Illinois hookup with Daytrotter

Illinois will be featured Monday, June 18th on Daytrotter. Mark it on your calendars and check back with Daytrotter to download the session. These visits are always a treat.
Old Saloon.mp3

Dodos Live at 6:oo (EST) on KEXP!

One of the things I am most looking forward to this summer is seeing The Dodos again. I will be getting my chance during the Pitchfork Music Festival in July and for those of you staying in the city you can see them for free at the Siren Music Festival out in Coney Island on July 19th. One of my favorite bands of the year the Dodos of course remind me of Animal Collective and Panda Bear (and a dash of White Stripes). I am happy I was finally educated on Panda Bear and thanks to one of the best Sundays I ever spent they sank in and I fell head over heels in love with their eclectic and chirpy lit. Spend sometime with The Dodos and you are sure to have the same experience. It will be worth the indulgence, trust me. They are stopping by KEXP today at 6:oo PM (EST) and 3:oo Seattle time. Their Daytrotter sessions is one of my favorites so i am sure KEXP will be just as enjoyable. Or it might just make those last few minutes of work tick by a little quicker.
The Dodos-Red and Purple live at Daytrotter.mp3
The Dodos-Men-Daytrotter Session.mp3
The Dodos Tags

To Prepare you for next week...

You should head over to Daytrotter, a website i definitely could not live without. Well, at least not as happy as i currently am. They continue to invite talented and enjoyable acts into their studios, churning out fresh interviews and lovely songs (recorded live!). Today while searching to see if The Cave Singers had stopped by and instead i found The Maccabees which well- you know i love. Thank you Daytrotter! Plus they adequately describe their songs with one of the best discriptions i have come across yet:
"Do young men still woo young women by tossing small pebbles at the panes of room windows, soft enough to be detected by the sleeper in the identified room, but silent to all those throughout the rest of the home? Do these pebbles peck off of the glass and carom at 45-degree angles, falling to the flooring of a hanging balcony that recalls settings from important scenes in the plays of Shakespeare? Do young men spend their time gathering sweaty palms still, lying awake making nights worrisome with doubt and unrequited love that almost makes them burst like a water balloon? Do they picture themselves climbing up trellises to take their fair maidens into their arms and really just love them truly, not in the sticky, commercialized, lustful way that you see in the big pictures and on the little screens? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, or I believe so, then The Maccabees could be the rightful chroniclers of these uncorrupted feelings of innocent love"
The Maccabees-First Love-DaytrotterSession.mp3
Daytrotter Tags
The Maccabees Tags

Yeasayer

I was a little bit late on the whole Yeasayer discovery. I recognized the name and knew that they had put out a killer track, 2080 which most of the blogs i highly respect had posted on various summer mixes or bands to look out for. However i never took the time to listen to them on my own until after going to see Vampire Weekend at Williamburg Music Hall for my Ajisignal piece. I was sad i had missed Yeasayer and luckily i will get to catch them when they perform at various venues throughout the city during CMJ. Many people have compared them to Peter Gabriel but for me they remind me of my Rusted Roots infatuation during my middle school days. Chris Keating's voice has a rusty, tactile edge to it that could match Michael Glabicki note for note on any of their individual bands' tracks. I very much enjoy how they dab into different styles of music...some songs have a techno backbeat with layers of swooning, jammy melodies. While others feature structered Carribbean or African base beat filled with percussion backing up pop'ish clever lyrics. Whatever it is you hear when you listen to them i hope you enjoy them. They are a unique flash of sound in New Yorks' music scene these days and i look forward to seeing them during their KEXP in studio session. If you cannot make it out to see one of their shows you should stop by Daytrotter who lovingly takes care of all our favorite new artists with incredible live tracks, interviews and some of my favorite artwork around. Thank you Daytrotter!
Yeasayer-Get in the Sunrise.mp3
Daytrotter Tags

You're a Wolf Boy- Get out of this Town

Sea Wolf is on its way to be one of my favorite musical additions of 2007. I just cannot get enough of his enchanting voice. His lyrics entwine themselves into my soul no matter what flavor of mood i find myself in and i am always sad when i have run out of songs to listen to. If you give yourself a good chance to listen you will know exactly what i mean. Similar to Elvis Perkins his voice aches with experience and growth in a way that is not exactly happy but makes you glad you are alive and able to experience its beauty. I have yet to check out their live show but am very excited for November now due to their engagement at the Mercury Lounge! Their tour is pretty extensive so make sure to check all shows listed below! In the meantime 'Leaves in the River' comes out on September 25th so please purchase this album. It deserves to be loved.
***ALL UPCOMING Sea Wolf Dates:***
September
13- Santa Barbara, CA (SoHo Restaurant & Music Club)
16- San Francisco, CA (Treasure Island Music Festival)
21- Los Angeles, CA (The Greek Theatre w/ Air)
25- Los Angeles, CA (Jimmy Kimmel Live)
October
4- Portland, OR (Doug Fir Lounge)
5- Seattle, WA (Chop Suey)
6- Bellingham, WA (The Nightlight Lounge)
7-Vancouver, BC (Media Club)
11- Minneapolis, MN (7th Street Entry)
***Sea Wolf w/ Nada Surf:***
October
15- Columbus, OH (Basement) / 16- Cincinnati, OH (20th Century)
17- Louisville, KY (Jim Porters) / 18- Indianapolis, IN (Birdy's)
19- Chicago, IL (Schubas) / 20- Chicago, IL (Schubas)
22- St. Louis, MO (Gargoyle Club) / 23- Nashville, TN (Exit In)
24- Birmingham, AL (Bottle Tree) / 26- Tampa, FL (State Theatre)
27- St. Augustine, FL (Cafe Eleven) / 29- Athens, GA (40 Watt Club)
30- Asheville, NC (Orange Peel) / 31- Carrboro, NC (Cat's Cradle)
November
1- Charlottesville, VA (Satellite Ballroom-UVA) / 2- Baltimore, MD (8 x 10)
3- Philadelphia, PA (North Star) / 5- New York, NY (Mercury Lounge)
6- Boston, MA (Middle East Upstairs) / 7- Montreal, QC (La Sala Rossa)
9- Toronto, ON (El Mocambo) / 10- Cleveland, OH (The Grog Shop)
13- Denver, CO (Larimer Lounge) / 14- Salt Lake City, UT (Urban Lounge)
Daytrotter Session-Sea Wolf-Middle Distance Runner.mp3
Daytrotter Session-Sea Wolf-I Made a Resolution.mp3
Sea Wolf-Black Dirt.mp3
Sea Wolf Tags

A few months ago i was lucky enough to have a friend pass along the lastest album from New York based Takka Takka, Migration. Instantly I loved and was incredibly impressed and excited for this band to lure in ears of new fans outside of our small little city, which they are sure to do with this beautifully composed collection of songs. They are playing a handful of New York shows scattered throughout the next few weeks as well as stopping by my loves, Daytrotter for an in-studio session. Sure to be a golden one. In the meantime check out these two tracks and enjoy!
*********TAKKKKKA TAKKKKKKA TOUR DATES**********
Jul 3-Union Hall-Brooklyn, New York
Jul 15-Pianos-nYc
Jul 22-Pianos-nYc
Jul 24-Daytrotter Sessions-Chicago, Illinois
Jul 25-Schubas Tavern-Chicago, Illinois
Jul 26-The Frequency-Madison, Wisconsin
Jul 29-Pianos-nYc
Takka Takka-The Takers.mp3
Takka Takka-Everybody Say.mp3
Takka Takka Tags.

Generationals

One of my favorite new bands of 2009 are the Generationals. Hailing from one of the most magical cities, New Orleans this duo is a little bit of Simon and Garfunkel-talented-lyric-wise, a little bit of Dr. Dog-groove wise and a lot of youthful sunshine mixed all into one. You can stream half of their album, Con Law via their website. "The album was recorded and produced by Daniel Black at Bent Black in Washington, DC." I recommend watching the video detailing how the band met, how they met Chris from Park the Van and the fine dining of Red Lobster while on the road. Their album will see wide release in August.

*(Am fixing my music host-site so for now please visit websites and check out the videos! THANK YOU!)

This video is also very choice:


************Generationals Tour Dates:***************

Jul 16 Allways Lounge w Giant Cloud and Songbird - New Orleans, Louisiana
Jul 17 Vollrath w/ Bowerbirds & Megafaun - Indianapolis, Indiana
Jul 18 Schubas w/ Plants and Animals - Chicago, Illinois
Jul 19 Daytrotter + a show @ Huckleberry’s Pizza. - Rock Island, Illinois
Jul 20 Hi-Dive - Denver, Colorado
Jul 21 Record Exchange in store @ 7pm + Hijinx House of Music - Boise, Idaho
Jul 22 The Badlander w/ Floating Action - Missoula, Montana
Jul 23 The Blvd - Spokane, Washington
Jul 24 Someday Lounge w/ Floating Action - Portland, Oregon
Jul 25 ToST w/ Floating Action - Seattle, Washington
Jul 27 Cafe Du Nord w/ Floating Action and Golden Boots - San Francisco, California
Jul 28 TBA - Santa Cruz, California
Jul 29 TBA - Sacramento, California
Jul 30 the Detroit Bar w/ Floating Action, Golden Boots, and Eagle Winged Palace - Costa Mesa, California
Jul 31 Hotel Cafe w/ Floating Action and Golden Boots - Los Angeles, California
Aug 1 The Partisan - Merced, California
Aug 2 Bar Pink w/Floating Action, Golden Boots (free show!) - San Diego, California
Aug 3 Trunk Space w/ Golden Boots and Floating Action - Phoenix, Arizona
Aug 4 Club Congress w/ Golden Boots and Floating Action - Tucson
Aug 6 Stubbs Jr. w/ Floating Action - Austin, TX
Aug 7 Super Happy Fun Land w/ Floating Action - Houston, TX
Aug 8 OFFICIAL RECORD RELEASE PARTY AT HI HO LOUNGE w/ Floating Action - New Orleans, Louisiana
Aug 22 Spanish Moon w/ Brass Bed - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Sep 12 Monolith Festival-WOXY stage - Morrison, Colorado
Sep 30 Howlin Wolf w/ Dr. Dog - New Orleans, Louisiana (***REALLY WISH I COULD BE THERE FOR THIS ONE!***)

David Vandervelde on KEXP

If you have not heard the David Vandervelde DayTrotter sessions definitely go ahead and download the whole entire set. It is highly worth your while. In the meantime you can stream KEXP starting at 3 pm (in exactly 6 minutes!!!). Artist in studio sessions with KEXP are usually very candid and the artists play about five songs. David is one of those artists *to watch* and is coming to New York at the end of April.

The Poison Control Center

The Poison Control Center want to wish you a safe and Happy Halloween
During my first listen of the foursome better known as The Poison Control center I was reminded of the film Thumbsucker. It was one of my favorite films a few years ago and all of the songs were The Polyphonic Spree covers of Elliot Smith in sweet sing along fashion. Don't let your first listen of The Poison Control Center trick you like it did me-this band from Iowa can rock-in a fashion that definitely should not be compared to the robed indie sensation (which creeps me out a bit, not going to lie). Patrick Fleming and Devin Frank collectively stage fits of flailing limbs and upside down guitar squeals during their live performances and often invite the audience to join in on the adventure. The Poison Control Center is a band that SHOULD have been a buzz during this years' CMJ festivities but was sadly overlooked by many. Although they have officially been a band touring and creating music for six years now they are still a band that lives life relatively under the radar. Their debut album, "A Collage of Impressions" was mastered by Doug Van Sloun (Bright Eyes-Rilo Kiley) and hit stores this fall on Afternoon Records. All four members of the band sing on every track, harmonizing into a colorful blend of pop and rock melody that takes on a whole new meaning during their acrobatic live set.

`~ THE POISON CONTROL CENTER TOUR DATES~`
Nov 3 Turf Club-St. Paul, Minnesota
Nov 4 Vaudeville Mews. Under the Microscope!-Des Moines, Iowa
*Nov 5 O’Leavers Pub-Omaha, Nebraska
Nov 6 The Bluebird-St. Louis, Missouri
Nov 7 KRUI-Iowa City & Nov 7 The Picador-Iowa City
*Nov 8 The Note-Chicago, Illinois
Nov 9 The Venue-Lafayette, Indiana
*Nov 11 Baker Theater-Athens, Ohio
Nov 12 The DAME-Lexington, Kentucky
*Nov 14 The Basement-Nashville, Tennessee
Nov 15 The Soul Bar-Augusta, Georgia
Nov 16 GA TECH U.. "Under the Couch"-Atlanta, Georgia
Dec 31 Nomad Pub! Greatest New Years Party EVER-Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan 3 Schubas-Chicago, Illinois
Jan 8 World Grotto-Knoxville, TN
Jan 12 Jack Rabbitt Lounge-Shreveport, Louisiana
Jan 18 Vaudeville Mews (LADD’s Historic Birthday Bash!)-Des Moines, Iowa
*PATRICK SOLO shows

The Poison Control Center stop by and visit Daytrotter
The Poison Control Center stop by and played for KEXP during CMJ
The Poison Control Center-Make Love a Star.mp3
The Poison Control Center-Driving.mp3

The Dodos

Are Jaime's favorite new band, or at least one of the many. When Jaime gets excited about these things those around him tend to notice so I decided to do some homework this week. The Dodos were enjoyable straightaway. I definitely like the low level of production. The tacktile feeling of the drum sticks clicking in the background and the rough edges will be enjoyable for those who like their rock and roll with healthy doses of easy going melodies and cleverly calculated harmonies. On my favorite track, Men Logan Kroeber awards his listeners with a feverishly paced race on his kit and Meric Long snares you with cheeky lyrics that will leave you eagerly awaiting their upcoming engagement at the Mercury Lounge. Check out a complete list of tour dates below!
*********The Dodos Tour Dates*********
~~~~~~FEB~~~~~~~
15-The Blank Club/San Jose,CA
28-Cafe Du Nord/Noise Pop/San Francisco,CA
~~~~~~MARCH~~~~~~~
7-USC/Los Angeles,CA
8-The Smell/Los Angeles,CA w/The OhSees
9-Bar Pink Elephant/San Diego,CA w/The OhSees
11-The Line Bar/Juarez, Mexico w/The OhSees Juarez
12-French Kiss Showcase @ The Mowhawk/Austin,TX-SXSW
13-American Songwriter Day Party @ Tap Room/Austin,TX-SXSW
13-Solar Stage @ 6th and Lamar @ 6:00 pm with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club/O’death/SXSW
14-Hot Freaks Day Party @ The Mohawk/Austin,TX-SXSW
14-Leafy Green Showcase @ Emos Jr./Austin,TX-SXSW
15-SFXSXSW Day Party/Austin,TX-SXSW
16-Mohawk/Austin,TX with Silje Nes Austin
18-Good Records/Denton,TX
19-Lola’s/Ft. Worth,TX w/Silje Nes
22-Ballroom/Marfa,TX w/Silje Nes Marfa
23-Mink/Houston,TX w/Silje Nes Houston
25-The Bottletree/Birmingham,AL w/Silje Nes Birmingham
26-Lenny’s/Atlanta,GA w/ Silje Nes Atlanta
27-Harvest Records/Asheville,NC w/Silje Nes Asheville
28-Bull City Headquarters/Durham,NC with Megafaun and Silje Nes Durham
29-Tea Bazaar/Charlottesville,VA w/Silje Nes Charlottesville
30-DC 9/Washington D.C.
31-Death By Audio/Brooklyn,NY
~~~~~APRIL~~~~~~~~
2-Cafe 9/New Haven,CT
3-Terrace Room @ Princeton/Princeton,NJ
4-Black Cat/Washington,DC w/Les Savy Fav and The Big Sleep
5-Theater of Living Arts/Philadelphia,PA w/Les Savy Fav and The Big Sleep
6-Mercury Lounge/New York w/Silje Nes
8-Divan Orange/Montreal,QC
9-El Mocambo/Toronto
10-Bard College/Annandale on the Hudson,NY
11-Mohawk/Buffalo,NY
13-Cleveland TBA Cleveland
15-Ohio TBA Columbus
16-Detroit TBA Detroit
17-The Note/Chicago,IL
18-Shoreline Ballroom/University of Chicago,IL
19-Culture Shock Festival at Indiana University/Bloomington
20-Replay Lounge/Lawrence, KS Lawrence
21-Hi Dive/Denver, Co Denver
Daytrotter Session...as always, highly worth checking out
The Dodos-Men.mp3
The Dodos-Fools.mp3

Move over Florence

So maybe the subject of this submission isn't the most fair challenge. I tried to get into Florence and the Machine, I really did. I found a video of hers before SXSW two years ago of just her and her drum kit, back when she actually played an instrument on stage and I loved it. She had spunk and fire and the energy to back it up. I went to see her at Bowery Ballroom and was just not inspired. My opinion of her really won't change the fact that hordes of people adore her, which is why I feel okay saying that I don't.

Lissie however I absolutely love. I first found out about her on My Old Kentucky Blog and after two listens was scanning the web for more songs, videos, anything with more information about this golden songbird. She is full of spitfire and soul--much like Jessica Lea Mayfield and when it comes down to it this is what I really look for in female singers. You have to be a bit scary and fierce, you have to sound like you've had your soul stomped on and dragged through the dust a bit. I think both Jessica and Lissie are a younger generation of Neko Case or Dolly Parton. Maybe that is a bit of a stretch but if they both continue to write songs that bleed out of their throats like they have been we are all in for a melodious journey. Lissie is bound to gain some more coverage with her recently released cover of Miss Gaga. I love it. Can't hate a good pop song, especially when someone this talented covers it. Thanks Tripwire.

Also check Lissie out here:

"She lives by herself, with her dog, in a farmhouse in Ojai, Calif., where she tends to drink wine and will, on a whim, go to the store to buy paint for her rocks so she can construct a medicine wheel in her big backyard."
-Daytrotter
*Jessica Lea Mayfield Tags

The fancy fancy Plug Awards

As the year 2007 slowly crawls to it's end it is time to reflect on all of the music we were treated to throughout the past 365'ish days. The Plug Awards allow you to just that and your patriotic duty at the same time- VOTING! Select your choices here and you can help your favorite blog, magazine and radio station receive the credit they so deserve. Only one question dear people over at Plug Awards headquarters- really no White Stripes, Blue Scholars, or Feist nominations...really?!
Blue Scholars-Back Home.mp3
Yeasayer-No Need To Worry.mp3
The National-(Daytrotter Session)Lucky You.mp3
Chromeo-Fancy.mp3

Sold my cold knot

Usually when i post about Daytrotter in studio sessions i just toss the link onto my blog, invite you- my dearest readers to stop by and check out the songs and that is about it. However, when Bon Iver stops by anywhere it is always a big deal for me. I read each and every uttered statement that pours from his mouth and devour the opening paragraphs leading into his beautiful songs. His album has touched me deeply unlike any other album of it's ilk in quite some time. Of all the live shows i have heard from him this one is definitely my favorite. You can hear the creaking of the chair as he adjusts his crouching position and lovingly strums his bruised guitar. It is simplistic and striking. His is music that weeps and sways. The opening statements that drift into THIS particular session is just as poignant and unabashedly honest as the songs Bon Iver himself shares with us.

Enough has been made out of the cool side of the pillow. Enough with it. It’s just an unused side, nothing more and nothing less. A pillow with potential. It’s just lying there, naked by the headboard. Plenty has been made about the empty warmth of the bed too. The side of the bed, previously occupied, just recently deserted for a different bed. It’s never meant a better bed, necessarily, just a different one, one with different sheets and blankets, different pillows for sure and without question, a different person to share it with. Plenty has been made out of how that warm, oblong shape of space that we can run our hands over and get burnt by the touch is like an obscenity to behold, to have to behold. There’s no way around it. It’s not the same as the warm spot that gets left in the mornings, when the alarm clocks beckon our better half away to an appointment or a job. This is the permanent kind of heat loss. It’s there and then it’s gone like a vapor, the scent of those limp, resting limbs and necks still reeks like betrayal and love, more love, no – more betrayal. … the rest of the story and the songs you can check out here.

Holy heck-THE MORNING BENDERS

Are so good. I know it is lame to post video after video without giving away music. I am still working on getting back up and running on that end but this video is so beautiful it would be a tragedy if everyone did not see it. The Morning Benders are a little band based out of San Francisco (who also recently stopped by to hang out with Will). Together they created this beautiful, truly worthy of Blogotheque acclaim video with a room full of random musicians on guitar, violin, fiddle and a swarm of lovely lady singers. The overall effect is what makes you love music. I am completely sold. The Morning Benders are currently touring and will be stopping by SXSW. They are on one of my favorite labels, Rough Trade. Their new album, Big Echo comes out on March 9th. PERFECT! Enjoy!

Yours Truly Presents: The Morning Benders "Excuses" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

The mOrning Bender Tour Dates:
~~~~~~~~~FEBRUARY~~~~~~~~~~
25*Housing Works (HYPE MACHINE CD SWAP)*New York, New York
27*Market Hotel (w/ Surfer Blood)*Brooklyn, New York
~~~~~~~~~~MARCH~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10*Johnny Brendas*Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11*Black Cat*DC, Washington DC
12*Local 506*Chapel Hill, North Carolina
13*Drunken Unicorn*Atlanta, Georgia
15*The Bottletree*Birmingham, Alabama
17-22*SXSW (SHOWS TBA)*Austin, Texas
23*Rhythm Room*Phoenix, Arizona
25*The Troubador*Los Angeles, California
26*The Casbah*San Diego, California
27*Detroit Bar*Costa Mesa, California
28*Muddy Waters*Santa Barbara, California
30*The Independent*SAN FRANCISCOOOOOO!, California
~~~~~~~~APRIL~~~~~~~~
1*Holocene*Portland, Oregon
2*Crocodile Cafe*Seattle, Washington
3*Media Club*Vancouver, British Columbia
5*Club Velour*Provo, Utah
7*Hi-Dive*Denver, Colorado
9*The Vaudeville Mews*Des Moines, Iowa
10*The Maintenance Shop*Ames, Iowa
11*Huckleberry’s Pizza (Daytrotter Presents)*Rock Island, Illinois
12*Schubas*Chicago, Illinois
14*The Drake Hotel*Toronto, Ontario
15*La Sala Rossa*Montreal, Quebec
16*The Monkey House*Winooski, Vermont
17 *TT The Bear’s*Boston, Massachusetts
22*Mercury Lounge*New York, New York

*Yours Truly Tags

Take Away Shows via La Blogotheque, c'est super cool!

"The Take Away Shows are a Video Podcast produced by the french weblog La Blogothèque. Every week, we give away a session, shot with a band, in an unusual, urban environment. Sessions are always filmed as a unique shot, without any cut, recorded live. We usually haven’t much time to record them, so the groups have to be spontaneous, to improvise, play with what they have with them, and with their environment, whether there’s a public or not. The Take Away Shows are produced by La Blogothèque, based on an original idea by Chryde and Vincent Moon. They are directed by Vincent Moon, and supported by Kidam, who lends us the cameras and shot some of the sessions. Our partner for the english version is the wonderful american site Daytrotter, who gives away twice week incredible audio sessions from the bands they love. Go and check their site!

*Andrew Bird-strolling the streets of Montmartre-it is absolutely beautiful, and my personal favorite. Other artists available as well, Cold War Kids, Tapes n' Tapes, The National, Arcade Fire, The Kooks, Grizzly Bear...all worth checking out. Who would you most want to see!? A little Jack White perhaps...
**NYtimes review
Skin Is, My.mp3
A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left.mp3

I wrote it down in a letter so you could read it...

Ohio's very own State Bird recently stopped by My Old Kentucky Blog and Daytrotter and recorded some beautiful live in studio sessions. Being a huge fan of the boldly talented Magnetic Fields it is easy to understand why State Bird caught my attention and delighted my ears. They are a bit more upbeat and sound like Vampire Weekend on some tracks such as I Don't Love You Anymore which is sure to be a hit with audiences as we head into the fall. Mostly Ghostly is the sophomore release from Coby Hartzler and Jared Riblet and since I am joining in the game late I definitely will be checking out Marching Thru The Wilderness as well. If you enjoy what you hear, you should do some homework too!
State Bird-The Bright July Night.mp3
State Bird-Uh Oh!.mp3

2007 Siren Festival-Schedule ANNOUNCED!

You can find any and all information you might seek here. See you on July 21st!
Cursive-Dorothy At Forty.mp3
Elvis Perkins-(Daytrotter Session)-Good Friday.mp3
M.I.A.-Birdflu (Diplo Remix).mp3
Siren Festival Tags

Sea Wolf- Live on KEXP at 3 PM (EST)

Sea Wolf-Black Dirt.mp3
Daytrotter Session-Ses Monuments.mp3
Beautiful. I knew I loved Sea Wolf from the very first song i heard from them but this live performance just completely pushed me over. Their album is due out on September 25th after which they will be touring the West Coast and hopefully a will schedule some more visits elsewhere as well. In the meantime, check out their EP as well as their opening dates for Silversun Pickups.
Thank you KEXP!

I won't drag my feet in whatever dirt you track in

I am incredibly superstitious. Always have been. I loathed that story about stepping on cracks and breaking my mother's back when I was little. It terrified me. I never pick up pennies that are tails-side down on the pavement. I avoid walking under ladders (for two reasons...that is just not safe!). I throw salt over my shoulder when it spills on the table. For as long as I can remember when my mom left for work in the morning I would wave goodbye from the window until I couldn't see her car, otherwise I would worry she wouldn't make it home. When my dad traveled on trips the last thing I always made sure I said was I love you. I don't write about boys when I have crushes in my journal...whenever I do and I am happy things head straight to the trash bin. Once when I was walking home while living in Avignon a black cat crossed my path and I literally gasped out loud causing my french family to give me the hairy eyeball. I can't help it. I am beginning to think March is my unlucky month. Just like Cesar bad things befall me during this transition from winter to spring. Last year my boss at the time called me in for a meeting and told me he didn't like my taste in music or my attitude. At the time I was supposed to be at SXSW but had passed up the opportunity to go because I did not want to miss work and spending time with that lovely boss of mine. I remember sitting at my desk listening to Justin Vernon crooning live Bon Iver songs over the airways and straight into my heart and had to bite my lip as hard as possible to stop me from getting up and throwing a chair at my presiding officer due to his lack of intelligence and TASTE. "Where is Bon Iver now", is a something I would love to ask him if we ever crossed paths. Maybe I am his black cat. Things work in this way, especially in New York City. People have different ways of understanding the music business and I have come to understand that it is because no matter why you entered into the arena you end up making it by on your instincts. Music is an instinctual behavior. You either like something and the way it sounds to your own ears, or you don't. You can learn to appreciate an artist, yes. But like them and choose to listen to them on your own time...now that takes a little bit of work and love. But I digress. Again this year I was supposed to go to SXSW and I didn't...for the same reasons as last. Friday I walked into work and was released from my job. My music venue could not afford me anymore and will be booking through outside promoters only now. I did not cry. I cursed March.

And so today I am back talking to my computer and drinking my green tea from the comforts of my little apartment. I can do things like jump around to the Clash and play the latest Silversun Pickups songs as loud as I want to. I don't have to answer to anyone for the moment and until next week I won't be full on freaking out about the R word I don't like to mention. For now I am continent. Which makes it the absolute perfect time to share the latest songbird to soothe my nerves, Alela Diane. She has been floating around the scene for a bit now and was recently signed to Rough Trade records and will remind you a bit of her label mates Basia Bulat and Emilaina Torrini. Her LP To Be Still was released in February and she has recorded a session with Daytrotter that is stunning. To Be Still is the first song by Alela that grabbed my ear immediately. Her lyrics are honest and intense. Although she is a beautiful feminine creature she does not hide behind the pain of loss or loneliness. Instead she steps over the boundaries of fear and fragility and tells you, her listener, exactly how it is going to be.

No I won't drag my feet in whatever dirt you track in
Will you look at me when your face shows the lines of years
While you've been away
I have needed your strong hands

Alela Diane-To Be Still.mp3
Alela Diane-White As Diamonds.mp3

If you are lucky enough to be down in Austin please visit her and support her live:

Mars-19~2:30 PM-SXSW-French Legation Museum-Austin, Texas
4:45 PM-SXSW-Lamberts-Austin, Texas

Mars-20~3:30 PM-SXSW-The Mowhawk-Austin, Texas
10:00 PM-SXSW-Garden Hotel, Black Cab Showcase-Austin, Texas

Mars-21~3:45 PM-SXSW-The Mean Eayed Cat-Mojo BBQ-Austin, Texas