A Regional Holiday: Le Loup

Photo By Hatnim Lee
DC/Baltimore band Le Loup provide the next selection for our spotlight on regional holiday music, "Shenandoah." This track was their offering to the recently released compilation I'll Stay 'Til After Christmas.

mp3: Shenandoah

Le Loup and The Ruby Suns

credit

Find a way to leave work early. It's a sunset special (6:30 show!) at the Barbary in Philly Thursday featuring D.C. based and headliners of our first anniversary show, Le Loup. Also on the bill, all the way from New Zealand, The Ruby Suns, and Philly's own The Private Sea. And even though you don't see their name on the bill, Jukebox the Ghost IS playing. I'll be hustling to get there. Save me a spot.

For those of you in DC, Le Loup and The Ruby Suns will be at Black Cat on Friday night with local favorites, Bellman Barker.

Le Loup - We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!
The Ruby Suns - Tane Mahuta
Jukebox The Ghost - Victoria
Bellman Barker - Two Bees

Monday

Le Loup - credit
There is not a whole lot happening today. However, our friends Le Loup are out on the road with Margot and The Nuclear So and So's. You can catch them at Black Cat in DC tonight and at First Unitarian Church in Philly tomorrow. It's a pretty well known fact that their live sound is much different than what is on their album. To prove that point, here is the concert they recorded for KEXP on October 15, during CMJ...

Look To The West
Le Loup (Fear Not)
To The Stars! To The Night!
Sea Took Me
I Had A Dream I Died

Margot and The Nuclear So and So's - Skeleton Key

Middle Distance Runner - credit
Since it's that time of the year, I will leave you with Middle Distance Runner's Holiday single, "XMAS Party." They were nice enough to let us premier it last year and it's just as relevant a year later. They are currently on the road with Mobius Band and The Epochs and they'll be hitting the region later this week. You can check them out as follows:

12/13/07: Mojo 13, Wilmington, DE
12/14/07: Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
12/15/07: North Star, Philadelphia, PA

Middle Distance Runner - XMAS Party

Le Loup Live Podcast

Photo by Doron Gild

Last week, DC's Le Loup took NYC by storm. In addition to playing a ridiculous amount of shows, they recorded an in studio for KEXP. The station was nice enough to share the recording...

Le Loup live on KEXP 10/15/07 (mp3)

You can also see live video for a couple of tracks here:

"Sea Took Me"
"I Had A Dream I Died"

Representing at CMJ

Several bands from the Baltimore/DC region will be at CMJ this week. If you are going, here is a list of the bands that are playing, their dates and venues. Some of these are day shows, so please link to the specific band sites for more details. I'm sure that I missed somebody, so comment away.

Celebration
10/16 Union Pool
10/17 Pianos
(mp3) Heartbreak


Georgie James
10/19 Soundfix Records
10/20 Pianos
10/20 Mercury Lounge
(mp3) More Lights


John Bustine
10/18 Mo Pitkins
(mp3) This Guitar Says I'm Drunk


Jukebox The Ghost
10/16 Pianos
10/19 The Gothamist House
10/20 Indaba Loft
(mp3) Hold It In


Le Loup
10/16 Soundfix Records
10/17 Pianos
10/18 Pianos
10/18 Knitting Factory
10/19 Galapagos
10/20 Galapagos
10/20 Bowery Ballroom
(mp3) Le Loup (Fear Not)


Middle Distance Runner
10/17 Indaba Loft
10/17 Fontana's
10/18 The Delancey
(mp3) The Sun and Earth


The Cotton Jones Basket Ride
10/19 The Cake Shop


Thrushes
10/16 Trash Bar
(mp3) Aidan Quinn

Your Chance to Hear Le Loup Live!

Since CMJ is going on in NYC, all of your favorite bands are there this week. KEXP is also in town and they are streaming live performances by several bands. DC's own Le Loup is joining the festivities and have a show that will be streamed live today at 4PM. Tune in to their internet stream and you can hear the full set. To see KEXP's full CMJ schedule, go here.

Le Loop - We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!

This Week's Releases

After a couple weeks with few releases of note, it seems that the fall lineup of great music started this week. The big names are coming out in full force and they're getting ready to bankrupt you. We even have some great releases from bands in our region. Of course, everybody is touring in support of these releases, so we have a ton of regional dates. Sit back and enjoy, this is going to be a long one.

AVEC
My pick for this week's top release, would have to be Strawberry Jam by Baltimore's Animal Collective. Their second album pumps up the energy a lot more from the first and it will have you dancing with your headphones on in no time. They have been making their rounds with the new tunes and dazzling audiences everywhere, as every show turns in to a huge dance party. Their sound is electronic and experimental and not everyone is going to like this, but the band is OK with that. You can check them out, as follows:

9/28/07: 9:30 Club, DC
9/29/07: Starlight Ballroom, Philly

Peacebone


The next big release is Pinback's forth LP, Autumn of the Seraphs. Their soft voice with big sound motif, still stays strong in this release. This sounds more polished than any of their previous works, but it works. You can check them out, as follows:

10/05/07: TLA, Philly
10/07/07: 9:30 Club, DC

From Nothing To Nowhere


For the quirky listeners out there, Shout Out Louds have a new release called Our Ill Wills. With their pop sound that is indie enough for everyone to love, this new release is a great listen. I have had it on repeat a bunch of times on my mp3 player and I know that Joe is fond of this one. Some people call them "The Swedish Cure" and that is pretty accurate. You can check them out, as follows:

10/28/07: 9:30 Club, DC
10/29/07: First Unitarian Church, Philly

Tonight I Have To Leave It


For another regional release, one of IA's dear friends (headliners of our anniversary show and sponsors of our latest contest) Le Loup, has finally given The Throne Of The Third Heaven Of The Nations' Millennium General Assembly to the people. Indie with a banjo is my favorite way of describing this release, as it sounds a little less energetic than the craziness that is their live show. As it should, since Sam recorded it long before he formed the band. One of the most interesting albums to grace your ears in a long time, this release is good all the way through. That said, you really need to see their intense live show. You can check them out, as follows:

9/29/07: Black Cat, DC *CD Release Party*

We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!


Another personal favorite regional release this week, is Lines by Baltimore's AVEC. One of the strongest rock releases of the year, this album has been stuck in my head from the first line of the first song. Rocking as hard as the newest Yeah Yeah Yeah's EP Is Is, this album still has it's indie undertones that keep you wanting more. What is even more unique, is the back and forth that Shawna and Brooks have in each song. While they sound somewhat similar, they bring their own feelings to every song and make you wonder what they went through to make each song so rich and full. Their songs are very dynamic and I hear that they are insane live. I can't wait to see them and have a feeling that they won't be Baltimore's best kept secret for much longer. You can check them out, as follows:

9/28/07: Ottobar, Baltimore *CD Release Party*

Albina Krobot
In Character


Film School's new release Hideout, also hit stores this week. This is a really nice rock album, but it's more toned down than AVEC's latest. Think Editors crossed with The National. This follow up to their self-titled first release, is a little different and takes on a deeper tone than the first. You can check them out, as follows:

10/21/07: Rock & Roll Hotel, DC
10/22/07: Johnny Brenda's, Philly

Lectric


Black Lips have a new release, entitled Good Bad Not Evil. Think back to 80s punk and think about what it would sound like a little toned down with some southern roots, and that will give you an idea of what this sounds like. You can check them out, as follows:

9/14/07: Sonar, Baltimore
9/15/07: Black Cat, DC
9/16/07: Khyber, Philly

Cold Hands


Next up is the Dirty Projectors' new release Rise Above. If you like something totally different, than you are in luck. Not sticking to one particular style, this CD has something for everyone. You can check them out, as follows:

9/26/07: Black Cat, DC
9/27/07: Johnny Brenda's, Philly

No More


The Go! Team has finally released their new album as well. Proof of Youth keeps with the crazy dance beats and has some great vocals. If you are a fan of any of the band's previous releases or looking to check out something new, give this one a listen. You can check them out as follows:

10/26/07: Starlight Ballroom, Philly
10/30/07: 9:30 Club, DC

Doing It Right


Simian Mobile Disco is not just another rock band turning electronic. Their skill in combining infecting hooks with some great vocals, is very apparent in Attack Decay Sustain Release.

I Believe


Hot Hot Heat has their new release Happiness Ltd out this week. You can check them out as follows:

10/14/07: TLA, Philly
10/15/07: Rams Head Live, Baltimore

Let Me In


Eulogies has their self titled release out right now and they are supporting it with a tour with Film School. That tour pairing should give you a good idea of what kind of style they have. You can check them out, as follows:

10/21/07: Rock & Roll Hotel, DC
10/22/07: Johnny Brenda's, Philly

One Man


Grand National has given the public A Drink And A Quick Decision to listen to. This is dance music that is also an enjoyable listen.

Joker and Clown


Oakley Hall just came through the DC/Baltimore area last week in support of their new release I'll Follow You. The best way to describe their style, is sonic country.

No Dreams


The Good Life is on one of the best indie labels right now, Saddle Creek. They will be in DC next month allowing us all a glimpse into their newest, Help Wanted Nights. You can check them out, as follows:

10/05/07: First Unitarian Church, Philly
10/06/07: Rock & Roll Hotel, DC

Heartbroke


Finally, love him or hate him, Kanye West dropped Graduation. Pitchfork has given this release it's stamp of approval and I do too.

Good Life

Contest: Le Loup *Results*

Congrats to Lindsay from DC and Tina from Arlington. Thanks to everyone who entered. More contests soon.


DC's Le Loup, will finally have their debut CD released on September 11. Thanks to them and Hardly Art, we have a contest for you.

Grand Prize:
2 Tickets to Le Loup's CD release show at Black Cat on 9/29 w/ These United States
1 The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly CD

First Prize:
1 The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly CD

To enter, send an e-mail with your answer to this question: Le Loup's first show was at Velvet Lounge in March. What band shared the bill with them? Hint: To narrow it down a little, check their top friends. There is also a less obvious, second correct answer. Either one works.

The winners will be randomly chosen from the correct entries. Good luck! I will leave you with their first official mp3. This is a much better version than the one that I was sharing a few months ago.

We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!

FAA's Anniversary Show

Our friends at FAA are celebrating their first Birthday tonight and they put together a nice bill that is very DC heavy. The show is at 3rd Floor in Fredericksburg and features Travis Morrison Hellfighters, Le Loup and Statehood. It's only $5 and it's obviously all ages.

Travis Morrison Hellfighters - As We Proceed
Le Loup - We are Gods! We are Wolves!

Tonight, Tonight

Wow, it's been a crazy week. Anyway, the day is upon us... IA's Anniversary Party is tonight at Rock & Roll Hotel in DC. Doors open @ 8:30 and the show begins at 9:30 sharp. If you get there by 9, it is free! If not, it's $10. So why should you come out? Let's see...

Jette Kelly - credit
One of my favorite people in the world is Jette Kelly. After a warm up show in NYC, she is debuting her new 7-piece band in DC and she choose my show as the occasion to do it. Her smokey vocals are sure to light the room on fire, so make it out early to catch this break out performance.

E~

Lejeune - credit
Next up is Lejeune. This underrated band is nothing short of solid. If you like bands such as The Smiths and R.E.M., you will be very pleased by their performance. Their latest CD has been one of my favorites of the past few months.

Bizarre Histrionics

Bellman Barker - credit
The penultimate performance of the night will be given by Bellman Barker. You never really know what to expect from this guys, but you always know that they will be entertaining. I hear they may even be debuting a new song tonight.

Charles Kil

Le Loup
Finally, DC's indie darlings of 2007 will be bringing the night to a close. Le Loup has taken the city by storm and with good reason, they are a fantastic band. It doesn't really matter that you have only been playing out for a little over 4 months, if you give one of the most dynamic shows in the city. They were signed for a reason and tonight, you will learn why. Catch them before they blow up this fall. It's their first ever weekend headlining show and you'll probably never see them play a venue this small in DC again.



In addition to those bands, there will be all sorts of other things happening along the way. If you like covers, brand new songs and collaborations, you are probably in luck. You never know who may make an unannounced appearance on stage. Let's French will also be there conducting a raffle, just mere days before their farewell show. All you have to do is enter at the merch table and they will announce the winners right before Le Loup hits the stage. What can you win? Many of your DC favorites are contributing items and there will be concert tickets and CDs for sure. There will even be a national media outlet recording the night for a video piece on the DC scene.

Be prepared to be entertained and come out to have a great night. Where else can you see bands of this caliber for free? See you soon.

indie @ the abbey: The Preview Show

One of the things that I have been working on over the past few months, has been indie @ the abbey. To sum things up quickly, a venue in Harrisburg, PA brought me in to help book a weekly indie rock showcase. It will run every Wednesday night, starting September 12. I will get into the details and lineups later. I just wanted to mention that we are having our preview show tonight. The bands include Hershey, PA's The April Skies and former Sire/Warner Bros artists Riverside. There is also a third act on the bill. Making their first ever appearance outside of DC, is this little band called Le Loup. The show starts at 9 and it's a great bill, so hopefully I will see you there.

Le Loup - We are Gods! We are Wolves!
The April Skies - My Love Is In This House

Midweek in The District

It is Wednesday and there is a 2 horse race for which show you should go see in DC tonight. It's a tough choice to make, so you should choose wisely.

At Black Cat you have a really sweet show. The great Brooklyn band Pela is playing. They will be joined by the kings of Baltimore, Two if by Sea. These two bands playing a sweaty backstage show should be something else.

Pela - Lost To The Lonesome
Pela - Holiday Song (live Pixies Cover)
Two if by Sea - High Water Mark


Over at DC9, you have the band that has the city buzzing, Le Loup. This will probably be the last time that you will get the chance to see them at a venue this small in DC. They will be joined by another Brooklyn band, The XYZ Affair. In addition to the bands, Middle Distance Runner will be DJing.

Le Loup - We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!
The XYZ Affair - All My Friends

A Big Thursday

It's Thursday in the region. The week is almost over and there are all sorts of shows happening. So look over your options, get out there and support.


Let's start with a band that you have never heard of, but will thank us later for introducing you to. Meowskers are from Brooklyn and I guarantee that you will be hearing a lot about them in a few months, so you might as well get acquainted now. They are playing Black Cat tonight as support for The Slip and Bobby Bare Jr. I'll include some mp3s to whet your appetite. If you like what you hear, the rest of the EP is available on myspace.

Meowskers - I'll Be By Your Side
Meowskers - Colors That Lie


The band that has been getting the most local press in the last couple of months, has a surprise show at Velvet Lounge tonight. Le Loup will be playing at 10pm sharp in support of their friends The Bang and Koshari.

Le Loup - We are Gods! We are Wolves!


The big name coming through the region tonight is Wilco. They bring their much publicized live show to Merriweather. Low will be providing the support.

Wilco - Box Full of Letters


Local favorite Paul Michel is celebrating his 30th Birthday with a show at The Red and The Black. He will be joined by Rebecca Pronsky and Luke Brindley.

Paul Michel - The Ways and Means


Tonight's Fort Reno show features a couple of the more popular local indie bands. The Hard Tomorrows and Let's French will be trading riffs. This is also the penultimate show for The Hard Tomorrows.

The Hard Tomorrows - Glossy-Eyed Sweetheart
Let's French - She Says She Loves Me

A Little Show

Since word of this is already starting to spread, I might as well announce it on here. On Friday August 10, we are having our First Anniversary Party at Rock and Roll Hotel in DC. We recruited some friends to help us celebrate: Le Loup, Bellman Barker, Lejeune and Jette Kelly (of Jette-Ives).

Doors @ 8:30, Show starts @ 9:30, $10. However, it is free until 9. Much more on this later. I just wanted to get it out there.

Le Loup - We Are Gods! We Are Wolves!
Bellman Barker - Molly Maroon
Lejeune - The Latest Greatest
Jette-Ives - Darker Than You

Great Tuesday Night Show

There is a great show at Rock and Roll Hotel tonight. The Rosebuds are headlining. They will be joined by Bowerbirds and DC's own Le Loup. This is definitely one to check out.

Speaking of Le Loup, they just gave their first ever interview. You can check it out here. While you are there, check out The Rosebuds interview too.

The Rosebuds - I Better Run
Le Loup - We are Gods! We are Wolves!
Bowerbirds - Olive Hearts

Viva Le Loup!

The rumors have been flying around for weeks and now it is official. DC's Le Loup have signed to Hardly Art, which is a new offshoot of Sub Pop. Their debut album The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly will be released this fall. Stay tuned for more about these guys. I'll have a couple of Le Loup related announcements of my own in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can catch them at Rock and Roll Hotel on May 22. Since I know that many of them frequent this site, congrats!

Coming This Weekend

There are a lot of shows happening today and tomorrow. I have talked about some of them already and others have only appeared on the calendar. As a quick reminder, here are your choices...

SATURDAY


Exit Clov/Jukebox The Ghost (EP Release)/ Le Loup @ Black Cat

This is sure to be a ridiculous show. You have local sweethearts Exit Clov supported by two of the biggest new buzz bands in the area. Jukebox The Ghost and Le Loup are two names that you will be hearing a lot about in the coming months. This is your chance to see them early in the game.

Exit Clov - Violent Berries
Jukebox the Ghost - Hold It In


Cedars/Shade/The Vita Ruins @ IOTA

Cedars and The Vita Ruins are two local bands that have been covered quite a bit on this site. Shade is a great band from Pittsburgh. Throw them all together and you have a great night of atmospheric rock.

Cedars - Arrivals/Departures
Shade- Broken Ribs
The Vita Ruins- My Last Days On Earth


Low Red Land @ Warehouse Next Door

Low Red Land is a great band from San Francisco. They are an indie rock band that has a strong helping of alt.country sensibilities. They also know how to put on a great live show.

Low Red Land - West Texas


A Lot Of Bands @ Rock 'N Roll Hotel

11 local favorites including Middle Distance Runner, These United States, Telograph, Let's French and The Hard Tomorrows, are all playing together. This show has each band playing their favorite upbeat cover songs.


SUNDAY


Summerbirds in the Cellar @ Lo-Fi Social Club

They delighted DC on Monday. Now it is Baltimore's turn to check out the great band known as Summerbirds in the Cellar.

Summerbirds in the Cellar - The Night Thief (Demo)


Blonde Redhead/The Fields @ 9:30 Club

Blonde Redhead has been around for awhile. Their latest CD has been gaining them some of the best reviews of their career. They will be joined by Fields.

Blonde Redhead - Spring and By Summer Fall
Fields - Brittlesticks

Jukebox The Ghost's CD Release

DC's Jukebox The Ghost have a new EP coming out. They will be releasing it tomorrow night at Black Cat. Local buzz band Le Loup will be opening the show and Exit Clov will be headlining. It should be a great show and I'm willing to bet that they'll bring balloons.

If you like piano driven pop music, you''ll enjoy these guys. They fit somewhere between Ben Folds, They Might Be Giants and Queen. I've heard that they have a lot of energy live and I'd be interested to see them at work. They've also been building a nice buzz in the northeast. I'll leave you with a couple of tracks to check out.

Hold It In
Good Day