Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The Darjeeling Limited trailer

Fiery Furnaces announce Free Show in Queens


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The The Fiery Furnaces will be performing at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, Queens, NYC on Sunday, August 26th. This is one of my favorite places in all of New York and is the perfect backdrop for Eleanor and her frantic lyrics. Also, submissions are now being received for artists interested in displaying their works amongst the already established exhibit. Check it out here.
Fiery Furnaces-Oh Sweet Words.mp3

Additions to Vegoose Line-up


Late October Las Vegas plays host to the third annual Vegoose Festival, set to take place the weekend before Halloween on October 26 thru 28 at the Sam Boyd Stadium and nearby venues. Recently, The Shins, Ghostface Killah, Blonde Redhead, Battles, Thievery Corporation, UNKLE and Public Enemy were added to the lineup. Muse, Queens Of The Stone Age, Daft Punk, Ghostland Observatory, Gogol Bordello, Rage Against The Machine and The Stooges were already set to perform as well. Turning out to be an exciting festival for sure.
Queens of the Stone Age-Sick, Sick, Sick.mp3
Ghostface Killah-Heart Street Directions.mp3

And I'm Slowly Turning Into You


Yes-yes, i know BV posted this photo too, but it is fantastic
White Stripes seems to be my theme band for 2007. At least since for the summer. Friends have commented on how my blog seems to have turned into 'ShelvesofWhiteStripes' and just recently this weekend i got into an argument with one of my friends over who was a better drummer, Meg or Kim from Matt and Kim. Obviously you all know who i chose. How is it even a competition?! It turned into such a discussion that the argument dissipated into me stating, 'It IS theWhite Stripes! I can't argue, they are the best!' Because, well...they are. Whether it is their song writing; their classic rock and roll sound; their incredibly awe inspiring live shows or their artistic aloofness they have completely cast me under their spell. A day does not go by where i don't click my way through iTunes to listen to a track or mentally compare a band to them. I am pretty sure i could go to see them perform everyday and always be struck with amazement at how good they are. It was a bit sad to see them last night at Madison Square Garden only because their Irving Plaza show was so overwhelming. I enjoyed last night's set immensely but was saddened that 'Rag n Bone' and 'St. Andrew' off of their latest album 'Icky Thump' weren't performed since they are highly enjoyable live. The audience seemed to come alive when a red or white light struck the disco ball and MSG was turned into the scene of an underwater red and white bubble fest. (at least that is what the overall effect was for me.) They were still the same old Jack and Meg, just on a larger scale. I am happy to see such a large audience love them just as much as a small room packed with intense fans. They are a band for the American Music Community to be proud of.

Dear Jack & Meg, Please return to nYc sometime soon-Cheers-Shelvesofvinyl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
White Stripes-Cause & Effect.mp3
White Stripes-When I Hear My Name.mp3
White Stripes Tags

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Aria C Jalali Press


Aria C Jalali has been receiving quite a bit of press which is highly exciting since i found their music to be immediately catchy and fun. Apparently Deli Magazine thinks along the same lines as us.

TDSF: So then, what is your songwriting process like?

ACJ: For my project, I write and record all of the songs, and the band supports me as a live act. For The French Architect it's a much more egalitarian process, with contributions from all the members.

ummmm...Yeah...go check it out!
Oh, Neon Lovers!.mp3
Aria C Jalali Tags

Kate Nash names her first album


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'Made Of Bricks' will not be released within the UK until August 6th and no sign of it out here anytime soon even though she continues to climb the charts across the pond. "Explaining the meaning behind the title a spokesperson for Nash said: "The title represents her strong connection with her family. She felt that everyone around her was like family while she made this album." I have been waiting for some US tour dates for awhile now...hurrryy up Kate Nash! Via NME
Kate Nash-Little Red.mp3
Kate Nash Tags

Thom Yorke lends support to Friends of the Earth


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I have always considered Thom Yorke to be an intelligent and compassionate artist and therefore was not surprised to learn that he is an active supporter for Friends Of The Earth. Via a video message Yorke proclaimed, "Reminding my MP to remind Gordon Brown that he's committed to a bill to reduce our CO2 emissions double quick time. And if he doesn't we're going to come down on him like a ton of bricks." Thom will be joining Razorlight's Johnny Borrell, KT Tunstall, Badly Drawn Boy and The Holloways are amongst the other celebrities who are already part of the campaign. The campaign hopes to draw attention and support for a proposed climate change law with stricter regulations and more aggressive measures.
Radiohead-Bodysnatchers.mp3
Radiohead Tags

What's a girl to do


I'd be lying if I didn't say that when flipping through the pages of Fader about a month ago that a picture of this gorgeous girl with extremely unique make-up didn't strike my attention. But it did, and it eventually led to me discover what I believe is arguably one of the more unique artists that i have heard in quite sometime. Natasha Kahn, aka Bat For Lashes, is the artist and last night marked my first chance to see her perform live. Her music can be called mysterious in every sense. With arrangments that are quite unique and lyrics that invite one into a fantasy world where it feels like you are a child being told mythical stories. With a voice that at times reminds one of Bjork, Natasha Kahn maintains her own style music and has a stage presence that makes it quite difficult to take your eyes off.

But beyond the voice, the lyrics, the several instruments she plays, Bat For Lashes consists of 3 other very talented female artists (Ginger Lee, Abi Fry, & Lizzie Carey) that perfectly compliment Natasha. On a personal note, I would not be surprised if this Natasha and her ensemble continues to build momentum and buzz (which they truly deserve) and one day finds themselves opening for the band I consider to be the wholy grail of rock bands in this day and age, Radiohead.

-Jaime W.

***Usually when Jaime and i venture out to a show together one of us decides who is going to write a review the next day, but after experiencing Bat For Lashes i couldn't help but add a few comments. Natasha and her band cast a spell with spooky, tingly music that is a combination of tambourine, bells, accordian, morraccas, egg shakers, and violin creating music that is eeriely stunning; be-witching the audience completely. I really loved the bells, chimes and her use of the tambourine on every track, for it was the first time i have seen an artist pay such attention to the extra spirited element these overlooked instruments create. I enjoyed the soft feminine vibe these ladies generated calming the audience-yet leaving them wanting more at the close of the show. For those of you who don't have plans on Wednesday night-Knitting Factory is the place to be.***

-Sheryl W.
Bat For Lashes-Trophy.mp3
Bat For Lashes- Prescilla.mp3 (they closed with this track, which happens to be my favorite!!)
Bat For Lashes Tags

Monday, July 23, 2007

Live Vampire Weekend bits...


Check it out via the KEXP Blog.
Vampire Weekend Tags

Siren Fest re-CAP


The Twilight Sad *cred*
I was incredibly satisfied with having to wake up 'early' on a Saturday morning to trek out to see The Twilight Sad five seconds into their performance. Yep-five seconds. Their enchanting songs were just as vivid and bold live. They had a bit of difficulty with their sound check which i worried would cause them to be tense and rushed on stage, but they were neither. Brazenly claiming their presence on stage they marked themselves as a band i think it definitely one to watch. I am hoping that some important music people checked them out for their sake. They deserve to be opening for bands such as The National, The Magic Numbers or The Editors with similar moody sounds and mysterious melodies. Granted, not really the type of music to turn out for on a bright, sunny July day, but overwhelmingly worth it.
The Twilight Sad-And She Would Darken The Memory Of Youth.mp3
The Twilight Sad Tags

Elvis Perkins
After The Twilight Sad set wrapped up i happily left Jaime to go watch one of my favorite acts, Elvis Perkins. The last time i saw Elvis he was opening for Cold War Kids at Bowery Ballroom where i completely fell in love. He clearly plans every second of his stagetime which shows in both his music and style. At first Elvis approaches the audience and commences with 'While You Were Sleeping' while the other members of his band gracefully join him one by one. Silently slipping into their places, putting down their beers and reuniting with their instruments. Elvis is a gift among the music scene these days. Like Andrew Birds and Antonymusic is more than just a format of expression for him but a true obstacle to tackle and meld into his own unique creation.
Elvis Perkins- It's Only Me.mp3
Elvis Perkins Tags

The Black Lips *cred*
I was sad to have skipped the Dr. Dog set as i have yet to see him perform. Jaime absolutely loves him and throughly enjoyed the performance. We took a bit of a break before heading over to check out the tail end of The Black Lips. This was the first band to make a convert out of me on Saturday. I enjoyed their fiesty energy as much as their sound. They were a perfect summer festival band and it was clear the audience was enjoying them.

My Lavendar Diamond *cred*
After leaving The Black Lips we wandered over to My Lavendar Diamond. She sounded lovely, but sadly, i felt she was a bit out of place with the whole beach, Siren Festival Vibe.

Matt and Kim *cred*
My favorite awakening of the day was during Matt and Kim. I had never really understood the buzz surrounding them and their live shows. Now i completely get it. Matt, with his exuberant voice comes across as the most jovial male performer i have ever seen. Whereas most male singers put energy into being either funny or mysterious, Matt with his youthful presence draws you in and fills you with happiness throughout their set. Their songs are lighthearted and the audience reponds with happy dancing, clapping and cheers. They were incredibly pleased to be performing to an audience at their favorite place on earth, Brooklyn and it showed. Tearing through each song i was very impressed overall. Definitely made me want to run home and put them on my ipod immediately.
Matt and Kim-Yea Yeah.mp3
Matt and Kim Tags

I reallllllyyyy wanted to see M.I.A. but it was SO crowded by this time. It was very apparent that most of the crowd came out for the bands scheduled to close out the day. We couldn't hear her at all from where we were and all i could see was that she was wearing something sparkely. I really was curious to see how she translated live, hopefully i will have another chance soon-and hopefully i won't have to go to Studio B for it.

According to BrooklynVegan she was lovely. As lovely as Di Fara pizza? Tough competition since that is where i ended up due to getting pushed back from M.I.A. and i can officially say it is the best pizza i have ever tasted. The whole experience is something you must do while you are visiting or living in nYc. You will not be disappointed. Family run the owner gently makes the pizza right in front of you while you wait at the counter...salivating over every move. It is well worth the wait just to watch him create his magic. My favorite bit was how slowly and deliberately he moved and how respectful everyone was who were waiting for their slice or pies. A truly magical place. I highly recommend the red peppers that live in a white container on the counter and melt into the pizza as soon as you place them on top of the cheese. I must thank my friend Rebecca since she shared this grand bit of New York with me.

Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem to play nYc


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Circle Saturday, October 6th in your calendar kiddies. Arcade Fire is returning to our lovely city with local band LCD Soundsystem to play Randalls Island. It is listed on Bowery Presents, the online presale starts tomorrow -general onsale is Friday. (please note September 30 - St. Paul, MN (presale 7/25-7/27, general on-sale 7/28); October 3 - Louisville KY (presale 7/23 - 7/27, general on-sale 7/28); October 5 - Columbus OH (presale 7/31 - 8/3, general on-sale 8/4)

~~Europe Tour Dates~~
07/20 Carhaix, France - Festival des Vieilles Charrues
07/22 Nimes, France - Festival de Nimes
07/25 Nyon, Switzerland - Paleo Festival
08/17 Hasselt, Belgium - Pukkelpop Festival
08/19 Biddinghuizen, Holland - Lowlands Festival
08/24 Paris, France - Rock En Seine
08/25 Reading, England - Reading Festival
08/26 Leeds, England - Leeds Festival
10/26 Glasgow, Scotland - SECC
10/27 Manchester, England - MEN Arena
10/29 Newcastle, England - Metro Radio Arena
10/30 Cardiff, Wales - International Arena
10/31 Nottingham, England - Arena
11/08 Berlin, Germany - Columbiahalle
11/10 Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
11/11 Munich, Germany - Tonhalle
11/17 London, England - Alexandra Palace
11/18 London, England - Alexandra Palace
11/19 London, England - Alexandra Palace
***US Tour Dates***
09/15 Austin, TX - Zilker Park - Austin City Limits Festival
09/17 Morrison, CO - Red Rocks +
09/20 Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl +
09/30 St. Paul, MN - Roy Wilkins Auditorium +
10/03 Louisville, KY - Waterfront Park +
10/05 Columbus, OH - LC Pavilion +
10/06 New York, NY - Randall's Island +
+ w/ LCD Soundsystem
Arcade Fire-Vampire Forest Fire.mp3
LCD Soundsystem-North American Scum (Onastic Dub Remix).mp3
Arcade Fire Tags
LCD Soundsystem Tags

Rosewood Thieves @ Mercury Lounge


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The Rosewood Thieves are playing this Friday at the Mercury Lounge with The Swimmers, The XYZ Affair and Back to Blonde. They are slated for the 8:30 pm spot. Please come check out their new material if you did not make it to their residency at Pianos. Even if you DID see those shows-you should still make it out. Check out a video from their show at Pianos on June 13th here. Thank you dear Doctor Mooney.
The Swimmers-Pocket Full of Gold.mp3
The Rosewood Thieves-Lonesome Road.mp3
Rosewood Thieves Tags
Now THAT'S HOT