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

BABYSHAMBLES!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is shaping up to be a pretty darn good day. I noticed that Simian Mobile Disco has been added to the KEXP in studio sessions during CMJ, there is a free Wes Anderson short for download on iTunes and well a shiny brand new leaked Babyshambles album. For all of you haters- stop reading here because i have always and will always be madly madly loving everything that is Pete Doherty. I firmly believe that he is one of the best poets and lyricists of my age. Furthermore despite his overwhelmingly public and sad drug addiction he continues to produce some of the best songs we have heard since The Clash or early Velvet Underground. That being said, i am not one for posting songs before the albums are released at all...but well, Pete, please forgive me. I couldn't help myself. Just bloody brilliant. Well done Babyshambles. Well done.

Babyshambles-Delivery.mp3
Babyshambles-Unbilo Titled.mp3
Babyshambles Tags

If you couldn't make it down to Austin...

You can enjoy it from the comforts of your respective couches/futons/chairs on Saturday, October 6th. Glide Magazine generously posted a complete set list of the many talented acts who were recorded during this years' Austin City Limits festivities. I am quite the lucky gal and have friends who have already shared some pretty overwhelming stories about the wonderful experience that is Austin which has made me even more excited to watch these shows. Plus i am a complete sucker for anything that is publically supported via the arts community and well, PBS is some pretty quality television. As Todd says, set those DVR's- that is if you have one.
Austin City Limits Tags
*THANKS TODD!*

Sound Tribe Sector 9- 2 shows this weekend in NYC

There are things you do because you love your friends...this is one of them.

This weekend Sound Tribe Sector 9 returns to nYc for a two night stand at Nokia Theatre. Now I know STS9 can get looped into the "hippie" music category but these guys are truly quite impressive when it comes to live electronic music. If you are able to put aside the genre that some people throw them into, this band is guaranteed to make you dance, dance, dance and dance some more 'till your feet can't no more. If you are not willing to give these guys a shot live, at least pick up the album "Artifacts" which reached #12 on Billboard's Top Electronic Albums. These guys are incredibly talented musicians who make music that all should embrace or at least try.

-Jaime W.

Bat For Lashes videocast

Instead of posting a review of last nights' show at the Bowery i wanted to post some live videos. Her music is such a physical experience. I love this video because she explaining her album and music making process. Along with live clips of her bandmates it perfectly captures the theme of magic that she owns completely.

Bat For Lashes
Bat For Lashes-Trophy.mp3
Bat For Lashes-Sad Eyes.mp3
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Bat For Lashes - Trophy

Even this was from her show at Maxwells back in July it gives you a bit of an idea of just how enchanting their overall performance is live. Trophy happens to be my favorite track and watching her perform it live makes the song come alive with such brilliant frevor. Enjoy.

Does Andrew Bird likes Le Loup too...

My favorite new band of the year, Le Loup recently had the opportunity to open for Andrew Bird, which speaks volumes about their quality of their music. Not only are they a perfect paring to open for the talented Andrew, but i am throwing an educated guess out there that maybe he likes them as well? How could you not! Le Loup are playing various CMJ shows so check their website for updates as well as Bowery Ballroom next Wednesday, October 3rd.

```Andrew Bird Tour Dates```
Nov 30 - New York, NY - The Beacon Theatre
Dec 7 - Los Angeles, CA - The Orpheum Theatre - presented by KCRW
Dec 8 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield - presented by KFOG

***Le Loup Tour Dates***
Sep 29 Black Cat (mainstage)-DC
Oct 3 Bowery Ballroom (!!) w/Nightmare of You-New York, NY
Oct 13 Terrace F Club-Princeton, NJ
Oct 18 The Knitting Factory-New York, NY (CMJ)
Oct 22 Local 506 w/Georgie James-Chapel Hill, NC
Oct 23 Drunken Unicorn w/Georgie James-Atlanta, GA
Oct 24 Taste w/Georgie James-Orlando, FL
Oct 26 Spanish Moon w/Georgie James-Baton Rouge, LA
Oct 27 The Mohawk w/Georgie James-Austin, TX
Andrew Bird-Fiery Crash.mp3
Le Loup Tags
Andrew Bird Tags

Numbers, numbers, numbers- they can be fun

one more time-let's celebrate! (cred)-the photo i wanted to use was removed, so please click link-excellent celebratory shots
Apparently winning prizes and having an iPod can help your album sales. Go figure! Maybe the record industry isn't dead afterall...maybe it should just change it's marketing concept. Either way i am happy to report these recent figures surrounding some of the most talented artists of the year. They all are incredibly deserving of the acclaim and attention.

*"Sales of Klaxons’ debut album have risen by an incredible 486% since they won the Mercury Music prize on Tuesday night."

*"Fionn Regan who’s album saw a 212% rise in sales on Wednesday, Bat For Lashes (up 185%), Maps (up 150%) and Amy Winehouse (up 50%)." Story continues...

*After iPod debuted it's latest video iPod commercial featuring the talented Feist Google released these figures.
~Searches for 'Feist' up 165%
~Searches for iPod up 350%

Curious to see if it helps ticket sales as well. Bat For Lashes (at Bowery Ballroom tonight) and Maps (at the Mercury Lounge this Friday) are still available! Come on...don't you want to play the numbers game too?
Fionn Regan-Put A Penny In The Slot.mp3
Maps-To The Sky.mp3
Mercury Prize Tags

Beastie Boys collaborations...

I read about some interesting Beastie Boys news the other day and am finally getting around to sharing it. Riding on the tails of their instrumental album release, 'Mix Up' and scattered national tour dates it appears the threesome have begun working on a second version of the album-only this time we won't be hearing the familiar voices of Ad Rock, MCA and Mike D. Think M.I.A., Lily Allen (recently collaborated with Common on his most recent album) and Jarvis Cocker. BBoyz and Bgirlz style apparently.
Beastie Boys-Off The Grid.mp3
Beastie Boys-Dramastically Different.mp3
Beastie Boys Tags

Look, all I know is that you're the nicest thing I've ever seen

Sadly this is not from last night-nifty neon signs must not be easy to transport
'Yeah you make me merry, you make me very very happy...so i learnt from you.' Kate Nash is on the verge of captivating your complete attention. Armed with carefully etched lovesick songs that are so sweetly intimate they secretly make you remember precious past melancholy moments. You could compare Kate to Regina Spektor: spirited innocence with feminine musical strength. Or maybe Lily Allen: youthful British salt and lip (yes yes- i know she is sick of these comparisons). Or how about Feist: ladylike and armed with fierce ballads representing the best in love and life backed up by pure musical talent. Kate is a girl who was on the path towards trying to be an actress before she stumbled and broke her foot, and we are the lucky ones for her fate. Instead of cancelling her Luna Lounge show  (visa issues?) she decided the show must go on. Hey, it is New York after all. Ahem, Brooklyn. Kate and her band performed a free show to an audience mixed with people who obviously knew her songs and those curious enough to venture out. Feeling her way through a set stacked with, 'Merry Happy,' 'Foundations,' 'Birds,' 'Nicest Thing' she cleverly crafted a 'story' for those in attendance. Admitting to nerves she slowly thawed away her layers of worry and charmed us with wishes of laying out a blanket and handing out cups of tea for her encore, 'Little Red.' I really enjoyed how she constructed her set as a sort of story time amongst her dearest friends. It was the best way to debut her songs and herself to an American audience. With lyrics that read like secret love letters or conversations between girlfriends Kate is immediately endearing and intimate without losing that unique blend of tenderness and spirit. I overwhelmingly recommend her music and her live performance. It is rather inspiring to experience the amount of feminine talent floating around these days. Bat For Lashes,  Kate Nash, Feist, Amy Winehouse, Cat Power, Grace Potter-gone are the days of complaining about manufactured saccharine sweet pop stars. Thank goodness for that. For those checking out her two shows at Joe's Pub tonight you are in for a real treat. Those of you looking for something to do, come to Bowery and check out Natasha and company!
Kate Nash-Little Red.mp3
Kate Nash-Merry Happy.mp3
Kate Nash-Nicest Thing.mp3
Kate Nash Tags

Beirut makes melodic return to Brooklyn

Last week Beirut performed at the Masonic Church in Brooklyn to a full house. Judging by the sheer amount of people gathered you could tell that tonights show was going to be special. Displaying material from their soon to be released album, 'The Flying Cup', as well as playing favorites from past releases, Beirut put on a stellar 1 hour and 30 minute set. At first the crowd seemed timid and remained seated but when pastor Zach asked the crowd to stand and move around the congregation abided and the show suddenly came alive.

Having been given a copy of his latest album I can safely say these guys are in store for good year. The material live translated even better than the album and the crowd seemed to give Zach and Co. all they could ask for by recieving all of the new material joyfully. Of course oldies but goldies were the strongest received but the new songs saw the crowd get down as if they had all been heard a hundred times before. I highly advise people to both get the album and check out them out should they come to town because the music they are making right now is pretty damn solid.

Beirut-Scenic World.mp3
Beirut-A Call To Arms.mp3
Beirut Tags
-Jaime W.

Kate Nash @ Luna Lounge-NOW FREE SHOW

I have been anxiously waiting Kate Nash to come and play in New York for months now. Finally she announced tour dates and immediately sold out Joe's Pub. Apparently she ran into some Visa complications along the way. This trend needs to stop! Dear Homeland Security, little British Singer/Songwriter girls are NOT who you need to worry about-unless you have a son who might skank them out in a bar. Okay? Let them come and perform in peace! Apparently this time it worked out in our favor. If you have tickets for her show on Monday at the Luna Lounge that is...

Hello,
The Kate Nash show at Luna Lounge is happening on Monday, September 24th. However, as a result of a problem with Kate Nash's U.S. visa application, Kate has agreed to play for free! Here are the details. If you have already paid for your tickets, you must request a refund from TicketWeb. Next, when you come to the show, you must bring ID because we will have your name on our list of people who will be allowed entry into the show. You will receive your refund from TicketWeb in about 10 days. If you have not already purchased tickets, and you would like to attend the show, we will allow an additional 100 people free admission on a first come, first served basis... Tell your friends.
Best wishes,
Rob Sacher
Luna Lounge
Kate Nash-Merry Happy.mp3
Kate Nash-Play.mp3
Kate Nash Tags