09: Messiah College, Grantham, PA

mp3: Anyango (provided by Thrill Jockey Records)

The Local Weekend: Closing Out February, Opening Up March

2009-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Another jam-packed weekend of shows to finish off February and begin March including big names, multiple stops, local shows and CD releases. Here is what to check out:

Benjy Ferree (via artist myspace)

I am all about giving love once again to the locals putting out new material. Big show Saturday at the Black Cat as Benjy Ferree drops his latest Come Back to the Five and Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee. Once again, Tim Fite is along for the ride as well as locals The Laughing Man. This is going to be a great show and a good way to get your hand on the new disc. And speaking of new disc, get the link for Time Fite's Change of Heart in its entirety below.

mp3: Benjy Ferree - Fear (via Domino Recording Company)
mp3: Tim Fite - Change of Heart (entire album via artist website)

The Black Cat is the place to release new music as another local artist, Sean McArdle unleashes Northern Charms on Sunday. To make the evening a little sweeter, he enlisted another local favorite John Bustine to perform.

mp3: John Bustine - This Guitar Says I'm Drunk (via Gypsy Eyes Records)

Now if you like to follow a band around for a few days and make a weekend of it, a few are making two stop this weekend in the IA area.

DC's electronic mainstays Thievery Corporation is making the rounds again, this time with stops in Baltimore Friday at Rams Head Live and Saturday at the Electric Factory in Philly.

Tapes N Tapes are hitting the area with Wild Light and The Subjects rounding out the bill. The Rock & Roll Hotel will be on fire Friday, then head up to Philly Saturday for the show at Johnny Brendas. Both are reported to be sold out!

And two line-ups mentioned in previous posts: Jason Isbell with Deer Tick and Tim Williams with Michael Zapruder

mp3: Tapes N Tapes - Insistor (via bands website)
mp3: Wild Light - Red House (via SXSW.com)
mp3: The Subjects - The Hounds of War (via Daytrotter)

Friday

For the one night stands, it doesn't get much better than this. Ben Kweller joins forces with The Watson Twins and Jones Street Station for what show be a great show at the TLA in Philly. You may not get Ben playing a bloody piano with tampons in his nose like at ACL a few years back, but should be none the less entertaining. And hope the Twins break out the cover of "Just Like Heaven". Absolutely stellar.

mp3: The Watson Twins - Sky Open Up (via Vanguard Records)

For those seeking the local flavor, the M Room is hosting The Elevator Parade and Native Black.

Saturday

Texas music strikes twice in DC on the same night. Huge show at the Rock & Roll Hotel as Austin band ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead lives up to their name by giving a killer show. At the 9:30 Club, San Antonio family band Hacienda open up for the Black Keys Dan Auerbach. Also on the bill are Those Darlins. Imagine a '50s girl band thats gone country. Worth a listen.

Jukebox the Ghost is set to open for Ben Folds on some tour dates, but before doing that, they play DC9 with Baltimore's J Roddy Walston & The Business. Over at Velvet Lounge, catch Deleted Scenes with Batata Doce and Mittenfields.

mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Victoria
mp3: J Roddy Walston & The Business - Used to Did
mp3: Deleted Scenes - Turn to Sand (via bands website)

Sunday

Finish off the weekend and kick off a new month with Portland's Blitzen Trapper at the First Unitarian in Philly. Opening is Rough Trade artist Alela Diane.

Down in DC, Montreal's Plants and Animals makes a stop at DC9 to close out the week.

mp3: Blitzen Trapper - Furr (via subPop)
mp3: Alela Diane - White as Diamonds (via Beggars Group USA website)

Michael Zapruder

2009-02-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Photo via Sidecho Records

Bay Area musician Michael Zapruder started using the internet for self-promotion back in 1999, way before the blogosphere erupted into what it is now. He set out to write, recorder and post a song a week and did that just with the aptly named 52 Songs. After 2 more albums in 2002 and 2006, Zapruder released his latest work, Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope, in January on Sidecho Records. Most songs are minimalist, no soaring guitar solos and rhythmic drum breaks found here. His vocals are bordering on sing-song and have a grainy, scratchy quality, which are complemented by the sparse instrumentation. The albums highlight "Ads For Feelings" garners this description from Pitchfork:

If Beck's "The New Pollution" and Joni Mitchell's "Free Man in Paris" conceived a child, it might sound something like this, with its great, mellow lead vocal, quick tempo, and psychedelic flute breaks.

You may also recognize the name from his work a music curator for Pandora, a music recommendation and internet radio site.

You can catch Michael in the IA area this weekend with Dovecote recording artist Tim Williams. His latest album, When Work Is Done, has been called "magical" and "a damn good record" and he has had his music featured on One Tree Hill.

So head on out this weekend. You can catch me at the Saturday show and if you would like to join in the fun on the Main Line, drop me a line and we may be able to pull some strings and who knows what else.

2/28 Ardmore @ Milkboy Coffee
3/1 DC @ The Red & The Black

mp3: Michael Zapruder - Ads For Feelings (via Sidecho Records/JD @ Family Albums)
mp3: Tim Williams - Out There (via Daytrotter Session)

Deer Tick

2009-02-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

No, not the nasty little critters that can transmit Lyme Disease. Deer Tick is a Rhode Island band lead by singer-songwriter John McCauley III. The dirty folk, country and blues fusion with a grunge influence they perform has received high praise from the likes of Brooklyn Vegan and John Pareles of the New York Times. Partisan records recently re-released their debut War Elephant in November and are set to issue their next album Born on Flag Day later this year. Deer Tick is out now on a massive tour, most notably through our area with Jason Isbell and Phosporescent. They have also been putting together a documentary with director Cory W. Lovell titled "To the City of Sin!", filmed during their 2008 tour. Check out the trailer and single Long Time below.

mp3: Long Time (via Partisan Records email)

Deer Tick: To The City of Sin! TRAILER from indie outlaw on Vimeo.

2/23: York, PA @ First Cap *Free*
2/27: Philly @ World Cafe w/ Jason Isbell
3/01: DC @ 9:30 Club w/ Jason Isbell
3/27: Baltimore @ The G Spot w/ Phosporescent

Tasty Fruits: Pomegranates

2009-02-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

Pomegranates are good for you. And so is the music sent forth by the Cincinnati based band that shares the fruits name. Set to release their sophomore album Everybody, Come Outside! April 14th on Lujo Records, they are currently on a month-long tour that will take them through the IA area the next couple of days before ending up in Austin for SXSW. Their first album Everything Is Alive grabbed the ear of many, including other bands like Islands and French Kicks who invited them on the road with them. Check out the single "Corriander" from the new album below. Sugary art-pop that is sweet to the ears. And be sure to check out their show whilst in the area.

2/23: Philly @ Kung Fu Necktie w/ Mercury Radio and Western Dresses
2/24: Arlington @ IOTA w/ Tereu Tereu
2/26: Fredericksburg @ The Third Floor

mp3: Pomegranates - Corriander (via fanaticpromotion.com email)

The Local Weekend: Is It Spring Yet?

2009-02-20T07:30:00.002-05:00

After some great weather and a holiday you either love or hate (damn you, St. Valentine!), winter is somehow still here. And since I got a new cable line wired into the apartment, so am I. Spring is just around the corner and bands are gearing up for the festival of festivals in Austin. Yes, SXSW is only a month away. So prepare yourself for a veritable onslaught of bands fine tuning their shows before heading down Texas way.

Papertrigger

A few bands are having a party this weekend to introduce their new discs, so I am giving them first mention. Friday, DC Ping-Pong palace and pizza joint Comet Ping Pong is hosting Loose Lips and their release of the new EP Weighing Winter. Baltimore local favorite FFHH joins the celebration as does The Gagged.

Saturday, two bands, two new releases, two different cities. If you are in Philly, I highly recommend the show at Johnny Brenda's over all other in the city that night. Papertrigger, the local band that everyone must see live, is unleashing their new album. If you enjoyed the Riot Lovers EP, the new album Snake Sale, from the pieces I have heard, is just a continuation of the form and function that made the first EP a critics favorite. If that is not enough, the bearded force known as Pattern Is Movement is slated as an opener! And kicking it all off is the synthy pop of Whales & Cops, featuring former members of Man Man. Again, I restate: This is the show to see in Philly Saturday night!

Now the Rock & Roll Hotel in DC has quite the bill themselves for Saturday. The party is for The Known Unknowns and their self titled EP. The long absent The Roosevelt makes an appearance as the opener. Ra Ra Rasputin is a raucous rocking favorite and The Dance Party will just blow the roof off the place and maybe knock some walls down with it.

mp3: Loose Lips - download entire EP here
mp3: FFHH - The Body (via email from band)
mp3: Papertrigger - Move the Ground (via SXSW.com)
mp3: Pattern Is Movement - Blanched and Threshed (via home-tapes.com)
mp3: Whales & Cops - Bosuns O the Yard(via High Two Records)
mp3: The Known Unknowns - Suggested Donation (via band website)
mp3: The Dance Party - A-list (via email from band)
mp3: The Roosevelt - Codeine Cure (via email from band)

A few big names are making multiple stops in the area. You can catch M. Ward (who knows is Zooey is anywhere nearby) three times this weekend if you play your cards right. Kicking off the weekend at XPN's Free at Noon, John Wesley Harding performs with M. Ward for a great lunch. The Troc then hosts M. Ward later that evening, this time with the Vivian Girls for a sold out show. Saturday, The Historic Sixth & I Synagogue is the venue for the same lineup.

mp3: M. Ward - Never Had Nobody Like You (via RCRDLBL)
mp3: Vivian Girls - Where Do You Run To (via RCRDLBL)

Since those playing the Free at Noon at the World Cafe are not sticking around for the evening shows, Kathleen Edwards steps in to fill the void with The Last Town Chorus. Sunday, you can catch them at The Birchmere.

mp3: Kathleen Edwards - In State (via artist website)
mp3: The Last Town Chorus - Oregon (via artist website)

Drive-By Truckers are back in the area with their brand of southern-fried rock. Head to the 9:30 Club Friday and Saturday for a double dip. Along for the ride is fellow Athens band Bloodkin.

mp3: Drive-By Truckers - Zip City (via band website)

La Strada and Deleted Scenes are making the trip along I-95 this weekend, starting at The Fire in Philly with openers Tongue Sculptures and Council Idaho, the hitting Talking Head in Baltimore for a show with locals Pianowire and Scary River.

mp3: Deleted Scenes - Turn To Sand (via band website)

Friday

Even with all those listed above, Friday is still packed with shows.

For something completely different, head to The Abbey @ ABC is Harrisburg for the eclectic sounds of The Two Man Gentlemen Band. Free show!

The Rosewood Thieves and North Lawrence Midnight Singers entertain the Khyber in Philly, while Olivia Mancini & The Terrible Two are joined by Meredith Bragg and No Second Troy for a great local show at the Black Cat in DC.

Baltimore hosts two shows. Talking Head has Mr. Moccasin with Travels, Ari Schenk and The Owls Go while Windup Space features Celebration, always known to give a great show. Opening are Lone Wolf and Ami Dang.

mp3: The Two Man Gentlemen Band - Fancy Beer (via email from band)
mp3: Olivia Mancini - This Kind of Life (stream)
mp3: No Second Troy - The Argonaut (via email from band)
mp3: Celebration - Evergreen (via Beggars Group USA)

Saturday/Sunday

It slows down just a touch for the remainder of the weekend. Just down the street from the show at Johnny Brenda's, the M Room is having great show of its own. Tim Fite is joined by DC artist Benjy Ferree and DeLeon (indie with a Spanish flair) for a more lo-fi, less raucous atmosphere. If you want the best of the singer-songwriter ilk, this is the place to be.

Baltimore is the place to be Saturday night, having a couple of shows worth your attention. Indie hip-hop is flourishing and Baltimore has always been a ground breaking scene. See locals Food for Animals at the Zodiac for the best of what Charm City has to offer. Over at the Metro Gallery, The Payola Reserve shares the stage with Lazlo Lee and Sik Sik Nation.

Philly closes the week with two show about two blocks apart. Johnny Brenda's is host to one of my favorites from 2008, Aderbat. Also on the bill is Obi Best and Caves of Mercury. Down at the M Room, Tigercity and Receiving the Ghost perform.

mp3: Tim Fite - Change of Heart entire album download (via artist website)
mp3: Benjy Ferree - Fear (via email from Domino Recording Company)
mp3: The Payola Reserve - Music Is Not Music (via email from band)
mp3: Sik Sik Nation - Lord Is My Gun (demo) (via link on myspace page)
mp3: Aderbat - Mastodon (via band website)
mp3: Tigercity - Are You Sensation (VHS or Beta mix) (via RCRDLBL)

The Local Week: Springtime A Little Early

2009-02-09T08:00:00.003-05:00

Less than a week removed from some significant snow, the weather has turned spring-y. So no excuse about getting out to shows this week. Plus its a holiday weekend coming up, so start the party early.

Monday

Submarines (photo via bands Facebook)

Monday has two great shows, one in Philly and one in DC. Up at Johnny Brenda's, catch The Submarines. Oh, I know you know their music. Unless you live in a cave, you have seen an IPhone commercial. These are the guys behind that uber-poppy song playing in the background. Also on the bill are the Bay Area's The Morning Benders and New York pop-folk artist Dawn Landes.

mp3: The Submarines - Tour Single (zip file, via artists website)
mp3: The Morning Benders - 1940 (Submarines cover)(via RCRD.LBL)
mp3: Dawn Landes - Kids In A Play (via Daytrotter)

The Black Cat is hosting The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Their lastest EP contains less than fifteen minutes of music, but that is all the time you need to become a fan. Opening is The Depreciation Guild. Get there early for some shoe-gaze at its finest. Rounding out the bill are locals The Sugarplums.

mp3: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Everything With You (via Band's website)
mp3: The Depreciation Guild (Download zip of entire album or song by song)

Tuesday

The World Cafe in Philly has singer-songwriter Brett Dennen. You may have heard his music in shows like Scrubs and Grey's Anatomy. You can't help but notice the flaming red hair. And the slight rasp to his vocals belies his age, sounding more like an aging folkster from the 60s rather than the late 20s that he is.

mp3: Ain't No Reason (via RCRD.LBL)

The Black Cat is at it again, this time with a fine line-up of a couple a locals and a band from Brooklyn. Andy Zipf, Kaiser Cartel and Paul Michel are sure entertain.

Wednesday

Lot of action for the mid-week. The big show is Ben Folds at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. He is joined by Arizonans Miniature Tigers.

Lenka and The Spring Standards are showcased at DC9, while elsewhere in the District Rooftop Vigilantes, coming in from Kansas, perform at The Red & The Black.

Philly's Hoots & Hellmouth head south to the Rock & Roll Hotel to blow the roof off the joint with their revival-esque show. Along for the ride are The Jones and Petticoat Tea Room.

Up in Philly, The Khyber has Finding Fiction. Here's what Simon Beck has to say:

New York City’s Finding Fiction balances the ethereal with the melodic. The grit with the refined. It’s catchy, artistic, at times poppy, but always well crafted music. It’s contained chaos. Maniacally Poetic.

With them is the atmospheric sounds of Controlled Storms and the other worldly Lunch with Beardo.

For an all local line-up, get to the M Room for Filmstar, Adam Rose, Boy w/ Robot and The Green Trees Band.

mp3: Miniature Tigers - White Magic (via Modern Art Records)
mp3: The Spring Standards - Your Lie
mp3: Hoots & Hellmouth - You and All of Us (via Daytrotter)
mp3: Finding Fiction - Less Than Love (via Sonicbids)
mp3: Controlled Storms - Grace (via Sonicbids)
mp3: Lunch with Beardo - The Lunch Manifesto (via FDH Music)

Thursday

Missed the Ben Folds show in Philly? No problem. Ram's Head Live in Baltimore has the same line-up as the Philly show the night before.

Two college towns, two great shows. The Terrace F Club in Princeton is hosting the ethereal music of High Places and Soft Circle. The Olde Club at Swarthmore College has a stellar gig with Los Campesinos! and Titus Andronicus.

Up at Johnny Brendas, join in welcoming back French Kicks to Philly. Also on stage is Ferraby Lionheart and locals Gildon Works. Just a few blocks down at the M Room, catch an ecletic show featuring Airports, Snakes Say Hiss, Neighborhood Choir and Anamanahuchi.

mp3: Titus Andronicus - My Time Outside the Womb (via RCRD.LBL)
mp3: French Kicks - Love in the Ruins (via Daytrotter)
mp3: Gildon Works - Artful Rifle
mp3: High Places - From Stardust to Sentience (via email from label)
mp3: Neighborhood Choir - She's Got A Friend (via band's website)

This Week's Mix

2009-02-06T07:59:00.001-05:00

This week's mix features some regional flavor with Lotus (Philly) and U.S. Royalty (DC). This is the last weekend before Valentines Day, so here is a friendly reminder that concerts are always great dates for that special someone. They also work for finding a date or ignoring the whole holiday.

The Library - No Mercy, Only Violence
French Horn Rebellion - Up All Night
U.S. Royalty - Keep It Cool (Bo Flex remix)
Hot Challenge - Eyes Open
Broken Spindles - Introvert
Findlay Brown - Holding Back
Company of Thieves - Oscar Wilde
Lotus - Invincibility of Youth
Like Bells - Atlas
Lower Heaven - Knife

The Local Weekend: Oh, The Weather Outside Is...

2009-01-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

Add your own adjective to finish off the title (plus it ties in nicely with a little gem later). Snow, ice, rain and damn cold weather can't keep this fine weekend of music away. Lots of talent from the region and elsewhere are out and about. Here is what's happening.

Friday

Photo Credit: Band's Facebook

The XPN Free at Noon session does it again and brings Annuals to the World Cafe for your lunchtime listening pleasure. The North Carolina band is also out with another new disc, Such Fun. If you can't make it to University City, head to Johnny Brenda's later for a great line-up featuring Jessica Lea Mayfield and Arizona natives that blend all sorts of styles into their songs What Laura Says.

Finishing out their week long residency at the 9:30 Club is the electronic mainstays and DC's own Thievery Corporation. If you are in the District either Friday or Saturday, I highly recommend seeing this show.

The folks over at Aural States have put together quite a collection of the best Baltimore has to offer. 2 stages at Sonar and Talking Head feature the likes of Arbouretum, Wye Oak, Imperial China, Caverns and many more. Check here for the full details.

I know a few of our writers who are salivating over this show. Swedish sensation Lykke Li is hitting Philly and DC in turn, first at the First Unitarian then 6th & I Synagogue Saturday. Philly show is already sold out as is the DC show. If you don't have your tickets already, you know how to get them, but please be discrete.

mp3: Annuals - Confessor
mp3: Arbouretum - Buffalo Ballet (via Aural States)
mp3: Wye Oak - Warning
mp3: Imperial China - There Is No Translation
mp3: Caverns - Brodown High Noon (via Aural States)
mp3: Lykke Li - Little Bit

Saturday/Sunday

Only a few one night shows close out the week, plus my boys in Black & Gold are playing in some kind of sports game Sunday that will have most of the area in its grasp.

At the 941 Theater in Philly, local acts come out to play. With a new album out in the UK and coming soon to our shores, BC Camplight takes the stage with his own brand of sugary 60s infused pop. More retro indie pop from The Bye Byes and Surefire Broadcast round out the bill.

The Rock & Roll Hotel is hosting Nashville band American Bang, their own show while in between dates opening for The Pretenders along with a few DC natives. One of our favorites Telograph is back at it with Cobra Collective as well as Pittsburgh band Triggers.

One lone show to tell you about on Sunday. The Fire in Philly has a great line-up of singer-songwriters featuring local Matthew Landis, Chicago's Anna Vogelzang and Christine Lyons. Also on stage will be Philly group Papertrees.

mp3: BC Camplight - Hide, Run Away
mp3: The Bye Byes - Binoculars
mp3: Surefire Broadcast - Let It Snow (get the title of the post now?)
mp3: Telograph - The Fever
mp3: Cobra Collective - Hannibal at the Gates
mp3: Anna Vogelzang - Twisted (live)

The Opposite of Chamber Music

2009-01-26T07:18:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Jason Thrasher

With his Tom Waits-y vocals over lazy violins and weathered banjos, Don Chambers and GOAT stroll into DC this week. As I automatically love and wholeheartedly support anyone who can even look at a banjo in an adoring manner, Chambers’ ability to play has me all wound up and ready for what is rumored to be quite a show. As one might expect in such an Americana-based act, you can look forward to plenty of music detailing the fighting of devils and the wading of waters. A good mix of gospel and secular, look for Chambers playing all over the place this year and check out “Highwater” below.

1/27 Velvet Lounge Washington, DC

mp3: Highwater

This Week's Mix

2009-01-24T06:02:00.000-05:00

Another week, another mix with lots of new music ranging from electro-pop to country. If you are still partying from the events earlier in the week or are just ready for a great weekend, this music will get you through. Enjoy.

Asobi Seksu - Familiar Light
De Rosa - Nocturne For An Absentee
We Swim You Jump - Sparks Fade Out
Brandtson - Earthquakes and Sharks
The Whitest Boy Alive - Island
Favours For Sailors - I Dreamt That I Dreamt That You Loved Me
The Phantom Band - Burial Sounds
Reigns - Everything Beyond These Walls Have Been Razed
Aiden Moffat - Big Blonde
Willie Heath Neal - Out of Highway

The Local Weekend: An Escape from the Cold

2009-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

DeVotchka
(Photo From Band's Myspace)

All the holidays are long over, the madness that was DC earlier this week has passed and I have finally situated myself into a new apartment and secured an internet connection. Now I can get you the low down on what to check out this weekend in the IA area. Not much on the multi-stop front. Most already played elsewhere earlier this week or are coming soon to your town. That said, there are plenty of shows worth seeing.

Friday

WXPN time and time again brings great music to Philly. This Friday is no exception. Not just playing one show, but two at the World Cafe is DeVotchka. See them for free on your lunch break at the Free at Noon session, then come back later for the evening show. The Denver-based foursome unload their violin, sousaphone, trumpet and more for what is to be a great show. And if you haven't got their latest release, A Mad and Faithful Telling, get it now.

mp3: You Love Me

Southern Rock comes north again as Athens, Georgia band Drive-By Truckers hit Towson and the Recher Theater.

mp3: Puttin' People on the Moon

Jukebox the Ghost is out and about once again, this time at my home for four years, Ursinus College. Joining them is Boston group Pretty & Nice. These two have joined forces before and it should be a great show. All you current students and those near Collegeville, get there.

mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Good Day
mp3: Pretty & Nice - Tora Tora Tora

DC is still basking in the glow of Tuesday. If you have finally come up from the post-party hangover, there are a few places to check out. Philly's Hoots & Hellmouth head south to join up with DC locals Junior League and self proclaimed Irish Rock Extravaganza O'Tasty at the Black Cat.

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears have been getting a lot of buzz lately. But everyone says the live shows are what get you hooked. Check them out with Bottles/Cans at the Rock & Roll Hotel to see and hear for yourself.

Over at Dahlak, a couple more locals take the stage with The Caribbean and Mittenfield.

And not to be left out, Baltimore has a good show as a couple of out-of-towners play the Ottobar. New York's Longwave and Oklahomans Colourmusic hit the stage with Baltimore's own The Payola Reserve.

Philly has a few good shows in town as well. The North Star is hosting The Honey Brothers, who have a drummer that you may know as Vinny Chase. They are joined by New Yorkers Xylos and Philly's The Major Leagues.

The Naked Hearts, out in support of their new release, and The Antlers, set to release a new album in March, are playing The Fire. While out on the Main Line, Pawnshop Roses and Justin Jones play an intimate show at the Ardmore location of Milkboy Coffee.

mp3: Hoots & Hellmouth - Rattle These Bones
mp3: Junior League - I Will
mp3: Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears - The Zero Light
mp3: Bottles/Cans - Tabitha Calhoun
mp3: The Caribbean - The Go From Tactical
mp3: Longwave - Sirens In The Deep Sea
mp3: Colourmusic - Put In A Little Gas
mp3: The Payola Reserve - Music Is Not Music
mp3: Xylos - In The Bedroom
mp3: The Major Leagues - Fire
mp3: The Antlers - Bear
mp3: Justin Jones - Lie to Me

Saturday

A little bit lighter on the entertainment Saturday, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to see. Hoots & Hellmouth are heading back towards home and playing the Chester County Historical Society, while Colourmusic is leaving Baltimore and heading to Alrington for a show at IOTA with local musician Ammar Malik.

DC has two great shows. Coming down from New York to the Rock & Roll Hotel is Via Audio. And coming up from Athens to meet them is Modern Skirts. This should be a killer show. And over at DC9, locals dominate as Black & White Jacksons share the bill with Ra Ra Rasputin and Loose Lips.

Up in Philly at the M Room, an intersting line-up featuring San Francisco's Magic Christian along with Philly locals Blessed Muthas and The Midnight Beat and Central PAs Parallax Project. Over a few blocks at The Fire, catch something a bit more mellow as The Loom and Sisters 3 perform.

mp3: Via Audio - We Can Be Good
mp3: Modern Skirts - New York Song
mp3: Black & White Jacksons - Racing Horse
mp3 : Sisters 3 - Bermuda Triangle

Sunday

Sunday is all Philly. If you haven't heard already, legend Vic Chestnutt has teamed up with fellow Athenians Elf Power and created a new album. Now they are taking it on the road. See them at the North Star, a great small venue for up close and personal viewing. If you missed them in DC or New York recently, get to Philly and see this show.

Expect a big turnout at the TLA for Chicago artist Andrew Bird, on tour in support of his hot off the presses Noble Beast.

mp3: Vic Chestnutt/Elf Power - Full Album Stream

This Week's Releases

2009-01-22T16:57:00.000-05:00

This week saw first big release day of 2009. The long awaited Animal Collective album is out, as well as new ones from Bon Iver, Andrew Bird and even Matt & Kim. There is an astounding number of great releases so take some time to look over the long list and enjoy some new music.

Animal Collective

Merriweather Post Pavilion - "My Girls" & Full Album Stream

Cut Off Your Hands

You & I - "Turn Cold" & Full Album Stream

Or The Whale

Light Poles and Pines - "Call and Response"

Matt & Kim

Grand - Full Album Stream

E.Joseph and The Phantom Heart (Bmore)

All The Medicine In The World

Kyle Andrews

Real Blasty - "Sushi"

Andrew Bird

Noble Beast - "Fitz and the Dizzyspells"

Anya Marina

Slow & Steady Seduction, Phase II - Full Album Stream

The 1900s

Medium High EP - "Age of Metals"

A.C. Newman

Get Guilty - "Submarines of Stockholm" & Full Album Stream

Six Organs of Admittance

RTZ - "Resurrection"

Psychic Ills

Mirror Eye - "Fingernail Tea"

Bon Iver

Blood Bank EP - "Blood Bank" & Full Album Stream

Coconut Records

Davy - Full Album Stream

Modern Skirts

All Of Us In Our Own Night - "Soft Pedals" & Full Album Stream

Blue Giant

Target Heart EP - "Target Heart"

Roger O'Donnell

Songs From The Silver Box - "Tiny Pieces of You"

J. Tillman

Vacilando Territory Blues - "Steel on Steel"

Fiction Family

Fiction Family - "When She's Near" & Full album Stream

Ladyfinger

Dusk - "Little Things"

Robert Pollard

The Crawling Distance - "Imaginary Queen Anne"

Titus Andronicus

The Airing of Grievances - "Titus Andronicus"

Gin Wigmore

Extended Play - "These Roses"

Antony and the Johnsons

The Crying Light - Full Album Stream

This Week's Mix

2009-01-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

It's going to be a cold weekend and what better way to warm up than staying inside and listening to great music? Be safe and enjoy the weekend.

Toubab Krewe - Autorail
Home Video - I Can Make You Feel It
Public Service Announcers - Beat Totem (Forest Floor Remix)
Bearries - Killing Time (FIGURE Remix)
Frankie Knuckles x Animal Collective - Your Love My Girls
Mason Proper - Love Lockdown Gets Innocuous
Francois Virot - Casscade Kisses
French Kicks - So Far We Are
Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today
Midlake - Young Bride

Bonus: Ruby Isle - Skinny Love (Bon Iver Cover)

New Tigersapien, Part 2

2009-01-12T06:26:00.001-05:00

Photo By Gregory Keith
Philly electro rockers, Tigersapien, are releasing a new EP and they have decided to release it in pieces through some of their favorite sites. For round 2, they have sent out "God Knows" from the EP and the Designer Drugs remix of "Youth & Vitality." The band had this to say:

"So, this week we have another double dose… a wicked Designer Drugs remix of "Youth & Vitality" as well as "God Knows" from our EP.

When Michael and Theo first sent us the remix, we pretty much flipped out. It's a badass tune and different from most of their other stuff. A little bit angrier and really different from the original. As a matter of fact, we sent them as few bits from the original tune as we could get away with. We wanted a totally different spin on it and those boys delivered.

"God Knows" is, like, a really blatant song about sleazy sexual intercourse with loose women. The breakdown is one of our favorite parts of the entire EP. Tom Kee at Shotgun Audio got the guitars sounding lovely. This one is a bit more rock and roll...

At the moment, we are in the practice room getting the live set super tight. We will be playing shows really soon, so look out for that. We are also writing a single (or two?) with Michael and Tom from Shotgun. So, I mean, that shit is gonna be bonkers. Stay tuned, y'all."

mp3: God Knows
mp3: Youth & Vitality (Designer Drugs Remix)

Solving A Murder Mystery

2009-01-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Our good friends from New York, Murder Mystery, just sent over their new single "The World." Produced by the band and mixed by Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo, Lou Reed), it continues the evolution of their dreamy pop sound that was initially demonstrated on Are You Ready for the Heartache Cause Here it Comes in 2007. The band has been pretty quiet on the touring front, just sticking to shows close to home, but they should be making it south in the near future. Having hosted them at our CMJ party last fall, we look forward to it.

mp3: The World

This Week's Mix

2009-01-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

The first full week of 2009 and the weather pretty much matched everyone's feelings on the subject. I am headed up north in search of snow this weekend, but I leave you with some music that will hopefully have you forgetting the weather and enjoying yourselves.

Peter Broderick - And It's Alright
School of Seven Bells - Iamundernodisguise
Ambulance Ltd - Stay Where You Are
Secret Machines - Now You're Gone
Mobius Band - Hallie
Autodrone - Strike A Match
Ladyhawke - Magic
Ruby Isle - White Winter Hymnal (Fleet Foxes Cover)
CFCF - Crystal Mines
Miniature Tigers - Cannibal Queen

U.S. Royalty

2009-01-09T05:58:00.001-05:00

Keeping up with the trend of pretty much everyone sending us new music this week, DC's hottest new band of 2008, U.S. Royalty, sent over a new track, a remix (by Ayad from Passion Pit) and an oldie from their debut EP. They will be touring all over the place during the early part of the year and you'll have several opportunities to catch them regionally. Also keep an eye out for a new EP in the near future.

1/10: IOTA, Arlington, VA w/ Telograph
1/15: Black Cat, Washington, DC w/ Nightmare of You and Bottle Up & Go
1/16: Sonar, Baltimore, MD w/ Nightmare of You and Bottle Up & Go
1/23: Olde Club, Swarthmore, PA, DC w/ Bottle Up & Go

mp3: Rats
mp3: Raincoats
mp3: Keep It Cool (Bo Flex Remix)

Evening Magazine

2009-01-08T09:01:00.001-05:00

The new music continues with Philly's Evening Magazine, who are releasing their debut EP, The Ride Across Lake Constance, on January 27. Founded by ex-BC Camplight guitarist David Disbrow and recording engineer Kevin Francis, they are a collective in every sense imaginable. Featuring around 9 members, they play contemplative indie on a grand scale, using everything from harp to horns. The comparisons will undoubtedly be made to Arcade Fire and Margot and The Nuclear So and So's. Fair? Maybe, but I have a strong suspicion that this band can hold up just fine on their own accord. Check out lead single, "Apple Eye," for a taste.

mp3: Apple Eye

Bosque Brown Preps for Baby

2009-01-07T17:08:00.000-05:00

Photo By Annie Gunn
Bosque Brown’s smoky sophomore release, Baby, comes at us with full instrumental force, straight out of Denton, Texas. Like their previous releases, Baby showcases lead singer Mara Miller’s vocals akin to Samantha Crain or a young Karin Bergquist (of Over the Rhine). Harboring an impressive use of percussion, Baby also lets us in on a few reverberating a capella tracks which are just the ever-sweetening cherry on the top of an alt-blues cake. Yum.

mp3: Went Walking

These United States Tidbits

2009-01-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

Late last year, DC's These United States traveled to WOXY for their second Lounge Act session of the year. During the first session in the spring, they stuck their debut, while this one focused on Crimes. You can check out "Study The Moon" below and find the whole session here.

mp3: Study the Moon (WOXY Lounge Act)

While I am talking about These United States, I recently got my hands upon another interesting track of theirs. Most of you are probably familiar with "West Won" off of Crimes, which has been all over this site and most of the internet. What most people do not know, is that they originally recorded a stripped down version of it for their debut. I'll include both below, as they make an interesting case study on evolution.

mp3: West Won (Picture Outtake)
mp3: West Won

By the way, after taking a couple of well deserved months off, the boys will be returning to DC on January 17 for a special show at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue with all sorts of people. You can find out more information here.

East Hundred's Passenger

2009-01-07T07:26:00.001-05:00

Photo by Justin Clowes
You can definitely tell that a new year is upon us, because we keep getting tons of new music sent our way. The latest band to shower us with the gift of new music is another local favorite that we have covered quite a bit in the past, Philly's East Hundred. On January 13, the band will finally be releasing their full length debut, Passenger. In advance, they sent over the lead single, "Slow Burning Crimes," which showcases their very charming brand of female fronted indie rock. While a full tour has not been announced yet, they have plenty of regional dates. That said, look forward to a lot more from them as the year starts to unravel.

01/09: Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA
02/19: The Note, West Chester, PA
03/21: Mojo 13, Wilmington, DE

mp3: Slow Burning Crimes

Tereu Tereu Blasts Off In '09

2009-01-06T11:21:00.002-05:00

Photo By Shervin Lainez
Fredericksburg, VA's Tereu Tereustarted the new year with a bang. They have announced that they have a new album, All That Keeps Us Together, ready for a spring release and that they will be heading out on a winter tour. Check out the dates and lead single below.

1/22 - Newark, DE, House Show
1/23 - Richmond, VA, Highwater
1/24 - Charlotte, NC, The Visualite Theater
1/25 - Lexington, KY, Al's Bar
1/26 - Winona Lake, IN, TBA
1/27 - Pittsburgh, PA, Howler's Coyote
1/28 - Washington, DC, Black Cat
1/29 - Fredericksburg, VA, The Loft

mp3: Perpetual Motion

New Tigersapien, Part I

2009-01-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

Photo By Gregory Keith
Philly electro rockers, Tigersapien, are releasing a new EP and they have decided to release it in pieces through some of their favorite sites. To kick things off, they have sent out "Right Angles" and "Used To Be." They will be following it up with more tracks next week and they tell us that there are several live dates in the works.

mp3: Right Angles
mp3: Used To Be

MDR Back In The News

2009-01-06T07:02:00.002-05:00

Our love for DC's Middle Distance Runner is no secret. No secret at all. After laying low for most of 2008, the band is back with a vengeance. Chances are pretty good that you heard them in a Harley commercial last week, when you were stuffing your face and watching bowl games. The song in question is new track, "Brother John." If you've seen them live over the past couple of years, you've probably heard it before. If not, you can check out the mp3 below and see them live in DC on January 16 for their pre-inaugural bash at Rock and Roll Hotel.

mp3: Brother John

Vandaveer In France

2009-01-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

Great music inspires many things in listeners and sometimes things come together to create pure magic. That is the case over at La Blogotheque where they film some of our favorite bands playing their songs in random public places in what they call Take Away Shows. Menomena was filmed walking through a tunnel, Sufjan Stevens played on a roof and now DC's Vandaveer played a wedding in France. Mark traveled to our friends across the pond with These United States and wandered around singing through the streets.

Woolgathering / Roman Candle

The Street Is Full Of Creeps

This Week's Mix

2009-01-03T23:22:00.002-05:00

2008 is no more. Enjoy my first mix of the new year.

Head Like A Kite - Daydream Vacation
Longwave - The Devil & the Liar
AC Berkheimer - Ordinary Days
The Bloody Beetroots - Cornelius (DeLa Edit)
Crystal Castles - Untrust Us
The Let Go - Searching For Sun
Killola - Cracks In The Armor
Luke Temple - Tunnelvision
Langhorne Slim - Restless

Mike's Year In Review

2008-12-31T09:50:00.001-05:00

As the year comes to a close, it's time for the year in review. I won't bore you with a top ten list or any profound insights, just a very brief overview of what caught my ears and eyes during the past twelve months.

BEST ALBUMS (Regional and National)

Do You Like Rock Music? - British Sea Power

This album is exactly why I love Brit-Pop. Packed with stadium ready anthems ("Waving Flags") as well as the down tempo shoegaze much like their genres predecessors ("No Need to Cry)". Garnering rave reviews from just about everyone (Pitchfork and Pop Matters, are you actually listening to the same album?), it was also nominated for the coveted Mercury Music Award. Even for those unfamiliar with their previous work, this is a good introduction to the band.

mp3: Waving Flags

Rook - Shearwater

My love of Austin music is no secret. Couple that with my penchant for overly sad, almost mournful sounding songs, and Shearwater's June release was bound to make my favorites. As usual, Jonathan Meiburg uses the natural world, particularly birds (guess that happens when you are an ornithologist), as recurring themes. The vocals are soulful, yet slightly emotionally pained, while the instrumentation blends beautifully underneath. Again, almost universally acclaimed by the critics (got it right this time Pitchfork and Pop Matters) and picked by many as a 'must have'. I concur.

mp3: The Snow Leopard

We Belong to the Sea - Aderbat

Philly has been producing notable music since the '50s soul scene. Now as the '00s come to a close, the city is seeing a sort of revival. Not to say the music hasn't always been here, but bands are breaking from the local scene and garnering national acclaim. For pure indie, I give the nod to Aderbat. I only recently became acquainted with their music midway through this year and within the last month received their latest release. I am completely enamored with them since. Not much on the typical rock & roll stylings and ego driven individual contributions, Aderbat fuses everything into a tight package of subtle musical wonder.

mp3: Make You Run

On The Ground - Peasant

The Philly folk scene has always been a mainstay, with the annual folk festival camp out every summer, just outside the city limits. One man band Peasant (Damien DeRose) is the brightest light out of the many beacons the city claims. Well crafted lyrics sung with timid, muted vocals over simple yet complimentary instrumentation, this is the album to spend a rainy day with or as a cool down from a frantic week. The album is going through another release, this time with wider distribution, just after the new year.

mp3: We're Good

LIVE SHOWS

I got to see quite a few shows this year. Some I have seen before, others I caught for the first time. Most were locals, with some big names sprinkled in. Of course, the biggest show for me was seeing Robert Smith do his thing. But that's the obvious choice. I'm here to give love to the locals that deserve it.

Papertrigger is the must-see band in Philadelphia. I said it last year, and this year I double my emphasis. SEE THIS BAND! Whether it is the belled ankle coverings that are constantly jingling from the stomping feet of their owners, the upright bass getting bowed and rocked back and forth, or the stand alone bass drum with "Papertrigger" in electrical tape stuck to it being pounded, something will catch your attention and make you listen. It is an experience that must be had. With a new album coming out next year, this band is only going to get bigger. Now is the time to jump aboard.

mp3: Fox Hunting

And speaking of experiences, this time of the almost religious, you will be screaming 'Hallelujah' after seeing the gospel/folk/bluegrass blend of Hoots & Hellmouth. After seeing both of these bands within a week of each other, it was so hard to chose my favorite, so I suggest you take my word for it and see them both.

mp3: Want On Nothing

And I wouldn't be an IA writer if I didn't give a shout to These United States. Their two shows at IOTA for our anniversary were absolutely stellar. Never one to mail it in, they gave it their all both nights and we thank them whole-heartedly. A repeat showing next year? God, I hope so.

mp3: If You Gotta Go, Go Now (live)

Now I am sure my co-writers will have different opinions (if they put something together), but that's why we have so many. If you just listened to me, you would only be getting part of the picture. I hope that you enjoy what we bring to you here at IA. Let 2009 be just as musically relevant as this year was. Happy New Year!

Ringing In The New Year

2008-12-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

Don't settle for some champagne toast at some dress-up ball or some crappy cover band at your local dive bar. Bring in 2009 at a show this year. Quite a few good one's to choose from.

Two shows are in Philly this year, both a little quirky and a bit geeky, but worth seeing. The Grand Poobahs of geek rock are coming to the TLA. John and John of They Might Be Giants will be performing all of your old favorites and some new songs from their latest in two different shows. Of course, the late show (11:00) is the place to be for the celebration, but those not able to stay out past midnight or just have stuffy parents can catch the early show (7:30). Opening the first show is .357 Lover. Basically take late show opener Corn Mo and put a band around him. Ben Folds and Andrew W.K. have good words for them and you will to.

Up in Fishtown at Johnny Brenda's is local band made good, Pattern Is Movement. Opening is The Mural and The Mint. While celebrating the new year, take time to bid farewell to Philly Weekly writer Doug Wallen, as he moves on to Australia. Here's a snippet of his writing about Pattern Is Movement.

The combination of Thiboldeaux’s swooning, near-operatic singing style and Ward’s fierce yet deconstructive drumming, surrounded by flurries of shimmering keys and sometimes strings, makes Pattern Is Movement more unusual than ever.

And TM&TM

The single ‘Builders’ is precisely that—a breezy standout that brings us into the album while making the most of Jones’ backing vocals. Like the rest of Private Pockets, it twinkles gently but burns with sincerity, romantic and critical at once.

mp3: Pattern Is Movement - Bird
mp3: The Mural & The Mint - Private Pockets (entire album for free on website)

For the big night in the District, Rock & Roll Hotel is also getting in the party mood with local favorites. Catch US Royalty along with Pash, Lode Runner and a ton of DJs for a festive night.

mp3: US Royalty - Every Summer
mp3: Pash - Four Straight Days
mp3: Lode Runner - Dirigibles

The big ticket in Baltimore is Wu-Tang at Sonar. This place is going to be a mad house. After a night like that, you want more Wu? 9:30 Club is hosting a New Year's Day show.